C.C.

OCTOBER ‘24
MESSAGE FROM DR. KHAN ….
Dear Students,
In the realm of competitive examinations, it's common to witness students getting consumed by the sheer force of competition.
However, an overemphasis on comparing oneself with others can divert attention from personal growth and potential, the two vital
components of meta competition. To be in meta competition one needs to focus on individual realizations of potentials,
developing a robust knowledge base, and striving for an above-average performance to excel in the competition undertaken.
Locate the normal so that you can stay above. Challenge self before you challenge others.
While healthy competition is encouraged, continuously comparing oneself with others hampers personal growth. Instead,
concentrate on building your own information and knowledge base, independent of external benchmarks shift the focus inward. Mind
your personal X-bar, No one can beat you ever if you are competing with your ownself.
Each student possesses diverse strengths and backgrounds. Rather than directly competing in areas of expertise, invest time in
attending your own weaknesses. If you think that others have a better chance, you should not be in the race. Embrace the journey
of self-improvement and utilize it to your advantage. A balanced above average performance delivers vis a vis others.
Success in competitive exams lies not in excelling in one area alone but in maintaining an above-average performance across multiple
subjects. Avoid fixating on isolated spikes in specific domains and, instead, strive for an overall higher average.
In the pursuit of success in competitive examinations, it is crucial to strike a balance between competition and personal growth. By
prioritizing individual development, nurturing a well-rounded knowledge base, and striving for an above-average performance, you
position yourself for success.
Avoid falling into the trap of constant comparison, as it can hinder progress and breed bitterness. Embrace your unique strengths and
channel your energy into becoming better in areas where others may falter. Remember, it's the journey of personal growth and
achieving an above-average performance that ultimately leads to success. The competition is basically a meta competition for a
better version of you; yourself. You definitely are not that what you can become. There is always a difference between being and
becoming.
My best wishes are always with you.
Stay Blessed!

GS CONNECT
It gives us immense pleasure to present an innovative approach to mastering current affairs. Current is a passing wind and
diverse issues happen at the same time. It is to an extent chaotic. Newspapers, magazines, and various other sources report the
chaos per se. With our experience of current affairs, we have tried to give “the current'' a medium to travel. It is the syllabus of
the UPSC with its components that are the medium through which the "Current is Passed” to the readers. Ever since the new
syllabus of the UPSC came into existence, the current has been gaining significance both at prelims as well as mains
examination. This book is meant to cover current affairs and related questions arising from those events. We have not only
covered the current events for their factual contents but also presented them in such a way that any question asked from that
topic gets covered. Moreover, topics are also "peppered" with the relevant facts/key concepts that are related to the theme.
It is a collection covering myriad sources yet in a manageable size. To use this book, we recommend you to, master the
components of the General Studies (GS) syllabus as broken into rows and columns (provided on the subsequent page). Each
cell comprising the portion of GS becomes the connection for the current and every news subsequently covered guides the
reader to the address of the syllabus. It is logical to expect that the same issue may be connected to more than one topic of the
syllabus. Further, the news also has some additional vistas opened for the readers by adding a box with the title “PEPPER IT
WITH” where we expect the students to build further around the theme. We are also trying to reach the remotest part of the
country with our spirit and zeal of “Mains Answer Writing'', which has been admired by students, CSE rank holders, and other
scholars. Continuing in line with the effort, we have started programs like KTP Mains Test Series, Destinaire, Navigator,
NEEV, AWSDP plus, KOL, DL& MP, Advance Foundation Course, Weekend Courses as well as Optional Courses (PSIR,
Sociology, History, and Geography).
Additionally, this month, we are introducing a new section called “SNAPSHOTS,” offering themes inspired by four monthly
magazines to provide comprehensive coverage of various topics. We are also providing a complimentary full-length test with
100 objective questions. Scan the QR code to revise the previous month's current affairs and test yourself.
When it comes to evaluation, we are all together at a different level. We are also reaching every nook and corner with this
expertise for the aspirants of CSE. Now you can write a Mains Answer and get it evaluated by our Expert Team and can get
Feedback. Drop a mail at evaluation@ksgindia.com to register yourself in our race to perfection. Don’t wait, it’s your golden
chance to crack this exam and fulfill your passionate dream.
Team KSG
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
S. No. GS -I GS- II GS- III GS-IV Mis
Indian Culture-Art Forms, Indian constitution- Various measures to boost Ethical issues related to
Literature and Amendments, acts and bills. Indian economy- planning, family society,
1
Architecture from ancient policies, education, Corruption
to modern times. management etc.
Indian History significant Legislative, Government budgeting and Ethics in public and
events, personalities, executive and issues related to budget. private
2
issues and the Freedom judicial processes. administration
Struggle.
Post independence issues, Constitutional, non- Agriculture, animal husbandry Issues
National boundary and constitutional, and transport
3 disputes. judicial, quasi-judicial,
administrative and other types
of bodies.
Indian society features, Federal structure and local Food security- measures to Related laws and rules
issues, globalization and bodies. Their powers and boost food security and food
4
diversity functions. processing. Issues related to
land- land reforms
Women - Government policies and Industries and infrastructure- Governance/e-
issues and developments various governance issues like their growth and investment Governance
5
transparency, accountability model
and – governance
Urbanization Committees and schemes. Space and technology, IT Ethics
6 – problems and remedies space, robotics and in international issues
computer
Distribution Non-government issues, Disease, biotechnology and Personalities
7 of industries and resources self-help groups and role of human and their teachings
– India and world civil society welfare
Geophysical Vulnerable sections of our Innovations, intellectual Other important topics
phenomena such as society and social sector issues property,
8 earthquakes, Tsunami, like Poverty, Hunger, Awards, POI and other
Volcanic activity, Education, and their initiatives. important aspects of S&T
cyclone etc
International Relation- Environment; government
India and other countries, initiatives, various judgment,
various Indian and pollution, degradation and
9 international agreements, conservation efforts
effects of other countries on
India and international
institutions.
Disaster & Disaster
10
Management
Challenges to internal security,
Various Security forces and
11 agencies and their mandate.
Cybersecurity; money
laundering and its prevention.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
INTERNAL SECURITY .............................................. 55
INS Arighaat: India's Second Nuclear-Powered Submarine ..
POLITY....................................................................... 5 .................................................................................................. 55
Moving the spotlight to grassroots democracy ......................5 GEOGRAPHY ........................................................... 57
Do doctors need a Central Protection Act? ..............................6 World’s Oldest Solar Calendar .................................................... 57
Lateral Entry in Bureaucracy ...........................................................7 Evidences of ‘Snowball Earth' in Irish-Scottish Rock
OTTs under Telecom Act .................................................................9 Formation ........................................................................................... 58
We need to reduce government litigation to ease judicial Restoring the Banni Grasslands.................................................. 59
delays .................................................................................................. 10 Global models with La Niña predictions ................................. 60
Use of regional languages in High Courts remains limited12 Arctic Sea ice can change monsoon patterns ....................... 61
SOCIAL ISSUES........................................................ 13 DISASTER MANAGEMENT ..................................... 62
On the challenges to road safety in India............................... 13 Why India's Weather Forecasting Needs an Upgrade........ 62
How robust are institutional rankings for higher education? The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill ....................... 63
.................................................................................................. 15
PRE-SHOTS ............................................................. 65
The heavy shackles of fear and vigilance ................................ 16
POLITY ..................................................................... 65
Policy paralysis, a weakened public health sector ............... 17
Independence Day Speech of Prime Minister ....................... 65
ECONOMY ............................................................... 19
UPSC to Implement Aadhaar-Based Authentication .......... 66
Why did the Centre alter its pension plan .............................. 19
Why is Sanction for Prosecution Needed? ............................. 66
A ground plan for sustainable mass employment............... 21
Bill to raise women’s marriage age ........................................... 66
Why the worst of food inflation may be over ....................... 23
India’s green energy goals face stiff test ................................ 24 Supreme Court pulled up Rule 170 of Drugs Act ................ 67
The shock of crumbling infrastructure and the solution ... 26 PMLA’s bail concession for women .......................................... 68
Women micro-savings................................................................... 27 Anti-Rape Bill ‘Aparajita’ 2024 .................................................... 68
Issues faced by EPFO pensioners............................................... 28 SOCIAL ISSUES ........................................................ 69
AGRICULTURE......................................................... 29 FSSAI launches a project to address microplastic
Centre Expands Agricultural Infrastructure Fund ................. 29 contamination in Indian food ..................................................... 69
The road to 2047 for Indian agriculture .................................. 30 World’s First Portable Hospital ................................................... 69
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS................................ 31 Dhangars of Maharashtra and their demand ........................ 69
Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Poland...................................... 31 Government Banned 156 Combination Drugs ...................... 70
Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Ukraine .................................... 33 Government plans FMD-free zones .......................................... 70
UN Unveils Blueprint for Global Tax Reform ......................... 36 Oral cholera vaccine ....................................................................... 70
500 days of the Sudan War.......................................................... 37 New SHe-Box portal ....................................................................... 71
Extradition Dilemma: Sheikh Hasina and the India-
Queen bee syndrome .................................................................... 71
Bangladesh Relations..................................................................... 37
Egg, sperm donors have no parental right on child ........... 72
ENVIRONMENT ...................................................... 39
ECONOMY ............................................................... 72
Vulture Count 2024 ........................................................................ 39
Controlling Traffic-Related Air Pollution in India ................. 40 RBI Governor Named Top Central Banker Globally............. 72

Credit risk ........................................................................................... 41 RBI to Introduce Unified Lending Interface ............................ 73

Illegal Wildlife Trade: Marine Life at Risk ................................ 42 10 Years of Jan Dhan Yojana ....................................................... 73
The rise and rise of red sanders mafia ..................................... 43 Cabinet Approves 12 Industrial Nodes .................................... 74
Biodiversity can increase the resilience of cities ................... 46 India Plans a $15 Billion Boost for Chip Manufacturing .... 75
How Does Methane Contribute to Climate Change? ......... 46 Dynamic pricing model ................................................................. 75
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ...................................... 47 Energy transition Index 2024....................................................... 76
EOS-08: ISRO’s Innovative Leap in Earth Observation ....... 47 Inflation under 4% .......................................................................... 76
Better Prediction of Solar Cycle.................................................. 48 AGRICULTURE ......................................................... 77
Biosurfactants ................................................................................... 49
AI based Pest Control .................................................................... 77
Reshape the governance structures of AI companies ........ 50
Australia is now the top supplier of lentils to India, ahead of
Liquid Water discovered on Mars for the first time ............ 52 Canada ................................................................................................ 78
First findings from Chandrayaan 3 mission ............................ 52
Digital Crop Survey ......................................................................... 78
3

Navigation satellite-based tolling ............................................. 54

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Digital Agriculture Mission........................................................... 79

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS................................ 80 PresVu for Presbyopia .................................................................104
Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military A1, A2 milk and milk products .................................................. 105
Domain (REAIM) Summit 2024 ................................................... 80 INTERNAL SECURITY ............................................ 105
China-hosted FOCAC Summit .................................................... 80 ‘Operation Kavach – 5.0’ ............................................................. 105
PIF Annual Meeting ........................................................................ 81 47 Indians Rescued from Cyber Scam Centers in Laos ....106
US-India Defence Agreements ................................................... 82 Ukraine’s Palianytsia .....................................................................106
Germany's membership in UN Command.............................. 82 Global Proliferation of Suicide Drones...................................107
India and Malaysia to Upgrade Strategic Partnership ........ 83 Ceasefire pact with Niki group extended.............................. 107
India and Japan hold ‘2+2’ dialogue ........................................ 83 Storm Shadow missiles................................................................ 107
Contribution of Indian Americans to the US ......................... 84 GEOGRAPHY ......................................................... 108
ENVIRONMENT ...................................................... 86 Why Cyclones in the Arabian Sea Are Not Common........108
Controversy over Mumbai’s salt pans ...................................... 86 Waterspouts .................................................................................... 109
40% Amazon rainforest unprotected ....................................... 86 Goa’s land use law raises red flags..........................................109
Namibia plans to kill wild animals ............................................. 87 ART & CULTURE ................................................... 110
FSSAI launches a project to address microplastic Violent Clash in Namdhari Sect in Haryana ......................... 110
contamination in Indian food ..................................................... 88 National Sports Day 2024........................................................... 111
India’s first ‘teal carbon’ study .................................................... 88 Evidence of Dockyard at Lothal ................................................ 111
Gross Environment Product Index............................................. 89 Saragarhi Day.................................................................................. 112
Panama Canal threatened by climate change ....................... 89
Hindi Diwas 2024........................................................................... 113
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ...................................... 90 GOVERNMENT SCHEMES ..................................... 113
SPACE ...................................................................... 90 Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) ................................................. 113
NASA Launches Satellite to Monitor Methane Emissions . 90 Vigyan Dhara Scheme..................................................................114
Polaris Dawn ..................................................................................... 91 Scheme to Enhance Biotechnology Manufacturing ..........115
New Discovery in Lightning and Space Weather ................. 92 Expansion of AB PM-JAY approved ........................................115
Crew Dragon to bring back Williams ....................................... 92 New Foster Care Guidelines in India.......................................116
James Webb Discoveries .............................................................. 93 MISCELLEANEOUS ................................................ 117
Humanoid skull for Gaganyaan .................................................. 93
Eri Silk ................................................................................................ 117
Studying Solar Magnetic Field .................................................... 94
Sakthan Thampuran .....................................................................118
Helium Leak....................................................................................... 94
Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram .................................118
Earth’s third energy field discovered ........................................ 95
PHILOSOPHY OF THE MONTH ............................ 119
GENERAL SCIENCE .................................................. 95 The Intersection of Genetics, Intelligence, and Society: A
17th International Earth Sciences Olympiad .......................... 95 Philosophical Inquiry ....................................................................119
Lithium brine extraction ................................................................ 96 THEMATIC ESSAYS ............................................... 120
Small-scale commercial nuclear reactors ................................ 96 CONTEMPORARY ETHICS CASE ........................... 120
Deceptive Dark Patterns ............................................................... 97 PROTECTED AREAS IN NEWS: INDIA .................. 120
BIOTECH.................................................................. 98 Chokramudi hills ............................................................................ 120
Nanoparticle-based Drug Delivery............................................ 98 Palani Hills........................................................................................ 120
India’s first quantum computer .................................................. 99 SPECIES IN NEWS ................................................. 121
Project Strawberry........................................................................... 99 MAP CONNECT: WORLD ...................................... 125
First global ‘legally binding’ pact on the use of AI ............ 100
SNAPSHOTS: THEMES OF THE MONTH .............. 126
New Hindi language AI model ................................................. 100
Down to Earth Snapshot ............................................................. 126
HEALTH ................................................................. 101 Kurukshetra Snapshot - Budget 2024-25 ............................. 130
New Sensor for Detecting Cyanide ......................................... 101
Yojana Snapshot - Union Budget 2024-25 ........................... 134
Vaccine-Derived Polio Case in Two-Year-Old in Meghalaya
EPW Snapshot ................................................................................ 138
................................................................................................ 101
New Miniature Tool Revolutionizing Plant Genome Editing.
................................................................................................ 102
Zoo pharmacognosy .................................................................... 103
Hayflick Limit .................................................................................. 104
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Antibody for Covid-19 variants identified ............................ 104

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Kerala, Ladakh, Maharashtra, and West Bengal)
account for only 35% of India’s population, as in the
Moving the spotlight to grassroots 2011 Census.
democracy Impact of Weak SECs on Local Governance
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

The Election Commission of India 2 1 7

8

(ECI) has been widely recognised for 4 3 9

10

its role in conducting free and fair 6

5 11
M

elections for both Parliament and State legislatures. Over

time, it has earned a reputation as one of India’s most
credible institutions. However, at the state level, 34 State
Election Commissions (SECs) require urgent attention and
strengthening to ensure effective democracy at the
grassroots level.
Creation and Role of SECs
● The SECs were brought into existence by Articles 243K
and 243ZA of the Constitution.
● These provisions were introduced by the 73rd and 74th
Constitutional Amendments in 1993, giving SECs the
authority to oversee the preparation of electoral rolls
and the conduct of elections to panchayats and urban
local governments (ULGs).
Systemic Issues Faced by SECs
● Disempowerment: SECs across India face increasing
disempowerment. In many instances, they are embroiled
in legal battles with their respective state governments,
hindering their ability to carry out their duties effectively.
o Karnataka SEC vs. Government of Karnataka: The
Karnataka SEC filed a contempt petition against the
state government for delaying the delimitation of Supreme Court Observation
panchayat raj institutions, delaying elections by over ● In the 2006 case Kishan Singh Tomar vs. Municipal
three and a half years. Corporation of the City of Ahmedabad and Others,
o Cases filed by Andhra Pradesh SEC: In 2020, the the Supreme Court stressed the need to empower SECs
Supreme Court struck down an ordinance in Andhra on par with the ECI to ensure the proper functioning of
Pradesh that hindered elections to the panchayat raj local elections. This judgement serves as a crucial
institutions. reference point for necessary reforms.
● CAG Performance Audits on Local Elections Proposed Reforms to Empower SECs
o An analysis of the performance audits of the ● Independence and Transparency of SECs
implementation of the 74th Constitutional o SECs should be restructured to be as independent
(Amendment) Act by the Comptroller and Auditor and transparent as the Election Commission of India.
General (CAG) of India across 18 States shows that o A possible solution is to create a three-member SEC
1,560 out of 2,240 urban local governments (70%) appointed by a committee that includes the Chief
did not have an elected council at the time of the Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the
CAG audit. Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha), and the Chief
● Ward Delimitation Justice of the High Court. This would reduce
o A major systemic issue is the limited authority of SECs political interference and ensure greater autonomy.
to conduct ward delimitation. Janaagraha’s 2023 ● Fixed Intervals for Ward Delimitation and
Reservation
Annual Survey of India’s City Systems (ASICS)
o Delimitation of ward boundaries and reservations of
revealed that only 11 out of 34 states and union
seats must be mandated only at fixed intervals, such
territories have empowered their SECs to complete
as every ten years. This would prevent state
this task.
governments from arbitrarily delaying elections by
o These States and Union Territories (namely, the
manipulating boundaries and reservations.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh,
● Vesting Powers of Delimitation and Reservation in
5

Bihar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu,

SECs
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Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir,

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
o The SECs must be entrusted with reservations to the Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, in 1973, highlights the
positions of mayors/presidents and deputy persistent danger faced by those in the medical field.
mayors/vice-presidents ● International Precedents and Best Practices: Countries
of the local governments, PEPPER IT WITH:
like the U.K., U.S., and Australia have enacted robust laws
Election Commission
say once every ten years, and policies to protect their healthcare workers.
of India, 73rd and 74th
where applicable. o For example, in the U.K., the NHS enforces a zero-
Constitutional
● Addressing Malpractices in tolerance policy towards violence, and in the U.S.,
(Amendment) Act,
Local Elections some states classify assaults on healthcare workers as
State Election
o To ensure integrity, SECs felonies. Australia has introduced safety measures
Commissions (SECs),
should be entrusted with like security personnel and panic buttons.
Comptroller and
the election of key local o As one of the largest healthcare service providers,
Auditor General
government positions (CAG). India must adopt similar stringent measures.
such as mayors, presidents, Prevention of Violence Against Healthcare Professionals
chairpersons, and standing committees. and Clinical Establishments Bill, 2022
● The "Prevention of Violence Against Healthcare
Do doctors need a Central Protection Act? Professionals and Clinical Establishments Bill, 2022," also
News Excerpt GS C ON N EC T referred to as the "Central Protection Act for Doctors,"
was introduced in the Lok Sabha with the intent to
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
Resident doctors across India are 2 1 7

address the growing issue of violence against healthcare

8

protesting, calling for laws to ensure 4 3 9

10

their safety while on duty. The strike 6 5

M
11 workers.
follows the brutal rape and murder of ● It defines acts of violence against healthcare
a young doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata. professionals, which include physical assault,
Need for a Central Protection Act for Healthcare harassment, and property damage at clinical
Workers establishments.
● Escalating Violence Against Healthcare Workers: ● It specifically addresses violence based on caste,
Healthcare workers, especially doctors and nurses, face gender, religion, language, or place of birth.
frequent attacks by patients’ families, especially in ● Offences under this act are categorised as cognizable
government hospitals. This violence can range from and non-bailable, meaning offenders can be arrested
verbal abuse to physical assaults, sometimes even without a warrant. The punishment for such crimes
leading to fatalities. includes imprisonment and fines, with severity
● Inadequate State-Level Provisions: As health and law depending on the nature of the offence.
enforcement fall under State jurisdiction, there are ● The bill mandates the reporting of violent incidents
varying levels of commitment to healthcare worker against healthcare professionals and requires the
safety. establishment of a grievance redressal mechanism to
● Legal Accountability and Deterrence: Currently, ensure timely investigation and justice.
attacks on healthcare workers are often underreported, ● The act emphasises the need for public education about
and the perpetrators are not consistently held the challenges faced by healthcare professionals to
accountable. A Central Act would institutionalise the prevent future incidents, foster greater understanding,
process, ensuring timely reporting and investigation of and reduce conflicts.
incidents of violence across the nation. ● The bill proposes the creation of panels to investigate
● Ensuring Safe Zones in Hospitals: Healthcare reported cases of violence, with a focus on reducing long
professionals demand that hospitals be declared “safe waiting periods in healthcare settings, which often
zones” with mandatory security protocols. A Central contribute to patient-provider tensions.
Protection Act would mandate establishing security ● Despite its introduction, the government did not pursue
measures such as CCTV surveillance, security personnel, it further, as many of its provisions were believed to be
panic buttons, and well-lit walkways in all healthcare covered under the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment)
institutions. Ordinance, 2020.
● Protecting Mental Health and Well-being of Indian Medical Association's Stand
Healthcare Workers: The safety concerns combined ● The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has called for
with high workloads, long shifts, and the risk of violence hospital security protocols to be on par with those at
are contributing to burnout among healthcare workers. airports, declaring healthcare centres as safe zones
○ The tragic history of violence against healthcare workers with mandatory security measures like CCTVs and
in India, such as the sexual assault on a junior nurse, security personnel.
● The IMA also demands a comprehensive investigation
6

Aruna Ramchandra Shanbaug, at King Edward

Page

into the recent crime, exemplary punishment for the

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
perpetrators, and appropriate compensation for the o Enforce Strict Reporting:
victim's family. Following the Ministry of PEPPER IT WITH:
● The association stresses that resident doctors' working Health’s directive, all Indian Medical
and living conditions need a complete overhaul. incidents of violence must Association, National
Recent Government Initiatives be reported within six Medical Commission,
● Ministry of Health’s August 16 Order: In response to hours, with an FIR lodged Epidemic Diseases
the growing concerns, the Ministry of Health and Family by the head of the (Amendment)
Welfare issued an order stating that in cases of violence institution. Ordinance, 2020.
against healthcare workers, the head of the institution ● Improve Working
must file an FIR within six hours. Conditions for Healthcare Workers: Resident doctors
● National Medical Commission’s (NMC) Directive: The often work excessively long shifts, which increases their
National Medical Commission (NMC) has also directed vulnerability to attacks. Improved working hours,
all medical colleges to develop policies for a safe work restrooms, and proper break periods should be
environment and ensure prompt investigation of any mandatory.
incidents of violence, with a detailed action report
submitted within 48 hours. Lateral Entry in Bureaucracy
Recent Judicial Intervention
News Excerpt GS C ON N EC T
● Following the tragic rape and murder of a junior doctor GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
The Union Public Service Commission 2 1 7
at the State-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in 8

(UPSC) recently advertised positions 4 3 9

Kolkata. The Supreme Court formed a National Task 10

for lateral entry into the posts of Joint 6 5 11

Force (NTF) to develop safety measures for medical

M

Secretary, Director, and Deputy

professionals nationwide.
Secretary in 24 ministries of the Union government.
o The NTF will recommend safety measures for
However, the government moved to cancel these planned
hospitals, such as improving infrastructure with
recruitments, citing lack of quotas for SCs and STs.
dedicated restrooms, installing CCTV cameras,
What is Lateral Recruitment?
controlling access to sensitive areas, providing night-
● In lateral recruitment, candidates are typically hired on
time transportation, offering counselling services,
contracts ranging from three to five years, with
conducting crisis management workshops, possible extensions based on performance.
performing quarterly safety checks, and increasing Candidates must meet specific academic qualifications
police presence. and possess significant professional experience
Way Forward
relevant to the field they are applying for.
● Pass the Central Protection Act for Healthcare
o For instance, in the recent UPSC lateral entry
Workers: Parliament should prioritise a protection act
recruitment drive, candidates were required to have
like the "Prevention of Violence Against Healthcare
at least 15 years of relevant experience in their
Professionals and Clinical Establishments Bill, 2022." It
field.
must address not only epidemic situations but the
● The primary goal of lateral recruitment is to address
broader issue of violence in healthcare settings, with complex governance and policy challenges by
clear, stringent penalties for those committing acts of leveraging external expertise.
violence. Evolution and Expansion of Lateral Entry in Bureaucracy
● Safe Zones in Hospitals: Hospitals must be declared ● Lateral entry practices can be traced back to the 1950s,
"safe zones," with protocols on par with those found at during Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure.
airports. These measures should include: ● In 2005, the Second Administrative Reforms
o CCTV surveillance in all critical areas. Commission (ARC), chaired by Veerappa Moily,
o Security personnel stationed at sensitive zones, such emphasized the need for lateral entry to fill roles
as emergency departments. requiring specialized knowledge that traditional civil
o Panic buttons and alarm systems in vulnerable services could not provide.
locations. ● In 2017, NITI Aayog, in its three-year Action Agenda,
o Well-lit corridors and secure access to departments, and the Sectoral Group of Secretaries (SGoS) on
especially during night shifts. Governance in its report, recommended the induction of
personnel at middle and senior management levels in
the central government.
● Initially introduced at the Joint Secretary level in 2018,
the scheme expanded to include Director and Deputy
7

Secretary ranks, reflecting a broadening scope of lateral

Page

entry into the bureaucracy.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Lateral entries vis-a-vis Reservation: addressing gaps in capability the intricate workings of
● Reservation in public jobs and universities is within the government. government over their
implemented via what is known as the “13-point ● Promoting Accountability: careers. Lateral entrants
roster”. Since lateral entrants are might lack this nuanced
● According to this policy, a candidate’s position on a often hired on a contractual understanding,
roster of openings is determined by dividing the quota basis, their continued potentially disrupting
percentage of their group (SC, ST, OBC, and now EWS) employment can be administrative
by a hundred. contingent on performance. continuity and
This can foster a culture of institutional memory.
o For example, the OBC quota is 27%. Therefore, OBC
accountability and ● Concerns Over
candidates are recruited to every 4th post for which a
performance-oriented Reservation and
vacancy arises in a department/cadre (100/27=3.7).
governance, potentially Equity: Lateral entry has
Likewise, SC candidates, with 15% reservation, are also been critiqued for
leading to higher standards
supposed to fill every 7th vacancy ST candidates, bypassing the
in public service delivery.
with 7.5% reservation, fill every 14th vacancy, and ● Breaking Silos: Bringing in reservation system. This
EWS candidates, with 10% reservation, fill every 10th professionals from varied could lead to a less
vacancy. backgrounds can help break inclusive bureaucracy
● According to the Department of Personnel and Training the silos within the civil that does not reflect the
(DoPT), since each post under lateral entry is considered service, promoting more diversity of the
a "single post cadre," reservations do not apply. holistic and integrated population, potentially
Arguments in Favour of Arguments Against approaches to policy-making exacerbating social
Lateral Entry Lateral Entry and governance. inequalities.
● Infusion of Expertise: ● Risks to Impartiality: Way forward
Lateral entry allows for the There is a concern that ● Transparent and Competitive Selection Process:
infusion of specialised lateral entrants, Establish a robust, transparent, and strictly merit-based
knowledge and expertise particularly those from selection process for lateral entry. Utilising independent
into the bureaucracy, often corporate backgrounds, panels or third-party agencies to oversee the recruitment
unavailable through may carry biases from
can help ensure fairness and impartiality.
traditional UPSC recruitment. their previous
● Inclusion of Reservation Policies: Integrate
Specialists with years of employments, which
appropriate reservation policies in the lateral entry
experience in finance, could influence their
scheme to ensure they align with national equity and
technology, or health sectors decision-making within
inclusion goals.
can provide new perspectives the government.
● Potential for ● Fixed-Term Contracts with Performance Reviews:
and skills, leading to more
informed decision-making Cronyism: Opponents Offer fixed-term contracts to lateral entrants with regular
and innovative solutions. argue that lateral entry performance reviews and clear, measurable targets.
● Enhancing Efficiency: could open doors to ● Integration and Induction Programs: Develop
Professionals from the cronyism, where comprehensive induction programs for lateral entrants
private sector or academic positions could be filled to familiarise them with the workings of the government
institutions often bring best by individuals based on and administrative procedures.
practices in management their connections rather ● Ethical Training and Conflict of Interest Policies:
and strategic planning. Their than merit. Mandate ethical training sessions and establish strict
inclusion in the bureaucracy ● Impact on Morale of conflict of interest policies for all lateral entrants.
can help streamline Existing Civil Servants: ● Creating a Level Playing Field: Provide opportunities
processes, reduce Introducing outsiders at for existing civil servants to upgrade their skills through
bureaucratic red tape, and senior levels could
training and exposure to new practices, ensuring they
make government demoralise existing civil
remain competitive and relevant.
operations more efficient. servants, particularly
● Regular Policy Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of the
● Addressing Skill Gaps: those who have spent
lateral entry policy to assess its impact on governance,
Certain government roles years climbing the ranks
through a highly
diversity, and public service delivery.
require niche skills that may
PEPPER IT WITH:
not be developed through competitive system
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), Second
the traditional civil service through UPSC.
Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), NITI Aayog.
route. Lateral entry allows the ● Dilution of
government to directly Administrative
recruit individuals with the Continuity: Traditional
civil servants develop a
8

requisite skills, effectively

Page

deep understanding of

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
OTTs under Telecom Act o However, telecom operators argue that they lose
out on potential revenue as OTT platforms operate
News Excerpt:
without licensing fees or spectrum purchases.
GS C ON N EC T

In submissions to the Telecom

GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

o Under the Telecommunications Act, regulating OTT

1 7

Regulatory Authority of India 3

2 8
9

(TRAI), telecom companies like Jio, 5

4 10
11
services could provide a fairer revenue-sharing
Airtel, and Vi argued that OTT
6 M
model between OTTs and telecom companies,
ensuring that both contribute equally to the
Communication services are covered under the new
Telecom Act. telecommunications ecosystem.
Broad Definition of Telecommunications Services ● Consumer Protection and Quality of Service
● When the government introduced a fresh version of the o By regulating OTT platforms, the government could
Telecommunications Act, the tech industry raised impose quality of service standards and ensure that
several key concerns, including the definition of consumers receive a consistent and reliable level of
service.
telecommunication services.
o Unlike telecom operators, OTT platforms would be
o In the Act, telecom services have been defined as:
“transmission, emission or reception of any held accountable for network reliability, security,
messages, by wire, radio, optical or other and customer support, ultimately benefiting users.
electromagnetic systems, whether or not such ● Security and Law Enforcement
messages have been subjected to rearrangement, o Including OTT communication services under the
computation or other processes by any means in the Telecommunications Act would give the government
course of their transmission, emission or reception”. greater control over security measures, including
o Messages have been defined as “any sign, signal, access to data and communication for law
writing, text, image, sound, video, data stream, enforcement purposes.
intelligence or information sent through o Given the rising importance of secure communication
telecommunication.” in national security and crime prevention,
● The definition seemed broad enough to include over- including OTT services under regulatory oversight
the-top (OTT) communication services like WhatsApp could help ensure that these platforms comply with
and Google Meet, raising fears that these platforms data-sharing and surveillance regulations when
would require government authorisation. required for public safety.
Telcos' Push for OTT Regulation ● Curbing Fraud and Misinformation
● Telecom companies wanted the new law's definition of o OTT platforms play a significant role in information
telecommunication services to include OTT dissemination, and regulating them could help curb
communication services. fraud, misuse, and misinformation.
● In submissions to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of Arguments Against Including OTT Under the
Telecommunications Act
India (TRAI), these companies argued that OTT platforms
● Privacy and Digital Rights Concerns
should be subject to the same regulatory framework as
o One of the biggest arguments against regulating OTT
telecom operators, advocating the principle of "same
platforms like WhatsApp under the
service, same rules."
Arguments in Favour of Including OTT Under the Telecommunications Act is the potential violation of
Telecommunications Act privacy and digital rights.
● Level Playing Field for Telecom Operators o Many OTT platforms, especially end-to-end
o Telecom companies argue that they are required to encryption, are designed to ensure that user
purchase spectrum, set up extensive infrastructure, communications are private and secure.
and comply with licensing regulations, all of which o If subjected to the same regulations as telecom
involve significant costs. operators, they may be required to enable
o Meanwhile, OTT communication platforms like government surveillance, potentially eroding
WhatsApp and Google Meet provide similar services privacy protections.
(voice calls and messaging) without facing the same ● Technological Challenges with Encryption
regulatory and financial burdens. o OTT platforms such as WhatsApp use end-to-end
o Including OTT platforms under the Act would ensure encryption, which ensures that only the sender and
a "same service, same rules" framework, creating a the recipient of a message can access its content.
level playing field. o Regulating OTT platforms under the Act might
● Fair Revenue Distribution require these services to comply with government
o OTT platforms generate revenue by offering services requests for communication interception, which
would be technologically difficult and could force
9

that traditionally belonged to telecom operators,

platforms to weaken encryption.
Page

such as voice calls and messaging.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
o This poses a technical challenge and risks We need to reduce government litigation to
compromising users' security worldwide. ease judicial delays
● Innovation and Free Market Competition
News Excerpt GS C ON N EC T
o Including OTT platforms under telecom regulations GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
Inefficient judicial processes cause 2 1 7
could stifle innovation. 8

delays, foster corruption, increase 4 3 9

o Subjecting them to stringent telecom regulations 10

litigation costs, and significantly 6 5 11

may slow growth, increase operational costs, and

M

deter investment. While judicial

limit the introduction of new features or services,
reforms are critical, it is equally important for the
reducing competition in the market.
government, as the largest litigator, to reduce unnecessary
● Overreach and Government Control
litigation and unclog the system.
o Many critics view the inclusion of OTT platforms
Government as the Largest Litigator
under telecom regulations as a form of government
● Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer's remarks in Dilbagh Rai Jarry
overreach.
vs Union of India (1973) highlighted that the
o By bringing OTT communication services under
government is the largest litigator, placing a significant
stricter oversight, the government would gain more
financial burden on the public exchequer.
power to control and regulate online
● The Tenth Law Commission’s 100th report
communication.
emphasised that a large proportion of litigation in courts,
o This could lead to censorship and restrictions on
including, in particular, writ petitions in the Supreme
freedom of
PEPPER IT WITH: Court and the high courts, consists of cases to which the
expression,
Telecom Regulatory government is a party.
particularly in
Authority of India (TRAI), ● Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy cited a Ministry of Law
politically sensitive
Over-The-Top (OTT) document in 2019 stating that 46% of all litigation in
situations.
● Unnecessary communication services, India involves the government.
Duplication of Telecommunications Act, ● More recently, the Delhi High Court emphasised the
Regulations Data Privacy, Information need to curb unnecessary and frivolous litigation
o OTT platforms are Technology Rules, 2021. involving government departments. Supreme Court
already subject to Justice B.R. Gavai also noted that 70% of government
Information Technology Rules, 2021, notified by litigation is frivolous, further straining the judiciary and
the Ministry of Electronics and Information contributing to delays.
Technology (MeitY). Challenges in Understanding Government Litigation
o Adding another layer of regulation through the ● Lack of Comprehensive Data:
Telecommunications Act may result in overlapping o Article 12 of the Constitution broadly defines the
compliance requirements, which could lead to "State" encompassing the Government and
regulatory duplication. Parliament of India, state governments and
Way Forward legislatures, and all local or other authorities within
Indian territory or control.
o This broad definition complicates
efforts to assess the full scope of
government litigation.
● Expansive Definition of "State":
o The judiciary's further
interpretation of the definition of “state” to
include entities exercising governmental or
quasi-governmental functions
complicates the assessment of the true
extent of government litigation.
o Entities such as public-sector
undertakings (PSUs), nationalised banks,
and cooperative societies fall under this
definition, further complicating the
assessment of government-related
litigation volumes.
10

o The lack of clarity and detailed

data makes addressing the root causes
Page

challenging.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Government Initiatives to Reduce Litigation Way Forward
● Legal Information Management and Briefing System ● Enforceable Litigation PEPPER IT WITH:
(LIMBS): Policies: Both the Union Law Commission, Public-
o To tackle this issue, the Union government launched and state governments Sector Undertakings
the Legal Information Management and Briefing should introduce strict (PSUs), Nationalised
System (LIMBS) in 2016, updated in 2019. LIMBS litigation policies with Banks, Central Board of
tracks legal cases involving the Government of India. measurable targets to Direct Taxes (CBDT) and
o Data from LIMBS reveals that the Ministry of Finance the Central Board of
minimise unnecessary
Indirect Taxes and
leads with 188,994 cases. The Railways follow with appeals and litigation.
Customs (CBIC).
114,387 cases, the Defence Ministry with 95,189, and ● Decision over
the Labour and Employment Ministry with 80,027 Litigation: Encourage government departments to
cases. resolve disputes through alternative mechanisms such as
● Directives from CBDT and CBIC: mediation, arbitration, and conciliation rather than
o The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the litigation.
Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs ● Comprehensive Data Collection and Transparency
(CBIC) have issued directives to withdraw low-impact o National-Level Portal: Establish a national-level
appeals and focus on significant cases. Both boards portal that tracks all litigation involving entities
have raised the threshold monetary limits for appeals. defined under Article 12 of the Constitution. This will
o The Union Budget 2024-25 has further increased provide a clear picture of the scope of government
threshold monetary limits for appeals across tax litigation and help identify areas for reform.
tribunals, high courts, and the Supreme Court. o Expanding LIMBS: Expand the coverage of the Legal
■ While the Union government has reduced its Information Management and Briefing System
litigation, the same cannot be said about the (LIMBS) to include all government entities, public
states. There are instances when governments sector undertakings (PSUs), and cooperative
have appealed in cases where the amount societies.
involved is less than Rs 1000. ● Addressing Bureaucratic Risk Aversion
Root Cause: Bureaucratic Risk Aversion o Empower Decision-Makers: Provide legal support
● One major reason for excessive government litigation is and protection to bureaucrats and government
bureaucratic risk aversion. In his book Bureaucratic officials who make bold decisions, reducing their
Structure and Personality, Robert Merton highlighted need to resort to litigation as a safety measure.
how bureaucracies prioritise predictability and strict o Reforming Bureaucratic Culture: Encourage a
adherence to established protocols. culture of accountability and innovation within
● He posits that bureaucracies aim to minimise government departments to reduce reliance on
uncertainties and maintain operational stability, often established rules and processes that result in
at the expense of innovation and adaptability. litigation.
● This leads to what he called "trained incapacity," where ● National Litigation Policy (NLP) 2024: Robust
bureaucrats cannot respond effectively to new Implementation
challenges and resort to litigation to avoid taking risks. o Measurable Targets: Set clear, measurable targets
Evolution of National Litigation Policy (NLP) for reducing government litigation at the Union and
● The 11th Law Commission's 126th report (1988) state levels.
recommended the creation of a National Litigation Policy o Penalties for Non-Compliance: Introduce penalties
(NLP) to make the government a responsible litigant. for government departments that do not comply with
However, NLP policy was never effectively implemented. the policy, ensuring accountability.
● The 13th Finance Commission proposed grants for o Legal Support: Offer legal support and training for
states to improve justice delivery, conditional on decision-makers within government departments to
adopting state litigation policies based on national reduce the need for unnecessary litigation.
policy. o Limiting Appeals: To prevent the judiciary from
o While states introduced these policies to avail grants, clogging, enforce strict limits on government appeals,
implementation was weak. especially for cases with low financial impact.
● The Department of Legal Affairs suggested NLP 2015, ● Monitoring and Accountability
but no substantial progress followed. o Independent Review Mechanism: An independent
● In June 2024, the Union government announced the body could periodically review the implementation of
National Litigation Policy (NLP) 2024, aiming to tackle the National Litigation Policy and other reforms,
11

government litigation more effectively. ensuring transparency and accountability.

o However, the success of NLP 2024 will depend on
Page

overcoming the shortcomings of past policies.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Use of regional languages in High Courts accessible to the common public, especially
remains limited those not proficient in English, the predominant
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T language in many High Courts. It bridges the
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

In a growing movement to make 21 7

8
gap between the legal system and the local
justice more accessible, lawyers and 4 3 9
10 population, enabling a better understanding of
legal experts increasingly advocate 6
5 11
M
court procedures and judgments.
for using regional languages in high court proceedings,
● Inclusivity and Transparency: Regional
where English remains the official language.
languages help legal proceedings be more
transparent and inclusive for litigants, witnesses,
and the general public. It allows individuals to
present their cases, evidence, and testimonies in
a language they are comfortable with, reducing
intimidation from linguistic barriers.
● Cultural Preservation: Recognising regional
languages in courts respects India's linguistic
diversity and fosters the preservation of local
cultures and traditions. It also ensures that legal
frameworks align more with the cultural and
societal context of different regions.
● Efficiency in Legal Proceedings: Lawyers,
Current status: litigants, and judges more proficient in regional
● Only four of India’s 25 High Courts—Rajasthan, languages may argue cases more effectively,
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar—are
leading to clearer communication and potentially
allowed to use Hindi in their proceedings and legal
swifter judgments.
documents.
Challenges in using regional language
● Bihar was the
last High Court
to receive
authorisation to
use Hindi in
1972.
● Chief Justice of
India, D.Y.
Chandrachud,
remarked that
while judges and
lawyers are
familiar with
English, many
common
citizens who
bring their cases
to court
struggle to
understand the
legal process.
Way forward:
● The Chief Justice also stated that legal education and
● Standardised Legal Terminology: A centralised body,
proceedings are conducted in the regional language in
perhaps under the Law Commission of India, could
many countries.
work on creating standardised legal terminology in
12

Significance of regional language in high courts:

various regional languages.
● Access to Justice: Introducing regional ○ This would ensure consistency and avoid
Page

languages makes legal proceedings more misinterpretation across different courts and
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
regions. Collaborations with linguistic experts and ● Data Sources: The report uses FIR data from six States
legal professionals are crucial in this effort. and audits of compliance with Supreme Court directives.
● Dual-Language Court Records: To balance accessibility ● Disparities: It reveals significant disparities in road traffic
and legal uniformity, High Courts can adopt a dual- death rates across States and emphasises the
language system vulnerability of motorcyclists and the high fatality rates
PEPPER IT WITH:
where judgments, involving trucks.
legal documents, and Regional Languages, Official ● Road Traffic Injuries: Road traffic injuries continue to
Language, Governor, AI-
case proceedings are pose a major public health challenge in India.
based translation tools.
available in both the ● In 2021, road traffic injuries ranked as the 13th leading
regional language cause of death in India. Little progress has been made
and English. in reducing fatalities despite advancements in other
○ This would ensure consistency and clarity, especially sectors. Most Indian States are unlikely to meet the UN
for appeals to the Supreme Court or cases involving Decade of Action for Road Safety goal of halving traffic
parties from different states. deaths by 2030.
● Training and Resources for Legal Professionals: ● In 2021, road traffic injuries were the 12th leading cause
Judges, lawyers, and court staff should be trained in of health loss (measured in Disability-Adjusted Life
English and the regional language legal terminology. Years, or DALYs). In six States and UTs (Haryana, Jammu
○ Specialised programs can be developed to improve and Kashmir and Ladakh, Punjab, Rajasthan,
bilingual proficiency in legal contexts, ensuring that Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh), road traffic injuries ranked
legal professionals can operate seamlessly in both among the top 10 causes of health loss.
languages.
● Enhancing Translation Services:
Investing in high-quality translation
services and technology is key to ensuring
accuracy and preventing
misinterpretation.
○ Courts should employ skilled
translators with expertise in legal
terminology and train them to handle
court documents and proceedings
effectively.
● Leveraging Technology: Technology
such as AI-based translation tools and
court transcription software can help with
real-time translation during proceedings.
○ Courts could explore partnerships
with tech companies to develop
systems that support multilingual
proceedings while minimising human
errors.

On the challenges to road safety

in India DALYs, a time-based measure that combines years of life
lost due to premature mortality (YLLs) and years of life lost
News Excerpt GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV due to time lived in states of less than full health, or years of
The “India Status Report on Road 2 1 7
8 healthy life lost due to disability (YLDs). One DALY represents
Safety 2024,” prepared by the TRIP 4 3 9
10 the loss of the equivalent of one year of full health.
Centre at IIT Delhi, highlights India’s 6 5
M
11
Need for Crash Surveillance Systems
slow progress toward meeting ● Data Limitations:
international goals of reducing road accident fatalities. o India’s national road safety data systems are
Key Findings of the Report
insufficient for guiding public policy. Currently, there
13

● Purpose: The report explores the connection between

is no national crash-level database.
road construction, mobility, and the need for a
Page

differentiated approach to mitigating road accidents.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
o Road safety statistics at both State and National levels ● Safety Equipment Concerns: While better-equipped
are compiled from individual police station records vehicles with advanced safety features are common, they
aggregated at district, State, and national levels may not be a sufficient solution, as two-wheeler riders,
before publication. These tables allow only the most cyclists, and motorcyclists are disproportionately
basic analyses, preventing effective intervention or affected by fatalities.
program evaluation. Government Interventions for Road Safety
State-Level Variations in Road Safety
● Disparities in Death Rates: Per
capita death rates differ more than
threefold between States.
○ Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and
National Road Safety
Chhattisgarh recorded the Policy (NRSP): Motor Vehicles Vehicle Scrapping Policy:
highest death rates, at 21.9, 19.2, Introduced based on the
(Amendment) Act, 2019: Announced in the Union
Budget 2021-22, this
and 17.6 per 1,00,000 people, recommendations of the It introduced
policy aims to phase out
Sunder Committee, this comprehensive reforms to
respectively. improve road safety, such old, unfit, and polluting
policy outlines the vehicles, reducing
○ In contrast, West Bengal and strategies that all levels of as increased penalties for
traffic violations and environmental damage
Bihar had the lowest rates, at 5.9 government must adopt and road accidents.
to improve road safety. Provisions for electronic
per 1,00,000 in 2021. monitoring of violations.
● Major Contributors to Fatalities:
Six states — Uttar Pradesh,
Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh,
Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Tamil
Nadu — account for nearly half of
all traffic fatalities in India. Mandatory Road Safety Electronic Detailed Good Samaritan Law:
● Vulnerable Road Users: Audits for National Accident Report (e-DAR): This law protects those
Highways: The e-DAR system
Pedestrians, cyclists, and motorised establishes a central
who assist road accident
The government victims and provides legal
two-wheeler riders are the most mandates Road Safety repository for reporting, protection to bystanders
managing, and analysing
frequent victims of road accidents, Audits (RSA) for all who offer help.
National Highways, road accident data.
while trucks are responsible for the
conducted by third-party
highest proportion of impacting auditors.
vehicles. Global Initiatives on Road Safety
● Audits and Infrastructure Deficiencies: Only eight ● Brasilia Declaration on Road Safety (2015): This
States have audited more than half of their National international declaration emphasises the need for
Highway lengths, and very few States have done the countries to adopt road safety measures and reduce
same for their State Highways. fatalities. India is a signatory, committing to reduce road
● Lack of Basic Traffic Safety Measures: Most states still traffic deaths and injuries by 50% by 2030.
lack basic safety measures, including traffic calming, ● Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030): The
markings, and signage. United Nations launched the Decade of Action for
● Helmet Usage: In only seven States, more than 50% of Road Safety, setting the target of preventing at least
motorised two-wheeler riders wear helmets, even 50% of road traffic deaths and injuries by 2030.
though this simple safety measure could significantly ● Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS)
reduce fatalities and serious injuries. Helmet usage in 2020-2025: India partners in the Bloomberg Initiative,
rural areas is particularly low. which focuses on strengthening road safety
● Inadequate Trauma Care: Poor trauma care facilities interventions.
exacerbate the mortality rate from road accidents. Way Forward:
Global Comparison and Concerns ● Tailored State-Level Strategies: Develop customised
● Comparison with Developed Nations: The report State-Specific Road Safety Plans, focusing on each
highlights India’s stark contrast with countries like State's unique challenges.
Sweden and other Scandinavian nations, where road ● Establishing a National Crash Surveillance System:
safety governance is advanced. Develop a real-time, GPS-based national crash
○ In 1990, an Indian was 40% more likely to die in a surveillance system that records road accidents and
road accident compared to someone in these provides immediate data on the location, time, and
14

countries. By 2021, this figure had risen to 600%, severity of crashes.

indicating a sharp rise in road fatalities.
Page

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD) project, ● The effectiveness of NIRF rankings depends heavily on
which aims to use digital tools to capture accident data the weightage assigned to different criteria. Currently,
and aid in analysis and intervention strategies. Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR) and Research
● Align India’s vehicle safety standards with the UN’s and Professional Practice (RP) receive higher weightage
Global Forum for Road Traffic Safety (WP.1) compared to Outreach and Inclusivity (OI).
guidelines, which encourage the adoption of ● Teaching vs. Research: The current weightage may
autonomous safety technologies. encourage institutions to prioritise research output over
quality teaching. This could lead to a "publish or perish"
How robust are institutional rankings for mentality, where the quantity of research is valued over
its impact or quality.
higher education?
● Predatory Journals and Plagiarism: The pressure to
News Excerpt GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV publish results in a rise of publications in predatory
The ninth National Institutional 2 1 7
8
journals, leading to ethical compromises like plagiarism.
Ranking Framework (NIRF) was 4 3 9
10
Lack of Academic Freedom
recently released. This article critically 6
5 11
M
● Academic freedom is vital for fostering critical inquiry
assesses the framework's various issues.
and innovation in education. However, it is not currently
NIRF and Its Purpose:
a criterion in the NIRF ranking system.
● The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF),
● Threats to Academic Freedom: Instances have been
introduced by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in 2015,
reported where faculty members were dismissed for
is a system designed to rank higher education
expressing their views, such as supporting the
institutions in India across 13 categories.
Palestinian cause or speaking out against the
● The ranking aims to foster healthy competition among
commercialisation of education, suggesting that
institutions, ultimately improving the quality of
academic freedom may not be fully protected in some
education in the country.
top-ranked institutions.
● The framework evaluates institutions based on various Issue of Inclusion and Diversity in Faculty
parameters, including:
● The NIRF considers Outreach and Inclusivity (OI) one
○ Teaching, Learning and Resources (TLR)
of its parameters. While the NIRF includes aspects such
○ Research and Professional Practice (RP)
as the percentage of students from other states or
○ Graduation Outcomes (GO)
countries, the percentage of women, economically and
○ Outreach and Inclusivity (OI)
○ Peer Perception (PP) socially challenged students, and facilities for
Concerns and Biases identified in NIRF physically challenged students, it does not address the
● Urban-Rural Divide: Institutions in urban areas may need for diversity among faculty.
have better resources and visibility, giving them an edge ● Lack of Faculty Diversity: Reports indicate that some
over rural institutions. top institutions like IITs and IIMs do not have a single
● Resource Availability: Well-funded institutions might faculty member from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled
score higher regardless of the actual quality of education. Tribes, or Other Backward Castes, and SCs, STs, and
● Research Output: There might be an overemphasis on OBCs together make up only 6% of the total faculty at
quantity over quality in research publications. IIMs.
● Inclusivity and Outreach: There are concerns about ● Global Comparisons: International rankings like Times
whether these aspects are adequately represented in the Higher Education (THE) and Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)
rankings. have historically focused on research output, teaching
● Regional Disparities: Institutions in certain regions may quality, and international reputation. While they consider
be unfairly disadvantaged. aspects of inclusivity through metrics like international
● Data Reporting and Standardization: Inaccuracies or diversity, they do not comprehensively address social
inconsistencies in data reporting can lead to unfair justice, ethics, or integrity.
rankings. Some institutions may engage in unethical Way forward
practices, such as inflating data to secure better rankings. ● Need for Reform in the NIRF Criteria: There is a call for
Issues such as data fabrication and unethical the MoE to modify the NIRF criteria to include aspects
competition have been reported, raising doubts about such as academic freedom, faculty diversity, and
the fairness of the rankings. ethical practices, which would make the rankings more
● Ethical Concerns: While some institutions consistently holistic and transformative.
● Incorporating Ethics and Social Responsibility:
rank in the top 10, questions arise about their true
Institutions should not only focus on academic
15

contribution to society and adherence to ethical

achievements but also on producing morally conscious
practices.
Page

Evaluation of NIRF’s Weightage System and community-oriented citizens.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24

guards, referred to as "night mates," will be deployed

The heavy shackles of fear and vigilance to protect women working night shifts.
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
● The gender ratio among security guards in hospitals
The brutal rape and murder of a 2
1 7
8
and government offices will be monitored, and staff will
woman doctor in Kolkata has led to 4
3 9
10
be subjected to breath tests as part of enhanced
the country finding itself, once again, 6
5
M
11
security checks.
Concerns about guidelines
engaged in a deep conversation on the safety of women in
● These guidelines raise questions about how it will
India.
enhance workplace safety.
Understanding and Addressing Women's Safety Issues
● This regressive approach risks sidelining women from
in India
the workforce rather than addressing the root cause of
● Women's safety in India has been a topic of deep
violence.
concern and national discourse for years, with recent ● With the labour force participation rate for urban
incidents once again highlighting the vulnerabilities women aged 15 and above in India at just 25.2% in
faced by women in various aspects of their lives. April-June 2024, both central and state governments
Perpetual State of Vigilance: A Psychological Toll on need to ensure that women in sectors like healthcare,
Women gig work, factories, call centres, and journalism can work
● One of the most pervasive issues women face in India is safely at all times and places.
the constant state of vigilance required to navigate daily ○ Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR): The labour
life. This ingrained alertness, often beginning in force participation rate is calculated by dividing the
childhood, forces women to assess their surroundings total labour force by the total working-age
continually, whether in public or private spaces. population, which includes individuals aged 15 to
● This psychological burden, while often unrecognised, 64.
shapes women's interactions with the world and ● Reducing their working hours will only result in losing
restricts their freedom and potential for growth. jobs and financial independence.
● This constant vigilance is not merely a response to Systemic Failure of Justice: A Reflection on Legal and
immediate threats but becomes a way of life. Women, Institutional Gaps
conditioned to prioritise safety over exploration, often ● Despite numerous legal reforms following high-profile
forgo opportunities that could enhance their personal cases, such as the 2012 Delhi gang rape, the criminal
and professional lives. justice system in India continues to fail women.
● The psychological strain of this lifestyle is profound, yet ● According to a government report, on average, one
it remains largely unaddressed by society, which woman reported a rape every 15 minutes across the
continues to place the onus of safety on women rather country in 2018. There were more than 31,000 reported
than creating safer environments. rapes in 2022, the latest year for which data are available.
● The burden of vigilance is exacerbated for women from ● As per the NCRB data, conviction rates for rapes were
marginalised communities, where gendered threats are 27%-28% from 2018 to 2022. This means that almost
compounded by caste, class, and religious 70% of rape cases in India end in acquittal.
discrimination. Healthcare Settings: A Microcosm of Societal Violence
Following the RG Kar case, the West Bengal government ● Violence within healthcare settings, particularly against
has issued guidelines under the 'Rattireer Sathi' initiative women, reflects broader societal issues. Healthcare
to ensure women's safety. workers, especially women from marginalised
Guidelines under the ‘Rattirer Shaathi backgrounds, face not only physical but also emotional
● In government services, such as hospitals, where and sexual violence.
women are required to work at night, multiple women ● The vulnerability of these spaces is heightened by
will now be assigned duties together to promote systemic issues such as underfunding, poor security,
teamwork. and a toxic work culture that disproportionately affects
● Women can download and use the 'Ratrir Sathi' app those lower in the power hierarchy, such as ASHA
on their mobile phones. This app features an alarm workers and resident doctors.
system that allows them to contact the nearest police ● Corruption in Healthcare is another critical issue that is
station directly in an emergency. exacerbating women's vulnerabilities. The World Health
● Efforts will also be made to minimise the need for
Organization estimates that corruption claims nearly
women to work night shifts.
$455 billion annually worldwide, more than it would
● Provide separate restrooms exclusively for women in
cost to extend universal health coverage to all.
workplaces and install CCTV surveillance in all areas.
16

Urban Planning and the Need for Gender-Inclusive Cities

● In government hospitals and offices involved in
● Women's safety is also closely linked to the design and
emergency services, female volunteers or security
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planning of urban spaces. Indian cities, traditionally

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
designed by and for men, often neglect the needs of ○ The BNSS mandates timely forensic examinations and
women, particularly those related to safe public clear deadlines for filing charge sheets. These
transport, affordable housing, and accessible care mechanisms need better implementation to ensure
infrastructure. swift justice.
● The current urban infrastructure prioritises wider roads ● Engendering Urban Planning: Urban development
and flyovers over safe sidewalks and public transit, projects should prioritise women’s safety through well-
leaving women, especially those from lower socio- lit streets, functional public transport, and safe public
economic backgrounds, vulnerable. spaces. The Nirbhaya Fund, set up after the 2012 Delhi
Film Industry gang rape, should be effectively utilised for such
● The release of the Justice Hema Committee report has gender-sensitive urban projects.
reignited discussions about the treatment of women in ○ The Safe Cities and Safe Public Spaces Global
the Malayalam film industry, calling for urgent reforms to Initiative by UN Women focuses on reducing sexual
address these systemic issues. violence and harassment in public spaces by
○ The Justice Hema Committee was formed in 2017 by improving infrastructure.
the Government of Kerala to study and report on
the working conditions, safety, and other issues Policy paralysis, a weakened public health
women face in the Malayalam film industry.
What does the Hema Committee report say?
sector
News Excerpt
GS C ON N EC T
● The Committee reported the existence of a casting GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

The recent Union Budget has been 2

1 7

couch (wherein powerful men demand sexual favours 8

critiqued for its inadequate focus on 4

3 9

from women in return for opportunities in films), 5

10
11

● Frequent suggestive and vulgar comments made by the social sector, specifically the public 6 M

men at the workplace and drunk male co-actors forcing health sector. The government's public health policies in the
themselves into rooms of women, among other things. last decade indicate severe paralysis without any real
● The fear of cyber harassment, especially from toxic fan prescription that addresses people's felt needs.
Introduction to Public Health Needs
clubs, as a means by which women are forced into
● Public health needs are complex and multifaceted,
silence.
influenced by socioeconomic factors, and defined in
● The report says that women staff on film sets continue
to remain at the mercy of open spaces or shared various ways, including felt needs (experienced by the
bathrooms to relieve themselves, often risking UTIs and population) and projected needs (determined by health
experts and policymakers).
hospital admission.
Way Forward ● These definitions shape how public health policies are
● Implementing Protection Laws: A law criminalising crafted and implemented. Public health policies are
attacks on healthcare personnel and protecting medical those decisions made by the government based on the
establishments from damage should be enacted and resources available to address people’s health needs.
enforced. Diversity and Perception of Health Needs Across Social
Strata
● The central government must pass the Healthcare
● Felt Needs of the Poor and Vulnerable
Service Personnel and Clinical Establishments
○ Diseases linked to poverty, such as tuberculosis,
(Prohibition of Violence and Damage to Property)
Bill, 2019 and better implement State laws. malaria, undernutrition, maternal death, and bouts of
illnesses due to food and water-borne infections
○ Taiwan’s legislation protecting healthcare workers
leading to typhoid, hepatitis, and diarrhoeal diseases
includes provisions for penalising physical violence
faced by the poor and the vulnerable.
and acts that hinder care delivery, serving as a
potential model for India. ○ These needs highlight the intersection of health
with rights and livelihood issues, making their
● Creation of Gender-Sensitive Workspaces: Film sets
prevention a significant challenge.
should ensure gender-sensitive infrastructure.
● Middle-Class Health Concerns
● Increasing Conviction Rates: Legal reforms should
○ Issues related to environmental pollution—air,
focus on improving the efficiency of investigations and
water, waste management, lack of drainage facilities,
trials. Police accountability must be emphasised, and
and failure to ensure healthy foods and eateries—
delays in filing FIRs and gathering forensic evidence must
threaten everyday lives, most of which are due to
be addressed.
poor infrastructure development and market
● Revamping Fast-Track Courts: It is critical to increase
regulations.
the number of fast-track courts, ensure they are fully
17

