w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.

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Current
Affairs
(CONSOLIDaTION)

MAY 2024
(Part – I)
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Contents
Polity and Governance.........................................................................................................6
Regulating Misleading Advertisements in India............................................................................................................. 6
Question on Existence of Article 31C ........................................................................................................................... 9
India as a Net Exporter of Medical Consumables......................................................................................................... 11
Draft Explosives Bill 2024............................................................................................................................................. 12
Increased in Public Health Expenditure....................................................................................................................... 14
Corporal Punishment................................................................................................................................................... 15
Annual Review of State Laws 2023.............................................................................................................................. 18
Diplomatic Passport..................................................................................................................................................... 20
SC Rejects Centre’s Plea for Administrative Spectrum Allocation................................................................................ 21
Challenges Faced by Street Vendors............................................................................................................................ 23
High Court Upholds Debtors’ Right to Travel............................................................................................................... 25

Economic Scenario.............................................................................................................28
Shaping the Future of India’s Toy Industry.................................................................................................................. 28
Shrimp Farming in India............................................................................................................................................... 29
Navigating India’s Transition to Sustainability............................................................................................................. 33
3O Years of TRIPS ........................................................................................................................................................ 36
RBI Eases FEMA Regulations........................................................................................................................................ 37
Strengthening of Rupee............................................................................................................................................... 38
Socio-Ecological Impact of LPG Price Escalation.......................................................................................................... 40
Chocolate Industry Meltdown...................................................................................................................................... 42
Regulatory Action Against Kotak Mahindra Bank by RBI.............................................................................................. 44
India’s Aviation Sector.................................................................................................................................................. 45
Drip Pricing................................................................................................................................................................... 48
Central Bank Digital Currency...................................................................................................................................... 48
Rat Hole Mining............................................................................................................................................................ 50
Surge in Tobacco Prices................................................................................................................................................ 52
Rising Share of Personal Income Tax and Indirect Tax................................................................................................. 54
Corporate Governance for Startups............................................................................................................................. 57
Paradox of Savings....................................................................................................................................................... 59
Redistribution of Private Property............................................................................................................................... 61
Indian Poultry Sector.................................................................................................................................................... 64
UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals.......................................................................................................... 66
Inheritance Tax............................................................................................................................................................. 69
Bima Vistaar................................................................................................................................................................. 71
India’s De-globalised Food Inflation............................................................................................................................. 73

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International Relations.......................................................................................................75
Vietnam Push for Non-Market Economy Status.......................................................................................................... 75
India Sugarcane Subsidy under WTO Scrutiny............................................................................................................. 77
Nepal’s Currency Featured Kalapani Region................................................................................................................ 79
Japan’s Shifting Diplomatic Posture............................................................................................................................. 81

Social Issues.......................................................................................................................85
Allegations of Child Labour in Trade Negotiations with Australia................................................................................ 85
PM-EAC Report on Share of Religious Minorities......................................................................................................... 87
WHO Report on Global Immunisation.......................................................................................................................... 90
Women in Global Capability Centers........................................................................................................................... 92

Science & Technology.........................................................................................................93

West Nile Fever............................................................................................................................................................ 93
Xenotransplantation.................................................................................................................................................... 93
Indian Space Situational Assessment Report 2023...................................................................................................... 94
Side-Effects of Covid-19 Vaccine.................................................................................................................................. 96
Understanding Magnetic Resonance Imaging.............................................................................................................. 98
Artificial General Intelligence....................................................................................................................................... 99
Black Hole Gaia BH3................................................................................................................................................... 100
Occultation in Astronomy.......................................................................................................................................... 102

Environment and Ecology.................................................................................................104

India Hosts 46th ATCM and 26th Meeting of CEP in 2024............................................................................................ 104
Balanced Fertilisation................................................................................................................................................. 105
Snow Leopards........................................................................................................................................................... 108
Illegal Mining in Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary............................................................................................................... 110
Himalayan Magpies.................................................................................................................................................... 111
Recipe For A Livable Planet Report of World Bank.................................................................................................... 112
Carbon Farming: A Path to Sustainable Agriculture................................................................................................... 116
Failure of Market-Based Approaches to Forest Conservation................................................................................... 117
Constructed Wetlands................................................................................................................................................ 119
Climate Migration...................................................................................................................................................... 121
New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG)..................................................................................... 123
4th Session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee......................................................................................... 124
Regenerative Blue Economy....................................................................................................................................... 127
Unclassed Forests in India.......................................................................................................................................... 130

Security............................................................................................................................132
Significance of Carrier Aviation.................................................................................................................................. 132

History.............................................................................................................................136
Racial Bias in Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Compensation........................................................................................... 136

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Hoysala’s Sri Madhava Perumal Temple Reveals Trade Route.................................................................................. 137

Geography.......................................................................................................................139
Aurora Borealis in India.............................................................................................................................................. 139
Heat-Waves Threatens Litchi Farmers....................................................................................................................... 140
Land Subsidence in Chenab Valley............................................................................................................................. 141
Interplay of Heat Waves, Anticyclones and Global Warming..................................................................................... 143
Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower...................................................................................................................................... 144
Expanding Glacial Lakes in the Himalayas.................................................................................................................. 145
INCOIS Study on Indian Ocean Floor Mapping........................................................................................................... 148
Indian Ocean Warming Accelerates........................................................................................................................... 149

Ethics...............................................................................................................................153
Criminalisation of Politics .......................................................................................................................................... 153

Miscellaneous..................................................................................................................156
Booker Prize’s Link to Slavery..................................................................................................................................... 156
World Press Freedom Day 2024................................................................................................................................. 157

Rapid Fire Current Affairs.............................................................................................159

UNGA Resolution for Palestine’s UN Membership Bid.............................................................................................. 160
UN Body Defers NHRC Accreditation......................................................................................................................... 161
Silk Cotton Tree Under Threat.................................................................................................................................... 161
UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register................................................................................ 161
SBI Becomes First TCM Member at IIBX..................................................................................................................... 162
Superplasticizers in Concrete..................................................................................................................................... 162
International Nurses Day 2024................................................................................................................................... 162
India’s KABIL Eyes Lithium Acquisition in Australia.................................................................................................... 163
China’s Third Aircraft Carrier Completes Maiden Sea Trials...................................................................................... 163
Prerna Programme..................................................................................................................................................... 163
5th Customs Meeting Between India and Bhutan....................................................................................................... 163
Oleander Flowers....................................................................................................................................................... 164
International Thalassemia Day................................................................................................................................... 164
Catatumbo Lightning.................................................................................................................................................. 165
Indian Naval Ships Strengthen Maritime Partnerships.............................................................................................. 166
Heatwaves Causing Major Wildfires in Russia............................................................................................................ 166
Green Milestone......................................................................................................................................................... 166
Batillipes Chandrayaani.............................................................................................................................................. 167
Atmosphere of a 55 Cancri e Exoplanet.................................................................................................................... 167
Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary.......................................................................................................................................... 168
Kavach System............................................................................................................................................................ 168
India Emerges as Third-Largest Solar Power Producer in 2023.................................................................................. 169
Widal Test in Diagnosing Typhoid in India................................................................................................................. 169

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Elected Women Representatives of PRI Participated in CPD57................................................................................. 169
Approval for Phase 2 Trials of MTBVAC..................................................................................................................... 170
EC Stops Release of Aid Under Rythu Bharosa Scheme............................................................................................. 170
Jiadhal River Assam.................................................................................................................................................... 170
Border Roads Organisation 65th Raising Day.............................................................................................................. 171
Israeli Military Seizes Rafah Border Crossing............................................................................................................. 172
SPACE for Indian Navy................................................................................................................................................ 172
Dry Aral Sea ............................................................................................................................................................... 172
Amendment to
Mutual Fund Rules..................................................................................................................................................... 173
International Sun Day................................................................................................................................................. 174
SMART System........................................................................................................................................................... 174
Boeing Starliner’s First Crewed Test Flight................................................................................................................. 175
Vallabhacharya Jayanti............................................................................................................................................... 175
Tirthahalli Areca Nut Variety...................................................................................................................................... 176
7th India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee....................................................................................... 176
Cyclone Hidaya .......................................................................................................................................................... 176
Discovery of Peucetia Chhaparajnirvin....................................................................................................................... 177
NPCI International Partners with the Bank of Namibia.............................................................................................. 177
Critical Minerals Summit............................................................................................................................................ 178
Growth in Mineral Production................................................................................................................................... 179
PlayTrue Campaign of NADA...................................................................................................................................... 179
World’s Deepest Blue Hole........................................................................................................................................ 179
Orangutan Treats Wound With Medicinal Plant ....................................................................................................... 180
Chinese Road Construction in Shaksgam Valley......................................................................................................... 181
Study Advocates Removal of Exotic Plant Species..................................................................................................... 181
6th Conference of the ICDRI........................................................................................................................................ 183
CPGRAMS................................................................................................................................................................... 183
Microsoft Unveils Phi-3-Mini...................................................................................................................................... 184
65th Foundation Day of CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP)................................................................................ 184
Options Writing.......................................................................................................................................................... 184
GST Revenue Collection for April 2024...................................................................................................................... 185
Shompen Cast their First Vote . ................................................................................................................................. 185
Bhimtal Lake .............................................................................................................................................................. 186
Simultaneous Eruption of Solar Flares....................................................................................................................... 186
IREDA Gets Navratna Status....................................................................................................................................... 187
Hangor Class Submarine . .......................................................................................................................................... 189
Plato and the Avars.................................................................................................................................................... 189
AI-powered Election Outreach................................................................................................................................... 189
Goldman Environmental Prize 2024 . ........................................................................................................................ 190

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Polity and Governance

Highlights
z Regulating Misleading Advertisements in India z Annual Review of State Laws 2023
z Question on Existence of Article 31C z Diplomatic Passport
z India as a Net Exporter of Medical Consumables z SC Rejects Centre’s Plea for Administrative Spectrum Allocation
z Draft Explosives Bill 2024 z Challenges Faced by Street Vendors
z Increased in Public Health Expenditure z High Court Upholds Debtors’ Right to Travel
z Corporal Punishment

request permissions, registrations, and licenses

Regulating Misleading for broadcast-related activities from the Ministry
Advertisements in India of Information and Broadcasting.
z A similar portal for print advertisers is to be
Why in News? established.
In a move to safeguard consumers from misleading ¾ Responsibility of Endorsers:
advertisements, the Supreme Court of India has issued € Social media influencers, celebrities, and public
directives for advertisers to submit self-declarations figures endorsing products must act responsibly.
before promoting products in the media. z Endorsers should possess adequate knowledge
¾ In further development, the Union government has about the products they promote to avoid
withdrawn an AYUSH Ministry letter, which “omitted” deceptive advertising.
Rule 170 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, What Recent Cases of Misleading Advertisements
with immediate effect. have Emerged?
Note: ¾ The Advertisement Monitoring Committee at Food
¾ Rule 170 prohibits advertisements of Ayurvedic, Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
Siddha, or Unani drugs without licensing authorities’ identified 32 cases of misleading claims by food
approval. business operators (FBOs) bringing the total count
of such violations to 170 in the last six months.
What are the Key Directives from
€ Variety of Offenders: Violators span diverse
the Supreme Court?
product categories, including health supplements,
¾ Submission of Self-Declarations: organic products, and staples.
€ Advertisers must submit self-declarations before ¾ The Supreme Court recently rebuked Patanjali
promoting products in the media. Ayurved for disseminating misleading advertisements,
€ Advertisers are now obligated to declare that leading to a ban on its marketing activities.
their advertisements do not deceive or make € The Indian Medical Association accused Patanjali
untrue statements about their products in order of denigrating allopathic medicine and spreading
to prevent misleading consumers. false information about vaccines during Covid-19.
¾ Online Portal for Advertisers: € The allegations led to legal arguments citing

€ Advertisers intending to run TV ads must upload violations of the Drugs & Other Magical Remedies
declarations on the ‘Broadcast Seva’ portal, which Act, 1954, and the Consumer Protection Act,
serves as a one-stop facility for stakeholders to 2019.

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¾ Ensuring Consumer Protection: Provides a false description of a product or
z

€ Establish a transparent process for consumers to service;

report misleading advertisements and ensure they z Offers false guarantees that mislead consumers;
receive updates on complaint status and outcomes. z constitutes an unfair trade practice through

How Do Misleading Advertisements express representation;

z Deliberately omits essential information about
Violate Ethical Principles?
the product.
¾ Violation of Truthfulness: Honesty and truthfulness
¾ Central Consumer Protection Authority:
are essential ethical principles that should guide all
€ The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
business practices, including advertising.
operates under the Department of Consumer
€ These advertisements manipulate consumer
Affairs.
perceptions and exploit vulnerabilities for
€ Established under section 10 of the Consumer
commercial gain; they persuade individuals to
make purchasing decisions based on false premises. Protection Act, 2019, it regulates matters related
to consumer rights violations and unfair trade
¾ Fairness and Justice: Misleading advertisements create
practices.
an uneven playing field, giving an unfair advantage to
€ The act empowers the CCPA to prevent false or
companies that engage in deceptive practices over
those that prioritize ethical advertising. misleading advertisements and ensure consumer
rights are protected.
€ This violates the principle of fairness and justice
€ Enforcement of Guidelines:
in the marketplace, as it disadvantages honest
competitors and undermines consumer trust. z The CCPA enforces the‘Guidelines for Prevention

€ Example: Companies making false environmental

of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements
claims (greenwashing) to capitalize on the growing for Misleading Advertisements, 2022’, which
demand for sustainable products, while their were issued per the powers conferred by the
competitors truthfully disclose their environmental Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
impact. z Objective of the Guidelines:

¾ Consumer Harm: Misleading advertisements can „ The guidelines seek to ensure that consumers

lead to financial losses for consumers who purchase are not being fooled by unsubstantiated
products or services based on false claims, resulting claims, exaggerated promises, misinformation
in dissatisfaction. and false claims.
€ It can also harm consumers’ physical or mental „ Such advertisements violate various rights of

well-being if the advertised products or services consumers such as the right to be informed,
are potentially harmful or ineffective. the right to choose and the right to be
¾ Erosion of Trust: Repeated exposure to misleading
safeguarded against potentially unsafe
advertisements erodes trust in products, brands, products and services.
and advertising, undermining the ethical principle z Provisions of the Guidelines:

of integrity in business and society. „ The guidelines define “bait advertising”,

€ When consumers feel deceived, they lose confidence “surrogate advertisement” and “free claim
in the market’s integrity, as words and actions advertisements”.
become inconsistent. „ They also lay down provisions to protect
children from exaggerated or unsubstantiated
How Misleading Advertisements claims in advertisements.
are Regulated in India?
‹ Advertisements targeting children are
¾ Definition of Misleading Advertisement: prohibited from featuring personalities
€ A misleading advertisement is defined under from sports, music, or cinema for products
Section 2 (28) of the Consumer Protection Act, that require a health warning or cannot
2019, as any advertisement that: be purchased by children.

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„ Disclaimers in advertisements should not z Provides redressal against misleading

hide material information or attempt to advertisements.
correct misleading claims. € Cable Television Network Act of 1995 and the
„ The guidelines also outline the duties of Cable Television Amendment Act of 2006:
manufacturers, service providers, advertisers, z Prohibits transmission of advertisements that
and advertising agencies to bring more do not conform to the prescribed advertisement
transparency and clarity to advertisements. code.
‹ This aims to help consumers make informed z Ensures advertisements do not offend morality,
decisions based on facts. decency, or religious sensitivities.
z Penalties for Violations: € Restrictions on Tobacco Advertisement:
„ CCPA can impose penalties of up to 10 lakh z Prohibits direct and indirect advertisement of
rupees on manufacturers, advertisers, and tobacco products in all forms of media.
endorsers for misleading advertisements.
z Enforced under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco
‹ For subsequent violations, the penalty Products Act, 2003.
can be up to 50 lakh rupees.
€ Drug and Magic Remedies Act, 1954 & Drugs and
„ The Authority can also prohibit the endorser Cosmetics Act, 1940:
of a misleading advertisement from
z It regulates drug advertisements. Prohibits the
makingany endorsements for up to 1 year,
use of test reports for advertising drugs.
and for subsequent violations, the prohibition
„ Penalties for violations include fines and
can extend up to 3 years.
imprisonment.
¾ Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI):
€ Regulation of Prenatal Diagnostic Techniques:
€ Deceptive advertising falls under Section-53 of
z Prohibits advertisement related to prenatal sex
the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, making
it punishable. FSSAI mandates advertisements determination under the Prenatal Diagnostic
to be truthful, unambiguous, and substantiated Techniques (Regulation and Prevention of
scientifically. Misuse) Act, 1994.
z Advertising harmful publications under the
€ FSSAI uses the Food Safety and Standards
(Advertisements & Claims) Regulations, 2018 Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act, 1956,
which specifically deal with food (and related is punishable.
products) while CCPA’s regulations cover goods, € Criminality of Advertisements under the Indian
products and services. Penal Code (IPC):
¾ Legislations Governing Advertising: z IPC prohibits obscene, defamatory, or inciteful

€ ASCI (Advertisement Standard Council of India):

advertisements.
z Offenses related to inciting violence, terrorism,
z It is a nonstatutory tribunal established as a self-
regulated mechanism to introduce advertising or crime are illegal and punishable under IPC
ethics in India. provisions.
z It judges advertisements based on its Code of Initiatives for Consumer Protection
Advertising Practice, also known as the ASCI ¾ Consumer Welfare Fund
code which applies to advertisements seen in ¾ Integrated Grievance Address Mechanism (INGRAM)
India, even if they are from abroad and directed Portal
at Indian consumers.
¾ Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
€ Consumer Protection Act, 1986:
¾ Jago Grahak Jago Campaign
z Grants consumers the right to be informed about
¾ National Consumer Day (24th December)
goods and services’ quality, quantity, and price.
¾ Central Consumer Protection Council.
„ Section 2(r) covers false advertisements
under the definition of unfair trade practices. ¾ National and State Consumer Helplines.

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The court invalidated a portion of Article 31C
€
Question on Existence stating that laws claiming to be based on a specific
government policy cannot be challenged in court
of Article 31C for failing to achieve that policy’s goals.
Why in News? € This opened the door for the court to examine
laws that had been enacted to further Articles
Recently, a nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court 39(b) and 39(c), to determine whether the purpose
has chosen to address the question regarding the existence of those laws actually lined up with the principles
of Article 31C, while hearing a case to decide whether espoused in these provisions.
the government can acquire and redistribute private
¾ Constitution (Forty-second) Amendment Act, (CAA)
property.
1976 and Minerva Mills Case (1980) :
What is Article 31C? € CAA, 1976 extended the protective ambit of

¾ About: Article 31C to encompass all directive principles

of state policy outlined in Articles 36-51 of the
€ Article 31C protects laws enacted to ensure social
Constitution.
goals:
z Clause (4) of the CAA,1976, deprived the courts
z The “material resources of the community”
of their power to call in question any amendment
are distributed to serve the common good
of the Constitution.
(Article 39B)
z Also, Clause (5) of the CAA,1976 tried to remove
z The wealth and the means of production are
all limitations on the amending power.
not “concentrated” to the “common detriment”
z It aimed to prioritise the implementation of
(Article 39C).
directive principles over certain fundamental
¾ Introduction of Article 31C: rights, particularly in the pursuit of socio-
€ It was added to the Indian Constitution in 1971 economic reforms..
through the 25th Constitutional Amendment, € In a subsequent legal ruling of Minerva Mills
primarily in response to the Supreme Court’s Case (1980) , the Supreme Court struck down
decision in theR.C. Cooper v. Union of India (Bank clauses 4 and 5 of the Constitution (Forty-second)
Nationalisation Case,1969). Amendment Act,1976.
z In this case, the court invalidated the Banking € This judicial pronouncementunderscored the
Companies (Acquisition and Transfer of limitations on Parliament’s authority to amend
Undertakings) Act, 1969 due to issues with the Constitution extensively.
the compensation offered. € Consequently, questions arose regarding the
¾ Purpose of Article 31C: continued validity and applicability of Article 31C
€ Article 31C protects directive principles (Articles following the Minerva Mills case.
39B and 39C) from being challenged by the right
What are the Arguments Regarding
to equality (Article 14) or rights under Article 19
Article 31C?
(freedom of speech, right to assemble peacefully,
etc). ¾ Argument Against Automatic Revival:
€ The original Article 31C was completely ‘substituted’
What are the Legal and Constitutional by an expanded version in the 42nd Amendment.
Challenges Associated with Article 31C? Therefore, when the new version was struck down
¾ Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): in the Minerva Mills case, the original could not
€ The Supreme Court established the “basic structure automatically revive.
doctrine,” asserting that certain fundamental € This argument is based on the legal principle that

elements of the Constitution are immune to once replaced, the original provision ceases to
modification by Parliament. exist unless explicitly reinstated.

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¾ Argument for Doctrine of Revival: € The Parliament can amend the Fundamental
€ The original Article 31C should automatically be Rights for implementing the Directive Principles,
revived based on the doctrine of revival. so long as the amendment does not damage or
€ This view is supported by precedents like the destroy the basic structure of the Constitution.
ruling on the National Judicial Appointments
Commission, where struck-down amendments led Article 31, 31A, 31B and 31C
to the revival of previous provisions, suggesting ¾ About:
that the pre-amended Article 31C should resurface € Originally, the right to property was one of the
if the subsequent amendments are invalidated. seven fundamental rights and provided that no
Conflicts Between Fundamental Rights and DPSP person shall be deprived of his property except
by authority of law.
¾ Champakam Dorairajan v the State of Madras, 1951:
€ However, being one the most controversial rights,
€ In this case, the Supreme Court ruled that in
the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 abolished the
case of any conflict between the Fundamental right to property as a Fundamental Right and
Rights and the Directive Principles, the former made it a legal right (constitutional right) under
would prevail. Article 300A in Part XII of the Constitution.
€ It declared that the Directive Principles have € Article 31 led to a number of Constitutional
to conform to and run as subsidiary to the amendments; 1st, 4th, 7th, 25th, 39th, 40th and
Fundamental Rights. 42nd Amendments.
€ It also held that the Fundamental Rights could z The First Amendment Act, 1951 inserted
be amended by the Parliament by enacting Articles 31A and 31B to the Constitution.
constitutional amendment acts. z Article 31C was inserted in the Constitution
¾ Golaknath v the State of Punjab, 1967: by 25th Amendment Act, 1971.
€ In this case, the Supreme Court declared that ¾ Article 31A:
Fundamental Rights could not be amended € It saves five categories of laws from being
by the Parliament even for implementation of challenged and invalidated on the ground of
Directive Principles. contravention of the fundamental rights conferred
€ It was contradictory to its own judgement in by Article 14 and Article 19.
the ‘Shankari Parsad case’. € It also provides the guaranteed right to

¾ Kesavananda Bharati v the State of Kerala, 1973: compensation in case of acquisition or requisition
€ In this case, the Supreme Court overruled its
of the private property by the state.
judgement in the Golak Nath case. It upheld € It includes:

the validity of the 24th Amendment Act and z Acquisition of estates and related rights by

stated that Parliament is empowered to abridge the State;

or take away any of the Fundamental Rights. z Taking over the management of properties

z At the same time, it laid down a new doctrine by the State;

of the ‘basic structure’ (or ‘basic features’) z Amalgamation of corporations;
of the Constitution. z Extinguishment or modification of rights of
€ It ruled that the constituent power of Parliament directors or shareholders of corporations
under Article 368 does not enable it to alter the z Extinguishment or modification of mining
‘basic structure’ of the Constitution. leases.
¾ Minerva Mills vs. Union of India, 1980: ¾ Article 31B:
€ In this case, the Supreme Court held that ‘the € It protects the acts and regulations included in
Indian Constitution is founded on the bedrock the Ninth Schedule from being challenged and
of the balance between the Fundamental Rights invalidated on the ground of contravention of
and the Directive Principles. any of the fundamental rights.

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€ The scope of Article 31B is wider than Article Imports: Imports amounted to approximately
z

31A as it immunises any law included in the Ninth USD 1.1 billion, indicating a 33% decline.
Schedule from the Fundamental Rights (unlike ¾ Major Challenges with India’s Pharma Sector:
article 31A that protects only five categories). € Lagging Research and Development (R&D): India’s

€ However, the Supreme Court in its judgement R&D spending in pharma is lower compared to
in the I.R. Coelho case, 2007 ruled that even developed nations. This hinders the creation of
laws under the Ninth Schedule would be open new drugs.
to scrutiny if they violated Fundamental Rights € Limited Innovation Ecosystem: Collaboration
or the basic structure of the Constitution. between academia, research institutions, and
€ The Supreme Court first propounded the doctrine pharmaceutical companies is weak, slowing down
of ‘basic structure’ of the constitution in the development of high qualtity drugs and medical
Kesavananda Bharati on April 24, 1973. devices.
€ Price Controls and Profit Margins: Government

India as a Net Exporter price controls on some drugs can limit profits,
making it less attractive for companies to invest
of Medical Consumables heavily in R&D for new drugs.
€ Complex Regulatory Framework: Navigating the
Why in News? approval process for new drugs can be lengthy
India has achieved a significant milestone in the and complex which leads to red tapism.
medical goods business, becoming a net exporter of € Skilled Workforce Shortage: There’s a lack of
medical consumables and disposables for the first time highly qualified scientists and researchers in the
in the fiscal year 2022-23. pharma sector, which leads to overburdened staff
¾ This marks a reversal of an old trend where imports affecting efficiency.
of such products outweighed exports. Government Initiatives in the Pharma Sector
What is the Status of India’s ¾ Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for
Pharmaceutical Industry? Pharmaceuticals
¾ Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks Scheme
¾ About:
¾ Strengthening Pharmaceuticals Industry Scheme
€ India has historically been dependent on imports
¾ National Policy on Research and Development and
for medical consumables and disposables. India
Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector in India
has now reversed this trend, indicating a shift
¾ Scheme for Promotion of Research and Innovation
towards self-sufficiency in this sector.
in Pharma MedTech Sector (PRIP)
€ India is the largest manufacturer of generic
¾ Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance
medicines globally. Its pharmaceutical industry
(PTUAS) Scheme
plays a crucial role in global healthcare, providing
affordable generic medicines. ¾ Revised Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
€ Intellectual Property (IP) Concerns: Uncertainties
€ It is currently valued at USD 50 billion as a major
around IP protection, due to provisions like
pharmaceutical exporter, with over 200+ countries
compulsory licensing (Indian Patents Act 1970),
served by Indian pharma exports.
can discourage large pharma investment in India.
€ It is expected to reach USD 65 Billion by 2024 and
€ Import Dependency: Despite progress, India remains
to USD 130 Billion by 2030.
largely dependent on imports for medical devices,
€ Export and Import Statistics: with around 70% sourced from other nations.
z Exports: India exported medical consumables z India’s heav y dependence on Active
and disposables worth USD 1.6 billion, showing a Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) imports,
16% surge over the previous fiscal year (2021-22). particularly from countries like China.

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€ Substandard Drugs: One significant issue in the

Indian pharmaceutical sector is the occurrence of Draft Explosives Bill 2024
deaths linked to the consumption of substandard
or counterfeit drugs. Why in News?
z Indian-origin medicines leads to multiple deaths The Government of India aims to replace the
of children in Africa and Central Asia. Explosives Act 1884 with the new Explosives Bill 2024.
¾ The Department for Promotion of Industry and
What Further Steps Can be Internal Trade (DPIIT) has proposed the draft bill.
Taken to Reform India’s Pharma Sector? ¾ The key objectives are to raise fines for regulatory
¾ Legislative Changes and Centralised Database: violations and enhance the efficiency of licensing
procedures.
€ Drugs and Cosmetics Act (1940) needs to be
amended and the establishment of a centralised What are the Key Provisions of the Proposed
drugs database can enhance surveillance and Explosives Bill 2024?
ensure effective regulation across all manufacturers. ¾ Designation of Licensing Authority: Under the
€ Also, implementing common quality standards proposed bill, the Union government will designate
across all states is necessary to ensure consistent the authority responsible for granting, suspending,
product quality. or revoking licences.
¾ Encouraging Certification: € Currently, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety

€ Encouraging more pharmaceutical manufacturing Organisation (PESO) operates under the DPIIT
units to obtain World Health Organization (WHO) and serves as the regulatory body.
Good Manufacturing Practice certification can ¾ Specified Quantity in Licences: Licences will specify
elevate industry-wide quality standards. the quantity of explosives that a licensee can
manufacture, possess, sell, transport, import, or
¾ Transparency, Credibility, and Accountability:
export for a specified period.
€ The regulator and the industry must collaborate to
Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization
enhance India’s drug regulatory regime, making
(PESO)
it transparent, credible, and aligned with global
standards. ¾ The PESO, formerly known as the Department of
Explosives, since its inception in 1898, has been
¾ Focus on Sustainable Manufacturing Practices: serving the nation as a nodal agency for regulating
€ Emphasising sustainable manufacturing practices, the safety of hazardous substances such as explosives,
including green chemistry, waste reduction, compressed gas and petroleum.
and energy efficiency, can enhance the sector’s ¾ PESO’s major work is to administer the responsibilities
environmental sustainability while reducing costs. delegated under the Explosives Act 1884 and
¾ Moving Beyond Generics: India excels in producing Petroleum Act 1934 and the Rules made thereunder
affordable generic medicines but faces challenges in related to the manufacture, import, export, transport,
possession, sale and use of Explosives, Petroleum
developing novel drugs.
products and Compressed gases.
€ Government support through initiatives like PLI
¾ It operates under the DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce
and facilitating clinical trial funding can accelerate
and Industry.
research and development efforts.
¾ The organisation has provided training to law
¾ Boosting R&D and Innovation: India’s lower enforcement, security, and intelligence personnel
expenditure on research and development compared in handling explosives safely, filling a critical gap in
to global leaders can be improved. the country’s training resources.
€ Focus should be to foster public-private partnerships ¾ Penalties for Violations: The proposed bill outlines
and provide tax incentives for innovation. stricter penalties for violations. Offenders may face

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 13
imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of Rs Note:
1,00,000, or both for manufacturing, importing or
¾ The Kodavas, a martial race in Kodagu (Coorg)
exporting explosives in violation of regulations.
district, are one of the few tribes in India allowed
€ Possession, use, sale, or transportation of explosives
to possess a gun without a licence.
in violation may lead to imprisonment for up to
two years, a fine of Rs 50,000, or both, whereas € The Kodavas, exempted from the Indian Arms Act
the current fine stands at Rs 3,000. since 1834, are known for their valiant support
¾ Streamlined Licensing Procedures: Efforts are underway to the British against Tipu Sultan, and they are
to enhance the efficiency of licensing procedures, required to obtain an exemption certificate
making it easier for businesses to obtain necessary from the government.
permits while maintaining stringent safety standards. Popular Explosives:
What is the Explosives Act of 1884? ¾ Dynamite:
¾ Historical Context: Enacted during British colonial € Dynamite is a type of explosive mainly made by
rule, the Explosives Act of 1884 aimed to regulate mixing nitroglycerin with an absorbent material
various aspects of explosives. such as clay.
¾ Safety Regulations: The Act applies to various types z This mixture stabilises the highly volatile
of explosives, including gunpowder, dynamite, nitroglycerin, making it safer to handle and
nitroglycerin, and other similar substances. transport.
€ The Act mandated safety standards and procedures
¾ Ammonium Nitrate:
to mitigate risks associated with explosives,
€ Ammonium nitrate is an inorganic compound
encompassing handling, transportation, and storage
guidelines to prevent accidents. consisting of ammonium ions (NH4) and nitrate
ions (NO3).
€ The Act empowers the Central Government to make
rules regulating the manufacture, possession, use, z It’s commonly used as an agricultural fertiliser,
sale, transport, import, and export of explosives. but it can also be used as an explosive in certain
z These rules govern the issuance of licences, conditions, particularly when combined with
fees, conditions, and exemptions. a fuel source.
¾ Prohibition of Dangerous Explosives: ¾ TNT (trinitrotoluene):
€ The Central Government can prohibit the € TNT is an organic compound derived from
manufacture, possession, or importation of toluene, an aromatic hydrocarbon.
especially dangerous explosives in the interest of z TNT is a yellow, odourless solid that is relatively
public safety.
stable and insensitive to shock and friction,
¾ Exemption: making it a popular choice as an explosive
€ The Act does not affect the provisions of the Arms used in military shells, in industrial uses, and
Act, 1959, and provisions are made for licences in underwater blasting.
issued under the Explosives Act to have the effect
of licences under the Arms Act. ¾ TNE (Trinitroethylener):
z The Arms Act of 1959 regulates the possession,
€ TNE is an organic nitrate compound. It has
acquisition, and carrying of ammunition and been used as an explosive but is less common
firearms. It also aims to curb illegal weapons compared to other explosives like TNT.
and violence. The act replaced the Indian Arms ¾ RDX (Royal Demolition explosive):
Act of 1878. € RDX is an organic compound, in appearance it
¾ Evolution and Amendments: Over time, the Explosives is a white powder and is very explosive widely
Act underwent several amendments to adapt to used in military and civilian applications due to
technological advancements and emerging challenges,
its high explosive power and stability.
primarily focusing on enhancing safety standards and
regulatory mechanisms. € It is also known as cyclonite or hexogen.