○ Chronic illnesses and conditions exacerbated by

staffed, and enforce strict timelines for legal
lifestyle factors also fall into this category.
Page

proceedings.
● Curative Care Needs
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
○ The three levels of curative care envisaged are commercialised medical care for their illnesses,
primary, secondary and tertiary. The poor and the incurring an expenditure at market rates.
vulnerable rely on primary healthcare institutions in ■ Thus, by monopolising the market for health
the public sector for primary-level care, as they are care, private hospitals pretend to offer services to
the most affordable and are closer to their places of the government at market rates while weakening
residence. Secondary-level care was historically public-sector health care and ensuring that the
neglected and is still inadequate against population remaining two-thirds of the population must
norms. Shortage of infrastructure, including health depend on them.
professionals in these facilities, aggravates the ● Transformation of Primary Health Centers
problem. Tertiary-care needs for curative care among ○ In 2018, sub-centres, PHCs, and CHCs were
the poor are the focus of the Pradhan Mantri Jan transformed into health and wellness centres
Arogaya Yojana (PMJAY) under Ayushman Bharat. (HWC). The proposal was to have a community
○ The ongoing policy debate centres around allocating health officer who would treat a rural population by
resources for these varying levels of care. completing a bridge course.
Historical Shifts in Public Health Policy ■ This has transformed the original mandate of
● From Commercialisation to Strengthening Public sub-centres from rendering outreach activity to
Health Care that which provides curative care.
○ The National Rural Health Mission (2005) and the ○ Doctoring gained its acceptance through its act of
National Health Mission (2013) marked a significant diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Instead, the
shift from the National Health Policy 2002, which proposal to equip a community health officer to
leaned towards commercialising healthcare. practise medicine minimally results in the new
○ These missions aimed to strengthen public sector professional becoming a dignified chemist.
health care through systemic architectural ○ The latest was a 2023 directive to rename all the
adjustments and better implementation of national HWCs (sub-centres, PHC, and CHC) to ‘Ayushman
health programs. Arogya mandir’. One could not find any clear
● Impact of Publicly Funded Health Insurance Schemes justifications for this name change. Several questions
(PFHI) arise on how this name is significant to a non-Hindi-
○ Introducing schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Jan speaking population.
Arogaya Yojana (PMJAY) under Ayushman Bharat Way Forward
2018 focuses on hospitalisation expenses and ● Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Healthcare
outsourcing certain care levels to the private sector. Delivery
○ The governments of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, ○ Introduce AI-driven tools in primary care under the
Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and others implemented PFHI National Digital Health Mission framework to
schemes as part of the overall strengthening efforts support diagnostics and disease management.
under the NHM. ○ Utilise machine learning for public health data
Critique of Current Health Policy and Infrastructure analysis, aligning with the National Health Policy
● Privatisation and Its Impact 2017, encouraging digital tools in health data
○ Health insurance coverage ideally implies covering all management and disease surveillance.
healthcare expenses globally. It is unique that India’s ● Community-Centric Health Initiatives
health insurance scheme covers only hospitalisation ○ Upgrade community health worker programs by
expenses. integrating technology tools, supported by training
■ This is based on the market logic that if 50 crore mandates outlined in the National Rural Health
people (12 crore households are the beneficiaries Mission and Ayushman Bharat program.
of PMJAY) are enrolled in the scheme, only 2.5 ○ Establish telehealth services guidelines per the
crore people will actually need hospitalisation Telemedicine Practice Guidelines issued by the
annually, as per epidemiological data. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
○ Outsourcing secondary and tertiary-care services to ● Public Participation in Health Governance
the private sector at market rates under the scheme ○ Local health councils should be formed, as the
is an open acknowledgement by the government of National Health Policy 2017 recommends. This
its failure and a lack of intention to strengthen the promotes decentralised health governance and
country's secondary- and tertiary-level public sector community participation.
health care. ● Strengthening Health Infrastructure
■ The implication is that the remaining 100 crore ○ Construct modular health facilities quickly in
18

population not covered under any government underserved areas, with support and regulatory
schemes are forced to have highly backing. These facilities should also serve as training
Page

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
centres, aligning with the Skill India Mission to Key features of the UPS:
enhance local capabilities in health care. x Assured Pension: This pension will be 50% of an
● Integration of Traditional and Modern Medicine employee's average basic pay during the last 12 months
○ Support integrative medicine initiatives under the before retirement, provided the employee has at least 25
Ayush Mission, which promotes traditional practices years of service. For shorter service periods, down to a
alongside modern medical treatments. minimum of 10 years, the pension amount will be
○ Establish centres of excellence for integrative reduced proportionately.
medicine per the National Medical Commission x Assured Minimum Pension: For those retiring with at
guidelines. least 10 years of service, the UPS guarantees a
● Policy and Financial Innovations minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per month.
○ Shift to outcome-based funding for health projects, x Assured Family Pension: In the event of a retiree's
in line with the National Health Policy 2017 which death, their immediate family will receive 60% of the
advocates for accountability and results-based retiree's last drawn pension.
financing. x Inflation Indexation: All three pensions will include
○ Engage in partnerships for pilot projects under the dearness relief, calculated based on the All-India
frameworks provided by the Public-Private Consumer Price Index for Industrial Workers, like
Partnership in Health Policy. what is provided to current employees.
● Health Bonds x Lump Sum Payment at Superannuation: In addition to
○ Introduce health impact bonds with regulations gratuity, retirees will receive a lump sum amounting to
developed in consultation with the Securities and 1/10th of their monthly emolument (pay + dearness
Exchange Board of India to ensure transparency allowance) for every six months of completed service.
and investor protection. How is this different from the current pension system?
○ These bonds should focus on critical health areas x Currently, government employees who joined service
identified under various national health programs, prior to January 1, 2004, are covered by what has come
such as the National Nutrition Mission and the to be known as the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) that was
National Disease Control Program. replaced by the NPS for employees who joined in or after
2004.
x The OPS also offered employees an assured pension
at 50% of last drawn salary, with dearness allowance
Why did the Centre alter its pension plan hikes added along the way, an assured family pension of
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV 60% of the last drawn pension, and a minimum pension
The Union Cabinet signed off on a 2 1 7
8 of ₹9,000 plus dearness allowances.
major shift in the approach for 4 x At the time of retirement, employees could commute
3 9
10

providing old age income security to 6

5 11
M 40% of the pension and receive it as a lumpsum.
Central government employees, setting the stage for a Moreover, for pensioners or family pensioners crossing
new Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to be launched on 80 years of age, an additional 20% pension is given,
April 1, 2025. with that number rising to 30% at 85 years, 40% at 90
More detail about news: years, and 50% at 95 years. Pension incomes are also
x About 23 lakh Central government
employees are expected to benefit from the
new scheme, while those employees who are
part of an ongoing pension scheme called the
National Pension System (originally called
the New Pension Scheme or NPS) will have a
one-time option to switch to the UPS.
x States have been given the option to bring their
employees under the UPS framework and will
need to work out the scheme’s funding from
their own resources.
x The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
announced by the government for central
government employees includes important
features of both the Old Pension Scheme (OPS)
19

and the National Pension System (NPS). It asks

central government employees to contribute to
Page

the UPS and offers an assured pension in return.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
revised in line with salary updates as per Pay incomes, and the stark contrast in fortunes for post-2004
Commission suggestions. workers vis-à-vis their predecessors.
x The last salary upgrade for government employees x However, in March 2023, the finance minister
kicked in from 2016, based on the Seventh Pay announced a committee to review the NPS for
Commission recommendations. government employees in a way that balances “their
x A critical difference between the OPS and NPS as well aspirations with fiscal prudence”.
as the UPS, is that its promises were funded straight off o This panel, headed by former Finance Secretary T.V.
the revenues of the government at the time of making Somanathan (now serving as Cabinet Secretary),
payouts. held wide consultations with employees and other
x So, the liabilities of the OPS were “unfunded”, with no stakeholders, and although its report has not been
contributions made by employees or the employer, as is made public yet, the switch to the UPS has been
the case with non-government formal sector employees informed by its parleys.
whose retirement savings are governed under the
Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Act.
The NPS, launched through an executive order by
the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government after years of
debate about the unsustainability of civil servants’
pension bills, did away with the defined benefits
system of the OPS and switched to a ‘defined
contribution’ pension regime.
x 10% of employees’ salaries were remitted to a
pension account with a matching contribution
from the employer (the Centre, or States as
almost all of them switched to the NPS after
2004). These funds were pooled and deployed in
market-linked securities, with the option of parking
some funds in equity markets, by pension fund
managers.
x At the time of retirement, employees were required
to buy an annuity (an insurance instrument that
provides a monthly income) with 40% of the
accumulated corpus in their NPS account and
withdraw the rest.
x The Centre had raised its contribution to the NPS
to 14% in 2019, but there was no element of
certainty offered on NPS members’ pension
incomes, like the OPS did. NPS members, including
How have employees and States reacted?
those who may have retired already, can now move to
x Central government employees have broadly welcomed
the UPS.
the UPS provisions as an acknowledgement of the NPS’
The UPS combines the defined benefit model of the OPS
problems, but there are still reservations about the
through its promised pension levels and other sops, with
contributory aspects of the UPS and the lack of a
the defined contribution NPS mechanism. While
employees’ contributions will be limited to 10% of salary commutation option like the OPS.
Way forward:
as is the case with NPS, the government will contribute
a higher 18.5% of salary to the pooled pension x To get input and resolve issues about the UPS,
accounts. continuous communication with government workers,
x The Centre will also have to bear any gap between the unions, and other
eventual earnings on these contributions, and its stakeholders is required. PEPPER IT WITH:
assured pension promises under the UPS. This could aid in Pay Commission, Dearness
x It is not clear at this point if the UPS will factor in future improving the plan. Allowance, All-India
Pay Commissions’ recommendations or offer higher x To assess how well the Consumer Price Index for
UPS is accomplishing its
pensions for those over 80 years of age, as the OPS did. Industrial Workers
Why did the government opt for a change? goals, the government
x Prior to, and after, its launch, the NPS regime had ought to create precise performance measures. Making
20

faced a strong pushback from government employees well-informed decisions regarding the necessary scheme
adjustments can be aided by routine monitoring.
Page

over the loss of any assurance about their likely pension

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
x It is important to carry out regular assessments to functions and functionaries for effective quality
make sure the plan is still financially feasible. Based on outcomes. Employment does not improve in isolation. All
these evaluations, the government contributions ought human development indicators achieve better when they
to be modified to preserve a balance between employee devolve and converge. Untied funds are transformational
benefits and financial responsibility. as communities make effective choices.
o India’s failures in public goods (education, health,
A ground plan for sustainable mass nutrition, environment, and sanitation) can
improve through such an approach. We need to put
employment in more money in these sectors, through
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV decentralised community action.
The recent Union budget 2 1 7
8 Education and employability:
announcement of five major 4
3 9
10 x Introduce need-based vocational courses/certificate
employment-related schemes is to 6
5 11
M
programmes alongside undergraduate programmes
have an ambitious ₹2 lakh crore outlay spread over five years (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com.) in every college. This has been
to facilitate jobs and skilling and other opportunities for 4.1 done in the past. It needs to be made compulsory in
crore youth. every college. Give them the resources to experiment.
About sustainable mass employment: o For example, there are some colleges in Mumbai
x Evidence points to the continuum of education and that provide certificate courses (with graduation)
skills. such as tourist guide, counsellor, and so on. This will
o Monthly per capita consumption is the highest in greatly improve employability on scale. Make
States such as Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, graduation programmes employable.
Goa and Sikkim. x Standardise nursing and allied health-care
o These States have better human development professional courses in all States according to
indicators as well. Odisha, despite pushing short international benchmarks. Nurses, geriatric caregivers,
duration skilling, has a low per capita consumption in and health paramedics are required on scale in and
the absence of robust higher outside India.
secondary/higher/vocational opportunities in o The biggest problem is the uneven quality of
institutions. institutions and the absence of a standardised
x Mass employment with dignity requires productivity course curriculum and duration. We need to
increases. standardise these skill sets to international standards.
o Like private sector, state also has a role in x Create community cadres of caregivers to run crèches
determining the floor rate of wages and in assuring universally so that women can work without fear. We
high quality public goods. have a four- to six-hour anganwadi service but the
o There is enough evidence that public employment number of infants is more than what a crèche caregiver
per unit of population in India is much lower than can manage. We need to create a community cadre of
what it is in most of the developed world. crèche caregivers, who can be paid by the local
Key policy initiatives in creating sustainable mass governments/women’s collective after intensive
employment:
training.
Skilling needs:
o The Community Resource Persons of the Rural
x Decentralised community action, to identify skilling
Livelihood Mission is a good model to follow.
needs. Ownership by a community of State programmes
Community cadres can have multiple livelihoods in
only comes through direct community action. The gram
agriculture, animal rearing, non-farm opportunities,
sabha or basti samitis in urban areas can play a critical
and retail shops.
role in taking government programmes to the people.
x Invest in Industrial Training Institutes (ITI),
o The steps can be as follows: Create a register of all
polytechnics as hubs in skill development for feeder
those wanting employment/self-employment. Create
schools. The absence of quality and up-to-date
a plan for every youth in partnership with
infrastructure in many ITIs, polytechnics, and Rural Self
professionals at the cluster level. Well-educated
Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) is a very
professionals are needed on fixed-term
critical gap in an age of upskilling and re-skilling.
appointments at the local government level, to
Institutions must be autonomous and community
ensure evidence-based outcomes. Make it the basis
managed. These technical institutions can also work as a
for finding skill providers and employers.
hub for feeder schools.
x Converge initiatives for education, health, skills,
o Schools must develop an equivalence framework
21

nutrition, livelihoods, and employment (at the local

for academic and vocational inputs in terms of
government level) with women’s collectives. This will
credits and hours. The focus should be on
Page

ensure community accountability, with untied funds,

States/districts with the least institutional structure
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
for vocational education. Tamil Nadu and industry jointly sponsor candidates for courses. Skill
Maharashtra have large capacity that has helped providers can be accredited after a rigorous assessment
manufacturing in those States. Human capital process. Candidates can be co-sponsored by the state
matters. and employers.
x Introduce enterprise and start-up skills through x Use 70% funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National
professionals in high schools. Schools need to Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in
introduce technology and enterprise as a subject at the 2,500 water-scarce blocks and blocks with high
upper primary/high school-level onwards. It is deprivation, with a thrust on the poorest 20 families.
important that experimentation and innovation with an Individual beneficiary schemes under MGNREGA allow
understanding of business processes are a part of the for livelihood security through income-generating
regular school curriculum. Visits by professionals to initiatives such as animal sheds, irrigation wells, work
schools can impart finishing skills to students; sheds, and so on. Focus on skills for higher productivity
employment / enterprise follows. of MGNREGA wage earners. Better wage rates will
x Co-sharing model of apprenticeships with industry facilitate lives of dignity on scale, in very poor regions.
on scale. This is critical as far as manufacturing sector x Apprenticeships on scale can facilitate the absorption
opportunities or even the services sector is concerned. of youth in a workplace. The scale must go up. The
Skilling costs must be shared with potential focus must be on skill acquisition or else it can get
employers as standalone government-funded skilling is routinised with a stipend being provided, merely as an
not always the best way forward. Unless industry has a incentive. The government’s condition for employer
stake in the apprenticeship, it does not work. subsidies in any form must always be for wages of
Capital loans and enterprises: dignity on successful completion of apprenticeship.
x Streamline
working capital
loans for women-
led
enterprises/first-
generation
enterprises to
enable them to
go to scale. The
lessons from the
lakhpati didis of
the Rural
Livelihoods
Mission bring out
the challenges in
getting working
capital loans. While
efforts to create
comprehensive
credit histories of
every woman
borrower is
underway,
technology can be Way Forward:
a great enabler in going to scale. x Retraining and upskilling are crucial for skill
o The Reserve Bank Innovation Hub and the development. Workers need to adjust as technology
National Rural Livelihoods Mission are trying to changes. Enhancing employability through lifelong
come up with innovations that give confidence to learning and vocational training should be the main goal
banks to lend on a higher scale. The success of the of government
Start Up Village Enterprise Programme (SVEP) PEPPER IT WITH:
initiatives.
under the NRLM brings out the importance of hand x The foundation Labor Force Participation Rate
holding, Community Enterprise Fund, and end-to- of our economy (LFPR), PLFS, Pradhan Mantri
22

end solutions for first generation entrepreneurs. is made up of MUDRA Yojana (PMMY), Worker
x Start a universal skill accreditation programme for MSMEs. Population Ratio (WPR),
Page

skill providing institutions, and let the state and Significant job
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
creation can result from supporting their expansion and ● Currently, arhar and maize are selling well above their
giving them access to managerial, technological, and official minimum support prices (MSP), which has
financial resources. encouraged farmers to plant these crops aggressively.
x Labor Reforms critical to guarantee respectable ● This should help ease inflation in pulses (arhar dal) and
working conditions, appropriate hours, just animal proteins (maize is a key ingredient in poultry
compensation, and safety precautions. Business and cattle feed) in the future.
profitability and worker rights must be balanced in ● On the other hand, farmers have planted less cotton,
labour laws. which is trading at prices close to its MSP.
x Investment in Vital Public Services in government ● Factors such as flat prices, long cropping duration,
must think of a whole economic package rather than and the risk of pest attacks have dampened
depending just on proddings. Long-term investments enthusiasm for cotton planting.
can boost general well-being and create jobs in vital ● Instead, farmers have shifted to crops like groundnut,
areas like infrastructure, healthcare, and education. soybean, and maize, which have shorter growth
periods, or paddy, where MSP is assured through
Why the worst of food inflation may be over government procurement.
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

Increased kharif crop planting due to 2

1 7
8

good monsoon and stable 4

3 9
10
5 11
international prices may help reduce 6 M

inflation in the coming months.

More detail about news:
● Retail food inflation remained above 8% for eight
consecutive months, from November 2023 to June
2024.
● However, in July, the year-on-year rise in the official
consumer food price index (CFPI) dropped to 5.4%,
down from 9.4% the previous month.
● The sharp decline, though, is a statistical illusion,
stemming from a high “base” inflation of 11.5% in July
2023.
● The monthly CFPI rise (July 2024 over June 2024), at 2.8%,
translates into an annualised inflation of 33.8%!
Significance of Food Inflation:
● In simple terms, food inflation remains a significant
challenge, eroding household incomes and curbing
spending on other goods. Global Food Prices:
● It also prevents the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from ● Global food inflation has been negatived since
lowering its policy interest rates. December 2022.
● Given that food accounts for a large portion of the ● The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture
average Indian's consumption, inflation is widely Organization’s food price index averaged 120.8
perceived in terms of rising food prices. points in July 2024, 3.1% lower than the same period
● Despite these challenges, there are two main reasons last year.
for cautious optimism. ● The index – a weighted average of the world prices of a
Favorable Monsoon: basket of food commodities over a base period value
● The Southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala on May 30, (taken at 100 for 2014-16) – is also 24.7% below its
slightly ahead of schedule. 160.3 points peak in March 2022 following Russia’s
● The overall favorable monsoon with well-distributed full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Even sharper is the
rainfall has led to increased acreage under most cereal price index’s fall, from 173.5 points in May 2022
kharif crops this year. to 110.8 points now.
● Farmers have planted more rice, pulses like arhar ● Although global and domestic food inflation have
(pigeon pea) and moong (green gram), maize, oilseeds recently moved in opposite directions, low
(soybean and groundnut), and sugarcane compared to international prices make imports more feasible.
23

both the corresponding period in 2023 and the normal

coverage for this time.
Page

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Low international prices reduce the risk of "imported
inflation" and can help cap domestic prices,
particularly for commodities like wheat, if imports are
permitted by lowering
duties. PEPPER IT WITH:
Way forward: CFPI, MSP, PDS, FAO’s
● Wheat stocks in Food Price Index, Price
government warehouses Stabilization Fund
stood at 26.812 million
tonnes on August 1, the third lowest for this date after
2022 and 2008.
○ However, rice stocks were the highest ever for
the same date, at 45.483 million tonnes.
● A strong monsoon and a good kharif crop could lead to
lifting export bans on non-basmati rice and sugar
and removing stock limits on pulses for traders and
retailers.
● The above-average rains so far have filled the
country’s major reservoirs to nearly 65% of their
total storage capacity, compared to last year’s 61%
and the 10-year average of 54%.
● This, along with the high probability of La Nina (El
Niño’s "cool cousin," associated with strong rainfall
in India) emerging during September-November and ○ If this momentum continues, India would be just in
persisting through the winter-spring months, is time to reach the 500 GW mark by 2030, given that
encouraging for the upcoming rabi cropping season renewable energy projects typically take up to two
as well. years to power up.
● According to the Centre for Energy Finance, an
initiative of the Council on Energy, Environment and
India’s green energy goals face stiff test
Water, around 95% of the bidding trajectory target
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
for 2023-24 was met, though only 47% of the bids
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
On 15 August, Prime Minister 2 1 7
8 resulted in successful auctions.
reaffirmed India's ambitious goal to 4 3 9
10 ○ Meanwhile, India holds its position as the world’s
achieve 500 gigawatts (GW) of non- 6 5
M
11
fourth-largest renewable power capacity, trailing
fossil-based energy capacity by only China and Brazil among emerging economies,
2030, covering renewables like solar, wind, biomass, and excluding hydropower plants.
small hydro power, alongside nuclear and large hydro
power.
More detail about news:
● Although the country missed its previous target of 175
GW of renewables by 2022, recent developments
suggest that India might still have a shot at reaching this
goal.
● As of July 2024, India’s renewable energy sources,
including large hydropower, have a combined
installed capacity of 197.20 GW.
Energy target:
● To meet this target, India needs to add an average of 46
GW of capacity annually until 2030—a formidable task
given the pace of the last few years. However, the
outlook is improving.
● In the first six months of 2024 alone, India added 15
GW, matching the entire capacity addition of 2023.
24

The government is also ramping up efforts, aiming to

invite bids for 50 GW of capacity additions annually Transition tightrope:
Page

until 2027-28.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● India also aims to power half of its energy capacity ● Meanwhile, segment-wise progress within
with renewables by 2030, a goal supported by renewables will also need to be watched: Solar has led
encouraging progress. the push so far, though low installation rates in the solar
● Thermal power (which largely relies on coal-fired rooftop sub-segment and the wind energy component
plants) now accounts for a 55% share in India’s overall were blamed by a parliamentary committee for India’s
capacity, down from 66% in 2017, while renewable failure to meet its 2022 target.
energy’s share has increased to 33% from 18%.
○ But while India's renewables sector is growing
rapidly, its increasing power demands as a
developing economy often lead it back to coal.
● According to the Global Energy Monitor, India
already has 240 GW operating coal power capacity,
and 97 GW is under development. Earlier this year, the
power ministry told Reuters that India would start
operating new coal-fired power plants totalling up to
13.9 GW this year, the biggest addition in six years.
● At COP28 last year, India and China abstained from
committing to tripling the global renewable energy
capacity by 2030, as the pledge called for a phase-down
of coal power.

Green budget:
● The Union budget plays a crucial role in setting the
tone for clean energy acceleration each year.
○ In line with this commitment, the 2024-25 budget
saw one of the largest and most significant
allocations towards central schemes and projects
under the ministry of new and renewable energy,
allocating ₹18,853 crore to renewable energy
initiatives, a 90% increase from the previous year
and 147% jump from the 2023-24 revised
estimates.
● This significant boost in the budget may highlight the
State pioneers: government's dedication, but a look at historical data
● While India pursues ambitious goals as part of its climate reveals a cautionary trend. Actual spending has often
pact on the global stage, only a handful of major states fallen short of the budgeted amounts in recent years,
lead this commitment. with 2022-23 being a notable exception.
○ As of July, Rajasthan and Gujarat are at the Way forward
x As India pursues its PEPPER IT WITH:
forefront with 28 GW and 27 GW of installed
ambitious 500 GW non- Green Budget, CoP28,
renewable capacity, respectively, followed by Tamil
fossil-based energy goal Green Energy Corridor,
Nadu (20 GW), Karnataka (17 GW), Maharashtra
by 2030, success will National Smart Grid
(13 GW), Andhra Pradesh (9 GW), and Madhya
Pradesh (7 GW). depend on developing a Mission, PM-Surya Ghar
● The government has announced transmission schemes balanced green grid, Muft Bijli Yojna
to integrate 66.5 GW of renewable energy generation advancing research and
across these states, with projects in various stages. development, and moving away from coal.
25

● The state-run Solar Energy Corp. of India Ltd has x Despite increased budgets and ongoing progress, these
identified potential zones in eight states for addition of challenges must be addressed swiftly to shape India’s
Page

181.5 GW. renewable energy future.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
x The implementation status of most of the projects points
The shock of crumbling infrastructure and to gaps in project management practices, especially in
urban infrastructure projects, including a lack of
the solution
comprehensive planning and management by urban
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
local bodies, and a lack of capacity of local self-
An under-construction bridge 21 7
8
government institutions.
collapsed over a stream of Bagmati 4 3 9
10
x All this results in an additional expenditure burden on the
and Lakhani rivers in Bihar’s 6
5 11

government, crowds out funding for more deserving

M

Muzaffarpur district.
projects and increases procurement costs.
More about news:
x It has also been observed that sufficient attention, time
x Reports on the collapse of a series of under-construction
and expertise are not devoted during the project
bridges in Bihar have highlighted the issues of quality
planning stage.
control and project implementation in infrastructure in PEPPER IT WITH:
Way forward:
India. GatiShakti, NLP,
x Traditional practices need an
x In some instances, these have been megaprojects. The overhaul: Smart Cities, PPP
number of such incidents where bridges have collapsed o Traditional project
could be 10 or even more. management practices require an overhaul to
Challenges to infrastructure sector:
integrate modern tools and techniques that involve
x One of the most common issues faced by most projects,
real-time data management and then crunching
particularly those that are government-sponsored, are
that data.
time delays and cost overruns.
o An enabling policy framework should consider global
x A report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme best standards on project management and prescribe
Implementation reveals that as many as 431
procedures/guidelines for effective project execution
infrastructure development projects, each with
in public sector and public-private partnership
investments of ₹150 crore or more, suffered a cost
projects.
overrun of ₹4.82 lakh crore, as of December 2023.
o Various countries have adopted multi-pronged
x Moreover, the percentage of delayed projects hit a
approaches to address these issues. In the United
three-year low in March this year.
Kingdom, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority
x Out of 779 projects delayed, 36% were running behind
has a special emphasis on the processes involved for
schedule for a period between 25 to 60 months, 26% for
project completion.
one to 12 months, 23% for 13 to 24 months, and 15%
o China, Saudi Arabia and a few other countries have
for over 60 months averaging a three-year delay.
set up similar agencies for end-to-end project
x Any industrial or commercial activity in India requires
deliveries.
multiple clearances from the time of conception to the
x A holistic “Program Management Approach”:
commissioning of the project.
o This involved a disciplined and systematic
coordination of human
resources, time, money,
and information to plan
and deliver multiple
projects in a unified
manner.
o It is typically
employed when the
mission involves
significant resource
expenditure and requires
the integration of diverse
activities.
x Setting up an
agency:
o Setting up an
agency to conduct
professional courses in
26

project management
Page

along the lines of The

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
and chartered engineers in various other
countries, will help in developing professional
ethics and responsibilities in project execution,
monitoring and oversight.

Women micro-savings
News Excerpt:
Recently, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor
Shaktikanta Das underscored GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
GS C ON N EC T

the widening gap between 2

1 7
8
3 9
credit and deposit growth as a 4 10
5 11
potential risk to the structural 6 M

liquidity of the country’s financial system.

Understanding the Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio
x The Credit-Deposit (CD) ratio is a critical measure of
banking stability. It indicates the proportion of
deposited funds banks have lent out as loans.
x A higher CD ratio implies that banks are lending
more than they receive in deposits, which can strain
liquidity and impact their ability to meet withdrawal women Aadhaar holders in India aged 18 and above. If
demands. each of these women saves ൟ500 per month, this could
x As of 12 July 2024, the CD ratio stood at 79.4%, reflecting generate total monthly savings of ₹25,800 crore,
a steady rise over the past three years. This increase amounting to nearly ൟ 3.1 trillion annually. This
signals that credit growth is outpacing deposit represents nearly 13% of the total deposit growth
growth, which is a cause for concern within the banking between 2022-2023 and 2023-2024.
industry. Way forward:
Impact of Declining Deposit Growth x Designing Products for Women’s Unique Needs
x Household savings are increasingly diverting from o Banks and financial institutions must innovate by
traditional bank deposits to mutual funds, stocks, and creating gender-intentional financial products to
other investment avenues. This trend reduces the inflow increase women's
PEPPER IT WITH:
of deposits into banks, limiting their ability to fund participation in
formal savings. CD ratio, Mahila Samman
loans and maintain liquidity.
o These products Savings Certificate (MSSC),
x Banks rely heavily on deposits as a stable, low-cost
should cater to Payment and Settlement
source of funds. The decline in deposit growth forces
women’s needs, System act
banks to resort to costly market borrowings and
increase deposit interest rates. However, these measures such as goal-based
are short-term fixes that do not address the underlying savings tied to personal or family aspirations and
issue. products that balance saving lock-ins with
Untapped Potential of Women as Depositors immediate liquidity options.
x Expanding the depositor base is a sustainable approach o Segmenting women based on income sources and
to bridging the credit and deposit growth gap. It is agency while incentivising BCs to accept small
crucial to engage segments of the population currently deposits can significantly boost women’s
not using formal saving services or cannot fully use them. participation in formal savings mechanisms.
o One significant untapped segment is women across x Behavioural Nudges and Financial Literacy
India. o Financial literacy and awareness programs tailored
x According to the World Bank’s Findex Survey 2021, to women’s needs can empower them to make
while 79% of Indian women have bank accounts, 32% of informed decisions about their savings and
these accounts are inactive. investments.
x Additionally, RBI’s report Deposits with Scheduled x Collaborations to Enhance Financial Inclusion
Commercial Banks (March 2023) reveals that women o Collaborative efforts between banks, non-
account for just 20.5% of total deposits, representing a governmental organisations, and community
groups are essential to bridging the knowledge gap
27

missed opportunity for women and the banking sector.

x Data from the Unique Identification Authority of India and fostering a culture of formal savings among
Page

(UIDAI) indicates that there are about 516 million women.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
o These partnerships can be pivotal in reaching x Many pensioners as they expected the government to
underserved segments and enhancing financial provide them with a pleasant surprise, just as it has done
inclusion. for its government staff, a unified pension scheme which
Issues faced by EPFO pensioners seeks to combine many features of the Old Pension
Scheme (OPS) and the New Pension Scheme (NPS).
News Excerpt:
Union government’s position:
GS C ON N EC T

Nearly 78 lakh Provident Fund (PF)

GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

x As regards the hike in minimum pension, the Centre has

1 7

pensioners across the country under 3

2 8
9
4 10 been citing financial constraints, though it has been
the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 6 5 11
M
increasing its allocation annually for the EPS-95.
(EPS-95) of the Employees’ Provident
x The government’s contribution to the Pension Scheme is
Fund Organisation (EPFO) will receive their pension
at the rate of 1.16% of the basic wages of employees,
through any bank, any branch from January 1, 2025.
apart from providing budgetary support to ensure the
More about news:
minimum pension payment. The Pension Scheme is also
x The Union Labour Ministry has cleared a proposal for the
getting funds through the transfer of 8.33% of the
Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS) for about
Provident Fund contributions by employers.
78 lakh pensioners under the Employees’ Pension
x On the issue of pension on higher wages, the EPFO was
Scheme, 1995. The new system enables pension
originally against it, as the body had contended that the
disbursement through any bank, any branch across the
EPS-95 was meant for economically weak workers, who
country.
had, proportionately, contributed more than the high
x By enabling pensioners to receive their pensions from
wage earners.
any bank, any branch, anywhere in the country, this
x The “reverse subsidy” was an “anomaly,” which was
initiative addresses the long-standing challenges faced
corrected by the modifications in 2014. Even now, its
by pensioners and ensures a seamless and efficient
stand has been that it cannot be liberal in granting
disbursement mechanism
Issues faced by Pensioners: pension on higher wages as this would affect the
sustainability of the Pension Fund.
x At present, if a pensioner decides to migrate, they have
to seek the transfer of Pension Payment Orders (PPO)
x However, till now, the fund has not witnessed any cash
flow problems, despite there being a projected actuarial
from one office to another.
x This has invariably resulted in complaints from deficit in the valuation. There has been a widespread
complaint that the PF body has been “unrealistic” in
pensioners about the delay in transfers, and subsequent
seeking very old documents from pensioners, members,
payments.
and employers.
x Moreover, pensioners can draw their monthly pension
Way forward: PEPPER IT WITH:
only through a group of three or four banks empanelled
x Apart from increasing CITES 2.01, PPO, OPS vs
with the EPFO at every zone or region.
its contributions NPS, Employees’ Deposit-
About new arrangement:
x The CPPS would ensure disbursement of pension substantially to the Linked Insurance Scheme
throughout India without any need for transfer of EPS-95 and revising
Pension Payment Orders from one office to another even upwards the ceiling for PF contributions from ₹15,000
when the pensioner moves from one location to another which was fixed 10 years ago, the Union government
or changes the bank or branch. should implement the idea floated by former Union
x This would be a great relief to pensioners who move to Finance Minister during his Budget speech in February
their hometown after retirement. 2015, that an option be given to employees to invest in
x This facility will be launched as part of EPFO’s ongoing
the EPF or the NPS, a move which will take care of the
IT modernisation project Centralized IT Enabled
issue of returns on investment.
System (CITES 2.01) from January 1, 2025. In the next
phase, CPPS will enable a smooth transition to the x This is not to overlook the fact that since 2015, the EPFO
Aadhaar-based payment system. There will be no need has been investing in exchange-traded funds (ETF), as
for pensioners to visit the branch for any verification at notified by the Union Labour Ministry.
the time of commencement of pension and the pension x The exclusion of the applicability of EPS-95 to those who
shall be immediately credited upon release. joined after September 1, 2014, and earned more than
x EPFO expects a significant cost reduction in pension the ceiling has to be removed, making pension eligible
disbursement after moving to the new system. to all employees, regardless of the pay.
Demands of the pensioners:
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation:
x Trade unions and even Members of Parliament, cutting
xEPFO ranks among the globe's premier Social Security
across party affiliations, have been urging the
28

Organizations, distinguished by its vast clientele and the

government to hike the minimum pension amount of magnitude of financial transactions it manages.
Page

₹1,000.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24

xThe inception of the Employees' Provident Fund dates ○ The fund will now cover integrated primary and
back to the enactment of the Employees' Provident Funds secondary processing projects.
Ordinance on November 15, 1951, which was ○ However, standalone secondary projects will not be
subsequently replaced by the Employees' Provident eligible and will instead be covered under the
Funds Act of 1952. Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI)
xMission: schemes.
o To meet the evolving needs of comprehensive social ● PM KUSUM Component-A:
security in a transparent, contactless, faceless and ○ The AIF will now align with Component-A of the
paperless manner. PM-KUSUM scheme to promote sustainable clean
o To ensure Nirbadh services with multi-locational and energy solutions alongside agricultural
auto claim settlement process for disaster proofing infrastructure development.
EPFO. ○ This alignment will benefit farmers, groups of farmers,
o To ensure ease of living for members and pensioners, FPOs, cooperatives, and panchayats.
and ease of doing business for employers by leveraging ● NABSanrakshan:
Government of India’s technology platforms for ○ In addition to the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for
reaching out to millions. Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE), the AIF
xThe Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is credit guarantee coverage for FPOs will be extended
under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour
through NABSanrakshan Trustee Company Pvt.
and Employment.
Ltd.
○ This extension aims to boost FPOs' financial security
and creditworthiness, encouraging more
investments in agricultural infrastructure.
Centre Expands Agricultural Infrastructure Progress of the AIF:
Fund ● So far, ൟ 47,575 crore has been sanctioned for 74,508
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T projects under the AIF. These projects have attracted an
investment of ൟ 78,596 crore in the agriculture sector,
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
The Union Cabinet approved 21 7
8

measures to make the Agricultural 4 3 9 with ൟ78,433 crore coming from private entities.
10

Infrastructure Fund (AIF) more 6

5
M
11 ● The projects have also generated over 8.19 lakh rural
appealing, impactful, and inclusive. jobs in the agriculture sector.
More detail about News: ● Since its launch by the Prime Minister in 2020, the AIF
● The Cabinet expanded the AIF, a ൟ1 lakh crore scheme. has increased the country's storage capacity by about
The revised scheme will now provide financial support 500 lakh metric tonnes (LMT).
to Farmers' Producers Organisations (FPOs) to ● This includes 465 LMT of dry storage and 35 LMT of
improve their financial security and creditworthiness. cold storage, enabling the annual preservation of 18.6
● These changes are meant to make AIFs more attractive LMT of food grains and 3.44 LMT of horticulture produce.
and help expand Way Forward:
agricultural ● Strengthening FPOs: Provide training and capacity
infrastructure across building programs to FPOs to enhance their
the country. management skills and financial literacy.
Key Changes to the AIF ○ Support the development
Scheme Include: of infrastructure for FPOs, PEPPER IT WITH:
● Viable Farming such as warehouses, cold PM KUSUM, AIF,
Assets: storage facilities, and FPOs, Supply Chain
○ All eligible processing plants. linkage in Agriculture
beneficiaries can ○ Facilitate market access
now develop for FPOs to help them sell
infrastructure their products at fair prices.
projects for ● Integration with Other Government Schemes: Explore
community opportunities for synergy between the AIF and other
farming. government schemes related to agriculture, such as the
○ This move aims to PM Kisan Samman Nidhi and the National Agricultural
improve Market (e-NAM).
productivity and ○ Ensure that the AIF provides complementary support
29

sustainability by to other government initiatives to create a

enhancing community farming capabilities.
Page

● Integrated Processing Projects:

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
comprehensive ecosystem for agricultural ● India’s real per capita income increased by 41% from
development. 2011-12 to 2021-22 and is projected to accelerate
● Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a robust further. However, the expenditure elasticity post-2023
monitoring and evaluation framework to track the is anticipated to be lower, correlating a 5% rise in per
progress of AIF-supported projects and assess their capita expenditure to a 2% growth in demand. The
impact on the agricultural sector. anticipated food demand will vary among commodities,
○ Use data and evidence to inform decision-making with meat demand growing by 5.42% and rice demand
and identify areas for improvement. by a mere 0.34%.
● Sustainability: Ensure that AIF-supported projects are Initiatives by Government:
environmentally sustainable and contribute to climate ● The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-
resilience. KISAN):
○ Prioritize projects that have a positive social impact, ○ The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-
such as improving the livelihoods of small and KISAN), launched in 2019, disburses ₹6,000 annually
marginal farmers. to farmers in three instalments.
○ This scheme has already benefited over 11.8 crore
farmers, offering much-needed financial support.
The road to 2047 for Indian agriculture ● Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme:
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV ○ Another critical initiative, the Soil Health Card (SHC)
India’s centennial year of 2 1 7
8 scheme, aims to optimise soil nutrient use, thereby
independence is still away, in 2047, 4 3 9
10 enhancing agricultural productivity.
but the goal of becoming a developed 6
5 11
M
○ Over 23 crore SHCs have been distributed, providing
nation looms large. This necessitates a comprehensive farmers with crucial insights into soil health and
development approach, especially in agriculture. nutrient management.
More about the News: ● The government also championed the International
● Transforming Indian agriculture depends on adopting Year of Millets in 2023, promoting nutritious coarse
sustainable practices that ensure long-term productivity grains, both domestically and internationally.
and environmental health. ● The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, with a ₹1 lakh
● Precision farming, genetically modified crops, and crore financing facility, supports the development and
advanced irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler modernization of post-harvest management
systems are leading this transformation. infrastructure. Within three years, over 38,326
projects have been sanctioned, mobilizing
₹30,030 crore in the agricultural
infrastructure sector. These projects have
created employment for more than 5.8 lakh
individuals and improved farmer incomes by
20%-25% through better price realization.
● Moreover, the Survey of Villages and
Mapping with Improvised Technology in
Village Areas (SVAMITVA) initiative aims to
ensure transparent property ownership in
rural areas. As of September 2023, over 1.6
crore property cards have been generated,
enhancing land security and facilitating credit
Need of Growth in Agriculture sector: access for farmers.
● According to United Nations projections, India’s Strategic planning:
population is expected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030 and ● The government’s strategic planning for agriculture,
1.59 billion by 2040. leading up to 2047, focuses on several key areas:
○ Following the agricultural challenges, meeting the ○ Anticipated future demand for agricultural products,
food requirements of this burgeoning population will ○ Insights from past growth catalysts,
be imperative. ○ Existing challenges, and
● With an estimated expenditure elasticity of food at 0.45, ○ Potential opportunities in the agricultural landscape.
the demand for food is expected to grow by ● Projections indicate that the total demand for food
approximately 2.85% annually, considering the grains in 2047-48 will range from 402 million tonnes to
30

population growth rate of 0.85%. 437 million tonnes, with production anticipated to
exceed demand by 10%-13% under the Business-As-
Page

Usual (BAU) scenario.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● However, to meet this demand sustainably, significant country in nearly five decades. This visit forms a key part of
investments in agricultural research, infrastructure, and a broader diplomatic mission, including a trip to Ukraine.
policy support are required.
● The Budget for 2024-25, with an allocation of ₹20 lakh
crore for targeted agricultural credit and the launch of
the Agriculture Accelerator Fund, highlights the
government’s proactive approach to fostering
agricultural innovation and growth.
Way forward:
x Sustainable Practices: Promote organic farming to
enhance soil health, reduce chemical pollution, and
improve the quality of agricultural products. Utilize
precision agriculture techniques to optimize resource
use, reduce waste, and improve yields. Implement
integrated pest management practices to control pests
and diseases while minimizing the use of harmful
chemicals.
x Technological Innovations: Invest in research and
development to develop and adopt new agricultural
technologies, such as genetically modified crops and
Key highlights of the visit
biofertilizers. Promote the use of renewable energy
● Strategic Partnership: Both countries have upgraded
sources in agriculture to reduce dependence on fossil
their ties to the level of a "strategic partnership."
fuels and improve energy efficiency. Leverage digital
● Five-Year "Action Plan" (2024-2028): During the talks
technologies, such as IoT, AI, and big data analytics, to
between Prime Minister Modi and Polish Prime Minister
improve decision-making and optimize agricultural
Donald Tusk, the two leaders unveiled a five-year "Action
practices.
Plan".
x Infrastructure Development: Expand cold storage
○ This plan identifies key areas for cooperation,
facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure the
including defence, trade, agri-tech, energy, green
availability of fresh produce throughout the year.
technologies, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and
Develop modern market infrastructure, including
mining.
wholesale markets and retail outlets, to facilitate the
● Defence Cooperation: Both sides recognised the need
efficient marketing of agricultural products. Improve
to strengthen and deepen cooperation in the defence
transportation infrastructure, such as roads and
sector. Poland is eager to be a key partner in India’s
railways, to reduce transportation costs and improve
efforts to boost domestic defence production and
market access for farmers.
modernise its armed forces.
x Policy Reforms:
PEPPER IT WITH: ● Social Security Agreement: This agreement aims to
Implement land reforms to
Agriculture accelerator promote the mobility of the workforce between India
address land
fund, NeGP-A, PM and Poland and ensure the welfare of workers from both
fragmentation and
KISAN, nations.
improve land ownership
● Wreath-Laying Ceremony: Prime Minister Modi laid a
rights for farmers. Provide
wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Warsaw,
price support mechanisms to protect farmers from price
a significant monument dedicated to the unknown
fluctuations and ensure a fair return for their produce.
soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Poland.
Improve access to credit for farmers, particularly small
○ It is one of many such national tombs of unknowns
and marginal farmers, to invest in agricultural inputs and
erected after World War I and the most important
infrastructure.
monument in Poland.
● Interaction with Polish Indologists: Prime Minister
Modi had a fruitful exchange with prominent Polish
Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Poland Indologists who have significantly contributed to
studying Indian culture, language, and arts.
News Excerpt GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
● Meeting with Gawel Lopinski, CEO of Billenium Pvt
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit 1 7
2 8
Ltd: Prime Minister Modi met with Gawel Lopinski, the
to Poland marks the first time an
31

3 9
4 10
CEO of Billenium Pvt Ltd, a prominent Polish IT company
Indian prime minister has visited the
5 11

with a notable presence in Pune, India.

6 M
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
○ During this meeting, Modi highlighted India’s growth year-on-year increase of 57%. This positive trend
story, which is driven by a favourable investment persisted, with exports from Poland to India reaching
climate and the ‘Make in India’ program. EUR 1.5 billion and imports EUR 3.868 billion the
○ He discussed opportunities for business collaboration following year.
between India and Poland, particularly in new and ● Industries and Investments
emerging technologies, AI, cybersecurity, and the ○ The southern Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, and
digital economy. Tamil Nadu are crucial centres for modern
India-Poland Bilateral Relations technology and industry. Indian companies have
● 2024 marks the 70th anniversary of establishing invested in Poland, particularly IT, biotechnology, and
diplomatic relations between Poland and India. electronics. These companies employ around 10,000
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were Polish workers and invest over USD 3 billion.
formally established in 1954, leading to the opening of ○ Polish companies have also established a presence
the Indian Embassy in Warsaw in 1957. in India, investing in the automotive, dairy, and
● The relations were cordial after Poland joined the packaging sectors.
European Union in 2004, becoming a key economic ○ The collaboration between companies such as
partner for India in Central Europe. UFLEX, Tata Consultancy Services, and others
○ The top Indian exports to Poland include textiles, demonstrates the potential for further economic
base metals, chemical products, and machinery. cooperation.
Meanwhile, Poland exports machinery, mineral ● Defence and Security Ties
products, base metals, and chemical products to ○ Given the changing global security environment,
India. Poland and India have the potential to expand their
Convergence of Interests of Poland and India defence and security cooperation significantly.
● Historic Ties and Symbolic Gestures ○ India is gradually increasing its arms purchases from
○ Poland and India share several historical connections, the West and bolstering its self-sufficiency in the
such as the Maharaja of Jamnagar Jam Saheb defence sector. Poland could play a key role in this
Digvijaysinhji Ranjitsinhji Jadeja, who provided transition by offering military equipment and
refuge to Polish women and children during World expertise.
War II, and the joint efforts of Poles and Indians in the ● Diaspora
Battle of Monte Cassino. ○ The Indian community in Poland is estimated at
○ Poland also played a pivotal role in helping India approximately 25,000, consisting of traders,
evacuate its 4,000 Indian students from Ukraine professionals, and students. Over 100 Indian
during the onset of the Russian invasion in early 2022. restaurants across Poland also mark the Indian
● India's Rising Global Influence presence.
○ India is now the fifth-largest economy in the world Potential challenges that could arise
and is poised to become the third-largest soon. As ● Diverging Foreign Policy Interests
a key player in the Indo-Pacific region, India navigates ○ India and Poland may have different foreign policy
the complex dynamics of a systemic rivalry between priorities, particularly in their relationships with major
China and the United States. powers like the United States, Russia, and China.
○ This has increased India's global responsibilities and ■ For example, India’s longstanding ties with
necessitated a more active engagement on the Russia, especially in the defence sector, might
international stage. conflict with Poland's position as a member of
● Poland's Strategic Role in Europe NATO and its strong alignment with Western
○ Poland, the sixth-largest economy in the European powers.
Union and 21st globally, has become a pivotal player ■ Such differences could create friction in how both
in European security, especially in Russia's countries perceive and respond to global
aggression in Ukraine. conflicts, such as the Ukraine war.
○ As NATO's leading country on the eastern flank and ● Competition in Emerging Markets
a hub for Western operations in Ukraine, Poland plays ○ India and Poland want to expand their economic
a crucial role in shaping the new European security influence in emerging markets, particularly IT, green
architecture. technologies, and manufacturing sectors.
● Economic and Trade Relations ○ This could lead to competition, especially in markets
○ In 2019, India was Poland's 28th largest trading where both countries seek to establish a strong
partner, ranking 40th in exports (0.3%) and 25th in presence.
32

imports (0.8%). However, by 2021, bilateral trade had ● Human Rights and Domestic Policies
reached US$ 4.3 billion, representing a significant
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
○ Differences in how countries approach human ○ With Europe’s largest ship design office and
rights, democracy, and governance could lead to advanced shipyards, Poland could become a key
diplomatic challenges. partner in India’s maritime development.
○ For example, Poland, as an EU member, might align ● Investment Opportunities in Land Infrastructure:
with EU positions on human rights and democratic India’s extensive land infrastructure projects, including
governance, which could sometimes contrast with roads and rail lines, expanded through industrial
India's positions on these issues, especially regarding corridors, present enticing opportunities for Polish
its internal matters like Kashmir or its handling of investors.
religious and ethnic diversity. ● Supporting Democratic Principles and International
● Diplomatic Sensitivities in International Forums Law: Poland views it as in India’s interest to support the
○ In international forums like the United Nations or the democratic world in its struggle against neo-imperialism
World Trade Organization, Poland and India may and military aggression.
sometimes find themselves on opposing sides of ○ Poland’s endorsement of India’s ambitions to secure
debates or resolutions. a permanent seat on the UN Security Council
○ Poland’s membership in the EU and NATO might underscores the importance of shared democratic
conflict with India’s stance on non-alignment, values in their partnership.
sovereignty, and regional conflicts. Such ● Signing an India-EU Trade and Investment
differences could create diplomatic sensitivities. Agreement: This agreement would strengthen
● Environmental Standards and Cooperation economic ties and enhance Poland’s reputation in India
○ As both countries look to expand industrial and as a key gateway to the European market.
infrastructural cooperation, differences in
environmental Prime Minister Modi's Visit to Ukraine
standards could create PEPPER IT WITH: News Excerpt GS C ON N EC T

challenges. EU, FTA, NATO, WWI,

GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

Prime Minister Modi made a historic 2 1 7

○ Poland’s adherence to
8
European Aviation Hub visit to Ukraine at the invitation of 4
3 9

EU environmental
10

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This 6

5 11

might
M
regulations
marked the first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to
sometimes conflict with India’s industrial and
Ukraine since the two countries established diplomatic
infrastructural development goals, leading to
relations in 1992.
potential disagreements in joint projects or trade
agreements.
Recommendations for Poland–India Relations
● Joint Development in Emerging Technologies:
There is significant potential for collaboration in
emerging technologies such as hydrogen-related
technologies, green technologies, space sector
solutions, and climate-friendly mining.
○ By pooling resources and expertise, Poland and
India can lead the development of these critical
technologies, which are vital for future economic
and environmental sustainability.
● Direct Air Connections: Poland’s aspiration to create
a new European aviation hub aligns well with India’s
expanding aviation infrastructure. Passenger traffic is
growing at 15% annually, and strengthening these air
links will further enhance bilateral relations.
● Collaboration in Maritime Infrastructure: India’s
Sagarmala maritime infrastructure expansion
program offers a significant opportunity for Key highlights of the visit
collaboration. The program provides subsidies for Political Relations
ecological ports and shipyards, creating a unique ● Elevating Bilateral Relations: During their discussions,
opening for Polish companies, particularly those with both leaders expressed a mutual interest in elevating the
ship design and construction expertise. relationship between India and Ukraine from a
33

comprehensive partnership to a strategic partnership

in the future.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Review of Bilateral Engagements: Notable interactions technological cooperation, encouraging further
included meetings at the G7 Summits in Apulia (June exchanges in ICT, AI, machine learning, biotechnology,
2024) and Hiroshima (May 2023), the visit of Ukraine’s green energy, and earth sciences.
Foreign Minister to New Delhi in March 2024, and ○ The 8th Meeting of the Joint Working Group on
multiple discussions between Indian and Ukrainian Scientific and Technological Cooperation, held in
officials, including the 9th round of Foreign Office June 2024, was highlighted as a key milestone.
Consultations held in Kyiv in July 2023. ● BHISHM Cubes: India provided Ukraine Bharat Health
● Participation in Key Summits: The leaders appreciated Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) cubes under
Ukraine’s participation in significant Indian events, such ‘Aarogya Maitri’ project.
as the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024 and the ○ BHISM cubes are innovative portable hospitals and
Raisina Dialogue 2024, further enhancing mutual are designed to provide rapid medical assistance in
understanding, trust, and cooperation. emergencies
Ensuring a Comprehensive, Just, and Lasting Peace Defence Cooperation
● Commitment to International Law: Prime Minister ● Strengthening Defence Ties: They discussed joint
Modi and President Zelenskyy reiterated their collaborations and partnerships for manufacturing in
commitment to upholding principles of international law, India and cooperation in emerging defence areas. The
including respect for the territorial integrity and sides agreed to hold the 2nd meeting of the Indian-
sovereignty of states, as enshrined in the UN Charter. Ukrainian Joint Working Group on Military-Technical
● India’s Role in Peace Efforts: India’s participation in the Cooperation soon.
Summit on Peace in Ukraine, held in Burgenstock, Cultural and People-to-People Ties
Switzerland, in June 2024, was acknowledged as a ● Cultural Exchanges: They emphasised sustaining and
positive step toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict. expanding these exchanges through scholarships and
● Global Food Security and Humanitarian Initiatives: educational opportunities.
The leaders emphasised the importance of ensuring ● Indian Diaspora: The Indian side expressed gratitude for
global food security and appreciated efforts like Ukraine’s support during the evacuation of Indian
Ukraine’s humanitarian grain initiative. students in 2022 and requested continued assistance in
● India’s Call for Practical Engagement: Prime Minister providing easier visa and registration facilities.
Modi reiterated India’s position on the need for sincere ● Ukraine’s Reconstruction: The leaders discussed the
and practical engagement among all stakeholders to potential involvement of Indian companies in Ukraine’s
develop innovative solutions for an early restoration of reconstruction and recovery efforts.
peace. ○ The conclusion of an MoU on High-Impact
Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation Community Development Projects between the
● Expanding Economic Ties: The leaders discussed two countries was seen as a positive step towards
enhancing cooperation in trade, commerce, agriculture, mutually agreed-upon development projects.
pharmaceuticals, defence, education, science, ● Condemnation of Terrorism and Support for UN
technology, and culture. Reforms: Both leaders condemned terrorism and
● Intergovernmental Commission (IGC): The Indian- extremism in all forms and called for comprehensive
Ukrainian IGC was highlighted as a vital platform for reforms of the UN Security Council to reflect
facilitating a stronger economic partnership. contemporary global realities.
○ The leaders appreciated the review of the IGC during ○ Ukraine reiterated its support for India’s bid for
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister’s visit to India in March permanent membership in a reformed and
2024 and stressed the importance of early convening expanded Security Council.
the 7th Session of the IGC in 2024. ● Cooperation on Global Initiatives: India looked
● Cooperation in Agriculture and Pharmaceuticals: forward to Ukraine joining the International Solar
Both sides reaffirmed their desire for greater market Alliance (ISA), furthering cooperation on global energy
access, joint ventures, and cooperation in testing, initiatives.
inspection, and registration procedures. India-Ukraine Bilateral Relations
○ The leaders welcomed signing an MoU on ● Diplomatic Relations: India and Ukraine share a long-
pharmaceutical cooperation and the successful standing relationship underpinned by strong diplomatic,
virtual meeting of the Indian-Ukrainian Joint economic, and cultural ties. Diplomatic relations were
Working Group on Pharmaceutical Cooperation in established in 1992, and both countries have built a
August 2024. multifaceted partnership.
● Advancing Scientific and Technological ● Economic and Trade Relations: Bilateral trade between
34

Collaboration: The leaders noted the successful India and Ukraine has grown significantly over the past
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
25 years, reaching USD 3.386 billion in the financial year Russia, especially in the defence and energy sectors,
2021-22. poses a significant challenge to its ties with Ukraine.
○ Major Exports from Ukraine to India: Agricultural ○ Differing International Alignments: Ukraine is
products, Metallurgical products, Plastics and closely aligned with Western powers, particularly the
polymers. European Union and NATO, whereas India has
○ Major Exports from India to Ukraine: traditionally maintained a non-aligned stance.
Pharmaceuticals, Machinery, Chemicals, and Food ● Economic Challenges
products. ○ Impact of Global Sanctions on Russia: Global
○ Several Indian companies, particularly in the sanctions on Russia can indirectly affect India-Ukraine
pharmaceutical sector, have established a strong trade relations. For instance, Indian businesses
presence in Ukraine. The Indian Pharmaceutical might face difficulties navigating sanctions while
Manufacturers’ Association in Ukraine is a notable trying to maintain economic ties with Ukraine and
example. Russia.
● Cultural Relations: Indian culture has garnered ○ Investment Uncertainties: The conflict in Ukraine
significant interest in Ukraine, particularly in dance, yoga, has created uncertainties for potential Indian
philosophy, Ayurveda, and spirituality. investments in the country.
○ Over 30 Ukrainian cultural associations and groups ● Diplomatic and Strategic Challenges
actively promote Indian art forms, especially dance, ○ Navigating Ukraine's Expectations: Ukraine may
through festivals and classes. expect stronger diplomatic and economic support
● Diaspora: The Indian community in Ukraine, though from India in its conflict with Russia. However, India’s
small, is vibrant and mostly comprises business cautious stance, aimed at balancing its relationships,
professionals and students. Indian professionals are might not fully meet Ukraine’s expectations,
mainly involved in manufacturing, packaging, trading, potentially leading to diplomatic challenges.
and the service industry. Way forward
Evolving Indian Attitudes Toward Ukraine ● Strengthening
● Shifting Diplomatic Language: At the time of Russia's Diplomatic Dialogue
PEPPER IT WITH:
annexation of Crimea in 2014, Indian officials appeared ○ Establish Regular
High-Level International Solar
to justify Russia's actions by stating that it had
Consultations: These Alliance, UN Charter,
"legitimate interests" in Ukraine.
meetings can serve as UN Security Council,
○ However, such messaging is now considered
platforms for aligning Raisina Dialogue
counterproductive in Delhi, as India seeks to project
itself as a global leader with a balanced and their positions on
principled foreign policy. global issues, coordinating their diplomatic efforts,
● India's Strategic Shift: As an aspiring economic and managing any bilateral tensions that may arise,
superpower, India cannot afford to be perceived as especially concerning their relationships with Russia.
overly aligned with the Kremlin. ○ Expand Multilateral Cooperation: Both countries
○ The visit to Kyiv demonstrated India's openness to should look for opportunities to collaborate in
engaging more with Ukraine and other regional multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, G20,
powers. This reflects a broader strategy to diversify and other international bodies and find common
its international partnerships and reduce reliance ground on global issues like climate change,
on any single country, particularly in the defence peacekeeping, and international security.
● Enhancing Economic Cooperation
sector.
● Role of People-to-People Contacts: People-to-people ○ Ease of Doing Business: Both countries could
connections also strengthen India-Ukraine relations. enhance the ease of doing business, including
Ukraine is home to a large community of Indian students simplifying trade procedures, reducing tariffs, and
removing non-tariff barriers.
and a growing Indian diaspora who have shared positive
life experiences in Ukraine. ○ Leverage Ukraine’s Reconstruction Efforts: India
○ These narratives contrast sharply with reports of could be proactive in Ukraine's post-conflict
Indian citizens being lured to Russia to fight in reconstruction. Indian companies, particularly in the
construction, infrastructure, and technology sectors,
Ukraine, an issue that Modi reportedly raised during
his talks with Zelenskyy. could be encouraged to participate in rebuilding
Challenges in India-Ukraine Ties efforts.
● Geopolitical Challenges ● Strengthening Defense and Security Cooperation
35

○ India's Relationship with Russia: India’s ○ Expand Defense Collaboration: Areas such as drone
technology, cybersecurity, and defence
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longstanding and deep-rooted relationship with

manufacturing could be focal points for
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
collaboration, aligning with India’s push for self- Agenda for Sustainable Development, including its 17
reliance in defence. goals.
○ Conduct Joint Military Exercises: Both countries ● The UN framework convention is expected to create an
could benefit from joint military exercises and inclusive, fair, transparent, efficient, equitable, and
training programs that enhance interoperability and effective tax system that supports sustainable
share best practices. development across economic, social, and
● Promoting Cultural and Educational Exchanges environmental dimensions.
○ Expand Educational Collaborations: Both countries ● It will likely include commitments to equitable taxation
should explore partnerships between their of multinational companies, tackling tax evasion and
educational institutions, including student exchange avoidance by high-net-worth individuals, and ensuring
programs, joint research projects, and establishing their effective taxation in relevant Member States.
university branches. ● The framework will also be accompanied by two legally
○ Support for the Indian Diaspora: It will be crucial to binding protocols, one of which will address the
continue supporting the Indian diaspora in Ukraine, taxation of income from cross-border services in an
including ensuring their safety and facilitating their increasingly digitalised and globalised economy.
integration into Ukrainian society. How can a UN Tax Treaty help the Global South?
● Strengthening Humanitarian Cooperation: ● An inclusive tax cooperation framework can effectively
○ Collaborate on Humanitarian Aid: India’s address the need to strengthen domestic resources,
experience providing humanitarian assistance can be enabling all countries to fund and promote policies that
valuable in supporting Ukraine’s needs, and joint align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
efforts could be directed towards health care, refugee ● The global tax convention ensures that large
support, and food security. multinationals pay their fair share of taxes, regardless
○ Engage in Peacebuilding Efforts: This could involve of where they operate.
India participating in or facilitating international ● It is expected to generate significant additional tax
peace talks, offering a negotiation platform, or revenues for many countries, particularly those in the
providing expertise in post-conflict recovery. Global South, enabling governments to finance
essential infrastructure, education, health services, and
UN Unveils Blueprint for Global Tax Reform climate action.
News Excerpt: Is there consensus on a Global Tax Treaty?
● While developing countries largely support the initiative,
GS C ON N EC T
In response to the urgent need to GS1 I II III IV GS7 I II III IV
reform the global tax system, the 23 8 some industrialised nations disagree.
● In the recent vote of the Ad Hoc Committee, 110
9

United Nations has unveiled the 5 4 10

11

outline of a new universal tax

6 M Member States supported the terms of reference for
compact, a historic step toward reshaping the financial the new treaty, 44 abstained, and eight countries—
landscape. Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South
Why does a New Convention matter? Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States—
● The UN tax convention signifies a major shift in voted against it.
international taxation, with the potential to What are the next steps?
fundamentally transform global financial systems and ● The Ad Hoc Committee’s terms of reference will now be
how tax revenues are utilised for public benefit. forwarded to the UN General Assembly, which will vote
○ Therefore, the UN’s Ad Hoc Committee, tasked with on the proposal during its 79th session starting in
drafting the terms for UN framework convention on September.
international tax cooperation, has made significant ● If adopted, a Member State-led negotiating
progress by approving a comprehensive set of committee will be established to draft the convention
guidelines for the new treaty. and its protocols over the next three years.
● Enhanced international tax cooperation is crucial for ● The final text would be presented to the General
addressing current tax-related challenges, such as Assembly in early 2027, allowing all 193 UN Member
digitalisation and the global operations of large States to vote on the finalised global tax treaty.
multinational corporations. ● Once approved, the
● It also plays a vital role in mobilising domestic treaty will be PEPPER IT WITH:
resources and using tax policy to promote sustainable opened for UN Tax Treaty, DTAA,
development. signature and global minimum effective
ratification by all
36

What will a UN Tax Treaty cover? tax rate, OECD

● This initiative aims to support countries worldwide in Member States.
Page

fostering economic growth and achieving the 2030

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
500 days of the Sudan War ● Tensions came to a boil in April 2023 when RSF was
redeployed around the country in a move that the army
News Excerpt:
saw as a threat, leading to war. The war in Sudan has
As the situation further deteriorates with no signs of a
been raging for more than 500 days.
ceasefire agreement shortly, experts Current situation in Sudan:
believe that the Sudan war could kill GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
GS C ON N EC T

1 7 ● According to UN experts,
millions and become a geo-political 23 8
9 ○ Around 25 million people, half of Sudan’s
nightmare. 4
5
10
11 population before the war, need urgent assistance.
Sudan War: 6 M
○ Nearly nine million people, including about 4 million
children, are internally displaced.
○ Another 20 million children are out of school.
○ Over half the population of 49.6 million doesn’t have
access to healthcare.
● The crisis has been exacerbated by floods, which took
place in the last week of August.
○ The disaster caused a dam breach in the eastern city of
Port Sudan — at least 30 people were killed, hundreds
more were believed to be missing, and 20 villages
around the dam were decimated.
○ Flooding also severely affected the famine-stricken
Darfur region.
○ It washed out displacement camps and disrupted an
already hamstrung humanitarian response.
Possible future effects of War:
● The war could soon become a major geo-political issue.
It can easily spill over into neighbouring countries of
Sudan as it shares porous borders with seven fragile
states, including Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Libya.
● The war broke out in April 2023 due to a vicious power
● The war can also trigger mass migration towards
struggle between General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the
Europe, where countries like Germany and France are
head of Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and General
already witnessing a huge inflow.
Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the head of Rapid Support
● If the food scarcity continues, 6 million to 10 million
Forces (RSF).
could die from starvation by 2027.
○ The military generals have locked horns over Sudan’s
● Operations of the Suez Canal, which are currently being
political future and its proposed move towards
disrupted by attacks by Houthi rebels in Yemen, could be
civilian rule.
● The roots of the conflict, however, go back to 2019 when further affected.
Way forward
the country’s long-serving authoritarian President, PEPPER IT WITH:
● Countries like the
Omar al-Bashir, was overthrown following a Operation Kaveri, English
United States and the
countrywide uprising against him. Channel, Suez Canal,
United Kingdom
● Subsequently, the military and civilian groups decided to
urgently need to
share power and an agreement was signed. Abdalla
intervene and ensure that a ceasefire agreement is soon
Hamdok was appointed the Prime Minister until
implemented in Sudan.
elections were held.
● After more than 500 days of pitiless fighting, the damage
● But the new arrangement was short-lived, as Burhan and
will take decades to repair. But if the world acts now, it
Dagalo carried out a military coup in October 2021,
is possible to save millions of lives and reduce the chance
toppling Hamdok’s government.
of calamitous geopolitical aftershocks.
● Burhan became the country's de-facto leader, and
Dagalo became the second-in-command. The military
generals promised to hold elections in July 2023. Extradition Dilemma: Sheikh Hasina and the
○ However, as the date for polls approached, India-Bangladesh Relations
differences between the two military generals grew News Excerpt GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
— the main sticking points were how the 10,000- With former Bangladesh Prime 21 7
37

8
strong RSF should be integrated into the army and Minister Sheikh Hasina facing 4 3 9
10
which authority should oversee that process. multiple criminal cases back home, 6
5 11
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Bangladesh may likely push for her extradition from India.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Background: Sheikh Hasina's Legal Troubles complicating her potential claim for political asylum
● Multiple Criminal Cases Filed Against Hasina: Sheikh in India.
Hasina has been embroiled in several legal cases since Complexities of Extradition
her ouster from power. Charges, including murder, ● Political vs. Criminal Offenses: While Hasina is a
torture, and genocide, were brought against her. These political figure, the charges against her, including murder
cases have fueled speculation that Bangladesh may seek and torture, fall outside the scope of political offences
her extradition from India. under the treaty. This technically makes her eligible for
● Diplomatic Implications: Touhid Hossain, Bangladesh’s extradition, although the political implications of such a
de facto foreign minister, hinted in an interview that move are significant.
Hasina’s extradition could diplomatically embarrass ● 2016 Amendment: The 2016 amendment to Article 10
India. He expressed confidence that India would handle (3) to the treaty further complicates the situation by
the situation appropriately, underscoring the potential eliminating the need for the requesting country to
strain on bilateral relations if such a request is made. provide evidence of the offence committed. An arrest
warrant issued by a competent court in the requesting
country is sufficient to initiate the extradition process.
● Grounds for Refusal:
○ Article 7 of the treaty says that “the request for
extradition may be refused by the Requested State if
the person whose extradition is sought may be tried
for the extradition offence in the courts of that State.”
This is not applicable in Hasina’s case.
○ Article 8 lists multiple grounds for refusal, including
cases where an accusation has not been “made in
good faith in the interests of justice” or in cases of
military offences that are not “an offence under the
general criminal law”.
○ India has the option of refusing Hasina’s extradition
on the ground that the accusations made against her
are not “in good faith in the interests of justice.”
However, this could adversely impact India’s relations
India-Bangladesh Extradition Treaty
with Bangladesh’s new ruling dispensation.
● Overview of the Treaty: India and Bangladesh signed Strategic Considerations for India
an extradition treaty in 2013, later amended in 2016, to
● Balancing Diplomatic Relations: India faces a delicate
facilitate and expedite the exchange of fugitives.
balancing act. On one hand, it must maintain its long-
○ The treaty was established to address issues such as standing relationship with Sheikh Hasina, a key ally.
the presence of Indian insurgent groups in ○ On the other hand, it needs to cultivate good
Bangladesh and Bangladeshi militants hiding in relations with
India. The treaty has been successfully used, most Bangladesh's
notably in the extradition of United Liberation Front PEPPER IT WITH:
ruling party to ULFA, The Extradition Act,
of Assam (ULFA) leader Anup Chetia from secure its long-
Bangladesh to India in 2015. 1962, Akhaura-Agartala rail
term strategic and
● Provisions of the Treaty: The treaty requires both link, 1971 Liberation War
economic
countries to extradite individuals wanted for crimes
interests in
punishable by a minimum of one-year imprisonment, Bangladesh.
including financial offences. ● Role of Geopolitical Realities: India and Bangladesh
○ However, for an offence to be extraditable, it must be share deep structural linkages, including geographic
punishable in both countries (dual criminality). The
proximity and intertwined economies. These realities
treaty also covers attempts to aid, abet, or participate
mean that relations between the two countries will
in such crimes. continue to evolve, regardless of the current political
● Exceptions to Extradition: The treaty allows for situation.
exceptions, particularly for offences of a political nature.
○ India should not rush into any decision,
However, this exemption is limited and does not apply
emphasising that the situation is still developing and
to crimes such as murder, kidnapping, or terrorism. that the extradition process is far from immediate.
38

○ Given the nature of the charges against Hasina, some ● Political Nature of Extradition Decisions: Ultimately,
of which include murder and enforced
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the decision to extradite will be political and influenced

disappearance, these exceptions may not apply,
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
by broader national interest considerations rather than ● Most vultures are scavengers, feeding primarily on
legal technicalities alone. Historical precedent shows that carrion.
countries often prioritise strategic interests over treaty ● They’re thought to have strong immunity to pathogens
obligations in such cases. that would sicken or kill other animals.
● They also have hardcore stomach acid that destroys even
the most dangerous bacteria and helps them extract
nutrients from their food.
Vulture Count 2024 ● Despite their value to human and planetary health,
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV vultures are among the most endangered birds in the
WWF-India launches a tracking 1
2
7
8 world.
initiative to take stock of vultures. 3
4
9
10 Vulture Status in
More about news: 5
6 M
11
India:
● WWF-India has launched an ● In India, vulture
initiative that involves counting of vultures and raising populations have
awareness on the critically endangered bird species. fallen more than 99
● WWF-India launches a tracking initiative to take stock of percent since the
nature’s ‘sanitation workers’. 1990s due to the use
● The tracking exercise will involve volunteers who will be of a veterinary anti-
trained in birdwatching and documentation. inflammatory drug,
● The Vulture Count 2024 follows the success of similar diclofenac.
counts conducted in previous years. ● The medicine causes fatal kidney failure in vultures that
● The count will focus on key vulture species, including the eat the carcasses of treated cows.
white-rumped vulture, red-headed vulture, Indian ● The loss of the vultures has affected the country’s human
vulture, bearded vulture, slender-billed vulture, population, too, as cattle were left to rot—resulting in
Himalayan griffon, Eurasian griffon, Egyptian vulture, and stench and an increase in rabies as feral dogs consume
cinereous vulture. the infected carrion instead and spread the disease.
Significance of Vulture Count 2024: ● Thus India banned the veterinary use of diclofenac in
● Vulture Count 2024 aims to address the crisis by 2006.
systematically monitoring vulture populations. ● Four of the nine vulture species in India fall under the
● Gathering comprehensive baseline data will help track 'Critically Endangered' category in the IUCN Red List of
population trends, identify critical habitats, and assess Threatened Species.
the impact of environmental changes.
● This information will
be vital for
developing targeted
conservation
strategies and
policies, and for
raising public
awareness and
support for vulture
conservation.
● Vulture Count 2024
represents a
significant
○ Long-billed Vulture
opportunity for citizen scientists, bird enthusiasts and
○ Slender-billed Vulture
local communities to contribute to vulture conservation
○ Red-headed Vulture
and to increase awareness about them.
○ White-backed Vulture
● With the support of dedicated volunteers, it aims to
Importance of Vultures:
gather crucial data that will guide our efforts in ● Vultures are essential to the health of ecosystems,
conserving these threatened birds. serving as nature’s clean-up crew.
About Vultures:
● By feeding on carrion, they prevent the spread of
● Vultures are large, social raptors that live on every
39

diseases that could otherwise affect wildlife, livestock

continent except Antarctica and Australia.
and humans.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Their role in consuming decomposing animal carcasses Controlling Traffic-Related Air Pollution in
helps with nutrient cycling and maintains ecological
India
balance.
News Excerpt:
● By hoovering up the remains of decaying bodies, they GS C ON N EC T

India faces severe air pollution, with 83

GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

prevent stench, significantly curtail carbon emissions, 1 7

of the world’s 100 most polluted 3

2 8

and eliminate bacteria such as botulism and plague that

9
4 10
cities.
can be released during decomposition.
5 11
6 M
Air Pollution in India
Threats to vultures:
● Air pollution has caused 2.1 million deaths in India,
Vulture populations in India have faced a dramatic decline
second only to China, and over 99% of the population
due to several threats, including:
breathes air that fails to meet WHO standards.
● The ingestion of toxic non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
● Road transport is a significant contributor to India's
drugs (NSAIDs) like diclofenac, commonly used to treat
CO2 emissions, accounting for 12%, with heavy
livestock.
vehicles being major sources of Particulate Matter
● Habitat loss,
(PM) 2.5 and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx).
● Electrocution by power lines,
● PM2.5 particles are harmful because they penetrate
● Food scarcity and
deep into the lungs and bloodstream, causing
● Human disturbances.
respiratory and cardiovascular issues.
Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025 (APVC)
The important objectives for the Action Plan for Vulture ● NOx contributes to ground-level ozone, exacerbating
Conservation 2020-2025 (APVC) are: urban air pollution and heat.
Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Norms for
● Prevent the poisoning of the principal food of Vultures ,
Passenger Cars
the cattle carcasses, with veterinary NSAIDs, by ensuring
● The Ministry of Power, in consultation with BEE,
that sale of veterinary NSAIDs is regulated and is
notified average fuel consumption standards for
disbursed only on prescription and by ensuring that
Passenger cars in 2015.
treatment of livestock is done only by qualified
● These Norms are applicable for the motor vehicles
veterinarians.
used for the carriage of passengers and their luggage
● Carry out safety testing of available molecules of
and comprising not more than nine seats including
veterinary NSAIDs on vultures.
driver’s seat, and of Gross Vehicle Weight not
● There is a need to establish additional Conservation
exceeding 3,500 kilograms manufactured or
Breeding Centres in the country.
imported for sale in the country.
● Four rescue centers have been proposed for different
Role of Heavy Vehicles
geographical areas like Pinjore in the north, Bhopal in
● Heavy vehicles are responsible for 60-70% of vehicular
Central India, Guwahati in Northeast India and
PM emissions and 40-50% of NOx emissions in cities.
Hyderabad in South India.
● With the transport sector growing at 9.1% annually,
● It is proposed to carry out coordinated nation-wide
the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has proposed
vulture count to get a better estimate of the size of
new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) norms,
vulture populations in the country, involving Forest
including CAFE III (2027-2032) and CAFE IV (2032-
Departments, BNHS, Research Institutes, NGOs, and
2037).
ordinary citizens.
● These norms aim to reduce CO2 emissions to 91.7g
● It is proposed to have at least one vulture safe zone in
CO2/km for CAFE III and 70g CO2/km for CAFE IV,
each State for the conservation of the remnant
based on the more accurate World Light Duty Vehicle
populations in that State.
Testing Procedure (WLTP).
Conclusion:
PEPPER IT WITH: ● Although these targets are crucial for promoting cleaner
To help the public
technologies, they currently exclude heavy vehicles.
participate effectively in the Vulture Safe Zone, non-
Scrappage Policy 2022
count, WWF-India will steroidal anti-inflammatory
● The 2022 vehicle scrappage policy aims to phase out
host a virtual orientation drugs (NSAIDs), Vulture
older, polluting vehicles by requiring them to pass
session conducted by Conservation and Breeding
fitness and emissions tests.
experts. This session will Centre, Vulture Care Centre
● This policy will be implemented after the completion of
provide volunteers with
car registration, at which point the vehicle will be
essential training and information on identifying vultures in
subjected to a fitness test after a specified duration.
their respective areas. WWF-India has also recommended
● As per the Motor Vehicle Laws, a vehicle is deemed fit for
several locations for public participation, making it easier for
40

only 15 years. Beyond this period, the vehicle tends to

people from various regions to join the effort.
pollute the environment more than a newer model.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● In 2022, automated testing was introduced to assess the Key points:
condition of commercial vehicles. ● The guidelines issued between February and April this
● From June 1, 2024, all passenger vehicles older than year highlighted that the Indian Council of Forestry
15 years will also undergo the same stringent testing Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehradun, will be the
process. administrator of GCP.
● However, the policy has been slow to take effect in ● Potential investors—which may be companies,
Karnataka due to limited scrapyards and its voluntary organizations or individuals—must apply to the ICFRE
nature. Director-General and, upon approval, pay the state forest
● In Maharashtra, incentives for scrapping old vehicles departments that will create the plantations.
have not yet significantly impacted air quality. ● The forest departments have been directed to identify
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) “degraded” land spanning at least 5 hectares (ha) for
● BEE is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power plantations.
(Nodal Ministry), Government of India. ● Investing entities are awarded one green credit per tree,
● It was established by the Government of India on March two years after the plantation is created and deemed
1, 2002, under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. successful.
● Its mission is to help create policies and strategies ○ They may use the credits to fulfill their obligations
focused on self-regulation and market principles, under corporate social responsibility (CSR) or
aiming to reduce the energy intensity of the Indian environmental, social and governance (ESG)
economy. norms.
● This involves active stakeholder participation to ensure
○ Or they can trade credits to meet compensatory
widespread adoption of energy-efficient practices
afforestation obligations under the Forest
across all sectors.
(Conservation) Act, 1980, which requires an entity
Way Forward:
to facilitate a new plantation in exchange for diverting
● To effectively combat air pollution, existing policies—
forestland for non-forestry activities.
such as regular
PEPPER IT WITH: Concerns:
vehicle emissions
National Clean Air ● Issue of clarity: It is not clear who will decide the
testing, banning
Programme (NCAP), payment for the projects, nor is the methodology for
open garbage
National Air Quality Index calculation known.
burning, and
controlling (AQI), Air (Prevention and ○ The rules also do not say if green credits would be
industrial Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 scrapped, returned or stay valid if a plantation fails.
emissions—must ● Lack of sellers and buyers: It has only one seller, the
be strictly enforced. forest departments. The buyers, too, are likely to be
● Additionally, promoting mass transit is essential for a corporate organizations who want to meet their
sustainable reduction in air pollution in India. environmental obligations or seek forest diversion.
○ This raises concerns about GCP merely acting as a
proxy for compensatory afforestation.
Credit risk ● Shrinking Forest Area: GCP may shrink forest area,
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV threatening some of the densest and best protected
The Union Ministry of Environment, 2
1 7
8
forests that may be used for mining, industry and
Forest and Climate Change 4
3 9
10
infrastructure development.
(MOEFCC) has issued detailed 6
5 11
M
● Loss of land: Experts also raise concerns on MOEFCC’s
guidelines for plantation under Green Credits directions on allocation of “degraded” land for
Programme (GCP). On the face of it, they seem to plantation. The country lacks clear legal and ecological
encourage afforestation. parameters to identify such lands.
Green Credits Programme (GCP):
○ This means natural openings in forests, grasslands
● GCP is an innovative market mechanism.
and scrub forests may be incorrectly earmarked as
● Earning credits for environmental actions is the aim of the
degraded land.
Green Credits Programme (GCP) unveiled by the Union
○ People’s Union for Civil Liberties, a human rights
government in October 2023.
body, released a letter saying GCP could harm
● It has been touted as a first-of-its-kind, “innovative
market-based mechanism”, promoting activities like critical and unique ecosystems with ecological
tree plantation, water conservation, sustainable services like preserving soil quality and conserving
agriculture, waste management, air pollution biodiversity.
reduction, mangrove conservation and restoration, ○ Reserved, protected and community forests
41

sustainable building and infrastructure projects, and notified under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, or its
identifying environment-friendly products under a equivalent in states, also stand vulnerable to GCP. The
Page

scheme Ecomark.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
potentially claim CFR for a total area of at least
1,83,000 sq km.
■ This could benefit about 62.6 million people.
○ Only a fraction of this area has been recognised so
far. The unclaimed land may be fenced off under GCP
without consulting local communities.
● Double counting:
○ Another concern raised on GCP is its potential linkage
with carbon credits (India’s voluntary carbon
market allows entities to earn tradable credits for
carbon sequestration projects).
○ Carbon credits are not mentioned in the
afforestation guidelines so far. Nevertheless, such
a linkage could lead to double counting.
○ Double counting occurs when an environmental
benefit, like carbon sequestration from a
plantation, is counted in two different systems.
■ If a project has already been funded through
green credits, claiming carbon credits for it
essentially means that the environmental benefit
accrued from the project is being sold twice.
○ People fail to realize that environmental integrity
requires carbon credits to only be earned from a
project if it is funded or made viable with money
received by sale of credits.
Way Forward:
● A two-year period is too short to declare a plantation
successful. An independent third party should audit
these areas for at least up to 20 years.
● Plantations must be a permanent addition to the
rules do not mention that such areas are excluded ecosystem, not just for a two-year period.
from afforestation. ● The Centre suggested
■ Clearing such lands will also violate the Forest an entity may be able PEPPER IT WITH:
Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2023, which to avail both green Net-Zero Export Credit
does not envisage using notified forests for and carbon credits Agencies Alliance (NZECA),
compensatory afforestation. from a plantation. Forest conservation Act,
○ Identifying “degraded” land also poses legal ● GCP should recognise International Big Cat
challenges. For instance, the Supreme Court ruling in the powers of the Alliance (IBCA)
the 1996 case, T N Godavarman Thirumulkpad vs Gram Sabhas in these
Union of India, assured protection to all forest and lands under the FRA.
forest-like areas in the records of Union, state and
local governing bodies, as well as unregistered areas. Illegal Wildlife Trade: Marine Life at Risk
■ The ruling directed states to classify and record News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T

unregistered areas, but little progress has been

GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
Marine creatures such as seahorses, 21 7

made so far.
8

whales, and sharks are increasingly 4 3 9

● Forest rights at risk: GCP also raises questions on forest

10

falling prey to illegal wildlife trade, 6 5

M
11

rights. Under the Scheduled Tribes and Other with enforcement agencies noting a sharp rise in marine life
Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest smuggling over the past four years, culminating in
Rights) Act, 2006, (FRA), and the Panchayat particularly alarming seizures in Karnataka in 2024.
(Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996, forest- Recent Seizures in Karnataka
dwelling communities can claim individual or ● One of the most notable cases occurred in August 2024,
community forest rights (CFR) over land they have when two passengers from Tamil Nadu were
conserved for generations. apprehended at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International
42

○ About 60,000 villages in Maharashtra, Madhya Airport. They were attempting to smuggle 6,626 dried
Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh could seahorses to Singapore.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● This incident highlights the demand for seahorses in ● A key challenge is the lack of dedicated rescue and
Southeast Asian markets, driven by their use in rehabilitation centers for animals rescued from the
traditional medicine, gourmet cuisine, and as ornamental trade.
species for aquariums. ● Most of these animals are currently housed in zoos,
● In another significant operation in November 2022, which are not equipped to handle the unique needs of
Chitradurga forest officials seized a variety of illegally trafficked wildlife.
traded wildlife, including blackbuck skins, pangolin ● There is also a need for a centralized wildlife crime
scales, and a live blackbuck. database to track and prosecute repeat offenders more
● The enforcement agencies have conducted 66 effectively.
operations across Karnataka from 2023 to July 2024, Public Involvement in
recovering a wide range of animal parts and live animals, Combating Wildlife Trade
PEPPER IT WITH:
including tiger nails, python skins, elephant tusks, and ● Curbing illegal wildlife
World Wildlife Crime
more. trade requires a collective
Report, FATF, Zoonotic
Marine Life Smuggling Takes Flight public effort.
diseases
● The smuggling of marine life is not limited to the land. In ● Demand for wildlife as
May 2024, a bus conductor's vigilance thwarted an pets, status symbols, or
attempt to smuggle 218 endangered star tortoises. for superstitious beliefs drives the market.
Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of ● Many well-meaning individuals may unknowingly
additional star turtles from a Bengaluru businessman. perpetuate the trade by purchasing wildlife as pets,
● Despite increased enforcement, a significant portion not realizing the complexities involved in their care and
of marine life smuggling goes undetected. the potential impact on wild populations.
● A lack of monitoring mechanisms allows fishermen to ● Supporting conservation efforts that protect wildlife in
capture and sell prohibited species, often feeding into their natural habitats is a more effective way to show love
international smuggling networks. for these creatures, ensuring they continue to play vital
Impact of Illegal Wildlife Trade roles in maintaining the balance of nature.
● Illegal wildlife trade not only threatens biodiversity but
also endangers the livelihoods of fishing The rise and rise of red sanders mafia
communities that depend on these species. News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T

● Reports from various organizations have documented Seshachalam Hills, one of India’s 21
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
7

alarming statistics, such as the seizure of over 1,900 kg

8
richest biospheres, has become the 34 9

of pangolin scales in northeastern India between 2012

10
hot spot of red sanders smuggling 56 11

and 2024.
M

and allied crimes costing many

● Marine species like sea cucumbers, seahorses, seashells, police, forest officials and mafia members their lives apart
and rays are also frequently trafficked. from threatening the survival of the endangered tree
The Growing Trade in Exotic Wildlife species.
● The illegal trade in exotic wildlife has seen a notable About Seshachalam Hills:
increase, driven by factors like online trends and gaps ● Seshachalam Hills, one of India’s richest biospheres
in legislation. which form the tip of the Eastern Ghats in Andhra
● The pandemic exacerbated this trend, as many
individuals resorted to hunting and trade to sustain
themselves.
● The rise in the popularity of exotic pets during
this period further fueled the industry, leading
to the establishment of unauthorized breeding and
selling operations.
Challenges in Enforcement and Rehabilitation
● The rapid evolution of illegal wildlife trade, aided
by digital tools and social media, presents
significant challenges for enforcement
agencies.
● The primary law enforcement agency, the State
Forest Department, is often overstretched,
handling various responsibilities in addition to
43

combating illegal trade.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Pradesh is considered a floristic hotspot for it houses middlemen in the timber industry in Tamil Nadu caught
many endemic and rare species including five gecko the pulse of the demand.
species, 12 species of lizards and 22 species of snakes. ● When there was a massive manhunt for forest
● Spread over 5,000 square kilometres across Kadapa, brigand Veerappan in the thick forests of Tamil
Annamayya, Tirupati and Chittoor districts, besides Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala between 1990-2000, a
covering substantial forest cover in Nellore district in large number of woodcutters who worked under him
the State, the Seshachalam Hills is the first biosphere were left with no alternative source of livelihood.
reserve in Andhra Pradesh identified under UNESCO’s Now, these ‘meistries’ (organisers) from the north-
Man and Biosphere programme in 2010. western districts of Tamil Nadu lured the jobless youth
○ However, it is red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus), to raid the Seshachalam ranges.
the tall trees which give one of the world’s finest and ● The precious trees, which were copiously present,
were ruthlessly cut down and transported to Madras
rarest woods, growing in these hills makes
and Tuticorin ports. Those were the days when the
Seshachalam a hotspot of crime and a hub of mafia.
● Red Sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) is an endemic officials, both from the Central and State governments,
tree species to the forests of Seshachalam, Veligonda, were not much aware of the red sanders.
Lankamala and Palakona Hills range of Andhra ● During the time of Veerappan, it was only the white
Pradesh and distributed in the districts of Kadapa, sandalwood that mattered.
Chittoor, Nellore, Prakasham and Kurnool over an area of ● Between 2004 and 2014, the number of trespassers
into the Seshachalam ranges from Tamil Nadu used
5300.97 Sq.km. Good crop of Red Sanders can be seen
to be a few hundred per day. The forest and police
on the slopes.
officials and also the media used to call the trespassers
Statistics of the red
sanders: “woodcutters and coolies.”
● The rich growth of ● Today, the statistics of the red sanders logs are sold
at anywhere between ൟ 1 crore to ൟ2 crore per tonne,
red sanders here,
based on the quality, in the international market.
however, began
Skilled Malai men exclusively deployed:
only after 1983
● Later, the trespassers were promoted to the ranks of
when the Forest
“red sanders smugglers.”
Department,
○ Each woodcutter used to get ൟ 5,000 per log
following the orders of then Chief Minister of undivided
weighing around 50 kg. Most of these debt-ridden
Andhra Pradesh, N.T. Rama Rao took up a massive
and impoverished men belonged to the Malai hill
afforestation programme in the region.
tribes inhabiting the forest regions of Tiruvannamalai,
● Red sanders seeds were sprayed over the
Salem, Dharmapuri and Villupuram districts of Tamil
Rayalaseema region through helicopters. However,
Nadu.
the seed germination at Seshachalam was the best owing
○ They are illiterate and begin to work for red sanders
to the hot and dry conditions which made it an ideal
smugglers from the age of 20.
climate for the trees to thrive.
● The Malai men are preferred by the smugglers for the
● From the 1980s onwards, the red sanders started
job as they are adapted to the Seshachalam hills and
attracting the international market, with major
can jump and sprint fast in case of a police raid.
players coming from China.
○ The Task Force police have many times said that they
● A retired forest ranger recalled the different phases
were awestruck at the agility of these men, and that
of red sander smuggling.
capturing them was not an easy task.
○ What began as a cottage industry is now a multi-
● The Malai men are also resilient and can sustain for
crore global business. A few individuals used to sell
days with little food and liquor, making them the
the red sanders logs in small quantums in erstwhile
ideal smugglers of precious wood.
Madras, intended for making toys and transportation
to China and Southeast
Asian countries.
● From the 1990s onwards,
the Chinese wanted to
have the logs for
themselves, and they had
plans to manufacture
toys and furniture
44

themselves. They wanted

huge quantities. Some
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● The so-called organisers started deploying the Force at Sachhinodi Banda (loosely translates to a
maximum number of workforce from Tamil Nadu boulder that belonged to the dead) point located
districts, transporting them in specially arranged buses deep inside the inhospitable terrain of Seshachalam
and also sending them in passenger trains. hills near Tirupati.
○ They would alight at Panapakam, Mungilipattu, ○ The human rights groups then alleged that the
and Chandragiri railway stations in Tirupati woodcutters, all belonging to the Dalit
district and clandestinely enter the forest. community, were brutally shot at from point-blank
● Previously, they used to carry axes and saw blades range and their bodies were strewn all over the forest
with them, but later they were readily supplied with location. The National Human Rights Commission
the tools on their arrival. (NHRC) also registered a case on this.
○ With time, the workforce enjoyed extra benefits such Past Nine Years:
as liquor bottles and provisions to cook inside the ● Ever since this “carnage” of woodcutters, there has
forests during their long stays, ranging from two to not occurred even a single casualty in the entire red
three weeks. sanders-rich region in the last nine years. After a lull
● Their modus operandi was to cut down as many trees of a few months, the woodcutters resumed invading the
as possible, dress the logs and carry them to the road forest ranges.
points. ● During these nine years, hundreds of trespassers were
○ Vehicles from autos to trucks and lorries chugged the arrested and released on bail.
forest paths to collect the material and transport it to ● Cutting red sanders has only turned into a picnic,
Chennai. coupled with economic benefit.
○ With a sudden spurt in the activity, warehouses had ● The forest and police officials to date are afraid of even
come up in Hoskote and Katiganahalli areas of causing a minor injury to a woodcutter. Chases have
Bengaluru rural district. almost disappeared.
Blood shed over red wood: ● The trespassers are not afraid of arrests.
● On December 15, 2013, two forest officials of Tirupati ○ There are critical observations that after the
Wildlife Circle—Deputy Range Officer Sridhar and government came to power in 2019, the subject of
Assistant Beat Officer David Kumar—were surrounded red sanders smuggling slipped into oblivion.
by a mob of 200 woodcutters deep inside the Allegations remained rife that the Task Force could
Seshachalam forests close to Tumburu Theertham not undertake a single inter-State operation during
waterbody on the Chittoor Kadapa border. the period.
○ The duo was brutally done to death with stones ● Unlike the period before the Covid pandemic where
and axes, while another beat officer escaped with 90% of the workforce was from Tamil Nadu districts,
critical injuries. in recent years the locals of various villages of
● Following this, the Andhra Pradesh government (after Rayalaseema districts have turned into smuggling
bifurcation) formed the AP Red Sanders Anti- operatives.
Smuggling Task Force (APRSASTF) to give protection ● Political leaders from top to bottom levels are facing
to forest officials while on patrol in the forests. serious allegations of their involvement in the red
○ It was this Task Force, which played a crucial role sanders smuggling.
in nabbing Kollam Gangi Reddy, who faced ○ The cooperation and coordination between the forest
allegations of red sanders smuggling and was one of and police departments have also been missed in the
the accused in the Alipiri bomb blast case of 2003 last decade.
wherein Nara Chandrababu Naidu had a narrow ● Due to the absence of any scientific mode of
escape. surveillance at the check posts.
The carnage of 2015 ○ In the last five years, there was not a single meeting
● Red sanders smuggling operatives - About half a of the inter-State police and forest officials to
dozen special teams were formed to conduct patrolling tackle the red sanders issue.
not only in Tirupati but all over the Rayalaseema districts, The Pushpa impact:
Nellore and Prakasam. ● Ironically, a majority of the officials in the enforcement
○ In 2015, the Task Force made a stupendous agencies observed that Pushpa had directly contributed
breakthrough when a team rushed to Assam and to the entry of more youth into the contraband forest
prevented a 10-tonne consignment of red sanders trade.
logs from entering China. The goods were brought ● Several youths involved in the red sanders errands
back to Tirupati. started growing their beard leaving their hair unkempt
○ On April 7, 2015, as many as 20 woodcutters from and repeating the verbal and physical mannerisms of the
45

Tamil Nadu, originally migrants from Wayanad in hero, which included the viral Pushpa style of walking.
Page

Kerala, were reportedly gunned down by the Task Conclusion:

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Red sanders is a socio-economic- ● In the years before the re-introduction, the large deer
political subject. Unless the PEPPER IT WITH: and elk population led to overgrazing, increasing soil
government comes up with a National Human erosion and widening of the rivers. This, in turn, set off a
scientific formula to counter the Rights Council, chain reaction of further destruction.
environmental damage, the police UNESCO’s MAB, CITES ● The grey wolf, the park’s apex predator, hunted the
and forest officials are helpless. overpopulated deer and elk population and restored the
Biodiversity can increase the resilience of balance of the original ecosystem.
● The reintroduction of the wolves led to the revival of the
cities
thriving national park.
News Excerpt: E.g. Mumbai
A conscious focus on land and marine biodiversity could ● It is home to remarkable biodiversity. With a thriving
greatly help address the climate issues. biodiverse protected forest, the Sanjay Gandhi National
More about context: Park, within its city limits and large amounts of
● Forests are complex ecosystems of diverse organisms
mangroves and wetlands on its coast, the city has a lot
that interact with each other.
of native land and marine biodiversity.
● At an individual level, all living organisms in the forest are
● Of course, the recent over-concretisation of the island
motivated to survive and reproduce.
city, with excessive buildings and roads is posing a grave
● Yet, they are all connected and play a critical role in
threat to this biodiversity.
maintaining a fine balance in the larger ecosystem. Way forward:
Complex interdependence of the plant and animal ● Studying trees and
kingdom: PEPPER IT WITH:
organisms that are
● More than 75 per cent of flowering plants globally BIOSPHERE RESERVES,
native to an area is the
need insects and animals to pollinate them. They cannot NATIONAL PARKS,
first step and then
multiply without pollinator insects like butterflies and WOOD WIDE WEB
reintroducing native
bees.
plants and organisms to
● Besides the complex interdependence of the plant and
encourage restoration of original ecosystems is one way.
animal kingdom, there is the fascinating fungal kingdom,
And of course, there is protection of forests.
which connects trees and plants. Fungi, which include
● To counter the coastal erosion, mangroves and natural
mushrooms, are mostly on the roots of plants and trees.
marine habitats should be protected.
● Many scientists believe trees talk to each other, through
● There should be investment in more sewage treatment
this underground network. Research shows that if a tree
plants that treat the waste the city disposes into the
gets attacked by a disease, it alerts neighbouring trees.
oceans and invest in new initiatives like artificial reefs
● Depending on the threat’s severity, trees either brace
that could enhance marine biodiversity.
themselves with a protective barrier or disconnect from
● For land biodiversity, there should be plantations of
the infected tree.
native species of trees and plants.
● The underground communication network is coined as
● There should be creation of habitat corridors so the
the “wood wide web”.
organisms can multiply, expanding the ecosystem of the
Role of biodiversity:
national parks into the city.
● Every organism in nature plays a critical role in creating
● A “green corridor” can be created and help reap the
a balanced ecosystem.
benefits of climate mitigation.
● A thriving forest ecosystem houses different types of
○ Medellin in Colombia created a similar network of
plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms — different
green corridors. It led to cleaner air and a drop in two
from a human-made green park.
degrees of temperature in the city.
● The diversity of the forest builds the resilience and
adaptability of an ecosystem.
● A thriving biodiverse ecosystem not only provides for How Does Methane Contribute to Climate
clean air, water and food but also helps us cope with
Change?
natural disasters, diseases, and climate change.
Case Study: News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

Over a 20-year period, methane

1 7

● In the early 20th century, the Yellowstone National Park 2 8

traps around 84 times more heat

3 9

in the US was in a deplorable condition with a large part 4 10

than CO2, the greenhouse gas most

5 11

of its land barren with dying plants.

6 M

commonly associated with burning fossil fuels.

● In an experiment to restore its ecosystem,135 grey
Methane vs Carbon Dioxide:
46

wolves, which were heavily hunted and almost extinct,

were reintroduced to the park.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● While methane lasts about 12 years in the atmosphere, Non-tidal wetlands:
carbon dioxide (CO2) remains for centuries, ● Non-tidal wetlands are freshwater, found around
continuing to warm the planet. inland areas, and do not have tidal influxes of water.
● This makes CO2 the primary driver of climate change, They are fed by rain, snow, or groundwater.
but methane still has a significant impact during its ● Major ecological functions:
shorter lifespan. ○ Fish and wildlife habitat
● Despite its short lifespan, methane is responsible for ○ Habitat for rare, threatened and endangered
about a third of global warming since the Industrial species
Revolution. ○ Erosion control
● Methane is the second largest contributor to global ○ Water quality improvement
warming after carbon dioxide. ○ Stormwater/flood control
Methane: ○ Contribution of organic (plant) material to the
● Methane (CH4) is a colorless, odorless gas that is the food chain
main component of natural gas and a powerful ○ Timber production
greenhouse gas. ○ Recreational opportunities and scenic beauty.
● The gas also contributes to the formation of ground- ● These wetlands play a crucial role in regulating
level ozone. greenhouse gases.
● Ozone is a colourless and highly irritating gas that ● They are vulnerable to degradation from pollution,
forms just above the Earth's surface. land use changes, water extraction, and landscape
● According to a 2022 report, exposure to ground- modifications.
level ozone could contribute to one million ● Wetlands, when degraded, could release methane
premature deaths yearly. and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
● Methane emissions can originate from natural requiring fossil fuel companies to routinely measure,
sources like wetlands, where thawing permafrost report, and reduce methane emissions.
releases methane and CO2 previously trapped in the ● Companies must repair leaks within 15 working days,
frozen ground. and flaring and venting are largely prohibited, except
● However, 60% of methane emissions are due to in cases of safety emergencies or technical
human activities such as agriculture (including impossibilities.
livestock digestion and manure management), waste
decomposition in landfills, and the energy sector.
Methane Emissions in the Energy Sector:
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
● The majority of methane emissions in the energy EOS-08: ISRO’s Innovative Leap in Earth
sector come from oil and gas production, Observation
transportation, and storage.
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T

● Methane leaks can occur due to rusty or damaged GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

ISRO launched its latest Earth 21 7

equipment or something as simple as a loose screw.

8

Observation Satellite, EOS-08, using 4 3 9

● Additionally, gas flaring, a process where operators burn

10

the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle 6

5 11
M
off excess natural gas associated with oil production,
(SSLV)-D3.
converts methane into CO2, but methane can still Objective of EOS-08:
escape during the process. The mission includes the design and development of
● Sometimes, companies also release small amounts of microsatellites, enhancing payload compatibility with the
methane directly into the atmosphere, a practice microsatellite bus, and integrating new technologies for
known as venting. future operational satellites.
● Flaring and venting often occur because it is costly to Payloads and Capabilities:
process and transport small amounts of gas or for EOS-08 is built on the Microsat/IMS-1 bus and carries three
safety reasons to prevent pressure build-up. primary payloads:
Reducing Methane Emissions: ● Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): This payload
● Simple measures like repairing faulty equipment can captures images in the Mid-Wave IR (MIR) and Long-
make a significant difference. Wave IR (LWIR) bands, both during the day and night. It
● According to the International Energy Agency, the oil supports satellite-based surveillance, disaster
and gas industry could cut its methane emissions by monitoring, environmental monitoring, fire detection,
75% by detecting and fixing leaks. volcanic activity observation, and industrial and power
● In response to the need to control methane emissions,
47

plant disaster monitoring.

the European Union introduced a regulation in May ● Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry
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payload (GNSS-R): This payload demonstrates GNSS-R-

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● The mission also introduces a new method of
integrating housekeeping panels using a hinge-
based fixture, significantly reducing the duration of
the Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) phase.
Innovative Schemes and Indigenization Efforts
● The EOS-08 mission incorporates additional novel
schemes, such as X-band data transmission utilizing
pulse shaping and Frequency Compensated
Modulation (FCM) for X-Band data transmitters.
● The satellite’s battery management system employs
SSTCR-based charging and bus regulation, sequentially
including or excluding strings at a frequency of 6 Hz.
● The TM-TC system supports dual modes,
including CDMA and Direct PSK, with miniaturized
based remote sensing capabilities, applicable in ocean microstrip filters tailored for data and TM-TC
surface wind analysis, soil moisture assessment, applications.
cryosphere studies over the Himalayas, flood detection, ● Indigenization is evident in solar cell fabrication
and inland waterbody detection. processes and the use of a Nano-Star Sensor for Microsat
● SiC UV Dosimeter: This payload monitors UV irradiance Applications.
at the Crew Module’s viewport in the Gaganyaan Mission ● The inertial system benefits from reaction wheel isolators
and acts as a high-dose alarm sensor for gamma that attenuate vibrations
radiation. and a single antenna PEPPER IT WITH
Mission Configuration interface is used for TTC and SSLV, Low Earth Orbit,
● The spacecraft operates in a Circular Low Earth Orbit SPS applications. CBSP, COTS
(LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with a 37.4° inclination and ● Thermal management is
has a mission life of one year. enhanced with materials like AFE BGA, Kintex FPGA,
● Weighing approximately 175.5 kg, the satellite generates Germanium Black Kapton, and STAMET (Si-Al Alloy) Black
around 420 W of power and interfaces with the SSLV- Kapton to handle the thermal properties of COTS
D3/IBL-358 launch vehicle. components.
Technological Advancements
● The mission also features an auto-launch pad
● EOS-08 represents a significant advancement in satellite
initialization feature, showcasing its commitment to
mainframe systems through the Integrated Avionics
innovative mission management.
system, known as the Communication, Baseband,
Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) Package.
● This system efficiently combines multiple functions into Better Prediction of Solar Cycle
a single unit with cold redundant systems using News Excerpt:
commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components and Astronomers have leveraged a GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
GS C ON N EC T

century’s worth of solar data from the 2

1 7
evaluation boards, supporting up to 400 Gb of data 8

Kodaikanal Solar Observatory to 4

3 9
storage. 5
10
11
● Key components of the satellite include a structural develop a novel method for predicting 6 M

panel embedded with PCB, an embedded battery, a the strength of upcoming solar cycle maxima.
Micro-DGA (Dual Gimbal Antenna), an M-PAA (Phased Solar Cycle and Solar cycle maxima
Array Antenna), and a flexible solar panel for onboard ● The Sun’s activity follows an approximately 11-year
technology demonstration. cycle, fluctuating from minimum to maximum and back.
● The miniaturized design of the Antenna Pointing ● A solar maximum is the peak of this cycle and it is
Mechanisms enables a rotational speed of 6 degrees per marked by the highest number of sunspots and solar
second with a pointing accuracy of ±1 degree. flares, significantly impacting space weather, Earth’s
● The phased array antenna enhances communication atmosphere, and climate variations.
capabilities, and the flexible solar panel features a ● Predicting the amplitude of the solar cycle, given its
foldable solar panel substrate, GFRP tube, and CFRP variable strength, remains a major challenge in
honeycomb rigid end panel, offering improved power astrophysics.
generation and structural integrity. Space weather and its impact:
● A pyrolytic graphite sheet diffuser plate, known for its ● Research into the solar cycle and space weather
48

high thermal conductivity of 350 W/mK, reduces mass forecasting is a crucial area of study, particularly in India.
and serves various satellite functions. ● Space weather involves the varying conditions within
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the Solar System influenced by the sun and solar wind.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Key elements such as solar wind, coronal mass Biosurfactants
ejections, and solar flares can compress Earth's
News Excerpt:
magnetosphere and trigger geomagnetic storms.
GS C ON N EC T

Cost-effective biosurfactants, a GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

● These storms have the potential to disrupt

1 7

healthier substitute for synthetic

2 8

communication and power grids, damage spacecraft

3 9

surfactants useful for the food

4 10

electronics, and endanger astronauts.

5 11
6 M
industry, can be produced using green
● Consequently, space weather holds a substantial impact
substrates from agro-industrial waste.
on modern civilization.
What is a Surfactant?
● Surfactants are molecules that reduce surface
tension between two substances, such as oil and water,
allowing them to mix and form an emulsion.
● In the food industry, surfactants play a crucial role
in processes like emulsifying fats in batters, retaining
moisture, and acting as dispersing agents.
● They also improve the texture and shelf life of
food products, making them essential additives in
various food items.
● The food industry heavily relies on surfactants for
How is space weather predicted? various applications, such as emulsifying fats, improving
● Astronomers employ various techniques to forecast the shelf life, and acting as lubricants and foamers.
strength of the next solar cycle, including theoretical ● However, the widespread use of synthetic surfactants in
calculations based on dynamo models, extrapolations, food products has raised concerns about their impact on
and precursor methods. human health.
● A commonly used precursor is the strength of the Sun’s ● These synthetic additives can alter intestinal barrier
polar magnetic field around the sunspot minimum. permeability, leading to a decline in beneficial gut
● Polar faculae which are bright magnetic features near microbiota.
the polar regions, serve as a reliable proxy for this field. Microbial Biosurfactants:
A New Correlation Discovered ● Microbial biosurfactants, derived from various
● In a recent study, researchers from the Indian Institute of microorganisms, offer a promising alternative to
Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru, an autonomous institute synthetic surfactants.
of the Department ● These biosurfactants possess high emulsification,
of Science and PEPPER IT WITH solubilization, foaming, and adsorption properties,
Technology, Solar Wind, Coronal Mass making them suitable for food applications.
identified a Ejections, Solar Flares, IIA, ● They are also stable across a wide range of pH levels,
correlation between Solar Chromospheric Images temperatures, and salinity, further enhancing their
the width of super utility in food processing.
granular cells on the solar surface during the ● One of the key advantages of microbial biosurfactants is
minimum year of the solar cycle and the number of their eco-friendly nature.
sunspots during the subsequent solar cycle ● Unlike synthetic surfactants, biosurfactants do not have
maximum. toxic effects and are considered safe for human
● This method promises to aid in space weather consumption.
forecasting. ● This makes them an ideal candidate for replacing
● Utilizing solar chromospheric images at a 393.3 nm synthetic additives in the food industry.
wavelength of Ca-K ion, captured by a century-old Applications in the Food Industry:
telescope at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, scientists ● Microbial biosurfactants have a wide range of
examined the super granulations on the Sun’s visible applications in the food industry beyond their traditional
surface. roles in emulsifying and stabilizing food products.
● These large convective patterns, each about 30,000 km ● They can be used to remove heavy metals from
wide, have lanes approximately 5,000 km thick. vegetables, enhancing food safety and reducing health
● The lane thickness varies throughout the solar cycle. risks.
● Additionally, biosurfactants can boost immunity in fish
by protecting against pathogens, thereby supporting
49

aquaculture.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● In food preservation, PEPPER IT WITH ● In contrast, there have been proponents of a
biosurfactants can act as Microbial Biosurfactants, stakeholder benefit approach of corporate
natural antioxidants, Genetic Engineering, governance, which seeks to maximize the benefits of all
preventing early Recombinant DNA stakeholders.
spoilage and extending Technologies, Nanotech ● In recent years, corporations with ostensibly alternative
the shelf life of products. governance models, leaning towards stakeholder
● These properties make them valuable for use in bakeries, capitalism have become more common.
salad dressings, and other food items where stability and ● Corporations are increasingly getting involved in
longevity are critical. products, technologies and services that cannot be
Production and Commercialization Challenges: driven solely on the objectives of profit making and have
● The cost-effective production of these biosurfactants a greater social objective.
requires the utilization of green substrates from agro- ● Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one such
industrial waste, which can be achieved through instance, where corporations are seeking alternative
advanced techniques like genetic engineering, governance structures to balance the objectives of
recombinant DNA technologies, and generating profit with that of greater social
nanotechnology. responsibility.
○ These methods can improve the yield and efficiency Risks posed by AI advancements:
of biosurfactant production, making it more viable for ● Data access issues:
industrial use. ○ The development of AI technologies requires access
to data, which may, in turn, accelerate
the ability to utilize personal information
to undermine privacy.
For instance, Meta was asked to pause
its plans to train its large language
models using public content shared on
Facebook and Instagram in the
European region over concerns raised
by the Irish privacy regulator.
In addition to this, it has been noted that
human prejudices may find their way
into AI systems and lead to algorithmic
biases with harmful results.
Recently, Amazon discontinued using a
Conclusion: recruiting algorithm after it discovered
Microbial biosurfactants offer a safer, eco-friendly that it was plagued with gender bias.
alternative to synthetic surfactants in food, with the ○ Moreover, researchers at Princeton University
potential to enhance safety and reduce health risks. conducted an experiment where they used AI
Ongoing research and industry collaboration are vital for software to analyze and link words and found that
overcoming production and safety challenges. European names were perceived as more pleasing
than their African-American counterparts.
○ These examples demonstrate how AI can perpetuate
Reshape the governance structures of AI
existing biases and create inequality with respect to
companies opportunities, and access.
Why in News? GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV ● Purpose versus profits:
The modern corporate governance 2 1 7
8 ○ While these companies started out with alternative
regimes in capitalistic and neo- 4 3 9
10 models, when there was a clash between the
capitalistic economies have 6 5
M
11
company’s goals of purpose and its profit-generating
traditionally favoured the theory of machinery, the monetary interests won.
shareholder primacy. ○ OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, found itself
More about the issue: embroiled in a corporate governance debacle last
● In modern corporations, the objectives of profit year when the non-profit board of the company fired
generation and wealth creation for the shareholders and the CEO of the company due to concerns about the
investors take primacy over other objectives of the rapid commercialisation of AI products at the cost of
50

business including the objective of public good. compromising user safety.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
○ This debacle has raised questions on the viability of ○ Enhancing long-term profit gains of corporations
public benefit corporate structures in the from adopting a public benefit purpose.
technological industry, which rely on capital infusion ○ Incentivising managerial compliance of such
from shareholders and investors with deep pockets, purposes.
to fund research and innovations. ○ Reducing compliance costs of adopting such
○ From these recent events, it is evident that even in purposes.
this new age of public benefits corporation, the ● This would require framing ethical standards for the
purported public benefit may be nothing more than governance of AI product companies, along with
disguised profit seeking. providing adequate regulatory backing through reforms
○ The present accountability structure is not sufficiently in corporate governance norms.
strong to protect against this amoral drift, where the ● It is important for the creators of AI to act responsibly
social objectives of a corporation are often subsumed towards all stakeholders.
by the broader profit-driven goals as the market Will AI buck the trend?
enables unrestricted corporate control. ● Cost reduction- AI is likely to succeed at replacing
Steps Taken by Some Big Companies: labour, particularly in services where digital technologies
● Recently, Amazon discontinued using a recruiting have struggled to do so in the past. Though the speed
algorithm after it discovered that it was plagued with and size of this impact are likely to be more modest than
gender bias. many expect today, gradual and cumulatively significant
● To counter the risks posed by AI advancements, cost reduction (and productivity growth) is a safe bet.
OpenAI, and Anthropic, have resorted to structures ● Falling prices - Unless labour-saving technology can be
with public good and developing responsible AI as core monopolized, it will continue to drive cost competition
objectives leading to creation of public benefit and deflation. Far from being specific to food production,
corporations. the effect has been seen in manufactured goods and now
○ For instance, Anthropic is governed by a structure looks set to unfold in services. Policymakers may need to
called Long-Term Benefit Trust. This trust is watch for and ensure competitive market structures to
composed of five financially disinterested members ensure that AI becomes a deflationary force in the
who have the authority to select and remove a economy.
portion of Anthropic’s board. ● New demand - Real income gains often drive demand
○ Similarly, OpenAI was incorporated as a non-profit, for goods and services that were barely known when a
but it transitioned into a hybrid design by new technological wave began (few would have foreseen
incorporating a capped profit-subsidiary to support the arrival of social media marketers a few decades ago).
its capital-intensive innovation. This demand effect could fall short if consumers retreat
and save their
income gains.
However, the
resulting
savings glut
seems unlikely
and directly
contradicts
the historical
record.
New
employment
- What if a
machine or an
algorithm can
always meet
Workable strategy: new demand?
● Policymakers need to employ innovative methods of That humans lose all comparative advantage seems
regulating corporations involved in developing AI-based remarkably unlikely. AI’s
products which balance these conflicting interests. labour-enhancing PEPPER IT WITH
properties are as
51

● From a strictly economic perspective, this can be Generative Artificial

done by targeting three key areas: credible as its labour- Intelligence, Cyber
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eliminating ones. But security, ChatGPT, OpenAI

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
even if Leontief’s words turned out prescient and ○ On Mars, this likely happened when the planet's
humans went “the way of the horse,” that would hardly upper crust was warmer than it is today.
amount to a macroeconomic dystopia. Instead, the ● If the measurements taken by the Insight Lander are
overwhelming deflationary impulse would lay the representative of the entire planet, the researchers
ground for unparalleled prosperity. estimate that the amount of water trapped in these rock
fractures could fill an ocean 1-2 kilometers deep across
Liquid Water discovered on Mars for the first Mars.
Implications for Life and Colonization
time ● While the discovery of liquid water does not confirm the
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV presence of life on Mars, it does raise the possibility of
According to a new study, there could 2 1 7
8 finding a habitable environment.
be oceans’ worth of liquid water deep 4 3 9
10
● Water is essential for life as we know it, and the
in the rocky outer crust of Mars.
5 11
6 M
underground reservoir on Mars could potentially sustain
More About the Study:
life, similar to deep-sea environments on Earth.
● While scientists have long been aware of water ice at the
○ However, the discovery poses challenges for plans to
Martian poles, this marks the first discovery of liquid
colonize Mars.
water on the planet.
● Extracting water from such depths—10 to 20 kilometers
● The study, titled "Liquid water in the Martian mid-
below the surface—would be a formidable task, making
crust," was published in the journal Proceedings of the
the goal of colonizing Mars
National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) by researchers PEPPER IT WITH
more complex.
from the University of California. Conclusion PNAS, NASA, Mars
Significance of the Findings Insight Lander
The discovery of liquid water
● This discovery could significantly enhance our
deep within Mars' crust is a
understanding of Mars' water cycle, offering insights into
groundbreaking finding that could reshape our
the planet's climatic evolution, surface features, and understanding of the planet and its potential to support life.
interior structure.
While the challenges of accessing this water are significant,
● Moreover, it provides a promising avenue for the
the study opens new avenues for exploration and research
ongoing search for potential life on Mars.
on Mars.
Methodology of the Study
● The researchers utilized data from NASA's Mars Insight
Lander, which operated on the Martian surface from First findings from Chandrayaan 3 mission
2018 until its retirement in December 2022. News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

● The lander was equipped with a seismometer that Scientists in India have released the 2
1 7
8

findings of studies carried out by one 4

3 9
recorded seismic waves generated by Marsquakes and 5
10
11
meteorite impacts over a span of four years, totaling of the instruments on the rover 6 M

more than 1,300 quakes. module.