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healthcare. It proposes raising public health

Increased in Public expenditure to 2.5% of the GDP by 2025.
Health Expenditure ¾ Focus on Government-Funded Insurance Schemes:
€ Investment in government health insurance
Why in News? schemes like Ayushman Bharat PMJAY has risen
Recent National Health Accounts (NHA) data show sharply (4.4 fold increase since 2013-14).
that government health expenditure (GHE) as a proportion € The share of social security spending on health
of GDP increased by an unprecedented 63% between has also increased, demonstrating a shift towards
2014-15 and 2021-22. a more comprehensive healthcare system.
National Health Account (NHA) ¾ Decreasing Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE):
¾ The National Health Account (NHA) estimates is € A significant decline in OOPE (money spent directly
prepared by National Health Systems Resource by individuals on healthcare) has been observed,
Centre (NHSRC), designated as National Health dropping from 62.6% to 39.4% between 2014-15
Accounts Technical Secretariat (NHATS) in 2014 by and 2021-22.
the Union Health Ministry.
€ Factors Contributing to Lower OOPE:
¾ The NHA estimates are prepared by using an
z Schemes like Ayushman Bharat PMJAY help
accounting framework based on the internationally
people access treatment for serious illnesses
accepted standard of System of Health Accounts,
2011, developed by the World Health Organization without financial burden.
(WHO). z Increased utilisation of government facilities,
¾ These estimates are not only comparable free ambulance services, and other initiatives
internationally, but also enable the policymakers contribute to reduced OOPE.
to monitor the progress in different health financing z Availability of free medicines and diagnostics
indicators of the country. at Ayushman Arogya Kendras (AAMs) further
lowers healthcare costs.
National Health Systems Resource Centre
¾ Focus on Essential Drugs and Price Regulation:
¾ It was established in 2006-07 under the National
Rural Health Mission (NRHM) of Government of India € Jan Aushadhi Kendras provide affordable generic
to serve as an apex body for technical assistance. medicines and surgical items, saving citizens an
¾ Its mandate is to assist in policy and strategy
estimated Rs 28,000 crore since 2014.
development in the provision and mobilization of € Price regulation of essential medicines like
technical assistance to the states and in capacity stents and cancer drugs has led to further savings
building for the Ministry of Health and Family (estimated Rs 27,000 crore annually).
Welfare (MoHFW). ¾ Strengthening Social Determinants of Health:
What are the Findings of € Increased government spending not only targets
National Health Accounts (NHA) Data? healthcare services but also includes investments
in water supply and sanitation (through Jal Jeevan
¾ Increasing Government Investment in Healthcare:
Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission).
€ This is reflected in a significant increase in
government health expenditure (GHE) as a ¾ Investing in Healthcare Infrastructure:
percentage of GDP between 2014-15 and 2021-22 € Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha
(from 1.13% to 1.84%). Yojana and Ayushman Bharat Infrastructure
z Per capita government spending on health has Mission are strengthening medical infrastructure,
also nearly tripled in the same period. including AIIMS and ICU facilities.
€ The National Health Policy (NHP) aims to provide € Increased health grants to local bodies are bolstering
everyone with access to affordable, quality the primary healthcare system.

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Note:
¾ Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) is the money paid directly by households, at the point of receiving health care.
¾ It excludes the individuals covered under any public or private insurance or social protection scheme.

What are the Challenges Associated inflated bills and unnecessary procedures in
with Ensuring the Effective government hospitals.
Use of Increased Healthcare Funds in India? ¾ Human Resource Constraints:
€ Shortages of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare
¾ Equity in Access to Improved Facilities:
professionals often lead to overworked staff,
€ Rural populations often face long travel distances compromised quality of care, and longer waiting
and limited access to specialists, leading to delayed times.
diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. z The World Health Organization (WHO)
z A 2021 NITI Aayog report highlights the significant recommends a doctor-nurse ratio of 4:1, while
gap in the doctor-patient ratio (1:1100) with India currently has a ratio closer to 1:1.
a skewed distribution favouring urban areas z Also, currently, a doctor in the government
(1:400). hospital attends to ~11000 patients, which is
z The National Health Profile 2022 reveals a rise in more than the WHO recommendation of 1:1000.
non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes
and heart disease, which are expensive to treat. Corporal Punishment
¾ Misuse and Inefficiencies of Funds:
€ Bureaucratic inefficiencies, mismanagement, Why in News?
and potential corruption are the main factors Recently, the Tamil Nadu School Education
for diverting funds from reaching their intended Department released guidelines for the elimination of
beneficiaries. corporal punishment in schools (GCEP).
z A 2018 Comptroller and Auditor-General ¾ The guidelines are focused on safeguarding the
of India (CAG) report identified instances of physical and mental well-being of students and

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extend beyond eliminating corporal punishment to z It also involves practices like holding ears through
address any form of harassment of students. legs, kneeling, forced ingestion of substances,
and confining children to enclosed spaces within
What are the Key Facts About the Guidelines?
the school premises.
¾ The guidelines aim to create safe and nurturing
€ Mental harassment pertains to non-physical
environments for students by addressing physical
mistreatment that adversely affects a child’s
punishment, mental harassment, and discrimination.
academic and psychological well-being.
¾ The GECP includes safeguarding the mental well-
z This form of punishment encompasses behaviours
being of students and conducting awareness camps
such as sarcasm, name-calling, scolding using
to familiarise stakeholders with the guidelines of
derogatory language, intimidation, and the
the National Commission for Protection of Child
use of humiliating remarks.
Rights (NCPCR).
z It also includes actions like ridiculing, belittling,
¾ The GECP emphasises the establishment of monitoring
committees at each school comprising school heads, or shaming the child, creating an environment
parents, teachers, and senior students to oversee the of emotional distress and discomfort.
implementation of guidelines and address any issues. ¾ Justification of Corporal Punishment:
¾ The Department also listed affirmative actions against € In the United States, school corporal punishment

corporal punishment, including multidisciplinary is currently legal in 22 states.

intervention, life-skills education, and mechanisms € A few sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC),1860
for children’s voices. provide the grounds for justification of Corporal
Punishment.
What is Corporal Punishment?
z Section 88 provides safeguards for “Acts not
¾ About:
intended to cause death, done by consent in
€ Corporal is defined by the UN Committee on the
good faith for a person’s benefit,”.
Rights of the Child, as “any punishment in which
z Section 89 protects “Acts done in good faith
physical force is used and intended to cause some
for the benefit of a child or insane person, by
degree of pain or discomfort, however light.”
or with the consent of a guardian.
z According to the Committee, this mostly involves
€ Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children)
hitting (smacking, slapping, spanking) children
with a hand or implements like sticks, belts, etc. Act, 2015: Under Section 2(9), the term “best
interest of the child” denotes the foundation for
€ According to the World Health Organization
any decision concerning the child, ensuring the
(WHO), corporal or physical punishment is highly
fulfilment of their fundamental rights and needs,
prevalent globally, both in homes and schools.
identity, social well-being, and physical, emotional,
z Around 60% of children aged 2–14 years
and intellectual development.
regularly suffer physical punishment by their
¾ Effects of Corporal Punishment:
parents or other caregivers.
€ Mental Health:
€ There is no statutory definition of ‘corporal
punishment’ targeting children in India. z Increased Anxiety and Depression: Corporal

¾ Types of corporal punishment: punishment can cause children to feel unsafe,

scared, and unloved. This can lead to increased
€ Physical punishment, as defined by the National
anxiety and depression further leading to poor
Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR),
academic performance.
encompasses any action that inflicts pain, injury,
or discomfort upon a child. z Lower Self-Esteem: Children who are physically

z This includes coercing children into uncomfortable

or mentally punished may develop lower self-
positions such as standing on a bench, against esteem and a negative sense of self-worth.
a wall in a chair-like stance, or with a school z Aggression and Violence: Exposure to violence

bag on their head. can increase the likelihood that children will

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 17
become aggressive or violent themselves. a ward is sent to school, the parents must have
Also, the child may develop a revenge attitude said to give an implied consent on their ward
against the teacher and peers. being subjected to punishment and discipline.”
z Difficulty with Relationships: Children who € In a case against the State of Kerala, the Kerala
experience corporal punishment may have High Court in 2014 titled Rajan Vs Sub-Inspector of
difficulty forming healthy relationships with Police,upheld theinfliction of Corporal punishment
others. holding that it was beneficial to the child even in
€ Physical Health: cases where the consequences were extreme, as
z Physical Injuries: Corporal punishment can lead the teacher has a judging authority whether or
to physical injuries, ranging from minor bruises not to inflict the punishment.
to more serious injuries. ¾ Constitutional Provisions relating to Protection of
z Substance Abuse: Children who experience Child Rights:
corporal punishment are more likely to abuse € Article 21 A: Provision for compulsory education
drugs and alcohol as adults. in the age group of 6-14.
What are the Constitutional and Legal € Article 24: It prohibits child labour in hazardous
Provisions Regarding Corporal Punishment? work until the age of 14.
¾ Statutory Provisions: € Article 39 (e): It is the duty of the state to ensure
that children of tender age are not abused due to
€ Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009:
economic disparity.
z Section 17 of the Act imposes an absolute bar
€ Article 45: It is the duty of the state to provide
on corporal punishment. Itprohibits ‘physical
punishment’ and ‘mental harassment’ and for the care of children in the age group of 0-6.
makes it a punishable offence. € Article 51A(k): The fundamental duty of parents
z It prescribes disciplinary action to be taken is to ensure that their child receives education for
against the guilty person in accordance with the age group of 6 to 14.
the service rules applicable to such person. ¾ Statutory Bodies:
€ Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) € National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
Act, 2015: (NCPCR): The NCPCR guidelines for eliminating
z According to Section 23 of the act, any person corporal punishment against children require
who is in control of a juvenile and who abandons, every school to develop a mechanism and frame
assaults, exposes or wilfully neglects the juvenile clear-cut protocols to address the grievances of
which in turn causes mental or physical pain to students.
him/her shall be punished with imprisonment z Every school has to constitute a ‘Corporal
up to six months, or fine, or with both. Punishment Monitoring Cell’ consisting of two
¾ Legal Provisions: teachers, two parents, one doctor, and one
€ Indian Penal Code,1860 lawyer (nominated by District Legal Service
z Section 305 pertaining to abetment of suicide Authority (DLSA).
committed by a child ¾ International Laws:
z Section 323 pertaining to voluntarily causing hurt € Article 19 of the UN Convention on the Rights
z Section 325 which is about voluntarily causing of Child 1989 (UNCRC) declares that any form
grievous hurt. of discipline involving violence is unacceptable.
¾ Judicial Cases: € It lays down that children have the right to
€ In Ambika S. Nagal Vs State of Himachal Pradesh, be protected from being hurt and mistreated,
2020, the State High Court held that “whenever physically or mentally.

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What is the National Commission for Protection of ¾ Once the Finance Minister announces the Budget,
Child Rights? it goes for general discussion. Following this, there
¾ NCPCR is a statutory body set up in March 2007 is a scrutiny of demands by committees.
under the Commissions for Protection of Child € After this, there is discussion and voting on

Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005. Ministry expenditure.

¾ It is under the administrative control of the Ministry ¾ The Budget in Parliament goes through six stages:
of Women & Child Development. Presentation, General discussion, Scrutiny, Voting,
Passing Appropriation Bill, Passing Finance Bill.
¾ The Commission’s mandate is to ensure that all laws,
policies, programs, and administrative mechanisms Kerala, Jharkhand, and West Bengal followed
z

are in consonance with the child rights perspective with 78%, 75%, and 74% respectively. However,
as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also in 10 States where data was available, 36% of
the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. the expenditure demands were voted on and
passed without being discussed.
¾ It inquiries into complaints relating to a child’s right
€ The trend raises concerns regarding the transparency
to free and compulsory education under the Right
and scrutiny of state finances.
to Education Act, 2009.
¾ Public Accounts Committee (PAC):
¾ It monitors the implementation of the Protection of
€ In 2023, the PAC held 24 sittings and tabled 16
Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
reports on average in the States considered.
z In five (Bihar, Delhi, Goa, Maharashtra and
Annual Review Odisha) of the 13 States the PAC did not table
of State Laws 2023 any reports.
z In Maharashtra, the PAC neither convened nor

Why in News? released any report throughout the year.

z Tamil Nadu led with 95 reports tabled,
PRS Legislative Research has recently released its
emphasising the wide disparity among states
“Annual Review of State Laws 2023.” The report
in upholding accountability.
conducted an in-depth analysis of the functioning of State
z Bihar and Uttar Pradesh witnessed significant
legislatures across India, shedding light on various key
PAC sittings without a single report being tabled.
aspects of their performance.
¾ The PAC, typically chaired by the Leader of the
Note: Opposition or a senior member from the Opposition,
¾ PRS Legislative Research, commonly referred to as scrutinises the accounts of State governments and
PRS, is an Indian non-profit organisationestablished State reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
in September 2005 as an independent research ¾ Swift Legislative Action:
institute to make the Indian legislative process
€ 44% of bills were passed either on the same day
better informed, more transparent and participatory. of introduction or the following day.
PRS is based in New Delhi.
z The figure is consistent with the trend observed

What are the Key Highlights of the Report? in 2022 (56%) and 2021 (44%).
€ Gujarat, Jharkhand, Mizoram, Puducherry, and
¾ Budget Passage Without Discussion:
Punjab passed all bills on the same day they were
€ In 2023, of the Rs 18.5 lakh crore budget presented introduced.
by 10 States, close to 40% was passed without
z In 13 out of 28 State legislatures, bills were
discussion. passed within five days of introduction.
z In Madhya Pradesh, 85% of the Rs 3.14 lakh € Kerala and Meghalaya took longer than five days
crore Budget was passed without discussion, to pass more than 90% of their bills, highlighting a
topping the list. slower but potentially more deliberative process.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 19
¾ Ordinances: ¾ Land:
€ Uttar Pradesh topped with 20 ordinances, followed € Andhra Pradesh also amended the Assigned
by Andhra Pradesh (11) and Maharashtra (9). Lands (Prohibition of Transfers) Act, 1977 which
z Ordinances covered a wide range of subjects prohibited the transfer of land that had been
including the establishment of new universities, assigned by the government to the landless
public examinations, and ownership regulations. poor people for cultivation.
z Kerala’s significant decrease in ordinances € Himachal Pradesh amended its Himachal Pradesh
from 2022 to 2023 raises questions about the Ceiling on Land Holdings Act, 1972, to remove
necessity and effectiveness of such measures. gender discrimination in the calculation of
permissible holdings.
¾ Governors utilise their power to promulgate
ordinances when State Legislative Assemblies are ¾ Labour and Employment:
not in session. € Rajasthan enacted a law for social security
¾ Overview of Law Making: and the welfare of gig/platform workers like
delivery personnel.
€ On average, states passed 18 Bills each in 2023,
not counting the Appropriation Bills for the budget. € Rajasthan provided for minimum guaranteed
employment under a new law.
z Maharashtra topped with 49 Bills while Delhi
and Puducherry passed just 2 each. ¾ Local Governance:
€ Chhattisgarh enacted a law Chhattisgarh
€ While the Constitution requires the Governor to
Leasehold Rights to the Homeless Persons of
give assent to Bills at the earliest, 59% of the Bills
Urban Areas Act, 2023 to provide lease rights
received assent within a month of being passed.
to homeless persons in urban areas, aiming to
Delays were seen in states like Assam, Nagaland
ensure their relocation and rehabilitation while
and West Bengal.
maintaining public health and safety standards.
z Only 23 out of the over 500 Bills passed were
referred to legislative committees for deeper How can Legislation be Improved for
examination before being passed. Better Governance and Accountability?
What are the Other Key Legislations Passed by ¾ Strengthening PAC:
Subjects? € Standardise PAC operations with guidelines and
protocols including sitting frequency, reporting
¾ Health:
requirements, and report timelines.
€ Rajasthan passed a Right to Health Bill, 2023
€ Implement mechanisms to monitor and evaluate
guaranteeing free healthcare services and PAC performance regularly. Encourage greater
emergency treatment. accountability among PAC members by ensuring
¾ Law and Justice: substantive discussions and report tabling in all
€ Haryana and Rajasthan introduced laws to settings.
combat organised crimeon the lines of the ¾ Expedited Decision-Making:

Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act, € Establish a legislative framework outlining a time

1999 (MCOCA). limit for the Governor’s assent.

z This aligns with recommendations by the Sarkaria
€ The Gujarat Prohibition on Holding Protest in
Commission on Centre-State Relations (1988)
a Public Place Bill, 2023 prohibits protesting which emphasised timely decisions on bills.
and agitating in a public place that may lead to
€ Mandate the Governor to provide clear and specific
obstruction of the public movement, blockage reasons for any delay in granting assent aligned
of roads, or other law and order issues. with the ethos of transparency.

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¾ Legislative Review: What is a Diplomatic Passport?

€ Advocate for more thorough discussions and debates ¾ About:
on budgets before passage in the legislature. € Diplomatic passports are issued to individuals
€ The Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations representing a country on official diplomatic
has emphasised the importance of strengthening missions or government business.
the role of State Finance Commissions and € They are used by diplomats, government officials,
ensuring that their recommendations are given and sometimes their immediate family members.
due consideration in the legislative discussions € These passports are a form of identification and
on budgets. carry certain legal privileges and immunities under
international law, such as immunity from arrest,
¾ Legislative Functioning:
detention, and certain legal proceedings in the
€ The National Commission to Review the Working host country.
of the Constitution recommends: ¾ Eligibility: In India, the Ministry of External Affairs’
z Parliamentarians should be subject to public Consular, Passport & Visa Division issues diplomatic
scrutiny via a parliamentary ombudsman. passports, also known as ‘Type D’ passports, to
z State Legislatures with fewer than 70 members individuals falling into several categories:
should convene for at least 50 days annually; € Government-appointed individuals and officers
those with more should meet for at least 90 days. working under branches A and B of the Indian
Foreign Service (IFS) traveling abroad for official
„ The Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha should business
hold sessions for a minimum of 100 and
€ Select individuals on official travel, including union
120 days, respectively. ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs).
¾ Revoking Power:
Diplomatic Passport € The authority to revoke a diplomatic passport lies
with the passport authority.
Why in News? z However, the government can revoke a diplomatic
Recently, the topic of diplomatic passports has been passport only after a court order to that effect.
in the news, particularly in relation to the power regarding € Under the Passport Act of 1967, a diplomatic
the issuance and revocation of diplomatic passports. passport may be revoked if the holder is in wrongful
possession, obtained it through suppression of
¾ A passport is an official government-issued
material information, if the passport authority
document that serves as a form of identification and
deems it necessary for India’s interests, or if the
travel document for individuals who wish to travel holder has been convicted or is facing criminal
internationally. proceedings in India.

Difference Between Passport and Visa:

Feature Passport Visa
Issuing Authority Ministry of External Affairs of India Embassy or Consulate of the foreign country
Purpose Proof of Indian citizenship and identity for Permission to enter a specific foreign country
international travel
Validity 10 years Varies depending on type, country, and
purpose
Requirement Mandatory for all Indian citizens traveling abroad Varies depending on the country (visa-free
(with exceptions) agreements exist)

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 21
International Law Covering Diplomatic Passports
¾ Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations:
€ This convention outlines the rules for diplomatic law, including the privileges and immunities of diplomatic
passport holders.
¾ Operational Visa Exemption Agreements:
€ It allows diplomatic passport holders to visit these countries without a visa for stays up to 90 days, provided
their travel is not for private purposes.
€ India has operational visa exemption agreements with 34 countries, including Germany, for holders of
diplomatic passports.
Types of Passport
Passport Type Validity Colour Issued To
Ordinary (Type P) 10 years for adults, 5 years Blue All Indian citizens
for minors
Official Same as an Ordinary passport White Government officials
Diplomatic Five years or less Maroon Diplomats, senior government officials,
their dependents
Emigration Check Required (ECR) Same as Ordinary passport Orange Indian citizens who haven’t completed
10th-grade education
Emergency Certificate Short validity - Indian citizens abroad in exigencies
(Single journey to India when the
passport is lost/expired)

refusal to receive a petition if it lacks reasonable

SC Rejects Centre’s Plea cause, is frivolous, or contains scandalous matter.
for Administrative € SC asserted that spectrum allocation to private
players must be through open and transparent
Spectrum Allocation auction, as established by the landmark 2G spectrum
case, often referred to as the “2G spectrum scam,”
Why in News? judgement 12 years ago.
In a significant decision, the Supreme Court of India ¾ Spectrum allocation is a crucial process, and allowing
has refused to entertain the Centre’s plea to allow the “administrative allocation” would have placed the
administrative allocation of spectrum, reaffirming the government solely in charge of selecting operators
principle of open and transparent auction for allocating to distribute airwaves, a move deemed contrary to
this scarce natural resource. principles of fairness and transparency.
¾ The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses a range What is the Legal Framework Regarding
of radio frequencies, which are utilised by wireless the Allocation of Spectrum?
devices for communication, including making calls ¾ Telecommunications Act, 2023:
and accessing social media. € It empowers the government to assign spectrum

Why Did the Supreme Court Reject the Centre’s for telecommunication through administrative
processes other than auction for entities listed
Application?
in its First Schedule of the act.
¾ The Registrar found the application for clarification z These entities include those engaged in national
to be misconceived, the Registrar invoked Order XV security, defence, and law enforcement, as well
Rule 5 of the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, which allows as Global Mobile Personal Communication by

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Satellites such as SpaceX, and Bharti Airtel- than supply or for space communication,
backed OneWeb. where it would be more optimal and efficient
€ The government can also assign part of a spectrum for spectrum to be shared by multiple players.
that has already been assigned to one or more What is Spectrum?
additional entities, known as secondary assignees,
¾ Spectrum is the radio frequencies that wireless
and even terminate assignments where a spectrum
signals use to travel, allowing users to make calls
or a part of it has remained underutilised for
and use social media.
insufficient reasons.
¾ Spectrum is part of the electromagnetic spectrum,
What is the 2G Spectrum Scam? which also includes other frequencies that people
¾ 2G Spectrum Scam: interact with daily.
€ Spectrum can be divided into three bands: low
€ The 2G spectrum allocation scam dates back to
2008, the government then allegedly sold 122 (used for mobile communication, including
licences on a first-come-first-serve basis (FCFS) 2G, 3G, and 4G services), mid (utilised for 4G
to specific private telecom operators. LTE services and some 5G deployments), and
high-band (primarily used for 5G and beyond),
€ In 2009 ,the Central Vigilance Commission
each with different characteristics and essential
directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
for different types of communication.
to investigate claims that there were illegalities in
the allocation of licences, following which the CBI What was the 2012 Presidential Reference
filed a first information report against unknown Regarding Natural Resource Allocation?
officers of the Department of Telecommunications ¾ The Union government cites observations from a
(DoT), private persons and companies. Constitution Bench regarding a Presidential reference
€ In 2011, the CBI alleged that there was a loss of made concerning the 2012 verdict.
Rs 30,984 crore to the exchequer as a result of ¾ The Bench clarifies that the auction method prescribed
discrepancies in the allocation process. in the verdict is not a “constitutional mandate” for
¾ Supreme Court’s Verdict: the alienation of natural resources excluding spectrum.
€ In February 2012, the Supreme Court cancelled ¾ It stated that the word “perhaps” in the verdict
the 122 telecom licences that were allocated on suggested that auction was not intended as a blanket
a FCFS basis, stating that this method was prone principle for all natural resources, and other methods
to misuse. could be considered.
z The Court emphasised that the “non- ¾ However, it cautioned that spectrum must be allocated
discriminatory method” of auction should be only through auction as per the law declared in the
adopted for the allocation of bnatural resources 2G case.
like spectrum to ensure fairness and transparency. Presidential Reference
¾ Centre’s Current Plea: ¾ It is a procedure in the Constitution of India that
€ More than a decade after the Supreme Court’s allows the President to request the Supreme Court
landmark 2G spectrum scam judgement, the of India to provide advice on matters of law or fact
Union government has moved an application that the President deems to be of public importance.
for a “certain class” of spectrum to be allocated ¾ Article 143 of the Indian Constitution empowers
through administrative processes instead of the President to refer any matter of law or fact to
competitive auctions. the Supreme Court for its opinion.
€ The Centre has pointed out that the assignment € This can be done in relation to issues that have
of spectrum is required not only for commercial arisen or are likely to arise, and must be of public
telecom services but also to discharge sovereign importance.
and public interest functions such as security, € The Supreme Court may refuse to answer any
safety, and disaster preparedness. queries raised in the reference, and the issue
z The government has argued that administrative should not have already been decided by the
allocation is required when demand is lower Court.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 23
What are the Spectrum Allocation Vendors are crucial to urban life, contributing to
z

Methods Across the Globe? food distribution and cultural identity, and the
law aims to secure their livelihoods and integrate
¾ New Zealand: Initiated the use of auctions for
their activities into formal urban planning.
spectrum allocation in 1989, a method that has since
€ Governance Structure: The Act establishes Town
been adopted by many other countries, including
those in emerging markets. Vending Committees (TVCs),which include street
vendor representatives, with women vendors
¾ United States: In the 1980s, the United States
constituting 33% of this group.
experimented with allocating cellular licences through
z These committees are responsible for the
lotteries, which attracted speculative applicants and
resulted in notional losses for the government. inclusion of vendors in designated zones and
handling grievances through mechanisms like
€ The lottery method, initially seen as faster and
the Grievance Redressal Committee (chaired
cheaper than the administrative process, has
by a civil judge or judicial magistrate).
drawbacks.
€ Other Provisions:
z It is susceptible to speculation and cannot reliably
z The Act clearly defines the roles and
assess the technical competence of licensees.
responsibilities of vendors and government at
€ In 1993, the US transitioned to auctions for granting
different levels.
new mobile communication licences.
z The provision requires States/ULBs to conduct
z This transition had a global impact, leading to
a survey to identify SVs at least once every
over USD 100 billion in radio spectrum sales
five years.
worldwide.
¾ Implementation Challenges
¾ Canada and European Union: These regions often use
€ Administrative Challenges:
an administrative process, also known as a “beauty
contest,” where criteria are set by the government z Despite the protections outlined in the Act,

and proposals are evaluated by an expert committee. street vendors frequently face harassment
€ This method provides flexibility and government
and eviction.
control, aligning decisions with government plans z This is partly due to persistent bureaucratic

and objectives. However, it is time-consuming, views of vending as an illegal activity.

but ensures adherence to government priorities. z Additionally, TVCs often remain under the control
of city authorities rather than representing
the vendors themselves, with women’s
Challenges Faced representation often being only tokenistic.
by Street Vendors € Governance Integration Issues:

z The Act struggles to integrate with broader

Why in News? urban governance frameworks, such as
Recently, the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood those established by the 74th Constitutional
and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014 celebrated Amendment.
its tenth anniversary, signifying a culmination of four z Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) often lack the power
decades of legal evolution and advocacy by street vendor and resources to effectively implement the
movements in India. Act, especially in the context of overarching
policies like the Smart Cities Mission, which
What is the Street Vendors Act and Associated tend to prioritise infrastructure over inclusive
Aspects? urban planning.
¾ Street Vendors Act: € Societal Perception Problems:

€ Scope and Purpose: The Act was designed to z The prevailing vision of a ‘world-class city’
protect and regulate street vending across Indian frequently excludes street vendors, who are
cities, involving local authorities in establishing seen as nuisances rather than as contributors
designated vending zones. to the urban economy.

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z This societal stigma affects urban planning and What are the Challenges Faced
policy, leading to designs and regulations that by Street Vendors in India?
marginalise vendors. ¾ Legal Limbo and Harassment:
¾ Ways to strengthen the Law: € Uncertain Legal Status: Despite the Street Vendors
€ Need for Supportive Implementation: Act, enforcement remains uneven. Many vendors
z While the Act is progressive, effective operate without licences, making them vulnerable
implementation is crucial and may require initial to eviction and harassment by authorities and
top-down guidance from higher government local intermediaries.
€ Bribes and Extortion: Reports by UN-Habitat
levels, such as the Ministry of Housing and
highlight the issue of vendors being forced to pay
Urban Affairs.
bribes to police and local authorities, impacting
z Over time, a shift towards more decentralised their already meagre earnings.
governance is essential to tailor strategies to
¾ Precarious Livelihood and Infrastructure Woes:
the diverse local contexts of vendors across
€ Competition and Fluctuating Income: Saturation
the nation.
in certain areas and competition from established
€ Integration with Urban Schemes: businesses lead to unpredictable income and
z Policies and urban planning guidelines must be economic insecurity.
revised to better incorporate street vending. € Unrealistic License Caps: License caps is unrealistic

z This involves enhancing the capacities of ULBs in most cities like in Mumbai which has a ceiling
to include vendors in city planning and moving of around 15,000 licences as against an estimated
2.5 lakh vendors.
from bureaucratic control to more inclusive,
€ Lack of Basic Amenities: Limited access to clean
deliberative processes at the TVC level.
water, sanitation facilities, and waste disposal
€ Addressing New Challenges: creates health hazards for vendors and customers
z Emerging issues such as climate change impacts, alike.
increased competition from e-commerce, and € Vulnerability to Eviction: Urban development
the proliferation of vendors call for creative use projects and road widening initiatives often displace
of the Act’s provisions. vendors, causing livelihood disruption.
z This includes leveraging components of national € Occupational Hazards: Street vendors work in

missions like the National Urban Livelihood environments that are often hazardous to their
Mission to innovate and adapt to these changing health.
realities. ¾ Navigating the Formal System:
€ Difficult Licensing Process: The licensing process
Evolution of Street Vendor Policy in India
under the Street Vendors Act can be complex
¾ In 1995, India signed the Bellagio International and bureaucratic, discouraging vendors from
Declaration of Street Vendors formalisation.
¾ In 2001, GOI announced declaration Of drafting € Limited Access to Credit: Informal income makes
National Street Vending Policy it difficult for vendors to secure loans for upgrades
¾ In 2009, the policy was revised and accompanied or business expansion.
by a model law which could be adopted by State z The PM SVANidhi Scheme, while well-intentioned,

Government. has not reached a significant portion of its target

demographic.
¾ In 2012, the Union Government approved the Street
z Issues such as lack of awareness, cumbersome
Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Reguation
documentation, and bureaucratic hurdles prevent
of Street Vending) Bill
many vendors from availing the benefits of the
¾ In 2014, parliament passed Street Vendors Act scheme.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 25
¾ Gender-Based Discrimination: Women vendors often z Local Authorities: Cities must play a leading
face gender-based discrimination, which affects their role in creating a conducive environment. This
business opportunities and earnings. includes issuing vending permits, establishing
€ They are also more susceptible to harassment and designated zones, and providing infrastructure
violence, which can deter them from continuing support.
their trade. z Street Vendors: Vendors must comply with
¾ Impact of Covid-19: The pandemic led to severe regulations, maintain hygiene standards,
economic hardship for street vendors. and pay designated fees. They should actively
€ With lockdowns and social distancing norms in participate in vendor associations and engage
place, many lost their sole source of income and in constructive dialogue with authorities.
were pushed further into poverty. z Resident Associations: Residents’ concerns
about congestion and waste management need
What are the Steps Needed to Deal With the to be addressed. Open communication and co-
Problem of Street Vendors? creation of solutions with vendor associations
¾ The World Bank and UN-Habitatrecommend a shift can bridge this gap.
from viewing street vendors as a problem to recognising International Efforts and Indian Initiatives for Street
them as a vital part of the urban economy. Vendors
€ Formalization and Regulation: The Street Vendors Category Details
Act is a positive step towards formalisation. Cities
Global Initiatives ILO Recommendation 204
like Hanoi (Vietnam) and Ahmedabad (India) have
(Economic Inclusion of workers),
established vendor registration systems, providing
UN SDGs 8 (decent work for all)
identity cards and training on hygiene and safety.
Street Vendors Initiative for Global
€ Designated Zones: Cities like Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) Advocacy (SVIGA)
and Kigali (Rwanda) have created designated
Women in Informal Employment:
vending zones, ensuring order and improved
Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO)
pedestrian flow.
Indian Schemes PM SVANidhi, Street Vendors Act
z This can be implemented in India by identifying 2014, State-specific schemes
suitable areas in consultation with vendors and
resident associations.
€ Infrastructure and Support: Providing access High Court Upholds Debtors’
to clean water, sanitation facilities, and waste Right to Travel
disposal is crucial. Cities like Lima (Peru) offer
training on waste management and micro-loans Why in News?
for equipment upgrades.
The Bombay High Court ruled that public sector banks
z Indian cities can replicate these models by (PSBs) cannot request Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against
collaborating with NGOs and self-help groups.
loan defaulters.
€ Vendor Associations: Empowering vendors
¾ The court set aside the central government’s Office
through associations like those in Kumasi (Ghana)
Memoranda (OM) empowering PSBs to do so. The
facilitates dialogue with authorities and fosters
court stated that these tactics violate fundamental
collective bargaining.
rights guaranteed under the Constitution.
z India can encourage vendor associations and
integrate them into policy discussions. Note:
¾ LOC is a circular letter used by authorities in India
€ Fostering a Collaborative Approach: Effective street
to check whether a travelling person is wanted by
vendor management requires a multi-stakeholder
the police.
approach:

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Why did the High Court Rule Against The court also expressed concern that PSBs were
€

Banks Restricting Debtors’ Travel? given unilateral power in debt recovery, effectively
making them judge and executioner. It found it
¾ Legal Challenge:
incomprehensible that bank officials were elevated
€ LOCs were issued by the Bureau of Immigration to the same status as high-ranking police officers.
of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) based on € The court found if a borrower solely deals with
Office Memoranda (OM) from 27th October 2010. non-PSBs, no LOC can be issued, but even one
€ In September 2018, amendments to the OM PSB involvement poses a risk.
were introduced, authorising the issuance of a z The court dismissed the differentiation between
LOC to prevent individuals from travelling abroad PSB and private bank borrowers as arbitrary.
if their departure was harmful to the country’s Considered invalid under Article 14, the court
“economic interest”. deemed the inclusion of only PSBs in the LOC
z It empowered PSB officials (managing director provision arbitrary.
and chief executive officers) to request ¾ Implications of the Verdict:
immigration authorities to issue LOCs against
€ The ruling does not affect existing restraint orders
default borrowers.
issued by competent authorities.
z The default borrowers included not only the
€ Banks can still seek orders from courts or tribunals
borrowers but also the guarantors for repayment
to restrain individuals from travelling abroad but
of loans, and the principal officers or directors
cannot ask the centre to issue Look Out Circulars.
of corporate entities in debt.
€ Banks can also invoke powers under the Fugitive
¾ Petitioners’ Argument:
Economic Offenders Act, of 2018 to recover the loan.
€ Petitioners contended that the OMs infringed
€ The judgement will not prevent the central
upon fundamental rights, including the right to
government from framing an appropriate law
life with dignity under Article 21.
consistent with Article 21 of the Constitution.
€ They argued that the government created an
improper classification between public and private Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018
banks, regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). ¾ It provides measures to deter fugitive economic
€ Petitioners argued that the “economic interest
offenders from evading the process of law in India
of India” cannot be the same as the “financial by staying outside the jurisdiction of Indian courts,
interests” of a PSB. to preserve the sanctity of the rule of law in India
and for matters connected therewith or incidental
¾ Centre’s Submission:
thereto.
€ The MHA argued that the circulars contained
¾ It empowers authorities for non-conviction-based
necessary “checks and balances” for deprivation
attachment and confiscation of proceeds of crime
of life or personal liberty, as required by the
and properties and assets of a ‘fugitive economic
established legal procedure.
offender’,against whom a warrant for arrest about a
¾ Court Stance: Scheduled Offence has been issued by any court in
€ The court referring to the case Viraj Chetan India and who has left the country to avoid criminal
Shah v Union Of India & Anr, 2024, noted that prosecution or judicial processes.
the government failed to prove debt recovery € An individual is declared a Fugitive Economic
due to the person being denied permission to Offender (FEO)if an arrest warrant has been
travel abroad. issued for committing an offence specified under
z It criticised the use of LOCs as a strong-arm the Act, and the total value of the offence is at
tactic to bypass legal proceedings, which PSBs least Rs 100 crore.
see as inconveniences and irritants. ¾ Offences listed in the act include counterfeiting
€ It emphasised that the fundamental right to travel government stamps or currency, cheque dishonour,
abroad cannot be curtailed by executive action money laundering, and transactions defrauding
without a government statute. creditors.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 27
What are the Legal Rights of the Defaulters? settlements can apply for fresh loans after a minimum
cooling period of at least 12 months.
¾ The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) directed banks
and finance companies to undertake compromise € Regulated banks and finance companies have the
settlements or technical write-offs on accounts flexibility to stipulate higher cooling periods in
categorised as wilful defaulters or fraud. line with their board-approved policies.
€ Wilful offenders or companies involved in fraud ¾ The legal rights of defaulters in India include the right
will no longer face prejudice from lenders due to to receive a notice, fair debt collection practices,
criminal proceedings against them. grievance redressal, seek legal assistance, and fair
¾ Borrowers who have undergone compromise credit reporting.
nnn

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Economic Scenario

Highlights
z Shaping the Future of India’s Toy Industry z Redistribution of Private Property
z Shrimp Farming in India z Indian Poultry Sector
z Navigating India’s Transition to Sustainability z Inheritance Tax
z 3O Years of TRIPS z Bima Vistaar
z RBI Eases FEMA Regulations z India’s De-globalised Food Inflation
z Strengthening of Rupee z International Relations
z Socio-Ecological Impact of LPG Price Escalation z Vietnam Push for Non-Market Economy Status
z Chocolate Industry Meltdown z India Sugarcane Subsidy under WTO Scrutiny
z Regulatory Action Against Kotak Mahindra Bank by RBI z Nepal’s Currency Featured Kalapani Region
z India’s Aviation Sector z Japan’s Shifting Diplomatic Posture
z Drip Pricing z Allegations of Child Labour in Trade Negotiations with Australia
z Central Bank Digital Currency z Social Issues
z Rat Hole Mining z PM-EAC Report on Share of Religious Minorities
z Surge in Tobacco Prices z WHO Report on Global Immunisation
z Rising Share of Personal Income Tax and Indirect Tax z Women in Global Capability Centers
z Paradox of Savings

India ranks 27th in global toy exports, with a share

Shaping the Future
€

of only 0.3%, and 61st in toy imports, with imports

of India’s Toy Industry totalling USD 60 million.
z India exports a significant amount of electronic
Why in News? toys compared to other categories, while also
Recently, the Global Trade Research Initiative report making a significant contribution to the toy
has proposed a comprehensive strategy to develop India’s trade through the export of plastic dolls, metal,
toy industry and enhance exports. and other non-electronic toys, highlighting its
¾ The objective is to elevate India into a global hub diverse manufacturing capabilities.
for toy manufacturing and export by implementing
Global Toy Industry:
strategic interventions focused on improving quality,
fostering innovation, and expanding market reach. ¾ As per Global Trade Research Initiative report In
2022, the global toy market witnessed imports
What is the Status and Potential valued at approximately USD 60.3 billion with China
of India’s Toy Industry? dominating this market with exports worth USD
¾ Status: 48.3 billion, representing 80% of global exports.
€ As per Global Trade Research Initiative report ¾ The USA leads as the largest importer of toys,while
India holds a marginal position in the global toy other major importers include the European Union,
trade, with a mere 0.3% share in exports and 0.1% Japan, Canada, Australia, Mexico, and South Korea
share in imports. signifying a diverse market.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 29
¾ Potential: GoI Measures to Promote the Local Toy Industry
€ The Indian toy industry is among the fastest-growing ¾ Import Duty Increase: India significantly raised
globally, projected to reach USD 3 billion by 2028, import duties on toys, increasing the basic customs
growing at a CAGR of 12% between 2022-28. duty from 20% to 70% in July 2021.
€ The Indian toy industry is expanding its global € This made imported toys much more expensive,
presence, with increased high-value exports to giving locally produced toys a competitive
Middle East and African countries. advantage.
What are the Challenges Faced ¾ Quality Control Order (QCO): Since January 2021,
the QCO has required all toys sold in India to meet
by India’s Toys Industry?
specific Indian safety standards, covering aspects
¾ Lack of Technology: It hinders the Indian toy industry like sharp edges, small parts hazards, flammability,
by causing most domestic manufacturers to use and harmful chemical migration.
outdated technology and machinery, impacting the € Toys must also have the BIS certification mark
quality and design of the toys. and undergo random checks and testing in
¾ High GST rates: Mechanical toys attract 12% GST while NABL-accredited laboratories.
tax on electronic toys is 18%. A mere addition of a € The QCO checked substandard imports from China
bulb or a sound mechanism changes the classification but did not result in higher exports from India.
of the toy. ¾ National Action Plan for Toys: An initiative by the
¾ Lack of Infrastructure: The toy industry in India faces Government of India, it involves collaboration
challenges due to poor infrastructure, lack of end-to- among 15 ministries and includes measures such
end manufacturing facilities, inadequate testing labs, as creating toy production clusters, introducing
toy parks, clusters, and logistics support. schemes to encourage manufacturing and exports,
enhancing research and development, ensuring
¾ Unorganized and Fragmented: TheIndian Toy Industry
quality standards, integrating toys with education,
is still significantly fragmented, with 90% of the market
and organizing toy fairs and exhibitions.
being unorganized, and harnessing the maximum
benefit becomes very difficult. Note:
¾ Other Challenges: Factors such as cost-effectiveness, ¾ Toy quality is determined by meeting performance
product diversity, quality standards, and trade standards, which can be voluntary or mandatory.
agreements play pivotal roles in shaping the global ¾ The Quality Control Order 2020 is a mandatory
toy trade landscape. technical regulation in India.
€ Shifts in consumer preferences, technological ¾ Internationally, standards are set by the International
advancements, and regulatory changes also impact Standards Organization (ISO), while in India, the
market dynamics. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets specific
standards for toys, covering aspects like mechanical
safety, flammability, and element migration.

Shrimp Farming in India

Why in News?
Recently, India refuted the allegations made by a US
based Human Rights Group of abusive conditions at
shrimp farms in India. India stated that entire India’s
shrimp exports are certified by the Marine Products
Export Development Authority (MPEDA) and there is no
scope for such concerns.

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What is the State of Shrimp Farming in India? z They follow a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Point) based food safety management
¾ About: A shrimp is a crustacean (a form of shellfish)
system as per the US Code of Federal Regulations.
characterised by a semi transparent body flattened
from side to side and a flexible abdomen terminating z Usage of pharmacologically active substances
in a fanlike tail. in aquaculture has been banned since 2002.

€ Their close relatives include crabs, crayfish, and z Also, National regulations and monitoring
lobsters. They occur in all oceans, in shallow and measures like the National Residue Control
deep water, and in freshwater lakes and streams. Plan, ELISA screening labs, in-house labs, and
pre-export checks are in place.
¾ Shrimp Farming:Shrimp Farming is about raising
shrimp in controlled environments such as ponds, What is the Marine Products Export Development
Authority?
tanks, or raceways for human consumption.
¾ About: It is a nodal agency for the holistic
€ They prefer warm water, with temperatures
development of the seafood industry in India and
between 25-30°C (77-86°F).
the realisation of its export potential.
€ Preferred soil textures are clay-loam or sandy-clay
€ It was established in 1972 under Marine Products
loam, slightly alkaline soil with pH between 6.5
Export Development Authority Act (MPEDA), 1972.
and 8.5 is optimal.
€ It functions under the Union Ministry of
€ A minimum of 5% calcium carbonate in the soil
Commerce and Industry.
is beneficial for shrimp farming.
¾ Objectives: It envisages the development of
¾ Status of Shrimp Farming in India: seafood production, processing, marketing, and
€ India as Shrimp Exporter: India is one of the exports in India.
world’s largest shrimp exporters. € The Government of India recommends new
z In 2022-23, India’s seafood exports stood at standards for fishing vessels, storage premises,
USD 8.09 billion or ₹64,000 crore and shrimps processing plants, and conveyances based on
accounted for a bulk of these exports at USD the recommendations of MPEDA.
5.6 billion. ¾ Functioning: The MPEDA enrols exporters, lays
z India’s share of seafood exports in the U.S. down quality standards, liaisons with importers
market was 40% in 2022-23, far ahead of rivals to boost exports and conducts capacity-building
like Thailand, China, Vietnam and Ecuador. programmes like training, awareness campaigns
€ Shrimp Producing States: Andhra Pradesh is for relevant stakeholders to increase production
the largest shrimp producer state in India which and productivity.
accounts for 70% of India’s shrimp output. ¾ Headquarters: in Kochi, Kerala.
z West Bengal and Gujarat are other major What are the Government Initiatives
players in shrimp farming, with Sundarbans in Related to Seafood Exports?
West Bengal and Kutch in Gujarat being a key
¾ Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): It
producer.
was launched in 2020 for providing support in quality
€ Regulation:
shrimp production, species diversification, promotion
z All shrimp units are registered with MPEDA of export-oriented species, branding, standards and
(Marine Products Export Development certification, training and capacity building, creation
Authority) and FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards of post harvest infrastructure through this flagship
Authority of India). scheme.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 31

¾ Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development What are the Key Highlights of UN Financing
Fund: Launched in 2018, FIDF provides loans to for Sustainable Development Report 2024?
address infrastructure and modernization needs in
¾ Key Issues:
both marine and inland fisheries.
€ Lack of Basic Services: Rising geopolitical tensions,
¾ Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Fisheries scheme: It provides
climate disasters and a global cost-of-living crisis
adequate and timely credit support to fisheries farmers have hit billions of people globally, which has halted
for their working capital requirements. the progress on healthcare, education, and other
€ New cardholders can obtain credit up to Rs. 2 development targets.
lakhs with interest subvention. € Increase in Debt Services: Debt services in the
€ Existing KCC holders can access an increased credit Least developed countries (LDC) will increase from
limit of Rs. 3 lakhs. USD 26 billion annually in 2022 to USD 40 billion
€ The lending rate for KCC loans is 7%, including 2% annually between 2023 and 2025.
interest subvention per annum by the Government z Stronger and more frequent disasters, caused
of India. by the ongoing climate crisis, account for more
than half of the debt upsurge in vulnerable
UN: Trillions Required to Rescue SDGs countries.
Recently, a new report released by the United Nations € Higher Burden of Interest Payment: The poorest
(UN) stated that more investment is needed if the 17 countries now spend 12% of their revenues on
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), agreed upon by interest payments, 4 times more than they spent
all United Nations members back in 2015, are to be a decade ago.
achieved by 2030. z Roughly 40% of the global population live in
¾ The reason for this situation is due to staggering countries where governments spend more on
debt burdens and sky-high borrowing costs faced interest payments than on education or health.
by developing countries that prevent them from € Slowing Development Fundings: In Least developed
responding to the confluence of crises they face. countries, development fundings are slowing down.

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z Due to several reasons such as low domestic „This number was USD 2.5 trillion before the
revenue growth due to tax evasion and Covid-19 pandemic began.
avoidance, falling rate of corporate tax (which ¾ Suggestions:
was 28.2% in 2000 to 21.1% in 2023), due to € International financial system, which was set up at

globalisation and tax competition etc. the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference, is no longer
fit for purpose.
z Also, Official Development Assistance (ODA)
z A “massive surge of financing” and a “reform
fromOECDcountries and climate finance
of the international financial architecture” can
commitments are not being met.
help to achieve SDGs goals by 2030.
z According to the Financing for Sustainable z Setting up a new coherent system that is better
Development Report: Financing for Development equipped to respond to crises.
at a Crossroads Report 2024, around USD 4.2 € To achieve the SDGs global cooperation, targeted
trillion investments is needed to close the financing, and, crucially, the political will is the
development financing gap. need of the hour.

What is the Progress of poverty rate from 45% in 1993 to around 21% in
India in Achieving SDGs? 2011.(Goal 1: No Poverty)
z Around 415 million people exited poverty
¾ Progress: India ranks 112th out of 166 countries
(from 121st in 2022) in terms of progress towards within a span of just 15 years between 2005
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in United to 2021 in India, according to the latest Global
Nations SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2023. Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) 2023
¾ Progress in Key Goals: € Goal 2- Zero Hunger: The prevalence of
€ Goal 1- No Poverty: India has successfully lifted undernourishment in India has decreased from
millions of people out of poverty, reducing the 18.2% in 2004-2006 to 14.5% in 2016-2018.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 33
z However, India is still home to a quarter of all to support SDG implementation in low-income
undernourished people worldwide, making countries.
the country a key focus for tackling hunger on € Bringing Global Tax Reforms to address tax havens
a global scale. and ensuring multinational corporations pay their
€ Goal 3- Good Health and Well-being: India has fair share of taxes.
made significant improvements in maternal and ¾ Technology and Innovation: Data analytics and
child health, with a reduction in maternal mortality predictive modeling techniques can be used to
ratio from from 384 in 2000 to 103 in 2020 (UN analyze large datasets and identify trends, patterns,
MMEIG 2020 report). and investment opportunities related to SDGs.
z Under-five mortality rate has also declined from
€ By these tools, financial institutions, investors,
89 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 34 in 2019. and policymakers can make informed decisions,
€ Goal-4 Quality Education: According to the optimize resource allocation, and maximize the
Education Ministry, the literacy rate in rural India impact of SDG financing initiatives.
stands at 67.77%, while in urban India, it is 84.11%
z TheASER 2023 data shows that in the surveyed
rural districts, more than 85% of youth (age Navigating India’s
14-18) are currently enrolled in some kind of Transition to Sustainability
educational institution.
€ Goal 5- Gender Equality: The female labour force Why in News?
participation rate in India increased from 23.3%
Recently, PwC India, a professional services network
in 2017-18 to 37.0% in 2022-23 (PLFS-5)
has published a report called ‘Navigating India’s Transition
What Measures can be Adopted to Sustainability’.
to Boost SDG Financing? ¾ The Report has focused on sustainability initiatives
¾ Dedicated Investment Funds: Establishing specialized of leading companies in India.
investment funds dedicated to financing projects and What are the Key Findings of the Report?
initiatives that directly contribute to specific SDGs.
¾ About:
€ These funds could be structured as public-
€ The report analyses how companies are adapting
private partnerships, attracting investments from
to the Business Responsibility and Sustainability
governments, institutional investors, and impact-
driven private investors. Reporting (BRSR)disclosures mandated by the
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
¾ Policy and Institutional Reforms: Ensure national
€ The analysis covers the BRSR reports of the top
policies and regulations are conducive to SDG
implementation. 100 companies for the financial year ended 31st
March 2023.
€ Enhancing domestic resource mobilization
€ The business sector is seen as a critical enabler in
through measures such as progressive taxation,
reducing tax evasion and tackling illicit financial achieving India’s net zero vision by 2070.
flows can increase the availability of funds for SDG z Net Zero is referred to as carbon neutrality, i.e.

implementation. achieving an overall balance between greenhouse

¾ International Cooperation: International cooperation gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas
and coordination among governments, international emissions taken out of the atmosphere.
organizations, civil society, and the private sector are ¾ Key Findings of the Report:
crucial for mobilizing resources, sharing best practices, € 51% of India’s top 100 listed companies by market
and addressing common challenges in SDG financing. capitalisation disclosed their data for FY23 despite
€ Providing debt relief for developing countries to it being a voluntary disclosure in BRSR.
free up resources for SDG investments. € 34% of the companies have reduced their Scope
€ Developed countries should meet their Official 1 emissions and 29% have reduced their Scope
Development Assistance (ODA) commitments 2 emissions.

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z Scope 1 covers emissions from sources that an consumption from renewable sources and 31% of
organisation owns or controls directly. companies have disclosed their net-zero targets.
z Scope 2 is emissions that a company causes € Key initiatives leading to emission reduction include
indirectly and come from where the energy transitioning to energy-efficient technologies
it purchases and uses is produced. such as LEDs, adopting efficient air-conditioning,
€ 44% of the top 100 listed companies conducted ventilation, and heating systems, shifting to
the life-cycle assessment of their products or renewable sources for energy needs, purchasing
services. carbon offsets, and entering into off-site power
€ 49% of companies have increased their energy purchase agreements.

Note:
¾ Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) aims to facilitate more meaningful engagement
between businesses and their stakeholders by focusing onEnvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
considerations.
¾ ESG goals encompass a framework of guidelines that compel companies to adhere to improved governance,
ethical conduct, environmentally sustainable practices, and social responsibility in their operations.
€ The environmental criteria assess a company’s role as a custodian of the environment.

€ Social criteria evaluate the company’s handling of relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and
the communities in which it operates.
€ Governance focuses on the leadership, executive compensation, auditing, internal controls, and shareholder
rights within a company.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 35

How Significant is the Report for India? What are the Initiatives taken to
¾ The report sheds light on India’s journey towards Ensure ESG Compliance in India?
sustainability, emphasising ESG considerations. ¾ In 2011, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA)
z The report encourages companies to be released the National Voluntary Guidelines (NVGs)on
accountable for their sustainability efforts. Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibilities
¾ The report aligns with the BRSR framework introduced of Business, marking an early step in defining ESG
by the SEBI. The report serves as a guide for compliance disclosure standards for companies.
and transparent disclosure. ¾ The SEBI introduced the Business Responsibility
Reports (BRR) in 2012, requiring the top 100 listed
¾ The report showcases India’s commitment to
entities by market capitalisation to include BRR in
sustainability, enhancing investor confidence.
their annual reports. This was later extended to the
z Globally, sustainable practices are becoming a
top 500 listed entities in 2015.
competitive advantage, and this report positions
€ In 2021, SEBI replaced the BRR reporting
India favourably.
requirement with the more comprehensive Business
¾ Policymakers can draw insights from the report to Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR).
shape regulations and policies that promote sustainable ¾ The BRSR seeks disclosures from listed entities on
practices. their performance against the nine principles of
¾ The shift towards sustainability in India isn’t merely the ‘National Guidelines on Responsible Business
about meeting regulations but it’s also about fostering Conduct’ (NGBRCs).
growth in a responsible manner. ¾ Companies have the opportunity to use different
¾ The report emphasises the need to balance economic reporting frameworks in order to show their
development with environmental and social well-being. commitment to ESG practices like Global Reporting

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Initiative (GRI), Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), and ¾ In Marrakesh, an important agreement was made
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). that helped create the WTO in 1995. This agreement,
called TRIPS, has had a long-lasting effect.
SEBI
¾ SEBI is a Statutory Body established in 1992 in How does the TRIPS Agreement Evolved?
accordance with the provisions of the Securities ¾ The Venetian Patent Statute (1474): It was the first
and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992. codified patent system in Europe that granted inventors
¾ The basic functions of SEBI is to protect the interests a temporary monopoly on “new and ingenious devices”.
of investors in securities and to promote and regulate ¾ The Industrial Revolution and the Need for
the securities market. International Standards (19 th Century): Rapid
¾ The headquarters of SEBI is situated in Mumbai. The technological advancements created a need for the
regional offices of SEBI are located in Ahmedabad, harmonisation of patent laws.
Kolkata, Chennai and Delhi. € The Paris Convention (1883) was the first step taken
to protect intellectual work in other countries.
€ The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
3O Years of TRIPS addressed intellectual property in a limited way.
€ The Uruguay Round, spanning from 1987 to 1994,
Why in News? led to the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the
Recently, World Trade Organisation (WTO) members WTO, including the TRIPS Agreement.
commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Agreement z The WTO Agreement on TRIPS is the most
on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights comprehensive multilateral agreement on
(TRIPS). intellectual property (IP).

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 37
What has been the TRIPS Agreement’s Role in inventions in the context of Artificial Intelligence
International Collaboration? (AI) and big data.
¾ Global Health Equity: Amidst ongoing debate on
¾ Harmonisation of IP Laws: TRIPS set minimum
standards for IP protection across member countries. flexibilities within the TRIPS agreement, like compulsory
licensing, access to affordable medicines still remains
€ This created a more predictable legal environment
a challenge, especially in the global south.
for international trade and collaboration in research
and development (R&D).
¾ Increased Transparency: TRIPS obligated members RBI Eases FEMA Regulations
to disclose their Intellectual Property (IP) laws and
regulations, fostering greater transparency in the Why in News?
global IP system. Recently, the Reserve Bank of India has eased Foreign
¾ Knowledge Sharing: TRIPS provisions on technology Exchange Management Act (FEMA) regulations to
transfer encourage collaboration between developed facilitate foreign investment in derivatives.
and developing countries. ¾ A derivative is a type of financial security that is set
€ Developed countries are obligated to provide between two or more parties. Derivatives can take
mechanisms for transferring technology to many forms, from stock and bond derivatives to
developing countries under certain conditions. economic indicator derivatives.
¾ Promotion of Social and Economic Welfare: WTO
What are the Recent FEMA Regulations?
highlighted TRIPS’ role in balancing rights with
obligations to promote social and economic welfare, ¾ About:
aligning with the SDGs’ objectives. € The recent amendments aim to facilitate margin

€ During the late 1990s crisis, TRIPS’ flexibilities were

management for trading in permitted derivatives,
crucial for access to antiretroviral treatments, both within and outside India.
illustrating its significance in public health € Foreign investors will find it easier to invest in

emergencies. derivative instruments following amendments

to the FEMA regulations by the RBI.
What are the Challenges Related to TRIPS?
¾ Present Mechanism:
¾ Balance Between Rights and Access: TRIPS’ focus on € RBI lists interest rate derivatives (interest rate
strong IP rights can limit access to essential medicines, swap, forward rate agreement, interest rate future
educational materials, and agricultural technologies and foreign currency derivatives, foreign currency
in developing countries. forward, currency swap and currency option) as
¾ Biopiracy and Traditional Knowledge: Concerns exist permitted derivative contracts.
regarding the patenting of genetic resources and € Similarly in equity, four types of derivatives include
traditional knowledge from developing countries forward contracts, futures contracts, options
without fair compensation. contracts and swap contracts.
€ TRIPS’ provisions on disclosure of the origin of ¾ Recent Changes:
genetic resources and traditional knowledge are
€ Permission for Authorised Dealer (AD) to Allow
seen as inadequate. Interest-Bearing Accounts: Authorised Dealer
¾ Enforcement Issues: Enforcing IP rights, particularly in (AD) in India can allow persons resident outside
areas like copyright infringement and counterfeiting, India to open, hold, and maintain interest-bearing
remains a challenge for many developing countries. accounts in Indian Rupees and/or foreign currency
€ Lack of resources and robust legal systems can for collecting margin in India for permitted derivative
hinder effective IP protection. contracts.
¾ Data Privacy: International discussions are needed z In the present mechanism also RBI has kept
to address data ownership, privacy, the issue of the permitted derivative contracts similar to
e-commerce, and the patentability of data-driven the previous provisions.

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€ Benefits for Non-Residents: Example: Investment in foreign securities,

z

z Non-residents can open and maintain interest- acquisition of immovable property outside
bearing accounts with ADs in India for margin- India etc.
related purposes, earning interest on these ¾ Resident Indians:
funds instead of keeping them idle. € A ‘person resident in India’ is defined in Section
z Having a dedicated account for margin 2(v) of FEMA, 1999 as
requirements makes it easier for non-residents z A person residing in India for more than 182 days
to manage their margin obligations and funds during the course of the preceding financial year.
related to permitted derivative contracts in India. z Any person or body corporate registered or

What is Foreign Exchange incorporated in India.

Management Act, 1999?
¾ The legal framework for the administration of foreign Strengthening of Rupee
exchange transactions in India is provided by the
Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999. Why in News?
¾ Under the FEMA, all transactions involving foreign The Indian Rupee depreciated by around 27.6%
exchange have been classified either as capital or against the US dollar in the last 10 years.
current account transactions. ¾ The currency has gained real value when considering
€ Current Account Transactions: its exchange rate against major global currencies.
z All transactions undertaken by a resident that
How is the Decadal Journey of the Indian
do not alter his/her assets or liabilities, outside
India are current account transactions.
Rupee?
z Example: Payment in connection with foreign
¾ The rupee fell from Rs 44.37 to Rs 60.34 (26.5%) from
trade, expenses in connection with foreign 2004 to 2014 against the US dollar.
travel, education etc. ¾ The rupee has further depreciated from Rs 60.34
€ Capital Account Transactions:
to Rs 83.38 (27.6%) against the US dollar in the last
between 2014 to 2024.
z It includes those transactions which are
€ Appreciation and depreciation of currency refer
undertaken by a resident of India such that
his/her assets or liabilities outside India are to changes in the value of a currency relative to
altered. other currencies in the foreign exchange market.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 39
¾ Between 2004 and 2024, rupee declined by 32.2% € Inflation: If inflation is higher in a country compared
(from 133.77 to 90.76) as per 40-currency basket NEER to its trading partners, its currency weakens as its
and 40.2%, (from 139.77 to 83.65) as per 6-currency purchasing power decreases.
basket NEER and during the same period. € Economic Growth: A strong and growing economy
€ The rupee’s average exchange rate against the US fosters confidence in a country’s currency, leading
dollar dropped by 45.7%, from Rs 44.9 to Rs 82.8. to a stronger exchange rate.
€ Therefore, between 2004 and 2024, the rupee € Political Stability: Political instability can deter
has undergone a smaller depreciation against foreign investment and weaken a country’s currency.
the currencies of India’s major trading partners € Supply and Demand: The fundamental principle
compared to its depreciation solely against the of supply and demand plays a major role. If more
US dollar. people want to buy a particular currency (higher
¾ Also rupee’s trade-weighted REER for both 40-currency demand), its exchange rate strengthens.
and 6-currency basket has increased in the last 20
years indicating that Rupee strengthened between What is Effective Exchange Rate (EER)?
2004-05 and 2023-24. ¾ About:
€ Rupee has strengthened in real terms over time, € The Effective Exchange Rate (EER) of a currency is
while ruling at 100 or above most of the time in a weighted average of its exchange rates against
the last 10 years. other currencies, adjusted for inflation and trade
competitiveness.
What is an Exchange Rate?
€ The currency weights are derived from the share
¾ About:
of the individual countries to India’s total foreign
€ An exchange rate is the rate at which one currency
trade.
can be exchanged for another currency. It
¾ Effect on Strength of a Currency:
represents the value of one currency in terms of
€ Strength or Weakness of a Currency depends
another currency.
on the Exchange rate of that currency with the
€ Exchange rates are typically expressed as the
currency of all trading Partners.
amount of one currency needed to purchase one
€ For India, The strength or weakness of the Rupee
unit of another currency.
is, hence, a function of its exchange rate with
¾ Types:
not just the US dollar, but also with other global
€ Fixed Exchange Rate: Governments or central
currencies.
banks set the value of their currency in relation
z In this case, it would be against a basket of
to other currencies and maintain that value by
buying or selling their own currency in foreign currencies of the country’s most important
exchange markets. trading partners, termed as the rupee’s “Effective
Exchange Rate” or EER.
€ Floating Exchange Rate: Value of a currency is
determined by the forex market based on supply ¾ Types of Effective Exchange Rate(EER):
and demand. Most major currencies operate € Nominal Effective Exchange Rate (NEER): NEER

under this system. is a simple average of bilateral exchange rates

€ Managed Float: A mix of fixed and floating exchange
between the domestic currency and the currencies
rates where governments intervene occasionally of major trading partners, weighted by the
to stabilise their currency’s value. respective trade shares.
¾ Factors Affecting Exchange Rates: z NEER measures the overall strength or weakness

€ Interest Rates: Higher interest rates in a country tend

of a currency relative to a basket of other
to attract foreign investment, increasing demand currencies without adjusting for inflation.
for that country’s currency and strengthening its z The NEER indices are with reference to a base

exchange rate. value of 100 and base rear as 2015-16.