● By analyzing the speed of these seismic waves, the More about news:
researchers could infer the type of material the waves ● The findings comprise the first analysis of the
traveled through. composition of the topsoil in the Moon’s southern
● They employed a geophysical model similar to those latitudes, and support the widely-accepted hypothesis
used for mapping underground aquifers and oil fields on that the lunar surface in the immediate aftermath of the
Earth. Moon’s formation was covered by a sea of molten
● This model was applied to the data collected by Insight, material.
leading to the conclusion that deep beneath Mars' ● Findings from one of Chandrayaan 3’s scientific
surface lies a layer of fractured igneous rock, such as instruments support the hypothesis of a magma ocean
granite, with cracks filled with liquid water. on the Moon in its earliest phase. They also suggest a
Key Findings: churn of lunar crust, probably caused by an asteroid hit.
● The study identified a water-containing layer located at ● The data collected by the Alpha Particle X-ray
depths of 10 to 20 kilometers within the Martian crust. Spectrometer (APXS) also contain new information
● It is suggested that this water seeped from the surface about the elemental composition of the lunar surface
billions of years ago when Mars had rivers, lakes, and that can help to better understand the evolution of the
possibly oceans. Moon.
● This process is similar to Earth's groundwater infiltration, Findings of Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS):
52

which occurs when water from the surface seeps into the Scientists have reported three key findings:
ground. ● The terrain around Chandrayaan 3’s landing site is fairly
Page

uniform;
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● The Moon’s crust was formed layer by layer, which adds ● The probe will be equipped with a hyperspectral
weight to the lunar magma ocean (LMO) hypothesis; camera, a very high-resolution black and white
and camera, and a radar.
○ The Moon is thought to have been formed after a ● The study will focus on the Martian atmosphere,
large asteroid collided with Earth some 4.5 billion environment, and interplanetary dust.
years ago. Scientists hypothesise that in its early life, ● Mangalyaan-2 will be launched by the rocket GSLV Mk
the Moon’s surface was made up entirely of an ocean III.
of magma. Significance of the findings:
○ As this ocean cooled over millions of years, heavier ● While these findings more or less support what is already
silicon and magnesium rich minerals such as olivine known via modeling, imaging, and various hypotheses,
and pyroxene sank to the lower levels of the lunar they are novel nonetheless. This is primarily because
crust and its upper mantle (which is generally the Chandrayaan 3 landed near the Moon’s south pole, a
largest layer inside a planetary body, bounded by the first in lunar exploration.
planet’s core on the inside and the crust on the ● While the composition of lunar topsoil near the
outside). equatorial and mid-latitude regions have previously
○ Lighter minerals, composed of calcium and sodium- been studied by earlier Moon missions sent by other
based compounds, floated to the top and formed countries, this is the first time that such measurements
the upper crust. have been carried out near the Moon’s poles.
○ The findings of Chandrayaan 3’s APXS take this ○ This makes Chandrayaan 3 the first to carry out in
hypothesis a step further. situ experiments of any kind at the poles.
○ They support a class of models under the umbrella of ● The rover moved within a 50-metre radius of the
the LMO hypothesis which theorises a stratified landing site, and took readings on different kinds of
lunar crust — where 80-90% of the upper crust is surfaces, from relatively smooth ones to near the rims of
believed to be composed of iron, magnesium, and small craters.
sodium-rich rocks, and the lower crust of ● The overall finding, which suggests that the topsoil near
magnesium-rich rocks. the landing site is fairly uniform, is novel.
● Among the different possible scenarios of lunar crust ○ Notably, the uniformity of the surface is unlike that of
formation within the premise of LMO, the APXS Earth, where tectonic plate movements led to the
measurements support the models indicating stratified creation of undulating surfaces.
crust formation. ● With measurements taken at 23 spots along the rover’s
● The topsoil around the lunar south pole has a greater- path, this is the first time that soil measurements on lunar
than-expected sprinkling of minerals which compose the highlands (light coloured, elevated basins on the Moon
lower layers of the lunar crust. standing above dark-coloured basins known as maria)
○ The third APXS finding is a new discovery — and have been taken with such high frequency.
suggests that some “mixing” of the various levels of ○ Other missions — such as the US’s Apollo 16,
the lunar crust might have taken place. Russia’s Luna 20, and China’s Chang’e 4 — too
○ The researchers have proposed that this “mixing” have sampled the lunar highlands, but sparsely.
could have been caused by the asteroid impact that ● The total observation duration for the APXS
led to the formation of the South Pole Aitken (SPA) measurements was about 31 hours, which were spread
Basin, the largest and oldest basin on the Moon. out over the mission period of 10 days.
○ The SPA basin has a diameter of approximately 2,500 Impact on future missions
km — equivalent to the distance between Delhi and ● Scientists believe that the APXS PEPPER IT WITH
Kochi — and a depth of 6.2-8.2 km. measurements will serve as the
APXS, LMO,
○ It is believed to have been formed 4.2-4.3 billion “first ground truth in the south
Chandrayaan 3,
years ago, when the asteroid hit near the lunar south polar highlands and probably
Chang’e 4
pole. play a key role in the overall
○ The researchers theorise that this asteroid impact understanding of the origin and evolution of the Moon.
resulted in the excavation of magnesium-rich ● The uniform surface also implies that the region can be
material from deeper layers of the Moon, out to the used as a calibration point for remote sensing
surface of the surrounding areas as ejecta. operations, and can thus be used for planning future
○ The Chandrayaan 3 landing site was just 350 km missions.
from the rim of the SPA basin. ● Future missions near the south pole can also evaluate for
source-crater pairing of lunar meteorites.
53

Mangalyaan-2:
● Mangalyaan-2 is the second interplanetary mission of ○ Lunar meteorites are meteors that originate from the
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India and the second mission to Mars. Moon, ejected upon impact from an asteroid or

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
comet. Caught in the Earth’s gravitational field, the travelled on a National Highway and free flow of Vehicles
lunar meteorites eventually end up on Earth. at High Speed.
● On 2 July 2024, Indian Highways Management Company
Navigation satellite-based tolling Limited (IHMCL) issued a tender for the construction of
free flow GNSS Lanes at toll plazas to implement GNSS
News Excerpt:
based Electronic toll collection.
After the announcement of the GS C ON N EC T
How will GNSS work?
implementation of Global
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
1 7
2 8 ● According to IHMCL, the GNSS-based Electronic Toll
Navigation Satellite System 3 9

(GNSS) based Electronic Toll 5

4 10
11
Collection (ETC) system will be implemented with the
collection in India, the Ministry of
6 M
existing FASTag ecosystem. It will be initially used as a
Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) said that it has hybrid model where both FASTag and GNSS will
developed a GIS-based software for Real-time operate simultaneously.
monitoring of the waiting time at the Toll Plazas. The ● To implement the scheme, dedicated GNSS lanes will be
system, the Ministry said on 2 September 2024, will help the available at toll plazas to allow vehicles using GNSS-
NHAI officials to check the congestion at specific lane based ETC to pass through freely. After GNSS-based
level to ensure free flow of traffic. ETC will become more widespread, all lanes will
● This new software has been developed by Indian eventually be converted to GNSS lanes. It will have
Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), a advance reading/identification/enforcement equipment
company promoted by National Highway Authority of for vehicles so that valid vehicles gets a free flow pass.
India (NHAI). Initially, this new technology will be ● When a vehicle passes through the toll gates, the toll
charger will receive pings (distance and time stamp)
implemented at 100 toll plazas, which has been
of GNSS vehicles through On Board Unit or OBUs
identified by NHAI, for live monitoring. These toll
fitted in the GNSS vehicles. The OBUs of GNSS
plazas have been selected on the basis of the
congestion feedback received through National vehicles will be onboarded with the toll charger through
Highway helpline number i.e 1033. Fintechs, similar to the issuer banks concpet under the
How will it work? current FASTag System. The payment mechanism shall
● The GIS-based software will provide the name and be similar to the existing FASTag ecosystem, but
location of the toll plaza to the officials. “It will also would involve automatic debit and obviate the need for
provide congestion alert and lane distribution the boom barriers at toll plazas.
recommendation, if the queue of vehicles at a toll plaza How will it help the users?
is more than the prescribed limit,” said MoRTH in a ● The introduction of the ETC system will remove all kinds
statement. of time lag that currently people face while passing
● The ministry also said that as the toll plazas have been through the toll plazas. Under the FASTag system, it has
mapped across the country at respective NHAI field been observed that there are still considerable delays in
offices, the software will help the officials to get reading the bar code and opening of the boom barrier.
comparative traffic condition analysis on hourly, These delays sometimes lasts for up to a minute and
daily, weekly and monthly basis for the traffic queue & causes vehicle pile ups. Due to this, many cases of
congestion. arguments and fights with toll employees have also
● Apart from this, the software will provide updates of come to light.
current weather condition and information about ● However, the GNSS tolling system will remove all these
local festivals. “This will help NHAI officials to take pre- kinds of obstructions as there will be no requirement of
emptive measures to manage the traffic load and reader and boom barrier while passing through the toll
decongest the toll plazas,” said MoRTH. Plaza. Also, people will be able to pass through the plaza
● As of now, the software is being implemented at the at high speed and the money will be deducted
100 toll plazas. The Ministry said that this GIS-based automatically according to the distance travelled on
software will be extended to more toll plazas in a National Highway.
phased manner. How does the present system work?
What is a satellite-based tolling system? ● Currently, the Electronic Toll Collection in India is done
● MoRTH is currently working on Global Navigation through Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
Satellite System (GNSS) based tolling system, which is technology, commonly known as FASTag. It was
expected to replace the current FASTag toll collection launched in India in 2015 and Since February 2021,
system and provide a long-term solution for congestion FASTag has been made mandatory for the payment of
user fees at National Highway toll plazas, with a
54

at tolling booths. It will also provide distance-based

provision for a 100% penalty for cash or non-FASTag
tolling where users will pay only for the stretch they have
Page

payments. According to MoRTH, as of March 2024,

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
more than 98% of user fee payments are made vehicles. GNSS OBUs could ultimately come factory-
through FASTag at Toll Plazas. fitted in new vehicles in the same way as many
● The National Highway Authority of India is responsible showroom owners now attach FASTag stickers to new
for the development, maintenance and management of cars rolling out of their premises.
the National Highways. ● In its tender, IHMCL said GNSS lanes will have advance
Currently, out of about 1.50 lakh km of National signage, markings, lighting, and equipment so that
Highways declared by MoRTH, about 70,000 vehicles can safely cruise through the toll plazas at
kilometers are managed by NHAI. Apart from this, reasonably high speeds without coming in conflict
NHAI collect tolls on these highways as per National with the slow-moving FASTag vehicles passing
Highway Fee (Determination of Rates and through non-GNSS lanes.
Collection) Rules, 2008. ● As a GNSS vehicle passes through the toll gate, the
● According to MoRTH, at present toll is collected for charger will receive a ping (distance and time stamp)
approximately 45,000 kilometers of National Highways through the OBU.
and Expressways through 1200 toll plazas maintained by ● The payment mechanism will be mediated by fintech
NHAI or Concessionaires. companies, and will be similar to the concept of issuer
Amendment of Rule banks in the FASTag system.
● The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways ● Non-GNSS vehicles entering GNSS lanes will have to
(MoRTH) has amended the National Highways Fee pay double the toll as penalty. The new system is
(Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008 to expected to reduce or end congestion and delays at
include provisions relating to GNSS-based electronic toll toll plazas.
collection. ● The FASTag system takes time — up to a minute at
● The amendment makes a legal provision to earmark times — to read the barcode and operate the boom, a
specific lanes to implement GNSS, and mandates the delay that causes pile-ups and arguments at busy plazas.
collection of tolls through this new system. What happens to FASTag?
● On 2 July, the Indian Highways Management Company ● IHMCL has said that the GNSS-based electronic toll
Ltd (IHMCL), a company promoted by the National collection system will be implemented alongside the
Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under MoRTH issued existing FASTag ecosystem to begin with.
a tender to construct free-flow GNSS lanes at toll plazas. ● Both systems will be in use simultaneously; however, as
The tendering process is currently ongoing. the use of GNSS becomes more widespread, all lanes
will eventually be
converted to GNSS PEPPER IT WITH
lanes. GNSS, FASTag, RFID, NHAI,
● FASTag, which uses IHMCL, Electronic Toll
Radio Frequency Collection (ETC) system
Identification (RFID)
technology, was launched in India in 2015.
● It has been mandatory for the payment of user fee/ toll
since February 2021, with a 100% penalty for cash or
non-FASTag payments.
● According to MoRTH, as of March 2024, more than 98%
of user fee payments at toll plazas were being made
through FASTag.
● Toll is collected for approximately 45,000 km of National
Highways and expressways through 1,200 toll plazas
Toll collection by satellite maintained by NHAI or concessionaires.
● GNSS will allow toll or highway user fees to be
collected without stopping the vehicle at a toll booth
boom barrier in order for the FASTag barcode to be
read. INS Arighaat: India's Second Nuclear-
● Vehicles can simply pass through designated GNSS
Powered Submarine
lanes which are seen as a long-term solution to
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T

congestion and pile-ups at toll plazas. A number of

GS I II III IV GS I II III IV

The induction of INS Arighaat, India's

1 7

developed countries follow this system for efficiently

2 8

second nuclear-powered ballistic

3 9
55

collecting highway toll.

4 10

missile submarine of the Arihant

5 11
6 M
● For GNSS to work, owners will have to get a non-
Page

transferable “on-board unit” (OBU) fitted in their

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
class, marks a significant enhancement in India's nuclear ● India's nuclear-powered submarine program began over
deterrence capabilities and reinforces its nuclear triad. three decades ago, involving collaboration between
More detail about News: private firms and the Defence Research & Development
● INS Arighaat was officially commissioned into the Organisation (DRDO), with assistance from Russia.
Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam after undergoing ● INS Arihant was launched in 2009 and was
extensive trials over recent months. commissioned into the Navy in 2016, becoming
India's first nuclear-powered submarine.
● In October 2022, the Ministry of Defence announced the
successful launch of a submarine-launched ballistic
missile (SLBM) from INS Arihant in the Bay of Bengal, with
"very high accuracy."
Nuclear Triad
● A nuclear triad is a three-part military structure that
includes land-based nuclear missiles, submarines armed
with nuclear missiles, and strategic aircraft carrying
nuclear bombs and missiles.
● The rationale behind the triad was that distributing the
● Weighing 6,000 tonnes, INS Arighaat joins INS Arihant, country’s nuclear arsenal across different platforms
its predecessor, as a crucial element of India's nuclear would increase the likelihood of surviving an attack and
triad, which encompasses the ability to launch nuclear successfully retaliating after a first strike.
weapons from air, land, and sea.
India’s Submarine Fleet:
Nuclear Triad Capability:
● India is currently building two nuclear ballistic
● India joins a select group of nations with a nuclear triad
submarines (SSBNs) that are larger than the Arihant and
capability, including the United States, Russia, China, and
Arighaat, each with a displacement of around 7,000
France.
tonnes.
● The induction of INS Arihant in 2016 provided India
● The first of these submarines was reportedly launched
with its first maritime nuclear strike capability. The
in 2021 and is awaiting commissioning after trials and
introduction of INS Arighaat into the Navy will further
tests, while the second is under construction as part of
enhance its nuclear strike capabilities.
a classified project.
● India’s land-based nuclear arsenal includes the Agni 2,
Agni 4, and Agni 5 missiles, while its air-based ● The Indian Navy operates 16 conventional
submarines: seven Kilo-class (Sindhughosh), four
capabilities are delivered by fighter jets such as the
Shishumar class, and five French Scorpène (Kalvari)
Rafales, Su-30MKIs, and Mirage 2000s.
class attack submarines.
● Under its "No First Use" policy, India pledges to use
○ Kilo-class submarines - India began acquiring
nuclear weapons only for retaliation, making its nuclear
USSR-developed diesel-electric Kilo-class
submarines a strong deterrent due to their ability to
survive a nuclear strike and launch a retaliatory attack. submarines in the mid-1980s, which have a lifespan
About INS Arighat: of about 30 years and can operate longer with
● The INS Arighat is significantly more advanced than its modern upgrades.
predecessor, INS Arihant, thanks to the indigenous ○ Shishumar class submarines - These submarines
technological advancements it incorporates. were developed by Germany’s Howaldtswerke-
● Its construction involved cutting-edge design and Deutsche Werft (HDW) and later constructed in
manufacturing technology, extensive research and India, starting in the 1980s.
development, the use of specialized materials, complex ○ Kalvari class submarines - These were built at
engineering, and highly skilled workmanship. India’s Mazagon Dock in partnership with France’s
● Both the INS Arihant and INS Arighat are powered by Naval Group, with the first submarine, INS Kalvari,
83 MW pressurized light-water nuclear reactors, being commissioned in 2017, followed by several
allowing them to stay submerged for extended periods, others.
unlike conventional diesel-electric submarines, which ● To fulfill its operational requirements, the Indian Navy is
need to surface frequently to recharge their batteries. authorized to have 18 submarines, a milestone now
● INS Arighat has four launch tubes in its hump. It can achieved with the commissioning of INS Arighaat.
carry 12 K-15 Sagarika submarine-launched ballistic ● However, around 30% of the fleet is typically under refit
missiles (SLBMs) with a range of 750 kilometers or four (repair and renovation) at any given time, reducing the
56

K-4 SLBMs that can reach distances of up to 3,500 number of operational submarines.
kilometers. ● The Navy has implemented medium refit and life
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Nuclear Powered Submarine Program: certification processes, involving extensive repairs and
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
replacements to extend the service life of aging
submarines until new vessels are commissioned.
Nuclear doctrine and sea-based deterrence: Instead of
the sea leg propelling changes to this system, owing to
the very nature of sea-based deterrence, India appears to
have adopted the land-suited system of civilian control on
its Sea Based Strategic Deterrence (SBSD) as well. Hence,
India’s SSBNs are unlikely to operate like traditional SSBNs,
which are ever ready to launch a nuclear missile from
undetectable areas of operation in the open ocean. More about the discovery:
● Growing anxieties about submarine warfare in the ● This discovery revolves around V-shaped symbols carved
Indo-Pacific and India’s own foray into it (with a onto pillars, which researchers now believe could
strong degree of cooperation with regional partners) represent the oldest lunisolar calendar.
necessitates analytical investments to think through ● These markings may also serve as a record of a
the opportunities and risks inherent in this new field. catastrophic comet strike that occurred around 10,850
Such debates, by touching upon both guiding BCE, triggering a mini ice age known as the Younger
doctrines as well as operational resiliency, are likely to Dryas.
assist decision-makers in preparing for a more ● The site, dating back roughly 12,000 years to the
dangerous world at sea. beginning of the Holocene epoch, is one of the oldest
● Recent Chinese ‘over-reactions’ (in the form of the known farming
Galwan stand-off) to India’s force development in the communities.
conventional domain have indicated that it is not Significance of the discovery:
enough for India to assert the defensive intent ● Impact of the Comet
undergirding some of its offensive-oriented capabilities Strike: This research is part
when it comes to China. of a broader debate about
● As India seeks to turn the Bay of Bengal into a ‘bastion’ the Younger Dryas impact
for its SSBNs, China is likely to increase its surveillance hypothesis, first proposed
and targeting capabilities in the region. And it will do in 2007. The Hypothesis
so while enhancing maritime relations with both suggests that a cometary
Bangladesh and Myanmar. As China seeks to exploit the or meteoritic body or bodies hit and/or exploded
US’ concern over the risk of nuclear escalation for over North America 12,900 years ago, causing the YD
strategic benefit, India must ensure that the common climate episode, extinction of Pleistocene megafauna,
pursuit of non-escalation in the nuclear domain demise of the Clovis archeological culture, and a range
during a military crisis remains just that – a common of other effects.
pursuit. ● Complexity of Early Cultures: Some scientists remain
Conclusion: skeptical, citing the lack of a definitive crater or
PEPPER IT WITH:
The induction of INS consistent evidence across different regions.
Arighaat marks a Nuclear doctrine, Nuclear Nonetheless, if scientists’ interpretations are correct, it
pivotal moment in reactor, SLBM, Nuclear triad. provides compelling support for the theory and offers
India's security new insights into the origins of civilization.
● Göbekli Tepe’s Significance: The findings highlight
landscape, significantly bolstering its nuclear deterrence
Göbekli Tepe’s role as a major centre of early
capabilities and further solidifying its membership in the
astronomical and cultural practices. The site’s
exclusive group of nations with a nuclear triad. This
importance extends beyond its monumental
advancement enhances India's ability to launch nuclear architecture to include its contributions to early
strikes from land, air, and sea, ensuring a more resilient science and society.
response to potential threats. Nebra Sky Disk
Discovery: The Nebra Sky Disk was
GEOGRAPHY discovered in 1999 near Nebra,
Germany, in a burial mound. It
World’s Oldest Solar Calendar dates to around 1600 BC, during
News Excerpt: GS I
GS C ON N EC T
II III IV GS I II III IV the Bronze Age.
Archaeologists may have unearthed 1
2
7
8 Description: The disk is a bronze
the world’s oldest solar calendar at plate, about 32 cm in diameter,
3 9
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4 10

Göbekli Tepe, an ancient site in decorated with gold symbols. It depicts a detailed
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6 M

representation of the night sky, including the moon, stars,

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southern Turkey.
and possibly the sun.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Symbols: ● Unlike similar formations in North America and Namibia,
● Stars: The disk features 30 gold stars, which are thought this site uniquely captures the transition from a warm,
to represent the Pleiades star cluster. tropical environment into the snowball Earth
● Sun/Moon: There is a crescent shape, interpreted as the conditions.
moon, and a large, half-circle shape, possibly ● This makes it potentially the world's most complete
representing the sun or a solar boat. record of this pivotal moment in Earth's history.
● Arcs: Two golden arcs at the edge of the disk might Implications for Understanding Early Life
symbolize the horizon or a solar calendar. ● The Sturtian glaciation, which lasted about 60 million
Astronomical Significance: The disk is believed to represent
years, was one of the most extreme cold periods in
an early attempt to map the night sky and track celestial
Earth’s history.
events. It is thought to depict the moon’s phases, solar
cycles, and the position of the Pleiades star cluster. ● Before this time, life on Earth consisted only of single-
Conclusion: celled organisms and algae.
The symbols and carvings at ● The harsh conditions of the Cryogenian period may have
Göbekli Tepe, alongside driven these organisms to evolve into multicellular life,
PEPPER IT WITH:
other ancient artifacts like leading to the rapid emergence of complex life forms
Oldest calendar, Origin
the Nebra sky disk from after the planet thawed.
of Civilisation, Time
Germany, suggest a deep- A Potential Global PEPPER IT WITH:
keeping.
rooted connection between Geological Marker Earth’s geology,
early humans and their ● The study also suggests Evolution of life on earth,
observation of the heavens, possibly spurred by a that the new age Glaciation Period.
catastrophic event. constraints for these
rocks could support the designation of the Port Askaig
Formation as a global boundary stratotype section
Evidences of ‘Snowball Earth' in Irish-
and point (GSSP) for the Cryogenian period.
Scottish Rock Formation
● Such a designation, often referred to as a "golden
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
spike," would mark the site as a key reference point in
A recent study has revealed that a
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
1 7
geological history, attracting international interest.
rock formation spanning Ireland and 3
2 8
9

Scotland may provide a rare and

4
5
10
11
Glaciation
crucial record of the "Snowball
6 M
● Glaciation on Earth refers to periods when large parts of
Earth". the planet's surface were covered by glaciers or ice
Port Askaig Formation sheets.
● The Port Askaig Formation (PAF), located in the ● These ice ages have occurred multiple times throughout
Dalradian Supergroup of Scotland, is a significant Earth's history, significantly impacting the climate and
geological formation that offers an extensive record of the evolution of life.
Cryogenian glaciation, particularly in the Garvellach Different glaciation periods has been identified by
Islands and Islay. geologist are as follow:
● The formation is about ● Huronian Glaciation (2.4-2.1 billion years ago): One of
1,100 metres thick and the earliest known, possibly triggered by the Great
contains five members, Oxygenation Event.
including 47 diamictite ● Cryogenian Period (720-635 million years ago): Known
beds interlayered with for the Sturtian and Marinoan glaciations, where ice
siltstones, dolostones, likely reached the equator, leading to "Snowball
and sandstones. Earth" conditions, which was a time period when the
● It is thought to have entire planet was believed to be covered in ice.
been deposited between 662 million and 720 million ● Andean-Saharan Glaciation (450-420 million years
years ago during the Sturtian glaciation. ago): Occurred during the late Ordovician and early
● This glaciation was the first of two global freezes Silurian periods.
during the Cryogenian period, events that are believed ● Karoo Glaciation (360-260 million years ago): Took
to have played a key role in the emergence of complex place during the late Paleozoic era.
life on Earth. ● Quaternary Glaciation (2.58 million years ago-present):
Unique Geological Record The most recent, includes multiple glacial and
● One section of the Port Askaig Formation, exposed on interglacial cycles.
58

the Garvellachs islands in Scotland, is particularly

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significant.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Classification of Restoration Zones
Restoring the Banni Grasslands
● The study categorized the Banni grasslands into five
News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV zones based on their suitability for restoration:
A recent study titled ‘Maximizing 2 1 7
8
○ Highly Suitable: 937 sq. km (36% of the area)
ecological value and assessing 4 3 9

land suitability for sustainable 6 5

10
11
○ Suitable: 728 sq. km (28% of the area)
grassland management in Asia’s
M
○ Moderately Suitable: 714 sq. km (27% of the area)
largest tropical grassland, Western India’, assessed the ○ Marginally Suitable: 182 sq. km (7% of the area)
suitability of different areas within Banni for sustainable ○ Not Suitable: 61 sq. km (2% of the area)
grassland restoration, with ecological value as the primary ● The first two categories, covering nearly two-thirds of
focus. the Banni grasslands, can be restored relatively easily
Grasslands and Their Importance: by providing adequate water sources through
● Grasslands are among the largest ecosystems globally, irrigation or rainwater harvesting
primarily found in semiarid and arid regions. ● Restoration in the "moderately suitable" zone is also
● These ecosystems, which include savannahs, grassy feasible, though it may require more effort compared
shrublands, and open grasslands, support a diverse to the "highly suitable" and "suitable" zones.
array of unique species and provide numerous ● The "marginally suitable" and "not suitable" zones,
ecosystem services. however, may need more intensive interventions, such
● These services include carbon storage, climate as terracing, the use of fertilizers, protection against
mitigation, and pollination. water runoff and erosion, and managing salt
● Despite their significance, grasslands face widespread intrusion.
degradation due to deforestation, overgrazing, Implications of the study:
agriculture, urbanization, and other human activities. ● This study could serve as a valuable resource for the
● It is estimated that 49% of the world's grasslands are National Green Tribunal (NGT) and policymakers in
currently experiencing degradation. crafting policies aimed at protecting and rehabilitating
Grasslands in India: degraded grasslands.
● In India, grasslands cover approximately eight lakh sq. ● The detailed assessment of land suitability provides a
km, accounting for about 24% of the country's total robust foundation for developing legal and regulatory
land area. frameworks that promote sustainable land use and
● However, these grasslands are increasingly threatened conservation practices.
by agricultural expansion, tree-based plantation ● Unlike previous research that focused on sample plots
projects, invasive species, and large-scale development or single vegetation indicators, this study offers a
projects. holistic assessment of the Banni grasslands.
● This situation is further aggravated by a focus on forest ● It incorporates multiple soil characteristics, such as
conservation by both governmental and non-profit nutrient availability, soil acidity, texture, organic carbon
organizations, often at the expense of grasslands. content, salinity, water holding capacity, and more.
Banni Grasslands: ● Additionally, satellite data was used to assess land use,
● The Banni grasslands, located in the Kachchh district of land cover, geomorphology, and land slope.
Gujarat, are one of India's largest grassland areas. ● This comprehensive approach aims not only to identify
● Once sprawling over approximately 3,800 sq. km, these lands suitable for grassland development but also to
grasslands have now shrunk to about 2,600 sq. km. guide sustainable management practices.
Conclusion:
The findings of this study highlights the
importance of evidence-based recommendations
for sustainable
grassland PEPPER IT WITH:
management. Ecology protection,
This includes Environment Degradation,
biodiversity Flora and Fauna
conservation conservation.
and enhancing
the livelihoods of local communities that depend
on these grasslands for their livestock. Grasslands,
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with their role in carbon sequestration and as

habitats for various species, are vital in the context
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of climate change. Protecting and restoring them

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
is essential for preserving biodiversity and ensuring the This is because prevailing trade winds — caused by
continued provision of ecosystem services for future Earth’s rotation, between 30 degrees north and
generations. south of the equator — move east to west, sweeping
warmer surface water along with them. The relatively
Global models with La Niña predictions cool waters from below rise to the surface to replace
News Excerpt: All leading global the displaced water.
These wind systems weaken in the El Niño phase,
GS C ON N EC T
agencies were significantly off the GS1 I II III IV GS7 I II III IV
mark in their La Niña predictions this 23 8 leading to lesser displacement of warmer waters off
the American coasts. Consequently, the eastern
9

year. India had pinned hopes on the 45 10

11

influential climate phenomenon to

6 M Pacific becomes warmer than usual. The opposite
drive enhanced rainfall during August-September. Now happens in the La Niña phase i.e. trade winds
that a delay in La Niña’s onset is imminent, what is the become stronger than usual and push larger quantities
likely impact going to be in the upcoming months? And why of water to the western Pacific.
did global weather models get their predictions wrong? In India, El Niño is associated with suppressed rainfall
What is La Niña? during the monsoon season, while La Niña is known to
La Niña (or ‘The Little Girl’ in Spanish) is a phase of what help monsoon activity. The previous El Niño event
climatologists refer to as the El Niño Southern occurred between June 2023 and May 2024. Prior to
Oscillation (ENSO), a phenomenon that is a key driver of that, one of the longest recorded La Niña episodes
lasted from 2020 to 2023.
global natural climate variability. ENSO is characterised
Anthropogenic climate change has exacerbated the
by changes in sea temperatures along the tropical Pacific
impact of both El Niño and La Niña-related hazards,
Ocean due to atmospheric fluctuations overhead. These
including high temperatures, heavy precipitation and
changes alter and interfere with the global atmospheric droughts
circulation, and influence weather worldwide. What did global weather models predict this year?
One of the strongest El Niño events of all time ended this
Occurring in irregular cycles of anywhere between
June, following which ENSO entered the neutral phase.
two to seven years, ENSO has three phases — warm
Initial projections made by multiple global weather
(El Niño or ‘The Little Boy’ in Spanish), cool (La
models suggested that the onset of La Niña conditions
Niña), and neutral.
would occur around July. But by mid-July, it was clear that
During the neutral phase, the eastern Pacific (off the
La Niña would be delayed.
northwestern coast of South America) is cooler than
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had, since
the western Pacific (around Philippines and Indonesia).
the first stage Long Range Forecast issued in mid-April,
maintained that La Niña conditions would emerge
during the later half of the June – September
monsoon season. And most importantly, La Niña
could enhance rainfall in the months of August
and September. This year’s seasonal prediction
was dependent on the emergence of La Niña,
resulting in ‘above’ normal rainfall in the final two
monsoon months (more on that later).
Why were initial predictions off the mark?
The primary reason cited by weather modellers
and meteorologists for the error in predicting La
Niña’s onset is its severity. Weather models are
likely to better pick up signals in cases of strong La
Niña (or El Niño) phases, rather than weak ones.
Moreover, there are other factors that impact
surface and subsurface conditions across the
Pacific Ocean. In particular, these include the inter-
seasonal variability in the atmosphere, wind and
pressure, directly linked to the movement of the
Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO), an eastward
moving band of rain-bearing winds and clouds. The
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interplay of different weather systems makes

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predictions harder.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
How has the delay in La Niña’s onset impacted India’s
monsoon? About India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean
La Niña is known to enhance the rainfall during the Research (NCPOR):
● The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
southwest monsoon, India’s chief rainy season which lasts
(NCPOR) was established as an autonomous Research
from June to September. Since the monsoon has already
and Development Institution of the Ministry of Earth
reached its fag end, and La Niña conditions are yet to
Sciences (formerly Department of Ocean Development),
emerge in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, the climatic
Government of India on the 25th May 1998.
phenomenon will play no direct role in the country’s ● With a mission mandate that is quite challenging, the
rainfall at the moment. Centre is designated as the nodal organization for the
But, there are many other factors which affect the rainfall co-ordination and implementation of the Indian
during the monsoon season, and a delayed La Niña onset Antarctic Programme, including the maintenance of
does not definitely mean an adverse monsoon performance. India’s permanent station in Antarctica.
This has largely been the case so far. ● Year-round maintenance of the two Indian stations
In August, India as a whole recorded nearly 16 per cent (Maitri & Bharati) in Antarctica is the primary
surplus rainfall. The forecast for September too is responsibility of the Centre.
promising, with the IMD predicting a 109 per cent ‘above’ ● Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2011) were established, for
normal rainfall over most geographical areas (where 100 carrying out research by Indian scientists in all disciplines
denotes normal rainfall). of polar research. These stations have been provided with
Overall in this season, starting from June, India has received comfortable living accommodations, state of the art
rainfall that is 8 per cent more than normal. But, as is laboratories and well-equipped library and
expected, there are wide variations in precipitation at the communication systems.
regional level. Almost every state in the east and the More about the news:
northeastern region has seen deficient rainfall, and so ● Incessant rainfall has wreaked havoc in India’s southeast,
have many states in the north and the northwest. Central leaving many dead in Andhra Pradesh and thousands
and south India have, however, received more than normal homeless and at the mercy of floods in Telangana.
rainfall till now. ● The Indian Meteorological Department has also
What does the La Niña
PEPPER IT WITH:
warned of heavy rains in parts of Gujarat, Himachal
outlook look like in the Pradesh, and Delhi.
Monsson, El Nino, La Nina,
coming months? Rainfall in India, Climate ● Unpredictable, erratic rainfall has been becoming the
It could influence rainfall Change Impact on Monsson. norm for the Indian monsoon. Once a bringer of relief
during the northeast and hope to the subcontinent, these rains are now a
monsoon season (October – December). Also known as herald of drought and floods.
the winter monsoon, this is limited to Tamil Nadu, coastal ● Climate change is an important reason why. However, a
Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema, southern interior Karnataka closer look into climate models shows the intricate play
and Kerala. Climatologically, La Niña does not favour of surface temperature, pressure gradients, air currents
northeast monsoon rainfall. The north Indian Ocean and even sea ice that is responsible for bringing rain to
basin — which covers the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian the Indian landmass.
Sea — sees cyclone development during March to May, ● In a study published in the journal Remote Sensing of
Environment, researchers from India’s National Centre
and October to December, with peak activity during May
for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the
and November. During La Niña years, climatologically
Ministry of Earth Sciences, and South Korea’s Korea
there are high chances of frequent cyclogenesis, with
Polar Research Institute have found that seasonal
storms having above-average intensity, and longer-than- changes in the Arctic sea ice affect the Indian monsoon
average life. This will be something that Met officials and as well.
administrators will be watching out for. Lastly, La Niña About Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall:
years in the past have typically seen harsher, colder ● The Indian summer monsoon rainfall (ISMR) over the
winters. Indian subcontinent, from July to September, and with
most of the rains recorded in July and August, is one of
Arctic Sea ice can change monsoon patterns the most prominent monsoon systems in the world.
News Excerpt: ● In summer months, sunlight warms the Central Asian and
GS C ON N EC T

New research reveals that less sea ice GS

1
I II III IV GS I II III IV
7
Indian landmass more and faster than the surrounding
in the central Arctic leads to lower rain
2
3
8
9
ocean. This creates a low pressure band at the Tropic of
Cancer called the intertropical convergence zone.
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in western and peninsular India but

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more rain in central and northern

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● Trade winds blowing from the southeast are
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India. subsequently deflected towards the Indian landmass due

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
to the Coriolis force and the low pressure after they ● As a result, an anomalous high pressure region is created
cross the equator. As they blow over the Arabian Sea, over Central Asia, disrupting atmospheric stability over
the winds pick up moisture and deposit that as rain over the Indian landmass and bringing more rain over western
India. and peninsular India.
● Over the landmass itself, this southwest monsoon splits ● On the other hand, low sea ice over the Barents-Kara
into two. The Arabian Sea arm brings rain to the west Sea region triggers a series of air currents that produce
coast while the other arm travels to the Bay of Bengal an anomalous high pressure over southwest China.
and brings rain to India’s eastern and northeastern parts. ● This correlates with a positive Arctic Oscillation — high
● The arms finally converge over Punjab and Himachal pressure over the northern Atlantic and Pacific oceans
Pradesh as the Arabian Sea arm moves inward and the along with a weakening of the CGT, which connects
Bay of Bengal arm moves along the Himalaya. weather events in different parts of the world.
● The ISMR is much more complex than scientists first ● As sea ice levels decrease in the region, heat rises from
anticipated. In the last two decades, climate models have the Barents-Kara sea, creating an anticyclonic circulation
shown that the surface temperatures of the Indian, the (calm, clear skies) over northwest Europe. This disturbs
Atlantic, and the Pacific Oceans affect the ISMR. the upper atmospheric region over subtropical Asia and
● The circum-global teleconnection (CGT), a large-scale India.
atmospheric wave flowing at the mid-latitudes, seemed ● This instability, coupled with high surface temperature of
to significantly influence the monsoon as well. the Arabian Sea and the moisture picked up from the
Influence of Arctic sea ice on Indian monsoon: surrounding water bodies promotes high rainfall over
● In recent years, scientists have also suggested that northeastern India while leaving central and northwest
declining levels of Arctic sea ice, due to climate change, regions of the country without much
could influence the monsoon’s temperament, too. Role of climate change:
● In the new study, researchers used observational data ● Climate change, by accelerating the reduction of Arctic
from 1980 to 2020 and climate models to check how sea ice, exacerbates the variability and unpredictability of
the Arctic sea ice levels affect atmospheric circulations the ISMR.
that in turn influence the ISMR. ● Lower Arctic sea ice can lead to more frequent and
● The results revealed distinct and at times contrasting severe droughts in some regions while causing excessive
patterns. rainfall and flooding in others.
○ According to the paper, less sea ice in the central Conclusion:
Arctic leads to lower rain in western and peninsular Apart from highlighting PEPPER IT WITH:
India but more rain in central and northern India. the physical pathways in Monsoon, Rossby Waves,
○ On the other hand, lower sea ice levels in the upper which the Arctic Sea ice Climate change Impact, Arctic
latitudes, particularly in the Barents-Kara Sea region sea influencing monsoon.
affects the Indian
encompassing the Hudson Bay, the Gulf of St. monsoon, the current
Lawrence and the Sea of Okhotsk, delay the study shows the urgent need to expand research on climate
monsoon’s onset and render it more unpredictable. dynamics and for scientists to prepare more accurate
● Several atmospheric systems also influence this forecasts of the ever-changing monsoons.
pattern.
○ The scientists found that when sea ice levels in the
Central Arctic increase, the heat transferred from the
ocean to the atmosphere triggers a cyclonic Why India's Weather Forecasting Needs an
circulation at slightly lower latitudes, like in the North Upgrade
Atlantic. News Excerpt: GS C ON N EC T

○ This bolsters the Rossby waves, fast-flowing streams The government is planning a major 21
GS I II III IV GS I II III IV
7

of air high in the atmosphere created by the earth’s

8
upgrade of the Indian 4 3 9

rotation and differences in temperature and weather

10
Meteorological Department (IMD) 6 5
M
11

systems that move west to east. to improve weather forecasting

○ The enhanced Rossby waves result in high pressure precision, especially given the unpredictability caused by
over northwest India and low pressure over the climate change.
Mediterranean region. This in turn strengthens a Past IMD Functionality:
narrow, concentrated band of wind, called the Asian ● Traditionally, IMD focused on rainfall forecasts during
jet stream, over the Caspian Sea, causing the the monsoon season and temperature updates for
subtropical easterly jet — a jet stream blowing over major cities.
62

the Indian subcontinent during summer — to shift ● Weather services were not widely demanded or trusted
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northward. by the general public.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Challenges remain in providing precise forecasts for
India Meteorological Department (IMD) hyper-local events and predicting extreme weather,
● The India Meteorological Department (IMD), established in which are becoming more frequent due to climate
1875, serves as the country’s National Meteorological change.
Service and the principal government agency for Forecasting Challenges:
meteorology and related fields. ● Forecasting in the tropics is more challenging than in
● Currently operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences
higher latitudes due to greater weather variability.
(MoES), IMD has several key responsibilities:
● Larger weather systems (e.g., monsoons, cyclones) are
○ Meteorological Observations and Forecasts: IMD
easier to predict than localized events (e.g., cloudbursts).
provides current and forecasted meteorological
● While country-wide monsoon forecasts are often
information essential for managing weather-sensitive
activities, including agriculture, irrigation, shipping,
accurate, regional and monthly predictions are less so.
aviation, and offshore oil exploration. ● The IMD has a high success rate for detecting heat
○ Severe Weather Warnings: The department issues waves but lower accuracy for predicting heavy rainfall
warnings for severe weather events such as tropical events.
cyclones, norwesters, dust storms, heavy rainfall, snow, Limitations of Current Capabilities:
and extreme temperature conditions, which can pose ● Current forecasting capabilities cover a 12 km x 12 km
risks to life and property. area, which is larger than most cities, limiting precise
○ Meteorological Statistics: IMD supplies vital intra-city predictions.
meteorological data for sectors such as agriculture, ● Experimental forecasts for 3 km x 3 km grids are being
water resource management, industries, and oil tested, with the goal of achieving 1 km x 1 km hyper-
exploration, contributing to various nation-building local forecasts.
efforts. ● Hyper-local forecasts could aid in activity planning and
○ Research and Development: The department disaster early warning systems.
conducts and fosters research in meteorology and Future Needs and Objectives:
related disciplines to advance knowledge and improve ● Further infrastructure upgrades are needed, such as
forecasting capabilities. ocean observation systems and high-resolution earth
Change in Demand and Supply: observation satellites.
● Over the last decade, interest in weather-related ● Some regions (e.g., PEPPER IT WITH:
information has surged, including from the general eastern and Weather Forecasting, Rainfall
public. northeastern India) lack prediction, Monsoon Mission,
● IMD now provides extensive daily updates on various adequate Doppler IMD.
weather events, not just rainfall. radar coverage.
● Trust in weather forecasts has increased due to ● A significant breakthrough is required in developing
improved accuracy. India-specific weather models that can more
● The demand for even more accurate and localized accurately simulate local conditions.
forecasts continues to grow, particularly due to extreme ● Global models currently in use have limitations due to
weather events linked to climate change. climate change-induced unpredictability.
Infrastructure and Technological Improvements: ● Developing customized models will require intensive
● Continuous upgrades in weather forecasting research, development, and regional climate change
infrastructure, technology, and skills are essential. assessments.
● The Monsoon Mission (2012) aimed to improve long-
range monsoon forecasts for economic planning. The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill
● Other initiatives have enhanced the observation
News Excerpt:
network, installed high-performance computing, GS C ON N EC T
The central government introduced GS1 I II III IV GS7 I II III IV
deployed Doppler radars, and developed advanced
the Disaster Management 23 8

computer models. 9

(Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha. 4 10

Enhanced Capabilities and Public Trust: 5 11

More about news: 6 M

● Improved infrastructure has led to better forecasts and

● Brought in in the wake of climate-induced disasters, the
more public-focused information (e.g., real-time
Bill shows much evidence of a further centralization of an
updates, heat wave warnings).
already heavily-centralized Disaster Management Act,
● Success in cyclone predictions (e.g., Cyclone Phailin in
2005.
2013) boosted IMD's credibility and established
● This Act, in its current form, already mandates the
effective evacuation systems, reducing fatalities.
63

creation of many authorities and committees at the

● IMD's long-range monsoon forecasts have been
national, State and district levels. The proposed Bill
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mostly accurate over the last decade.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
further provides statutory status to pre-act Committee (NCMC) and the High Level Committee
organisations. (HLC).
● The Bill only strengthens the top-down approach, ○ The NCMC will function as the nodal body for dealing
affecting vital cooperative federalism in disaster with major disasters with serious or national
management. ramifications.
Provisions of the bill: ○ The HLC will provide financial assistance to state
● Preparation of disaster management plans: governments during disasters. It will approve
○ The Act provides for the constitution of a National financial assistance from the National Disaster
Executive Committee and a State Executive Mitigation Fund.
Committee to assist NDMA and SDMA in ○ The Cabinet Secretary will serve as the chairperson
performing their functions. of NCMC. Minister of the department with
○ A key function of these Committees is preparing administrative control over disaster management will
national and state disaster management plans, serve as chairperson of the HLC.
respectively. ● Appointments to NDMA:
○ NDMA and SDMA approve the respective plans and ○ The Act provides that the central government will
coordinate their implementation. provide NDMA with officers, consultants, and
○ The Bill instead provides that NDMA and SDMA will employees, as it considers necessary.
prepare disaster management plans. ○ The Bill instead empowers NDMA to specify the
● Functions of NDMA and SDMA: number and category of officers and employees, with
○ The Bill adds certain functions for these authorities at previous approval of the central government.
their respective levels. ○ NDMA may also appoint experts and consultants as
○ These include: necessary.
■ Taking periodic stock of disaster risks, including Concern:
emerging risks from extreme climate events, ● Centralisation as a concern:
■ Providing technical assistance to authorities ○ The amendment Bill goes on to dilute the wording of
below them, the National Disaster Response Fund by removing
■ Recommending guidelines for minimum the purposes for which the fund shall be used.
standards of relief, and ○ One of the major concerns of the Disaster
■ Preparing national and state disaster databases, Management Act has been the excess centralisation
respectively. The databases will contain of decision making on funds, especially in situations
information on: where the disaster is severe.
● The type and severity of disaster risks, ● Restricted definition of ‘disaster’:
● Allocation of funds and expenditure, and ○ The Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the
● Disaster preparedness and mitigation plans. proposed Bill fall short as the definition of a disaster
○ The Bill also empowers NDMA to make regulations (although wide enough to cover the idea of climate-
under the Act with prior approval of the central induced disasters) remains restricted and static.
government. ○ This is because the notified list of disasters under the
● Urban Disaster Management Authorities: Act restricts the inclusion of climate-induced
○ The Bill empowers the state government to constitute disasters such as heatwaves which display regional
a separate Urban Disaster Management Authority variability and gradation specific to a geographical
for state capitals and cities with a municipal area.
corporation. ○ This poses a PEPPER IT WITH:
○ The Urban Authority will comprise the Municipal problem as the very NDMA, SDMA, DM Act 2005,
Commissioner as the chairperson, the District nature of climate- NDRF, SDRF.
Collector as the vice chairperson, and other members induced disasters is
specified by the state government. incongruous to the idea of a traditional disaster under
○ It will prepare and implement the disaster the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and the
management plan for the area under it. proposed Bill. The incongruity is exacerbated by the
● Formation of State Disaster Response Force: localised nature and impact of climate-induced
○ The Bill empowers the state government to constitute disasters.
a State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). The state ● If the Bill claims to be an improvised version of the
government will define the functions of SDRF and Disaster Management Act, 2005, it does very little in
prescribe the terms of service for its members. learning from the failures encountered during the
64

● Statutory status to existing committees: implementation of the Act while dealing with past
○ The Bill provides statutory status to existing bodies
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disasters
such as the National Crisis Management
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Reforms drive change for the underprivileged and
marginalised communities. The focus is on inclusive
development and dignity for all.
Independence Day Speech of Prime Minister ● Significant strides are being made in empowering
News Excerpt: women, addressing crimes against women, and
Prime Minister addressed the nation from the ramparts of supporting the transgender community.
Ministry of Education
Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day
Highlights from the Speech ● The plan is to add 75,000 new medical seats in the next
General Overview five years and transform education to meet 21st-century
● The primary objective is to put "Nation First" and to needs.
give priority to national interests in all our actions. ● The aim is to position India as a global education hub
● The dream of a "Viksit Bharat" by 2047 is shared by and make higher education more accessible within the
every citizen. country.
● Modernisation of every sector – Tourism, MSME, ● Investing heavily in research and innovation, focusing
Education, Healthcare, Transport and Agriculture – by on developing world-class educational institutions.
adopting global best practices. Ministry of Tribal Affairs
● Minimizing government interference in daily life, ● Efforts are ongoing to ensure that tribal communities
mandating annual reforms in institutions, and focusing benefit from government schemes as we approach
on creating opportunities, strengthening infrastructure, Bhagwan Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary.
Ministry of Women & Child Development
and enhancing basic amenities.
● The National Nutrition Mission and women's self-help
● Addressing natural disasters is a priority, with
groups are central to social transformation. Funding for
compassion and support extended to affected
these groups is increasing, and extended maternity leave
individuals.
supports working women.
● This year, we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of
● Women are excelling in leadership roles, and there is a
the Constitution, focusing on our constitutional
push for swift justice and fear of consequences for
duties.
crimes against women.
Ministry of Defence
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
● Progressing towards self-reliance in defence, emerging
● Committed to creating a ‘Swasth Bharat’ with
as an exporter and manufacturer of defence
achievements like the rapid vaccination drive against
equipment.
Ministry of Finance COVID-19.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
● India’s success in the Fintech sector is noteworthy, with a
● India is focusing on green growth and green jobs, with
doubling of per capita income and significant progress
a commitment to renewable energy and achieving Paris
in employment and banking reforms.
Accord goals ahead of schedule.
● With ongoing infrastructure development and
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
commitment to becoming the third-largest economy,
● The "Vocal for Local" initiative and "One District One
we are prepared to work tirelessly to achieve our goals.
Product" aim to make India a global manufacturing hub.
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare
India is also working towards becoming a leader in
● Promoting natural and organic farming with
semiconductor production and gaming.
substantial budgetary support.
Ministry of Railways
● India has the potential to become a global hub for
● The goal is to make railways a net-zero carbon emitter
organic food. The revival of 60,000 'Amrit Sarovars'.
by 2030.
Ministry of External Affairs
Ministry of Jal Shakti
● Assuring neighbours, especially Bangladesh, that
● The Jal Jeevan Mission is providing hygienic tap water
India's development is not a threat to them.
to 12 crore families, promoting clean habits and
Ministry of Communication
environmental responsibility.
● Optical fiber networks have been installed in 200,000
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
Panchayats, and work on 6G technology is underway.
● Four crore homes have been built for the poor, and
Department of Space
three crore more are planned to further this agenda.
● The space sector is evolving with increased private
Ministry of Animal Husbandry
involvement. Chandrayaan's success has sparked
● Aim to address the needs of fishermen and livestock
renewed interest in science and technology.
keepers, ensuring comprehensive development.
Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
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Ministry of New and Renewable Energy

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● India has made significant strides in renewable energy, ● In June, the UPSC also decided to implement facial
with ambitious targets for green hydrogen and a rise in recognition and AI-based CCTV surveillance systems
electric vehicle demand. to curb cheating and impersonation during its exams. A
Ministry of Power tender was issued to develop two technological
● The commitment to electrifying 18,000 villages solutions:
strengthens public confidence. Efforts continue to ○ Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication (or
provide electricity to the remaining 2.5 crore families. digital fingerprint capturing) and facial recognition
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of candidates, as well as live AI-based CCTV
● Infrastructure projects are connecting remote villages surveillance services, which will be used during the
and border areas, addressing the needs of marginalised examination process.
and remote communities.
Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports
Why is Sanction for Prosecution Needed?
● Aim to train youth and become the skill capital of the
News Excerpt:
world, with plans to host the 2036 Olympics in India.
Ministry of DONER Recently, the Karnataka Governor permitted
● North East India is emerging as a hub for medical investigation and prosecution against Chief Minister
infrastructure, improving healthcare accessibility. Siddaramaiah in connection with alleged irregularities in
Ministry of Skill Development allotting compensatory plots to Siddaramaiah’s wife, whose
● Significant funds are allocated for skill development and land was acquired by the Mysore Urban Development
internships, with the goal of making Indian professionals Authority.
prominent in the global job market. Provision for Prosecuting Public Servant:
Ministry of Law & Justice ● In anti-corruption laws, the sanction for prosecuting a
● The move towards a Secular Civil Code aims to replace public servant is mandatory. It is designed to shield
discriminatory laws and simplify legal frameworks. public servants from frivolous and malicious
● To ensure justice and modernise India’s legal system, prosecution for decisions made in their official duties.
over 1,500 archaic laws were abolished, and the Indian ● According to Section 197 of the Code of Criminal
Judicial Code was introduced. Procedure (CrPC), no court can take cognisance of a case
against a public servant without the sanction of an
authority competent to remove that person. Section 197
UPSC to Implement Aadhaar-Based applies to anyone who "is or was" a public servant.
Authentication ● Similarly, Section 6 of the Prevention of Corruption
News Excerpt: Act (PCA) of 1947 required sanction to prosecute a
On August 28, 2024, the Centre granted the Union Public public servant, but only while the person was in office; no
Service Commission (UPSC) permission to use Aadhaar- sanction was needed once the person left office.
based authentication to verify candidates' identities on a ○ With the 2018 amendments to the PCA, government
voluntary basis. approval is now needed even to initiate an
About Aadhaar authentication investigation. The 2018 amendment also extended
● It will be used to verify the identity of the candidates this requirement to former public servants.
during the registration process on the “One Time ● Under both the CrPC and the PCA, state and central
Registration” portal and at various stages of governments had the authority to sanction the
examinations and recruitment tests using Yes/No or e- prosecution of their respective employees. This
KYC authentication methods. requirement was maintained in Section 19 of the PCA,
○ The decision comes in the wake of a significant 1988.
incident last month when the UPSC cancelled the ● Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha
provisional candidature of a Probationary Officer Sanhita (BNSS), which replaced the CrPC, retains these
for fraudulently attempting the civil services sanction provisions.
examination beyond his eligibility.
● The UPSC is required to comply with the Aadhaar
Bill to raise women’s marriage age
(Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies,
Benefits and Services) Act, 2016, as well as related rules News Excerpt
and regulations set by the Unique Identification The Himachal Pradesh Assembly passed the Prohibition of
Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill,
Authority of India (UIDAI).
2024, to raise the minimum age of marriage for women from
○ Aadhaar is a 12-digit identification number issued
18 to 21.
66

by the UIDAI, based on biometric and demographic

Key Provisions of the bill:
data of eligible citizens.
● The Bill amended the Prohibition of Child Marriage
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(PCM) Act, passed by Parliament in 2006.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
○ Section 2(a) of the PCM Act defines a “child” as pregnancy and motherhood, improving outcomes for
someone “who, if male, has not completed twenty- women and children.
one years of age, and if a female, has not completed ● Educational and Economic Empowerment: Raising the
eighteen years of age”. marriage age allows women to complete their education
● The Bill eliminates the distinction based on age between and pursue careers, fostering social and economic
“males” and “females”. It defines a “child” as “a male or independence.
female who has not completed twenty-one years of age”. ● Uniform Applicability: The bill overrides personal laws
● The Bill also amends Section 2(b) of the PCM Act, which and customs, ensuring that the minimum marriage age
defines “child marriage” as “a marriage to which either applies to everyone in Himachal Pradesh promoting a
of the contracting parties is a child”. secular and uniform legal standard.
○ The Bill has added a clause giving it overriding effect ● Legal Recourse: The extended window to annul child
over “anything contrary or inconsistent therewith marriages offers both men and women more time to
contained in any other law including any custom or make informed decisions about their marriages.
usage or practice governing the parties”.
■ This means that the new marriage age for women Supreme Court pulled up Rule 170 of Drugs
will apply to everyone in Himachal Pradesh
Act
regardless of what any other law may state or
News Excerpt
even if the religious or cultural practices of the
individuals getting married allow legal minors to Supreme Court, in a case against Patanjali Ayurveda, pulled
up the AYUSH ministry for asking state licensing
get married.
authorities “not to initiate/take any action under” Rule 170
● The Bill introduces Section 18A to the PCM Act, which
of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
gives the same overriding effect to the entire central
Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act
law and its provisions.
● In 2018, the government introduced Rule 170 to govern
● The Bill also increases the time period for filing a
the manufacture, storage, and sale of medicines in the
petition to annul a marriage. Under Section 3 of the
country “specifically for controlling inappropriate
PCM Act, the “contracting party who was a child at the
advertisements of Ayurvedic, Siddha, and Unani
time of the marriage” can file a petition to annul the
medicines.”
marriage within two years of attaining majority (before
● The rule prohibits AYUSH drug manufacturers from
they turn 20 for women and 23 for men).
advertising their products without approval and
○ The Bill increases this period to five years, allowing
allotment of a unique identification number from the
both women and men to file petitions to annul the
state licensing authority.
marriage before they turn 23 (the minimum age for
● The manufacturers must submit details such as textual
marriage at 21 years is higher than the age of majority
references and rationale for the medicine from
at 18 years).
authoritative books, indication for use, and evidence of
Bill’s Journey to the Act
drug safety, effectiveness, and quality.
● The Bill passed by Himachal Pradesh amends the PCM
● The rule states that the application will be rejected if the
Act by introducing a different marriage age for women,
manufacturer gives a false impression or makes
making it inconsistent with the Act passed by
misleading or exaggerated claims.
Parliament.
● The rule was introduced after a parliamentary standing
● Under Article 254(1) of the Constitution, if the state
committee highlighted the problem of misleading
legislature enacts a law dealing with a subject in the
claims and the need for the AYUSH ministry to pursue
Concurrent List and that law is “repugnant” —
the issue proactively.
inconsistent or contradictory — with a central law. The
Challenges in regulating AYUSH drugs
repugnant portion of the state law will be “void”.
● Like allopathic medicines, manufacturers of AYUSH
○ The exception to this is provided under Article
drugs also have to seek a license from the drug
254(2). If the Bill in question is repugnant to an
controller.
earlier or existing law made by Parliament, the Bill
○ As per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, phase I, II, and
must be reserved for the President’s consideration
III trials for the approval of new allopathic medicines
and needs to receive her assent as per Article 201.
or equivalence studies for generic versions must be
Significance of the Bill
conducted before a drug is cleared for marketing.
● Gender Equality: It raises the minimum marriage age for
○ However, such trials are not necessary for AYUSH
women to 21, aligning it with men and eliminating
drugs.
gender-based discrimination in marriage laws.
67