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z The Reserve Bank of India has constructed z This can strain the government’s finances.
NEER indices of the rupee against a 2 different € Discourages Foreign Investment: A depreciating
baskets of Currencies: rupee can be seen as a sign of economic instability,
„ 6 Currency Basket: It is a trade-weighted potentially discouraging foreign investors from
average rate at which the rupee is investing in India.
exchangeable with a basic currency basket,
Devaluation and Depreciation of Currency
comprising the US dollar, the euro, the Chinese
Feature Devaluation Depreciation
yuan, the British pound, the Japanese yen
and the Hong Kong dollar. Cause Government Action Market Forces
(Demand and
„ 40 currencies Basket: It covers a bigger basket
Supply)
of 40 currencies of countries that account
for about 88% of India’s annual trade flows. Exchange Rate Fixed Floating
System
¾ Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER):
Intentionality Deliberate Action to Natural
€ REER adjusts NEER for differences in inflation rates
Weaken Currency Decline in
between the domestic economy and its trading for economic gain Value
partners. It reflects changes in the relative price
Control Government Market
levels of goods and services.
Control Exchange Determines
€ REER provides a more accurate measure of a Rate Exchange Rate
currency’s trade competitiveness by accounting
for changes in price levels.
€ REER is calculated by dividing NEER by a price Socio-Ecological Impact
deflator (such as Consumer Price Index) for the of LPG Price Escalation
domestic economy and multiplying by 100.
What are the Implications of Currency Why in News?
Depreciation on the Indian Economy? Recently, a study revealed heavy reliance on fuelwood
in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal despite government efforts to
¾ Positive Impacts:
promote Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
€ Boosts Exports: Indian exports become cheaper
¾ It highlights the high prices of LPG and environmental
for foreign buyers, potentially increasing demand
impact of reliance on fuelwood, raising sustainability
and boosting export earnings.
concerns and emphasising the need for accessible
€ Inward Remittances: A weaker rupee will enable alternatives.
workers abroad to send more rupees back home
when they convert their foreign currency earnings. What are the Key Highlights of the Study?
z This can increase disposable income in India. ¾ Dependence on Forests for Fuelwood: Local
¾ Negative Impacts: communities in Jalpaiguri heavily rely on forests
€ Higher Import Costs: Imported goods, including for fuelwood due to limited access to alternative
essential items like oil and machinery, become cooking fuels.
more expensive. ¾ Economic Constraints: The cost of commercial
z This can lead to inflationary pressures, where LPG cylinders, priced at over Rs 1500 is considered
the general price level of goods and services exorbitant for many households, particularly those
rises, impacting the common man’s purchasing below the poverty line.
power. ¾ Government Initiatives: Government schemes, such as
€ Costlier Foreign Debt: If India has borrowed money the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY), facilitated
in foreign currencies, a weaker rupee means it the transition from fuelwood to LPG initially, but the
has to pay back more rupees to settle the debt. subsequent increase in LPG prices posed a challenge.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 41
€ Despite efforts to increase LPG penetration in rural Note:
areas, many households only refill their cylinders
¾ The prices of LPG, petrol, and diesel in India are
infrequently due to the high cost.
among the highest in the world. While arguments
¾ Environmental and Social Implications: Dependence include external factors and higher prices globally,
on fuelwood contributes to forest degradation the real impact is greater in India due to differences
and increases the risk of human-wildlife conflicts, in purchasing power and affordability.
particularly encounters with elephants. € Using purchasing power parity (PPP) dollars, the
€ The persistence of fuelwood usage jeopardises forest price of petrol in India is the 3rd highest globally,
health, wildlife habitats, and local livelihoods. behind only Sudan and Laos.
¾ Sustainable Alternatives: Collaborative efforts with € LPG prices in India are the world’s highest.

the West Bengal Forest Department and Joint Forest Diesel prices in India are the 8th highest.
Management Committees aim to promote sustainable ¾ Data from the 2014-2015 ACCESS survey, conducted
forest management practices. by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water,
€ Initiatives include planting saplings of high found LPG’s cost to be the foremost barrier to
fuelwood value in villages, promoting efficient its adoption and continued use in rural poor
cooking stoves, optimising shade tree density in households.
tea plantations, and fostering multi-stakeholder € Thus, 750 million Indians primarily use solid

engagement for resource governance. cooking fuels (wood, dung, agricultural residues,
coal, and charcoal) every day.
¾ Locally Acceptable Solutions: To secure forests, wildlife,
€ Solid cooking fuels are associated with
and livelihoods, it is imperative to develop locally
innumerable health hazards and socio-economic
acceptable and sustainable alternatives to fuelwood.
and environmental impacts.
€ Community involvement and engagement with
relevant stakeholders are crucial for the success What Drives India’s High LPG Prices?
and adoption of alternative cooking fuels and ¾ Dependency on Imports:
forest conservation efforts. € India relies heavily on imports for LPG, with more

Has the Government Pushed the Use of LPG? than 60% of its needs being met through imports.
€ This import dependence contributes significantly
¾ The Indian government has made efforts to increase
to the pricing dynamics of LPG in the country.
LPG adoption in rural households:
€ India’s LPG prices are influenced by the average
€ Launched the Rajiv Gandhi Gramin LPG Vitrak Saudi Contract Prices (CP) for propane and butane.
scheme in 2009 to expand LPG distribution in
z LPG is a mix of gasses, mainly consisting of
remote areas.
butane and propane, with the percentage of
€ Initiated direct benefit transfers for LPG under butane limited.
the ‘PAHAL’ scheme in 2015. „ The CP is the international price for LPG
Implemented direct home-refill deliveries and
€ trading, as set by Saudi Aramco.
the ‘Give it Up’ program in 2016. „ The average Saudi CP increased from USD
€ Introduced the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana 454 per tonne in FY20 to USD 710 in FY23,
(PMUY) in 2016 to install LPG connections in 80 contributing to the hike in LPG prices.
million below-poverty-line households. „ Analysts attribute this rise to improved
€ The scheme also provides a subsidy of Rs 200 for demand from Asian markets, especially for
every 14.2-kg cylinder, which increased to Rs 300 petrochemicals, where propane serves as a
in October 2023. crucial feedstock.
¾ However, despite these efforts, LPG prices in India ¾ Import Dynamics:
were reportedly the highest among 54 countries in € India’s import of 8.7 million tonnes of LPG in
2022, at around ₹300/liter. April-September 2022 out of a total consumption

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of 13.8 million tonnes underscores its reliance on

imported LPG. Chocolate Industry Meltdown
€ The pricing formula for LPG in India is dependent
Why in News?
on global market trends, particularly in the Middle
East, which is India’s largest LPG supplier. The chocolate industry is facing a crisis as the price
of cocoa beans surges, reaching a record USD 12,000 per
€ Impact on Consumers:
tonne in April 2024.
z The recent hike of Rs 50 per cylinder in March ¾ This surge, nearly four times the price in 2023, has
2023 translates to a 4.75% increase in the price sparked concerns and drawn attention to the underlying
of a 14.2 kg domestic LPG cylinder in Delhi. causes behind the upheaval.
Taxes and dealer commissions contribute to only
z
What are the Reasons Behind
11% of the cylinder’s retail price, with almost
the Rising Prices of Cocoa?
90% attributed to the cost of LPG itself, unlike
¾ El Nino and Climate Change:
petrol and diesel prices where taxes dominate.
€ The immediate reason for the ongoing crisis is
What are Potential Solutions for the bad harvest season in West African countries
Reducing Dependency on Fuelwood? Ghana and Ivory Coast, where 60% of the world’s
cocoa beans come from.
¾ Promoting Renewable Energy Sources: Encouraging
€ The development of El Niño,a weather pattern that
the adoption of renewable energy sources such as
refers to an abnormal warming of surface waters
solar, wind, and hydropower can help reduce reliance in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, led to heavier-
on fuelwood. than-usual rainfalls in West Africa, creating an
€ Many countries have implemented policies and ideal ground for the spread of black pod disease,
incentives to promote the use of renewable energy, which causes cocoa pods to rot on the branches
such as feed-in tariffs, tax credits, and subsidies. of cocoa trees.
€ Climate change is also a driving factor, with Heat
¾ Improved Cookstoves: Traditional stoves waste a
waves,droughts, and heavy rainfalls further
lot of heat. Distributing Improved Cookstoves (ICS)
threatening cocoa production, posing long-term
that burn fuelwood more efficiently can significantly
challenges for farmers and chocolate manufacturers
reduce consumption. alike.
€ For example, projects in Nepal have shown that ¾ Low Income for Cocoa Farmers:
ICS use can cut fuelwood needs by half. € The underlying issue is that the big chocolate
€ The Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves, a public- companies do not pay enough to the cocoa
private partnership, has worked to distribute farmers in West Africa, who earn on average as
over 80 million clean and efficient cookstoves in little as less than USD 1.25 a day, which is well
developing countries since its inception in 2010. below the United Nations’ absolute poverty line
of USD 2.15 per day.
¾ Alternative Fuels: Promoting the use of alternative
€ Farmers are not able to invest in land to increase
fuels such as biogas, pellets, or briquettes made from
yield or build resilience against climate change
agricultural waste can reduce the demand for fuelwood
due to the lack of funds, leading to the use of
and provide a more sustainable energy source. slave and child labour, and the selling off of land
¾ Sustainable Forest Management Practices: Ensuring to illegal gold miners.
sustainable forest management practices can help z As a result, the farmers continue to live in
maintain a balance between fuelwood extraction poverty, unable to invest in their land or adopt
and forest regeneration, reducing the environmental sustainable practices, leading to decline in
impact of fuelwood consumption. production and price surge.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 43
Despite the huge profits made by the chocolate
€ established in 1973 under the United Nations.
companies, they have not done much to help raise z Based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, ICCO was created
farmers’ income, contributing to the long-term to implement the first International Cocoa
exploitation of farmers and potentially leading Agreement negotiated in Geneva at a United
to higher chocolate prices for consumers in the Nations International Cocoa Conference.
long run. € The scarcity of cocoa beans is likely to persist,
¾ Potential Consequences of the Ongoing Crisis: leading to further exploitation of farmers and a
€ The International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO) rise in chocolate prices.
predicts a global shortfall of about 374,000 tonnes € Experts believe that the prominent chocolate
for the 2023-2024 season, exacerbating the scarcity companies have the room to redistribute wealth
of cocoa beans and driving up chocolate prices. down the supply chain, but unless they do so, the
z ICCO is an intergovernmental organisation situation is unlikely to improve.

Cocoa Cultivation Requirements

¾ Altitude and Rainfall: Cocoa can be grown up to 300 m above mean sea level. It requires a minimum of 90-100
mm rainfall per month with an annual rainfall of 1500-2000 mm.
¾ Temperature and Soil Conditions: Cocoa prefers warm and consistent temperatures, the temperature range of
15°- 39°C with an optimum of 25°C is considered ideal.
€ Cocoa requires deep and well-drained soils. Poorly drained soil affects the growth of plants. The majority of the
area under Cocoa cultivation is on clay loam and sandy loam soil. It grows well in the pH range of 6.5 to 7.0.

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¾ Agroforestry: Cocoa trees thrive under shade and are often grown under the canopy of taller trees. This
agroforestry practice not only helps in maintaining the required microclimate but also supports biodiversity.
¾ Cocoa Production in India:
€ Cocoa is best cultivated in coconut and areca nut gardens in India, where 30-50% of sunlight can be intercepted
by cocoa under the areca nut canopy.
€ In India, it is mainly cultivated in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu mainly as intercrop
with Arecanut and Coconut.
€ National Horticulture Mission provides a subsidy of Rs 20,000 per hectare to cocoa farmers in Andhra Pradesh
for the first three years.
€ Central Plantation Crops Research Institute Conducts systematic cocoa improvement programs with germplasm
introductions.

Regulatory Action Against Kotak Mahindra Bank by RBI

Why in News?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has barred Kotak Mahindra Bank (KMB) from onboarding new customers on its
online and mobile banking channels and issuing fresh credit cards.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 45
¾ However, the bank is allowed to provide these services instructions for audits. RBI also plays a role in
to its existing customers. mergers and liquidation.
€ No banking company can operate in India without
What Led to the Restrictions by
a license from the RBI, which can inspect the
the Reserve Bank of India?
company’s books before granting the license and
¾ RBI observed “serious deficiencies and non- can also cancel the license if the company ceases
compliances” in KMB’s: its banking operations in India.
€ IT inventory and user access management. ¾ Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) Framework:
€ Data leak and leak prevention strategy. € The PCA Framework by the RBI is a supervisory
€ Business continuity and disaster recovery rigor strategy directed at banks that exhibit weak
and drill. financial metrics.
¾ These deficiencies were identified during RBI’s € The RBI’s PCA Framework involves monitoring key
examination of the bank’s systems for 2022 and 2023. performance indicators of banks, such as the Capital
¾ The regulator found that KMB failed to address these to Risk-weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR),Net Non-
concerns comprehensively and promptly, despite Performing Assets (NNPA) ratio, and the Leverage
recommendations and corrective action plans. Ratio ( level of debt incurred by a business entity
¾ The bank was also deemed non-compliant with RBI’s against several other accounts in its balance sheet,
subsequent recommendations or ‘Corrective Action income statement).
Plans’ (CAPs). z If a bank breaches certain risk thresholds

€ CAPs are part of an intervention scheme of the set for these indicators, the RBI may invoke
RBI to ensure robustness of regulated entities. PCA, which can lead to restrictions on
¾ Impact of RBI’s Restriction: dividend distribution, branch expansion, and
management compensation, among other
€ The regulatory action may set back KMB’s credit
things.
growth and profitability, as credit cards are a
€ The objective of the PCA Framework is to encourage
higher-yielding target growth segment for the bank.
banks to take corrective steps preemptively to
z It could take a year for KMB to fully address
mitigate the risks posed by low capital levels, poor
RBI’s key concerns, as implementing changes
asset quality, or unprofitable operations.
and the external audit will take time.
€ It also aims to impose market discipline by making
€ The ban would hinder the growth trajectory of
the financial conditions of banks transparent.
KMB’s retail products, adversely impacting margins
and profitability. Comparative Analysis with Past Actions by the RBI
What is the Role of ¾ In December 2020, HDFC Bank was barred from
launching new digital products and sourcing new
the RBI in Banking Regulation?
credit card customers due to recurring outages in
¾ Banking Regulation Act of 1949: its internet and mobile banking platforms.
€ The RBI is the governing body for regulating and
¾ In October 2023, the Bank of Baroda was directed
supervising the banks. Banking Regulation Act to suspend fresh onboarding of customers onto
of 1949 is an act that provides a framework for its ‘Bob World’ mobile application over “certain
regulating the banks of India. material supervisory concerns.”
z This Act gives RBI the power to control the
behavior of banks. This Act was passed as the
Banking Companies Act of 1949. India’s Aviation Sector
€ This Act monitors the day-to-day operations of the
bank. Under this Act, the RBI can license banks, Why in News?
put regulation
​​ over shareholding and voting rights After ruling the Indian skies, IndiGo is now attempting
of shareholders, look over the appointment of to make a mark globally with non-stop, long-haul, and
the boards and management, and lay down the low-cost flights from Indian airports.

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¾ However, the long-haul, low-cost airline model has been z The industry has undergone a remarkable
a challenge for many airlines, with numerous failures transformation, shedding its previous limitations
and few relatively stable and profitable operations. and evolving into a vibrant and competitive sector.
€ Proactive policies and strategic initiatives by the
What is the Long-haul,
government have catalysed the growth of the
Low-cost Air Travel Model?
aviation sector, fostering a conducive environment
¾ About: for expansion and innovation.
€ The long-haul, low-cost air travel model is an ¾ Infrastructure Development:
attempt by low-cost carriers (LCCs) to expand
€ India’s airport network has witnessed a remarkable
their operations beyond short-haul domestic and
transformation, doubling its operational airports
regional routes and offer non-stop, long-duration
from 74 in 2014 to 148 in April 2023, facilitating
flights at lower fares.
increased air travel accessibility.
z This model aims to replicate the success of LCCs
z Regional Connectivity Scheme-UDAN:
in the short-haul segment by applying similar
„ The Regional Connectivity Scheme–Ude Desh
cost-cutting strategies and business practices
to long-haul operations. ka Aam Nagrik (RCS-UDAN) was launched
in 2016 to provide connectivity to unserved
¾ Challenges:
and underserved airports in the country.
€ Higher fuel costs for operating larger, wide-body
„ The scheme aims to revive existing airstrips
aircraft on long-haul routes.
and airports, bringing essential air travel
z Increased operating costs for wider aircraft, such
access to isolated communities and boosting
as more crew, maintenance, and airport fees.
regional economic development.
€ Difficulty in maintaining the rapid turnaround
„ With 517 RCS routes operational, connecting
times and high aircraft utilisation levels that are
76 airports, UDAN has facilitated air travel
critical to the LCC business model.
for over 1.30 crore people, promoting
€ Balancing the need for passenger comfort and
accessibility and economic growth
amenities on long flights with the low-cost carrier’s
¾ Passenger Growth:
focus on minimising costs.
€ The aviation industry is experiencing a remarkable
€ Establishing a viable network and flight schedule
resurgence post-Covid, with a surge in passenger
that can sustain demand and profitability on long-
haul, low-density routes. demand.
z From January to September 2023, domestic
€ Competition from established full-service carriers
with stronger brand recognition and loyalty on airlines carried 112.86 million passengers, a
long-haul international routes. 29.10% increase compared to the same period
in 2022.
¾ Successful Examples:
z International airlines carried 45.99 million
€ A few long-haul LCCs like Scoot, Jetstar, and French
passengers between January and September
Bee have managed to establish relatively stable
2023, a 39.61% increase compared to the same
and profitable operations.
period in 2022.
€ Key strategies include offering a hybrid product
¾ Carbon Neutrality:
with some premium/business class amenities,
targeting underserved routes, and leveraging € The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has taken

strong domestic/regional networks. initiatives to work towards carbon neutrality and

achieving net zero carbon emissions at airports
What is the Progress of India’s Aviation Sector? in the country.
¾ India’s Aviation Boom: z Airport operators have been advised to map
€ India has emerged as the third-largest domestic carbon emissions and work towards carbon
aviation market in the world, after the USA and neutrality and net zero emissions in a phased
China. manner.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 47
€ Greenfield airports are being encouraged adopt sustainable practices can add complexity to growth
to prioritise carbon neutrality and net zero strategies.
emissions in their development plans.
India’s Initiatives Related to Aviation Industry
z Airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad,
¾ UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik).
and Bengaluru have achieved Level 4+
ACI Accreditation and become carbon ¾ National Civil Aviation Policy, 2016
neutral. ¾ Goods and Services Tax (GST) rate reduced to 5% from 18%
z 66 Indian Airports are operating on 100%
for domestic Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO)
Green Energy. services.
¾ Open Sky Agreement
What are the Challenges Facing India’s ¾ Digi Yatra for Seamless Travel: This digital platform facilitates
Aviation Industry? a contactless experience for air travellers, with features like
¾ High Fuel Costs: facial recognition and paperless check-in.
€ Aircraft Turbine Fuel (ATF) expenses can
represent 50-70% of an airline’s operational
costs and import taxes add to the financial
burden.
¾ Dollar Dependency:
€ Fluctuations in the dollar rate impact profits
as major expenses like aircraft acquisition
and maintenance are dollar-denominated.
¾ Cutthroat Pricing:
€ Airlines often engage in aggressive price
competition to attract passengers, leading to
thin profit margins amidst high operational
costs.
¾ Limited Competition:
€ Currently, IndiGo and a resurgent Air India
hold the majority share, possibly nearing
70% combined. This concentration of power
can lead to:
z Limited Competition: With fewer
major players, there’s a risk of reduced
competition on routes, potentially leading
to higher fares for consumers.
z Pricing Power: The dominant airlines
may have more leverage to influence
ticket prices, especially if they coordinate
strategies.
¾ Grounded Fleet:
€ A large portion (over a quarter) of Indian
aeroplanes are grounded due to safety
concerns and financial issues, hindering
capacity.
¾ Environmental Concerns:
€ Pressure to reduce carbon emissions and

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¾ Challenges:
Drip Pricing € The challenge lies in distinguishing between
competitive pricing strategies and those that are
Why in News? genuinely deceptive or harmful.
Recently, the concept of “drip pricing” has garnered € The regulatory approach has not been unified
significant attention from both governmental bodies and or consistently applied, leading to enforcement
consumers due to its impact on the transparency of pricing challenges.
practices in various industries.
z Countries like Australia have explicit regulations
What is Drip Pricing? against drip pricing, while others rely on broader
¾ About: consumer protection laws to address misleading
practices
€ Drip pricing is a pricing strategy where only a
portion of an item’s total cost is displayed initially, ¾ Potential Solutions:
with additional charges revealed as the customer € Industry Standards: Industry-wide adoption of
progresses through the purchase process. transparent pricing practices could create a fairer
z This strategy is used to attract customers with marketplace.
a seemingly lower price at the outset. € Consumer Awareness: Educating consumers about
¾ Mechanisms: drip pricing tactics can help them make informed
€ The initial price shown to consumers is often lower purchasing decisions.
than the total cost, excluding essential fees like € Call for Transparency: There is a growing call for
local taxes, booking charges, or necessary add-ons. regulations that require all fees to be included
€ As the purchase process continues, additional fees in the initial advertised price or at least clearly
are incrementally disclosed or “dripped” to the disclosed early in the purchase process to protect
consumer, which can lead to a higher total cost consumers and ensure fair competition.
than initially presented. € In India, the Department of Consumer Affairs
¾ Implications of Drip Pricing: cautioned against “drip pricing,” urging consumers
€ Deceptive Pricing: Advertisers initially display a to be wary of hidden charges and seek help if
lower price, luring customers in before hitting they notice unexpected increases in a product’s
them with unexpected fees. This makes informed maximum retail price (MRP).
decision-making difficult.
€ Comparison Shopping Challenges: Drip pricing Central Bank Digital
makes it hard to compare prices accurately across
different vendors, as the true cost might only be Currency
revealed at checkout.
€ Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Reputation: While
Why in News?
drip pricing might attract initial interest, it can Recently, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India
damage brand trust and loyalty in the long run. emphasised the innovative features being developed for
€ Potential Regulation: Regulatory bodies might India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), also known
enact stricter rules to curb drip pricing practices, as the e-rupee.
restricting ease of doing business. ¾ He emphasised the potential of features like permanent
€ Positive Aspect: It allows businesses to offer a base transaction deletion to boost user anonymity.
price with optional add-ons, giving consumers the
What is Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)?
flexibility to pay for only what they need.
¾ About:
z This can be particularly beneficial in industries
where customisation and personalisation are € A CBDC is a legal tender issued by a central bank
valued. in digital form.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 49
z Unlike private cryptocurrencies, CBDCs are ¾ Objectives:
backed by the central bank, ensuring stability € The main objective is to mitigate the risks and
and trust. trim costs in handling physical currency, costs of
€ It is the same as a fiat currency and is exchangeable phasing out soiled notes, transportation, insurance
one-to-one with the fiat currency. and logistics.
z A fiat currency is a national currency that is € It will also wean people away from cryptocurrencies

not pegged to the price of a commodity such as a means for money transfer.
as gold or silver. ¾ Global Trends:
€ The digital fiat currency or CBDC can be transacted € Bahamas was the first economy to launch its
using wallets backed by blockchain. nationwide CBDC namely Sand Dollar in 2020.
€ Though the concept of CBDCs was directly inspired € Nigeria is another country to have rolled out

by Bitcoin, it is different from decentralised virtual eNaira in 2020.

currencies and crypto assets, which are not issued € China became the world’s first major economy
by the state and lack the ‘legal tender’ status. to pilot a digital currency e-CNY in April 2020.

What are the Major Advantages of CBDC? € The increased use of CBDC could be explored for
many other financial activities to push the informal
¾ Enhanced Security: CBDCs leverage digital security
economy into the formal zone to ensure better
measures, potentially reducing the risk of counterfeiting
tax and regulatory compliance.
and theft compared to physical cash.
¾ Enhanced Anonymity: The possibility of permanent
¾ Improved Efficiency: Digital transactions can be settled transaction deletion is being explored to provide
instantly and efficiently, facilitating faster and more users with a level of anonymity comparable to cash
cost-effective payments. transactions.
¾ Financial Inclusion: CBDCs can potentially reach ¾ Offline Functionality: The e-rupee is envisioned to be
unbanked and underbanked populations by offering transferable offline, potentially overcoming limitations
a secure and accessible digital payment option. of internet connectivity in rural areas.

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¾ Programmability: Programmable features could € Central banks will need to adapt their policies to
be introduced to enable targeted disbursement of accommodate CBDCs effectively.
government benefits or encourage specific financial
behaviours, promoting financial inclusion.
¾ Cross-Border Transactions: CBDCs possess unique
Rat Hole Mining
attributes that can revolutionise cross-border
transactions. Why in News?
€ The instant settlement features of CBDCs are Recently, authorities were given four weeks by the
a significant advantage, making cross-border National Green Tribunal (NGT) to respond in a case related
payments cheaper, faster, and more secure. to the death of six workers in a rat-hole coal mine fire in
¾ Traditional and Innovative: CBDC can gradually bring Nagaland’s Wokha district.
a cultural shift towards virtual currency by reducing
What is Rat-Hole Mining?
currency handling costs.
¾ Improved Monetary Policy: Central banks might have ¾ About:
greater control over the money supply and interest € Rat-hole mining, aptly named for its resemblance to
rates with CBDCs. This could allow for more targeted rodent burrows, is an illegal and highly hazardous
and effective monetary policy interventions. method of extracting coal prevalent in certain
What are the Challenges Associated with the pockets of India, particularly the state of Meghalaya.
CBDC? € Unlike large-scale mechanised mines, this practice
involves digging narrow, horizontal tunnels barely
¾ Cybersecurity Concerns: Robust security measures are
large enough for a single person to squeeze through.
crucial to protect the e-rupee system from cyberattacks.
€ These tunnels, often referred to as “rat holes,” can
¾ Privacy Issues: Balancing user privacy with the need
for anti-money laundering and countering financing extend tens of meters underground.
of terrorism measures is a critical aspect. € Miners descend precariously using ropes, bamboo
€ Concerns have arisen about the CBDC’s privacy, ladders, or makeshift supports and work in cramped,
with its electronic nature potentially leaving a poorly ventilated conditions with basic tools like
traceable trail, unlike cash. pickaxes and shovels.
¾ UPI Preference and Interoperability: Despite efforts € The extracted coal is then hauled back up through
to promote the CBDC, there is a continued preference these narrow passages, making the entire process
for UPI among retail users. incredibly dangerous and backbreaking.
€ However, the RBI expressed hope for a change ¾ Types:
in this trend and highlighted the RBI’s efforts to € Side-Cutting Procedure: Narrow tunnels are dug
enable the interoperability of CBDC with UPI.
into hill slopes in the side-cutting procedure, where
¾ Non-Remunerative CBDC: The RBI made CBDC non- workers enter to locate the typically less than 2m
remunerative and non-interest-bearing to mitigate
thin coal seam in Meghalaya’s hills.
potential risks of bank disintermediation.
€ Box-cutting: In box-cutting, a rectangular opening
€ However, non-banks are included in the CBDC
is created, followed by digging a vertical pit, and
pilot to leverage their reach for distribution and
value-added services. then rat-hole-sized tunnels are dug horizontally
for coal extraction.
¾ Competition with Private Banks: CBDCs could
potentially compete with private banks for deposits, ¾ Geographical Spread:
impacting their ability to lend and invest. € While predominantly practised in Meghalaya,
€ Finding a way for CBDCs to coexist with the existing reports of rat-hole mining have surfaced in other
financial system is necessary. northeastern states of India as well.
¾ Monetary Policy: The impact of CBDCs on monetary € This method thrives in regions with thin coal seams,
policy tools like interest rates remains unclear. unsuitable for large-scale mining techniques.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 51
¾ Causes of Rat Hole Mining:
The Silkyara (Uttarakhand) Tunnel Collapse
€ Poverty: Local tribal populations with limited
¾ The 2023 Uttarakhand tunnel collapse, where 41
livelihood options, often resort to rat-hole mining workers were trapped, presented a unique situation
as a means of survival. where a banned technique, rat-hole mining, became
z The quick cash generated from selling the the key to their successful rescue.
extracted coal, despite the risks involved, ¾ The miners successfully dug a narrow passage,
becomes a tempting proposition for those enabling the rescue of all 41 workers. This case
exemplifies the technique’s potential for rapid
struggling to make ends meet.
rescue in extreme situations.
€ Land Ownership: € However, it’s a high-risk technique. This case
z Ambiguous land titles pose challenges should not overshadow the importance of
for establishing regulated mines, creating prioritising safe and regulated mining practices.
opportunities for illegal operators to exploit What are the Ways to
loopholes and persist in their activities. Regulate Rat Hole Mining?
€ Coal Demand: The constant demand for coal, both ¾ Regulation of Rat-Hole Mining in Nagaland:
legal and illegal, fuels the practice of rat-hole mining. € Nagaland has 492.68 million tonnes of coal

z Middlemen and illegal traders create a market reserves scattered in small, erratic pockets, leading
for this illegally extracted coal, perpetuating to the permission of rat-hole mining under its
2006 Nagaland Coal mining policy due to the
the cycle and putting the lives of miners at risk.
impracticality of large-scale operations.
¾ Issues: € Rat-hole mining licences, known as small pocket
€ Danger to Life and Limb: The narrow tunnels deposit licences, are exclusively granted to
are prone to collapses, often trapping miners individual landowners for limited durations and
underground. specific conditions.
€ Rat-hole mining requires approval from departments
z Poor ventilation leads to suffocation, and
like Forest and Environment to ensure environmental
the lack of proper safety measures makes compliance, yet illegal operations persist despite
them vulnerable to accidents, injuries and life government clearance and plans.
threatening diseases. ¾ Article 371A and Controlling Rat-Hole Mining in
€ Environmental Damage:Deforestation to clear Nagaland:
land for access points, soil erosion from haphazard € Article 371A complicates government regulation

digging, and water contaminationdue to improper in Nagaland, hindering oversight of small-scale

mining, especially by individual landowners.
waste disposal are some of the lasting environmental
¾ Remedies:
consequences of this practice.
€ Livelihood Alternatives: Providing sustainable
z Rat hole mines also cause acidic runoff, known income sources is crucial. This can involve skilling
as Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), leading to development programs, promoting alternative
degraded water quality and reduced biodiversity industries like tourism or handicrafts, and
in affected water bodies. creatingmicro-financing opportunities.
z By offering a more secure and less dangerous
path to financial security, communities can be
incentivised to leave behind rat-hole mining.
€ Sustainable Mining Practices: Exploring alternative,
less hazardous mining techniques suitable for
extracting coal from thin seams is essential.

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zResearch into and adoption of technologies € Drought conditions in Indonesia, another tobacco-
like bord and pillar mining or small-scale producing country, also resulted in crop failures.
mechanised mining could pave the way for a € China, another significant producer, has imposed
safer and more efficient approach. limitations on tobacco exports to protect its
€ Stricter Enforcement: Strengthening law domestic cigarette industry in response to reports
enforcement and imposing harsher penalties of global stock shortages, further fueling price
on those involved in illegal mining can act as a increases in tobacco-producing nations.
strong deterrent. ¾ Potential Impact on Indian Growers: Tobacco exporters
¾ Legal Landscape: and the Indian Tobacco Board are expecting that the
€ International Context: There’s no specific disparity between demand and production is expected
international law directly addressing rat-hole to sustain price escalations for another year, which
mining. is likely to benefit Indian growers.
z However, international regulations promote
Note:
sustainable mining methods and prioritise
¾ Indian Tobacco Board: It was constituted as a
worker safety, indirectly influencing member
statutory body on 1st January 1976 under Section
states to adopt similar practices.
(4) of the Tobacco Board Act, 1975.
€ Indian Context: Recognising the dangers of this
¾ The Board is headed by a Chairman with its
practice, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned
headquarters at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. It is
rat-hole mining in India in 2014.
responsible for the development of the tobacco
€ Government Initiative:
industry.
z The NGT ban on rat-hole mining, though not
fully effective, demonstrates a commitment to What are the Key Facts
ending this practice. About Tobacco Production in India?
z Schemes promoting alternative livelihoods, ¾ Agro-Climatic Facts:
like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural € Tobacco is of tropical origin but thrives under
Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), aim tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates.
to provide alternative income sources for those
z Ideal conditions include a frost-free period of
dependent on rat hole mining.
100 to 120 days with an average temperature
of 80°F and well-distributed rainfall of 88 to
Surge in Tobacco Prices 125 mm per month.
z Relative humidity ranges from 70-80% in the
Why in News? morning to 50-60% during midday.
Tobacco farmers in Andhra Pradesh are set to benefit € Various tobacco types have specific soil and climatic
after crop yields in Brazil, Zimbabwe and Indonesia preferences for optimal growth.
declined due to droughts and untimely rainfall. z FCV thrives on various soils, including sandy
¾ Auction prices in Andhra Pradesh have surged to loams, red loams, and black cotton soils.
near-record levels and are expected to rise further. ¾ Economic Significance:
How are Tobacco Farmers in Andhra Pradesh € Tobacco ranks among the most economically

Benefiting? significant crops globally.

¾ Surge in Auction Prices: Prices have risen to near- z India’s tobacco cultivation covers approximately

record levels, marking a 30% increase from initial 0.27% of the net cultivated area, producing
expectations. around 750 million kg of tobacco leaf annually.
¾ Impact of Global Crop Yields: Trade analysts attributed z Annually, tobacco contributes excise revenue

the price increase to crop damage in Brazil and of (Rs 14,000 crores), accounting for 4% of the
Zimbabwe. country’s total agri-exports.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 53
€ China, India, and Brazil were rated among the ¾ Export Market and Competition:
leading producers worldwide. € India exported tobacco and tobacco products

z As regulations tighten in middle- and high-income worth Rs 9,740 crore during 2022-23 with a major
countries, tobacco companies are increasingly contribution coming from cigarette-type tobacco
targeting African countries to scale up tobacco like FCV and Burley.
leaf production. z Major importers of Indian FCV tobacco include
the UK, Germany, Belgium, South Korea, and
€ India is the third largest tobacco-producing nation
South Africa.
and second largest consumer of tobacco worldwide.
€ Brazil, Zimbabwe, Turkey, China, and Indonesia
¾ Diversity in Production: are key competitors in the export market.
€ India produces various types of tobacco, including € Despite a 13% share of the world’s tobacco
Flue-cured Virginia (FCV), Bidi, Hookah, Cigar- production, India accounts for only 5% value of
wrapper, Cheroot, Burley, Oriental, and others. global tobacco leaf exports.
z Different types of tobacco are cultivated under z It exports only 30% of the tobacco produced
diverse agro ecological conditions across 15 in the country whereas other leading tobacco-
states in India. growing countries viz. Brazil, USA, and Zimbabwe
export between 60-90% of their production.
z Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka
occupy the top 3 positions in both the area and ¾ Competitive Advantage of Indian Tobacco:
production of tobacco in the country. € Indian tobacco exhibits lower levels of heavy
metals, Tobacco Specific Nitrosamines (TSNAs),
¾ Employment and Livelihood:
and pesticide residues compared to other tobacco-
€ Tobacco cultivation provides livelihood security producing countries.
to around 36 million people in India, including € India’s varied agro-climatic conditions allow for
farmers, farm labourers, and workers in processing, the production of different styles of tobacco,
manufacturing, and exports. meeting diverse customer preferences globally.
€ Bidi rolling alone employs around 4.4 million € India enjoys a competitive edge in terms of low
people, and 2.2 million tribals are engaged in production costs and export prices, making Indian
tendu leaf collection. tobacco considered ‘value for money.’

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Health Burden of Tobacco tobacco control measures and monitor WHO’s

FCTC and MPOWER technical package.
¾ Global:
z It involves collecting data through four surveys.
€ Tobacco kills more than 8 million people each
¾ India:
year, including an estimated 1.3 million non-
smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. € National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP)

€ Around 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco € Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition

users live in low- and middle-income countries. of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and
Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution)
¾ India:
Act, 2003:
€ By 2040, India is projected to witness 2.1 million
z The law regulates tobacco products by restricting
cancer cases, with oral cavity cancer being the
advertisement, promotion, and sponsorship;
most prevalent form.
prohibiting smoking in public places; sale to
z 80-90% of individuals diagnosed with oral
and by minors; and sale within 100 yards of
cancer are tobacco consumers. educational institutions.
€ Both smoking as well as smokeless forms
z It also requires specified health warnings on all
of tobacco have adverse health impacts and tobacco product packs.
contribute to premature deaths.
„ The production, sale, storage, and distribution
z Smokeless tobacco products examples include
of food products containing tobacco or
gutkha, khaini, and zarda, which are used as nicotine are prohibited under the Food Safety
chewing tobacco. and Standards Act.
€ The risk of diseases attributable to tobacco use
€ Promulgation of the Prohibition of Electronic
in India includes stroke (78%), tuberculosis Cigarettes Ordinance, 2019
(65.6%), ischemic heart disease (85.2%), oral
cancer (38%), and lung cancer (16%).
z Mortality due to tobacco in India is estimated
Rising Share of Personal
at upwards of 13.5 lakhs, and it is estimated Income Tax and Indirect Tax
that by the year 2020, tobacco use will
account for 13% of all deaths in India every Why in News?
year if effective steps are not taken to control
Amidst ongoing political debates and controversies
tobacco consumption.
surrounding socio-economic policies, recent tax data
€ Tobacco consumption is deeply ingrained in
released by the Ministry of Finance sheds light on
the lifestyle of certain regions, particularly in significant trends in India’s tax landscape.
northern India.
¾ As per the report, the collection of personal income
What are the Initiatives Related to Tobacco? tax and indirect taxes have increased, while collections
from corporate taxes have reduced.
¾ Global:
€ To address the tobacco epidemic, theWorld Health What are the Findings of the Report?
Organization (WHO)adopted the WHO Framework ¾ Growth in Direct Tax Collection:
Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in € India’s net direct tax collections grew 17.7% in
2003. 2023-24 to hit Rs.19.58 lakh crores.
z Currently, 182 countries are parties to this
z This can be attributed to a surge in personal
treaty, including India. income taxes whose share of the tax rose to
€ TheWHO MPOWERmeasures are in line with the 53.3% from 50.06% in the previous year.
WHO FCTC and have been shown to save lives and € The data also show that revenues from personal
reduce costs from averted healthcare expenditure. income tax and securities transaction tax (STT)
€ The Global Tobacco Surveillance System (GTSS) grew at almost double the pace compared to
aims to strengthen countries’ ability to implement revenues from corporate taxes last year.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 55
Securities Transaction Tax (STT) is a tax levied
z As of February 2024, the gap between the two
z
on the purchase and sale of securities such as tax shares further increased, with income tax
stocks, derivatives, and equity-oriented mutual forming 28% of the gross tax- a new peak and
funds. It was introduced in India in 2004 as a corporate tax at 26%.
part of the Finance Act, 2004. ¾ Decrease in Share of Direct Taxes, and Increase in
„ The purpose of STT is to collect revenue Share of Indirect Taxes:
for the government and to discourage € Indirect taxes, which include union excise duties
speculative trading by adding a small tax on and the Goods and Services Tax are considered
each transaction. “regressive” as all consumers, regardless of their
z Direct Tax: A direct tax is a tax that an individual income levels, pay the same amount.
or organisation pays directly to the entity that € The share of Indirect taxes, which had been falling
imposed it. It is a “progressive tax” because steadily since the 1980s, has increased from 2010-
those who earn less are taxed less and vice-versa. 11 onwards.
z Types of Direct Taxes: z The increasing share of indirect taxes implies a

„ Income Tax: It is based on an individual’s or heavier burden on lower-income individuals.

organisation’s earnings. € On the other hand, the share of Direct taxes, which

„ Property Tax: Property tax is assessed on had been increasing till 2010-11, has consistently
real estate properties (land, buildings, etc.). recorded a downturn in recent years.
¾ Dip in Corporate Tax: € Thus, the increased tax burden on poorer citizens

€ Share of Corporate Taxes contribution to overall tax

and those in the middle-class category is a result
collection dipped to 46.5% from 49.6% in 2022-23. of the growing proportion of personal income tax
and indirect taxes within the overall.
z Corporate taxes refer to taxes imposed on
the profits of corporations by governmental
entities. These taxes are typically based on the
net income of a corporation after accounting
for various deductions and credits.

¾ Relation Between Annual Income Vs Income Tax

Returns Filed:
€ The majority (53.78%) of individuals filing personal
income tax have an annual income ranging from
€ The share of corporate tax has been on a decreasing Rs 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh and they contribute 17.73%
trend, while that of personal income tax has been in total value income tax paid.
increasing. € There are only a small number (0.84%) of wealthier
€ The sharp fall in corporate tax after FY19 can be individuals earning more than Rs. 50 lakh and they
attributed to the deep corporate tax cuts introduced have the highest share in the total value of income
by the ruling government in September 2019. tax paid (42.3%).

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disproportionately burden lower and middle-income

individuals, exacerbating income inequality.
€ This can occur if the tax system is not progressive
enough or if there are loopholes that allow the
wealthy to avoid paying their fair share.
¾ Consumer Burden: Indirect taxes are typically regressive
as they take a higher percentage of income from
low-income individuals compared to high-income
individuals.
€ This can place a heavier burden on those with
lower incomes, potentially leading to decreased
consumer spending and economic activity.
¾ Economic Efficiency: High personal income tax rates can
discourage work, savings, and investment, leading to
a less efficient allocation of resources in the economy.
€ Also, excessive reliance on indirect taxes may

¾ Effective Personal Income Tax Rate: distort consumer behaviour and lead to market
€ A comparison of India with BRICS economies
inefficiencies.
shows that India has among the highest effective ¾ Tax Evasion and Avoidance: As personal income
personal income tax rates. tax rates rise, individuals may be more incentivised
z The effective personal income tax rate is the
to engage in tax evasion or avoidance strategies to
percentage of an individual’s income that reduce their tax liabilities.
they actually pay in taxes after accounting for € This can undermine the integrity of the tax system

deductions, credits, exemptions, and other and reduce overall government revenue.
factors that affect their tax liability. ¾ Macroeconomic Stability: Heavy reliance on
personal income tax and indirect tax revenue can
make government finances vulnerable to economic
downturns.
€ During periods of recession or high unemployment,
personal income tax revenues may decline, leading
to budget deficits or cuts in essential services.
What are the Steps Taken by the
Government to Boost the Direct-Tax Collection?
¾ Promoting Voluntary Income-tax Compliance:
€ Vivad se Vishwas Scheme: Under Vivad se Vishwas,
declarations for settling pending tax disputes are
filed.
€ This will benefit the Government by generating
timely revenue and to the taxpayers by bringing
down mounting litigation costs.
¾ Focus on Digital Transactions: The government is
Why is Rising Share of Personal Income Tax promoting digital payments to discourage cash-based
and Indirect Taxes a Matter of Concern? transactions that are harder to track for tax purposes.
¾ Income Inequality: If personal income tax is a ¾ For Personal Income Tax: The Finance Act, 2020 has
significant portion of government revenue, it may provided an option to individuals and co-operatives

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to pay income tax at concessional rates if they do not What are the Key Provisions of the Charter?
avail of specified exemptions and incentives.
¾ Charter will provide suggestions on Corporate
¾ Increased Scrutiny and Compliance Measures: Tax Governance tailored for Startups and offer guidelines
authorities have intensified scrutiny and compliance suitable for different stages of a startup which is
measures, including tax audits, surveys, and data aiming to enhance governance practices.
analytics, to identify tax evaders and non-compliant
€ Corporate Governance in India is a set of rules,
taxpayers.
practices and processes by which a company is
¾ Awareness and Education Campaigns: The government guided and controlled.
conducts awareness and education campaigns to
¾ Self Evaluative Governance Scorecard:
promote tax compliance and deter tax evasion.
€ The charter includes an online self-evaluative
€ These campaigns aim to inform taxpayers about
governance scorecard that startups can use to
their rights and responsibilities, the consequences
evaluate their current governance status and its
of non-compliance, and the benefits of participating
in the formal economy. improvement over time.
z It will allow startups to measure their governance
¾ Expansion of scope of TDS/TCS: To widen the tax
base, several new transactions were brought into progress, with score changes indicating
the ambit of Tax Deduction at Source (TDS) and Tax improvements in governance practices as
Collection at Source (TCS). assessed against the scorecard from time to time.
€ These transactions include huge cash withdrawals,
¾ 4 key Stages of Guidance to Startups:
foreign remittances, purchase of luxury cars, € At the Inception stage: The focus of Startup will

e-commerce participants, sale of goods, acquisition be on:

of immovable property, etc. z Board formation,

z Tax Deduction at Source (TDS): A person z Compliance monitoring,

(deductor) who is liable to make payment of a z Accounting, Finance, External audit, Policies
specified nature to any other person (deductee) for related-party transactions, and
shall deduct tax at source and remit the same
z Conflict resolution mechanisms.
into the account of the Central Government.
€ In the Progression stage: A startup may additionally
z Tax Collection at Source (TCS): It is an additional
focus on:
amount collected as tax by a seller of specified
z Monitoring key business metrics,
goods from the buyer at the time of sale over
and above the sale amount and is remitted to z Maintaining internal controls,

the government account. z Defining a hierarchy of decision-making, and

¾ Transparent Taxation - Honoring The Honest Platform: z Setting up an audit committee.

It is aimed at bringing transparency in income tax € For the Growth stage: The focus will be on:
systems and empowering taxpayers.
z Building stakeholder awareness towards the
vision, mission, code of conduct, culture, and
Corporate Governance ethics of an organisation,
z Ensure diversity and inclusion on the board and
for Startups
z Fulfilling statutory requirements, according to

Why in News? the Companies Act 2013 and other applicable

laws and regulations.
Recently, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has
€ At the Going Public stage: The Focus of the startup
launched a corporate governance charter for startups,
including a self-evaluative scorecard. will be on:
z Expanding its governance in terms of monitoring
¾ This occurs during a period when companies like
Byju’s, BharatPe, and Zilingo have expressed worries the functioning of various committees,
about governance norms in the last 12-18 months. z Focus on fraud prevention and detection,

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Minimise information asymmetry,

z ensuring that businesses are run ethically and in
Evaluating board performance.
z the best interests of their stakeholders.
¾ Valuation: The valuations of businesses should be € It enforces strong ethical standards and holds

kept as realistic as possible. individuals accountable for their actions.

€ Startups may strive for long-term value creation ¾ Principles of Corporate Governance:
rather than short-term valuations. € Fairness: The board of directors should treat

¾ Long-Term Goals: The needs of the business entity shareholders, employees, vendors, and communities
should be separated from the personal needs of its with fairness and equal consideration.
founder(s), but at the same time, the goals and needs € Accountability: The board is required to explain

of the founders, promoters, and initial investors should the purpose of the company’s activities and report
be aligned with the long-term goals of the business. on its conduct.
¾ Separate Legal Entity: The startup should be maintained € Transparency: The board should ensure that

as a separate legal entity with the organisation’s assets timely, accurate, and clear information is provided
distinct from the founders’ assets. about financial performance, conflicts of interest,
and risks to shareholders and other stakeholders.
What is a Startup?
€ Risk Management: The board and management
¾ About: are responsible for identifying and controlling
€ According to (Department for Promotion various risks.
of Industry and Internal Trade) DPIIT, to be z T h e y s h o u l d t a ke a c t i o n b a s e d o n
considered eligible for recognition, a Startup recommendations to manage these risks and
must meet these criteria: inform relevant parties about their existence
z Have been in operation for no more than 10 and status.
years since its incorporation. € Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): It involves
z Be registered as a Private Limited Company, integrating environmental, social, and governance
a Registered Partnership Firm, or a Limited (ESG) considerations into business strategy and
Liability Partnership. operations, and contributing positively to society
z Have an annual turnover not exceeding Rs. and the environment.
100 crore for any financial year since its ¾ Regulatory Framework in India:
incorporation. € The Companies Act, 2013
z Not have been formed by splitting up or € Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
reconstructing an already existing business. € Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI)
¾ Scenario of Startup in India: € Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI):
€ India has the 3rd largest startup ecosystem in the It issues secretarial standards as per the provision
world and is expected to witness Year-on-Year of the Companies Act, 2013.
growth of consistent annual growth of 12-15% ¾ Committees Related to Corporate Governance:
€ India ranks 2nd in innovation quality with top € Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) National
positions in the quality of scientific publications Task Force on Corporate Governance (1996):
and the quality of its universities among middle- z The task force, chaired by Rahul Bajaj, developed
income economies. a voluntary code of conduct for Indian
€ As of May 2023, India is home to 108 Unicorns companies.
with a total valuation of USD 340.80 bn € Kumar Mangalam Birla Committee (1999):
What is Corporate Governance? z This committee was set up by the SEBI to develop
¾ About: a mandatory code of corporate governance for
€ Corporate governance, which refers to the system of listed companies.
rules, practices, and processes by which a company z The committee’s recommendations addressed
is directed and controlled, plays a crucial role in issues such as board composition, independent

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 59
directors, audit committees, and risk z Unlike developed economies, in India, the
management. identity of the founder and the company is
€ Naresh Chandra Committee (2002): often merged.
z This committee, constituted by the Department How to Improve Corporate
of Company Affairs (DCA), examined various Governance in India?
corporate governance issues related to statutory
¾ Strengthen Regulatory Framework: Continuously
audits, the independence of auditors, and the
update and enforce corporate governance regulations
role of independent directors.
to align with international best practices.
z Its recommendations led to significant changes
¾ Independent Directorsand Diversity inBoard
in the Companies Act.
Composition: It ensures their autonomy and
€ Narayana Murthy Committee (2003): This SEBI-
effectiveness and brings a broader range of perspectives
constituted committee reviewed the implementation and expertise to decision-making processes.
of the corporate governance code by listed
¾ Transparency and Disclosure: Mandate comprehensive
companies.
and timely disclosure of financial information,
z The committee’s recommendations helped
ownership structures, related-party transactions,
strengthen the code and improve its effectiveness. and corporate governance practices.
¾ Importance of Corporate Governance: ¾ Shareholder Rights and Activism: Enhance shareholder
€ Strengthens Investors Confidence: Strong corporate rights, including voting rights, information access, and
governance maintains investors’ confidence in the participation in key decisions.
financial market, as a result of which companies € Foster constructive dialogue and engagement with
can raise capital efficiently and effectively. all stakeholders.
€ International Flows of Capital: It enables companies ¾ Continuous Evaluation and Improvement: Establishing
to reap the benefits of the global capital markets mechanisms for ongoing evaluation and benchmarking
which will contribute to economic growth. of corporate governance practices.
€ Increased Productivity: It also minimises wastages, € Regularly solicit feedback from stakeholders and
corruption, risks and mismanagement. adapt policies and procedures accordingly.
€ Brand Image: It helps in brand formation and
development of a company. It ultimately increases
capital flows from foreign institutional investors
Paradox of Savings
(FII) and foreign direct investment (FDI).
Why in News?
¾ Challenges:
Recently, the paradox of savings, or the paradox of
€ Ensuring Objective Board: It is a widespread practice
thrift, has been a topic of interest in economic discussions
in India for the associates and relatives of company
due to its implications on how personal savings behaviors
owners to be selected as board members.
might negatively affect broader economic growth.
€ Performance Evaluation of Directors: Corporate
¾ This counterintuitive economic concept has resurfaced
firms sometimes do not share the results of in news and analyses, particularly in times of economic
performance evaluations to avoid public scrutiny downturns, where the balance between saving and
and negative feedback. spending becomes crucial to policy debates on how
€ Removal of Independent Directors: Sometimes, best to stimulate recovery and sustain economic
Independent directors are easily removed from stability.
their positions by the promoters if they do not
side with promoters’ decisions. What is the Concept of the Paradox of Savings?
€ Founders Control and Succession Planning: In ¾ About:
India, founders’ ability to control the affairs of the € The paradox of savings, also known as the paradox
company has the potential of derailing the entire of thrift, suggests that while individual savings
corporate governance system. are ostensibly good, an increase in overall savings

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rates across an economy may lead to a decrease formalisation can boost savings and enhance
in total economic savings. credit access.
€ This theory contrasts with the intuitive belief that € Low demand may deter businesses from investing
higher personal savings directly contribute to in new projects, shrinking the overall investment
increased economic savings. pool, a critical concern for India’s infrastructure
¾ Origins and Development of the Theory: and job creation needs.
€ Key Historical Insights: The idea was notably ¾ Mitigating Factors:
popularised by John Maynard Keynes in his € An efficient banking system can channel savings
influential 1936 book, The General Theory of into productive investments.
Employment, Interest, and Money. € During economic downturns, the government can
€ Keynesian Perspective: Keynesian economists increase spending on infrastructure and social
argue that an increase in savings reduces consumer programs, stimulating demand and creating jobs.
spending on final goods and services, which in € Principles from behavioral economics can be
turn decreases overall savings and investment. used to encourage consumption during economic
z They contend that consumer spending downturns.
drives economic growth and that savings are
How Does the Ricardian Equivalence Proposition
channelized into investments aimed at producing
Plays Out in India?
goods for consumer markets.
¾ The Crowding-Out Effect: The economic survey
z Insufficient consumer spending can lead to a
(2021) discusses the crowding-out effect, where
reduction in these investments, thus harming
increased government spending potentially reduces
economic growth.
private investment by causing higher interest rates.
€ Governmental Role:
¾ This effect is linked to the Ricardian Equivalence
z Keynesians advocate for active governmental
Proposition (REP), which assumes perfect capital
intervention, particularly in times of economic
markets and suggests that consumers save in
downturns.
anticipation of future taxes, thus neutralising
„ Measures could include increasing
government spending’s impact.
government spending to boost consumer
€ However, the strict assumptions of REP may not
purchasing power and stimulate demand.
hold true in complex and developing economies
¾ Counter Arguments:
like India.
€ Critics of the paradox argue that savings contribute
¾ India’s Economic Landscape: Unlike the fixed savings
to a pool of capital that can be used for investment,
supply assumed in the crowding-out theory, India, as
potentially leading to economic growth even in
an emerging economy, sees an expanding savings
the context of reduced consumer spending.
supply with income growth.
€ A decrease in consumer demand shifts investment
¾ Government spending can boost demand and
from short-term, consumer-driven production to
employment, leading to increased savings and
long-term projects, potentially making previously
stimulating private investment.
unviable projects viable.
¾ Public expenditures that support the private sector’s
How the Paradox of Thrift Plays saving and investment capacities can actually foster
Out in Indian Context? private investment, especially when directed towards
¾ The Indian Context: infrastructure and development.
€ Indian’s high savings rate, beneficial for long- ¾ Economic Survey Insights: The Economic Survey of
term security, may hinder economic growth in India (2020-21) acknowledges potential short-term
slowdowns. crowding-out effects but emphasises the long-term
€ A sizable informal sector with limited savings benefits where public investments stimulate private
complicates matters; policies promoting investments.

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¾ It highlights the growth in credit to the MSME of the Constitution, which is part of the Directive
sector and increased capital expenditure by the Principles of State Policy (DPSP.
government as vital economic growth drivers. What is the Case All About?
¾ The survey suggests that in India, public spending
¾ The case before the SC arose out of a challenge to the
complements private investment, aiding the
1986 amendment to the Maharashtra Housing and
country’s overall economic progress.
Area Development Act (MHADA), 1976 by owners
of ‘cessed’ properties in Mumbai.
¾ MHADA,1976, was enacted to address the problem
of old, dilapidated buildings housing (poor) tenants
despite becoming increasingly unsafe.
¾ MHADA imposed a cess on the buildings occupants,
which would be paid to the Mumbai Building Repair
and Reconstruction Board (MBRRB) to oversee repair
and restoration projects.
¾ The Act was amended in 1986 by invoking Article
39(b) which
¾ It aims to execute plans for acquiring lands and buildings,
in order to transfer them to “needy persons” and the
“occupiers of such lands or buildings”.
¾ It contains provisions allowing the state government
to acquire cessed buildings (and the land they are
built on) if 70% of the occupants make such a request.
Conclusion ¾ Violation of Right to Equality: The Property Owners’
Association in Mumbai challenged the MHADA at
¾ The paradox of savings presents a significant theoretical
the Bombay High Court claiming that the provisions
challenge to conventional economic wisdom that
violate the property owners’ Right to Equality under
favours savings unequivocally.
Article 14 of the Constitution.
¾ While Keynesian economists highlight potential
¾ Immunity to DPSP: The court held that laws enacted
negative impacts of increased savings rates on economic
activity, critics offer a different perspective that in furtherance of DPSP could not be challenged on
sees savings as a flexible tool for adjusting economic the grounds that they violated the right to equality,
production and investment across time, potentially as per Article 31C of the Constitution (“Saving of laws
leading to more sustainable long-term growth. giving effect to certain directive principles”).
¾ Interpreting Material Resources of the Community:
The Association appealed the decision in the Supreme
Redistribution Court in December 1992.
of Private Property ¾ Thus, in the apex court, the central question became
whether “material resources of the community” as
Why in News? per Article 39(b) includes privately owned resources
Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) of India has begun which would include cessed buildings.
hearing on legal questions arising from various petitions
What is the Legal View on Private Property and
about whether the government can acquire and
redistribute privately owned properties.
its Distribution?
¾ The question raised before the Court is whether ¾ Constitutional View:
private properties can be considered “material € Articles 19(1)(f) and Article 31: This article
resources of the community” under Article 39 (b) guaranteed the property as a fundamental right.

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z However, the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 z Justice Krishna Iyer held a dissenting opinion
removed this right from the list of fundamental that privately owned resources must also be
rights and placed it under Article 300A as a considered material resources of the community.
constitutional right. „ To exclude ownership of private resources from

z Article 300A: This article declares that no the coils of Article 39(b) is to cipherise (make
person shall be deprived of his property save hidden) its very purpose of redistribution
by authority of law. the socialist way.
¾ 9th Schedule: It lists specific laws that cannot be € Sanjeev Coke Manufacturing Company vs Bharat
Coking Coal Case, 1983:
challenged in courts on the grounds that they violate
z Supreme Court affirmed Justice Iyer’s opinion
fundamental rights, including the (once) Fundamental
Right to Property. and upheld central legislation that nationalised
coal mines and their respective coke oven plants.
€ Laws included in this Schedule like Land reforms
z It held that privately owned resources must
(abolition of zamindari system).
also be considered material resources of the
¾ Article 39: It lists certain Directive Principles of State community.
Policy (under Part IV of the Constitution), which are € Mafatlal Industries Ltd vs Union of India Case, 1996:
meant to be guiding principles for the enactment of
z Court felt the need for a 9-Judge Constitutional
laws, but are not directly enforceable in any court
Bench to interpret Article 39(b).
of law.
z Court relied on the interpretation of Article
€ DPSP aims at ensuring socio-economic justice for
39(b) offered by Justice Iyer and the Bench in
the people and establishing India as a welfare state. Sanjeev Coke Manufacturing Case.
€ Article 39(b) places an obligation on the state to z Court held “the words ‘material resources’
create policy towards securing “the ownership occuring in Article 39 (b) will take in natural
and control of the material resources of the or physical resources and also movable or
community are so distributed as best to subserve immovable property and it would include all
the common good”. private and public sources of meeting material
€ Article 39(c) ensures that wealth and the means needs, and not merely confined to public
of production are not “concentrated” to the possessions.”
“common detriment”. What are Directive Principles of State Policy
¾ Article 31C: (DPSP)?
€ Article 31C saves the laws giving effect to certain ¾ About:
directive principles. € The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)

€ As per Article 31C, these particular directive aims at ensuring socio-economic justice for the
principles (Articles 39(b) and 39(c)) cannot be people and establishing India as a welfare state.
challenged by invoking the right to equality (Article ¾ Constitutional Provisions:
14) or the rights under Article 19 (freedom of € Part IV of the Constitution of India (Article 36–51)
speech, right to assemble peacefully, etc). contains the DPSP.
€ In the Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973, the Court € Article 37 of the Indian Constitution States about
upheld the validity of Article 31C but made it the application of the Directive Principles.
subject to judicial review. ¾ Background:
¾ Interpretations of Article 39(b) by Supreme Court: € The directive principles contained in the Indian

€ State of Karnataka vs Shri Ranganatha Reddy constitution are taken from the Irish Constitution.
Case, 1977: € The idea of such policies can be traced to the

z Court held that privately owned resources did Declaration of Rights of Man and the Declarations
not fall within the ambit of “material resources of Independence by the American colonies as
of the community”. well as the Gandhian concept of Sarvodaya.

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¾ Objectives: zThe wealthy can accumulate vast amounts of
property, leaving less for others. This can lead
€ Checks & Balance: DPSP aims at socio-economic
to social unrest and hinder economic mobility.
justice which according to the framers of the
„ Eg: The Naxalbari uprising and subsequent
constitution Indian State should strive for.
Naxal movement originated primarily due
z They lay down a code of conduct for the to economic and social inequality in rural
legislatures, executives and administrators areas of India.
of India to discharge their responsibilities in € Poverty Alleviation: Redistribution programs
tune with these ideas. can help alleviate poverty by providing financial
€ Legal Actions & Government Policies: They assistance, access to education, healthcare, and
embody the aspirations of people objectives and other essential services to those in need.
ideals that the Union and the State governments € Address Social Issues: As property is scarce

must bear in mind while making laws and resource, wise redistribution of wealth enables the
formulating policies. government to address social issues like poverty,
homelessness, or environmental degradation.
€ Philosophy of Social Justice: They represent
€ Enhanced Social Cohesion: Reducing economic
the philosophy of social justice incorporated
disparities can foster greater social cohesion and
in the constitution of India although directive
solidarity by bridging the gap between different
principles are not legally binding by any court
socio-economic groups.
however, they are fundamental in the governance
¾ Arguments Against:
of the country.
€ Disincentivizes Work:
¾ Classification:
z Redistribution discourages people from
working hard and taking risks if they believe
the government will simply provide for them.
z It may disincentivize wealth creation and
entrepreneurship, leading to slower economic
growth and reduced prosperity for all.
€ Market Efficiency: Redistribution can interfere
with market mechanisms and distort resource
allocation, leading to inefficiencies and decreased
overall welfare.
€ Individual Freedom: It can infringe upon individual
freedom and property rights by forcibly taking wealth
from one group of individuals and transferring it
to another.
€ Administrative Costs: Implementing and managing
redistribution programs can be costly and inefficient,
with significant administrative overhead and
What are the Arguments Related potential for bureaucratic abuse and corruption.
to Redistribution of Wealth? € Earlier Failed Attempts for Redistribution:

¾ Arguments in Favour: z Property ownership has cultural and historical

€ Social Justice: This goes with the principles of significance in many societies. It reflects notions
Preamble of the Constitution which strives to of identity, heritage, and family legacy.
ensure social justice. z Also, previous redistribution efforts like land

z Unrestricted property rights can exacerbate reforms failed in most states except in Kerala
wealth inequality. and West Bengal.

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Disorganised Supply Chain: A fragmented

€
Indian Poultry Sector supply chain with multiple intermediaries raises
transaction costs and lowers farmer profits, while
Why in News? poor transportation infrastructure hampers product
Recently, the H5N1 outbreak has highlighted critical movement, affecting delivery times and freshness.
vulnerabilities in the industrial livestock sector, ¾ Policy and Regulatory Issues:
underlining the imperative for a comprehensive € Fragmented Regulatory Framework: Multiple
reassessment of animal welfare within India’s overlapping regulations across different levels of
environmental and legal frameworks. government create confusion and compliance
¾ This outbreak reinforces the One Health principle, challenges for poultry farmers.
which integrates public health, ecosystem health, € Limited Access to Credit: Small and medium-scale
and biodiversity conservation. poultry farmers often struggle to access formal
What are the Issues Faced by credit, hindering growth and modernization.
the Indian Poultry Industry? € Labour Challenges: Finding and retaining skilled

¾ Disease Outbreaks and Biosecurity: labour can be difficult for poultry farms, impacting
operational efficiency.
€ Avian Influenza: Regular outbreaks of Avian
Influenza (bird flu)disrupt production, lead to the ¾ Other Issues:
culling of birds, and create market panic, impacting € Environmental Concerns: Poultry farming can
consumption. contribute to water pollution and air quality issues
€ Newcastle Disease (ND): ND is another highly if waste management practices are inadequate.
contagious viral disease that affects poultry health z The rising demand for protein has led to
and productivity. increased antibiotic use in poultry farming,
€ Biosecurity Concerns: Inadequate biosecurity raising concerns about antibiotic resistance
measures in farms and live bird markets facilitate and public health risks.
the spread of diseases.
Issue of H5N1 Avian Influenza
€ Other Concerns: Chickens in industrial settings are
¾ The outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza has brought
often confined in wired cages, known as ‘battery
to light the critical need to address animal welfare.
cages,’ in high densities, leading to overcrowding
and stress. ¾ First spillover to humans: The first instance of H5N1
z This practice leads to poor air quality, waste
infection spilling over to humans occurred in 1997
accumulation, and greenhouse gas emissions, in Hong Kong, directly from chickens.
contributing to environmental pollution and ¾ Impact of H5N1 on India: India reported its first
degradation. H5N1 patient in Maharashtra in 2006. Subsequent
¾ Market Fluctuations and Price Volatility: outbreaks in December 2020 and early 2021 spread
€ Feed Price Fluctuations: Volatile prices of crucial
across 15 states, highlighting the widespread nature
poultry feed ingredients, such as corn and soybean of the pathogen.
meal, not only affect production costs but also ¾ Global impact of H5N1: H5N1 has demonstrated its
exacerbate import dependence due to their ability to cross species barriers, causing mortality
significant reliance on imports. among polar bears in the Arctic and seals and
€ Consumer Demand Fluctuations: Rumors and seagulls in Antarctica, indicating its global impact.
misinformation surrounding poultry products ¾ Fatality rate of H5N1 in humans: The World Health
during disease outbreaks can drastically reduce Organization (WHO) estimates the fatality rate for
consumption, affecting overall market stability. H5N1 at 52% based on recorded cases since 2003,
¾ Infrastructure and Supply Chain Challenges: highlighting its high risk to human health.
€ Limited Cold Chain Infrastructure: It leads to € Animal Welfare Concerns: Ensuring proper animal
spoilage and wastage, especially during peak welfare standards across the industry remains a
production periods. challenge.