● According to the aforementioned act, most AYUSH drugs

● Health and Well-being: By delaying marriage, the bill
can be approved simply based on the rationale
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aims to reduce health risks associated with early

provided in authoritative texts of that particular stream.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Safety trials must be conducted only for formulations ○ The accused should be able to convince the judge
that use around 60 specific ingredients listed in the act, that he or she is not likely to commit any offence
such as snake venom, snakehead, heavy metals such while out on bail.
as arsenic and mercury, and compounds such as copper ƒ These rigorous requirements make the provision
sulphate. draconian, virtually making it impossible for
● For licensing of drugs containing these ingredients and anyone to obtain bail until the trial is completed.
traditional drugs used for new indications, proof of ● Exception: The proviso to clause (1) of Section 45
effectiveness has to be provided as per the Act. allows courts the discretion to exempt persons below
16 years of age, women, the sick or the infirm from
PMLA’s bail concession for women these dual conditions for bail.
○ It is similar to the exemptions for women and
News Excerpt
minors under other criminal law statutes, such as
The Supreme Court granted bail to Bharat Rashtra Samithi
(BRS) leader K Kavitha in graft and money laundering Section 437 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973
(CrPC).
cases registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
and Enforcement Directorate (ED), respectively, in
connection with the alleged Delhi excise policy scam. Anti-Rape Bill ‘Aparajita’ 2024
About the Judgement News Excerpt
● The Delhi High Court dismissed K. Kavitha's bail plea, The West Bengal government has passed the ‘Aparajita
noting that she is a “well-educated and accomplished Woman and Child (West Bengal Criminal Laws and
woman” with significant achievements in politics and Amendment) Bill 2024’ as a response to the rape and
social work. As a result, she could not be equated to a murder of a trainee doctor at R G Kar Medical College and
“vulnerable woman who may have been misused to Hospital.
commit an offence” — the category of women to whom Key Provisions of the bill
the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) ● Death Penalty for Rape: The Bill proposes capital
exception arguably applies. punishment for those convicted of rape if their actions
● The SC elucidated that the concession provided to result in the victim’s death or leave her in a vegetative
women under the PMLA owes its origin to Article 15(3) state.
of the Constitution, which mandates that the state make ● Time-Bound Investigations and Trials: Investigations
special provisions for women and children, identifying into rape cases must be concluded within 21 days of the
them as vulnerable groups. initial report. Extensions are allowed, but only with
Related judicial precedents written justification by a senior police officer.
● In June 2023, the Delhi High Court granted bail to the ● Fast-Track Courts: It mandates the establishment of
wife of the Unitech promoter in a money laundering case special courts dedicated to handling cases of sexual
being investigated by the ED. violence.
○ During the proceedings, the central agency argued ● Aparajita Task Force: The bill calls for creating a
that the accused was not a “household” lady but specialised task force at the district level headed by a
was at the helm of multiple companies and thus did deputy superintendent of police. This task force will focus
not qualify for the bail concession under the PMLA. on investigating cases of rape and other atrocities
● Dismissing such a contention, the judge pointed out that against women and children.
neither the PMLA nor the Constitution intended to ● Stricter Penalties for Repeat Offenders: The legislation
“classify women” based on their education and social proposes life imprisonment for repeat offenders, with the
standing. He reasoned that beneficial provisions possibility of the death penalty if the circumstances
reflective of the “constitutional spirit” must be given a warrant it.
liberal interpretation. ● Protection of Victims’ Identities: The Bill includes
○ However, certain qualifiers were added—to be provisions to protect victims' identities, ensuring their
eligible for bail, the accused must not be a flight privacy and dignity during the legal process.
risk, nor should they be capable of influencing ● Penalties for Delaying Justice: It introduces penalties
witnesses or tampering with evidence. for police and health officials who fail to act promptly or
Bail Provision and Exception in PMLA tamper with evidence. This aims to hold authorities
x Bail Provision: Section 45 of the PMLA imposes accountable for any negligence in the judicial process.
stringent “twin conditions” for obtaining bail in money ● Publication Restrictions: The Bill imposes strict
laundering cases. penalties for unauthorised publication of court
68

○ The accused has to prove that he or she is prima proceedings related to sexual offences, with potential
facie innocent of the offence. imprisonment of 3 to 5 years.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
to 200 patients. The hospital became fully operational
within just 12 minutes after landing.
FSSAI launches a project to address ● These "cubes" establish hospital-like facilities. It is
microplastic contamination in Indian food equipped with advanced medical facilities, including an
News Excerpt: operating theatre, X-ray machines, blood test
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) equipment, ventilators, and provisions for treating a
has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to combat wide range of injuries, such as gunshots, burns,
microplastic contamination in the Indian food supply. fractures, and severe bleeding.
About Project ● It can be deployed using various methods, including
● The project is titled “Micro-and Nano-Plastics as aircraft and drones. It integrates artificial intelligence
Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated (AI) and data analytics for effective coordination, real-
Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in time monitoring, and efficient management of medical
Different Food Matrices.” services in the field.
● It aims to develop and standardise methods for About Project BHISHM
detecting micro and nano-plastics in food products while ● Project BHISHM (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog
assessing their prevalence and potential risks to Hita and Maitri) was launched in February 2022,
consumers. prompting the Defence Ministry to establish a task
force to drive this initiative forward.
● The initiative, which began in March 2024, is being
● At the Global South Summit in January 2023, the Prime
conducted in collaboration with prominent research
Minister introduced the ‘Aarogya Maitri’ project. India
institutions across India, including the CSIR-Indian
pledged to provide essential medical supplies to
Institute of Toxicology Research (Lucknow), ICAR-
developing countries impacted by natural disasters or
Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (Kochi), and humanitarian crises.
the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (Pilani).
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) Dhangars of Maharashtra and their demand
● The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
News Excerpt:
(FSSAI) was established in 2008 under the aegis of the
Recently, a large group of Dhangars in Khamgaon,
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
● Its mandate is to lay down science-based standards for
Buldhana district, Maharashtra, demanded a "grazing
articles of food and to regulate their manufacture, corridor" for their sheep and goats.
storage, distribution, sale and import to ensure the About Dhangars Community
availability of safe and wholesome food. ● The Dhangars are a community of shepherds residing
● The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI), passed in in several states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat,
2006, is the primary law governing the regulation of Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. They are also known
food products. by different names like Golla and Kuruba.
● Dhangars have traditionally herded their animals along
World’s First Portable Hospital specific routes for generations. However, with the forest
department marking out protected areas, their
News Excerpt:
movement has increasingly been viewed as
The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army have
encroachment.
successfully executed the paradrop of a homegrown
● The Dhangars' lifestyle is deeply connected to the
portable hospital, Aarogya Maitri Health Cube, from
seasons, often following the rains and travelling for
15,000 feet.
much of the year.
● The routes they travel are crucial not only for their
livelihood but also as a cultural heritage. Changing
these grazing routes would be economically unviable
for them.
● The current population of the Dhangars is uncertain,
but they are believed to number around 1 crore, making
up about 9% of Maharashtra's population (according
to the 2011 census). Around 40% of Dhangars rely
solely on herding for their livelihood.
Caste and Political Aspects
● In Maharashtra, the Dhangars are listed as part of the
69

About Aarogya Maitri Health Cube:

Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) but have long
● This hospital, designed as a cube, is lightweight,
sought Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. In other parts of
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waterproof, and capable of simultaneously treating up

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
the country, this community is recognised as ● FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting
"Dhangar" and enjoys Scheduled Tribe reservation. cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, buffaloes,
● The community's demand for grazing rights is closely sheep, goats, and pigs.
tied to their ongoing struggle for ST status. It has faced ● FMD results in reduced milk production, slower growth
resistance from existing ST communities in Maharashtra, rates, infertility, diminished working capacity in
who fear diluting their quota benefits. bullocks, and trade restrictions in the international
● Although the Forest Rights Act 2006 allows traditional market.
occupations such as grazing, it benefits mainly ● The primary method for controlling FMD is through mass
Scheduled Tribes. The Dhangars, classified as a vaccination of vulnerable livestock at regular intervals
nomadic tribe, have not received these benefits. until the disease incidence decreases, eventually leading
to its eradication.
FMD-free zones:
Government Banned 156 Combination
● The Union government has decided to establish FMD-
Drugs free zones in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh,
News Excerpt: Telangana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra,
The government has banned 156 fixed-dose combination and Gujarat.
(FDC) drugs, including well-known medications like ○ This move aims to expand export opportunities for
Cheston Cold and Foracet, which are used for cold, fever, Indian animal products and enhance the country’s
and pain relief. global market presence.
About FDC drugs ● The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy and the
● Fixed-dose combination drugs contain two or more Food and Agriculture Organization jointly organised a
active ingredients in a single dosage form, such as a workshop on 'Animal Infectious Disease Priorities'.
pill or capsule. ○ The workshop prioritised 20 major animal
● They are designed to simplify treatment regimens for infectious diseases, selected based on their severity,
conditions like tuberculosis and diabetes, making it transmissibility, available interventions, impact,
easier for patients to adhere to their medication prevalence, and national importance.
schedules. ○ An action plan focused on five critical areas:
Reasons for the Ban:
coordination, communication, monitoring and
● The ban aligns with efforts to eliminate irrational drug surveillance, prevention and control, therapeutics,
combinations approved without adequate trials. and socio-economic and contingency planning.
● To combat antibiotic resistance caused by the overuse National Animal Disease Control Programme (NADCP):
of antibiotic FDCs. ● NADCP, launched in September 2019, aims to control
● To address pricing control issues, companies often use FMD and brucellosis by vaccinating 100% of the
FDCs to evade price regulations on essential medicines. population of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and swine for
● New regulations require FDCs to be treated as new FMD and all female bovine calves of 4-8 months of age
drugs and approved by the central drug regulator. for brucellosis.
● A parliamentary panel and subsequent committee ● The programme aims to control FMD through
reviews have identified and recommended banning vaccination by 2025 and eradicate it by 2030, leading
irrational FDCs. to increased domestic production and exports of milk
Availability and Impact: and livestock products.
● This move marks the largest crackdown on FDCs since ● The NADCP is a Central Sector Scheme in which the
2018 when 328 such drugs were banned. In total, 499
Central Government provides 100% of funding to the
FDCs have been banned since 2014.
States and Union Territories.
● Manufacturers have been ordered to halt production
and sales of these banned drugs. However, they may still
be available in the market for some time due to ongoing Oral cholera vaccine
legal challenges. News Excerpt:
● Consuming these banned FDCs is unlikely to cause harm Bharat Biotech International Ltd (BBIL) launched its Oral
immediately, but their long-term use poses risks. Cholera Vaccine (OCV), Hillchol (BBV131).
About OCV Hillchol
Government plans FMD-free zones ● BBIL developed the vaccine under licence from
News Excerpt: Hilleman Laboratories, funded by Merck, USA, and
The government plans to establish Foot and Mouth Wellcome Trust, UK.
Disease (FMD)- free zones in the states where advanced
70

● While Hillchol is not the first Cholera Vaccine. It can

vaccination efforts are underway. protect against a new strain of the disease.
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Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● It also offers a simplified production process, which Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
makes it “cheaper” than those currently on the market. Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
● The two-dose Hillchol vaccine is administered with a ● It offers a common platform for filing complaints,
14-day gap between the two doses and is suitable for tracking their status, and ensuring that ICs process
children older than one year. complaints in a time-bound manner. Through a
● It is packed as a single-dose respule and should be designated nodal officer, the portal will enable real-
stored between plus 2-8°C. time monitoring of complaints.
About Cholera ● The portal will ensure that complaints can be safely
● Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by registered without personal information being publicly
eating or drinking food or water contaminated with the accessible.
bacterium Vibrio cholerae. ● Once a complaint is submitted to the ‘SHe-Box’, it will
● Researchers have estimated that every year, there are be directly sent to the internal complaints committee
1.3 to 4.0 million cases of cholera and 21,000 to (ICC) of the ministry/department/PSU/autonomous
143,000 deaths worldwide due to the infection. body, etc., concerned, which has jurisdiction to inquire
● It takes between 12 hours and 5 days for a person to into the matter. The ICC will take action as prescribed
show symptoms after consuming contaminated food or under the Act and update the status of the complaint.
water. Cholera affects both children and adults and can Significance of the SHe-Box
kill within hours if untreated. ● It will enhance women's participation in the workforce
Global cholera statistics and ensure that workplaces are safe and secure,
● According to the World Health Organization (WHO), enabling women to thrive and succeed.
cholera continues to be a major public health ● It furthers the government’s commitment to creating a
challenge as the number of reported cholera cases safer and more inclusive working environment for
increased by 13% and deaths by 71% in 2023 compared women across India.
to 2022. About The Sexual Harassment at Women at Workplace
● Forty-five countries reported cases, and 38% of the (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013:
reported cases were among children under five years ● The Government of India (GoI) has enacted this Act to
of age. create a safe and secure workplace for women free
● The geographical distribution of cholera changed from sexual harassment.
● This Act caters to women working in organised and
significantly from 2022 to 2023, with a 32% decrease in
unorganised sectors and establishes a redressal
cases reported from the Middle East and Asia and a
mechanism for disposing of their complaints. Domestic
125% increase in Africa.
workers are also included in its ambit.
● Multiple countries have reported deaths from cholera,
● It defines sexual harassment at the workplace in a
which occurred outside of health facilities, known as
comprehensive manner to cover circumstances of
‘community deaths’.
implied or explicit promise or threat to a woman's
● Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
employment prospects or the creation of a hostile work
Malawi, and Somalia reported large outbreaks of over environment or humiliating treatment, which can
10,000 suspected or confirmed cases, with Ethiopia, affect her health or safety.
Haiti, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe adding to the tally
in 2023.
Queen bee syndrome
News Excerpt
New SHe-Box portal The "Queen Bee" Syndrome in the workplace is a rising issue
News Excerpt that hinders the creation of inclusive professional
The centre launched a centralised platform for registering environments.
and monitoring complaints of sexual harassment of About Queen bee
women in the workplace. ● It is a term applied to women who have succeeded in
About SHe-Box portal traditionally male-dominated fields; it implies that such
● The new She-Box (sexual harassment electronic box) women often take on ‘masculine’ traits and distance
portal serves as a centralised repository of information themselves from other women in the workplace to
related to Internal Committees (ICs) and Local succeed.
Committees (LCs) formed across the country, ● A queen bee is likely to treat a female subordinate more
encompassing both the government and private sectors. critically. They tend to mistreat them and hinder their
● SHe-box, hosted on the Women and Child professional advancement, contributing to gender
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Development Ministry's website, also seeks to ensure inequality in the workplace.

the “effective implementation” of the Sexual ○ For example, Margaret Thatcher, the first female
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prime minister of the United Kingdom (UK), was

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
labelled as the queen bee for not promoting other ○ The 2005 guidelines state that the “donor has to
women's careers in her cabinet. relinquish all parental rights”.
Are Gender Stereotypes to Be Blamed? ○ Both the Surrogacy Act 2021 and the Assisted
● According to one study, the queen bee syndrome may Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act 2021
partly stem from long-standing gender stereotypes. retained the intention behind the 2005 guidelines
Women are considered to lack self-assertion and that the intending parents are to be considered
decisiveness, and traditional leadership skills are often biological parents of the surrogate child.
seen as synonymous with masculinity. ● The Surrogacy Act 2021 and subsequent regulations
○ This builds pressure on professional women to provide for the prohibition of commercial surrogacy
adopt these qualities perceived to be masculine, and promote ‘altruistic’ surrogacy.
especially in work environments where men form the Altruistic surrogacy:
majority. ● It means the surrogacy in which no charges, expenses,
● High-achieving women then subconsciously develop fees, remuneration or monetary incentive of whatever
the queen bee syndrome due to the lack of opportunities nature, except the medical expenses and such other
for women in the professional sector. prescribed expenses incurred on the surrogate mother
● With few top spots available to women, those already on and the insurance coverage for the surrogate mother,
top of the ladder feel the need to safeguard their are given to the surrogate mother or her dependents or
position by exhibiting ‘masculine’ traits as a form of self- her representative.
group distancing. ● This provision ensures that surrogacy arrangements in
India remain ethical and transparent while prioritising
Egg, sperm donors have no parental right on the well-being of all parties involved.
child
News Excerpt:
Recently, The Bombay High Court reiterated that a sperm RBI Governor Named Top Central Banker
or egg donor cannot claim to be a biological parent of a
Globally
child born through their gamete and will have no legal right.
Background: News Excerpt:
● The case for the custody of two children is set in the For the second consecutive year, Reserve Bank of India
context of some rather complicated family dynamics. The (RBI) Governor Shaktikanta Das has been given an “A+”
twins' parents are currently living apart. rating in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards
● The egg donor is the mother's younger sister, who lives 2024.
More detail about News:
with the twins' father. Just a few weeks after donating her
● Two other central bank governors: Christian Ketel
eggs, she had lost her daughter and husband in a tragic
Thomsen of Denmark and Thomas Jordan of
accident.
Switzerland also received the coveted "A+" rating in
● The mother argued that the daughters were deemed
this report.
legitimate children of the couple within wedlock and
● This annual report, published by Global Finance in 1994,
that all rights of biological parents vest in them.
evaluates central bank governors in nearly 100
● She argued the twins are presently in custody of her
countries on their performance in controlling inflation,
sister and estranged husband, whom they consider to be
promoting economic growth, maintaining currency
their mother and father.
stability and managing interest rates.
Law on surrogacy in India:
About Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards:
● The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 and the
● This Report Card evaluates governors of central banks
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
from nearly 100 major countries, territories and
(Regulation) Act, 2021 govern the law on surrogacy in
regions, including the European Union, the Central Bank
India.
○ Surrogacy is defined as an arrangement in which a of the Eastern Caribbean, the Bank of Central African
States and the Central Bank of West African States, has
woman agrees to carry a pregnancy that is
genetically unrelated to her and her husband, to carry been a standard of excellence in the financial world.
● Central bankers have been on the front lines in the battle
it to term and hand over the child to the genetic
against inflation in recent years, primarily using higher
parents for whom she is acting as a surrogate.
interest rates as their main tool.
● However, since the surrogacy agreement in this case was
signed in 2018, the 2021 Act cannot apply. Instead, the ● Governors are graded on a scale ranging from "A+" for
72

2005 National Guidelines on Assisted Reproductive excellent performance to "F" for complete failure.
Technologies (ART) Clinics would apply. About Global Finance:
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Established in 1987, Global Finance reaches an Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
audience of 50,000 readers across 193 countries and About:
territories. ● It was launched in India in 2016 by RBI and NPCI in
● Its online platform, GFMag.com, features insightful collaboration with various banks and payment service
analysis and articles, backed by 37 years of expertise in providers.
international financial markets. ● NPCI is the regulator of UPI.
● Global Finance's audience includes senior corporate Objective:
● It was to simplify digital payments and promote
and financial officers responsible for making
financial inclusion by enabling easy and convenient
investment and strategic decisions at multinational
money transfers.
companies and financial institutions.
● It is a real-time payment system that facilitates 24*7
and 365 days fund transfers through mobile devices
RBI to Introduce Unified Lending Interface between bank accounts in India.
News Excerpt: ● It allows users to link multiple bank accounts to a
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor announced that single mobile application, providing a seamless and
the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) will soon be launched secure platform for making payments.
nationwide. ● Customers are not required to enter the details such
More detail about News as Card no, Account number; IFSC etc.
● Last August, the RBI introduced a pilot project for a ● The JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhar, and Mobile) trinity is
public technology platform designed to streamline already used by the government to directly transfer
credit processes, enhance efficiency, lower costs, benefits to beneficiaries' bank accounts.
expedite disbursements, and scale up operations.
● The RBI Governor proposed naming this platform the 10 Years of Jan Dhan Yojana
Unified Lending Interface (ULI). News Excerpt:
● Modeled after the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has
which has revolutionized retail payments in India, ULI reached its 10-year milestone.
aims to transform the lending sector. More detail about News:
● India's swift digital progress has fostered a digital ● As of Aug 14, 2024, banks have opened nearly 53 crore
public infrastructure that encourages innovation in PMJDY accounts, with total deposits amounting to Rs
payments, credit, and financial services by banks, 2.31 lakh crore, which is more than triple the number
non-bank financial companies (NBFCs), fintech of accounts and deposits compared to 14.7 crore
firms, and startups. accounts with Rs 15,670 crore in March 2015.
Need of Unified Lending Interface (ULI): ● Public sector banks have been instrumental in this
● Currently, credit appraisal data are dispersed across effort, accounting for around 78% of these accounts.
various entities such as Central and State
governments, account aggregators, banks, credit
information agencies, and digital identity
providers. This fragmentation creates obstacles for
seamless and timely rule-based lending.
● The ULI platform will enable a smooth, consent-
based transfer of digital information, including
state land records, from multiple data sources to
lenders. This will streamline credit appraisals,
particularly benefiting agricultural and MSME
borrowers.
● The ULI architecture will feature standardized
Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)
designed for easy integration, facilitating digital
access to diverse data sources.
● This approach will simplify technical integration,
provide borrowers with faster credit access, and
reduce the need for extensive documentation.
● The RBI governor described the 'new trinity' of
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JAM-UPI-ULI as a revolutionary advancement in

India's digital infrastructure.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● The average balance in PMJDY accounts has also seen ● These projects aim to reshape India's industrial
a significant rise, increasing more than fourfold to Rs landscape by creating world-class greenfield industrial
4,352 in August 2024 from Rs 1,065 in March 2015. smart cities that adhere to 'plug-n-play' and 'walk-to-
Promoting Financial Inclusion: work' concepts.
● The initiative has also played a crucial role in narrowing ● This initiative is part of the broader goal to foster robust,
the gender gap in financial account ownership. sustainable infrastructure that attracts investment and
● A detailed analysis of PMJDY data reveals that 81.2% of promotes balanced regional development.
these accounts are active, 55.6% are held by women, Key Developments:
and 66.6% are in rural and semi-urban areas. ● Strategic Expansion:
● Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of PMJDY ○ These projects aim to enhance India's
accounts at 9.4 crore, followed by Bihar with 6 crores. manufacturing capabilities and economic growth.
Online payments got a boost: ○ The 12 industrial areas, spanning across 10 states
● Over the past decade, Rs 38.49 lakh crore has been and positioned along six major corridors, will be in
transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), Uttarakhand, Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala, Uttar
preventing leakages of Rs 3.48 lakh crore. Pradesh, Bihar, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and
● Additionally, the program has facilitated digitalization, Rajasthan.
e-commerce, and payment systems. ● Focus on Investment and Growth:
● As of July 2024, India recorded an impressive 55.7 billion ○ The NICDP is designed to cultivate a dynamic
UPI transactions. industrial ecosystem by encouraging investments
Barriers to Financial Inclusion: from large anchor industries and MSMEs.
● Looking ahead, four key pillars have been identified to ○ These industrial nodes are expected to play a key role
address the existing barriers to financial inclusion in achieving $2 trillion in exports by 2030, aligning
through both supply-side and demand-side measures. with India's vision of self-reliance and global
competitiveness.
● Modern Infrastructure and Smart Cities:
○ The new industrial cities will be developed as
greenfield projects that meet global standards.
○ Built "ahead of demand," these cities will feature
advanced infrastructure and be designed to
support sustainable and efficient industrial
operations.
○ The projects will also integrate the PM GatiShakti
National Master Plan, ensuring multi-modal
connectivity and seamless movement of goods,
people, and services.
● Vision for 'Viksit Bharat' and Economic Impact:
○ The approval of these projects aligns with the vision
of 'Viksit Bharat,' or a developed India.
○ By positioning India within Global Value Chains
(GVC), the NICDP provides ready-to-allot land
parcels, facilitating both domestic and international
investments in manufacturing.
● Employment Generation and Sustainability:
● Therefore, it is essential to design customer-centric ○ The NICDP is expected to create up to 1 million
products that cater to the varying needs of customers direct jobs and an additional 3 million indirect jobs
throughout different stages of their lives. through strategic industrialization.
○ This will boost socio-economic development in the
regions where these projects are being implemented.
Cabinet Approves 12 Industrial Nodes ○ Furthermore, the projects are designed with a focus
News Excerpt: on sustainability, incorporating Information and
India is set to develop a network of Industrial Smart Cities communications technology (ICT)-enabled
along the Golden Quadrilateral, following the utilities and green technologies to minimize
government's approval of 12 new projects valued at environmental impact.
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ൟ28,602 crore under the National Industrial Corridor

Development Programme (NICDP).
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More detail about News

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
○ The approval of these industrial nodes is a significant ● These projects are expected to cost over ൟ1.48 lakh
progress in India's journey to become a global crore, with the central government contributing nearly
manufacturing leader. ൟ 59,000 crore in capital expenditure subsidies.
National Industrial Corridor Development Programme ● Each plant's cost and the corresponding government
(NICDP) subsidies have been outlined. State governments are
● NICDP is India's most ambitious infrastructure also contributing by offering land and electricity at
initiative, aimed at creating new industrial cities as reduced rates to make these projects more attractive.
"Smart Cities" by integrating next-generation The status of India and other countries:
technologies across various infrastructure sectors.
● Currently, India has minimal involvement in
● The Government of India is advancing several
semiconductor chip manufacturing.
industrial corridor projects under this programme,
● The majority of global chip production is concentrated in
designed to develop futuristic industrial cities that
countries like Taiwan and the United States.
can compete with the world's top manufacturing
and investment hubs. ● The U.S. has implemented a chip incentive scheme
● This initiative is expected to generate employment worth approximately $50 billion, which is significantly
opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and larger than India's.
contribute to the overall socio-economic ● The European Union has also introduced a similar
development of the country. incentive program to attract chip manufacturers.
Significance of Semiconductor chip:
● Developing domestic fabrication plants will bolster
India Plans a $15 Billion Boost for Chip
India's economic and strategic goals, as chips are vital
Manufacturing for various industries, from aerospace to automotive
News Excerpt: and consumer electronics.
The Indian government is planning to increase its ● In light of global geopolitical tensions, particularly the
investment in the second phase of its chip manufacturing strained relationship between the U.S. and China—two
incentive policy to $15 billion, up from the $10 billion major players in the technology sector—India aims to
allocated in the first phase. capitalize on government-backed initiatives to
More detail about News: strengthen its local industry.
● Earlier in December 2021, the government launched a Challenges and Requirements:
chip incentive scheme worth ൟ 76,000 crore, providing ● However, it's important to acknowledge that the Tata-
a subsidy that covers 50% of a plant's capital PSMC fabrication plant will not produce the most
expenditure costs. advanced chips, as neither company possesses the
● These moves are part of India's broader push to establish necessary cutting-edge technology.
a domestic semiconductor industry. ● The barriers to entry in chip manufacturing are
Leading companies: substantial, as demonstrated by China's experience with
● Tata is leading the way by building India's first its Semiconductor Manufacturing International
commercial semiconductor fabrication plant in Corporation (SMIC), which has faced significant
partnership with Taiwan's Powerchip Semiconductor challenges despite heavy investment.
Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC), with a projected ● Advanced chip manufacturing, especially for smaller
cost of over ൟ91,000 crore. node sizes, requires extensive technological innovation,
● Additionally, the government has approved three an area where companies like Taiwan Semiconductor
assembly and testing plants, known as ATMP Manufacturing Company Ltd (TSMC) hold a significant
(Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging) and
advantage.
OSAT (Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Semiconductors:
Test), which are simpler to establish compared to ● Semiconductors, also known as integrated circuits (ICs)
fabrication plants. or microchips, are typically made from pure elements like
● The first of these three plants, approved in June 2023, silicon or germanium, or from compounds such as
is being developed by the U.S.-based Micron gallium arsenide.
Technology. ● Through a process known as doping, small amounts of
● Tata is also constructing an assembly plant in Assam to impurities are introduced to these pure elements,
cater to specific clients, while the third facility is being significantly altering their electrical conductivity.
built by C G Power and Industrial Solutions of the ● Semiconductors are crucial in the production of
Murugappa Group, in collaboration with Japan's electronic devices, making them an essential part of
Renesas Electronics. modern life.
75

Government's Initiative: Dynamic pricing model

News Excerpt:
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
The UK-based band Oasis said it would add two more of countries balanced the progress in dimensions of the
shows to its upcoming UK and Ireland stadium tour, energy triangle.
citing “phenomenal demand”. Top 10 Countries Fostering Effective Energy Transition
More detail about news: 2024:
The incident has also turned the spotlight on ticketing ● The Energy Transition Index (ETI) 2024, released by the
company Ticketmaster’s controversial dynamic pricing World Economic Forum earlier this year, ranked 120
model, drawing the attention of the United Kingdom’s countries based on their advancements towards a
Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the sustainable, affordable, and secure energy future.
European Commission. ● Advanced economies from Northern Europe, led by
What is dynamic pricing? Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, have made significant
● Dynamic pricing is based on the law of demand in progress in transitioning to sustainable energy
economics. As the demand for an item increase given systems, with high scores in renewable energy
the supply stays steady, its price will also increase. deployment, energy efficiency, and environmental
● Other factors like the presence of competitors and sustainability.
customer behaviour also influence prices. Where does India rank?
● For instance, ride-sharing companies like Uber and Ola ● India has ranked 63rd out of 120 countries in the 2024
use “surge pricing” where increased demand for Global Energy Transition Index, which is an
services (say during peak traffic hours) results in higher improvement from its previous position of 67th in 2023.
charges. ● India has been advancing in its energy equity, security,
● Airlines also actively use dynamic pricing to charge and sustainability, particularly in the renewable energy
different passengers different prices for the same seats, sector, where renewable sources and biomass account
depending on when tickets were booked, the for 42% of its power generation capacity.
popularity of the flight route, and so on. ● India is leading the way towards creating outcomes
What is Ticketmaster? that may be replicated abroad while making strides in
● Ticketmaster is a major American ticket sales and energy fairness, security, and sustainability.
distribution company. It manages 82 per cent of the ● WEF additionally highlighted and praised India’s
major amphitheatres and 78 per cent of the highest- advancements in clean energy infrastructure, noting
selling arenas in the US, according to data from the that renewable energy and biomass account for 42%
American Economic Liberties Project. of its power production capacity, making it the world’s
● Following its 2010 merger with Live Nation, then the fourth-largest renewables market.
biggest concert promotion company, the combined
Live Nation Entertainment has virtually established a Inflation under 4%
monopoly in the concert world. News Excerpt:
● This status has allegedly allowed the company to exploit India’s retail inflation stayed under the Reserve Bank of
its market position. A 2018 investigation from The India’s median target of 4% for the second successive
New York Times showed that Live Nation month in August, even as it inched up marginally to 3.65%
Entertainment pulled shows in 2013 from the Atlanta from an upwardly revised 3.6% in July. August’s inflation
Gwinnett Centre to punish the venue for switching to a pace is the second slowest in five years.
competitor. More about news:
x The latest retail inflation data from the National
Energy transition Index 2024 Statistical Office yet again highlights the challenge in
News Excerpt: achieving durable price stability.
India was placed 63rd in the world on the World Economic x Provisional estimates for year-on-year price gains in
Forum's (WEF) 2024 Energy Transition Index. August show the headline rate based on the Consumer
More about the Index:
● In 2024, the World Economic Forum’s
Energy Transition Index (ETI) recorded the
highest global average scores in its history,
with a modest 0.2% improvement in system
performance and a notable 2% growth in
transition readiness.
● Only 28% of countries showed strong
76

improvement in the dimensions with the

lowest score, indicating progress towards a
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more balanced system; in addition, only 17%

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Price Index (CPI) quickened marginally to 3.65%, from by Odisha (5.63%), Assam (5.03%), Uttar Pradesh (4.9%),
July’s 3.60%, as a sharp rebound in vegetable inflation Haryana (4.12%), and Kerala (4.1%).
led to a wider acceleration in overall food price gains. Consumer Price Indices (CPI):
x Overall, rural inflation stayed elevated compared to that x Consumer Price Indices (CPI) measure changes over
faced by urban consumers, rising marginally from 4.1% time in the general level of prices of goods and services
in July to 4.16%, while urban inflation stood at 3.14% in that households acquire for the purpose of
August. consumption.
Vegetable inflation: x CPI is widely used as a macroeconomic indicator of
x Tomatoes reported the sharpest drop in prices, which inflation, as a tool by governments and central banks for
declined 47.9% year-on-year, and 28.8% on a month- inflation targeting and for monitoring price stability, and
on-month basis. as deflators in the national accounts. CPI is also used for
x The National Statistical Office said that India’s food indexing dearness allowance to employees for increase
inflation for August was the second lowest since June in prices.
2023. x It is released by the National Statistical Office (NSO).
x Despite the respite in tomato prices, vegetable inflation x The Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of
shot back into double-digits to hit 10.7% after slipping Statistics and Programme Implementation has revised
the Base January the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from
to 6.8% in July.
2010 to 2012 with effect from the release of indices for
x The price of spices fell 4.4% from last August, but pulse
the month of January 2015.
inflation stayed firm at 13.6%, marking the 15th straight
month of 10%-plus price rise.
Inflation forecast:
x The central bank had estimated an average inflation of
4.4% in the July to September quarter, but with the first AI based Pest Control
two months averaging just 3.6%, that would mean an News Excerpt:
inflation pace of 6% in the ongoing month, which may The Union Government has introduced the AI-based
be unlikely. National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), a platform
x Experts anticipate a sharp pickup in consumer price designed to connect farmers with agriculture scientists and
inflation to around 4.8% in September, and range experts through their phones to enhance pest control
between 4.4% and 4.7% in the second half of 2024-25. measures.
x They expressed wariness about the impact of above Functionality and Benefits
normal rainfall and the development of La Nina ● NPSS enables farmers to take
conditions which could pose upside risks to the food photos of infested crops or
inflation trajectory in the near term. insects and share them directly
x With India’s GDP growth undershooting the RBI’s with scientists and experts via
estimate of 7.1% in the first quarter, a change in the the platform.
monetary policy stance could not be entirely ruled out in ● This real-time communication
October. facilitates accurate pest identification and timely
Inflation status for rural India: intervention.
x On a month-on-month basis, the CPI was flat in August, ● By ensuring the correct pesticide application at the right
while the Consumer Food Price Index declined 0.44%. time, NPSS addresses the challenge of excessive
However, the rural food price index declined just 0.25% pesticide use.
● The system also enhances farmers’ confidence and
while urban food prices dropped 0.9% on a sequential
contributes to increased production while preserving
basis.
soil health.
x The prices of fruits rose 6.5%, while inflation in eggs rose
● The NPSS is expected to benefit around 14 crore
to 7.14% from 6.8% in July. Cereals provided some relief,
farmers across the country. The technology will be
with inflation easing from over 8% to 7.3% in August.
disseminated to states, which will incorporate it into their
Inflation in personal care and effects cooled to 7.94% in
outreach programs.
August from 8.44% in July.
x Among the 22 States that the
NSO calculates inflation
rates for, just seven States
outpaced the national
average of 3.65%. Bihar
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clocked the sharpest

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Following successful pilot schemes and trials, the ● This initiative aims to encourage greater participation in
platform is ready for nationwide implementation, with no pulse cultivation and support the nation's goal of
additional funding required. achieving self-sufficiency in food production by
December 2027.
Australia is now the top supplier of lentils to e-Samridhi:
India, ahead of Canada ● Since 2017, e-Samridhi has played a key role in
NAFED's efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in oilseeds
News Excerpt:
and pulses across India through a nationwide MSP
In 2023, India imported 6.8 lakh tonnes of lentils from
procurement program.
Canada, accounting for 45.41% of its total lentil imports,
● This Aadhaar-based platform streamlines everything
while imports from Australia reached 7.7 lakh tonnes, from registration to direct payments, ensuring
representing 51.25%. transparency and traceability for farmers.
More detail about news: ● By enabling real-time tracking, accurate reporting, and
● This year, Australian lentil exports to India surged to overcoming the limitations of traditional manual
3.6 lakh tonnes, making up 66.3% of India’s total lentil systems, e-Samridhi showcases the future of agricultural
imports between January and July 2024. procurement in India.
● In contrast, Canada’s exports to India during this period ● Accessible via web and mobile applications, it
amounted to just 1.4 lakh tonnes, or 26.4% of the represents a digital revolution in agricultural efficiency
imports. and inclusion, enabling direct payments to farmers'
Declining Import and Indo-Canada relation: accounts.
● The decline in Canadian lentils in India's import basket ● The Government of India aims to boost domestic
coincided with deteriorating relations between India production of Tur (Arhar) and Masur pulses to
and Canada in 2023, primarily over the growing threat eliminate import dependency.
of Khalistani terrorism, which India considers a national ● To achieve this, the government is pre-registering
security concern. Indian farmers interested in cultivating these pulses and
● The situation further deteriorated when the Canadian offering them at MSP or predetermined rates for the
National Buffer of Pulses.
Prime Minister accused India of involvement in the
assassination of a Khalistani activist based in Canada.
● However, experts suggest that the steady increase in Digital Crop Survey
lentil imports from Australia is primarily due to the
News Excerpt:
high quality and competitive prices of Australian lentils
The Indian government is embarking on a significant digital
and has no connection with the strained India-Canada
transformation in agriculture, with the Digital General Crop
diplomatic relations.
Estimation Survey (DGCES) at the forefront.
● While the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and
Need for Accurate Crop Data for:
Trade Agreement (ECTA) was signed in April 2022,
● Policy Formulation: Informed decision-making on
negotiations between India and Canada on a free trade agricultural policies, such as subsidies, procurement, and
agreement (FTA) were halted in September 2023 due
market interventions.
to political tensions. ● Trade Decisions: Assessing the availability of
Government's Initiative:
agricultural commodities for domestic consumption and
● The government's initiative to procure an unlimited
exports.
quantity of pulses at the minimum support price (MSP)
● Agricultural Planning: Optimizing resource allocation
to encourage pulse cultivation will be crucial in
and production planning.
achieving self-sufficiency in pulse production.
Methodology used so far:
● As part of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative, the ● India has a long history of conducting agricultural
Centre has launched the e-Samridhi portal through the surveys to gather crucial data for policymaking and
National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing planning.
Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) and the National ● The primary responsibility for conducting
Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India Limited agricultural surveys lies with the Ministry of
(NCCF). Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. T
● This portal facilitates the registration of farmers ● However, to ensure comprehensive and accurate data
adopting crop diversification, particularly those collection, the ministry often collaborates with state
growing pulses. governments, agricultural universities, and research
● The government has also assured that it will procure institutions.
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100% of the pulses grown by farmers registered on ● These organizations play a crucial role in providing
the portal at the MSP, ensuring a secure market and fair local expertise, collecting data from farmers, and
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prices. conducting field surveys.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● While the methodology has evolved over time, ● The basic IT infrastructure for implementing
traditional methods often involved: AgriStack, one of the three DPIs to be built under the
○ Field Surveys: Sending enumerators to farms to Mission, has been developed and tested on a pilot basis.
collect data on crop areas, yields, and other relevant AgriStack:
factors. ● The farmer-centric DPI AgriStack consists of three
○ Crop Cutting Experiments: Randomly selecting foundational agri-sector registries or databases:
plots to measure crop yields. Farmers’ Registry, Geo-referenced Village Maps, and
○ Remote Sensing: Using satellites to monitor crop Crop Sown Registry, all of which will be created and
growth and estimate areas. maintained by state/ UT governments.
○ Statistical Analysis: Employing statistical techniques ● FARMERS’ REGISTRY: Farmers will be given a digital
to analyze collected data and draw conclusions. identity (‘Farmer ID’) like Aadhaar, which will be linked
Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES) dynamically to records of land, ownership of
DGCES revolutionizes the way crop production data is livestock, crops sown, demographic details, family
collected and analyzed, offering greater accuracy, reliability, details, schemes and benefits availed, etc.
and transparency. ● CROP SOWN REGISTRY: The Crop Sown Registry will
● Digital Data Collection: Use of mobile devices and provide details of crops planted by farmers. The
tablets to collect data directly from the field. information will be recorded through Digital Crop
● Geospatial Mapping: Accurate identification of crop Surveys — mobile-based ground surveys — in each crop
areas using GPS and remote sensing techniques. season.
● Scientific Yield Estimation: Conducting crop cutting ● GEO-REFERENCED VILLAGE MAPS: The maps will link
experiments to determine yields scientifically. geographic information on land records with their
● Real-Time Data Analysis: Processing and analyzing physical locations.
data in real-time to provide timely insights. Krishi DSS:
● The Krishi Decision Support System, which was
Digital Agriculture Mission unveiled recently, will create a comprehensive
geospatial system to unify remote sensing-based
News Excerpt:
information on crops, soil, weather, and water
The Union Cabinet on 2 September 2024 approved the Rs
resources, etc.
2,817-crore Digital Agriculture Mission for the creation
● This information will support crop map generation for
of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in the farm sector.
identifying crop sown patterns, droughts/ flood
The DPI Mission:
monitoring, and technology-/ model-based yield
● The mission to create Digital Public Infrastructure in
assessment for settling crop insurance claims by
the agriculture sector is like the government’s
farmers.
flagship e-governance initiatives in other sectors,
Soil Profile Maps:
which have over the years resulted in digital solutions
● Under the Mission, detailed Soil Profile Maps (on a
such as the Aadhaar unique ID, the DigiLocker
1:10,000 scale) of about 142 million hectares of
document folder, the eSign electronic signature
agricultural land are envisaged to be prepared.
service, the unified payments interface (UPI) instant
● A detailed soil profile inventory of about 29 million ha
money transfer protocol, and electronic health
has already been completed.
records.
Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES):
● Three major components of DPI are envisaged under
● This will be a major push to improve the existing crop
the Digital Agriculture Mission: AgriStack, Krishi
yield estimation system, and to make the data more
Decision Support System (DSS), and Soil Profile Maps.
robust, addressing concerns that are sometimes raised
Each of these DPI components will provide solutions
about the accuracy of India’s agriculture production
that will allow farmers to access and avail themselves
estimates.
of various services.
● Better data will help government agencies make
● The mission also aims to create a tech-based
schemes and services such as paperless Minimum
ecosystem, the Digital General Crop Estimation
Support Price (MSP)-based procurement, crop
Survey (DGCES), which will provide accurate estimates
insurance, and credit card-linked crop loans more
of agricultural production.
efficient and transparent and develop systems for the
Pillars of Mission:
balanced use of fertilizers.
● The Agriculture Ministry is in the process of signing
● The digitally captured data on crop-sown area, along
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with state
with the DGCES-based yield and remote-sensing data,
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governments for the creation and implementation of

will help improve the accuracy of crop production
the DPI for agriculture. Nineteen states have come on
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estimates.
board so far, a source said.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● The data will also help facilitate crop diversification ○ Engineering Approaches to Responsible AI: The
and evaluate irrigation needs according to the crop and second special session focused on technical
season. approaches to implementing responsible AI policies.
● The DGCES will provide yield estimates based on Technical experts shared insights on engineering
scientifically designed crop-cutting experiments, solutions that align with the ethical use of AI in
which will be useful in making accurate estimates of military applications, emphasising the need for robust
agricultural production. and reliable AI systems.
● AI Exhibition and Demonstrations: Showcasing Real-
World Applications
○ Hands-On Experiences with AI Technologies:
Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in Korean companies displayed their cutting-edge AI
the Military Domain (REAIM) Summit 2024 technologies, allowing visitors to gain firsthand
experience with AI applications in the defence sector.
News Excerpt
○ Promoting Responsible AI Development: These
The REAIM Summit 2024, organised by the Republic of
companies could promote their products while
Korea, successfully concluded after a two-day event from
learning about global AI governance expectations by
September 9 to 10, 2024.
engaging with international visitors.
Key highlights of the Summit
● Outcome of the Summit: The Blueprint for Action
● High-Level Participation: The summit gathered
○ Endorsement of the Blueprint for Action:
government representatives from over 90 countries. The
"Blueprint for Action" was officially endorsed as the
focus was on three key areas:
outcome document of the REAIM Summit 2024.
○ General approaches and priorities
Supported by 61 states, this document lays a
○ Concerns and challenges
roadmap for establishing norms and governance for
○ Prospects for international cooperation
AI in the military domain. It emphasises principles
● National Views on AI Governance: The participating
such as compliance with international law, human
nations discussed their strategies and concerns
accountability, reliability of AI systems, appropriate
regarding using AI in military applications. This exchange
human involvement, and improving AI explainability.
of views was essential for understanding the diverse
approaches to AI governance and identifying common
ground for building future cooperation. China-hosted FOCAC Summit
● REAIM Plenary Sessions: Deepening the Discourse News Excerpt
○ Understanding the Implications of AI on Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $51 billion of funding
International Security: The first plenary session to African countries at the ninth edition of the Forum on
explored the potential impact of AI on international China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing.
security, with a particular focus on conflict dynamics Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)
and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction ● It was established in 2000 to formalise the strategic
(WMDs). partnership between China and African nations.
○ Implementing Responsible Applications of AI in ● A summit is conducted every three years, with the host
the Military Domain: The second plenary session alternating between China and an African member.
addressed the critical issue of responsibly ● The FOCAC counts 53 African nations as its members –
implementing AI in military contexts. Key principles the entire continent except Eswatini, which has
and measures necessary for the ethical use of AI were diplomatic ties with Taiwan against Beijing’s “One China”
identified, and participants discussed how to Policy.
translate these principles into actionable policies. ● The African Union Commission, the continental bloc
○ Envisioning the Future Governance of AI: The third tasked with ensuring cooperation and economic
plenary session focused on future governance integration across its member countries, is also a
frameworks for AI in the military domain. Participants member.
considered key factors for developing effective ● This year's theme is “Joining Hands to Advance
governance models and discussed ways to enhance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa
international cooperation on AI. Community with a Shared Future.”
● REAIM Talks: Bridging Policy and Technology ○ The summit addressed state governance,
○ Special Sessions with Industry and Academic industrialisation, agricultural upgradation, and
Experts: The first session brought together experts improved cooperation over China’s infrastructure
from industry and academia to discuss the essential financing via the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
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aspects of AI that policymakers need to understand. China-Africa Relations

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Africa-China trade amounted to $282 billion in 2023, ● Boston University’s Global Development Policy Centre
according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). noted that Chinese lending plummeted from its peak
● China accounts for 20% of the region’s exports, mainly of about $28 billion in 2016 to around $1 billion in 2022
primary commodities like metals, mineral products, and and $4.6 billion in 2023.
fuel, and is responsible for about 16% of African imports,
chiefly Chinese manufactured goods, electronics, and PIF Annual Meeting
machinery.
News Excerpt
● Africa is also an integral partner in the BRI, which The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) annual meeting was held in
intends to establish cross-border economic, political, and Nuku’alofa, the capital of Tonga.
cultural relations through land and maritime routes akin Key highlights of the meeting
to those of the erstwhile Silk Road. ● The event was attended by more than 1,500 delegates
● China has reportedly invested over $120 billion in from around 40 countries.
supporting infrastructure for the BRI over the past ● Climate change was high on the agenda at this year's
decade. annual meeting. Several PIF members are
among the world’s worst-affected countries,
especially due to rising sea levels.
○ A World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) report revealed that faster-than-
average sea level rise, ocean warming, and
acidification threaten the Pacific Islands.
○ Notably, according to a report by Nikkei
Asia, the Pacific Resilience Facility (PRF) — a
regional financing facility established by PIF —
is currently $380 million short of its $500
million target.
● Another issue widely discussed at the
summit is the tussle between China and the
US for influence over the region.
○ In recent years, China has deepened its ties
with PIF members. China has signed security
and policing agreements with the Solomon
Islands, particularly setting off alarm bells in
Australia and the US.
About Pacific Island Forum (PIF):
● It is an intergovernmental organisation
founded in 1971.
● It comprises 18 members: Australia, Cook
Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji,
French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New
Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua
New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands,
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and
Vanuatu.
● The PIF aims to push for economic
growth, enhance political governance and
Why is the 2024 FOCAC significant?
security for the region, and strengthen regional
● The summit comes as China is experiencing a prolonged
cooperation.
economic slowdown following the pandemic.
● Its vision is for a resilient Pacific region of peace,
Bloomberg reports that China’s growth target for the
harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity that
year looks increasingly out of reach as its manufacturers
ensures all Pacific peoples can lead - free, healthy and
battle deflationary pressures and unemployment
productive lives.
challenges.
● Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat - Suva, Fiji.
● President Xi Jinping wishes to narrow the country’s
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● Currently, there are 21 Forum Dialogue Partners,

investment portfolio from big-ticket infrastructure to
including India.
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“small and beautiful projects.”

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Relationship laid out the foundations for the
expanding defence relationship between
India and the US.
● The US designated India a Major Defence
Partner in 2016 and later elevated it to
Strategic Trade Authorization Tier 1 status
in 2018. This status allows licence-free
access to a wide range of military and dual-
use technologies.
● Under the 2023 US-India Roadmap for
Defence Industrial Cooperation, both
nations agreed to advance priority co-
production projects, including jet engines,
unmanned platforms, munitions, and ground
mobility systems.
○ The roadmap identifies priority areas such
as Intelligence, Surveillance, and
Reconnaissance (ISR), Undersea Domain
Awareness, Air Combat and Support,
munitions systems, and mobility.
US-India Defence Agreements Defence Deals and Sales:
News Excerpt: ● Major Indian military procurements from the US include
India and the US signed a Security of Supply Arrangement MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, Sig Sauer Rifles, and
(SOSA) and Memorandum of Agreement regarding the M777 ultra-light howitzers.
Assignment of Liaison Officers during the Defence ● Ongoing negotiations include producing GE F-414 jet
Minister’s visit to the US. engines in India for the LCA MK 2 fighters and
Two Agreements signed procuring 31 MQ-9B High-Altitude Long-Endurance
● Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA): UAVs.
○ Under SOSA, India and the US will offer each other
priority support for goods and services that are Germany's membership in UN Command
crucial to national defence. News Excerpt:
○ This agreement will enable both countries to secure Germany officially joined the U.S.-led United Nations
the industrial resources they need from each other Command (UNC) in South Korea.
to address unexpected supply chain disruptions and About the news
meet their national security requirements. ● Germany joined UNC on August 2, becoming the 18th
○ SOSAs are not legally binding. India is the 18th member of the body.
country to enter into an SOSA with the US, which also
plans to finalise a legally binding Reciprocal
Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement with India.
■ RDP Agreements are designed to promote the
standardisation and interoperability of defence
equipment between the US and its allies.
Currently, the US has agreements with 28 nations.
● Memorandum of Agreement on Liaison Officers:
○ This agreement builds on previous efforts to enhance
information sharing between India and the US. It
involves posting Indian armed forces officers in key
US strategic commands to foster closer military
cooperation.
○ India is set to deploy its first Liaison Officer to the
US Special Operations Command headquarters in
Florida.
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Milestones in India-US Defence Cooperation:

● The 2013 Joint Declaration on Defence Cooperation
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and the 2015 Framework for the US-India Defence

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Germany's membership in UNC follows a NATO summit
in Washington, at which the alliance agreed to
cooperate closely on security with the Indo-Pacific
countries of South Korea, Japan, Australia, and New
Zealand.
● Germany's entry into the UNC reflects growing fears in
Europe and the U.S. that multiple wars could break out
simultaneously worldwide.
● North Korea denounced Germany's membership in the
UNC, calling the expansion an attempt by the U.S. to
create an Asian version of NATO.
○ North Korea believes that the move will inevitably
aggravate the military and political situation on the
Korean Peninsula and the rest of the region.
United Nations Command (UNC)
● Following North Korean aggression against South
Korea, the United Nations Command (UNC) was
established on July 24, 1950.
○ United Nations Security Council Resolutions 83 and
84 provided the international legal authority for
mobility, digital technology, culture, tourism, sports,
member states to restore peace on the Korean
and education.
Peninsula and designated the United States as
● India has agreed to provide Malaysia with a special
UNC's leader.
allocation of 200,000 metric tons of white rice,
● UNC signifies the world’s first attempt at collective
addressing Malaysia's request for additional food
security under the United Nations system.
imports from India.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
● There was also a focus on emerging sectors such as
● The foundations of the North Atlantic Treaty
semiconductors, fintech, defence industry, artificial
Organization (NATO) were officially laid down on 4 April
intelligence (AI), and quantum technologies.
1949 with the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty.
● India reaffirmed its commitment to the principles of
○ It was signed in Washington, D.C., by 12 founding
freedom of navigation and overflight, as outlined in
members. There are currently 32 members of NATO.
international law, and advocated for the peaceful
These countries are called NATO Allies.
resolution of disputes.
○ The Treaty derives its authority from Article 51 of the
● The Malaysian leader praised India's "unique, multi-
United Nations Charter, which reaffirms the
aligned approach" to dealing with global conflicts and
inherent right of independent states to individual or
expressed a desire for Malaysia to adopt similar
collective defence.
strategies.
● Collective defence is enshrined in Article 5 of the
● A significant part of the discussions revolved around
Treaty. It commits members to protecting each other and
Malaysia’s interest in joining the BRICS grouping, a
establishes a spirit of solidarity within the Alliance.
request that India has agreed to support. The Malaysian
● NATO Headquarters is the political and administrative
Prime Minister has been actively pushing for this
centre of the Alliance. It is located in Brussels, Belgium.
membership, seeing it as a strategic move to bolster
Malaysia's position in the global economic landscape.
India and Malaysia to Upgrade Strategic
Partnership India and Japan hold ‘2+2’ dialogue
News Excerpt:
News Excerpt:
India and Malaysia have elevated their bilateral relationship
India and Japan engaged in a new round of 2+2 dialogue in
to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" during recent
Delhi, focusing on expanding their special strategic
talks held in New Delhi on August 20, 2024.
partnership in light of increasing regional security
Key highlights of the talks
challenges.
● The upgraded partnership builds upon the "Enhanced
2+2 talks between India and allies:
Strategic Partnership" established in 2015.
● The 2+2 dialogue is a format of meeting India's foreign
● As part of this renewed collaboration, several
and defence ministers and its allies on strategic and
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agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)

security issues.
were signed, covering many areas, including workers’
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● The dialogue enables the partners to understand each ● India and Japan explored the possibility of coordinating
other better and appreciate each other’s strategic respective security strategies and development
concerns and sensitivities. This builds a stronger, more assistance where mutual interests converge for a “free,
integrated strategic relationship in a rapidly changing open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific.”
global environment. Free and Open Indo-Pacific:
● India has 2+2 dialogues with six countries: the US, ● The "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP) is a strategic
Australia, Japan, Russia, the UK, and Brazil. foreign policy concept and vision primarily promoted
by the United States, Japan, India, and other like-minded
countries.
● It refers to a geopolitical approach aimed at
maintaining a rules-based international order in the
Indo-Pacific region.
● The Indo-Pacific region generally encompasses the
Indian Ocean, the western and central Pacific Ocean,
and the countries surrounding these waters.
● Core principles:
○ Freedom of navigation and overflight
○ Respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity
○ Peaceful resolution of disputes
○ Promotion of free, fair, and reciprocal trade
○ Adherence to international law and norms
● Objectives:
○ Ensure regional stability and security
○ Promote economic prosperity
○ Support democratic governance
○ Counter-coercive behaviour from any nation
● The concept gained prominence in response to China's
India-Japan 2+2 Talks:
growing assertiveness in the region, particularly in the
● This was the third iteration of the '2+2' foreign and
South China Sea and its Belt and Road Initiative.
defence ministerial dialogue between the two
countries. Both countries decided to hold the next 2+2
Ministerial Meeting in Japan. Contribution of Indian Americans to the US
● Based on the discussion at the Quad Foreign Ministers’ News Excerpt
Meeting in Tokyo on 29 July 2024, the ministers valued The "Small Community, Big Contributions, Boundless
their cooperation in the Quad and reaffirmed their Horizons: The Indian Diaspora in the United States"
commitment to further advancing it. report, released by Indiaspora, highlights the multifaceted
● Both countries decided to boost their defence contributions of Indian Americans to the United States.
partnership. They appreciated the progress in Key Findings of the Report
transferring the Unified Complex Radio Antenna Demographic Insights
(UNICORN) and related technologies and the early ● The report identifies 5.1 million Indian Americans
signing of related arrangements. representing the Indian diaspora, including those born in
○ The UNICORN is a stealth technology fitted onboard India and the U.S., constituting 1.5% of the total U.S.
Indian naval ships. population.
● Both also explored future cooperation in ship ● Approximately 45% of Indian Americans migrated to the
maintenance in India and concurred on deepening U.S. after 2010, while about 30% moved before 2000.
bilateral cooperation in space and cyber. The majority are concentrated in New York and
● The ministers appreciated the successful completion of California.
Economic Contributions
the cooperation in Unmanned Ground Vehicle
(UGV)/Robotics. ● Indian Americans contribute roughly $300 billion in tax
● The ministers unequivocally condemned terrorism and revenues annually, significantly influencing sales tax,
violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations, business growth, and employment support.
including cross-border terrorism. ● Although they comprise only 1.5% of the population,
○ They called for concerted actions against all UN- they are estimated to pay about 5-6% of all income
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listed terrorist groups, including Al Qaeda, taxes (approximately $250-300B). Furthermore, their
ISIS/Daesh, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT), Jaish-e- professions indirectly create 11-12 million American
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Mohammad (JeM) and their proxy groups. jobs, showcasing their broader economic influence.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Indian migrants lead 72 out of 648 unicorn startups in ● Scientists of Indian origin co-authored 13% of all 2023
the U.S., with a collective valuation exceeding $195 journal publications, a notable increase from 11% in
billion and employing around 55,000 people, 13% of all 2015.
unicorn employees. ● Between 1975 and 2019, the share of U.S. patents with
● Between 35% and 50% of all U.S. convenience stores innovators of Indian origin jumped from around 2% to
are owned by Indian Americans, generating annual 10%.
revenues of $350-$490 billion. ○ Examples include Navin Varadarajan's
advancements in immunotherapy and Subra
Suresh's contributions to biomedical devices.
Cultural Influence
● Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi are now widely
celebrated across the U.S., with states like Pennsylvania
and New York City recognising Diwali as an official
holiday.
● In the culinary world, celebrated chefs like Maneet
Chauhan, Michelin-starred Vikas Khanna, and Srijith
Gopinathan have brought Indian flavours to mainstream
American dining. Roni Mazumdar’s successful
restaurants in New York City showcase authentic and
innovative Indian dishes.
● Wellness practices with Indian roots, like those
promoted by Deepak Chopra, who popularised
Ayurvedic practices and holistic health, have become
significant trends in American culture.
○ By 2023, about 10% of Americans were practising
yoga, with roughly 36,000 yoga studios nationwide.
● Bollywood’s influence continues to grow, with stars like
Priyanka Chopra Jonas making successful transitions to
Leadership and Innovation
Hollywood and young talents like Mean Girls star
● In the past decade, more Indian Americans have become
Avantika Vandanapu gaining fame.
involved. In 2013, they held over 60 notable positions
● Traditional elements such as henna, bindis, and
in the federal administration, which has grown to more
lehengas are becoming mainstream in fashion, with
than 150 by 2023.
lehengas available at high-end retailers like
○ One such person is Vice President Kamala Harris, Nordstrom.
who made history as the first woman to hold that ○ Designers Falguni and Shane Peacock showcase
office. She’s just one example of how Indian their glamorous designs worn by celebrities at the
Americans are weaving into the fabric of American New York Fashion Week.
society and governance. ● In literature, authors like Jhumpa Lahiri and Abraham
● Indian-origin CEOs, such as Satya Nadella of Microsoft Verghese have had a profound impact with their
and Reshma Kewalramani of Vertex Pharmaceuticals, explorations of the Indian-American experience.
lead 16 Fortune 500 companies. Community Engagement
○ These leaders collectively employ 2.7 million ● The India Philanthropy Alliance, founded by the Indian
Americans and generate nearly $1 trillion in diaspora, raises over $135 million annually and impacts
revenue, underscoring their substantial role in the more than 70 million people globally.
U.S. economy. ● Since 2008, Indian Americans have donated $3 billion to
Academic and Research Impact U.S. universities and contribute $1.5–2 billion annually
● 35 of the top 50 U.S. colleges have Indian Americans in to charity.
leading roles, such as deans, chancellors, and directors ● During crises and natural disasters like Hurricane
like Dr Neeli Bendapudi, Penn State’s president, the first Harvey that ravaged Houston and surrounding areas in
woman and person of colour to hold that position, and 2017, Indian diaspora organisations raised over $2
Arun Majumdar, the first Dean of Stanford’s Doerr million for disaster recovery, fielded more than 1,000
School of Sustainability. volunteers every day, managed a 24-hour helpline and
● 28 out of the 34 Scripps Spelling Bee winners were of rescued hundreds of people from floodwaters.
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Indian origin since 2000.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● During the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Americans have ● But this has not stopped state governments from trying
stepped up, providing significant commitment to to acquire these lands from the Centre, for various
humanitarian efforts in both the U.S. and India. development projects.
● Notably, in the U.S., Gurudwaras all over the country ● Chief among these has been the development of low-
took active roles in community support and service, cost housing for Mumbai’s slum-dwellers, a part of
including free meal programs that were part of the former Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s plan to create
broader Sikh principle of “Langar” or community a “slum-free Mumbai”.
kitchen. ● In 2015, Fadnavis zeroed in on 400 acres of salt pan
land along the Eastern Express highway in Mulund to
relocate slums under the Slum Rehabilitation
Authority (SRA) scheme.
Controversy over Mumbai’s salt pans ● The state government also planned to use much of the
News Excerpt: remaining 5,000 acres of salt pan land for affordable
Earlier this month, the Centre approved the transfer of 256 housing.
acres of salt pan land in Mumbai to the Dharavi Why do salt pans matter?
Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), a joint venture ● Environmentalist Stalin D, director of NGO Vanashakti,
between Adani Realty Group and the Maharashtra said that construction over salt pan lands will result in
government, for building rental housing for slum flooding in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs.
dwellers. This invited criticism from opposition leaders ● Salt pans are situated in low-lying areas, and water
and environmentalists, who said that the decision to received during heavy rain gets accumulated here.
“benefit Adani” would damage the fragile ecosystem. ● Water from Thane creek also flows in during high tide
and gets collected in the salt pans, preventing
What are salt pan lands? flooding in the eastern suburbs.
● They comprise parcels of low-lying lands where ● If the salt pans are covered owing to construction, areas
seawater flows in at certain times, and leaves behind like Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup will definitely
salt and other minerals. go underwater during heavy rain.
● Along with Mumbai’s mangroves (also at risk due to ● Salt pans, which, along with the mangroves, stop the
development), this ecosystem is instrumental in city from flooding, also host various species of birds
protecting the city from flooding. and insects.
● According to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
notification of 2011, the ecologically sensitive salt pans 40% Amazon rainforest unprotected
fall under CRZ-1B category, where no economic News Excerpt:
activity is allowed with the exception of salt According to an analysis by nonprofit Amazon
extraction and natural gas exploration. Conservation Nearly 40% of the areas of the Amazon
● In all, 5,378 acres of land in Mumbai have been rainforest have not been granted special government
designated as salt pan lands, approximately nine times protection, as either nature or indigenous reserves.
the size of the Dharavi slum. About 31% of this land More about news:
is located in residential and commercial belts, and ● Scientists agree that preserving the Amazon rainforest
roughly 480 acres are encroached upon, a 2014 study is critical to combating global warming, but new data
by the state government found. published indicate huge swathes of the jungles that are
● The same study found that about 1,672 acres of vital to the world’s climate remain unprotected.
Mumbai’s more than 5,000 acres of salt pan lands are ● The areas lie in the far southwest of the Amazon in Peru
“developable”. and the far northeast in Brazil, French Guiana, and
● Nationally, some 60,000 acres have been demarcated Suriname, the data show.
as salt pan lands, spread across Maharashtra, Andhra ● Those parts of the Amazon have the biggest, densest
Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, and Karnataka. trees and the most continuous canopy cover.
Andhra Pradesh (20,716 acres) boasts the largest ● That means these areas hold the most carbon, which
expanse of such land, followed by Tamil Nadu (17,095 would be released into the atmosphere as climate-
acres) and Maharashtra (12,662 acres). warming greenhouse gas if the jungle is destroyed by fire
Why are Mumbai’s salt pan lands at risk?
or logging.
● Land is at a premium in Mumbai. Salt pans are among Results of satellite data:
the last “undeveloped” parcels of land, thus far ● Amazon Conservation analysed new data from the
protected by the Ministry of Environment and Forests
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satellite imaging company Planet that used lasers to get