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€ Difficult exit: Poultry farmers often face challenges z The 269thLaw Commission of India Report
in exiting the industry due to contract farming in 2017 proposed draft rules for the welfare
arrangements, accumulated debts, and specialised of chickens in the meat and egg industries,
skills required for the sector. emphasising improved animal welfare for safer
food production.
What are the Various Provisions Related to the
„ Despite recommendations, the Draft Rules
Poultry Sector in India? for the egg industry released by the Ministry
¾ Status of Poultry Birds in India: of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare in 2019
€ According to the 20th Livestock Census, there are are considered inadequate.
851.8 million poultry birds in India. About 30% of ¾ Some Initiatives for the Poultry Industry:
this is ‘backyard poultry’ or small and marginal € Poultry Venture Capital Fund (PVCF): The
farmers. Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
z Chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, etc, are reared is implementing it under “Entrepreneurship
in poultry farms for meat and eggs. Development and Employment Generation”
z Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, West (EDEG) of the National Livestock Mission.
Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Assam and € National Livestock Mission (NLM): Different
Kerala have the highest poultry populations. programmes under the NLM in which financial
assistance is provided to States/Union Territories to
¾ Legal Status of Poultry Units in India:
implement Rural Backyard Poultry Development
€ Guidelines for Poultry Farmers, 2021:
(RBPD) and Innovative Poultry Productivity Project
z New Definition of Poultry Farmer: (IPPP).
„ Small Farmers: 5,000-25,000 birds € Assistance to States for Control of Animal Diseases
„ Medium Farmers: More than 25,000 and (ASCAD) Scheme: ASCAD under “Livestock Health
less than 1,00,000 birds and Disease Control” (LH&DC) which covers the
„ Large Farmers: More than 1,00,000 birds vaccination of economically important poultry
diseases viz., Ranikhet Disease, Infectious Bursal
z A Certificate of Consent from the State Pollution
Disease, Fowl Pox, etc., including control and
Control Board or Committee under the Water
containment of emergent and exotic diseases like
Act, 1974, and the Air Act, 1981, is necessary
Avian Influenza.
for establishing and operating a medium-sized
poultry farm, with permission granted for 15 What are the Steps Needed to
years. Support the Poultry Industry?
z The Animal Husbandry Department will be ¾ Biosecurity as a Global Priority:
responsible for implementing the guidelines € Compartmentalisation: Leading poultry producers
at the state and district level. worldwide segregate flocks by age and health
€ Other Provisions: status, minimising disease transmission risk.
z The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) z This practice can be adapted in India by
classifies poultry units with more than 5,000 birds establishing compartmentalised poultry farming
as polluting industries, subject to compliance zones or encouraging multi-age rearing within
and regulatory consent. biosecure facilities.
z The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) € Vaccination Programs: Rigorous vaccination
Act, 1960, prohibits the intensive confinement protocols against prevalent diseases like Avian
of animals, including chickens, recognising the Influenza and Newcastle Disease are standard
importance of animal welfare. practice globally.

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z India can benefit by strengthening its national What are the Key Facts About the Panel
vaccination programs and ensuring wider on Critical Energy Transition Minerals?
outreach to small-scale farmers.
¾ The panel will address issues relating to equity,
¾ Enhancing Efficiency Through Technology: transparency, investment, sustainability, and human
€ Precision Feeding: Advanced feeding systems that rights in the context of critical minerals for renewable
adapt to individual bird needs and optimise feed energy technologies.
utilisation are gaining traction worldwide. € Developing countries see critical minerals as an
z Encouraging Indian poultry farms to adopt these opportunity to create jobs, diversify economies,
technologies, even in scaled-down versions, and boost revenues, but proper management is
can improve feed conversion efficiency and essential to avoid trampling over the poor.
reduce costs. ¾ The panel’s objective is aligned with the 2030 Agenda
€ Environmental Monitoring Systems: Real-time for Sustainable Development, the United Nations
Framework Agreement on Climate Change, and its
monitoring of factors like temperature, humidity,
Paris Agreement to harness the potential of critical
and ammonia levels in poultry houses is crucial
minerals for shared prosperity and leaving no one
for optimal bird health.
behind.
z Implementing such systems in Indian farms, even
¾ The panel utilises past UN efforts, especially the
through low-cost sensors, can help maintain
Working Group on Sustainable Extractive Industries
a healthy environment and prevent disease
and its ‘Harnessing Critical Energy Transition Minerals
outbreaks. for Sustainable Development’ initiative.
¾ Building a Sustainable Supply Chain: € It will help to develop principles to ensure a fair
€ Contract Farming: Contract farming arrangements and transparent approach globally and for local
between producers and processors ensure market communities in the entire value chain — upholding
access and fair pricing for farmers. the highest sustainability and human development
€ Cold Chain Infrastructure: Investing in robust cold standards.
chain infrastructure to minimise spoilage during ¾ The goal of combating climate change and limiting
transportation and storage is a global best practice. global warming to 1.5°C hinges on a secure and
accessible supply of critical energy transition minerals.
z India can prioritise developing efficient cold
chain networks, connecting remote production € These minerals, such as copper, lithium, nickel,
areas to major consumption centres. cobalt, and rare earth elements, are essential
components of clean energy technologies like
wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and
UN Panel on Critical Energy battery storage, which are crucial for powering a
Transition Minerals sustainable future.

What are Critical Minerals?

Why in News?
¾ Critical Minerals:
Recently, the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General € These are those minerals that are essential for
appointed a panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals economic development and national security, the
to develop global common and voluntary principles for lack of availability of these minerals or concentration
the minerals value chain to safeguard environmental of extraction or processing in a few geographical
and social standards and embed justice in the energy locations may lead to supply chain vulnerabilities
transition. and even disruption of supplies.

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¾ Declaration of Critical Minerals: Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel,

€ It is a dynamic process, and it can evolve over PGE, Phosphorous, Potash,Rare Earth Elements
time as new technologies, market dynamics, and (REEs), Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum,
geopolitical considerations emerge. Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium,
€ Different countries may have their own unique
Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium.
lists of critical minerals based on their specific € The creation of Centre of Excellence for Critical
circumstances and priorities. Minerals (CECM) in the Ministry of Mines is also
z The US has declared 50 minerals critical in light recommended by the Committee.
of their role in national security or economic z CECM will periodically update the list of critical
development. minerals for India and notify the critical mineral
z Japan has identified a set of 31 minerals as
strategy from time to time.
critical for its economy.
What are the Key Critical Minerals and Their
z The UK considers 18 minerals critical, EU (34)
Applications?
and Canada (31).
¾ Lithium, Cobalt, and Nickel:
z Critical Minerals for India:

€ Expert Committee under Ministry of Mines has

€ These minerals are indispensable components of
identified a set of 30 critical minerals for India. lithium-ion batteries, widely utilized in electric
vehicles, portable electronic devices, and energy
€ These are Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt,
Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, storage systems.

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¾ Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Nuclear Energy:Vanadium and zirconium are

€
crucial for nuclear reactors, ensuring safe and
€ Consisting of 17 elements, REEs play pivotal
reliable nuclear power generation.
roles in manufacturing high-strength magnets,
€ Space Exploration: Lithium and beryllium are
electronics, wind turbines, and military
equipment. used in lightweight and high-strength materials
€ Notably, neodymium and dysprosium are crucial
for rockets and satellites, critical for India’s space
for the production of permanent magnets used program ambitions.
in motors. ¾ Environmental Sustainability:
¾ Copper: € Solar Panels:Silicon is a key component of solar

€ It holds significant importance in electrical wiring,

photovoltaic cells, enabling the conversion of
renewable energy infrastructure, and electric sunlight into clean electricity.
vehicle components, owing to its remarkable € Wind Turbines:Neodymium and dysprosium
electrical conductivity. are used inhigh-strength magnets for wind
¾ Titanium: turbine generators, promoting renewable energy
€ In the aerospace industry, titanium finds
generation.
extensive use due to its exceptional strength- € Battery Storage: Lithium-ion batteries, containing

to-weight ratio, resistance to corrosion, and lithium and cobalt, are essential for storing energy
ability to withstand high temperatures. from renewable sources like solar and wind,
¾ Platinum Group Metals (PGMs): enabling a shift from fossil fuels.
€ PGMs are indispensable in the fabrication of What are the Challenges for
catalytic converters for vehicles, fuel cells, and India Related to Critical Minerals?
various electronic devices.
¾ Supply Chain Disruptions:
¾ Graphite:
€ The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine,
€ It is a critical material for the anodes of lithium-
both significant producers of critical minerals,
ion batteries and is valued for its lubricating
disrupts established supply chains, threatening
properties in diverse industrial applications.
reliable access for India.
What is the Significance of ¾ Limited Domestic Reserves:
Critical Minerals for India? € India lacks sufficient reserves of critical minerals
¾ Economic Self- Reliance: like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, crucial
€ High-Tech Electronics: Critical minerals like lithium for clean energy technologies and electric vehicles.
are used in lithium-ion batteries, powering laptops, ¾ Heavy Reliance on Imports:
smartphones, and other devices. India’s growing € The lack of domestic reserves forces India to rely
electronics industry heavily relies on a steady supply. heavily on imports, making it vulnerable to:
€ Telecommunications: Rare earth elements are
z Price Fluctuations: Global market fluctuations can
essential for fiber optic cables and advanced
significantly impact the cost of critical minerals.
telecommunication equipment, driving faster
z Geopolitical Factors: Strained relations with
internet speeds and network capacity.
supplier countries can restrict access to critical
€ Electric Vehicles:Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are
minerals.
crucial for electric vehicle batteries. As India pushes
for cleaner transportation, access to these minerals z Supply Disruptions: Events like wars or natural

is vital for domestic EV production. disasters can disrupt critical mineral supply
¾ Technological Innovation: chains.
€ Defense Aircraft: Rare earth elements and titanium
¾ Growing Demand:
are used in high-performance jet engines and € India’s ambitious clean energy and electric vehicle
airframes, enabling advanced fighter jetsand goals require ever-increasing quantities of critical
military aircraft. minerals.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 69
z India’s has set the target of “Panchamrit” ¾ Reason to Abolish it:
regarding its climate action plan. These include: € Procedural Harassment: Taxpayers were being
„ Achieving a non-fossil energy capacity of unduly harassed with the existence of two separate
500 GW by 2030. taxes on property ie. wealth tax (before death)
„ Sourcing 50% of its total energy needs from and estate duty (after death).
renewable energy sources by 2030. € Unmet Objectives: There was no reduction in the

€ This rising demand, coupled with limited domestic unequal distribution of wealth whereas, the tax
reserves, intensifies India’s dependence on foreign did not assist states in financing their development
suppliers. schemes significantly either.
€ Economically Not Feasible: While the yield from

Inheritance Tax estate duty is only about Rs 20 crore in 1985,

whereas its cost of administration and collection
Why in News? was relatively high.
€ Tax Evasion: High rates of taxation often result in
Recently, a prominent political leader of India’s
flight of capital and investment to tax havens or
opposition party has expressed interest in the proposed
tax jurisdictions with favourable tax rates.
legislation on Inheritance Tax.
¾ There has been a lot of discussion about using Examples of Inheritance Tax Around the World
inheritance tax as a tool for redistribution of wealth ¾ Most European, American and even African nations
to address Income Inequality in India. levy inheritance tax.
¾ In Europe, the top nations levying tax on inherited
What is Inheritance Tax?
properties are France (60%), Germany (50%), United
¾ About: Kingdom (40%), Spain (33%) and Hungary (18%).
€ Inheritance tax is a tax paid for inheriting a property ¾ Other countries with high inheritance taxes are
or asset from a deceased person. Japan (55%), South Korea (50%), Ecuador (37%),
€ It is levied on the value of the inheritance received Chile (25%), South Africa (25%) and Taiwan (20%).
by the beneficiary, and it is paid by the beneficiary.
What Factors Influence the Demand for
€ Depending on the country, it can be as high as 55%.
Implementing Inheritance Tax in India?
€ A person can receive inheritance either under a
Will or under the personal law of the deceased. ¾ Rise in Wealth and Income Inequality in India:
€ In India, the concept of levying tax on inheritance € According to the World Inequality Report 2022,

does not exist now. India ranks among the most unequal countries
¾ Calculation of Inheritance Tax: globally, with the top 10% and top 1% holding
57% and 22% of the national income, respectively.
€ The first step is to determine the total value of
z Meanwhile, the share of the bottom 50% has
assets.
decreased to 13%.
z This involves assessing the value of all assets
€ India exhibits staggering wealth inequality, with
owned by the deceased, including real estate,
investments, bank accounts, vehicles, and the top 10% of the population holding 77% of the
personal belongings, while also considering total national wealth.
any outstanding debts or liabilities. € The richest 1% owns 53% of the country’s wealth,

€ Whether or not inheritance tax applies depends leaving the poorer half with a mere 4.1%.
on several factors, including the total value of the ¾ Tax Burden on Poor:
estate and the laws of the jurisdiction. € Approximately 64% of the total goods and services
z In some places, certain beneficiaries, such as tax (GST) in the country came from the bottom
spouses or children, may be exempt from paying 50% of the population, while only 4% came from
inheritance tax or may receive a reduced tax rate. the top 10%.

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¾ Lack of Inclusive Growth: What are Advantages and Challenges in

€ Skewed Distribution of Economic Gains: Economic Implementation of Inheritance Tax in India?
growth may disproportionately benefit certain ¾ Advantages:
sectors or income groups, leading to an uneven € More Efficient Dispersion of Wealth: In India,
distribution of wealth. the richest and wealthy families inherited a large
€ Lack of Social Safety Nets: Inadequate social safety amount of wealth.
nets and welfare programs may leave vulnerable z This is not only unhealthy from an economic

populations without sufficient support, widening perspective, but also restricts social mobility.
the wealth gap. z Thus, a proper implementation of inheritance
taxes can remedy this malaise to a considerable
z A c co rd i n g to N I T I A ayo g ’ s N at i o n a l
extent.
Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), India’s
€ Based on Egalitarian Ideals: The redistribution of
population living in multidimensional poverty
initial endowments is an important step in that
was 14.96% in 2019-21. direction to ensure equality as enshrined on the
„ The rural areas of India experienc- Principle of the Right to Equalityin the Constitution
ed multidimensional poverty of 19.28%. of India.
„ In urban areas, the poverty rate was 5.27%. € Additional Source of Revenue for Public Welfare:
Inheritance tax provides additional sources of
€ The Gini wealth coefficient in India has gone
revenue to the government for expansion of social
up from 81.3% in 2013 to 85.4% in 2017 (100%
sector programmes, and its push towards public
represents maximal inequality). The growth in welfare schemes.
India has not been inclusive. € Progressive in Nature: Inheritance tax is a
¾ Endowments to Social Sector Institutions: Endowments progressive tax as it places a higher tax burden
and funds from inheritance tax are essential for Indian on wealthy individuals only.
hospitals, universities, and other institutions. For z By this additional tax revenue collected in the
example, Harvard University, receiving funds from form of Inheritance Tax, the Government would
estates, is exempt from inheritance tax. have the liberty of reducing the basic income
tax liability on the economically weaker sections
¾ Need for more Direct Taxes: The government’s fiscal
of the country.
deficit has increased in recent years. Hence, additional
z This could help combat the high barrier to entry
sources of direct taxes like inheritance tax need to
to starting more entrepreneurial ventures.
be explored to contain the fiscal deficit as mandated
¾ Challenges:
by the FRBM Act.
€ Complexity of the Tax Structure: India already
¾ International Practices: Developed countries such has a complex tax system with multiple taxes at
as England, France, Germany, the USA and India’s the central and state levels.
Southeast Asian counterparts like Philippines, Taiwan z Introducing an additional tax like inheritance tax
and Thailand have been charging inheritance tax. would add to this complexity, making compliance
World Bank Study 2000 (India’s poverty Reduction and enforcement challenging.
During 1970s-1990s) z Enforcing and administering an inheritance tax
requires a robust administrative infrastructure.
¾ When GDP growth picked up from a mere 3.5% in
€ Resistance from Wealthy Families: Wealthy families
the initial years, India could achieve a sustained
in India may resist the imposition of an inheritance
decline in poverty.
tax, as it would reduce the amount of wealth they
¾ The study found that a staggering 87% of the can pass on to their heirs.
cumulative decline in poverty was attributed to the z This resistance could manifest politically and
rise in the growth of mean consumption, while socially, making it difficult for the government
redistribution contributed to only 13%. to introduce and sustain such a tax.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 71
z Inheritance taxes can have implications for It was imposed with a duty at the rate of 30%.
€
family-owned businesses, particularly in sectors
A gift was defined as any existing movable or
€
where succession planning is crucial.
immovable property transferred by one person
€ Lack of Comprehensive Data: Implementing an to another voluntarily, without considering its
effective inheritance tax requires accurate data value in terms of money, after 01st April 1957.
on individuals’ wealth and assets. € The purpose was that the government sought
z In India, there may be challenges in collecting to recover some of the tax revenue lost when a
comprehensive data on inheritance and wealth high income tax donor transferred property to
distribution, especially in rural areas where a donee falling in the lower income tax bracket.
informal economies are prevalent. € Due to similar constraints to those faced while
€ Avoidance and Evasion: High net worth individuals implementing estate duty, this tax was abolished
may attempt to avoid or evade inheritance tax in 1998.
through various means such as trusts, offshore € It was reintroduced in 2004 in the Finance Act
accounts, or gifting assets during their lifetime. as part of additions to the Income Tax Act.
€ Impact on Agricultural Land: In India, agricultural z Any cash gifts above Rs. 50,000 and any gifts
land holds significant cultural and economic value, in kind (i.e. immovable property) above the
and it often passes down through generations. value of Rs. 50,000 are taxable.
z Imposing an inheritance tax on agricultural z Exceptions include donations, inheritance,

land could face resistance from agricultural and gift money received during weddings.
communities and lead to concerns about the ¾ Wealth Tax:
fragmentation of landholdings. € It was introduced in 1957 to impose a duty on
a person’s net worth.
What other Similar Taxes Does India Have?
€ A 1% duty was imposed on earnings of over Rs
¾ Death Tax: In 1953, India’s Parliament had passed
30 lakh earned by a citizen in that financial year.
the Estate Duty ‘Death Tax’ Act, which was later
€ The tax was imposed on all assets of Indian
abolished in 1985.
citizens and only Indian assets of non-residential
€ As per the Act, tax/duty was imposed on the
Indians (NRIs).
principal value of movable and immovable
€ Assets under the purview of this regime were
property, including agricultural land, passed
gold, silver, and platinum ornaments, transport
on to any person after the death of the owner vehicles like private aircrafts, ships, and cars,
of such property. property apart from one’s residential home,
€ The Act was applicable only if the property- and any cash above Rs. 50,000.
owning person died as an adult (i.e. completed € Exemptions under the law included rental
18 years of age). properties, business property, smaller properties
z Also, Estate duty was applicable only on below the prescribed limit, and investments in
inherited properties with a value above the schemes.
exclusion limit set by the Act, and the tax € This tax was also abolished in 2015 due to heavy
rate was calculated as per the market value costs in execution.
at the time of death.
€ It included immovable and movable property
owned by the deceased in India and outside,
Bima Vistaar
which were passed on to a successor– if the
Why in News?
person died when domiciled in India.
Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development
¾ Gift Tax:
Authority of India (IRDAI) has proposed to price Bima
€ The Gift Tax Actwas passed by Parliament in
Vistaar, its ambitious all-in-one affordable insurance mass
1958. It imposed a duty on any ‘gift’ made by product aimed at the rural areas of the country, at Rs
one person to another in that financial year. 1,500 per policy.

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What is Bima Vistaar? Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority

¾ About: of India (IRDAI)
€ Bima Vistar, which is part of the Bima Trinity. The ¾ The (IRDAI) is an autonomous and statutory
first-of-its-kind all-in-one affordable insurance body formed under the Insurance Regulatory and
product, Bima Vistaar will offer life, health and Development Authority Act, 1999 (IRDA Act, 1999).
property cover.
It is responsible for managing and regulating the
z The product has been designed to provide a
insurance and reinsurance industry in India.
basic social safety net cover with combined
features of life, health, personal accident and ¾ It is a 10-member body- a chairman, five full-
property insurance. time members and four part-time members.
¾ Key Features: Headquartered in Hyderabad.
€ The product includes Life cover premium of Rs ¾ The Role of IRDAI:
820, Health cover Rs 500, Personal accident cover
€ It has to protect the interests of insurance
at Rs 100, and Property cover at Rs 80.
policyholders and ensure that they are treated
€ If taken for the entire family on a floater basis,
in a just manner. It also has to monitor policy
the policy will cost Rs 2,420, with an additional Rs
900 charged for the rest of the family members. issuers to ensure that the common man’s interests
€ The sum assured for life, personal accident, and
are not subverted.
property covers is Rs 2 lakh each, while the health
History of India’s Insurance Industry
cover (hospital cash) offers a sum assured of Rs 500
for 10 days, with a maximum amount of Rs 5,000 ¾ In I950, the Government of India nationalised
available without producing bills or documents. India’s insurance industry and established the Life
€ Agents selling Bima Vistaar policies stand to earn a Insurance Corporation (LIC) of India.
commission of 10%, incentivising wider distribution ¾ In the 1990s, the government decided to open up
and adoption of the product. the insurance sector to private players. A committee
¾ Benefits for Broader Insurance Landscape in India: was set up to propose reforms and the IRDAI was
€ Bima Vistaar is expected to provide a reliable
formed.
insurance solution at a reasonable cost, thereby
¾ In 2000, when the market was opened up, foreign
promoting financial inclusion.
firms were allowed to buy up to 26% stake in Indian
€ Bima Vistaar policy underscores its importance
in safeguarding individuals and families against insurance companies.
various risks and uncertainties. € Later, foreign direct investment in the insurance
€ It is considered a mass product for increasing sector was capped at 49%.
insurance penetration in the country, it is expected ¾ In the financial year 2022-23 (FY23), India’s overall
that, unlike micro insurance products, it will
insurance penetration was down at 4% from the
generate a large sales volume.
level of 4.2% in FY22, according to a Swiss Re Sigma
¾ Future Prospects:
report. This is much below the global insurance
€ IRDAI, along with the General Insurance Council
(GIC) and Life Insurance Council (LIC), is working penetration of 6.8%.
towards creating a “Bima Trinity” -Bima Sugam € In FY23, the insurance density in India increased
(digital platform), Bima Vistaar (product), and Bima from USD 91 in FY22 to USD 92.
Vahak (women-centric distribution channel) - to
z Insurance density is the ratio of insurance
effectively distribute and promote these products.
premiums collected by insurance companies
z The competitive pricing and comprehensive
to the total population of a country, usually
coverage of Bima Vistaar are expected to make it
a viable and sustainable solution in the long run. expressed in US dollars.

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Why is India Experiencing High Food Inflation
India’s De-globalised Despite Falling Global Food Prices?
Food Inflation ¾ Limited Transmission of Global Prices: While global
food prices fell, India’s food prices stayed elevated
Why in News? due to limited transmission of international prices
In 2023, world food prices dropped significantly from to domestic markets.
their 2022 highs. However, India’s food inflation remained € India’s import dependence is significant only for
high at 9.5% in December 2023, contrasting with global edible oils (60% of consumption) and pulses.
deflation of -10.1%.
€ For most other agri-commodities, including cereals,
¾ The UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) sugar, dairy, and fruits and vegetables, India is
food price index averaged 143.7 points in 2022, but self-sufficient or an exporter.
fell to 124 points in 2023, a decline of 13.7%.
¾ Export Bans and Import Duties: The Indian government
What Factors are Contributing to the Drop in imposed bans on exports of certain food items like
Global Food Prices? wheat, non-basmati white rice, sugar, and onions and
¾ Abundant Supply of Key Crops: Bumper harvests of provided import duty waivers on others, effectively
major crops like wheat in 2023 led to a surplus in reducing global market influences on domestic prices.
the global market. ¾ Domestic Production Challenges: Issues like weather
€ This abundance contrasts with concerns in 2022, conditions affecting crop yields, particularly for cereals,
when worries about supply disruptions due to the pulses, and sugar, contributed to supply shortages
war in Ukraine, a major grain exporter, caused and higher prices domestically.
prices to spike. € Cereal and pulse inflation stood at 9.9% and 20.7%
¾ Improved Supply from Russia and Ukraine: Despite year-on-year, respectively, in December 2023.
the disruption of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in ¾ Low Stock Levels: Low stock levels for commodities like
July 2023, both Russia and Ukraine have managed wheat and sugar further exacerbated price pressures.
to maintain wheat exports.
Note:
€ This continued flow of grain from the region has
¾ India remains largely unaffected by international
helped to alleviate some of the supply anxieties.
supply chain disruption due to issues in the Red Sea
¾ Lower Demand for Vegetable Oils: The UN’s Food route because imports of arhar and urad primarily
and Agriculture Organization Vegetable Price Index
come from Mozambique, Tanzania, Malawi, and
saw the biggest drop in 2023, falling by 32.7%.
Myanmar, bypassing the recently disrupted Suez
€ This decline is due to a combination of factors, waterway-Red Sea route.
including improved vegetable oil supplies and a
¾ Masoor from Australia and Canada takes the North
decrease in its use for biofuel production.
Pacific-Indian Ocean route.
€ As more oil becomes available for food purposes,
¾ In edible oils, imports from Indonesia, Malaysia,
and less is diverted for biofuels, the overall demand
Argentina, and Brazil through the South Atlantic
for vegetable oil goes down, leading to lower prices.
and Indian Ocean remain unaffected by the Houthi
¾ Slowing Demand: High inflation and fears of an
conflict.
economic recession have dampened consumer demand
in many parts of the world, including in major food- ¾ Also, declining global prices, such as Russian wheat
importing regions, leading to a decline in import at USD 240-245 per tonne and Indonesian palm oil
demand for certain food commodities and putting at USD 940 per tonne, have eliminated the risk of
downward pressure on global prices. imported inflation in India.

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What is Imported Inflation? € The government’s first Household Consumption

Survey released recently showed that food’s share
¾ About: Imported inflation refers to the rise in
of the rural consumption basket fell below 50%
prices of goods and services in a country due to an
for the first time to 46% and to 39% for urban
increase in the price or cost of imports. consumers.
€ To maintain profit margins, companies often pass
€ According to the RBI, about 90% of food inflation
on the increased import costs to consumers by is determined by non-cyclical factors like the
raising the prices of their goods and services. weather, supply conditions, international prices
¾ Responsible Factors: and availability.
€ Currency Depreciation Factor: A depreciation in z On average, however, 10% of food inflation is
a country’s currency is often seen as the primary driven by demand factors with significant time
driver of imported inflation. variation.
z When a currency depreciates, more local
How India can Address Food
currency is required to purchase foreign goods
Inflation Effectively?
or services, effectively increasing import costs.
z The Asian Development Bank recently warned
¾ Increase Agricultural Productivity: Investing in
that India could face imported inflation due agricultural infrastructure, technology, and research
to improve crop yields and reduce production costs
to a potential rupee depreciation amid rising
can boost supply and stabilise prices.
interest rates in the West.
¾ Efficient Supply Chain Management: Enhancing
€ Rising Import Costs Without Currency
logistics, storage facilities, and distribution networks
Depreciation: Even without currency depreciation,
can reduce wastage and ensure a steady supply of
a rise in import costs due to factors like an
food items to the market, mitigating price fluctuations.
increase in international crude oil prices can
lead to imported inflation. ¾ Diversification of Agriculture: Promoting diversification
by encouraging the cultivation of a variety of crops
z This is a variant of cost-push inflation, which
and supporting alternative farming practices can
states that rising input costs can cause inflation
reduce reliance on a few commodities and balance
in the prices of final goods and services.
market dynamics.
How Food Inflation is Calculated in India? ¾ Price Monitoring and Regulation: Monitoring food
¾ About: Food inflation in India is primarily measured prices regularly and implementing effective price
by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for Food and regulation mechanisms can prevent price manipulation
Beverages. CPI is a key measure of inflation in India and ensure fair pricing for consumers and producers
that tracks the changes in the prices paid by typical alike.
consumers for a basket of goods and services over time. ¾ Climate Resilience: Addressing climate change
¾ Recent Trends: Food has a weight of 45.9% in the challenges through sustainable farming practices, water
consumer price index but its contribution to overall management strategies, and crop diversification can
inflation has increased from 48% in April 2022 to 67% reduce production risks and enhance food security
in November 2023. in the long term.
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International Relations
Highlights
z Vietnam Push for Non-Market Economy Status z Nepal’s Currency Featured Kalapani Region
z India Sugarcane Subsidy under WTO Scrutiny z Japan’s Shifting Diplomatic Posture

z If the state controls the allocation of resources

Vietnam Push for and price and output decisions.
Non-Market Economy Status z Other factors like human rights.
¾ Anti-Dumping Duty on Non-market Economy:
Why in News? € The designation of a ‘non-market economy’ allows
Vietnam has urged the United States administration the US to levy Anti-dumping dutieson products
to promptly reclassify its status from “non-market imported from designated countries.
economy” to “market economy”. z Dumping in international trade occurs when
¾ This would provide relief to Vietnam, as currently a country deliberately sets its export prices
goods imported from Southeast Asian nations are lowerthan its domestic prices, causing harm
facing high taxes on imports. to industries in the importing country.
Anti-dumping duties are tariffs imposed by a
What is USA’s Concept of z

country’s government on imported goods that

Non-Market Economies (NME)?
are sold at unfairly low prices, typically below
¾ About: their market value or the cost of production.
€ In US, a Non-Market Economy (NME) refers to „ These duties are intended to protect domestic
any foreign country that the US Department of industries from the harmful effects of
Commerce determines does not follow market- dumping, which can include undercutting
based cost or pricing structures. Consequently, prices, harming domestic producers, and
sales of goods in such countries may not accurately distorting competition.
reflect their fair value.
¾ Determining the Level of Anti-Dumping Duty:
€ Countries in this list are Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus,
€ The US determines anti-dumping duties for non-
China, Georgia, Kyrgyz Republic, Moldova, Russia,
market economies like Vietnam by comparing
Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
the product’s value to a third country, such as
¾ Criteria: Bangladesh, which is considered a market economy,
€ The United States designates a country as non- and that value is then assumed to be the production
market economy based on several factors namely: cost for the company in the non-market economy.
z If the country’s currency is convertible. z This method is used because non-market
z If wage rates are determined by free bargaining economies may not have transparent pricing
between labour and management. mechanisms, leading to reliance on surrogate
z If joint ventures or other foreign investment countries for comparison.
are allowed ¾ NME and World Trade Organisation (WTO):
z Whether the means of production are owned € The WTO does not explicitly recognize or endorse
by the state. the NME status. However, it allows members to

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use alternative methodologies to calculate normal ¾ US Apprehensions:

values in antidumping investigations. € The US Commerce Department is currently reviewing
€ The WTO Antidumping Agreement provides Vietnam’s status.
flexibility for members to choose an appropriate € The US steelmakers and the American Shrimp
methodology for NMEs. It does not prescribe a Processors Association have asked the US
specific approach. administration not to change Vietnam’s status to
a market economy.
What is market Economy?
z They cited Vietnam’s restrictions on land
¾ It is a system in which production decisions and the
ownership, weak labour laws, and lower shrimp
prices of goods and services are guided primarily
duties that would hurt their members as reasons
by the interactions of consumers and businesses,
for their request.
i.e. the law of supply and demand is allowed to
determine what is available and at what price. € The change in Vietnam could benefit Chinese
€ A market economy gives entrepreneurs the
state firms invested in Vietnam by allowing them
freedom to pursue profits by creating new to bypass US tariffs more easily.
products, and the freedom to fail if they misread
the market.

What are Vietnam’s Arguments Regarding its

Non-Market Economy (NME) Status?
¾ Vietnam’s Arguments:
€ Currency Convertibility: Vietnam’s currency is
convertible into other currencies transparently
based on market principles.
€ Wage Determination: Wage rates result from free
bargaining between labour and management.
€ Foreign Investment: Foreign investment is
What is the Status of India and Vietnam’s Bilateral
permitted, and Vietnam has become an attractive
Trade?
destination for it.
¾ India and Vietnam share traditionally close and
€ Means of Production: The government does not
cordial bilateral relations. Over the years, their
own or control the means of production significantly.
economic ties have strengthened significantly.
€ Resource Allocation: The government does not
¾ Financial Year (FY) April 2020 – March 2021:
have significant control over resource allocation
€ Bilateral trade between India and Vietnam
or price/output decisions.
reached USD 11.12 billion.
€ Market Principles: Vietnam’s economy operates
€ Indian exports to Vietnam amounted to USD
on market principles, including legal frameworks,
4.99 billion.
corporate governance, and diversified foreign
€ Indian imports from Vietnam stood at USD
relations.
6.12 billion.
€ Flaws in Calculations:Vietnam’s Center for WTO
¾ Recent Trends:
and International Trade has said that the method
€ In 2022, bilateral trade continued to grow,
used to calculate anti-dumping duties is flawed
reaching USD 15 billion.
because it results in artificially high dumping
margins, which do not accurately reflect the actual € Vietnam is India’s 15th largest trading partner,
practices of Vietnamese companies. and India is Vietnam’s 8th trading partner globally.

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¾ Objective:
India Sugarcane Subsidy € AoA is aimed to remove trade barriers and to
under WTO Scrutiny promote transparent market access and integration
of global markets.
Why in News? € The AoA aims to establish a fair and market-
Recently, the US and Australia have contended that oriented agricultural trading system.
India is giving sugarcane subsidies to its farmers beyond € It sets out rules applicable to all WTO members to
the limits set in the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO)
provide for substantial progressive reductions in
Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) calling it violative of
agricultural support and protection in their country.
global standards that can distort global trade.
¾ 3 Pillars of AoA:
What is the WTO’s Agreement on Agriculture
€ Domestic Support: It calls for reduction in domestic
(AoA)?
subsidies that distorts free trade and fair price.
¾ About:
z Under this provision, the Aggregate Measurement
€ The Agreement on Agriculture (AoA) is an
of Support (AMS) is to be reduced by 20% over
international treaty established by the World
a period of 6 years by developed countries and
Trade Organization (WTO).
13% over a period of 10 years by developing
€ It was negotiated during the Uruguay Round of the
countries.
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
and entered into force with the establishment of z Under this, subsidies are categorised into: Blue
the WTO on 1st January 1995. Box, Green Box and Amber Box subsidies.

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€ Market Access: Market access for goods in the no appeals can be decided on until it becomes
WTO means the conditions, tariff and non-tariff operational once more.
measures, agreed by members for the entry of ¾ India’s Stand:
specific goods into their markets.
€ In 2022, India had appealed against a ruling of the
z Market access requires that tariffs fixed (like
WTO’s trade dispute settlement panel which ruled
custom duties) by individual countries be cut that the country’s domestic support measures for
progressively to allow free trade. It also required
sugar and sugarcane are inconsistent with global
countries to remove non-tariff barriers and
trade norms.
convert them to Tariff duties.
z In its appeal, India argued that the panel had
€ Export Subsidy: Subsidy on inputs of agriculture,
erred in finding that India’s FRP and SAP constitute
making export cheaper or other incentives for
exports such as import duty remission etc are market price support under the AoA.
included under export subsidies. € India pointed out the error and said that US-Australia

z These can result in dumping of highly subsidised analysis uses the entire sugarcane production in
(and cheap) products in other countries and India in a given year for calculating the subsidies,
damage the domestic agriculture sector of regardless of whether or not the sugarcane was
other countries. actually delivered to sugar mills for crushing under
the Sugarcane (Control) Order.
What are the Allegations against
z The Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966 is a
India Regarding Violating AoA?
regulatory framework that governs various
¾ Background of the Incident: aspects related to sugarcane production, pricing,
€ This allegation follows a previous one from 2019 and trade in India.
when Brazil, Australia, and Guatemala initiated
a dispute against India at the WTO, alleging that Note:
India’s sugar subsidies are inconsistent with global ¾ Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP): Itis a set price
trade rules. that is determined by the government and serves
€ Consequently, a WTO panel in 2021 confirmed the as the minimum price that sugar mills must pay to
claims, however, India appealed the findings and farmers for their sugarcane. This price ensures that
prevented the panel’s report from being adopted farmers receive a fair and reasonable payment for
by the WTO’s Dispute Settlement Body. their crops.
¾ Complaint Against India: ¾ State-Advised Prices (SAPs): In some States,
€ The US and Australia have claimed that India’s farmers receive extra payments in addition to FRP
domestic support measures are inconsistent for improving production efficiency, and in certain
with various articles of the WTO’s Agreement on states, sugar mills provide additional payments to
Agriculture. farmers through specific state-level support called
z For the Period 2018-2022, India’s Market Price State-Advised Prices (SAPs).
Support constituted over 90% of the value of
production of sugar every year against the What is the World Trade Organisation (WTO)?
permitted level of 10% as per WTO’s AoA. ¾ About:
€ The US and Australia also highlighted a crucial € WTO is an international organisation that regulates
absence in India’s reporting claiming that India and promotes global trade.
hadn’t included sugarcane or its derivatives in any € It was established in 1995 and currently has 164
domestic support notifications since the marketing member countries (including the European Union).
year 1995-96.
€ It provides a forum for member countries to
z This omission has left the WTO without adequate
negotiate and enforce trade agreements, resolve
information to assess India’s compliance with
global trade regulations. disputes, and promote economic growth and
development.
z Since the WTO’s Appellate Body is currently
inactive due to the lack of appointed members, € It’s headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

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¾ Origin of WTO: € However, as of now, the WTOAB is not functioning
€ The WTO is the successor to theGeneral due to the differences among member countries
Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which to appoint members in this body.
was created in 1947. € Over 20 disputes are already pending with the
€ The Uruguay Round (1986-94) of the GATT led
appellate body. The US has been blocking the
to the WTO’s creation. appointment of the members.
z WTO began operations on 1st January 1995.

€ The Agreement Establishing the WTO, commonly Nepal’s Currency Featured

known as the “Marrakesh Agreement”, was Kalapani Region
signed in Marrakesh, Morocco in 1994.
z India was one of the founding members of Why in News?
the 1947 GATT and its successor, the WTO.
Recently, Nepal announced the printing of a new Rs
€ Main difference between GATT and WTO was that 100 currency note with a map that shows the contentious
GATT mostly dealt with trade in goods, the WTO territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani,
and its agreements could not only cover goods already termed as “artificial enlargement” and “untenable”
but also trade in services and other intellectual by India.
properties like trade creations, designs, and ¾ India responded sharply to Nepal’s decision, with
inventions. India’s External Affairs Minister stating that it will not
¾ Dispute Redressal Mechanism of WTO: change the situation or the reality on the ground.
€ According to WTO rules, a WTO member or
What are the Regions of Border Dispute
members can file a case in the Geneva-based
Between India and Nepal?
multilateral Dispute Settlement Body (DSB),
if they feel that a particular trade measure is ¾ About:
against the norms of the WTO. € Currently, India and Nepal have border disputes over

z Bilateral consultation is the first step to resolve

the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh trijunction
a dispute. If both the sides are not able to and Susta area (West Champaran district, Bihar).
resolve the matter through consultation, ¾ Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh Trijunction (Kalapani
either can approach for the establishment Region):
of a dispute settlement panel. € This is a 35-square-kilometre area located in the

¾ Dispute Settlement Body (DSB): northwestern part of Nepal, near the tri-junction
where India, Nepal, and China meet.
€ The DSB makes decisions on trade disputes
€ Kalapani is a valley that is administered by India as
between member countries. It consists of all
a part of the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand.
WTO members.
It is situated on the Kailash Mansarovar route.
€ The DSB makes all its decisions by consensus.
€ Kalapani is advantageously located at a height of
€ The DSB has the sole authority to establish panels
over 20,000 ft and serves as an observation post
of experts to consider the case, and to accept for that area.
or reject the panels’ findings or the results of
€ The Kali River in the Kalapani region demarcates
an appeal.
the border between India and Nepal.
€ It monitors the implementation of the rulings
€ The Treaty of Sugauli was signed by the Kingdom of
and recommendations, and has the power to Nepal and British India (after the Anglo-Nepalese
authorise retaliation when a country does not War) in 1816.
comply with a ruling.
z The treaty designated the Kali River (or the
¾ The panel’s ruling or report can be challenged at Mahakali River) as the western boundary of
the WTO’s Appellate Body (WTOAB). Nepal.

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z Land east of the Kali River came under Nepal’s control, €India’s Stand:
while territory west of the river became part of British India z India claims that the Kali River
(present-day India). originates in springs well below
€ The discrepancy in locating the source of the Kali River led to the Lipu-lekh Pass (or Lipulekh
boundary disputes between India and Nepal, with each country Pass itself), effectively bringing
producing maps supporting their claims. the Kalapani region under Indian
control.
„ The Sugauli Treaty does not
demarcate the area north of
these streams.
z The administrative and revenue
records of the nineteenth
century also show that Kalapani
was on the Indian side, and
counted as part of Pithoragarh
district of Uttarakhand.
¾ Susta Region:
€ The Treaty of Sugauli defined the
Gandak River as the international
boundary between India and Nepal.
€ The right bank of the river was
under Nepal’s control while the
¾ Claims of Different Parties over Kalapani Region: left bank was under India’s control.
€ Nepal’s Stand: € Susta village was initially on the

z According to Nepal’s claims, the Kali River originates from a

right bank when the treaty was
stream at Limpiyadhura, northwest of Lipu Lekh. signed and it was a part of Nepal.
„ Thus Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipu Lekh, fall to the east € However, over the years, the

of the river and are part of Nepal’s Dharchula district. Gandak River changed its course
z The territory of Kalapani was offered to India by King Mahendra
and Susta moved to the left bank
after the 1962 India-China war who wanted to help India’s and is now currently under India’s
security concerns due to perceived lingering Chinese threats. control.

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z This sense of disrespect and a desire to challenge
Japan’s Shifting the Western-dominated world order ultimately
Diplomatic Posture led Japan down a path of militaristic conquest
that culminated in World War II.
Why in News?
¾ Japan’s Diplomatic Journey After World War II:
In the recent past of changing geopolitics, the world
€ After the defeat of Japan in World War II, the
is witnessing a turning point as Japan, long a symbol of
United States led the Allies in the occupation and
post-war pacifism, strengthens its military capabilities.
rehabilitation of the Japanese state. Thus, Japan
This transformation has the potential to significantly alter
embraced a policy of pacifism.
the balance of power in Asia and beyond.
€ Military spending was strictly limited, and the
What are the Key Facts About nation focused on rebuilding its economy. This
the Japan’s Diplomatic Posture? strategy proved wildly successful, propelling Japan
¾ Japan’s Diplomatic Journey Before World War II: to become the world’s second-largest economy
€ Seclusion (1600s-1850s): by the 1970s.
z For over 200 years, Japan remained largely € Over the recent decades, Japan has undergone a
closed off from the world. This policy of isolation significant shift in its diplomatic posture, moving
aimed to preserve social order and prevent away from strict post-war pacifism and towards a
foreign influence. more assertive role on the world stage.
Catching Up (1850s-1900s):
What Factors led Japan to Change its
€

z The arrival of Portuguese Commodore Perry’s

Diplomatic Posture?
“Black Ships” in 1853 forced Japan out of its
self-imposed seclusion.The Japanese government ¾ External Factors:
aimed to: € China’s Rise: China’s growing military power and
„ They modernised the military and adopted assertive claimsin the East China Sea, particularly
Western technology to become a strong regarding disputed territories like the Senkaku
nation . Islands, have created a sense of urgency for Japan
„ Japan renegotiated previous treaties to to strengthen its defences.
regain control of its trade and foreign policy. € North Korean Threat: North Korea’s continued
€ Aggressive Stance (1900s-1930s): development of nuclear weapons and ballistic
z Despite its victories, Japan wasn’t treated as missiles remains a major security concern for Japan.
a full equal by Western powers, particularly € Uncertain US Commitment: The perceived erosion
regarding racial equality (e.g., rejection of the of US commitment to Asian security under the
racial equality clause in the Treaty of Versailles). Trump administration, along with the rise of
z This frustration with the West fueled a shift isolationist tendencies in the US, has pushed
towards aggressive expansionism like the Japan to become more self-reliant in its defence.
militaristic takeover of Manchuria in 1931, z Examples include the failure of USA’s Middle
formed the Axis Alliance before World War II etc. East policy in maintaing peace.

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¾ Internal Factors: ¾ Active Regional Diplomacy: Japan is strengthening

€ Conservative Resurgence: A growing number of its relationships with other regional powers like India
conservative voices in Japan advocate for a more and Australia, promoting a “free and open Indo-
active security role and argue that Japan, as a Pacific” vision.
“normal power,” has a responsibility to contribute € Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD): A strategic
to regional stability and defend its interests. security dialogue involving Japan, the US, India,
€ Pacifist Fatigue: Decades of relying solely on the and Australia to address regional security concerns.
US for security have led some to question the € Pacific Island Forum (PIF): Japan actively engages
sustainability of this approach, especially in the with Pacific Island nations, offering development
face of a changing regional landscape. assistance and fostering closer ties.
€ Support for Ukraine: Japan’s strong stance in support
How is Japan Changing its Diplomatic Posture?
of Ukraine against Russia is seen as a signal of its
¾ Manifestations of Change: commitment to upholding international norms
€ Increased Defence Spending: Japan has significantly and deterring similar aggression in Asia.
increased its defence budget, ending the self- ¾ Shifting Stance on Historical Issues: Japan is attempting
imposed cap of 1% of GDP. to reconcile with South Korea, a historical adversary,
z From 1960 to 2020, Japan’s military spending in an effort to create a more cohesive regional security
remained at or below 1% of GDP architecture.
€ Military Buildup: Japan is acquiring new military Note:
capabilities, including offensive weapons like cruise ¾ Japan has displayed a “panoramic diplomacy” under
missiles, and easing restrictions on arms exports. the late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, expanding its
global visibility and normalising its security policy.
z Prime Minister Kishida announced that Japan
¾ The term “panoramic diplomacy” translates to
will increase annual defence spending to 2%
“diplomacy that takes a panoramic perspective
of GDP by 2027.
of the world map” or “diplomacy with panoramic
€ Deeper Security Cooperation with the Allies: Japan views.”
is working closely with the US on joint military ¾ It emphasises a proactive and multifaceted approach
exercises and exploring deeper integration of to international relations, aiming to build strong
command structures. ties with a wide range of countries.
z The Key Japan-US joint military exercises are ¾ Key Characteristics:
Keen Sword, Orient Shield, and Valiant Shield € Broader Scope: Unlike traditional alliances focused
(a ballistic missile defence-focused exercise). on specific regions or ideologies, panoramic
diplomacy seeks to establish reciprocal relations
z The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)
with as many countries as possible, even if
is a multinational initiative led by the United their values don’t entirely align with Japan’s.
Kingdom, Japan, and Italy to jointly develop a
€ Cooperation over Confrontation: While concerns
sixth-generation stealth fighter by 2035. about China’s growing influence might have played
z Also, Japan has decided to ease its strict defence a role, panoramic diplomacy didn’t solely focus
export rules, allowing it to collaborate with on the Indo-Pacific region but actively engaged
Britain and Italy to build a next-generation with countries across Africa, Latin America,
and other areas.
fighter jet for export under certain conditions.

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How Japan’s Changing Posture will Quad grouping, G20 and G-4,International
Affect Indian Interest? Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER).
z The India-Japan Act East Forum was established
¾ Potential Benefits:
in 2017 which aims to provide a platform for
€ Countering China: Both India and Japan see China India-Japan collaboration under the fabric of
as a strategic concern. Japan’s increased military India’s “Act East Policy“ and Japan’s “Free and
capabilities and focus on the Indo-Pacific could Open Indo-Pacific Strategy”.
strengthen the ability of both countries to deter € Enhanced Security Cooperation: The new strategy
Chinese aggression. emphasises cooperation with like-minded countries
z Both India and Japan are members of like India. This could lead to more joint military

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exercises, technology sharing, and potentially € Economic Cooperation: A stronger Japan could be a
relaxed export restrictions on Japanese defence more reliable economic partner for India, potentially
equipment for India. leading to increased trade and investment.
z Japan is one of the few countries with whom z Japan’s bilateral trade with India totalled USD
India has 2+2 ministerial dialogue. 20.57 billion during FY 2021-22. India was
z India and Japan’s defence forces also organise the 18th largest trading partner for Japan, and
a series of bilateral exercises such as JIMEX Japan was the 12th largest trading partner for
(naval), Malabar exercise (Naval Exercise), ‘Veer India in 2020.
Guardian’ and SHINYUU Maitri (Air Force), and ¾ Potential Challenges:
Dharma Guardian (Army).
€ Competition: Both India and Japan are developing
€ Infrastructure Development: The new Japanese long-range strike capabilities. This could lead to
Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan
an arms race in the region, potentially straining
framework for strategic purposes could provide
resources.
India with much-needed funding for infrastructure
projects in border areas with China. This would z Competition between Japan and India to export
improve India’s defence preparedness and defence equipment in common nature of
connectivity. market and allies like Africa, Philippines and
z India has been the largest recipient of the
South America might harm India’s interests in
Japanese ODA Loan framework for the past the long run.
decades. € Diplomatic Challenges: It might becomechallenging
z Delhi Metro is one of the most successful for India to balance more assertive powers in
examples of Japanese cooperation through competing blocks like theQuad groupingand BRICS.
the utilisation of ODA. € Ideological Conflicts: Ideological conflicts may arise
z India’s Western Dedicated Freight Corridor in areas such as human rights, nuclear proliferation,
(DFC) project is funded by a soft loan provided and international interventions, where India’s
by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. stance can differ from Japanese stance.

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Social Issues
Highlights
z Allegations of Child Labour in Trade Negotiations with Australia z WHO Report on Global Immunisation
z PM-EAC Report on Share of Religious Minorities z Women in Global Capability Centers

z Of these, 10.1 million (3.9% of total child

Allegations of Child Labour population) are working, either as ‘main worker’
in Trade Negotiations or as ‘marginal worker’. In addition, more than
42.7 million children in India are out of school.
with Australia
How has India Responded?
Why in News? ¾ Child Labour is Prohibited: The Indian government
The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry has has categorically refuted the allegations, stating that
firmly refuted allegations of child labour made in a recent existing rules and regulations prohibit child labour
report by Australia’s Joint Standing Committee on Trade and bonded labour.
and Investment Growth. ¾ Constitutional Protection: India’s Constitution protects
¾ The allegations surfaced amid ongoing negotiations labour rights and empowers both central and state
between India and Australia for the Comprehensive governments to enact laws like the Bonded Labour
Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), which aims System (Abolition) Act, 1976 to safeguard workers’
to broaden the existing Economic Cooperation and rights, including forming unions and preventing
Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed in 2022. harassment.
What are the Allegations Made by the ¾ Strict Licensing and Compliance: All business entities
Australian Panel? in India are licensed by local governing bodies and
must comply with labour welfare laws prescribed
¾ The Australian committee’s report highlighted concerns by the union and state governments.
about child and forced labour in India, based on claims
¾ Comprehensive Records: Processing units maintain
by the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU)
and the State Public Services Federation (SPSF Group). comprehensive records related to processing, quality
checks, employee training, and compliance with
¾ The report recommended that the Australian
applicable rules and regulations.
Government include human rights, labour, and
environmental chapters in its trade agreements, What does India’s Legal Framework Say
aligning with United Nations and International About Child Labour and Forced Labour?
Labour Organisation conventions and declarations
signed by Australia. ¾ Constitutional Rights:
€ Article 23: It prohibits trafficking in human beings
¾ Facts Supporting Australia’s Claim:
and forced labour, ensuring protection against
€ According to the 2023 Global Slavery Index
exploitation and degrading work conditions.
estimates by Walk Free, an international human
rights group focused on the eradication of modern z It allows for compulsory service for public

slavery, there were 11 million people living in purposes, with no discrimination based on
modern slavery in India on any given day in 2021, religion, race, caste, or class.
the highest number of any country. z The article aims to eradicate practices that

€ As per Census 2011, the total child population in exploit individuals and uphold principles of
India in the age group (5-14) years is 259.6 million. equality, justice, and respect for human rights.

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€Article 24: Of the Indian Constitution prohibits the at risk of drug abuse or trafficking, facing
employment of children under 14 in factories, exploitation, suffering from incurable diseases
mines, or hazardous occupations. or disabilities, a victim of armed conflict or
z The aim is to protect children from exploitation, natural disasters, or at risk of early marriage.
ensure their health and development, and € National Policy on Child Labour (1987): Focuses
provide access to education. on rehabilitation of children already working.
z The government can determine specific € The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory
hazardous occupations and enforce this provision Education (RTE) Act, 2009: Ensures free education
through legislation and regulations. and indirectly prevents child labour by keeping
z Article 24 is closely connected to Article 21A, children in school.
which ensures the right to education for children € In 2001, there were 1.26 crore working children
aged 6 to 14. aged 5-14 out of a total child population of 25.2
„ By banning child labour, Article 24 supports crore. A survey in 2004-05 estimated the number
the fulfilment of the right to education and of working children at 90.75 lakh.
ensures that children can develop their z By 2011, the number of working children in the

potential and skills through proper schooling. same age group had further reduced to 43.53
€ Article 39: It outlines principles that the State
lakh, indicating successful government efforts.
should follow, including ensuring equal rights to ¾ Legislations Against Forced Labour:
livelihood for men and women, equal pay for equal € Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976:
work, protection of workers’ health and children’s Criminalises bonded labour (debt traps).
well-being, and opportunities for children to z The act freed all bonded labourers, liquidated
develop in a healthy and dignified manner. their debts, and made the practice of bondage
¾ Legislations Against Child Labour: punishable by law.
€ Child Labour (Prohibition & Regulation) Act, 1986 z The Act is being implemented by the State

(amended in 2016): Governments. District Magistrates have been

z Bans employing children under 14 in all work.
given responsibilities for implementing the
However, it makes an exception for work in Act, and vigilance committees are required
family businesses, outside of school hours to be formed at district and sub-divisional
and during vacations, and in the entertainment levels. Offences under the Act can result in
industry(subject to safety measures), provided imprisonment for up to three years and fines
it does not affect their school education. of up to two thousand rupees.
€ Central Sector Scheme for Rehabilitation of
z Restricts adolescents (14-18) from hazardous
Bonded Labourer, 2021:
occupations.
z Launched in 1978, by the Ministry of
z Lists expand progressively based on
Labour, provides financial assistance for the
recommendations.
rehabilitation of freed bonded labour, shared
€ Factories Act, 1948: No children under 14 in
by Central and State Governments.
factories.
z The scheme was later modified and revamped
€ Mines Act, 1952: No children under 18 in mines.
in 2016 and 2022, offering financial assistance
€ Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) of Rs. 1-3 lakhs per beneficiary.
Act, 2015: z State Governments are not required to pay
z Working children are considered “in need of matching contributions for cash rehabilitation
care and protection.” assistance.
„ A child in need of care and protection is z A total of 315,302 bonded labourers have been
defined as a child who is homeless, engaged released till date, and from 1978 to January
in illegal labour, living on the streets or 2023, a total of 296,305 bonded labourers have
begging, living with an abusive guardian, been rehabilitated.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 87
Note:
¾ Bonded labour, defined by the National Human Rights Commission of India, is a form of slavery called debt
bondage that has persisted for centuries.
¾ It is considered the most severe form of modern slavery, where workers are forced to work for long periods
with little pay. This can include being coerced to work without pay for a specific period by an employer as a
way to settle a debt.
¾ In 1983, the Supreme Courtruled in the People’S Union For Democratic Rights (PUDR) vs. Union of India case
that the right against forced labour includes the right to a minimum wage.
€ The Court recognised that migrant and contract labourers often had no choice but to accept work for less
than the minimum wage, and held that this economic compulsion was a form of forced labour.
¾ The Court emphasised the need for a constitutional guarantee of the minimum wage to address this issue.

What are International Labour Organisation Conventions Regarding Child Labour?

¾ The Core Conventions of the ILO (also called fundamental/human rights conventions) are:
Convention Key Provisions Status in India
Forced Labour Convention, 1930 Prohibits all forms of forced or compulsory labour, including Ratified
(No. 29) debt bondage.
Equal Remuneration Convention Outlines principles for equal remuneration for work of equal Ratified
(No. 100) value, regardless of gender. Focuses on gender discrimination
in employment.
Minimum Age Convention, 1973 Stipulates that the minimum age for work should not be below Ratified
(No. 138) the age of compulsory schooling and in any case not less than
15 years, with possible exceptions for developing countries.
Worst Forms of Child Labour Prohibits hazardous work likely to jeopardize children’s physical, Ratified
Convention, 1999 (No. 182) mental, or moral health, aiming at the immediate elimination
of the worst forms of child labour for children below 18 years.
Right to Organise and Collective Establishes rules for freedom of unionisation and collective Not Ratified
Bargaining Convention (No. 98) bargaining, protecting workers from discrimination for union
activities. Requires promotion of voluntary negotiations between
governments and workers.
the religious demographics of 38 OECD countries,
PM-EAC Report on Share of 30 of these countries experienced a significant
Religious Minorities decrease in the proportion of Roman Catholics,
the predominant religious group.
Why in News? € In 167 surveyed countries, the average reduction
of majority populations globally during the period
According to a new analysis by the Economic Advisory
1950-2015 was 22%.
Council to the Prime Minister (PM-EAC), the percentage
z The decline of the majority religious population
of Hindus in India has decreased by 7.82% between 1950
and 2015, while the percentages of Muslims, Christians, was steeper in OECD countries, with an average
and Sikhs have increased. decline of 29%.
z In Africa, animism or native religion was the
What are the Key Findings of dominant religion in 24 countries in 1950.
this PM-EAC Report? „ By 2015, they are no longer a majority in
¾ Declining Majority Population across the World: any of these 24 countries in Africa.
€ From 1950 to 2015, as per the data collected on z In the South Asian region, the majority religious

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group is increasing while minority populations z It is crucial for planning infrastructure,

have significantly declined in countries such as healthcare, education, and social services.
Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and € Analysing Causes and Consequences:
Afghanistan. z It investigates the causes behind population
¾ Findings for India: changes. Factors like economic development,
€ Decline in Share of Hindu Population: The education, healthcare, and cultural norms
population of Hindus has declined by 7.82%. As influence birth and death rates.
per 2011 census, Hindu population in India as of z Consequences include workforce dynamics,
2011 is approximately 79.8%. dependency ratios (proportion of non-working
€ Rising Share of Minority Population: The share of age groups), and implications for social security
Muslim population rose from 9.84% to 14.095% systems.
and Christian population rose from 2.24% to 2.36%. € Policy Formulation and Implementation:
z Sikh population increased from 1.24% to 1.85%
z Healthcare: Understanding age-specific health
and the share of the Buddhist population rose needs helps allocate resources effectively.
from 0.05%to 0.81%.
z Education: Demographics guide educational
z The Jain and Parsi community populations
planning, such as school infrastructure and
decreased. The share of Jains dropped from teacher recruitment.
0.45% to 0.36%, and the share of the Parsi
z Urban Planning: Population distribution affects
population decreased by 85% from 0.03% to
city infrastructure, housing, and transportation.
0.0004%.
z Ageing Population: Policies address the needs
€ Healthy Population Growth Rate: As per the data
from National Family Health Survey, India’s Total of elderly citizens, including pensions and
Fertility Rate (TFR) is currently around 2, which is healthcare.
close to the preferred TFR of 2.19. TFR is a reliable What are the Basic Population Control Theories?
indicator for projecting population growth. ¾ Malthusian Theory: It was proposed by Thomas
z For Hindus, it declined from 3.3 in 1991 to 2.1 Robert Malthus, an English economist and
in 2015, and further to 1.9 in 2024. demographer, in his 1798 work “An Essay on the
z In Muslims, it declined from 4.4 in 1991 to 2.6 Principle of Population.”
in 2015, and further to 2.4 in 2024. € It revolves around the relationship between
€ Equality for Minorities: In India, minorities population growth and resources.
experience equal benefits and live a comfortable € Population Growth: Malthus argued that
life, while global demographic shifts remain a
populations tend to grow exponentially, meaning
cause for concern.
they increase at a geometric rate (1, 2, 4, 8, 16,
What are Demographic Patterns etc.), while the availability of resources only
and its Relevance? increases arithmetically (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.).
¾ Demographic patterns z Therefore, population growth will eventually

€ It refers to the systematic variations and trends

outstrip the capacity of resources to sustain it.
observed in human populations. € Resource Constraints: Malthus identified two

€ These patterns emerge from the study of population

primary constraints on resources: subsistence
dynamics, including factors such as birth rates, (food) and the ability of the environment to
death rates, migration, and population composition. support the population (limited land, water, etc.).
¾ Relevance: z He believed that as population increased,

€ Understanding Population Trends:

pressure on these resources would intensify,
leading to scarcity, famine, and ultimately,
z Demographic data is used to identify patterns
over time. By studying birth and death rates, a decrease in population through “positive
they can predict population growth or decline. checks” such as disease, starvation, and war.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 89
€ Checks on Population Growth: Malthus classified ¾ Stage 2 - Transitional Phase:
checks on population growth into two categories: € Begins with industrialisation and improvements

z Positive Checks: These are the natural forces in healthcare and sanitation.
that decrease population growth, such as € Death rates decline significantly due to advances

famine, disease, and war. in medicine, hygiene, and food production.

€ Birth rates remain high initially, leading to rapid
z Preventive Checks: These are conscious
population growth as death rates plummet.
decisions made by individuals or societies to
€ This stage often witnesses a population explosion.
control population growth, such as delayed
¾ Stage 3 - Industrial Society:
marriage, abstinence, and birth control.
€ Birth rates start to decline due to various factors
€ However, Malthus was ultimately proved wrong
such as urbanization, education, economic
as breakthroughs in agricultural technology changes, and the empowerment of women.
made countries, such as India, net food surplus.
€ However, birth rates remain somewhat higher
¾ Demographic Transition Theory: It outlines the than death rates, resulting in continued population
process of population change over time as societies growth, albeit at a slower pace.
progress through different stages of economic and ¾ Stage 4 - Post-Industrial Society:
social development. € Both birth rates and death rates are low, resulting

¾ Stage 1 - Pre-Industrial Society: in a stable or slowly growing population.

€ Birth rates may even fall below replacement
€ Characterised by high birth rates and high
death rates, resulting in a relatively stable level, leading to concerns about population
ageing and demographic imbalance.
population size.
¾ Stage 5:
€ Birth rates are high due to the absence of birth
€ In some models, a fifth stage is proposed where
control and cultural preferences for large families.
birth rates fall below replacement level, resulting
€ Death rates are also high due to limited medical in population decline (E.g. Germany).
knowledge, poor sanitation, and widespread € This stage is characterised by a significant ageing
disease. population and potential demographic challenges.