under the stringent CRZ norms.
a three dimensional picture of the forest and combined
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it with machine-learning models.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Significance of Amazon:
Amazon rainforest: ● MAAP published an analysis last month showing that the
● The Amazon is a vast biome that spans eight rapidly Amazon contained 71.5 billion tonnes of carbon,
developing countries—Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, roughly double the global carbon dioxide emissions
Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname—and for 2022.
French Guiana, an overseas territory of France. ● That analysis showed that the Amazon just barely
● The landscape contains absorbed more carbon than it released in the decade
○ About one in 10 known species on Earth leading up to 2022, a positive signal for the world’s
○ 1.4 billion acres of dense forests climate.
○ 20% of the world's liquid freshwater ● As the effects of anthropogenic climate change become
○ 2.7 million square miles in the Amazon basin, more stark with each passing day, the Amazon becomes
about 40% of South America one of the most valuable assets for the planet’s health.
● The Amazon Basin supports the world’s largest ● Scientists believe that if the Amazon becomes an
rainforest, which accounts for more than half the total emission source instead of a carbon sink which absorbs
volume of rainforests in the world. carbon from the atmosphere the impact on the planet
● There is a clear link between the health of the Amazon may be cataclysmic.
and the health of the planet. The rain forests, which ● Data published by Amazon Conservation are important.
contain an estimated 150-200 billion tons of carbon, It really just gives this overall roadmap in terms of some
help stabilize the local and global climate. of the highest carbon areas that are important to protect.
● Deforestation releases significant amounts of this
Namibia plans to kill wild animals
carbon, which is having negative consequences
News Excerpt:
around the world.
Namibia plans to cull hundreds of its most majestic wild
animals, including dozens of elephants and
hippopotamuses, to provide meat for its 1.4 million people
— nearly half the southern African nation’s population —
who are reeling under the worst drought in a century.
● This exercise is necessary and is in line with our
constitutional mandate where our natural resources are
used for the benefit of Namibian citizens.
How has the drought impacted Namibia?
● Food availability is usually low in Namibia from July
through September, and the situation has been made
worse by the drought. Staple crops such as maize have
dried up, large numbers of livestock have died, and
almost 84% of the country’s food reserves are exhausted,
a United Nations spokesman said on 23 August.
● As stocks have diminished, prices have skyrocketed,
curtailing access to food for a large number of people.
● Between April and June 2024, an estimated 1.2 million
people…in Namibia face high levels of acute food
insecurity…and require urgent action to reduce food
gaps and protect livelihoods.
● These are the most vulnerable groups…in both urban
and rural areas, the Integrated Food Security Phase
● Only aboveground vegetation was considered, and not Classification (IPC) said in a report in July.
underground carbon in roots and soils. ● Severe acute malnutrition among children under five has
● MAAP’s analysis shows that 61% of the peak carbon increased, and deaths have been reported in some areas,
areas in the Amazon are protected as indigenous the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
reserves or other protected lands, but the rest generally Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has said.
has no official designation. ● OCHA has also flagged the increased vulnerability of
● In Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana, only 51% of women due to the drought: “As women and girls are
peak carbon areas are labeled for preservation. Peru required to walk longer distances to collect food and
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protects a higher proportion of its critical areas, but some water, their risk of being subjected to gender-based
of the areas that have been left unprotected have been violence also increases.”
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earmarked for logging. How would the culling of wild animals help?
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● It is not just for meat that Namibia wants to cull wild ● The growing concern around microplastic pollution
animals. The government fears that the drought will in food has been underscored by a recent report from
force the animals to migrate in search of food and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), which
water, which could bring them into conflict with identified microplastics in common food items such as
human populations. sugar and salt.
● The country has a significant number of wild animals, ○ While the global prevalence of microplastics is
including 24,000 elephants, one of the largest well-documented, there is an urgent need for data
populations in the world. specific to India to better understand the
● The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism implications for human health and safety in the
statement said it also hopes that culling of some country.
animals would reduce the effect of the drought on
wildlife. India’s first ‘teal carbon’ study
● It would help “in managing the current grazing News Excerpt:
pressure and water availability…in some parks and India’s first ‘teal carbon’ study bets on wetlands to address
communal areas where we feel numbers exceed the challenges of climate adaptation and resilience.
available grazing and water. More about news:
● India’s first study on ‘teal carbon’, undertaken at
FSSAI launches a project to address Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s
microplastic contamination in Indian food Bharatpur district, has highlighted the significance of
News Excerpt: wetland conservation to address the challenges of
climate adaptation and resilience.
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
(FSSAI) has embarked on a groundbreaking initiative to ● The pilot project sought to develop holistic nature-based
solutions to address climate change.
combat the rising issue of microplastic contamination in the
Indian food supply. ● The comprehensive review at KNP was conducted by
researchers from the Central University of Rajasthan, in
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
collaboration with experts from the U.S. Environmental
● On August 23, 2006, the government formally unveiled
the Food Safety and Standards Act. Protection Agency (EPA) and Kenyon College, Ohio,
● A number of laws and standards governed the nation's U.S.
safe food practices before the creation and ● The review focused on four major teal carbon
implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act. ecosystems to assess the status and potential role of teal
● The Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSAI), passed carbon in mitigating climate change.
in 2006, is the primary law governing the regulation Concept of teal carbon:
of food products. ● The concept of teal carbon is a recent addition to the
● This law is also established to develop and enforce food environmental science pertaining to organic carbon in
safety standards in India. inland fresh wetlands.
● The FSSAI selects state-level food safety authorities. ● Teal carbon refers to carbon stored in non-tidal
About Project freshwater wetlands, encompassing carbon sequestered
● The project, titled “Micro-and Nano-Plastics as in vegetation, microbial biomass, and dissolved and
Emerging Food Contaminants: Establishing Validated particulate organic matter.
Methodologies and Understanding the Prevalence in ● Teal carbon being a colour-based terminology reflects
Different Food Matrices,” aims to develop and the classification of the organic carbon based on its
standardize methods for detecting micro and nano- functions and location rather than its physical properties.
plastics in food products, while also assessing their ● As opposed to teal carbon, black and brown carbon are
prevalence and potential risks to consumers. primarily produced by incomplete combustion of
● The initiative, which began in March, 2024, is being organic matter from sources such as wildfires, fossil fuel
conducted in collaboration with prominent research combustion, and industrial activities. They contribute to
institutions across India, including the CSIR-Indian global warming.
Institute of Toxicology Research (Lucknow), ICAR-
● At the global level, the storage of teal carbon across the
Central Institute of Fisheries Technology (Kochi), and
ecosystems is estimated to be 500.21 petagrams of
the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (Pilani).
carbon (PgC), which is a unit to measure carbon.
○ These institutions will work together to create
○ Peatlands, freshwater swamps, and natural freshwater
standardized protocols for analyzing micro and
nano-plastics, conduct intra- and inter-laboratory marshes account for a significant amount of this
storage.
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comparisons, and generate crucial data on

Results of the study:
microplastic exposure among Indian consumers.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● The study, carried out in the form of the KNP’s global ○ The number of trees felled for any reason is deducted
review, has depicted the potential of teal carbon as a tool and then the GEP is calculated.
to mitigate climate change if the anthropogenic ● Such a counting also means that the current methods
pollution in the wetlands can be controlled. of calculating forest cover- where anything green
● Preliminary results from the research conducted at KNP counted by a satellite goes- will have to be refined.
revealed elevated levels of methane emissions, ○ Similarly, for water, a calculation will have to be made
necessitating the reduction of these discharges through of man-made water conservation, storage methods-
the use of a specialized type of biochar, which is a form for example, how many amrit sarovars were made.
of charcoal. ○ This is different from nature’s own methods, e.g. rain
● Developing this specific biochar, a lightweight black that recharges water bodies.
residue comprising carbon and ashes and its research ■ Thus, it measures the contribution of human
would require sophisticated instruments, such as the LI- activities to ecological development.
COR device for real-time ground-based greenhouse gas Benefits of GEP:
● Consider these benefits as various kinds of services,
measurements.
for example,
● Ensuring availability of water and selecting suitable
○ Provisioning (food, water and timber)
vegetation will ensure effective conservation of
○ Regulating (climate regulation and flood control)
wetlands in the national park, which in turn will sustain
○ Supporting (soil formation and nutrient cycling)
the teal carbon pools.
○ Cultural services (recreational and spiritual)
● Teal carbon ecosystem would also contribute to an
● By translating these diverse contributions into a single
increase in the ground water level, flood mitigation and
monetary value, GEP reflects the true worth of natural
heat island reduction, supporting a sustainable urban
capital in sustaining economic and social well-being.
adaptation.
● The GEP index would also increase awareness of the
environment. This will help in assessing the contribution
Gross Environment Product Index to environmental protection.
News Excerpt: ● GEP can also be released along with GDP in the state. Its
Recently, Uttarakhand launched the World’s first Gross assessment will establish better harmony between
Environmental Product Index. ecology and economy.
More detail about news:
● The ecosystem development in Uttarakhand will now be
assessed through the Gross Environmental Product-GEP
Panama Canal threatened by climate change
index. News Excerpt:
● Uttarakhand is the first state in the world where the The Panama Canal, a vital shipping route connecting the
development of the ecosystem will be assessed through Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is now facing a serious threat
the Gross Environmental Product Index. due to climate change.
● Simply put, it does not only calculate what services we About Panama Canal
get from the environment but also what we put back into ● The Panama Canal passing through Central America
the environment. was opened on August 15, 1914.
About Gross Environment Product Index: ● The first ship passed through the 82-km canal, which is
● Four pillars of the Gross Environment Product Index: air, seen as one of history's greatest engineering
soil, tree and water. achievements.
● Calculation Method:
The formula is, GEP index = (Air-
GEP index + Water-GEP index +
Soil-GEP index + Forest-GEP index)
○ When a forest is taken into
account, it is not just about
counting trees.
○ The (new) trees planted are
categorised into three categories
with the best (broad-leafed)
getting greater weightage than
say a (least-preferred) pine.
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○ The average survival of trees is

considered.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● It significantly reduces travel time for ships between the SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, saving approximately
12,600 km on a trip between New York and San
Francisco. NASA Launches Satellite to Monitor
Water crisis in the Canal:
Methane Emissions
● Usually, 36 to 38 ships pass through the canal every
News Excerpt:
day. However, last December, traffic dropped to just 22
Recently, a satellite named Tanager-1, developed by a
ships a day, with over 160 ships stuck on both sides of
coalition of organizations including NASA’s Jet
the canal.
Propulsion Laboratory, was launched aboard a SpaceX
● This reduction was caused by a drought that lowered
Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in
water levels in Lake Gatun, an artificial reservoir
California.
crucial to the canal's operation.
More details about the News
● While traffic has since recovered to more than 35 ships
● This satellite is designed to detect significant sources of
daily, experts warn this is only a temporary reprieve.
carbon dioxide and methane emissions.
● Climate change poses a long-term threat to the canal's
● The launch of Tanager-1 comes shortly after the launch
future.
of MethaneSat, another satellite dedicated to tracking
The Canal's Water Elevator System:
and measuring methane emissions, which was
● The Panama Canal is a complex system of locks and
launched in early March.
elevators designed to accommodate the different
elevations of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Significance of Tracking Methane Emissions
● The Pacific is slightly higher than the Atlantic, so ships ● Methane, although invisible, is a potent greenhouse
must be lifted to navigate from one side to the other. gas and the second largest contributor to global
● This is achieved through a system of locks, which act like warming after carbon dioxide, responsible for
water elevators. The locks are flooded or drained to approximately 30% of global heating since the
raise or lower ships to the required sea level. Industrial Revolution.
● The canal's three sets of locks, comprising 12 locks in ● According to the United Nations Environment
total, are serviced by artificial lakes and channels. Programme, methane is 80 times more effective at
Climate Change Threats: warming the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over 20
● The Panama Canal relies heavily on freshwater from years.
Lake Gatun to operate its lock system. ● Additionally, methane contributes to the formation of
● Last year, reduced water levels in Lake Gatun led to ground-level ozone, a harmful gas that forms just
fewer ships passing through the canal, and those that did above the Earth's surface.
often had to reduce their cargo. ● A 2022 report indicates that exposure to ground-level
● While ocean water could be used in the lock system, it ozone may be linked to one million premature deaths
would increase the salinity of Lake Gatun, which also annually.
supplies drinking water to more than half of Panama's ● Reducing methane emissions is crucial, with fossil fuel
4.4 million residents. operations being a major source, accounting for
● Although rainfall has improved the situation this year, about 40% of all human-caused methane emissions.
experts warn that this is only a temporary solution. This About Tanager-1
ongoing issue is a result of the larger issue of climate ● Tanager-1 employs advanced imaging spectrometer
change. technology from Jet Propulsion Laboratory to monitor
● While extreme rainfall deficits are not new to Panama, methane and carbon dioxide emissions.
they have become more frequent. Experts warn that as ● It works by analyzing light reflected from Earth's surface
the planet continues to warm, these deficits could across numerous wavelengths.
become even more common. ● Different atmospheric compounds, including methane
● Historically, a significant reduction in rainfall occurred and carbon dioxide, absorb specific wavelengths of light,
about once every 20 years, usually caused by major El leaving unique spectral 'fingerprints' that the imaging
Niño events. spectrometer can detect.
● However, Panama has experienced severe rainfall deficits ● These infrared signatures allow researchers to identify
three times in the past 26 years, indicating a change in and measure significant greenhouse gas emissions,
weather patterns. The 2023 deficit was unprecedented which could enhance efforts to mitigate climate change.
in the last 100 years of data. ● The satellite will provide detailed measurements of
emissions at individual facilities and equipment on a
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global scale, covering 130,000 square kilometers of the

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Earth’s surface each day.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Scientists will use the data to detect gas plumes with ● Earth’s magnetosphere traps high-energy radiation
distinct spectral signatures of methane and carbon particles and protects our planet from solar storms and
dioxide and trace their sources. other threats to daily life from space.
● While the outer belt holds high-energy particles from the
Polaris Dawn sun, the inner belt is formed by cosmic rays that interact
with Earth’s atmosphere. They were discovered by
News Excerpt:
American physicist James Van Allen in 1958.
Polaris Dawn will be the first non-government mission to
● The Van Allen Belts range from about 680 kilometers
perform a spacewalk. But not only that — it’ll do that about
above Earth’s surface to what some estimates suggest is
700 kilometers (435 miles) above Earth.
about 40,000 kilometers from the surface of the planet.
The highest ever, to compare the International Space
And there’s a gap between the first and second belt.
Station (ISS) orbits Earth at about 400 kilometers, where
● The inner “proton” zone is centered at about 3,000
the radiation is less intense. It will also orbit Earth through
kilometers from Earth’s surface and the outer “electron”
regions of a highly-charged belt of radiation. There are
zone is centered about 15-20,000 kilometers from Earth’s
two of these “Van Allen Belts”, an inner and an outer one.
surface.
More about the spacewalk
● Astronauts tend to avoid the hazardous Van
Allen Belts, but they will have to travel
through them if humans want to fly to Mars
and survive. This privately-funded mission
could be a first step toward that goal.
● The four astronauts on the Polaris Dawn
mission will test new spacesuits, designed
by Elon Musk’s company, SpaceX, to see
how well they protect them against the Van
Allen Belt radiation.
● SpaceX is also providing the spacecraft —
a Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule for
the crew — to reach an altitude beyond
the current record of 1,373 kilometers, set
by NASA’s Gemini 11 mission in 1966.
Polaris Dawn is Isaacman’s idea
● Isaacman is a billionaire entrepreneur, who ● The Polaris Dawn spacewalk will expose the crew to
made his money in digital payments and military higher levels of radiation than on the ISS. They hope to
defense. collect data on the effects of that radiation as a key
● He previously financed and flew on SpaceX’s Inspiration4 scientific experiment.
mission, the first civilian mission to orbit Earth. ● In 2025, NASA plans to send astronauts beyond the Van
Why are the Van Allen Belts dangerous for humans?
Allen Belts to land on the south pole of the moon, and
● The Van Allen Belts consist of charged particles locked in
eventually on to Mars. Any data provided by Polaris
place by Earth’s magnetosphere, which includes its
Dawn will feed into those future missions.
magnetic field. Planned health research on Polaris Dawn
● Polaris intends to use data from the
mission to create research Biobanks to study the
effects of space travel on human biology.
● It will investigate the effects of space
travel on eyesight and brain structure — a major
health risk in space, known as Spaceflight
Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS).
● The team also hopes to contribute to
studies into decompression sickness (DCS),
another health risk during spaceflight. DCS
occurs when nitrogen gas bubbles (or gas emboli)
damage human tissue.
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The first test of laser communications in space

● The crew will test laser communications
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provided by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Starlink is large satellite constellation, eventually gas above the atmosphere and travel along magnetic
consisting of about 12,000 satellites for communication field lines between the Earth's northern and southern
on Earth and in space. It was used early in the Russia- hemispheres.
Ukraine war. ● These waves, known as whistler waves, often have
● Polaris hopes its communications tests will provide frequencies within the human hearing range and can be
“valuable data for future space communications systems detected as whistling sounds.
necessary for missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.” ● As they move, especially the lower-frequency waves, they
What’s planned for future Polaris missions? lose energy, creating a distinctive declining tone.
● Isaacman has committed to three missions in New Discovery in Whistler Waves
collaboration with SpaceX. This first mission is ● They found that lightning energy injected into the
scheduled to last five days. ionosphere at low latitudes could reflect into the
● The second mission will, they say, “expand the magnetosphere, much like light reflecting off a mirror.
boundaries of future human spaceflight missions, in- ● These finding challenges previous assumptions that
space communications, and scientific research.” energy inserted at low latitudes could not escape the
● And the third mission will be the first crewed test of ionosphere.
SpaceX’s reusable Starship spacecraft. Implications for Space Weather and Exploration
● As with any space mission, the Polaris Dawn launch on ● This discovery has profound implications for our
26 August 2024, may be delayed due to extreme understanding of space weather, particularly the
weather conditions or technical issues. interaction between lightning and the Van Allen
radiation belts.
New Discovery in Lightning and Space ● The inclusion of this newly identified type of whistler
wave could potentially double the amount of
Weather
lightning energy entering the magnetosphere.
News Excerpt: ● This, in turn, may necessitate a revision of scientific
In a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances models that calculate the effects of lightning on the
scientists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks reported radiation belts.
the discovery of a new type of whistler wave, generated ● As our exploration of space continues to advance,
by a previously unknown mechanism. understanding these complex interactions within the
Magnetosphere and its role: magnetosphere becomes increasingly important.
● The Earth is enveloped by a bubble-shaped magnetic
field known as the magnetosphere, which acts as a
protective shield against harmful radiation from the Sun Crew Dragon to bring back Williams
and other celestial bodies. News Excerpt:
● This magnetic shield is crucial for sustaining life on our The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
planet, as it deflects and traps the high-energy charged said the two astronauts — Sunita Williams and Barry
particles that the Sun periodically ejects, especially Wilmore — who have been stuck at the International Space
during solar storms. Station (ISS) would return to the Earth in February 2025 on
Van Allen Radiation Belt: a SpaceX Crew Dragon flight.
● The Van Allen radiation belts are two regions of charged ● Currently, NASA and SpaceX are working on several
particles, primarily electrons and protons, that are items before the launch of Crew Dragon. For instance,
trapped by Earth's magnetic field in the planet's upper they are reconfiguring seats and adjusting the manifest
atmosphere. to carry additional cargo.
● These belts are shaped like doughnuts and encircle the What is Crew Dragon?
Earth, extending from about 1,000 to 60,000 kilometers ● Crew Dragon is one of the two variants of SpaceX’s
above the surface. Dragon 2 spacecraft, which is partially reusable.
● They were discovered in 1958 by American astrophysicist ● The other variant is Cargo Dragon. As their names
James Van Allen. suggest, Crew Dragon primarily ferries astronauts to the
● The belts play a critical role in protecting Earth from solar ISS, and Cargo Dragon supplies cargo to the space
radiation, but they also pose a challenge to space station.
exploration, as they contain high levels of radiation that ● SpaceX developed Crew Dragon as part of NASA’s plan
can be harmful to spacecraft and astronauts. to hand over space station flights to American
Lightning and the Magnetosphere companies after the space agency retired its space
● Lightning strikes on Earth generate electromagnetic shuttle in 2011.
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waves that travel through the atmosphere. ● Crew Dragon’s first mission to the ISS took place in 2020
● Some of these waves, guided by the Earth's magnetic when it transported four American and Japanese
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field, can enter the ionosphere which is a layer of ionized astronauts to the destination.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Additionally, the telescope has provided
new data on the rate at which the Universe
is expanding, which has been a topic of
debate.
● Two different methods have been used to
measure this rate:
○ one based on distant, early-Universe
phenomena
○ other on closer, "local" celestial objects.

Humanoid skull for Gaganyaan

● So far, the spacecraft has done eight crew rotation
News Excerpt: The Indian Space Research Organisation’s
missions to the space station for NASA.
(ISRO’s) uncrewed Gaganyaan mission in 2025 will carry
the female half humanoid Vyomitra (literally “space
James Webb Discoveries friend”).
News Excerpt: ● The design for Vyomitra’s skull, fashioned by ISRO’s
The most powerful telescope in space has provided stunning Inertial Systems Unit in the Vikram Sarabhai Space
images, but they have also raised significant questions in the Center in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, was finalised
field of cosmology. recently.
About James Webb: What are humanoids?
The James Webb Space Telescope is an infrared telescope. ● Humanoids (or half-humanoids) are robotic systems
● It is designed to observe designed to resemble humans — Vyomitra comes with
the universe primarily in movable arms, a torso, a face, and a neck — and function
infrared wavelengths, autonomously in space.
allowing it to see through ● In general, robotic systems are used to assist astronauts
dust clouds and detect in performing repetitive and/or dangerous tasks in
distant, faint objects from the early universe. space, like cleaning of solar panels or fixing faulty
● The telescope, which was launched in late 2021 and equipment located outside the spacecraft.
reached its observation point in early 2022. ● This protects astronauts, and allows them to work on
the scientific mission at hand.
● It has been examining the early history of the
Universe, particularly the period when the first galaxies
were forming.
● Astronomers expected to see newborn galaxies, but
instead, the telescope has revealed what appear to be
fully developed galaxies from a very early stage in the
Universe's history.
● This discovery has puzzled scientists, as it challenges How did ISRO design the humanoid skull for Vyomitra?
existing theories about galaxy formation and the early ● The recently-designed Vyomitra skull will house the
Universe. key components of the robot. It has been made using
an aluminium alloy (AlSi10Mg) known for its high
flexibility, light weight, heat resistance, and mechanical
properties.
● This alloy is commonly used for making automotive
engines and aerospace components.
● Crucially, the skull has been designed to be incredibly
sturdy, capable of withstanding some extreme
vibrational loads that are experienced during a rocket
launch.
● The high strength of the aluminium alloy offers a yield
strength of more than 220 MegaPascals (1 MPa = 1
million pascals).
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● Yield strength refers to the maximum stress that can be

applied to a material before it begins to deform
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permanently.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● The humanoid skull model has dimensions of 200mm ● Apart from that, simultaneous observations in
x 200mm, and weighs only 800 grams. different wavelengths make the data a unique one and
● AlSi10Mg is also amenable to the Additive suitable for multi-wavelength studies.
Manufacturing (or AM) technique. This is how the A New Approach Using Multiple Spectral Lines
humanoid skull was created. ● To study the magnetic field at different heights within the
● AM enables easy induction of lattice structures, as solar atmosphere, the astronomers examined an active
incorporated in the humanoid skull design. region (sunspot) with complex features.
● Importantly, it helps in significant reduction of the ● They simultaneously observed this region in the
overall weight of the final product. Hydrogen-alpha and Calcium II 8662 Å lines using the
● Unlike conventional manufacturing techniques, AM Kodaikanal Tower Tunnel Telescope.
follows a process in which a desired part or product ● By analyzing data from multiple spectral lines, they were
is created in a layered manner, a commonly deployed able to infer the magnetic field's stratification at various
mechanism in 3D printing. depths.
● Sturdy yet flexible, lightweight materials are often Overcoming Limitations of Traditional Methods
used to build payloads for space missions. ● Traditional methods of inferring the chromospheric
● This is because heavier the payload, more the fuel magnetic field often rely on the Calcium II 8542 Å and
required to reach space, and larger the rocket needed. Helium I 10830 Å lines.
○ However, these methods have limitations that
Studying Solar Magnetic Field restrict their applicability to certain solar features.
● The new approach developed by the IIA astronomers
News Excerpt:
addresses these limitations and provides a more
Indian astronomers have made a significant breakthrough in
comprehensive understanding of the solar magnetic
understanding the sun's complex magnetic fields. field.
Innovation in research:
● By analyzing data from the Kodaikanal Tower Tunnel
Telescope, they have developed a novel method to Helium Leak
probe the magnetic field at various depths within the News Excerpt:
solar atmosphere. Two NASA astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner will stay
● This research sheds light on the coronal heating problem on the International Space Station for months because of
and the driving forces behind the solar wind. a faulty propulsion system whose problems included helium
leaks.
More about news:
● Back on Earth, SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission was
delayed because of helium issues on ground equipment.
● Past missions affected by pesky helium leaks include
ISRO’s Chandrayaan 2 and ESA’s Ariane 5.
Use of helium in spacecraft and rockets:
● Rockets need to achieve specific speeds and altitudes to
Importance of Magnetic Fields in the Solar Atmosphere reach and maintain orbit.
● The sun's magnetic field plays a crucial role in shaping its ● A heavier rocket requires more energy, not only
behaviour. increasing fuel consumption but also needing more
● It acts as a conduit, transferring energy and mass from powerful engines, which are more expensive to develop,
the inner layers to the outer atmosphere. test, and maintain.
● This process, known as coronal heating, is a long- ● Helium has a very low boiling point (– 268.9 degree
standing mystery in solar physics. Celsius), allowing it to remain a gas even in super-cold
● Additionally, the magnetic field is the primary driver of environments, an important feature because many
the solar wind, a stream of charged particles that rocket fuels are stored in that temperature range.
flows outward from the sun. ● Helium is used to pressurise fuel tanks, ensuring fuel
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory flows to the rocket’s engines without interruption; and
● The Kodaikanal Observatory of the Indian Institute of for cooling systems.
Astrophysics is located in the Palani range of hills in ● As fuel and oxidiser are burned in the rocket’s engines,
Southern India. helium fills the resulting empty space in the tanks,
● It was established in 1899. Solar observations at this maintaining the overall pressure inside.
observatory over the last 100+ years provide one of ● Because it is non-reactive, it can safely mingle with the
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Challenges and Leakage Issues:

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Helium’s small atomic size and low molecular weight ● In the 1960s, several spacecrafts that flew over the Earth’s
mean its atoms can escape through small gaps or seals poles had witnessed a stream of particles from the
in storage tanks and fuel systems. atmosphere flowing into space at supersonic speeds.
● But because there is very little helium in the Earth’s ● Scientists were aware that sunlight caused particles to
atmosphere, leaks can be easily detected, making the leak into space. Regardless, the detected particles did not
gas important for spotting potential faults in a rocket or show any signs that they were heated.
spacecraft’s fuel systems. ● There had to be something that was drawing these
Is it prone to leaks? particles out of the atmosphere. However, back then, the
technology that was needed to detect an
energy field, which can only be sensed over
hundreds of miles, was not available.
How did the scientists discover the field?
● The team of scientists made the discovery
based on the observation from a NASA
suborbital rocket which was able to measure
this planet-wide electric field.
● The measurements given by NASA’s
Endurance Mission confirmed the existence of
this ambipolar field.
● According to NASA, the observations
revealed that this energy field has been driving
atmospheric escape and shaping the
ionosphere – a layer of the upper atmosphere.
● Collinson and his collaborators have been
● Helium’s small atomic size and low molecular weight
developing sensors for launch aboard the Endurance
mean its atoms can escape through small gaps or seals
rocket mission since 2016.
in storage tanks and fuel systems.
● The team launched the suborbital rocket flight on 11 May
● But because there is very little helium in the Earth’s
2022, from Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago.
atmosphere, leaks can be easily detected — making the
● Svalbard is the only rocket range in the world where one
gas important for spotting potential faults in a rocket or
can fly through the polar wind and make the
spacecraft’s fuel systems.
measurements we needed, Suzie Imber, a space physicist
● The frequency of helium leaks across space-related
at the University of Leicester, UK, and co-author of the
systems, some engineers say, have highlighted an
paper, was quoted as saying by nasa.gov.
industry-wide need for innovation in valve design and
● The Endurance mission revealed that hydrogen ions,
more precise valve-tightening mechanisms.
which are in abundance in the polar wind, are pushed
into space by an electric field that is 10.06 times stronger
Earth’s third energy field discovered than gravity.
News Excerpt: ● The study also showed that the ambipolar field increases
Earth’s third energy field known as ‘Polar Wind’, which the ionosphere’s density by 271 per cent, essentially
only existed in theory so far, has now been discovered by keeping it denser at greater heights.
NASA after a search that has lasted 60 years. This field is ● The field acts like a conveyor belt which lifts the
fundamental to understanding the way our planet works. atmospheric particles into space.
More about the field
● The field has been there since the beginning alongside
the other two energy fields – gravity and magnetic. 17th International Earth Sciences Olympiad
● The scientists said that although the field is weak, it is News Excerpt:
significant to Earth as it counters gravity and lifts the The Indian student team achieved remarkable success at
skies up. the 17th International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO),
● Polar winds have crucial answers about how Earth’s held in Beijing, China, from August 8-16, 2024.
atmosphere evaporates rapidly above the north and More details about News
south poles. ● The 17th IESO saw participation from teams
● They feel that this field of energy may have played a representing 35 countries.
critical role in the evolution of our atmosphere’s upper- ● The competition spanned four categories: Theory and
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most layer. Practical, Earth Science Project, International Team Field

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Investigation, and Data Mining.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● The Indian team earned an impressive number of medals: subsidence, or the downward vertical movement of the
three gold, two silver, and three bronze. Earth’s surface.
International Geoscience Education Organisation (IGEO) ● The affected area measures approximately 8 km north
● It works to improve geoscience education worldwide, to south and 5 km east to west, according to the study.
enhance its quality, and promote awareness, especially What are the fallouts of lithium mining?
among young people. ● The brine evaporation method used to produce lithium
● Geoscience education explores the interactions among requires massive quantities of fresh water, which is
spheres of the Earth – the geosphere, atmosphere, already scarce, especially in the Atacama Desert.
hydrosphere, and biosphere – within the dynamic Earth ● In the Atacama, it takes 2,000 tons of water to produce
system. one ton of lithium, according to a 2020 study by Ingrid
International Earth Sciences Olympiad (IESO) Garcés, a scientist at Chile’s University of Antofagasta.
● The IESO was founded at the International Geoscience This leaves indigenous communities and wildlife living in
Education Organization Council meeting in Calgary, the region parched.
Canada in 2003. ● Chemicals such as sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide
● It is an annual educational competition for secondary that are used for lithium extraction contaminate soil and
school students worldwide.
water, poisoning ecosystems and endangering species.
● The competition's goal is to raise awareness of earth
● A 2022 study found that lithium mining has led to a
sciences through teamwork, collaboration, idea
decline in the number of flamingos in the area — due to
exchange, and competition.
a drop in water levels in the Atacama, fewer flamingos
● the competition aims to generate interest among youth
in various areas of Earth system science and to promote
are reproducing.
awareness and discussion with a focus on climate change,
environmental challenges, and natural disasters. Small-scale commercial nuclear reactors
● India has been participating in the IESO since 2007 and News Excerpt:
even hosted its 10th edition in Mysore. The idea of putting up hundreds, if not thousands, of small-
sized nuclear reactors designed for modular expansion so
Lithium brine extraction that they could be bulk-produced in factories and brought
News Excerpt: to the sites in containers, has been engaging the attention
According to a new study, Chile’s Atacama salt flat is of energy experts for some years.
sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 centimetres per year due to ● It is increasingly being realized that achieving net-zero is
lithium brine extraction — a process in which salt-rich not possible without nuclear energy.
water is pumped to the surface and into a series of More about SMRs
evaporation ponds to eventually obtain lithium. ● In India, both government and industry are keen on small
● The study, which was published in the journal IEEE modular reactors (SMRs).
Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing, was ● The Centre’s keenness is borne out by Finance Minister
carried out by researchers at the University of Chile. Nirmala Sitharaman’s reference to ‘Bharat Small
What does the new study say? Reactors’ (BSR) in her Budget speech.
● For their study, the researchers at the University of Chile ● Meanwhile, industry, especially steel, is reported to be
analysed the satellite data collected between 2020 and examining the nuclear option for green energy.
2023 to see deformations in the Earth’s crust of ● India has a head start over other countries in small
Atacama salt flat — one of the largest sources of reactors. It has been operating 15 pressurized heavy
lithium in the world. water reactors (PHWR) of 220 MW each, accounting for
● The researchers noted that the worst affected areas are half of India’s 6780 MW nuclear power capacity, and 70
those where mining companies are doing most of their percent if one excludes the 2000 MW of Russia-made
pumping of lithium-rich brine. Kudankulam plants.
● That is happening because the pumping takes place at ● About 70 design concepts of SMRs are floating around
a faster rate than the recharge of aquifers, leading to but none has the proven safety record of PHWRs.
● Therefore, it is
welcome that the
government is
considering
modifying the
PHWRs into BSRs —
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adding ‘passive
safety’ features such
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as self-cooling and
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
metal lining on the inner walls of the reactor so that the particular in online user interfaces, that subvert or impair
‘exclusion zone’ outside the power plant can be at least consumer autonomy, decision making or choice.
halved to half a kilometer. ● This definition is provided by the ASCI’s guidelines on
● The government’s intention is to modify the regulatory this subject, issued in June 2023.
framework, bringing amendments to the Atomic Energy
Advertisement Standards Council of India:
Act and the Civil Nuclear Liability Damage Act to make
● The Advertisement Standards Council of India is a
way for private participation.
“voluntary, self-regulatory council” which has been
● As the advent of BSRs is a turning point in India’s nuclear
registered as a non-profit company.
energy story, it is essential to think it through to get it ● It was established in 1985 under Section 25 of the
right. Companies Act, 1956.
Significances ● It has been formed with the objective that all advertising
● First, for nuclear power to aid India’s net zero ambitions, activities in India must be legal, truthful, decent, honest,
the country needs both BSRs and large nuclear plants. with a sense of social responsibility, and in line with fair
● For better focus, a separate company for BSRs would be competitive conditions.
wise. This company may licence technology, deal with
Examples of Deceptive Patterns:
the private industry and push exports of BSRs, leaving the
● Interface Interference:
Nuclear Power Corporation of India to pursue the larger
○ One common deceptive pattern is "Interface
nuclear plants.
Interference," where certain parts of a screen are
● Second, steps should be taken to achieve fuel
highlighted using contrasting colors, while other
independence. PHWRs throw up more spent fuel than
parts are hidden using colors that blend together.
light water reactors.
○ This can subtly direct users toward a choice in the
● Collecting and sequestering it is a massive undertaking
highlighted section, even if it's not their preferred
and a proliferation risk. Fortunately, a new type of fuel,
option.
ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life),
○ The ASCI study found that over 45% of leading Indian
developed by an Indian-owned US company, could
apps use this type of interference.
provide the solution to the fuel cycle. ● Confirm Shaming:
● ANEEL, a combination of High Assay Low Enriched ○ Another example is "Confirm Shaming," which uses
Uranium (HALEU) and thorium, offers a bouquet of guilt or social pressure to manipulate users into
advantages — lesser and proliferation risk-free spent confirming an action.
fuel, use of India’s abundant thorium, and high burn-up. ○ For instance, an app may present users with two
● The Indo-US civil nuclear deal could be leveraged for choices: "Upgrade now" or "I don’t want a smarter
accessing ANEEL. software."
● Finally, India should not lose sight of the other SMR it has ○ This phrasing is designed to make users feel guilty if
in its arsenal — the 300 MW Advanced Heavy Water they choose the second option.
Reactor (AHWR), which is technologically superior to Basket Sneaking:
PHWRs but with no track record. ● "Basket Sneaking" involves adding an unwanted item to
● India should quickly build a prototype AHWR. The AHWR a user’s online shopping cart without their explicit
program can co-exist with BSRs. consent.
Deceptive Dark Patterns ● For example, a donation to a charity might be
News Excerpt: automatically added to the user’s basket, requiring them
A recent report released by the Advertising Standards to remove it if they do not wish to contribute.
Council of India (ASCI), in collaboration with Parallel, a Other Deceptive Patterns
product design studio, highlights the use of deceptive The report identified a total of 12 deceptive patterns,
patterns by many leading Indian apps. including:
More about the report: ● Privacy Deception: Encouraging users to unknowingly
● This study is a limited body of research that aims to serve share more personal data than they intend to.
as a starting point on this important issue. ● Drip Pricing: Gradually revealing additional fees
● It has analyzed 12,000 screens across 53 leading Indian throughout the purchase process, resulting in a final
apps in nine different industries, and highlighted the use price much higher than originally quoted.
of one or more of 12 deceptive patterns in most of ● Subscription Trap: Leading users into subscribing to a
these apps. recurring service without fully understanding the
What are Deceptive Dark Patterns in Advertising: commitment.
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● Dark commercial patterns are business practices

employing elements of digital choice architecture, in
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● One of the most advanced approaches involves the use
of polymeric nanoparticles, which allow for controlled
and targeted drug release.
Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery
● Researchers have developed a unique nanoparticle-
based delivery system using Nikkomycin, a chitin
synthesis inhibitor produced by Streptomyces bacteria.
● Chitin, a key component of fungal cell walls, is absent in
the human body, making it an ideal target for antifungal
drugs.
● By loading Nikkomycin onto polymeric nanoparticles,
the researchers were able to disrupt the growth of
Aspergillus species, which causes the fungal infection
Aspergillosis.
Effectiveness Against Pulmonary Aspergillosis
● The new nano formulation was tested against Aspergillus
Balancing Business Needs and User Protection flavus and Aspergillus fumigatus, common culprits of
● The digital world of apps is still relatively new, and pulmonary aspergillosis.
ethical design may not always be a top priority for ● The results were promising, showing that the
marketers. nanoparticle-based drug delivery system effectively
● However, it is essential for both marketers and inhibited fungal growth without causing cytotoxic or
designers to prioritize user interests alongside hemolytic effects.
business needs. ● This indicates a safer and more efficient treatment option
BIOTECH for patients suffering from this serious lung infection.
Future Prospects and Commercialization
Nanoparticle-based Drug Delivery ● The research team is optimistic about the potential
News Excerpt: applications of this method, particularly in developing
A novel drug delivery method promises to improve the inhalation nano formulations for pulmonary
treatment of fungal infections, particularly for patients with aspergillosis.
asthma, cystic fibrosis, HIV, cancer, or those undergoing ● The innovation also opens the door to expanding the use
long-term corticosteroid therapy. of such antifungal nano formulations in other areas.
Need for Advanced Drug Delivery Looking ahead, there is potential for a public-private
● Current antifungal treatments, such as azole drugs, partnership to commercialize this technology, bringing it
target the fungal membrane to neutralize infections. to a wider patient base and improving outcomes for
● However, the growing resistance to these drugs has those affected by fungal infections.
highlighted the need for improved delivery methods to
enhance their effectiveness.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
India’s first quantum computer ● It is essential for India to have its own homegrown
quantum computer. China, for instance, has the highest
News Excerpt:
investment numbers by state into quantum computing
After a delay of nearly four years, the National Quantum
surpassing even the US.
Mission is set to take off with multiple initiatives including
● These emerge as big threats for our national security if
setting up a grant for start-ups that need funding ranging
China ever chooses to use its computing capabilities to
₹10-50 crore, launching India’s first quantum computer
target critical infrastructure in India, such as our electrical
achieving computation of 6 qubits over the next few
grids or financial infrastructure.
months, and setting up four companies under section 8 to
● The mission is expected to deliver results in the field of
undertake various activities under the mission. These
quantum communication as well where they will likely
companies will be run under the aegis of premier
lean on private start-ups.
institutes like Indian Institute of Technology or the Indian
Institute of Sciences.
Four verticals Project Strawberry
● The mission will be setting up four Section 8 companies News Excerpt:
across the four verticals of quantum technologies that OpenAI, the world’s premier artificial intelligence
the mission wants to incubate namely – computing, research organisation, will likely release its most powerful
communication, measurement and sensing. AI model this fall (September-November), and could
● These Section 8 companies will be run under the aegis of integrate it into ChatGPT-5, the new version of the
premier institutes like Indian Institute of Technology or chatbot and virtual assistant that it launched in late 2022.
the Indian Institute of Sciences. More about the project
● The institutes have been shortlisted and the ● The secretive project, on which OpenAI has been working
announcements will be made soon. While the mission for long, was earlier known as Project Q* (Q-star), and is
struggled to spend its previous corpus of funds now codenamed Project Strawberry.
announced in 2020, since January of this year there is ● It is expected to feature autonomous Internet research
clear momentum in the dispersal of funds. and dramatically improve AI reasoning capabilities, and
● The mission has received approximately 385 proposals has been billed as OpenAI’s push to create Artificial
from scientists, institutes and quantum startups keen to General Intelligence — AI with capabilities similar to that
develop cutting edge quantum technologies. of the human brain.
● India’s foray into advancing its quantum capabilities has ● OpenAI was reported to have demonstrated a version of
been in the works for nearly four years with limited the new model to national security officials, seemingly a
results. statement of its commitment to transparency at a time
● The union government announced its plans to dedicate when the rapid development of AI has raised serious
nearly ₹8,000 crore for developing indigenous quantum security concerns among national governments.
technologies, however no further progress was made. A wizard at math
● The mission is soon to announce the four thematic hubs ● Project Strawberry would be better at math and
of the mission in the coming months. These hubs will run programming than any existing chatbot, quoting “two
independently as Section 8 companies and will appoint people who have been involved in the effort”.
their own CEOs. ● Integration with ChatGPT will make the latter the most
● Quantum computers harness the spooky physics of powerful AI chatbot there is, the report said.
quantum mechanics to unlock computation that is vastly ● ChatGPT has sometimes struggled with math, and
different from even the latest supercomputers. experts think the errors could be due to the absence of
● The Department of Science and Technology was adequate mathematical information in the training data.
investing into quantum computing even before ● The Information report said that a demo by Project
announcing the mission as a part of its “Pre NQM” Strawberry staff had shown that the new AI model is
programme called the QuEST. capable of advanced levels of thinking, which allowed it
● In another project, DRDO and TIFR have also been to solve puzzles, including The New York Times
working on building a 6-qubit quantum computer. ‘Connections’, a particularly difficult word puzzle.
Goal of the mission Need for training
● The goal of the mission is to establish a quantum ● The Information said that Project Strawberry aims to
computer with a computation of 20-50 qubits in the next raise more capital, which OpenAI needs for its next-
three years, 50-100 qubits in the next five years and 50- frontier model, codenamed Orion.
1000 qubits in the next 10 years. ● The generation of high-quality training data for Orion
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● To put these computational capabilities in context, on is believed to be one of Project Strawberry’s key
average internationally quantum computers have applications.
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processing capabilities of 20-50 qubits at present.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● This is significant because most of the training data on ensure responsible use of AI that respects human rights,
the Internet has already been used, and there is now a the rule of law, and democracy.”
dearth of information that is outside paywalls and Obligations and applicability
authentication and is free to access to train AI models. Upon ratification, member states will have to ensure
● Indeed, OpenAI has been of late making deals with that
publications to use their content for training. ● Their AI systems are “consistent with obligations to
● Project Orion, which is being designed to outperform protect human rights”;
GPT-4, could use a combination of Project Strawberry ● These systems are not used “to undermine the integrity,
and high-quality synthetic data that would likely independence, and effectiveness of democratic
reduce errors and hallucinations. institutions and processes, including the principle of the
separation of powers, respect for judicial independence
and access to justice”;
First global ‘legally binding’ pact on the use
● Measures are put in place “to protect…democratic
of AI processes in the context of activities within the lifecycle
News Excerpt: of artificial intelligence systems”, including individuals’
The United States, the European Union, and the United fair access to and participation in public debate, as well
Kingdom (UK) signed the Council of Europe’s convention as their ability to freely form opinions.
on artificial intelligence (AI), the first “legally binding” Few exemptions
international treaty on the use of the revolutionary new ● There are a few exemptions in the scope of applicability
technology, on 5 September 2024. of the Framework Convention, such as national security
More about the treaty and research and development.
● The treaty, which prioritizes human rights in its ● The treaty puts an obligation on parties to address the
approach to the regulation of public and private- risks posed by activities within the lifecycle of AI by public
sector AI systems is seen as the first real agreement and private actors.
among the key players in the development of AI, amid ● The treaty comes at a time when sovereign governments
concerns that disparate regulations proposed by and smaller multilateral groups have come up with a
individual countries could hinder the evolution of this clutch of new regulations and agreements to oversee AI
technology. tools, including the G7 pact on AI (October 2023),
● The treaty, officially known as the Council of Europe Europe’s AI Act, and Bletchley Declaration signed by 28
Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and countries (November 2023).
Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, was Issues and concerns with the pact
opened for signature during a conference of Council of ● Even though the treaty is being called “legally binding”,
Europe Ministers of Justice in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 5 there are concerns that it does not contain provisions
September 2024. for punitive sanctions such as penalties or fines.
Pact with teeth, responsibility Compliance is primarily ensured through “monitoring”,
● The treaty that was drafted over the past 24 months by which is not much of a deterrent from an enforcement
more than 50 countries adopts a risk-based approach to point of view.
the design, development, use, and decommissioning of
AI systems.
● It covers the use of AI systems in the public sector —
New Hindi language AI model
including companies acting on its behalf — and in the News Excerpt:
private sector, and will be applicable across geographies. G42, an AI firm based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE),
● Signatories will be accountable for “any harmful and has unveiled a new large language model (LLM) called
discriminatory outcomes of AI systems”, and will ensure NANDA that will specifically cater to Hindi-speaking users.
that “outputs of such systems respect equality and Named after one of India’s highest peaks, NANDA has
privacy rights, and that victims of AI-related rights been jointly developed by G42 subsidiary Inception and
violations have legal recourse”. Cerebras Systems along with researchers from the
● Council of Europe Secretary General Marija Pejčinović Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence
said: “The Framework Convention on Artificial in UAE.
Intelligence is a first-of-its-kind, global treaty that will More about NANDA
● NANDA will have a parameter count of 13 billion, and has
ensure that AI upholds people’s rights.
been trained on approximately 2.13 trillion tokens of
● It is a response to the need for an international legal
language datasets, including Hindi.
100

standard supported by states on different continents that

share the same values to harness the benefits of AI while ● The startup introduced the Hindi AI model at the India-
mitigating the risks. With this new treaty, we aim to UAE business forum in Mumbai during Crown Prince of
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Cyanide can be found in
foods like cassava, apple and
apricot seeds, sprouting
potatoes, and almonds, and
poses a higher risk in regions
where these foods are
commonly consumed.
● The sensor appears
yellow when dissolved but
turns colorless when cyanide
is detected, providing an
easy visual signal.
● It specifically targets
cyanide without interference
Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al from other substances, ensuring accurate results in
Nahyan’s recent State visit to India. various environments.
● The model was trained on Condor Galaxy, one of the Significance of Sensor
world’s most powerful AI supercomputers for training This innovation is timely, following a recent cyanide
and inferencing, built by G42 and Cerebras. poisoning incident in Idukki district where 13 cows
● G42 has a strong track record in the development of died after eating cyanide-laden tapioca hulls.
language and domain-specific LLMs. This highlights the need for reliable cyanide detection,
● With NANDA, we are heralding a new era of AI inclusivity, especially in places like Kerala where tapioca is a staple
ensuring that the rich heritage and depth of Hindi food.
language is represented in the digital and AI landscape. ● Cyanogenic glycosides in foods like tapioca can release
● NANDA exemplifies G42’s unwavering commitment to toxic hydrogen cyanide when they interact with saliva.
excellence and fostering equitable AI. ● Overall, this advancement is a major leap in chemical
HEALTH detection technology. It has potential uses in India and
worldwide to safeguard human health from cyanide
New Sensor for Detecting Cyanide exposure.
News Excerpt:
Researchers at the Central University of Kerala have made a Vaccine-Derived Polio Case in Two-Year-Old
major advancement with a new cyanide sensor designed to
in Meghalaya
improve safety in drinking water and food products.
About Cyanide News Excerpt:
● Cyanide, a dangerous toxin, is found in various plants, Authorities in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district have
fruits, and microorganisms. raised alarms following the confirmation of a vaccine-
● The World Health Organisation (WHO) limits cyanide in derived polio case in a two-year-old child from Tikrikilla.
drinking water to less than 0.19 mg/L due to its harmful More about the case:
effects on humans and aquatic life. ● The child from Tikrikilla was diagnosed with acute flaccid
paralysis at a hospital in Goalpara, Assam, more than a
week ago, according
to Meghalaya’s Chief
Minister, Conrad K.
Sangma.
● Stool and other
samples from the
child were sent to
testing centers in
Kolkata and Mumbai,
operated by the
Indian Council of
Medical Research’s
101

National Institute of
Virology, to confirm
the diagnosis.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Chief Minister Sangma expressed deep concern over the primarily occurs through the fecal-oral route.
situation, emphasizing that the matter is under close
review. New Miniature Tool Revolutionizing Plant
● Health officials in Meghalaya are taking the case
Genome Editing
seriously, with heightened surveillance and response
News Excerpt:
measures in place to prevent further spread.
A team of researchers from the ICAR-National Rice Research
● The Union Health Ministry confirmed the development
Institute and Pennsylvania State University has developed a
on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. While this is not a case of
groundbreaking genome-editing tool, offering new
wild poliovirus, officials stress the seriousness of the
possibilities for agriculture.
situation, given the implications of vaccine-derived
More about the Innovation:
poliovirus in populations with low immunity.
● This innovative tool is compact enough to overcome the
India’s Polio-Free Status
limitations of existing CRISPR systems in plant
genomes, potentially transforming crop engineering.
● Traditional CRISPR systems, which rely on proteins like
Cas9 and Cas12, have been too large for effective use in
plant cells.
● The new tool, based on the protein ISDra2TnpB, is
derived from the bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans
and is less than half the size of Cas9 and Cas12.
● This smaller size makes it more suitable for editing plant
genomes, addressing a major obstacle in plant
biotechnology.

● India was declared polio-free by the WHO in 2014,

three years after the last case of wild poliovirus was
reported in the country in 2011.
● The country’s successful eradication of wild polio was a
significant public health achievement, involving
extensive vaccination drives and surveillance systems.
● However, vaccine-derived polio cases present a
challenge, as they highlight the importance of
maintaining high immunization coverage.
● The latest case in Meghalaya highlights the need for
continued vigilance even in regions considered polio-
free.
Symptoms and Transmission of Poliovirus
● Poliovirus infections can lead to a range of symptoms,
including fatigue, fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, The Role of Deinococcus radiodurans
constipation, sore throat, neck stiffness, pain or tingling ● Deinococcus radiodurans, the bacterium from which
sensations in the limbs, severe headaches, and sensitivity ISDra2TnpB is derived, is renowned for its extraordinary
to light (photophobia). ability to survive extreme environmental conditions and
● The virus typically causes acute and short-term accurately repair its genome after damage.
infections, with individuals remaining contagious for less ● This resilience and precision make it an ideal
102

than two weeks. candidate for developing genome-editing tools.

● Humans are the sole reservoir for the poliovirus, and Features Making TnpB Ideal for Plant Genome Editing
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no vector is involved in its transmission, which

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● The TnpB protein consists of about 400 amino acids, is a ● Its applications extend to traditional remedies for
transposable element capable of moving within the jaundice and digestive issues.
genome, allowing for precise editing.
● The TnpB-based system offers several advantages over
traditional genome-editing tools.
● It uses a piece of RNA to guide the protein to the target
DNA sequence, where it can bind and eliminate
undesirable sequences.
● The system's smaller size allows it to be more efficiently
integrated into plant cells, improving editing accuracy
and efficiency.
● Additionally, researchers have optimized the tool by
adjusting codon sequences and regulatory elements to
enhance its performance in plant cells.
Historical Context and Traditional Knowledge:
Overcoming Challenges and Future Potential
● For thousands of years, various civilizations have
● While the TnpB-based tool shows great promise, its
developed natural medicine systems. The Zhongyi
efficiency in certain plant species, particularly dicots,
remains a challenge. system in China dates back 5,000 years, while the
● Initial experiments showed lower editing efficiency in Arabian and Indian Ayurvedic systems have 4,000 and
these plants, but researchers believe further refinement 5,000-year histories, respectively.
will unlock its full potential. ● These systems utilize plants, fruits, and roots like
Rauwolfia serpentina (sarpagandha), holy basil
● Despite these challenges, the plant genome editing
(tulsi), aloe vera, wild garlic, onion, oregano, and
community is encouraged to explore this system for
camphor.
various crop species, with the hope of enhancing traits
● Natural products like coconut and castor oil also play
like disease resistance, yield, and climate adaptability.
significant roles.
Zoo pharmacognosy ● India’s ‘Chyavana Prasha,’ based on a formula from the
News Excerpt: Charaka Samhita (circa 700 BC), remains popular
The study published in the May 2024 issue of Nature today.
highlights a growing body of research examining how ● As interest in natural products grows, biochemists and
animals use plants and other natural substances to self- pharmaceutical companies are now exploring new
medicate. molecules derived from these traditional remedies.
More about the discovery:
● In a fascinating observation, a Sumatran orangutan was
recently seen treating a facial wound with a paste made
from the local plant Fibraurea tinctoria in Indonesia.
● Dogs often chew grass and then vomit to cleanse their
stomachs, a behaviour well-known to many pet owners.
Fibraurea Tinctoria:
● Fibraurea tinctoria is a
climbing shrub native to
Southeast Asia, commonly
found in Indonesia, Malaysia,
and Thailand.
● It thrives in lowland tropical
forests and is often seen in disturbed areas like forest
edges.
● The plant has yellowish-brown stems and heart-shaped
leaves, and it produces small, yellow flowers.
● It plays an important role in supporting local wildlife by
providing habitat and food sources.
● It is widely used in traditional medicine, especially in
The Future of Zoopharmacognosy:
Indonesia, where it is known as "Akar Kunyi."
● The field of zoopharmacognosy holds significant
103

● The plant contains berberine, a bioactive compound

with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties,
promise for the discovery of new medicines.
making it useful for treating wounds, infections, and
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various ailments.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● By studying how animals interact with plants and other ● He pointed out that the only cells capable of escaping
natural substances, scientists can uncover potential this senescence are cancer cells, which can divide
new treatments for human diseases. without limit.
● As researchers continue to explore this fascinating area,
they may unlock the secrets of nature’s pharmacy, Antibody for Covid-19 variants identified
offering new hope for medical advancements. News Excerpt:
Researchers have discovered an antibody that could
Hayflick Limit counter all known variants of the coronavirus that causes
News Excerpt: Covid-19 and also distantly related ones that infect other
Leonard Hayflick, renowned for discovering the "Hayflick animals.
limit", died at the age of 96 due to pancreatic cancer. Antibody for Covid 19
What is Hayflick Limit? ● SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus causing Covid-19, uses its
● Hayflick Limit is a concept that states that normal cells spike protein to invade and infect another individual, or
can divide only a certain number of times, setting a limit the host.
on the human lifespan. ● Antibodies, produced by the host in response, bind to
● It has fundamentally changed our understanding of the spike protein to block its action and prevent
cellular aging and human lifespan, smashing dreams of infection.
would-be immortalists everywhere. ● The researchers, led by those at The University of Texas
More about the theory: in Austin, US, isolated the antibody 'SC27' from the
● In the early 1960s, while working at the Wistar Institute plasma donated by four patients.
at the University of Pennsylvania, Hayflick, alongside his ● These patients had breakthrough infections, which occur
colleague Paul Moorhead, made a groundbreaking when a vaccinated individual gets infected. The research
observation. has been published in the journal Cell Reports Medicine.
● They noticed that normal somatic (non-reproductive) ● Over the more than four years since the first case of
cells could only divide between 40 and 60 times COVID-19 emerged, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved to acquire
before entering a state of senescence. certain characteristics that make the virus resistant to
○ Senescence is a process where cells stop dividing vaccines and treatments.
and eventually die. Significant of ‘SC27’
● This finding contradicted the prevailing scientific ● The 'SC27' antibody recognised all these various
belief that cells could divide indefinitely and that characteristics of the spike proteins across Covid-19
aging was primarily caused by external factors such as variants.
disease and environmental damage. ● One goal of this research, and vaccinology in general, is
● Hayflick's work revealed that cellular aging is, in fact, a to work toward a universal vaccine that can generate
built-in process, with the accumulation of senescent antibodies and create an immune response with broad
cells contributing to the aging and decline of the body protection to a rapidly mutating virus.
over time. ● The small number of individuals analysed may limit the
interpretation of the data and leave it unclear how
common the SC27-like antibody might be in human
populations.
● The researchers used the technology IgG proteomics, or
'Ig-Seq', to study hybrid immunity, which is one's
antibody response to both infection and vaccination.
● The discovery of SC27, and other antibodies like it in the
future, will help us better protect the population against
current and future Covid-19 variants.
The researchers also found that hybrid immunity offered
increased protection against the disease, compared
with infection or vaccination alone.

PresVu for Presbyopia

News Excerpt
104

Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals has announced that

the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI)
has approved its new eye drop, which reduces
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
dependency on reading glasses for individuals affected by ● A 2012 paper suggests a link between the consumption
presbyopia. of A1 beta-caseins and various health problems such as
What is Presbyopia? type-1 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and autism. It
● Presbyopia is an age-related condition in which the says that those who consumed primarily A2 milk seemed
eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby to be less susceptible to these conditions.
objects.
● People usually start to
develop presbyopia at around
the age of 40. According to
doctors, spectacles are one
of the most effective ways to
manage the condition.
How does PresVu work?
● The active ingredient in
PresVu is pilocarpine. The
compound contracts the
iris muscles, which control
pupil size and help humans
see things clearly. This
What was the basis for FSSAI’s advisory?
enables one’s eyes to focus better on nearby objects.
● FSSAI’s advisory had nothing to do with the paucity of
○ Pilocarpine has been used as the first-line
scientific evidence regarding the A1 and A2 classification.
therapy for cataracts; its property of temporarily
It had to do with the fact that current FSSAI standards do
improving the depth of focus has been known for
not recognise the A1 and A2 differentiation.
quite some time.
● The milk standards specified in the Food Safety and
● PresVu uses “advanced dynamic buffer
Standards (Food Product Standards and Food Additives)
technology” — a base solution — to adapt to the pH
Regulations, 2011, do not mention/recognise any
level (a scale used to measure how acidic or basic a
differentiation of milk based on A1 and A2 types.
substance is) of tears.
● Thus, all food business operators, including e-commerce
○ This ensures that the eye drop has consistent efficacy
sites, were directed to remove all claims related to A1
and safety for extended use, considering that such
and A2 proteins from their product labels.
drops will be used for years at a stretch.
● Its withdrawal came from criticism of FSSAI’s decision,
○ However, it should not be used by people with iris
even in government circles.
inflammation. Regular use of PresVu may lead
to itching and redness, eyebrow pain, and eye
muscle spasms.
● PresVu is a prescription-only medicine whose effects ‘Operation Kavach – 5.0’
will likely last four to six hours.
News Excerpt:
● The drug has also been tried for presbyopia in other
The Delhi Police have intensified its action against drug
countries. The United States Food and Drug
trafficking in the national capital, under the banner of
Administration approved a pilocarpine eye drop for
‘Operation Kavach – 5.0’. In its latest operation, the police
presbyopia in 2021.
officers arrested 74 narco-offenders during a series of
● In India, the government decides on the ceiling price of
coordinated raids conducted at 325 locations on the
pilocarpine in 4% and 2% concentrations. PresVu has
night of 31 August and 1 September 2024.
pilocarpine in 1.25% concentration.

A1, A2 milk and milk products

News Excerpt
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
directed Food Business Operators (FBOs) not to market their
milk and milk products “in the name of A1 and A2.” Later,
it withdrew this advisory.
105

Is A2 milk better than regular milk?

● While some studies have suggested that A2 milk is
healthier, there is still no consensus.
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More about the Operation

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● In the raids held across 15 districts, the Delhi Police Indians are currently trapped in these three countries,
seized 108.93 grams of heroin, 66.28 kilograms of lured by gangs running cyber scams under the guise of
ganja, 1.1 kilograms of charas, and 16 grams of attractive job offers.
MDMA. Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ)
● The aggressive action against trafficking of illegal ● GTSEZ was established in 2007 as a joint venture
substances has forced many drug traffickers to go between the Laotian government and private
underground, with major players now avoiding the investors from China.
transportation of large quantities of narcotics into Delhi. ● The primary investor is the Kings Romans Group, a
● Instead, traffickers have resorted to transporting company registered in Hong Kong.
smaller amounts through cars and trains, often ● The group has secured a 99-year lease on 3,000
employing women and children as decoys to avoid hectares of land to develop it into an international
detection. casino and entertainment complex.
● The operation has also highlighted a shift in drug ● However, since its inception in 2007, the zone has
trafficking patterns, with reports suggesting that grown primarily through illicit activities, bringing
traffickers are now setting up storehouses outside the about significant moral concerns.
city limits due to increased police vigilance in Delhi.
● Apart from enforcement efforts, the Delhi Police have Ukraine’s Palianytsia
appealed to parents, teachers, and community leaders
News Excerpt:
to play an active role in preventing drug abuse.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, confirmed the existence
● The police emphasized the importance of educating
of a new homegrown long-range weapon — a missile-drone
the youth about the adverse consequences of drug
hybrid — which can strike deep into Russia.
addiction and the need for collective action to prevent
● The Palianytsia was used for the first time on 24 August
them from falling prey to narcotic substances.
2024 to target a Russian military installation, officials said
without providing further details.
47 Indians Rescued from Cyber Scam Centers
in Laos
News Excerpt:
The Indian Embassy in Laos announced on August 31,
2024, that 47 Indians who were trapped in cyber scam
centers in the Bokeo province have been rescued.
More detail about News:
● So far, the Indian mission has successfully rescued 635
Indians from similar situations in Laos and arranged for
their safe return to India.
● Indian authorities have been warning citizens about What is the Palianytsia?
fraudulent job offers in Laos and advising them to ● The Palianytsia was born out of necessity, with its
conduct thorough checks to avoid falling victim to such development starting some 18 months ago.
scams. ● Currently, the United States and other Western allies
● The Embassy also recommends that individuals carefully provide long-range weapons to Ukraine but restrict
review the detailed advisory available on its official their usage deep into Russian territory out of fears of
website or contact the Embassy directly if they have any further escalation.
concerns. ● The Institute for the Study of War said that Russia was
● Recently, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) “leveraging sanctuary space in deep rear areas” for
conducted raids in multiple locations across Haryana, military infrastructure.
Delhi, and Rajasthan, targeting individuals and travel ● It estimated at least 250 militarily significant targets in
agents involved in trafficking vulnerable young Russia were within range of the ATACMS missiles, but
Indians to the Golden Triangle SEZ in Laos. current restrictions allow Ukraine to strike only 20 of
Human Trafficking: them.
● Last month, during the ASEAN meeting in Vientiane, Possibly, a game-changer
the External Affairs Minister met with his counterparts ● The Palianytsia with a 700-km range, comparable to
from Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand to discuss the issue the ATACMS, will allow Ukraine to bypass western
106

of Indian citizens being trafficked through cyber scam restrictions.

centers. ● Ukraine’s technology minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, told
● The External Affairs Minister urged for the swift return The Associated Press that “this will be a game changer”
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of these individuals. It is believed that hundreds of

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
because Ukraine will be able to “strike where Russia ● The CH-901 has been marketed internationally, with
doesn’t expect it today”. potential buyers in the Middle East and Africa.
● He added: “It’s impossible to produce enough air
defense systems to protect such a large territory Ceasefire pact with Niki group extended
[Russia]… [the Palianytsia] opens up the possibility of
News Excerpt:
operating deep behind enemy lines. The Centre government recently extended the ceasefire
● The missile has a solid-fuel booster that accelerates it,
agreement with a break-away faction of the Naga
followed by a jet engine, a specialist told The AP. insurgency group NSCN for another year.
Each missile costs less than $1 million, and the military is The NSCN (K) Niki group is led by Niki Sumi against
turning to the private sector to bring down production whom the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had
costs further.
announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for allegedly killing 18
Global Proliferation of Suicide Drones Indian Army soldiers in Manipur in 2015.
News Excerpt: More about the agreement
Suicide drones, also known as loitering munitions, have ● The ceasefire agreement is in operation between the
emerged as a critical component in modern warfare, government and the National Socialist Council of
offering countries a strategic advantage in both offensive Nagaland (K) Niki group and it was decided to extend
and defensive operations. the pact for a period of one year with effect from 8
● These unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are designed September 2024 to 7 September 2025. This
to carry explosives and are intended to crash directly agreement was first signed on 6 September 2021.
into enemy targets, effectively acting as precision- ○ The government had signed a framework
guided missiles. Unlike traditional drones that return agreement with the major Naga group NSCN-IM
after surveillance or strike missions, suicide drones are on 3 August 2015 in presence of Prime Minister
a one-way weapon, sacrificing themselves in the Narendra Modi to find a permanent solution.
process of destroying the target. ○ The framework agreement came after over 80
Global Proliferation of Suicide Drones rounds of negotiations spanning 18 years, with the
● Israel: Israel is a pioneer in the development of suicide first breakthrough made in 1997 when the
drones, with its HAROP drone being one of the most ceasefire agreement was sealed after decades of
well-known in the world. insurgency in Nagaland which started soon after
● The HAROP is a loitering munition that can fly over India's independence in 1947.
1,000 kilometers and is designed to seek out and ○ However, the talks with the NSCN-IM are currently
destroy radar systems. going nowhere as the group has been insisting for a
● It has been exported to various countries, including separate Naga flag and constitution, a demand
India and Azerbaijan, and has been used in conflicts like rejected by the central government.
the Nagorno-Karabakh war. ○ Separately, the government is also holding peace
● United States: The U.S. military has integrated suicide parleys with splinter groups of the NSCN after
drones into its arsenal, with systems like the entering into ceasefire agreements.
Switchblade drone, developed by AeroVironment. ○ The groups which have entered into ceasefire
● The Switchblade is a portable, tube-launched drone agreements are: NSCN-NK, NSCN-R, NSCN K-
that provides infantry units with a precision-guided Khango and NSCN (K) Niki.
strike capability.
● It has been used in operations in Afghanistan and
Storm Shadow missiles
more recently supplied to Ukraine for its defence against
News Excerpt:
Russian aggression.
The United States and United Kingdom have both agreed
● Russia: Russia has also invested in loitering munitions,
to review Ukraine’s request to lift restrictions on the use
with the Lancet-3 being a prominent example.
of their long-range missiles, including Storm Shadow
● Iran: Iran‘s drone program has seen significant growth
missiles, in Russian territory.
in recent years, with suicide drones being a key
component. ● But the growing indications from the West that it may
approve Ukraine’s desire to use these weapons deep
● The Shahed-136 is one of Iran’s notable loitering
inside Russian territory have also sparked a terse
munitions, capable of long-range strikes.
response – and threat – from Russian President Vladimir
● China: China has developed its own line of suicide
Putin.
drones, such as the CH-901. These drones are part of
107

Would long-range rockets make a big difference for

China’s broader efforts to modernize its military and
Ukraine?
enhance its strike capabilities.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● While they could give Ukraine an
edge, they would not necessarily be enough
to defeat Russia, experts say.

Why Cyclones in the Arabian Sea

Are Not Common
News Excerpt:
The Arabian Sea experiences fewer
cyclones compared to other regions,
despite the considerable moisture it
contributes to the summer monsoon.
Influencing Factors:
● Oceanic Tunnels:
○ The region has a unique climate
influenced by ‘oceanic tunnels’ that connect it to the
Pacific and Southern Oceans.
○ The Pacific tunnel introduces warm water into the
upper layers of the Indian Ocean, while the
Southern Ocean tunnel brings in cooler waters
from deeper layers.
● Pre-monsoon Season:
○ During the pre-monsoon season, the Arabian Sea
warms quickly as the Sun moves to the Northern
Hemisphere.
○ Meanwhile, the Bay of Bengal becomes even
warmer, generating atmospheric convection and
rainfall, which leads to the onset of the monsoon
over Kerala by mid-May.
● Post-monsoon period:
○ In the post-monsoon period, the northeast
monsoon brings substantial rainfall to various
Indian states.
○ These wind patterns and sea surface temperatures
play a crucial role in cyclogenesis throughout the
year and contribute to the significant difference in
cyclone activity between the Arabian Sea and the Bay
of Bengal.
● Climate Change Impact:
○ Climate change is intensifying the distinctiveness of
the Indian Ocean.
○ Increased heat from the Pacific and warmer waters
from the Southern Ocean are causing rapid warming
in the Indian Ocean.
○ This warming is impacting the heat absorption in
the Pacific and the sinking of dense waters in the
North Atlantic, making the Indian Ocean a key player
in the broader pattern of ocean warming during
climate change.
● Cyclone Formation Dynamics:
108

● Long-range missiles could provide Ukraine with new ○ During the monsoon, strong south-westerly winds,
tactical capabilities such as the ability to strike distant known as the low-level jet, cause intense
targets. evaporation and mixing of cooler subsurface
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waters with the surface.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
○ This cooling effect makes the Arabian Sea cooler diameter and can generate wind speeds of up to 100
compared to the pre-monsoon period. kilometers per hour.
● Cyclone Seasons: ● Waterspouts are more commonly observed in tropical
○ Cyclone activity in the North Indian Ocean is split waters, but they can form anywhere given the right
into pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, conditions.
unlike other regions with a single cyclone season. ● They typically occur when there are high levels of
○ The Arabian Sea's lower convective activity during humidity and the water temperature is relatively
the pre-monsoon and cooling effect of the warmer as compared to the air above.
northeast monsoon during the post-monsoon There are two main types of waterspouts:
period contribute to fewer cyclones compared to the ● Tornadic Waterspouts: These are essentially tornadoes
Bay of Bengal. that form over water or move from land to water. They
● Recent Developments: are associated with severe thunderstorms and are often
○ Recent years have seen a slight increase in Arabian accompanied by high winds, rough seas, large hail,
Sea cyclones, with the rare occurrence of Cyclone and frequent lightning. These waterspouts can be
Asna in August 2023, marking the first such cyclone large and potentially destructive.
in August since 1981. ○ The storm that struck the yacht near Sicily is believed
○ This cyclone originated from a strong land-based to have been a tornadic waterspout, which is known
depression transitioning to the warm Arabian Sea, for its potential to cause significant damage.
an unusual phenomenon. ● Fair-Weather Waterspouts: These waterspouts form
○ Historically, low-pressure systems form over the Bay over water during calm weather conditions. They are
of Bengal and travel through the monsoon zone, typically smaller and pose less of a threat compared
contributing significantly to seasonal rainfall. to their tornadic counterparts.
Increasing Frequency of Waterspouts
● Current Climate Trends:
● Experts have noted that the frequency of waterspouts
○ The warm 2023-2024 season, influenced by global
has been rising in recent years, likely due to increasing
warming, El Niño, and possibly underwater
ocean temperatures.
volcanic activity, has brought unexpected extreme
● Warmer sea surfaces create conditions that are more
weather events worldwide.
conducive to the formation of waterspouts.
○ The monsoon’s behavior has also been atypical, with
○ For example, recent studies have indicated that
irregular rainfall patterns across India.
waterspouts are more likely to occur when sea
○ The unusual development of cyclones and low-
surface temperatures are significantly higher than
pressure systems underscores the unpredictable
historical averages, as was the case in the region
nature of climate change and its impact on weather
near Sicily at the time of the incident.
patterns.
● As ocean temperatures continue to rise, the likelihood of
such extreme weather events may also increase, posing
Waterspouts greater risks to those at sea.
News Excerpt:
A luxury yacht carrying 22 people sank off the coast of Sicily, Goa’s land use law raises red flags
Italy, after being struck by a violent storm suspected to be a
News Excerpt:
waterspout which claimed the life of at least one person,
The Goa state’s Town and Country Planning (TCP)
with six others still missing.
department that approved a change in land use over the
What is a Waterspout?
past 18 months, converting “green zones” into
● A waterspout is a large,
“settlements” — allowing construction activity for both
rotating column of air and
residential and commercial purposes, pushing up the
mist that forms over a body
land’s value manifold.
of water.
x There has also been controversy around the
● While they share similarities
amendment of the TCP Act by introducing Section 17
with tornadoes,
(2) that eases the process of “correction” of “green
waterspouts are generally
weaker and typically last zones” marked in the Regional Plan 2021 into
around five minutes. “settlements,” opening the gates to construction.
● They can occasionally What’s the process for “correction” under 17(2)?
● A written form along with a fee (Rs 500 to Rs 50,000,
109

persist for up to ten

minutes. depending on the area) and documents (survey plan,
● On average, a waterspout ownership document, site plan, report of a professional,
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measures about 165 feet in

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
etc) are submitted by an applicant to the Chief Town
Planner (CTP) planning for “rectification.”
● The CTP scrutinizes the proposal and submits a report Violent Clash in Namdhari Sect in Haryana
with analysis, including a report from a registered News Excerpt
professional. A violent clash between two rival factions of the
● The CTP may consult agencies such as PWD, District Namdhari religious sect erupted in Rania over agricultural
Collector, agriculture or forest department, land in Haryana’s Sirsa district.
depending on the property. The TCP department also About Namdharis
conducts a site inspection. ● Origins:
● The proposal and the CTP scrutiny report are sent to a ○ The Namdhari Sikhs, also known as Kukas, are a
nine-member expert committee, headed by CTP, for distinct group within the Sikh community.
scrutiny, verification and recommendation. ○ Their origins trace back to Satguru Balak Singh Ji,
● The expert committee gives its recommendations. The who Guru Gobind Singh Ji blessed and later passed
proposal is then submitted for a decision to the on the spiritual leadership to Satguru Ram Singh Ji.
Secretary, TCP department and TCP minister. ● Leadership:
● After the government’s approval, a fee is levied for ○ The Namdhari movement traces its roots to Satguru
correction. Finally, the modification is notified in the Ram Singh Ji, who was born in the village of Raiyaan,
Official Gazette and land zoning is changed to reflect Punjab, into a humble family of a carpenter.
the new zone. ○ Witnessing the decline of Sikh values and the
Why do people want to change land use from ‘green treachery of contemporary powers, Satguru Ram
zone’ to ‘settlement’? Singh Ji sought to rejuvenate the Sikh Khalsa and
● Once land is classified as a “settlement”, both combat British colonial rule.
residential and commercial construction activity can ○ On April 12, 1857, the auspicious day of Baisakhi, he
be carried out, enabling the owner to build a house, baptised five chosen Sikhs, marking the inception of
residential complex, villas or hotels. the Namdhari Sant Khalsa and initiating a resistance
● Paddy land cannot be used for construction activity; movement against British rule.
it has to be used only for farming or agricultural ● Practices:
purposes. ○ They are characterised by their unique dress code of
● On orchard land, only a farmhouse of a specified area can white attire and round white turbans.
be built, and on the remaining patch, no construction can ○ The Namdharis emphasised strict adherence to Sikh
take place. tenets, promoting vegetarianism, abstinence from
● As a result, when a plot is rezoned to a settlement, its alcohol and drugs, and a simple, honest way of life.
value appreciates. In Anjuna, for instance, a 1,900 sq m ○ Today, Namdhari Sikhs remain committed to their
plot earmarked as an orchard under the Regional Plan spiritual practices, which include daily recitations of
2021 was purchased for Rs 74 lakh in December 2022. the Sikh scriptures, meditation, and community
● Once it was converted to settlement, in June 2023, the service.
plot was sold for Rs 6.8 crore to a builder. ○ Namdhari Sikhs regard the Guru Granth Sahib as the
What are the concerns being flagged? Supreme Gurbani but also believe in a living human
● Urban planners and activists argue that in the garb of Guru.
“rectifying errors,” an unprecedented expanse has ○ The Namdharis’ sprawling headquarters is located at
been cleared for construction. Bhaini Sahib near Ludhiana, where Ram Singh was
● This means destruction of hill slopes, fields and natural born.
cover in favour of real estate lobbies and a speculative ● Resistance:
housing market for “second homes” for the urban elite. ○ Under Satguru Ram Singh Ji's leadership, the
● Says activist Claude Alvares: “How demarcation of a hill Namdharis opposed British colonial policies. They
slope – which is based on Survey of India topography participated in direct actions, including the rescue
sheets – can be considered an ‘error’ is simply beyond of cows from slaughterhouses, which led to severe
imagination.” reprisals from the British.
● It has led to unbalanced development by destruction ○ Successive Satgurus continued to lead the
of hill slopes, fields and natural cover to favour real community, each contributing to the spiritual, social,
estate lobbies. and cultural advancement of the Namdharis.
● Through changes to the land use map, the protection ● Later Developments:
110

accorded in the regional plan to eco-sensitive zones ○ Satguru Jagjit Singh Ji, who led the community for
(orchards, forests, no-development slopes, natural cover) over five decades, expanded their global presence
is being undone. and influence, emphasising service to humanity and
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
the promotion of Sikh devotional music and Indian identifying and nurturing young talent.
classical music. ● On National Sports Day, the President of India often
presents prestigious sports awards, including the Major
National Sports Day 2024 Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, the highest sporting
honour in the nation.
News Excerpt
● Across India, schools, colleges, and sports institutions
National Sports Day, celebrated annually on August 29th,
organise various events to mark National Sports Day.
marks the birth anniversary of Major Dhyan Chand, one
These include inter-school and inter-college
of the greatest field hockey players in history.
Legacy of Major Dhyan Chand competitions, sports festivals, and exhibitions
● Major Dhyan Chand, born as Dhyan Singh on August 29, encouraging participation in various sports.
● Public awareness campaigns are an integral part of
1905, in Allahabad, India, began his hockey career with
National Sports Day celebrations. These campaigns
the British Indian Army regimental team.
● Dhyan Chand’s most notable contributions came during highlight the importance of sports and physical activity
the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Summer Olympics, where he and encourage communities to embrace a healthier
lifestyle.
played a crucial role in securing India’s first Olympic
gold medals in hockey.
● His remarkable performance on the field earned him the Evidence of Dockyard at Lothal
titles of ‘Hockey Wizard’ and ‘The Magician,’ and he News Excerpt
became synonymous with the sport. From 1926 to 1948, A recent study by the Indian Institute of Technology-
his career is remembered as one of the most illustrious Gandhinagar (IITGn) offers fresh evidence confirming the
in hockey history. dockyard’s existence in Lothal.
● In 1956, in recognition of his unparalleled contributions About Lothal
to Indian sports, Dhyan Chand was awarded the Padma ● Location: Gujarat, India
Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award. ● Features:
● To further honour his memory, the government of India ○ Dockyard: One of the world's earliest known
declared his birth anniversary National Sports Day in dockyards, indicating maritime trade and engineering
2012. prowess.
Significance of National Sports Day ○ Bead Factory: Extensive bead-making workshops
● National Sports Day is a day to remember Major Dhyan suggest thriving craft industries.
Chand’s achievements
and inspire individuals of
all ages to participate in
physical activities.
● The day encourages
cultivating a sports
culture in India,
emphasising the
importance of discipline,
teamwork, and national
pride.
● The Indian government
uses National Sports Day
to launch various sports
schemes and initiatives
to promote sports at the
grassroots level.
○ For instance, the
Prime Minister
announced the Khelo
India movement in
2018, one such
111

initiative aimed at
revitalising sports
culture in India by
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
○ Warehouse: Large warehouse for storage of goods, ○ Signboard: An inscription on a large signboard with
highlighting trade activities. ten symbols indicating early writing or symbolic
○ Drainage System: Advanced drainage system similar communication.
to other major Harappan sites. ○ Monumental Architecture: Evidence of large stone
○ Granaries, Rice husk, Double burial (male and structures and well-planned streets.
female together).
Controversy surrounding Dockyard Saragarhi Day
● Lothal, a prominent site of the Harappan Civilization, has
News Excerpt
long been considered a key centre for trade and
September 12, 2024, marks the 127th anniversary of the
commerce, possibly due to its strategic location near the
Battle of Saragarhi, widely regarded as one of the finest last
Sabarmati River and the Gulf of Khambhat.
stands in global military history.
● The presence of a large basin measuring 222 x 37
About Saragarhi
meters led early archaeologists to hypothesise that it
● Saragarhi was a vital communication post between Fort
could have been a dockyard, crucial for maritime trade.
Lockhart and Fort Gulistan, two strategically important
● Some archaeologists have criticised the hypothesis of a
forts in the rugged North West Frontier Province (now
dockyard at Lothal, arguing that the basin was merely an
in Pakistan).
irrigation tank rather than a facility for docking ships.
○ These forts, originally built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh
Key findings of the study
and later renamed by the British, housed many British
● A recent study titled “Sabarmati and its connection
troops.
with the Harappan port Lothal and the Nal corridor:
● Saragarhi served as the critical link for communication
A study using multi-sensor data, cloud-computing
between these forts, making it a key position for
and multi-platforms” sought to investigate the
maintaining control over the region.
historical geography of Lothal and its connection to the
● On the day of the battle, Saragarhi was manned by 21
Sabarmati River.
soldiers from the 36th Sikh (now 4 Sikh) Regiment,
● The researchers employed a combination of early maps,
along with a non-combatant named Daad, a Pashtun
satellite imagery, and digital elevation models (DEMs)
who performed various tasks for the troops.
to study the region's topography and paleochannels—
Battle of Saragarhi
ancient riverbeds.
● A large force of over 8,000 Afridi and Orakzai tribal
● The study revealed that the Sabarmati River, which now
militants advanced towards the fort. The tribal forces
flows 20 kilometres away from Lothal, once ran much
aimed to cut off communication between Fort Lockhart
closer to the site during the Harappan period.
and Fort Gulistan, thereby isolating the British forces
● This discovery aligns with the hypothesis that Lothal’s
stationed there.
location was strategically chosen for its proximity to a
● The soldiers at Saragarhi faced several challenges
major river, which is crucial for facilitating trade.
besides being vastly outnumbered. They had limited
● The researchers identified a travel route connecting
ammunition, with each soldier having only around 400
Lothal to the Nal Sarovar wetland and the Little Rann
rounds.
of Kachchh, leading further to another Harappan site,
● Sepoy Gurmukh Singh, responsible for communication,
Dholavira.
had to operate the heliograph communication system
● The findings suggest that traders could have travelled by
alone, a task typically handled by three men. Despite
boat from Lothal to Dholavira within two days,
these odds, the soldiers maintained their resolve and
supporting the idea that Lothal was a key node in a
fought bravely.
larger inland network connected to the Rann of Kutch.
● Despite being heavily outnumbered, these soldiers, led
● The study posits that traders during the Harappan era
by Havildar Ishar Singh, held their ground for seven
likely travelled to Gujarat through the Gulf of Khambhat,
hours, displaying unparalleled bravery. Their heroic
transported goods to Lothal, and then moved them to
stand remains a symbol of courage and sacrifice in
destinations like Mesopotamia.
military history.
About Dholavira
Recognition and Legacy
● Location: Gujarat, India
● The news of the Battle of Saragarhi was greatly admired
● Features:
○ Water Management: Elaborate water harvesting and in Britain. Breaking the tradition of not giving gallantry
medals posthumously, Queen Victoria awarded the 21
management system by building dams and
soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment (excluding the non-
channelling water into connected reservoirs.
112

combatant Daad) the Indian Order of Merit, the highest

○ Unique City Layout: The city is divided into three
parts – the citadel, the middle town, and the lower gallantry award given to Indian soldiers at the time,
equivalent to the Victoria Cross.
town.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Each soldier’s family was also awarded two ‘marabas’ ● The day is also intended to encourage using Hindi in
(50 acres of land) and Rs 500. both official and personal spheres, countering the
● The British built an obelisk at the battle site using increasing dominance of English, particularly in
bricks from the burnt fort and commissioned gurdwaras administrative and educational settings.
in Amritsar and Ferozepur in their honour. ● One of the highlights of Hindi Diwas celebrations is the
● In 2017, the Punjab government declared September presentation of awards to individuals and organisations
12 as Saragarhi Day, a public holiday to honour the that have significantly contributed to promoting Hindi.
martyrs. ● The President of India awards the Rajbhasha Gaurav
● Additionally, the Khyber Scouts regiment of the Puraskar and Rajbhasha Kirti Puraskar to ministries,
Pakistani army continues to salute the Saragarhi departments, public sector units, banks, and citizens for
memorial near Fort Lockhart. their exceptional work in promoting the language.
● The battle has also inspired cultural works, including
the Bollywood film Kesari, starring Akshay Kumar, which
loosely depicts the events of Saragarhi.
Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)
News Excerpt:
Hindi Diwas 2024
On August 24, the Union Cabinet approved the Unified
News Excerpt
Pension Scheme (UPS), which guarantees government
Hindi Diwas, also known as National Hindi Day, is celebrated
employees a pension after retirement. This scheme will
annually on 14th September to commemorate the adoption
become effective on April 1, 2025.
of Hindi as one of India's official languages.
Key features of the UPS:
Historical Background
● Assured Pension:
● In 1918, Hindi scholars and activists, recognising the
○ This pension will be 50% of an employee's average
need for a common language to unify the nation, formed
basic pay during the last 12 months before
the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan (Hindi Literary
retirement, provided the employee has at least 25
Conference).
years of service.
○ This organisation was pivotal in promoting Hindi as
○ For shorter service periods, down to a minimum of 10
a national language, advocating its use in education,
years, the pension amount will be reduced
literature, and administration.
proportionately.
● Following India’s independence in 1947, the Constituent
● Assured Minimum Pension:
Assembly faced the challenge of choosing an official
○ For those retiring with at least 10 years of service, the
language that could communicate across the country's
UPS guarantees a minimum pension of Rs 10,000 per
diverse linguistic landscape.
month.
● On September 14, 1949, the Assembly adopted Hindi,
● Assured Family Pension:
written in the Devanagari script, as one of the official
○ In the event of a retiree's death, their immediate
languages under Article 343 of the Constitution.
family will receive 60% of the retiree's last drawn
○ It is important to note that the Constitution of India
pension.
does not grant the status of a "national language" ● Inflation Indexation:
to any language. ○ All three pensions will include dearness relief,
○ This decision aimed to promote Hindi as the nation's calculated based on the All India Consumer Price
lingua franca, facilitate communication, and simplify Index for Industrial Workers, similar to what is
administration. provided to current employees.
● The first Hindi Diwas was celebrated in 1953. Since ● Lump Sum Payment at Superannuation:
then, Hindi Diwas has been observed annually on ○ In addition to gratuity, retirees will receive a lump
September 14th. sum amounting to 1/10th of their monthly
Significance of Hindi Diwas emolument (pay + dearness allowance) for every six
● The observance of Hindi Diwas highlights the language's months of completed service.
role in uniting India's diverse linguistic and cultural Why Was the NPS Introduced in 2004?
regions. ● The NPS replaced the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) on
○ Hindi is the third most spoken language in the January 1, 2004, as part of the government's efforts to
world, following English and Mandarin Chinese. reform pension policies. It applied to all government
● Hindi Diwas aims to raise awareness about the employees joining after that date.
importance of the Hindi language and commemorate its
113

● The OPS offered a fixed pension equal to 50% of an

adoption as one of India's official languages. employee's last drawn basic pay, along with a dearness
● It reflects the nation's commitment to preserving and allowance (DA) to offset inflation.
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promoting Hindi as a vital aspect of its heritage.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● The NPS aimed to address the OPS's fundamental issue: Jharkhand, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh, reverted
it was unfunded, with no specific corpus set aside for to the OPS last year.
pensions. ● The UPS blends features from both the OPS and NPS,
● Over time, this led to unsustainable levels of government offering a guaranteed pension, inflation indexation, a
pension liabilities, exacerbated by increasing life family pension, and a minimum pension, while
expectancy due to better healthcare. maintaining a contributory, fully funded model.
● This scheme is expected to benefit over 23 lakh central
government employees, and states are anticipated to
adopt it as well, despite the potential financial strain.

Vigyan Dhara Scheme

News Excerpt:
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister,
approved the continuation of the three umbrella schemes,
which were merged into a unified central sector scheme,
namely ‘Vigyan Dhara’ of the Department of Science and
Technology (DST).
Background and Components of Vigyan Dhara:
● DST was implementing three central sector umbrella
schemes to promote Science, Technology, and
Innovation (STI) in the country.
○ Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and
Human Capacity Building
○ Research and Development
○ Innovation, Technology Development and
Deployment.
Who Can Avail the UPS? ● These three schemes have been merged into the unified
● The UPS will take effect on April 1, 2025, but will also Vigyan Dhara scheme.
apply to those who have retired under the NPS since Objective of Vigyan Dhara:
2004. ● The primary objective of the 'Vigyan Dhara' scheme is to
● The UPS is likely to be more advantageous for nearly all promote S&T capacity building, research, innovation,
employees compared to the NPS, though employees and technology development, with the aim of
may choose to stay with the NPS if they wish. strengthening the country's Science, Technology, and
● Currently, the UPS is for central government Innovation ecosystem.
employees, but state governments can adopt it if they ● The scheme endeavours to promote research in areas
choose to. such as basic research with access to international
Impact of UPS mega facilities, translational research in sustainable
● The new UPS will cost the government approximately Rs
6,250 crore in its first year,
largely to bridge the gap
between the guaranteed 50%
salary as pension and the
returns generated from the
pension fund's investments.
● An additional Rs 800 crore is
expected to cover arrears for
employees who retired under
the NPS since 2004.
● Moreover, the UPS prevents
states from reverting to the Old
Pension Scheme (OPS), as
114

some have done in the past.

● Some states, such as
Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh,
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
energy, water, etc. and collaborative research through ○ Bio-based chemicals and enzymes,
international bilateral and multilateral cooperation. ○ Functional foods and smart proteins,
○ Precision biotherapeutics,
○ Climate-resilient agriculture,
○ Carbon capture and utilization, and
○ Advanced marine and space research.
● This policy will also enhance the
government's initiatives of achieving a 'Net
Zero' carbon economy and promoting
'Lifestyle for Environment.'
● It will guide India toward rapid 'Green
Growth' by supporting a 'Circular
Bioeconomy.'
● The BioE3 Policy aims to create a more
sustainable, innovative, and adaptable
future in response to global challenges, setting
forth a Bio-vision for a developed India
(Viksit Bharat).

Significance of the merger:

● The merger of the schemes into a single scheme would
Expansion of AB PM-JAY approved
enhance efficiency in fund utilisation and establish News Excerpt:
synchronisation among the sub-schemes/programs. The Union cabinet approved the expansion of the Ayushman
● Implementation of the scheme will strengthen the Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)
country's S&T infrastructure by fostering well- health cover to all Indians of age 70 years and older
equipped R&D labs in Academic Institutions. irrespective of their income. The registration for the
● It will also contribute to building a critical human expanded insurance scheme was likely to begin within a
resource pool to strengthen the science and technology week.
landscape and expand the country's R&D base, What is AB PM-JAY?
improving the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researcher ● AB PM-JAY is already the world’s largest public health
count. insurance scheme.
● It provides free cover upto Rs 5 lakh annually to all
members of eligible families — estimated to comprise
Scheme to Enhance Biotechnology the bottom 40% of the population economically —
Manufacturing irrespective of age.
News Excerpt: ● Expansion of the cover to the country’s entire elderly
On August 24, 2024, the Union Cabinet approved a new population now the first complete age-cohort to receive
initiative aimed at boosting biotechnology-based coverage under the scheme.
manufacturing, known as the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Register for scheme
Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy for ● Those eligible for the expanded cover will be able to
Fostering High-Performance Biomanufacturing. register themselves and get the Ayushman Bharat
More detail about News: card as soon as the new module is added to the existing
● This initiative, led by the Department of Biotechnology, portal.
Ministry of Science and Technology, aims to ignite ● Beneficiaries can register either through the
technological change similar to the revolution that took government’s Ayushman App or at the Ayushman
place in the IT industry in the 1990s. Bharat counter at any government health facility.
● It focuses on high-performance biomanufacturing, ● Anyone who has turned 70 as per their Aadhaar can
which involves creating a range of products—from register for the new health cover.
medicines to materials—addressing agricultural and ● There will be no exclusions or waiting period of pre-
food-related challenges, and promoting the existing conditions.
production of bio-based goods through advanced ● Beneficiaries will be able to utilise their policy as soon
biotechnological methods. as they complete their eKYC.
● The portal will also be face-authorisation-enabled, to
115

About BioE3 Policy:

● The BioE3 Policy is set to target several key strategic ensure that even elderly persons whose fingerprints are
sectors to meet national priorities. difficult to read or have changed over time can avail the
Page

● The policy is structured around six main thematic areas: benefits.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Just over 20% of India’s
population above the
age of 60 is currently
covered by any
government,
employer-provided, or
personal insurance
scheme, according to
the India Ageing
Report 2023.
● Women make
up the larger share of
the elderly population
— a survey by NITI
Those already covered Aayog found that 58% of the elderly are women, and
● Some 80-lakh people are separately covered under 54% among them are widows.
various government health schemes — the Central This presents a substantial challenge because they may not
Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen have healthcare support. This scheme will be of
Contributory Health Scheme, or cover provided to family immense help to women, especially those who are
members of defence and railway personnel, etc. widowed.
● Those who are covered under these government health
schemes will have the option of choosing either
Ayushman Bharat or continuing with their existing New Foster Care Guidelines in India
coverage. News Excerpt:
● People who are covered under the Employees State The Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry has
Insurance Corporation (ESIC), however, will be eligible recently revised India's Model Foster Care Guidelines,
to have both their existing cover and Ayushman Bharat. introducing significant changes that allow single individuals
● This is because premiums for ESIC are paid by the insured to foster and adopt children.
and their employer, not the government. What is Foster Care?
● People who have their own privately purchased ● Foster care is a system where a child is placed with a
insurance cover will be eligible to have the Ayushman family or individual, either relatives or unrelated persons,
Bharat cover as well. for temporary care and support.
Why scheme matters ● The goal is to provide a stable environment for the child
● Making health cover universal over the age of 70 is very until they can return to their biological family or be
significant as India’s population ages. adopted.
● More Indians are likely to need health facilities in the ● Foster care often involves children without suitable
coming years, and much of the population is currently guardians or those with special needs.
Key Changes in Foster Care Rules
under-covered by health schemes.
● Under the updated guidelines, individuals aged between
● At the time of the 2011 census, only 8.6% of India’s
35 and 60 years can now foster children, irrespective of
population was over the age of 60 years.
their marital status.
● This is expected to increase to 19.5% by 2050, according
to the government’s Longitudinal
Ageing Study in India (LASI).
● In terms of numbers, Indians over
the age of 60 are likely to be 319
million in 2050 — up more than
three times from the 103 million in
2011.
● The rate of admission among the
elderly already covered under the
scheme has been more than 7% —
double the 3-4% admission rate for
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the younger people covered under

the scheme, according to officials.
● The elderly remain largely
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● This marks a significant departure from the 2016 ○ Christianity also does not recognise adoption as it
guidelines, which restricted foster care exclusively to pertains to personal law. Christians can adopt a child
married couples. from an orphanage following the same legal
● The revised rules now permit unmarried, widowed, procedures as Muslims and Parsis.
divorced, or legally separated individuals to foster Impact and Implications
children. ● This progressive shift in policy aligns with broader
● Single women are allowed to foster and adopt children amendments to child protection laws, providing more
of any gender, while single men can only foster and inclusive opportunities for individuals who wish to
adopt male children. foster or adopt, regardless of their marital status.
● The mandatory fostering period before adoption has ● The inclusion of single individuals in foster care is
been reduced from five years to two years. expected to encourage more people to consider
● This change applies to both single individuals and fostering.
married couples, offering a faster route to adoption for ● Although foster care is intended to be temporary, it
foster parents. plays a crucial role in providing stability for children
Age Criteria for Foster Parents until their biological families are able to take them back.
● The revised guidelines establish specific age criteria for
fostering.
● For single foster parents, the minimum age is set at 35
years, with a maximum age limit of 55 years for fostering Eri Silk
a child aged 6 to 12 and 60 years for fostering a child News Excerpt:
aged 12 to 18. The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms
● While the 2016 guidelines required both spouses to be Development Corporation (NEHHDC) has achieved a
over 35 years old, the new rules stipulate that the significant milestone by earning the prestigious Oeko-Tex
‘composite age’ of a married couple must be at least 70 certification for its Eri Silk, a vegan silk variety.
years to foster a child aged 6 to 12 or 12 to 18 years. More detail about news:
Online Registration for Foster Parents ● This certification, which is a stringent standard ensuring
● Prospective foster parents can now register online that textiles are free from harmful substances and
through the Child Adoption Resource Information produced under eco-friendly conditions, underscores
and Guidance System (CARINGS), a platform the ethical and sustainable production methods of Eri
previously used by adoptive parents. Silk.
● The 2024 guidelines also introduce a dedicated online ● This accomplishment enhances the reputation of Eri Silk
portal for document submission, streamlining the as a Geographical Indication (GI) product of Assam,
review process by District Child Protection Units. emphasizing its authenticity and regional significance.
Adoption Laws and Processes ● It also opens doors for its expansion into the global
● Adoption laws in India differ based on religious export market.
backgrounds. OEKO TEX STANDARD 100:
● For Hindus, the 1956 Hindu Adoption and ● This is a certification label that guarantees that textiles
Maintenance Act governs adoption, requiring specific have been tested for substances harmful to human
conditions to be met. health, ensuring their safety from the yarn stage to
○ A male must be of sound mind, a major, and the finished product.
financially capable to adopt, with his wife's consent ● Any item displaying the STANDARD 100 label has
unless exceptional conditions apply. successfully passed rigorous safety tests for harmful
○ A Hindu woman must also meet these criteria, and substances.
if married, the adoption requires her husband's About Eri Silk:
consent. ● Eri silk is a protein fiber obtained from the cocoons of
● Non-Hindus, however, do not have full adoption the Samia Cynthia Ricini moth, also known as the
rights and must opt for guardianship under the 1980 Philosamia Ricini moth.
Guardian and Ward Act. ● This 100% natural silk is one of the four major types of
○ This act does not confer the same legal status as silk produced globally.
adoption, and the relationship lasts until the ward ● Predominantly found in Meghalaya and other
turns 21. northeastern states of India, Eri silk is also classified as
○ Similar to Muslim laws in India, Parsi laws don’t Vanya (wild) silk.
117

recognise adoption laws. ● Eri silk yarn is known for its unique properties, making it
○ However, Parsis can adopt a child from an orphanage an all-weather fiber.
with the court’s permission under the Guardian and ● Its isothermal qualities keep it cool in summer, while its
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
● Eri silk’s natural properties make it gentle on the skin, ● Sakthan is said to have orchestrated Mysore’s attempt
avoiding irritation or itchiness. to invade the Travancore kingdom, which had
● It is hydrophilic, meaning it readily absorbs water, and established relations with the English East India
is known as the most absorbent silk, working Company. This would result in the Powney treaty which
exceptionally well with natural dyes. freed the Cochin kingdom from its allegiance to
● The production process of Eri silk yarns and fibers in Mysore, and helped formalise its relations with the
villages boasts the smallest carbon footprint in the British.
global textile industry. ● Sakthan Thampuran put an end to the institution of the
● Another distinct feature of Eri silk is that every stage of Yogiatirippads — the erstwhile spiritual heads of the
its production, from silkworm rearing to weaving, Vadakkumnathan and Perumanam temples, who had
occurs within a village ecosystem. conspired against the previous Cochin king in his wars
against the Calicut Zamorin — and entrusted temple
NEHHDC: management to the government.
● Incorporated in 1977, the North Eastern Handicrafts and ● He built a fearsome reputation for himself, and is said
Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC) is to have largely freed his kingdom of crime.
dedicated to fostering and promoting the indigenous Thrissur and Pooram
crafts of the northeastern region of India. ● Sakthan Thampuran transferred the seat of the Cochin
● The organization aims to connect local craftsmen with kingdom from Thrippunithura to modern-day Thrissur.
potential markets and consumers, thereby creating The Thekkinkadu Maidanam and the surrounding
economic, cultural, and social opportunities for artisans Swaraj Round became the basis for the city’s elaborate
while adding cultural value for buyers.
road system and infrastructure.
● NEHHDC operates under the administrative control of
● The king encouraged merchants of all religions and
the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region
British officials to relocate to the city. He also
(DoNER), Government of India.
overhauled and firmed up the kingdom’s finances,
personally overseeing revenue management.
Sakthan Thampuran ● Sakthan Thampuran started the Thrissur Pooram in
1797 as an alternative to the Arattupuzha Pooram,
News Excerpt:
then the largest temple festival in the state. The Thrissur
Minister of State for Tourism and Thrissur MP Suresh
Pooram was conceived as an opportunity for the major
Gopi on 7 September 2024 pledged to replace a statue of
temples in Thrissur to come to pay their respects to
Sakthan Thampuran that was knocked over by a state
Lord Shiva, the presiding deity at the Vadakkumnathan
transport bus in June with a new bronze statue if the Kerala Temple.
government did not do so within 14 days.

Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram

News Excerpt:
Port Blair, the capital city of Andaman and Nicobar
Islands, will now be known as ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’, Union
Minister Amit Shah said on 13 September 2024. The
decision of changing the name was inspired by “to free
the nation from colonial imprints”. Sri Vijaya Puram
symbolises the victory achieved in our freedom struggle
and the A&N Islands’ unique role in the same.”
How did Port Blair get its name?
● The city of Port Blair is the entry point of the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands. It was named after Archibald Blair, a
naval surveyor and lieutenant in the Bombay Marine.
● Blair was the first officer to carry out a thorough survey
of the Andaman Islands.
Strategist and ruler
● After joining the Bombay Marine in 1771, Blair set out on
● Sakthan Thampuran became heir apparent in 1769 as a survey mission along the coasts of India, Iran, and
an 18-year-old. He advised his king to maintain
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Arabia next year.

friendly relations with both the Dutch and the English,
● By the late 1780s, he had participated in a number of
who were vying for a larger share of trade in the region.
survey missions, including those in the Chagos
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
archipelago, Diamond Harbour located in the south of At the heart of the debate is the idea that intelligence,
Calcutta, and along the Hooghly River. often seen as a key determinant of an individual's
● In December 1778, Blair left for his first surveying voyage socioeconomic outcomes, might overshadow efforts
to the Andamans from Calcutta, along with two ships, we traditionally associate with success: hard work,
Elizabeth and Viper. education, and personal agency. This is particularly
● The expedition, which lasted till April 1779, took him relevant in a nation like India, where merit-based
around the west coast of the island, thereby sailing north assessment has begun to gain traction alongside a
along the eastern coast he reached the natural harbour history of social stratification tied to caste and economic
which he initially named as Port Cornwallis (after status. If intelligence is indeed significantly determined
Commodore William Cornwallis, Commander-in-chief of by genetic inheritance, how does one reconcile this
the British Indian Army). view with the belief that perseverance and education
● Later the island was renamed after him. Blair was can lead to upward mobility?
immediately aware of the significance of his discovery In philosophy, this tension can be approached through
and wrote a detailed report of his survey, which was various lenses, including determinism versus free will.
received very positively by the East India Company (EIC) Deterministic views suggest that inherent traits—such as
officials. intelligence—predetermine an individual’s path,
● The Revolt of 1857 resulted in a large number of potentially negating the value of personal effort and
prisoners for the British, prompting the immediate choice. On the other hand, advocates for free will argue
renovation and resettlement of Port Blair as a penal that individuals possess agency, enabling them to
colony. overcome genetic predispositions through education
● Most of the convicts received life imprisonment at Port and hard work. The philosophical implications of such
Blair. Several of them were hanged, while many died due discussions raise questions about justice and equality,
to disease and the degrading conditions in the region. challenging the assumption that everyone has an equal
● With the strengthening of the Indian Independence opportunity to succeed.
Movement in the late 19th century, a huge cellular jail Moreover, the implications of findings in genetics and
was established here by 1906. Popularly known as Kaala the advances in DNA research necessitate a mindful
Paani, it housed several freedom fighters, including Veer approach, especially when considering their potential
Damodar Savarkar. misuse in justifying socioeconomic disparities. The idea
● Meanwhile, Blair had already returned to England in 1795 that genetic differences can systematically predict
and is known to have read an account of the Andaman success may reintroduce forms of discrimination,
Islands before the Royal Society of London in 1799. undermining the principle of equal opportunity
enshrined in democratic societies. It recalls historical
missteps when pseudoscientific theories were employed
to rationalize social hierarchies.
The Intersection of Genetics, Intelligence,
Conversely, the significance of achievers like
and Society: A Philosophical Inquiry Venkataraman (Venki) Ramakrishnan, who brought
In contemporary discourse, the relationship between honor to India through his groundbreaking research,
genetics and intelligence has provoked significant serves as a counter-narrative. His journey underscores
philosophical and ethical questions about merit, equality, the importance of educational opportunities and the role
and social structures. The assertions put forth in books of institutions in nurturing talent—reminding us that
like ‘The Bell Curve’ by Richard Herrnstein and Charles intelligence and capability can flourish under the right
Murray challenge traditional views on education, talent, circumstances, irrespective of genetic predisposition.
and success. They posit that intelligence, as measured Conclusion: As we grapple with the implications of
by IQ, is largely inherited and varies among racial and genetic determinism versus meritocracy, we must
ethnic groups due to genetic differences. engage in nuanced discussions about identity,
This thesis presents us with a potential paradox: while we capability, and societal structure. The promise of
have made strides in advocating for meritocracy—where progress through education, combined with the potential
skill and talent are recognized through achievements— pitfalls of genetic interpretations, calls for a philosophical
there are concerns that an overemphasis on genetic inquiry that transcends mere scientific discourse.
119

predispositions might undermine these foundational

values.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
○ Trekking: Offers a moderate-level trek with
breathtaking views
1. If everyone is thinking alike then no one is thinking.
○ Sunrise: Known for its spectacular sunrises
2. You are the artist of your own life, Don't hand the
○ Flora and Fauna: Home to diverse flora and fauna,
Paintbrush to anyone else. including tea plantations, forests, and wildlife
○ Nearby Attractions: Located near other popular
tourist destinations like Munnar, Devikulam, and
Q. You are currently posted as the District Social Welfare Officer Chinnakanal.
(DSWO) in the West Champaran district of Bihar. You currently
hold the charge of implementing a central government social Palani Hills
service scheme to support old and destitute women. On one News Excerpt:
fine day, an old and illiterate woman comes to you to take A new species of jumping spider, Carrhotus piperus, has
advantage of the scheme's benefits. However, she has no
been identified in the lower Palani Hills of Tamil Nadu.
documents to show that she fulfils the eligibility criteria, but
About Palani Hills:
after meeting and listening to the plight of the women, you feel
● Palani Hills is a hill range located in the southern Indian
that she certainly needs support. Your inquiries also show that
state of Tamil Nadu.
she is destitute and living in a pitiable condition. Now, you are
● It is part of the Western Ghats mountain range and is
in a two-state of mind as putting her under the scheme without
the necessary documents
home to several popular tourist destinations, including
would be a violation of the the Palani Hills Temple and the Kodaikanal hill
rules, but in the meantime, station.
denying her the support ● Key points about Palani Hills:
would be inhuman. In this ○ Elevation: The highest peak in the Palani Hills is
context, answer the following Kodaikanal Peak, which reaches an altitude of 8,639
questions. feet (2,634 meters).
(a) Discuss the ethical issue ○ Religious Significance: The Palani Hills are home to
involved in the case. several Hindu temples, including the Palani Hills
(b) Critically examine the Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Murugan.
SCAN THIS QR FOR
options available to you as MODEL CONTENT ○ Tourism: The Palani Hills are a popular tourist
DSWO. destination, attracting visitors for their natural beauty,
(c) What option will you adopt and why? religious significance, and pleasant climate.
(Answer in 250 words) 20 ○ Biodiversity: The region is known for its diverse flora
and fauna, including several endemic species.
● Kodaikanal: Kodaikanal is one of the most sought-after
hill station destinations in Tamil Nadu and the whole of
Chokramudi hills India. Located at about 7000 ft above the sea-level,
News Excerpt: Kodaikanal was established as a destination by British
Chokramudi Hills, which transformed into a breathtaking bureaucrats and Christian missionaries in the year of
blue carpet as Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes 1845.
kunthiana) bloomed in 2014, is facing a serious
threat of encroachment ahead of the next
anticipated flowering season in 2026.
About Chokramudi hills:
● Chokramudi is located between Bison valley and
Munnar.
● Chokramudi Hills, also known as Chokramudi
Peak, is a picturesque hill station located in the
Idukki district of Kerala, India.
○ It offers stunning views of the surrounding tea
plantations, Anamudi Peak, and the Idukki
Dam.
● Here are some key highlights of Chokramudi
Hills:
120

○ Elevation: 7,200 feet above sea level

○ Location: Eravikulam National Park, Idukki
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24

SPECIES ABOUT
Malabar Tree Toad Key Points:
News Excerpt: x The current estimated species distribution in PAs decreased its range to 68.7
According to a study conducted by percent from 33.5 percent between 2061 and 2080 in multiple models, if eight
a concerned group of citizens and future climate change scenarios — including high emissions — were considered.
scientists, Climate change may x But in case of low emissions scenarios, the distribution range of the species
decrease the distribution range of increased from 1.9 per cent to 111.3 per cent in PAs, according to the study
the Malabar Tree Toad (MTT) by published recently in the Nature journal.
up to 68.7 percent of the current x Project head of the Amphibian Recovery Project at non-profit Wildlife Trust
estimated distribution in India’s of India, who was part of the study, remarked that the study is a first for India
protected areas (PAs). in that the distribution modelling of a species from the amphibian-reptile
category and an endangered amphibian species has been conducted by
including citizen science.
x Restricted and discontinuous distribution along with climate change can limit
the dispersal and persistence of MTT populations, thus enhanced surveys of MTT
habitats within and outside the PAs of the Western Ghats are an important step
in safeguarding the persistence of MTT populations.
x Climate change is one of the major reasons for biodiversity loss and such
distribution modelling can help understand the distribution of any species and
help initiate effective conservation steps.
About Malabar Tree Toad:
x MTT is endemic to India’s Western Ghats and the only species in the monotypic
genus Pedostibes.
o Meaning, it is the only arboreal species in India, having the unique
capability to climb trees and dwell unlike the majority of the toads in
the region that are ground-dwelling.
x It was first discovered in 1876 and the species was not sighted for more than
100 years.
x It was later rediscovered in 1980 at Silent Valley National Park in Kerala.
x MTT is a tree toad, it comes to the ground to breed in water pools at the edges
of the streams generated during the monsoon, implying that precipitation and
moisture provide the necessary conditions for MTT to breed.
Owlflies More detail about the news:
News Excerpt: x The findings have been published in the international scientific journal Zootaxa.
A rare species of owlfly has been x The research was conducted with financial assistance from the Council of
rediscovered after 75 years from Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi.
Kerala by researchers. Key Findings:
x The rare owlfly species Glyptobasis dentifera has been rediscovered after 75
years in Kerala, India.
o The rare owlfly species was rediscovered from Pudunagaram in
Palakkad district, Ramavarmapuram in Thrissur district, Vazhayur
in Malappuram district, Pallikkunnu in Kannur district, and Chinnar
Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki district.
x Another species, Glyptobasis cornuta was discovered in Nepal for the first time.
oThis species was previously reported from India from States such as
Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh.
About Owlflies:
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x Adult owlflies have large eyes and crepuscular habits, hence, the common
name owlfly.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
x They come under Order Neuroptera, which includes holometabolous insects
while the dragonflies come under Order Odonata, which includes
hemimetabolous insects.
x Adults of owlflies are misidentified as dragonflies by non-taxonomists because
of their morphological resemblance.
x Owlflies can be easily distinguished by their long distinct antennae.
x More in-depth and concentrated studies will give a way for discovering new
species and new distributional records of owlflies in India
Habits and Habitat of Owlflies:
x During the day, adult owlflies can be found perching on blades of grass in areas
with lateritic soils, as well as in village households surrounded by dense
vegetation.
x They become active at dusk and take flight, often being attracted to artificial
lights at night.
x In Kerala, the adult flight period of owlflies is primarily observed during
September, October, and November.
Orangutan Adoption Plan for How will the Adoption plan work?
Palm Oil Importers x These adopted orangutans will remain in their natural habitats within
News Excerpt: Malaysia and will not be sent abroad.
Malaysia has unveiled a new x This revised version of the conservation scheme was announced by the country's
conservation initiative allowing Minister of Plantations and Commodity.
companies that import palm oil to Initial Controversial Proposal:
adopt orangutans. x Earlier in May, the government had proposed sending orangutans abroad as
trading gifts to address concerns about the impact of palm oil production on
their habitats.
x This plan faced significant backlash from conservation groups, who raised alarms
about the welfare of these critically endangered primates.
Focus on Habitat Preservation:
x In response to the criticism, the government revised the plan to keep the
orangutans within their natural habitats.
x The updated approach seeks to engage countries and companies purchasing
Malaysian palm oil in efforts to preserve and monitor the forests where these
orangutans live.
x Malaysia has pledged to halt deforestation, emphasizing that 54% of the
country remains forested.
x The government has committed to ensuring that this figure does not fall below
50%.
x The funds generated from the adoption program will be directed to non-
governmental organizations and local government bodies in Sabah to
monitor the safety and well-being of the orangutans.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Honeybee Communication What is the Waggle Dance?
News Excerpt: x The waggle dance involves a bee moving in a figure-eight pattern, with a central
Honeybees possess one of the most "waggle run" where the bee waggles its abdomen.
intricate forms of non-human x This dance allows bees to communicate vital information about the location,
communication, known as the distance, and quality of resources such as food, water, and nesting sites to
"waggle dance." their hive mates.
x The angle of the waggle run in relation to the sun communicates the direction
of the resource, while the length of the run conveys the distance.
x The number of repetitions and the speed of the dance indicate the quality
of the resource.
x The waggle dance is a complex behavior that has fascinated scientists due to
its precision and the way it evolves within bee colonies.
x This dance is typically performed in the darkness of the hive, amidst a crowd
of jostling bees, making it a challenging behavior to execute correctly.
Social Learning in Honeybees
x While the waggle dance is instinctual, research has shown that bees also learn
to refine their dance through social interaction.
x A study led by James C. Nieh and his colleagues explored this aspect by
conducting an experiment where young bees were raised in isolation,
without the opportunity to observe experienced dancers.
x These bees made more errors in their initial dances compared to those
raised with older, experienced bees.
x However, as the isolated bees gained more experience, they improved,
although they continued to struggle with distance communication, suggesting
that certain aspects of the dance are fine-tuned through social learning.
The Significance of Dance Dialects
x One of the study's intriguing findings is the concept of "dance dialects."
x These dialects are variations in the waggle dance that correspond to local
environmental conditions.
x Bees from different regions, or even different colonies, may develop unique
dialects based on the distribution of resources in their area.
x The study suggests that bees deprived of social learning may develop their own
dialects, which could be a way for colonies to adapt to new environments.
Implications for Understanding Animal Communication
x This research provides the first known example of complex social learning of
communication in insects.
x It suggests that honeybee communication is not only instinctual but also
culturally transmitted within colonies.
x The study opens up new avenues for exploring how environmental factors
influence language learning in animals and how collective knowledge is passed
down through generations.
India’s first tagging of Horseshoe More about news:
Crabs x The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the Odisha Forest Department have
News Excerpt: joined hands to tag horseshoe crabs along the State’s coast to understand the
India’s first tagging of horseshoe population and habitat utilisation for its conservation and management.
crabs was kicked off by the x Horseshoe crabs are one of oldest living creatures on the Earth, and a valuable
Zoological Survey of India and species medicinally.
Odisha Forest Department. x This follows reports of a dwindling population of horseshoe crabs along the
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Odisha coast. In the first two days, scientists affixed tag, the first such effort in
the country, on 70 horseshoe crabs.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
x Scientists will tag horseshoe crabs over the next three years in collaboration with
State’s Forest Department.
About horseshoe crabs:
x Horseshoe crabs have been around for more than 300 million years, making
them even older than dinosaurs.
x They look like prehistoric crabs, but are actually more closely related to scorpions
and spiders.
x The horseshoe crab has a hard exoskeleton and 10 legs, which it uses for walking
along the seafloor.
x The horseshoe crab species found around the United States (Limulus
polyphemus) lives in the Atlantic Ocean along the North American coastline.
Horseshoe crabs can also be seen along the East and Gulf coasts of the United
States and Mexico.
x There are three other species of horseshoe crab worldwide, which are located in
the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean along the coast of Asia.
x India is home to two species of horseshoe crabs — Tachypleus gigas and
Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda (mangrove) — and both the species are found
along the northeastern coast of India, especially along the Odisha and West
Bengal coast. This is an extremely important species.
x While Odisha has both Tachypleus gigas and Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda,
the Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda are seen in the Sundarbans mangroves of
West Bengal.
Threats to Horseshoe crabs:
x Destructive fishing practices are major threats to horseshoe crabs.
x There are reports of illegal smuggling of the species from the Odisha and West
Bengal coasts.
x Though the crab is not consumed by people, its death is primary caused by
fishing nets.
x Horseshoe crabs are a Schedule 2 species under the Wildlife Protection Act,
1972.
x The American horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is listed as Vulnerable,
there are three Asian species, the tri-spine horseshoe crab (Tachypleus
tridentatus) is Endangered, the coastal horseshoe crab (T. gigas) and
mangrove horseshoe crab (Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda), are listed as Data
Deficient.
Russian spy whale Important Points:
News Excerpt: x Hvaldimir was a male beluga.
Recently, Hvaldimir, a beluga whale x It was first spotted off the Norwegian coast in 2019.
suspected of being a Russian ‘spy’, x Beluga whales tend to move in groups and typically live further north, in colder
was found dead in Norway. Arctic waters around Greenland, Canada, Alaska, northern Norway, and
Russia.
x Adding to the intrigue around Hvaldimir was a harness that it wore, which said
“Equipment St Petersburg” in Russia.
x The harness had a camera mount. This led to speculation that Hvaldimir was a
Russian spy, sent on a reconnaissance mission to the Nordic coast, and earned
Hvaldimir his name — ‘hval’ is the Norwegian word for whale, ‘dimir’ is a play
on Vladimir [Putin].
x The beluga whale is listed in the IUCN/The World Conservation Union's near-
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threatened category.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
SNAPSHOTS: THEMES OF THE x This was almost a decade after the Maruti factory was
established in Haryana's Gurgaon (now Gurugram).
x The author recounts the rise of environmental concerns
Down to Earth Snapshot during this time, culminating in the 1992 Earth Summit
in Rio de Janeiro, where global discussions on climate
I am seeing the birth of de-globalisation
change began to take shape.
Introduction
x The establishment of the World Trade Organization
x The article reflects the personal narrative and broader
(WTO) in 1995, with contested rules on trade and
historical developments experienced by the author as
patents, sparked protests in India and other developing
India transitioned from a period of isolationism and
countries, marking a growing tension between
self-reliance to globalisation and is now witnessing a
globalisation and local interests.
return to deglobalisation.
Liberalisation and Environmental Concerns
Childhood and Deglobalisation (1970s)
x The author acknowledges the consequences of
x The author refers to being a child of deglobalisation,
liberalisation, particularly concerning environmental
recalling when socialist leader George Fernandes
degradation, as India’s rapid industrialisation and
expelled Coca-Cola from India in 1977, marking a
motorisation led to increased pollution.
Swadeshi victory.
x By the mid-1990s, cities like Delhi experienced severe air
x During the 1960s and 70s, India had limited exposure
quality deterioration, and conflicts arose between
to foreign products, with a strong emphasis on
development needs and environmental sustainability.
becoming self-reliant in manufacturing, a goal that had
WTO Protests and the Collapse of Globalisation
mixed results.
x The 1999 Seattle protests against the WTO marked a
Food Sovereignty and the Green Revolution
global discontent with the neoliberal trade regime. The
x A significant focus is placed on India's experience with
author highlights how protesters from rich and poor
food shortages in the mid-1960s, particularly the 1966
nations opposed the impacts of untamed globalisation
drought. The U.S. food aid under PL-480 was withheld,
on jobs and biodiversity.
forcing Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to plead for
x The author notes that in the late 1990s and early 2000s,
shipments, which became a point of national humiliation.
the world missed an opportunity to address
x The author describes the societal emphasis on frugality
globalisation's negative impacts. This failure led to rising
during their upbringing, with parents encouraging
protectionism and nationalist sentiments.
children not to waste food due to widespread hunger.
2000s to Present: Deglobalisation and Re-globalisation
x This event shaped the author’s understanding of the
x The rise of populist leaders like Donald Trump and the
importance of food sovereignty, leading to the Green
growing tensions between the U.S. and China signal a
Revolution.
new phase of deglobalisation. Trump's trade war and
Deglobalisation and Localisation of the 1960s
the U.S.'s withdrawal from international agreements
x India was largely inward-looking during the author's (like the Paris Climate Accord) illustrate the retreat from
youth. Economic growth, famously termed the "Hindu global cooperation.
growth rate" (below 4% annually), was stagnant, and
x The COVID-19 pandemic is presented as a tipping point.
trade was only 8% of India’s GDP by the late 1960s.
The interconnectedness of global trade and travel
x The Cold War and Space Race (e.g., Yuri Gagarin’s contributed to the virus's rapid spread, while nations
mission) were significant global events, but India focused retreated into isolation, competing for resources like
on local development and self-sufficiency. masks and vaccines.
x It was 'inconsequential' when the Science Advisory Impact on Trade and the Environment
Committee of Lyndon B. Johnson, in 1965, released the
x The author critiques the global trading system for
report "Restoring the Quality of Our Environment,"
exacerbating environmental harm, noting how wealthier
which, for the first time, gave a definite verdict on the
countries outsourced their most polluting industries to
warming of the Earth's atmosphere by carbon dioxide
the developing world.
generated by human activities.
x The shift towards deglobalisation, particularly the
Globalisation and the 1990s
protectionism of countries like the U.S. under Trump and
x By the 1990s, the world shifted towards globalisation, the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
with India embracing liberalisation under the then (CBAM), raises questions about how countries will
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Finance Minister Manmohan Singh's 1991 budget. This balance environmental sustainability with economic
allowed foreign investments, opening India to global competition.
trade.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
India’s Green Transition and Challenges
x The author highlights India’s solar industry as
an example of its efforts to build local capacity
but warns of challenges in balancing domestic
production with cost competitiveness. The
growing tension between globalisation and
localisation is evident in the green initiatives.
x The narrative closes by reflecting on the
author's journey from a post-colonial era of
deglobalisation through the rise of
globalisation in the 1990s to the current
moment of re-globalisation, in which nations
increasingly seek to control their own
economic and environmental futures.
Reflection on Democracy and the Future
x The article concludes by reflecting on the state
of global democracy, where nationalist and
protectionist policies threaten to undermine
multilateral cooperation.
x The author stresses the importance of
strengthening democratic institutions to
address global challenges such as climate
change, trade inequality, and the rising power
of authoritarian regimes like China.
x World Weather Attribution Report
Conclusion
x It highlighted that quarrying for building materials likely
x This article provides a deeply personal perspective on contributed to the increased susceptibility of the
how India's experience of globalisation has evolved
region’s slopes to landslides.
alongside broader global trends of economic Environmental Protections and Policy Failures
liberalisation, environmental degradation, and the return x 2013 Kasturirangan Report Recommendations
of protectionism. x The Kasturirangan committee identified 4,156 villages
across 59,940 sq km in the Western Ghats as Ecologically
Destined to crumble Sensitive Areas (ESAs) and recommended a ban on
Introduction environmentally damaging activities like quarrying and
x On July 30, Wayanad experienced landslides due to mining.
receiving 6% of its annual rainfall
within a few hours. The disaster,
which claimed over 400 lives, was
exacerbated by years of exploitation
of an ecologically fragile region,
systematically weakening the
natural defences of the area in the
Western Ghats.
Impact of Quarrying on Landslide
Susceptibility
x Increased Vulnerability Due to
Quarrying
x Quarries, especially those not
restored after abandonment,
destabilise the landscape by leaving
behind pits and failing to restore
vegetation. x The Union Environment Ministry accepted these
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x Quarrying activities allow water to seep into rock recommendations in November 2013 and issued
fractures during monsoons, increasing pressure on the directives under the Environment Protection Act (EPA)
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soil, which can lead to landslides. to prohibit new quarrying and mining in ESAs.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
x Delays in Implementing ESA Protections o Instead of focusing solely on banning activities, policies
x States sharing the Western Ghats (including Kerala) have should involve local communities and incentivise
delayed finalising ESA boundaries. them to participate in conservation efforts.
x Six draft notifications have been issued since 2013, but x Green Growth Package and Sustainable Livelihoods
states continue to demand further reductions in the o The Kasturirangan report recommended a green
ESA areas. growth package that would compensate for
Opposition to ESA Designation and Dilution of conserving nature through debt-for-nature swaps
Regulations and payment for ecological services.
x Local Resistance to Conservation Policies o Development strategies should promote green
o Locals fear that declaring the area ecologically sensitive livelihoods, such as sustainable agriculture (coffee and
would lead to government takeovers of plantations tea plantations) and eco-tourism, to provide economic
and agricultural restrictions. growth while protecting the environment.
x Livelihood Concerns
o Many oppose conservation policies because they Climate cost of food, nutrition
believe these restrictions would eliminate jobs,
Introduction
especially in activities like quarrying.
x The Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) August 2024 bulletin
x Kerala’s Opposition and Reduction of ESA Areas
highlights the significant role climate change plays in
o After protests in Kerala, it sought the ESA areas to
driving up food prices. Erratic weather and extreme
exclude human-inhabited areas, agricultural lands,
climatic events disrupt the food supply, leading to
and plantations.
sustained food inflation. This makes food inflation
x The Union Environment Ministry accepted Kerala’s
"endemic," meaning it is a persistent problem that can’t
recommendations, reducing ESA areas from 13,108 to
be managed with conventional price control
9,993.7 sq km in 2014.
mechanisms.
x Further amendments reduced the total ESA area to
Dual Impact of Climate Change on Farmers and
56,825 sq km in 2018, a nearly 5% reduction from the
Nutrition
original recommendation.
x Impact on Farmers' Income
x Kerala’s Dilution of Mining Laws
o Farmers, especially small and marginalised ones,
o In 2017, Kerala amended its Minor Minerals
suffer income losses due to crop damage caused by
Concession Rules, reducing the minimum distance
extreme weather events.
for quarrying with explosives from 100 m to 50 m from
o These crop losses disproportionately affect India's
essential buildings and forestland.
poor farming population, reducing their earnings and
x Quarry operators resisted National Green Tribunal
livelihood security.
(NGT) orders mandating greater distances between
x Impact on Nutrition and Diet
quarries and forest areas, resulting in ongoing challenges
o High food prices due to climate disruptions limit
to the regulations. access to nutritious food, affecting people's overall
Non-Compliance and Lax Enforcement
diet.
x Lack of Restoration in Quarry Sites
o Poor nutrition, particularly in economically
o Many quarry operators in Kerala do not comply with
disadvantaged groups, is a major concern. People are
regulations to backfill pits or replant trees after
unable to afford a balanced diet, which worsens
quarrying operations end.
health indicators.
o A 2017 Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG)
Rising Food Inflation: Statistical Overview
report found that most quarries still needed to fulfil
x Sharp Increase in Food Inflation
these restoration obligations, leading to destabilised o Between 2016 and 2020, food inflation averaged
landscapes. 2.9%. This figure more than doubled to 6.3% in the
x Inadequate Oversight
2020s.
o The Department of Mining and Geology, along with the
o The RBI study attributes this rise to overlapping
Kerala State Pollution Control Board, has not
supply shocks due to climate events such as irregular
maintained adequate data on tree planting or the closure
monsoons and rising temperatures, which impact
of quarries, leading to widespread rule violations.
crop growth.
o Of 27 quarries inspected in Kerala, 21 were violating the x Persistent Food Inflation Since 2020
rules. o From June 2020 to June 2024, food inflation exceeded
Way forward
6% for 57% of the months, indicating the consistent
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x Inclusive Conservation
disruption caused by climate change.
o Conservation policies need to balance environmental
protection with the livelihoods of local communities.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
o The RBI report emphasises that this inflation is no powered alternatives and boost India's renewable energy
longer sector-specific or localised but a broad and capacity.
enduring problem. x Initially set to end in 2022, it has been extended to 2026
Global Insights on Climate Change and Inflation due to low participation, with only 33% of the target to
x International Findings install 1.4 million solar pumps has been achieved.
o Researchers from the Potsdam Institute for Climate x The scheme has three components:
Impact Research and the European Central Bank o Component A: Installing solar plants on farms to sell
predict that global warming will accelerate inflation, electricity to state discoms.
particularly in developing countries like India. o Component B: Replacing diesel and electric pumps
o They estimate that food inflation in India will rise by with solar pumps (the most popular component).
2% by 2035, with overall inflation increasing by 1%. o Component C: Installing solar microgrids and
x The Cost-of-Living Crisis solarising existing grid-connected pumps.
o Since 2021, the world has been grappling with a "cost Significance of PM-KUSUM
of living crisis," with climate change at the core of
x According to the World Bank, if just 25% of India’s 8.8
rising prices for essential goods, including food.
million diesel water pumps were replaced with solar
o As food prices rise, people consume less, impacting
pumps, it would reduce 11.5 million tonnes of carbon
their overall nutrition and health, particularly in
emissions annually.
marginalised populations.
Impact on Poverty and Nutrition x The CSE report highlights several advantages of solar
x Limited Studies on Food Prices and Poverty pumps, including freeing farmers from erratic and time-
o Few studies have examined the correlation between bound electricity supply and requiring less maintenance
rising food prices and poverty levels, though compared to diesel and electric pumps.
anecdotal evidence suggests a link. x Solar pumps offer long-term cost savings and energy
o In India, climate change has resulted in significant security, which could help improve agricultural
crop damage, affecting food availability and farmers' productivity.
income. Key Challenges
x Impact on Child Growth and Health x Varied Approaches Across States
o According to Derek Headey and Marie Ruel from the o States have adopted different approaches to
International Food Policy Research Institute, food implementing PM-KUSUM, with more successful
inflation directly impacts child malnutrition and states like Rajasthan and Haryana using a
stunting. decentralised approach.
o A 5% rise in food prices in the prenatal period o In Rajasthan, different agencies handle each
increases the risk of stunting by 1.6% and severe component, with the horticulture department playing
stunting by 2.4%, highlighting the long-term effects a key role in disseminating information to farmers.
of malnutrition caused by food price shocks. This has led to higher awareness and better customer
Conclusion
service.
x Climate change has permanently altered the dynamics
o In contrast, Punjab's centralised approach has
of food production and pricing, making food inflation
hindered progress. The Punjab Energy Development
a persistent issue. Addressing this challenge requires
Agency handles all components, which requires
climate resilience strategies in agriculture and policy
specialised knowledge in different areas.
measures that ensure equitable access to affordable,
nutritious food. x High Initial Costs
o The high upfront costs associated with solar pumps
Untapped Potential and panels are a significant barrier to participation.
Even with subsidies covering a large part of the costs,
Introduction
rising solar equipment prices have deterred small and
x Although the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha
marginal farmers.
Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan Yojana (PM-KUSUM)
o For example, in Rajasthan, the cost of submersible
scheme offers a great opportunity for farmers to switch
solar pumps increased from ₹1 lakh in 2019 to ₹2
from diesel and electric pumps to solar-powered
lakh, making it difficult for farmers to afford the
alternatives, implementation hurdles have left many,
system.
reluctant to participate.
o In Chhattisgarh, the Saur Sujala Yojana has kept
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PM-KUSUM Scheme
farmer contributions stable, which has helped
x Launched in 2019, the PM-KUSUM scheme aims to
maintain participation.
replace diesel and electric irrigation pumps with solar-
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x Financing Difficulties

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
o Farmers face difficulties securing loans for the them dependent on middlemen who often exploit them
scheme, leading to many dropping out mid-way. In by offering low prices.
Chhattisgarh, 10 out of 26 developers initially
awarded projects dropped out due to financing
issues.
o Farmers also expressed concerns that the scheme
does not cover additional costs, such as borewell
installation and labour.
x Poor After-Sale Service
o One key feature of component B is five years of free
after-sale service, but many farmers report
inadequate support.
o Solar panels have been stolen, and replacement
panels take months, forcing some farmers to return
to diesel pumps.
o Farmers in Punjab are concerned that solar pumps
are less efficient than electric pumps, especially for
water-intensive crops like paddy, which require
round-the-clock irrigation.
Conclusion
x Grain Storage and Supply Chain Deficiencies: The
x The PM-KUSUM scheme holds great promise for farmers
shortage of proper storage facilities and inefficient
and the environment but faces several implementation
supply chains affect industries that rely on agricultural
challenges, including high initial costs, financing
products like sugar, rice, and jute.
difficulties, and poor after-sale service. Addressing
x Pseudo Employment: There is a phenomenon of
these issues through better-decentralised approaches,
"pseudo employment," where more people are
financing options, and improved service delivery could
employed to perform tasks that could be done by fewer
help the scheme succeed, benefit farmers and the
individuals, indicating inefficiency and
environment, and contribute to India's renewable energy
underemployment in rural areas.
and carbon reduction goals.
x Lack of Basic Amenities: Access to health infrastructure,
drinking water, electricity, and communication systems
Kurukshetra Snapshot - Budget 2024-25 remains poor in many villages, exacerbating the rural
Future-proofing the Rural Indian Economy population's struggles.
Vision and Priorities of the Budget
Introduction:
x The Union Budget 2024-25 is a strategic action plan
x According to the Economic Survey 2022-23, 65% of
designed to lay a strong foundation for an Atmanirbhar
India's population lives in rural areas, and agriculture
(self-reliant) Bharat and a Viksit (developed) Bharat.
is the main source of livelihood for 47% of the
With a clear focus on "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka
population. In the financial year 2011-12, agriculture
Vishwas, Sabka Prayas", this budget addresses the
contributed 18.1% to India's GDP. However, by 2022-23,
needs of India’s rural heartland, focusing on four key
this had declined to around 15%. This decrease is
demographic groups: the Poor (Garib), Women
expected to continue due to increasing urbanisation and
(Mahilayen), Youth (Yuva), and Farmers (Annadata).
industrialisation, meaning more people are moving away
x The Rural Development Ministry's budget has been
from farming towards urban jobs and industries. increased to ൟ 1.77 lakh crore, up from ₹1.57 lakh crore
Core Challenges in Rural India in FY2024, reflecting a 12% increase. In FY2025, the
x Illiteracy: Many rural people lack access to education, Government is expected to spend 5.58% of its total
leading to low literacy rates and further hindering Budget on rural development. The budget emphasises
economic and social progress. enhancing rural demand by investing in trade, industry,
x Caste and Gender Discrimination: Deep-rooted social and entrepreneurship.
issues, such as caste-based discrimination and gender Agriculture Support
inequality, limit access to opportunities for many x Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-Kisan):
130

individuals in rural areas. ₹60,000 crore allocated for the Pradhan Mantri Kisan
x Limited Market Access: Farmers struggle to reach Samman Nidhi. This scheme provides direct income
support to farmers to alleviate some of the financial
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profitable markets due to poor infrastructure, leaving

pressures they face.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
x Land Registry: The announcement of bringing 6 crore scheme offers critical income support, particularly during
farmers and their land under the purview of land registry crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw
has been made in the budget. With the help of this, GIS MGNREGA provide work to many rural youths.
mapping, digitisation, ownership rights, registration of x Pradhan Mantri Employment Generation Programme
farmers and the identification of the land will be done. (PMEGP): Allocated ₹2,300 crore to the loan-linked
x Kisan Credit Card (KCC): KCC will be issued in 5 more subsidy scheme that aims to create self-employment
states on an extensive basis, where it is still not opportunities in rural and urban areas by supporting
distributed among eligible farmers so that farmers small enterprises and preventing the migration of rural
deprived of this facility can take advantage of this. youth to urban centres.
x Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): A plan to Housing and Infrastructure Development
implement DPI in the agriculture sector within three x Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY): ₹2.2 lakh crore
years to connect farmers and their land to a digital allocated over the next five years to provide affordable
network, improving access to services and information. housing. This scheme targets the poor and lower-
x Fertiliser Subsidies: ₹1.19 lakh crore allocated to middle-class segments, ensuring they have access to
subsidise the cost of urea, reducing the burden on basic housing facilities, which is essential for overall well-
farmers and improving crop yields. being and integration into the economic mainstream.
x Natural Farming and Bio-Research: Plans to promote The government will also invest Rs. 10 lakh crore to boost
natural farming with a goal of having 1 crore farmers this sector.
practice it within two years. Ten thousand bio-research x Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana: Under the
centres are also being set up to encourage organic Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana, there is a plan to
methods and reduce dependence on harmful pesticides connect small and big villages to the paved roads of
and fertilisers. cities and to give it a concrete shape, a provision of Rs.
Employment and Skilling Initiatives 19,000/- crore has been made in the budget.
x The budget lays out a robust plan for job creation and x Road and Highway Development: ₹1.15 lakh crore for
skilling, particularly focusing on rural youth, with the road construction and ₹1.68 lakh crore for the National
goal of creating opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over Highway Authority of India. These investments will
the next five years. improve connectivity in rural areas, helping farmers
x Scheme A: First Timers: This scheme provides one- transport their produce to markets more efficiently, thus
month wages in three instalments (up to ₹15,000) to ensuring better prices.
first-time employees entering the formal workforce. It x Vibrant Village Program: With ₹1,000 crore allocated,
targets youth earning less than ₹1 lakh per month and is supporting rural areas’ digital transformation.
expected to benefit 210 lakh youth. Water and Sanitation
x Scheme B: Job Creation in Manufacturing: This x Jal-Jeevan Mission: ₹70,000 crore was allocated for the
scheme incentivises additional employment in mission, which aims to provide clean drinking water to
manufacturing sectors by offering support for first-time every rural household. This initiative is crucial, as many
employees’ EPFO contributions. It is expected to areas in rural India still lack access to safe drinking water,
benefit 30 lakh youth. causing health problems.
x Scheme C: Support to Employers: Employers hiring x Swachh Bharat Mission: ₹12,000 crore dedicated to
additional workers will be reimbursed up to ൟ
3,000 per maintaining cleanliness in villages and cities. This
month for two years toward EPFO contributions, initiative not only promotes sanitation but also helps in
incentivising the hiring of 50 lakh additional reducing health expenses by preventing diseases that
employees. thrive in unhygienic conditions.
x Internship Opportunities: The government will facilitate Healthcare and Nutrition
1 crore internships in the next five years, providing x National Health Mission: ₹28,000 crore to improve
ൟ5,000 per month as an allowance and a one-time healthcare facilities, especially for children, women, and
assistance of ൟ6,000. This will help youth gain practical underprivileged rural populations. Improved health leads
business experience. to better productivity and a stronger economy.
x Skilling in Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs): 1,000 x Saksham Anganwadi and Nutrition 2.0: ₹21,200 crore
ITIs will be upgraded to focus on outcome-based for nutrition support to children, adolescents, pregnant
training, aligning their curricula with industry needs. 20 women, and lactating mothers. Malnutrition is a major
131

lakh youth will be skilled over the next five years. issue in rural areas, and this program is designed to
x Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment combat it through improved nutrition strategies.
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): Allocated ₹86,000 crore to
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provide 100 days of employment to rural families. This

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
x Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): This with ൟ 1 lakh crore allocated to encourage private-
scheme is dedicated to improving the health of the sector-driven innovation.
deprived or weaker sections of the society. Therefore, to Digital Transformation and Technological Advancement
ensure that maximum number of people can avail the x Initiatives like Digital India, BharatNet, and the
benefits of this scheme, the Government has made a National Digital Health Mission aim to expand digital
provision of Rs. 7,300 crore in the budget. infrastructure, promoting literacy, governance, and e-
x Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana commerce.
(PMGKAY): ൟ 2.05 lakh crore has been allocated to x Digital vouchers will be provided for education and
ensure no person goes hungry. Under this scheme, 81.35 entrepreneurship loans, helping students and
crore beneficiaries will receive 35 kg of food grains per entrepreneurs access funds easily.
month per Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) household
and 5 kg per person for Priority Households (PHH) for
the next five years with effect from 01 January 2024.
x Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and Rural Women
x The Lakhpati Didi initiative, part of the DAY-NRLM
(Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural
Livelihoods Mission), targets increasing income for
Self-Help Groups (SHGs). The aim is to enable 3 crore
women to earn a sustainable income of ൟ1 lakh per year
through multiple livelihood activities and value chain
interventions.
Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Sector
x Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): A loan
program divided into three categories: Shishu, Kishor,
and Tarun. The Tarun loan limit has been increased
from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh to encourage
entrepreneurship.
x MSME Loans and E-commerce Hubs: Entrepreneurs in
the MSME sector will be provided with collateral-free
loans. Public sector banks are tasked with in-house
assessment of loan needs, ensuring faster loan
Financial Management and Economic Outlook
disbursement.
x Revenue Collection: An estimated ₹43.86 lakh crore in
x An e-commerce hub will also be created for MSMEs to
revenue is expected, including Rs. 11.87 lakh crore from
sell products in the international market.
income tax, Rs. 10.62 lakh crore from goods and services
x Tax reforms and the removal of Angel Tax aim to
tax (GST) and Rs. 10.20 lakh crore from corporation tax
stimulate the startup ecosystem, attracting investments,
and proposes to borrow Rs. 16.91 lakh crore to meet
and providing employment opportunities, especially in
other expenses, will taking the total reserves with the
rural areas.
government to Rs. 60.71 lakh crore.
Support for Artisans and Workers
x Borrowing: India has borrowed 83% of its GDP (₹161
x Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana: ൟ 4,800 crore
lakh crore), which is lower compared to developed
has been allocated to support artisans and craftsmen in
countries like the US (121%) and Japan (261%). This
the unorganised sector, helping them become
indicates that the government has some fiscal space for
economically self-reliant through financing.
development spending.
x Labour Portals: Efforts to integrate the Shram portal
x Fiscal Deficit: The fiscal deficit has been estimated to be
with other key platforms will simplify the process for
4.9% of GDP in the financial year 2025, which will amount
workers to address employment-related problems.
to Rs. 16.13 lakh crore, whereas in the interim budget,
Higher Education and Entrepreneurship
which was presented in February 2024, the fiscal deficit
x Loans up to ൟ 10 lakh will be provided for higher
was estimated to be 5.1% of GDP. This suggests the
education in domestic institutions. E-vouchers will be
government is making progress in controlling its
given directly to 1 lakh students annually for interest
spending while supporting growth initiatives.
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subvention.
Hidden Gems in the Budget
x The Anusandhan National Research Fund will be
x Private sector-driven R&D with ൟ1 lakh crore
launched for basic research and prototype development,
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allocation.

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
x Solar Power budget increased from ₹5,000 crore to records will be digitised using Geographic
₹10,000 crore. Information System (GIS) mapping.
x Production Linked Incentive (PLI) for Pharma doubled o The Unique Land Parcel Identification Number
from ₹1,200 crore to ₹2,100 crore. (ULPIN) or Bhu-Aadhaar will be assigned to all
x Semiconductor development allocation doubled from lands. This will facilitate credit flow to farmers and
₹3,000 crores to ₹6,900 crores. streamline agricultural services.
x Three major economic railway corridor projects: o The Digital Agriculture Mission will create a digital
These include energy, mineral and cement corridors, port registry for over 90 million farmers, integrating land
connectivity corridors, and high-traffic density corridors records with Aadhaar, helping with crop insurance,
aimed at boosting rural trade and industry. credit distribution, and direct cash transfers.
x Airport and Metro Expansion: Expansion of existing x Labour Reforms:
airports and development of new ones, as well as o The integration of the e-Shram portal with other
expanding metro and NaMo Bharat systems, will employment and skilling portals will create a unified
improve regional connectivity and create job database for job roles and connect job aspirants with
opportunities. employers.
Economic Survey 2023-24: o Shram Suvidha Portal (launched in 2014) provides a
x The Economic Survey 2023-24, recently presented to simplified platform for labour law compliance, and
the Indian Parliament, highlights the resilience of the the Samadhan Portal allows workers to file disputes
Indian economy over the last decade (2014-2024). and claims online.
Key Insights from the Economic Survey 2023-24: o The government will revamp these portals to ensure
x Growth Performance: ease of compliance for industry and trade and
o Over the last decade, the Indian government has improve the overall labour market.
undertaken several reforms to promote sustainable x Financial Sector and Investment Promotion:
growth. These include: o The government plans to introduce a financial
ƒ Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC): This sector vision and strategy document to guide its
framework was created to address bad loans and development over the next five years.
improve the banking sector's health. o A new climate finance taxonomy will be developed
ƒ Goods and Services Tax (GST): A nationwide tax to support green transition initiatives and help India
reform that has streamlined tax collection and meet its climate goals.
boosted revenue.
o Reforms in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and
ƒ Infrastructure Development: Investment in both
Overseas Investments will simplify regulations and
physical and digital infrastructure has been
facilitate investment inflows.
significantly ramped up.
o The government will introduce a Variable Capital
o The survey estimates that India is on track to become
Company structure to provide flexible financing
the third-largest economy in the world. In 2024,
options, especially for leasing of aircraft, ships, and
India’s economy is projected to reach $3.6 trillion, a
private equity funds.
huge leap from its valuation of less than $300 billion
in 1993. x Pension Reforms:
o The IMF forecasts India to remain the fastest-growing o A new National Pension System (NPS)-Vatsalya
major economy in the world, with growth rates of 7% scheme will be introduced, allowing parents and
in FY24 and 6.5% in FY25, far outpacing the global guardians to contribute to a pension fund for minors.
average. This fund will seamlessly transition into a regular NPS
x Focus on Bottom-Up Reforms: account when the minor comes of age.
o Moving forward, the survey emphasises the need for o A review of the existing NPS system is underway to
bottom-up reforms that strengthen governance and address concerns while maintaining fiscal prudence.
improve the overall implementation of reforms. This x Adoption of Technology and Ease of Doing Business:
will involve closer engagement between the central
o Public investment in digital infrastructure and
and state governments, leveraging cooperative innovations by the private sector has greatly
federalism to ensure that the structural reforms of the improved Indian citizens' access to resources,
last decade yield long-term benefits. services, and markets.
Structural Reforms Driving Growth:
o The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill,
133

x Land Reforms:
2023, aims to decriminalise 183 provisions across 42
o Rural and Urban Land Management: The
Central Acts, promoting ease of doing business by
government plans to improve land administration,
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reducing the risk of imprisonment for minor offences.

planning, and management. Urban and rural land
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
o The government will continue to work on improving x Agriculture Contribution: Provides livelihood support
data governance, collection, and processing through to 42.3% of the population and contributes 18.2% to
sectoral databases, including those developed under India's GDP.
the Digital India Mission. Key Initiatives:
x Next-Generation Reforms: x Transforming Agricultural Research: Allocation of
o The government will implement reforms across key funds for new high-yielding, climate-resilient crop
factors of production: land, labour, capital, varieties.
entrepreneurship, and technology. x Natural Farming (Bhartiya Prakratik Krishi Paddhati):
o It plans to incentivise competitive federalism, Aims to support 1 crore farmers under natural farming
encouraging states to adopt reforms faster through a over the next two years and establish 10,000 bio-input
50-year interest-free loan scheme. resource centres.
o New initiatives will also promote climate finance, x Self-Sufficiency in Pulses and Oilseeds: Aim is to
FDI, and entrepreneurship to drive economic reduce the gap in pulse production, which currently
growth and make India a global leader. stands at 4.4 million tonnes, and decrease dependence
Conclusion on imported edible oils.
x The Budget 2024-25 is a comprehensive roadmap x Vegetable Production and Supply Chains: India is the
designed to propel India’s economic growth and second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables
transform the country into a Viksit Bharat by 2047. globally. The plan is to develop large-scale clusters for
Through a balanced mix of policy reforms, vegetable production and promote Farmer Producer
infrastructure investments, job creation, skilling Organisations (FPOs), cooperatives, and startups for
initiatives, rural development, and technology-driven vegetable supply chains.
innovation, the budget aims to unlock the potential of x Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for agriculture: To
India's economy, ensuring that no one is left behind. conduct a digital crop survey in 400 districts and expand
x The budget prioritises rural development and the farmer registries by adding details of 6 crore farmers
empowerment of key demographic groups, leveraging and their lands.
digital technologies and fostering public-private x Shrimp Production: Support for setting up nucleus
partnerships to ensure sustainable, inclusive growth. breeding centres for shrimp broodstock and shrimp
By addressing both short-term and long-term goals, the export.
budget is poised to steer India through global economic Priority 2: Employment and Skilling (Allocation: Rs 2
challenges and lead the country toward a prosperous, lakh crore):
self-reliant future. x Prime Minister’s Package: Targets to benefit 4.1 crore
youth over five years, with various employment-linked
incentive schemes.
Yojana Snapshot - Union Budget 2024-25 o Employment Linked Incentive Scheme-A (for First
2024-25 Union Budget Timers): Benefits 2.1 crore youth with salaries up to
x The 2024-25 Union Budget focuses on the welfare of Rs 1 lakh per month, offering one month’s salary (up
Garib (poor), Mahilaayen (women), Yuva (youth), and to Rs 15,000) paid in three instalments.
Annadata (farmers). The core goal is to drive economic o Employment Linked Incentive Scheme-B (Job
growth and employment by targeting various sections of Creation in Manufacturing): Benefiting 30 lakh
society with a mix of welfare measures and growth- youth by offering salary incentives. The government
driven initiatives. will pay 24 per cent of the wage or salary for the first
two years, 16 per cent in the third year, and 8 per cent
x Nine Priority Areas and Their Allocations:
in the fourth year. The scheme covers employees with
salaries up to Rs 1 lakh per month, but incentives for
those earning over Rs 25,000 are capped at Rs
25,000/month. This subsidy is in addition to Scheme-
A benefits.
o Employment Linked Incentive Scheme-C (Support
to Employers): Incentivizes employment for 50 lakh
people, covering additional employment in all
sectors.
134

x Skilling Initiatives:
Priority 1: Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture o New Scheme for Skilling and ITI’s Upgradation:
Outlay of Rs 60,000 crore to skill 20 lakh youth over
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(Allocation: Rs 1.52 lakh crore):

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
five years. The scheme will upgrade 1,000 ITIs in a Priority 5: Urban Development:
hub-and-spoke model with industry collaboration, x Affordable Housing: Rs 10 lakh crore investment to
aligning course content with industry needs and build 1 crore houses for the urban poor and middle-
introducing new courses for emerging demands. class families.
o Internships at Top Companies: Provides Rs 5,000 x Transit-Oriented Development: Development plans for
monthly allowance for one year for one crore youth 14 large cities with populations over 30 lakh to integrate
aged 21-24 through internships. economic growth and transit systems.
o Education Loans: Rs 10 lakh education loans for 1
x Water Supply and Sanitation: Partnerships with states
lakh students, with 3% interest subvention.
to improve water supply and solid waste management in
Priority 3: Inclusive Human Resource Development and
100 large cities.
Social Justice
Priority 6: Energy Security:
x Purvodaya Scheme: Targets the eastern part of India for
human resource and infrastructure development. x Renewable Energy Projects: Rs 1.5 lakh crore has been
x Women-Led Development: Allocation of Rs 3 lakh allocated for renewable energy projects, including solar,
crore to schemes benefiting women and girls, wind, and green hydrogen.
particularly in health, nutrition, and education. x PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Provides free
x Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan: electricity up to 300 units per month for 1 crore
Covers 5 crore tribal people across 63,000 villages to households through rooftop solar plants.
improve tribal communities' socio-economic conditions. x Pumped Storage Policy: A policy will be introduced to
x India Post Payment Bank: Expansion with over 100 promote pumped storage projects for electricity storage,
branches in the North East. facilitating the integration of renewable energy with its
x Increased Funding for Education, Healthcare, and variable and intermittent nature.
Housing: The budget raises the allocation for education x Small and Modular Nuclear Reactors: Partnering with
by 12 per cent to Rs 1.2 lakh crore. Healthcare funding the private sector for the development of advanced
has increased by 15 per cent to Rs 3.8 lakh crore. To nuclear technologies.
address housing needs, the central government will x Advanced Ultra Super Critical Thermal Power Plants:
support constructing three crore additional houses Fiscal support will be provided for setting up an 800 MW
under the PM Awas Yojana. commercial plant using AUSC technology as a joint
Priority 4: Manufacturing and Service (Allocation: Rs 1.5 venture between NTPC and BHEL.
lakh crore for MSMEs): Priority 7: Infrastructure
x Credit Guarantee Scheme: Allocation of Rs 9,812 crore x Capital Expenditure: Rs 11,11,111 crore for
for MSMEs to acquire machinery and equipment without government infrastructure investments.
collateral or third-party guarantees. x Private Sector Investment: Encouraged through
x MSME Credit Assessment Model: Public sector banks viability gap funding and enabling policies.
will develop a credit assessment model based on the x Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase
digital footprints of MSMEs for better credit assessments. IV: Connectivity for an additional 25,000 rural
x Enhanced Scope for Mandatory Onboarding in habitations.
TReDS: The budget reduces the turnover threshold for x Tourism Infrastructure: The central government will
mandatory onboarding on the TReDS (Trade Receivables support state governments in developing iconic tourist
Discounting System platform from Rs 500 crore to Rs 250 destinations.
crore, unlocking working capital for MSMEs by Priority 8: Innovation, Research and Development
converting trade receivables into cash.
x Research and Development: To enhance R&D, the
x Industrial Parks: The government will develop government will operationalise the 'Anusandhan
investment-ready 'plug and play' industrial parks with National Research Fund. Additionally, the budget
complete infrastructure in 100 cities in partnership with proposes creating a Rs 1 lakh crore financing pool and
states and the private sector. establishing a mechanism to spur private sector-driven
x Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Allocation research and innovation on a commercial scale.
of Rs 2 lakh crore to boost manufacturing in industries x Venture Capital Fund: Rs 1,000 crore to promote the
like electronics, automobiles, textiles, and space economy with a fivefold growth target over 10
pharmaceuticals. years.
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x Bolstering Startups: To spur investments in startups Priority 9: Next Generation Reforms

and promote ease of doing business, the budget x Land-Related Reforms: The budget proposes allocating
proposes abolishing the 'Angel Tax' on all classes of part of the 50-year interest-free loan to state
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investors.
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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
governments to implement reforms for better land Components of the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
management in rural and urban areas. x Agri Stack: This foundational component consists of
x Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Simplification: Rules three major registries that include data on farmers,
and regulations will be streamlined to attract more village maps, and crops. These registries facilitate easy
foreign capital. access to geo-tagged farm plots and crop data,
x Promotion of Indian Rupee: Focus on overseas streamlining various administrative processes.
transactions being conducted in Indian Rupee to x Krishi Decision Support System (DSS): This system
facilitate easier international trade. integrates and stores crucial agricultural data such as
remote sensing information, weather forecasts, and soil
conditions. It also includes information on government
agricultural schemes and their beneficiaries, aiding in
better decision-making and policy implementation.
x Krishi Mapper (KM): A geospatial mobile application
that supports land-based schemes, providing detailed
mappings such as soil fertility and profiles. It's also used
in crop estimation surveys to measure crop yields
accurately through experiments on selected plots.
Objectives and Benefits
x Improved Information Access: By creating a
comprehensive digital database, the government aims to
make information about farming practices, land records,
and farmer profiles easily accessible.
x Enhanced Decision-Making: With better data on
weather patterns, soil health, and crop performance,
farmers can make more informed decisions that lead to
increased productivity and efficiency.
x Policy Implementation: Accurate and real-time data will
aid in the effective implementation of government
schemes and ensure that benefits reach the intended
recipients promptly.
x The Union Budget 2024-25 aims to foster inclusive x Inclusivity and Support: The DPI is designed to be
economic growth, address the needs of the most open-source, open-standard, and interoperable,
vulnerable sections of society, and promote long-term ensuring that it can be accessed widely and benefit all
sustainability. With major investments in agriculture, farmers, including those in remote areas.
employment, skilling, manufacturing, and infrastructure,
Priority 2 (Employment and Skilling)
the budget seeks to create a virtuous cycle of
development, employment generation, and economic Potential Impact of Employment Linked Incentive (ELI):
prosperity. x Socio-Economic Benefits: The First Timers Scheme
x Let’s take a closer look at key priorities and manufacturing incentives will help formalise
Priority 1 (Productivity and Resilience in Agriculture) employment, offering job security and social security to
a large section of the workforce. By encouraging first-
x Integration of Digital Technologies:
time employees to join the formal sector, the scheme
o Digital Empowerment: The government is focused
also works toward reducing informal employment.
on using digital technology to empower farmers,
aiming to improve the efficiency, productivity, and x Boost to Manufacturing: The initiatives targeting the
sustainability of agriculture. manufacturing sector aim to create a skilled workforce,
o Scope of Implementation: This digital strategy increase productivity, and make India a global hub for
manufacturing, in line with the Make in India initiative.
includes conducting digital crop surveys and
integrating over six crore farmers and their land This will drive long-term economic growth and help
India compete globally in industries like electronics and
details into digital registries within three years,
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enhancing the accuracy and accessibility of textiles.

agricultural data. x Support for SMEs: Financial incentives for employers,
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particularly SMEs, will lower the cost of hiring, making it

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
easier for small businesses to scale up and create jobs. o Addressing labour market rigidities and improving
This will stimulate economic activity across supply chains the ease of doing business is critical for the success
and contribute to job creation in sectors heavily reliant of these initiatives.
on labour. o Reforms aimed at enhancing labour market
x Increased Social Security: By tying incentives to EPFO flexibility and investing in both physical and digital
contributions, the government is promoting greater infrastructure will create a supportive environment
social security coverage for workers, helping to create a for sustainable growth.
more inclusive economy with benefits like health Priority 6 (Energy Security)
insurance, pension, and job security for employees.
Challenges in Renewable Energy Adoption
Priority 3 (Inclusive Human Resource Development and
x Intermittency and Dispatchability: Renewable energy
Social Justice)
sources like solar and wind are not consistently available,
Potential Impact
leading to challenges with grid stability and the need for
x Socio-Economic Transformation: Investments in reliable power supply systems.
education, skilling, and employment will create a more x Land and Water Requirements: The expansion of
competitive and capable workforce, which in turn will renewable energy and clean fuels increases the demand
enhance productivity, innovation, and investment. This
for these critical resources, which are limited in
will contribute to sustained economic growth and help
availability in India.
lift millions out of poverty.
x Dependency on Critical Minerals: The technologies
x Social Equity and Justice: The emphasis on social necessary for renewable energy and battery storage rely
justice ensures that the benefits of economic growth are on minerals such as graphite (China 79 per cent), cobalt
equitably distributed. By addressing the needs of
(DRC 70 per cent), rare earths (China 60 per cent), and
women, tribal communities, and historically
lithium (Aus 55 per cent), creating a geopolitical and
underserved regions, the government aims to reduce
supply chain vulnerability.
regional and socio-economic inequalities, fostering
social cohesion and stability. x Supply Chain Concentration: The processing and
supply of these critical minerals are heavily dominated by
x Long-Term Prosperity: The combination of inclusive
China, making global supply chains susceptible to
policies and social justice measures is essential for
geopolitical tensions and disruptions.
achieving long-term national prosperity. Without
addressing disparities and empowering all segments of x Environmental and Health Risks from Waste:
society, sustainable development cannot be realised. Recycling of solar PV panels, which have a lifetime of 25-
30 years, poses significant environmental and health risks
Challenges and Considerations:
due to the potential release of toxic metals into the
x Implementation and Governance: environment.
o Successful implementation of the ambitious x Shift in Import Dependencies: As India moves away
proposals requires robust governance and effective from petroleum, there is a new dependency on imported
coordination between central and state solar panels and critical minerals, which have complex
governments. and vulnerable supply chains.
o Ensuring that funds reach the intended beneficiaries Way Forward for Energy Security and Sustainability
efficiently is crucial, necessitating strengthened
x Diversification of Energy Sources: It's crucial to
transparency and accountability mechanisms to
supplement renewable energy with other non-fossil fuel
prevent corruption and leakage of resources.
resources like nuclear, biofuels, and hydrogen to
x Role of the Private Sector: minimize risks associated with renewables.
o The success of skilling and employment initiatives x Development of Domestic Capacities: Building
will depend heavily on the participation of the domestic capabilities for the production and processing
private sector. Industries must collaborate in of critical minerals to reduce import dependency and
designing curricula, providing internships, and enhance self-reliance in energy resources.
creating job opportunities for a skilled workforce.
x Promotion of Cleaner Coal Technologies: Initiatives
o Fostering an environment conducive to public- such as coal gasification, carbon capture and storage
private partnerships is key to ensuring that (CCS), coal bed methane (CBM), and coal beneficiation
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businesses invest in human resource development. are promoted to mitigate emissions from coal usage.
x Structural Reforms: x Integration of Renewable with Other Clean
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Technologies: Pairing renewable energy sources with

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
nuclear power, bio-fuels, and green hydrogen can Challenges Faced by Middle-Income Countries
address intermittency issues and provide more stable x Ageing Populations: Many are dealing with
energy production. demographic shifts that strain resources.
x Government Financial Support for Clean Energy x Debt Burdens: High levels of national debt limit
Transition: Providing financial incentives and support to economic flexibility.
micro and small-scale sectors to adopt cleaner energy
technologies will facilitate a broader transition to x Geopolitical and Trade Frictions: Increasing global
sustainable practices. tensions create hurdles for sustained growth.

x Focus on Environmental Protection in Waste x Decelerating Growth Rates: Growth has slowed from an
Management: Developing safe recycling processes for annual average of 6% in the 2000s to 4% in the 2020s.
solar PV waste to prevent environmental contamination Since the early 1990s, only 34 countries have
and protect human health. transitioned to high-income status, representing a mere
4% of the population.
World Development Report 2024's Approach
EPW Snapshot x Analytical Delving
The Middle-income Trap o The WDR 2024 examines the middle-income trap in
Introduction greater detail, aiming to propose actionable
strategies.
x The World Bank is shifting its focus towards aiding
middle-income economies in transitioning to the high- o Definition: The report identifies the middle-income
income group. This shift is evident in its flagship World trap as a slowdown in growth due to the inability to
Development Report (WDR) for 2024, titled "The develop new economic structures that sustain high
Middle-Income Trap", which attempts to formulate a growth.
credible strategy to assist over a hundred middle-income Strategies to Escape the Middle-Income Trap
countries in achieving high-income status.
o Investments: Boosting capital investments to
Reasons for Focusing on Middle-Income Countries stimulate economic growth.
x Convergence Theory Falling Short: Traditional o Infusion of New Technologies: Integrating external
neoclassical growth theories posited that poorer technologies and ensuring their widespread
countries pursuing market-based policies would grow adoption.
faster than developed economies, eventually converging
o Innovations: Fostering innovation to enhance
with them. However, this convergence is proving to be
productivity and value addition.
elusive.
x Expected Outcomes
x Technological Lag: Middle-income countries struggle
to keep pace with rapid technological advancements in o Dynamic Enterprises: Encouraging businesses that
high-income economies. can adapt and compete globally.

x Increased Competition: They face stiff competition o Productive Workforce: Developing skills and
from poorer countries, producing cheaper products that education to increase labour productivity.
affect their global market share. o Energy-Efficient Economy: Building infrastructure
Statistical Overview and industries that are environmentally sustainable.

x Number of Middle-Income Countries: According to x Warnings and Projections

the World Bank, currently, there are 108 middle-income x Without significant changes, it could take:
countries with per capita incomes ranging from $1,136
o China: Over 10 years to reach just a quarter of the
to $13,845.
U.S. per capita income.
x Population and Economic Contribution: o India: Up to 75 years to achieve similar progress.
o Home to 6 billion people. x Necessary Transitions for Middle-Income Countries
o Account for two-thirds of the global poor. o Investment and Technology Infusion: Attracting
o Produce over one-third of global output. foreign capital and expertise. Implementing policies
o Contribute about two-thirds of global carbon that facilitate business operations and technological
138

emissions. adoption.
o Focus on Innovation: Adjusting existing policies and
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institutions to promote innovation. Encouraging

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
businesses to move up the value chain through RBI’s Intervention Strategy
advanced processes and products. x Managed Float Regime: India operates under a
Role of High-Income Countries' Policies managed float regime, where the RBI intervenes in the
x Curtailing Incumbent Power: Enforcing regulations to foreign exchange market to control "excessive
prevent monopolies and promote fair competition. volatility" but does not aim to directly guide the value
Building robust institutions to implement and uphold of the rupee. Interventions are carried out through
these laws effectively. selected public sector banks, maintaining confidentiality
to avoid speculation.
x Fiscal Realignment: Redirecting fiscal priorities to
nurture startups and innovative companies. Utilising x Shift to Forward Market Interventions: The RBI has
economic downturns as opportunities to implement increasingly shifted its interventions from spot markets
necessary policy and institutional reforms. to forward markets, particularly in the post-pandemic
period.
Conclusion
Impact on Volatility
x Transitioning from a middle-income to a high-income
economy is a complex and challenging process that x The RBI’s interventions have successfully contained
requires significant strategic changes. The World Bank's volatility in both the appreciating and depreciating
WDR 2024 highlights that proposed strategies involve phases of the rupee.
investments, technology infusion, and innovation. x The rupee's appreciating spells have allowed the RBI to
Keeping the Indian Rupee Stable build up its reserves, while the depreciating phases have
seen more dollar sales to support the rupee.
Introduction
Impact on Businesses
x The Indian rupee has maintained a relatively stable
movement in recent times. This stability was largely due x Forward Market Interventions: Influencing forward
to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervention in the premiums affects the hedging decisions of importers and
non-deliverable forward (NDF) market. Although the exporters. Importers hedge more during depreciating
RBI does not disclose daily data on rupee intervention to phases, leading to more future import decisions.
avoid speculation, monthly data reveals consistent Exporters, however, may hedge less optimally due to
intervention in both the spot and forward markets. downward pressure on premiums.

Recent Trends (2022-2024) Future Liabilities

x September 2022 to September 2023: The rupee x A noteworthy spike in long-term liabilities occurred
exhibited range-bound movement between 80.45 and post-pandemic, indicating that some forward swaps
83.26 during this period. were either carried forward or replaced with new swaps.

x October 2023 to December 2023: The range narrowed x In 2024, both long-term and short-term liabilities sharply
further, fluctuating between 82.75 and 83.48. This declined, suggesting that some of these liabilities were
narrowing range indicated increased stability. addressed to avoid future burdens.

x January 2024 to June 2024: The rupee's movement Conclusion

widened slightly, ranging from 82.64 to 83.73. x The RBI has stabilised the Indian rupee through spot and
INR Movement Compared to Other Emerging Market forward market interventions. While forward market
Currencies interventions have proven useful in managing volatility
and ensuring rupee stability, long-term costs are related
x The rupee’s movement is compared to other emerging
to increased liabilities and potential distortions in
market currencies, such as the Brazilian real (BRL),
business hedging behaviour. Going forward, the central
Chinese renminbi (CNY), South African rand (ZAR),
bank must carefully monitor the build-up of future
and Indonesian rupiah (IDR).
liabilities and balance the needs of businesses with its
x Besides BRL, the emerging market currencies—IDR, ZAR, intervention strategy to ensure sustained currency
CNY, and INR—have sharply depreciated since 2022. stability.
While these currencies have been more stable from 2023
Bangladesh and South Asian Regionalism
onwards, the movement in INR is most stable.
Introduction
x The rupee's volatility has been the lowest among these
currencies, followed closely by the Chinese renminbi. This x The abrupt collapse of the Awami League government in
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demonstrates the RBI's effective measures to curb Bangladesh and the subsequent flight of Prime Minister
volatility. Sheikh Hasina to India exposed the fragility of South
Asian governments and the unpredictability of political
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realities in the region. Bangladesh's “Monsoon

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C.C. OCTOBER ‘24
Revolution” is the latest in a series of political upheavals the ongoing civil war in Myanmar, weakening the
across South Asia, which signal broader regional organisation’s efficacy.
turbulence. Chinese Influence in the Region
Similar Events in the South Asia x China's Growing Role: The collapse of regional
x Afghanistan: August 2021 saw the chaotic U.S. military mechanisms like SAARC has created a vacuum that China
withdrawal, leading to the Taliban's return to power. is attempting to fill, as evidenced by the recent China-
x Myanmar: A military coup in February 2021. South Asia Cooperation Forum meeting in Kunming,
which sought to establish a regional cooperation
x Sri Lanka: Widespread protests led to a government
template excluding India.
change in July 2022.
Conclusion
x Maldives: A government shift through elections in
x The political crisis in Bangladesh, combined with broader
November 2023.
regional instability, underscores the challenges facing
x Nepal: Political realignment in July 2024. Indian diplomacy. While bilateral approaches remain
Bangladesh "Monsoon Revolution" crucial, India must strengthen regional mechanisms to
x Internal Dissent in Bangladesh address emerging South Asian challenges. Pragmatism
and adaptability will be key as India navigates this
o Popular Discontent: The fall of the Awami League
political flux and changing regional dynamics.
government reveals deep-seated public alienation.
Symbolic acts, such as the demolition of statues of The Politics of Symbolism
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the cancellation of Introduction
national holidays commemorating his assassination, x The 43rd Indravelli Martyrs' Day commemorates the
point to growing dissatisfaction. ongoing Adivasi struggles for “Jal, Jangal, and Jamin”
o Comparison to 1971: The overthrow of Sheikh (water, forest, and land). Interestingly, the Telangana
Hasina is seen as a “second liberation,” comparable Chief Minister, whose party (Indian National Congress)
to Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, reflecting the was responsible for the original incident, launched his
extent of opposition to the Awami League. Lok Sabha election campaign from the Indravelli
Impact on India martyrs' memorial in 2024. This dual use of Adivasi
symbols by both the community and political entities
x Perception of India: Sheikh Hasina's government was
exposes the contradictions within the state's handling of
closely associated with India, and many Bangladeshis
Adivasi's struggles.
believe that her long tenure was partly due to Indian
support. Attacks on Bangladesh's Hindu minority added Adivasi Revolts in Telangana
to the perception that the government served Indian x Ramji Gond: Leading a revolt in 1860, Ramji Gond’s
interests. struggle against the British in the Adilabad district
x Public Sentiment: Anti-India sentiments are not remains a powerful symbol in Adivasi history. His
uncommon in smaller neighbouring countries, and while rebellion inspired later movements, including that of
India should not try to eliminate this sentiment, it must Kumaram Bheemu.
carefully navigate it in its diplomatic strategies. x Kumaram Bheemu: Bheemu’s dream of establishing a
India’s Approach to the Crisis Gond Raj, or independent Adivasi rule, in the Jodeghat
region shook the Nizam's government. His movement
x Pragmatism and Patience: India must show
aimed to reclaim Adivasi political sovereignty and
pragmatism, patience, and flexibility in its dealings with
protect their cultural identity.
the new interim government in Bangladesh. These
qualities were successfully applied in dealing with the Indravelli Incident (April 20, 1981)
Taliban regime in Afghanistan and President x It marked a significant turning point in Adivasi's
Mohamed Muizzu’s government in the Maldives. resistance. A public meeting organised by Girijana
Decline in South Asian Regionalism Rythu Coolie Sangham, a front organisation for
People’s War Group (PWG) Naxalites, aimed to discuss
x SAARC’s Decline: The South Asian Association for
Adivasi issues. However, the police abruptly cancelled
Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has been dormant
the meeting and imposed Section 144 CrPC, resulting in
since 2016, largely due to India-Pakistan tensions.
a massacre of Adivasis.
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x BIMSTEC’s Challenges: The Bay of Bengal Initiative

Transforming Narratives into Symbols
for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic
Cooperation (BIMSTEC) also faces hurdles, particularly x Commemorating the Indravelli Incident
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o Initial Memorial Construction: The Andhra used Bheemu’s slogans of Jal, Jangal, and Jamin to
Pradesh Rythu Coolie Sangham (APRCS) proposed build popular support for the movement.
building a memorial to commemorate the martyrs, o Adivasi Symbols in Electoral Politics: The
but this effort was met with resistance from the state. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) celebrated Ramji
Despite police threats and surveillance, a 53-foot Gond and Kumaram Bheemu, incorporating their
column with a red flag was inaugurated. struggles into an anti-Muslim narrative. This strategy
o State Repression: The memorial was demolished helped the BJP expand its influence in Adivasi regions,
twice, reflecting the state’s discomfort with the including twice winning the Adilabad Lok Sabha
growing political significance of the Indravelli seat.
martyrs. Sub-alternization of Adivasi Politics
Symbolism of Kumaram Bheemu x Representation Without Power: Adivasis may hold
o Statues and Memorials: The first bust of Bheemu political office, but their roles are often symbolic.
was installed at Jodeghat in 1985. Bheemu’s Genuine political empowerment remains elusive, with
symbolism became central to Adivasi's identity and Adivasi leaders having limited influence over decision-
resistance, and his image was used to negotiate with making processes.
the post-colonial state. x Loss of Independent Politics: Political parties have
o State Co-optation: For the Telangana government, appropriated Adivasi symbols to build constituencies,
celebrating Bheemu’s resistance against the Nizam often diluting Adivasi-independent politics.
became a convenient way to engage with Adivasi Conclusion
politics while sidelining the memory of the Indravelli
The politics of Adivasi symbols and memorials reveal a
resistance.
complex interplay between recognition, representation, and
x Political Appropriation of Adivasi Symbols marginalisation. The challenge for Adivasis lies in reclaiming
o Role of the Telangana Movement: During the these symbols and using them to assert their political
Telangana separate state movement, Bheemu’s agency, independent of state control. The rise of Adivasi
vision of self-rule was incorporated into the political movements like the Bharat Adivasi Party offers
movement's ideological framework. The Telangana hope for a future where Adivasi voices are recognised and
Rashtra Samithi (TRS), led by K Chandrasekhar Rao, empowered.

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