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¾ Reduced Infant Deaths:

WHO Report on € 40% Reduction in infant death for 14 diseaseslike

Global Immunisation Diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B, Hepatitis

B, Japanese encephalitis, measles, meningitis A,
Why in News? pertussis, invasive pneumococcal disease, polio,
rotavirus, rubella, tetanus, tuberculosis, and
Recently, a study by the World Health Organisation
yellow fever.
(WHO) revealed that Global Immunisation efforts have
€ Above 50% reduction in the African Region over
saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50
the past 50 years.
years.
¾ Eradication and Containment of Disease:
¾ The Report was released on the occasion of World
€ Wild poliovirus cases have decreased by over
Immunization Week, ahead of the 50th anniversary
99% since 1988. Of the 3 strains of wild poliovirus
of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI)
(type 1, type 2 and type 3), wild poliovirus type 2
to take place in May 2024.
was eradicated in 1999 and wild poliovirus type
What are the Key Findings of the Report? 3 was eradicated in 2020.
¾ Report shows that Immunization is the single greatest € India was declared polio-free by the World Health

contribution of any health intervention to ensuring Organisation (WHO) in 2014.

healthy lives of babies. € Vaccines against malaria and cervical cancer have

¾ Measles vaccination: been highly effective in containment of these

diseases.
€ Nearly 94 million of the estimated 154 million lives
saved since 1974, were a result of protection by ¾ Gain in Full Health Years:
measles vaccines. € For each life saved through immunisation, an

z There are still 33 million children who missed average of 66 years of full health were gained.
a measles vaccine dose in 2022. € With a total of 10.2 billion full health years gained

€ Currently, the global coverage rate of the first over the five decades.
dose of measles vaccine is 83% and the second What is the Status of Immunisation in India?
dose is 74%, contributing to a very high number
¾ About:
of outbreaks across the world.
€ India’s immunisation programme, UIP (Universal
z Coverage of 95% or greater with 2 doses of Immunization Programme), is one of the world’s
measles-containing vaccine is needed to protect most extensive public health programmes.
communities from outbreaks.
€ Under the UIP, India annually vaccinated more
€ It accounts for 60% of the lives saved due to than 30 million pregnant women and 27 million
immunisation and the vaccine likely remain the children.
top contributor to preventing deaths in the future.
z A child is considered fully immunised if they
¾ Coverage for DPT Vaccine: receive all the required vaccines as per the
€ Before the launch of EPI, less than 5% of infants national immunisation schedule within their
globally had access to routine immunisation. first year of life.
€ Today, 84% of infants are protected with 3 doses ¾ Status:
of the vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus and € The country was certified polio-free in 2014 and
pertussis (DTP). eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus in 2015.
z DPT refers to a class of combined vaccines given € New vaccines, including the Measles-Rubella,
to protect against three infectious diseases Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and
in humans (diphtheria, pertussis or whooping Rotavirus Vaccine (RVV), have been introduced
cough and tetanus). and expanded nationwide.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 91
€ According to UNICEF, only 65% of children in India the country’s full immunisation coverage stands
receive full immunisation during the first year of at 76.1%.
their life. z It means that one out of every four children is
€ Also, as per the latest WUENIC (WHO-UNICEF missing out on essential vaccines.
Estimates National Immunization Coverage)
What is the Universal Immunization
estimates, India has successfully reduced the number
of zero-dose (ZD) children to 1.1 million in 2022
Programme (UIP)?
from 2.7 million in 2021, covering an additional ¾ Background:
1.6 million children with life-saving vaccination. € The Expanded Programme on Immunization was
z Zero-dose refers to children who failed to receive launched in 1978. It was renamed as Universal
any routine vaccination. Immunization Programme in 1985 when its reach
z 63% of ZD children live in the five states of Bihar, was expanded beyond urban areas.
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and € Since the launch of the National Rural Health
Uttar Pradesh. Mission in 2005, the Universal Immunization
€ Mission Indradhanush (MI) was launched by the Programme(UIP) has always been an integral
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) part of it.
in 2014 with the aim to vaccinate all unvaccinated ¾ About:
and partially vaccinated children under UIP. € Under UIP, immunisation is provided free of cost
z Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI)has against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
been launched to bring down the number of z Nationally Against 9 Diseases: Diphtheria,
zero-dose children. Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe
¾ Other Supporting Measures: form of Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B and
€ Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus
influenzae type B.
€ National Cold Chain Management Information
System (NCCMIS). z Sub-nationally Against 3 Diseases: Rotavirus
diarrhoea, Pneumococcal Pneumonia and
¾ Challenges:
Japanese Encephalitis.
€ Lack of Access:
What are the Major Global Initiatives Related to
z In 2022, 14.3 million infants did not receive the
Immunization?
first DPT vaccine globally, pointing to a lack of
¾ Immunization Agenda 2030
access to immunisation and other health services.
¾ World Immunization Week
z Of the 20.5 million who are either not vaccinated
or partially vaccinated, nearly 60% of children ¾ Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI):
live in 10 countries, including India. € It was founded in 1974 by the World Health
€ Death by Infectious Diseases: Assembly.
z It contributes to a significant proportion ofchild € EPI’s original goal was to vaccinate all children
mortality and morbidity. against diphtheria, measles, pertussis, polio,
z Nearly one million children die before their tetanus, tuberculosis, as well as smallpox, the
fifth birthday. only human disease ever eradicated.
z Many of these deaths are preventable and can be € It includes universal recommendations to
averted by interventions such as breastfeeding, vaccinate against 13 diseases, and context-
immunisation and access to treatment. specific recommendations for another 17
diseases, extending the reach of immunisation
€ Full Coverage Goal Still to Achieve: According to
beyond children, to adolescents and adults.
National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-5, 2019-21,

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GCCs play a crucial role in capitalising on cost

€
Women in Global efficiencies, tapping into talent reservoirs, and
Capability Centers fostering collaboration between parent enterprises
and their offshore counterparts.
Why in News? € Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can provide a fertile
ground for GCCs to flourish by offering several
A recent report highlighted that nearly 5 lakh women
advantages like tax breaks, simplified regulations
currently work in Indian Global Capability Centers (GCCs),
across GCCs in India. and streamlined bureaucracy.
¾ Global Capability Centers are offshore units established ¾ Present Status:
by multinational corporations to perform a range of € In 2022–23, around 1,600 GCCs made up a market

strategic functions. of USD 46 billion, employing 1.7 million people.

€ Within GCCs, professional and consulting services
What are the Key Highlights of the Report?
are the fastest-growing segment despite only
¾ GCCs Growth: accounting for 25% of India’s services exports.
€ India hosts nearly 1,600 GCCs, with a substantial
€ Their compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of
addition of 2.8 lakh employees in 2022-23, expanding 31% over the last four years significantly outpaces
its talent base to over 1.6 million.
computer services (16% CAGR) and R&D services
€ Nearly five lakh women currently work in Indian
(13% CAGR).
global capability centres (GCCs), comprising 28%
of the total 16 lakh employees across GCCs in What are Special Economic Zones (SEZ)?
India. Gender diversity in the deep tech ecosystem ¾ An SEZ is a territory within a country that is typically
stands at 23%. duty-free (Fiscal Concession) and has different
¾ Executive and Senior Level Roles: business and commercial laws chiefly to encourage
€ Only 6.7% of women hold executive roles in GCCs, investment and create employment.
and 5.1% in deep tech organisations. € SEZs are created also to better administer these

€ At the senior level (9-12 years of experience) in areas, thereby increasing the ease of doing
GCCs, the representation of women stands at 15.7%. business.
¾ Graduate Representation: ¾ Asia’s first EPZ (Export Processing Zones) was
€ The median representation of women graduates established in 1965 at Kandla, Gujarat.
from top engineering universities stands at 25% ¾ The Special Economic Zones Act was passed in
between 2020-23. 2005. The Act came into force along with the SEZ
¾ Challenges and Systemic Barriers: Rules in 2006.
€ Women’s attrition is influenced by factors such ¾ Presently, 379 SEZs are notified, out of which 265
as family and caregiving responsibilities, limited are operational. About 64% of the SEZs are located
access to career advancement and leadership in five states – Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka,
opportunities, and poor work-life balance. Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
What are Global Capability Centers (GCCs)? ¾ The Baba Kalyani-led committee was constituted
by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to study
¾ About:
the existing SEZ policy of India and had submitted
€ Global capability centres (GCCs) represent offshore
its recommendations in November 2018.
establishments set up by companies to deliver a
€ It was set up with a broad objective to evaluate
range of services to their parent entities.
the SEZ policy towards making it WTO (World
€ Operating as internal entities within the global
Trade Organisation) compatible and to bring
corporate framework, these centres offer specialised
capabilities including IT services, research and in global best practices to maximise capacity
development, customer support, and various utilisation and to maximise potential output
other business functions. of the SEZs.
nnn

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 93

Science & Technology

Highlights
z West Nile Fever z Understanding Magnetic Resonance Imaging
z Xenotransplantation z Artificial General Intelligence
z Indian Space Situational Assessment Report 2023 z Black Hole Gaia BH3
z Side-Effects of Covid-19 Vaccine z Occultation in Astronomy

¾ Symptoms:
West Nile Fever € Asymptomatic in about 80% of cases.

€ Symptoms of West Nile fever include fever,

Why in News?
headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, vomiting,
The detection of West Nile fever in 3 Kerala districts and skin rash.
has prompted health authorities to issue alerts and
€ Severe cases may lead to neurological symptoms
intensify preventive measures.
such as neck stiffness, stupor, coma, tremors,
What is West Nile Fever? convulsions, muscle weakness, and paralysis.
¾ About: ¾ Treatment:
€ It is caused by the West Nile virus (WNV), a € Supportive care for neuro-invasive cases involves

single-stranded RNA virus that is transmitted to hospitalization, intravenous fluids, and respiratory
humans through the bite of an infected mosquito support.
(Mosquitoes of the genus Culex are generally € No vaccine is available for humans.
considered the principal vectors of WNV) and ¾ India’s Initiatives:
Birds serve as reservoir hosts.
€ National Vector-Borne Disease Control Programme.
z The virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family
€ Integrated Vector Management (IVM).
and the flavivirus genus.
€ National Framework for Malaria Elimination.
€ The virus is commonly found in Africa, Europe,
the Middle East, North America, and West Asia.
€ It was first isolated in a woman in the West Nile Xenotransplantation
district of Uganda in 1937. It was identified in birds
in the Nile Delta region in 1953, according to the Why in News?
World Health Organization.
Recently, the first recipient of a modified pig kidney
¾ Transmission: transplant passed away after his groundbreaking
€ Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on xenotransplantation surgery. His death was not linked
infected birds, subsequently transmitting the virus to the transplant.
to humans and animals through bites.
€ The virus may also be transmitted through contact
What is Xenotransplantation?
with other infected animals, their blood, or other ¾ Definition:
tissues. € According to the US Food and Drug Administration
€ Rare cases of transmission through organ transplant, (FDA), “Xenotransplantation is any procedure
blood transfusions, and transplacental transmission. that involves the transplantation, implantation
€ No human-to-human transmission of WNV through or infusion into a human recipient of either live
casual contact has been documented. cells, tissues, or organs from a nonhuman animal

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94 CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 www.d rish t i I A S. c o m

source, or human body fluids, cells, CRISPR-Cas9

tissues or organs that have had ex vivo
¾ It is a revolutionary technology that allows scientists to modify
contact with live nonhuman animal
the genome by adding, removing, or altering sections of the
cells, tissues or organs.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) sequence.
¾ Purpose: The primary aim is to address the
¾ It consists of two key molecules, an enzyme called Cas9, which
shortage of human donor organs.
acts as molecular scissors to cut the DNA, and a piece of RNA
€ For instance, in the United States,
called guide RNA (gRNA) that guides Cas9 to the right part
nearly 90,000 people are waiting for a of the genome.
kidney transplant, with over 3,000 dying
€ The guide RNA is designed to bind to a specific sequence in
annually while still waiting.
the DNA, allowing the Cas9 enzyme to make a precise cut.
¾ Historical Context: The practice dates back
¾ This triggers the cell’s DNA repair machinery, which can be
to the 1980s, with the heart being one of the
used by scientists to introduce changes to the genes in the
first organs attempted for transplantation
cell’s genome.
from animals to humans.
¾ Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer A. Doudna recieved
¾ Procedure: In xenotransplantation, the
the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for finding a powerful tool
animal organ selected, such as a pig kidney,
in gene technology called CRISPR/Cas9.
undergoes genetic modifications to improve
its compatibility with the human body. Why are Pigs Often Used for Xenotransplantation?
€ This involves using gene-editing ¾ Historical Use: Pig heart valves have been used in human
technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 to remove surgeries for over 50 years.
certain pig genes that produce sugars ¾ Similarity to Humans: Pigs have anatomical and physiological
with antibodies our immune systems
similarities to humans. Their widespread farming makes them
react to and adding human genes to
a cost-effective and accessible source.
improve the organ’s compatibility.
¾ Size Matching: Various pig breeds offer a range of organ sizes,
¾ Complications in Xenotransplantation:
which can be matched to the specific needs of human recipients.
€ Organ Rejection: Preventing the human
body from rejecting the pig organ is a
significant challenge. Techniques such
as embedding the pig’s thymus gland
with the kidney help reduce immune
responses.
€ Infection Risks: The FDA highlights
concerns about potential infections from
both recognised and unknown infectious
agents, which could spread to close
contacts and the general population.
€ Retroviruses: There is a risk of cross-
species infection by retroviruses, which
may remain latent and cause diseases
years after infection. Indian Space Situational
¾ Xe n o t ra n s p l a ntat i o n i n I n d i a : I n
1997, a surgeon in Assam, performed Assessment Report 2023
a xenotransplantation procedure by
transplanting a pig’s heart into a human Why in News?
patient. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has released
¾ Unfortunately, the patient passed away a theIndian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR) for 2023,
week later, leading to legal repercussions. which provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 95
India’s space assets and their vulnerability to potential z A total of 23 Collision Avoidance Maneuvers
collisions in space. (CAMs) were carried out during 2023 to protect
Indian space assets, compared to 21 in 2022
What does the ISSAR 2023 Report Highlight?
and 19 in 2021.
¾ Space Object Population:
¾ Satellites Re-entry:
€ Global Increase: Globally, 3,143 objects were
€ The report details the successful re-entry of 8 Indian
added in 2023 from 212 launches and on-orbit
satellites in 2023. This includes the controlled
breakup events.
de-orbiting of Megha-Tropiques-1, showcasing
€ Indian Additions: India contributed to this with the
ISRO’s commitment to responsible space debris
launch of 127 satellites by the end of December
management.
2023.
¾ International Cooperation on Space Sustainability:
z In the year 2023, all seven launches of ISRO,
namely SSLV-D2/EOS7,LVM3-M3/ONEWEB 2, € ISRO is an active participant in many international
PSLV-C55/ TeLEOS-2, LVM3-M4/ Chandrayaan-3, fora such as the Inter-Agency Debris Coordination
and PSLV-C57/Aditya L-1, were successful. Committee (IADC) with 13 space agencies, the
International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) space
z A total of 5 Indian satellites, 46 foreign satellites,
debris working group, International Astronautical
and 8 rocket bodies (including POEM-2) were
Federation (IAF) space traffic management
placed in their intended orbits.
working group, International Organization for
¾ Indian Space Assets:
Standardization (ISO) space debris working group
€ Operational Satellites: As of 31st December 2023,
and UN-Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer
India has 22 operational satellites in Low Earth Space (COPUOS), contributing to discussions
Orbit (LEO)and 29 in Geostationary Orbit (GEO). and guidelines on space debris and long-term
€ Deep Space Missions: There are three active Indian sustainability of outer space activities.
deep space missions, Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter,
€ ISRO, as the chair of IADC for 2023-24, hosted the
Aditya-L1, and Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module.
42nd annual IADC meeting in April 2024.
¾ Space Situational Awareness Activities:
€ ISRO participated in the IADC annual re-entry
€ ISRO regularly carries out analyses to predict
campaign and contributed to the revision of IADC
close approaches by other space objects to Indian space debris mitigation guidelines and other space
space assets. sustainability aspects.
€ In case of critical close approaches, ISRO carries
¾ Challenge of Space Debris:
out Collision Avoidance Maneuvers (CAMs) to
€ The report also acknowledges the ongoing challenge
safeguard its operational spacecraft.
of space debris. It notes that 82 rocket bodies from
z About 1 lakh close approach alerts were received
Indian launches remain in orbit, with fragments
from USSPACECOM (US Space Command), and
from a 2001 PSLV-C3 mishap still contributing to
over 3,000 alerts for close approaches within a
the total.
distance of 1 km were detected for ISRO satellites.
€ No close approaches with other space objects were
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
detected for the Chandrayaan-3 mission throughout ¾ ISRO is a major constituent of the Department of
its mission phases, and also for Aditya-L1 during Space (DOS), Government of India.
its Earth-bound phase. € The department executes the Indian Space

¾ Collision Avoidance Maneuvers (CAMs): Programme primarily through various Centres

€ The report highlights a significant increase in the
or units within ISRO.
number of CAMs conducted by ISRO in 2023. ¾ ISRO was previously the Indian National Committee

€ ISRO conducts Collision Avoidance Analysis (COLA)

for Space Research (INCOSPAR), set up in 1962, as
to assess and prevent potential collisions. envisioned by Dr Vikram A Sarabhai.

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96 CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 www.d rish t i I A S. c o m

¾ ISRO was formed on 15th August 1969 and superseded What is Thrombocytopenia Syndrome?
INCOSPAR with an expanded role to harness space ¾ About:
technology.
€ TTS is also referred to as vaccine-induced
€ DOS was set up and ISRO was brought under
prothrombotic immune thrombocytopenia
DOS in 1972.
(VIPIT) or vaccine-induced immune thrombotic
¾ The prime objective of ISRO/DOS is the development thrombocytopenia (VITT).
and application of space technology for various
national needs. € This rare syndrome has been observed in individuals
who have received Covid-19 vaccines utilising
¾ ISRO has developed satellite launch vehicles, PSLV
and GSLV, to place the satellites in the required orbits. adenoviral vectors.
¾ ISRO has its headquarters in Bengaluru. € It is generally believed to be caused by an immune
¾ Its activities are spread across various centres and reaction triggered by the adenovirus vector used
units. in these vaccines.
€ Launch Vehicles are built at Vikram Sarabhai z Adenoviruses are non-enveloped, double-
Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram stranded DNA viruses which are considered
€ Satellites are designed and developed at U R excellent vectors for delivering target antigens
Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru. to mammalian hosts because of their capability
€ Integration and launching of satellites and launch to induce both innate and adaptive immune
vehicles are carried out from Satish Dhawan responses.
Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota ¾ Symptoms:
€ Development of liquid stages including cryogenic € TTS is linked to a variety of symptoms such as
stage is carried out at Liquid Propulsion Systems difficulty breathing, chest or limb pain, small
Centre (LPSC), Valiamala & Bengaluru red spots or bruising beyond the injection site,
€ Sensors for Communication and Remote Sensing headaches, numbness in body parts, and more.
satellites and application aspects of the space
z Thrombosis refers to the formation of blood
technology are taken up at Space Applications
Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad clots, while thrombocytopenia is characterised
by a low platelet count.
€ Remote Sensing satellite data reception processing
and dissemination is entrusted to National ¾ Risk- Benefit Analysis:
Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad. € Risk:
¾ The activities of ISRO are guided by its Chairman, who z TTS most commonly occurs in healthy young
would also be the secretary of DOS and Chairman of women around thirty years old at a low frequency
Space commission (the apex body that formulates of about one to two cases per 100,000.
the policies and oversees the implementation of
„ At a general population level, it is estimated
the Indian Space Programme).
to occur at only about two to three cases
per million vaccinated people.
Side-Effects of z The annual risk of TTS is still much lower than
Covid-19 Vaccine the annual risk of dying in a road accident.
€ Benefit:
Why in News? z Covishield has shown over 80% protection
Recently, there has been a lot of controversy over against severe COVID-19 and over 90% protection
the side-effects of Oxford-AstraZeneca’s vaccine. It is against death in various studies, even during
sold in India under the brand name of “Covishield” by the Delta wave.
Serum Institute of India (SII) z For a 50% chance of getting Covid-19 and a 0.1%
¾ It is being linked to a rare adverse side effect called risk of death, the vaccine provides a significant
Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS). mortality benefit, outweighing the risks by far.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 97
z It has not only reduced disease severity and Controller General of India (DCGI) for vaccinating
minimised immediate suffering and stress on 12-14-year-old children.
healthcare systems but also to lower the risk ¾ Concern Related to Covid-19 Vaccines:
of long-term disabilities and premature heart
€ In March 2021, Several European countries
attacks and strokes.
temporarily paused the use of AstraZeneca’s
z This risk was noted early in the pandemic, before vaccine due to reported cases of blood clotting.
vaccines were available, and vaccination has
€ The World Health Organization stated that TTS was
been shown to reduce this risk.
being reported in some cases after vaccinations
¾ Other Rare Side Effects of Covid-19 Vaccines:
with Covishield and Vaxzevria, but emphasised
€ A study of 99 million people found that cases of
that the risk appears to be very low based on
Guillain Barre Syndrome, myocarditis, pericarditis,
available data.
and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST)
were at least 1.5 times higher than expected after € European nations, UK, USA, and Australia halted
receiving mRNA and ChAdOX1 (or Covishield) the use of Covieshield due to TTS reports, despite
vaccine for Covid-19. the benefits outweighing the risks.
€ The study confirmed that these illnesses were z They had enough mRNA (like Pfizer-BioNTech
classified as ‘rare’ side effects following the and Moderna Covid-19) vaccines available,
vaccination for Covid-19. which were more immunogenic and not linked
z CVST refers to cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, to TTS, although cases of non-fatal myocarditis
which is the presence of blood clots in the brain. had been seen.
z Guillain-Barre syndrome is an immune system € In 2023, the WHO included vaccine-induced
disorder that attacks the nerves, causing muscular immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) in its
damage and requiring prolonged treatment. classification of thrombosis with thrombocytopenia
z Myocarditis and pericarditis are conditions syndrome (TTS).
involving inflammation of the heart tissue. ¾ India’s Stand:
What were the Regulations and Concerns € Before the Covid-19 vaccines were rolled out in
Related to Covid-19 Vaccination in India? India, the Indian government issued a fact sheet
in January 2021 cautioning the use of Covishield
¾ Regulations Related to Covid-19 Vaccines in India:
for individuals with low platelet counts.
€ India has used nearly 1.75 billion doses to vaccinate
€ In May 2021, the Indian government reported
approximately 80% of its vaccinated population.
26 potential cases of blood clots related to the
€ Covid-19 vaccines were administered without the
Covishield vaccine, with a rate of 0.61 cases per
completion of phase-3 trials, and the manufacturers
million doses.
did not have complete information on possible
short-term or long-term side effects or fatalities. € The government maintained that the risk is minimal
z E.g. The Phase 3 protocol for Covaxin (by Bharat and that Covishield has a positive benefit-risk profile.
Biotech) was approved before the completion No such events were reported for the indigenous
of Phase 2, and the final vaccine candidate vaccine, Covaxin (by Bharat Biotech).
was chosen without considering the Phase 2 € The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, GoI also
trial data. noted that the risk of blood clotting is lower in
€ The Corbevax vaccine (by Biological E) received individuals of South and Southeast Asian descent
emergency use authorisation from the Drug compared to those of European descent.

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FLiRT- A New Variant of Covid-19 €It is widely utilised for imaging various body parts
such as the brain, cardiovascular system, spinal
¾ It is a new variant within the Omicron JN.1 lineage.
cord, joints, muscles, liver, and arteries.
¾ It has been detected in the US and is rapidly spreading.
z Unlike X-rays, which use radiation, MRI scans
¾ This variant shows significant alterations in spike
leverage powerful magnets and radio waves
(S) protein structure and increased resistance to
to create detailed images of soft tissues within
existing vaccines.
the body.
¾ Its symptoms are similar to Omicron, including sore
€ Professor Paul C. Lauterbur and Peter Mansfield
throat, cough, congestion, tiredness, headache,
muscle or body aches, runny nose, fever or chills, won the 2003 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
loss of smell and taste, and breathlessness in for their innovative research which resulted in the
extreme cases. invention of MRI.
¾ This variant is highly transmissible and can spread ¾ Working Principle of MRI:
via respiratory droplets or touching infected surfaces. € Hydrogen Atom Utilisation: An MRI procedure
utilises hydrogen atoms present in the body part
being scanned.
€ MRI Machine Components: The MRI machine
consists of four essential components, including a
superconducting magnet, a radiofrequency pulse
emitter, and a detector.
€ Magnetic Field Application: The superconducting
magnet produces a strong and stable magnetic
field around the body, causing the hydrogen atoms’
spin axes to align either parallel or antiparallel to
the field.
€ Radiofrequency Pulse Emission: A radiofrequency
pulse is emitted into the body part under the
scanner, exciting only the small population of
unmatched hydrogen atoms.
€ Signal Detection and Image Formation: The emitted
energy from the excited atoms is detected by a
receiver and converted into signals.
Understanding Magnetic z These signals are then used by a computer to
Resonance Imaging create two- or three-dimensional images of
the scanned body part.
Why in News? ¾ Importance of MRI: MRI plays a crucial role in observing
Recently, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has and treating cancers like prostate and rectal cancer,
been a topic of discussion as an indispensable tool for as well as tracking neurological conditions including
non-invasive exploration inside the human body. Alzheimer’s,dementia, epilepsy, and stroke.
€ Additionally, researchers use MRI scans to study
What is Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)?
changes in blood flow, aiding in understanding
¾ About:
brain activity, known as functional MRI.
€ MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure used
¾ Advantages of MRI:
to obtain images of soft tissues within the body.
€ High Precision: MRI machines scan specific body
z Soft tissue is any tissue that hasn’t become
portions with gradient magnets.
harder through calcification. Calcification of
soft tissue is a condition where calcium salts € Safety: MRI scans pose no long-term harm, and

accumulate in soft tissue, causing it to harden. magnetic field effects are well-studied.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 99
Early Disease Detection: MRI aids early detection
€ ¾ Characteristics:
of diseases like cancer and multiple sclerosis. € Generalisation: AGI can generalise knowledge and
€ Minimally Invasive Procedure: MRI is safe and skills across tasks and domains, applying learning
comfortable, unlike surgery, benefiting children from one context to solve new problems.
and the elderly.
€ Complex Reasoning: AGI can engage in intricate
¾ Disadvantages of MRI:
reasoning and problem-solving.
€ Cost: MRI machines are expensive to purchase
€ Learning: AGI exhibits robust learning capabilities,
and maintain, leading to high diagnostic costs
for patients. allowing it to acquire knowledge and skills from
€ Discomfort and Claustrophobia: Patients must
data, experience, or instruction.
lie still for extended periods inside the MRI € Self-Awareness and Consciousness: AGI would be
machine, which can be uncomfortable, especially aware of its own existence and able to set goals.
for claustrophobic individuals. € Human-Level Abilities: AGI’s capabilities would
€ Limited Imaging Capability: MRI struggles to image match or surpass human intelligence.
certain tissues like bone, air, and some types of
€ Creativity: AGI demonstrates creativity by generating
implants effectively due to their physical properties.
novel solutions, ideas, or artefacts that are not
€ Strong Magnetic Fields: The powerful magnetic
explicitly programmed or predefined.
fields used in MRI can pose potential risks for patients
with certain medical implants (e.g., pacemakers) ¾ Applications of AGI:
or metallic objects lodged in their bodies. € Healthcare: AGI has numerous positive implications
in various fields, including healthcare.
Artificial General Intelligence € Personalised medicine, which tailors medical
treatment to individual characteristics, can be
Why in News? greatly enhanced by AGI’s ability to analyse diverse
During a recent interview, the CEO of OpenAI stated datasets and identify personalised treatment
his dedication to investing in the advancement of Artificial options.
General Intelligence (AGI). ¾ Finance and Business:
¾ AGI is highly advanced, has more scope, and is more € AGI has the potential to automate different tasks
capable than Artificial Intelligence (AI), more commonly and improve decision-making, providing real-time
used in present times. analysis and accurate market predictions.
What is Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)? ¾ Education Sector:
¾ About: € AGI has the potential to revolutionise adaptive
€ It is highly advanced and more capable than learning platforms that cater to the individual
Artificial Intelligence (AI) used commonly. requirements of students, potentially making
€ AGI envisions a broader, more generalised form of personalised education accessible to people all
intelligence, not confined to any particular task. over the world.
€ It aims to create machines that possess human-like ¾ Space Exploration:
intelligence across a wide range of tasks. € It can boost the space industry by operating
z This includes reasoning, common sense, abstract
autonomous systems for space exploration and
thinking, background knowledge, transfer research.
learning, ability to differentiate between cause
and effect, etc. € AGI could also analyse data from space missions
to develop insights and contribute to discoveries.
€ AGI aims to emulate human cognitive abilities
such that it allows it to do unfamiliar tasks, learn ¾ Military and Defense: A typical use of AGI would be
from new experiences, and apply its knowledge enhanced surveillance, military involvement, real-time
in new ways. strategies on the battlefield, and combat systems.

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What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)? behaviour challenging to comprehend and anticipate.

¾ AI refers to a broad field of computer science where € This could result in a scenario where it becomes
machines are designed to perform tasks that typically excessively autonomous, to the extent that humans
require human intelligence in particular task. lose their ability to control it.
¾ These tasks can include language translation, image ¾ Ethical Dilemmas: The advancement of AGI raises
recognition, decision-making, etc. ethical challenges, such as concerns about responsibility,
¾ It is also called as ‘Narrow or Weak AI’ as they excel confidentiality, and the risk of biassed decision-making.
at specific tasks but lack broader cognitive abilities. € It is crucial to guarantee that AGI systems comply
These AI tools are task-specific and optimised for with ethical norms in order to avoid unintended
predefined goals. outcomes and inequalities.
¾ Examples: What are India’s Initiatives Related to Artificial
€ Chatbots: AI-powered chatbots can handle Intelligence?
customer inquiries. ¾ INDIAai.
€ Recommendation Systems: AI algorithms ¾ Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI).
suggest personalised content (e.g., Netflix ¾ US India Artificial Intelligence Initiative.
recommendations).
¾ Responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Youth.
€ Image Recognition: AI identifies objects in images.
¾ Artificial Intelligence Research, Analytics and
¾ Some Major AI Tools: ChatGPT Chatbot, Google’s
Knowledge Assimilation Platform.
Bard, Chatbot.
¾ Artificial Intelligence Mission.
What are Some Concerns Related to AGI?
¾ Environmental Concern: The significant computational Black Hole Gaia BH3
power needed for developing AGI systems raises
concerns about its environmental impact, including Why in News?
energy consumption and e-waste generation. Recently, astronomers have discovered a massive
¾ Job Losses and Unemployment: AGI has the potential Black Hole in our Galaxy, named “Gaia BH3”.
to result in a substantial decrease in job opportunities ¾ It’s the 2nd-closest known Black hole to Earth. It is 33
and create extensive social and economic inequality, times heavier than the sun and the most massive
with a concentration of power among those who black hole of stellar origin in the Milky Way, surpassing
oversee the AGI. Cygnus X-1.
¾ Human Oversight and Accountability: The immense € Stellar black holes are formed as a result of the
cognitive abilities of AGI could potentially enable it collapse of a single star.
to control information environments and influence
results, especially in important areas like elections. What are Black Holes?
¾ Loss of Basic Human Skills and Creativity: Due to less ¾ About:
involvement of humans even for small work. € Black holes are extraordinarily dense objects with
€ Reducing human involvement may reduce creativity gravity so strong that not even light can escape,
at work and AGI’s work may be a more innovative making it difficult to spot them.
carbon copy of human works. € They are formed when a massive star collapses in
¾ Existential Risk: AGI could surpass human intelligence on itself at the end of its life, creating an incredibly
and potentially pose existential risks. Its capabilities dense object with a gravitational pull that is so
may surpass those of human beings, making its strong that it warps space-time around it.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 101

¾ Types of Black Holes:

€ Stellar Black Hole: It is formed by the collapse of a single massive star.

€ Intermediate Black Hole: Their masses are between 100 and 100,000 times that of the sun.

€ Supermassive Black Hole: Their masses ranging from millions to billions of times that of the sun, found at the
centres of most galaxies including our own Milky Way galaxy.

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What is a Galaxy? in the constellation Taurus), Regulus (constellation

¾ A galaxy is a huge collection of gas, dust, and billions Leo), Spica (constellation of Virgo), and Antares,
of stars and their solar systems, all held together may be occulted by the Moon in a year.
by gravity. € During a lunar occultation of a star, the star appears
¾ Earth is the part of the Milky Way Galaxy, which also to abruptly disappear as the Moon moves in front
has a super Massive Black Hole named Sagittarius of it, demonstrating the lack of atmosphere on
A at it’s centre whose mass is about 4 million times the Moon.
that of suns. ¾ Lunar Occultations of Planets:
€ Occultations of planets, such as Venus, Jupiter,
Occultation in Astronomy Mars, and Saturn, by the Moon are notable
astronomical events.
Why in News? € During a lunar occultation, observers can witness
Recently, the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) phases on both the planet and the Moon, offering
has released a video capturing the occultation of the moon unique viewing opportunities.
passing in front of the bright red star Antares (Jyeshtha). ¾ Asteroid Occultations:
€ Asteroids are small, rocky bodies that orbit the
Note:
Sun. Sometimes, they pass in front of distant stars,
¾ Since the moon is relatively close to the Earth, such
causing an occultation.
occultations will be visible only from some locations
¾ Planetary Occultations:
on the globe, similar to why a solar eclipse is seen
only from a particular part of the globe. € Planetary occultations are rare and intriguing
events where one planet passes in front of another
What is an Occultation in Astronomy? from our perspective on Earth, temporarily hiding
¾ About: it from view.
€ An occultation in astronomy occurs when one z These events are similar to asteroid occultations
celestial body passes in front of another, obscuring but involve planets instead.
it from view. € Historically, mutual planetary occultations have
z Occultations can also be artificially produced been extremely rare. The most recent one occurred
to take a look at certain phenomena in detail. on January 3, 1818, when Venus passed in front
Perhaps the best-known use is blocking the of Jupiter.
light of the sun or a star to see what is nearby. Antares
€ In the case of lunar occultations, the Moon appears ¾ It is the brightest star in the constellation Scorpio.
to move in front of other objects in the sky, such The star is a red supergiant about 12 times the mass
as stars, planets, or asteroids. of the sun, 750 times the diameter of the sun.
¾ Lunar Occultations of Stars: ¾ Antares is part of a binary star system. The fainter
€ The Moon regularly occults bright stars as it moves secondary star is called Antares B, a main-sequence
along its apparent path in the sky. star with a blue-white hue.
€ Approximately 850 naked-eye stars, including € These two stars are projected to be more than 220
prominent ones like Aldebaran (reddish giant star Astronomical Units (AU) away from each other.

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Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA)

¾ The IIA is a premier institute devoted to research in astronomy, astrophysics and related physics. It originated
from an observatory set up in 1786 in Madras, which later moved to Kodaikanal in 1899.
¾ In 1971, it became the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and shifted its headquarters to Bengaluru in 1975.
€ The institute’s main observing facilities are located at Kodaikanal, Kavalur, Gauribidanur, and Hanle.

¾ It conducts research in physical sciences, engineering sciences, astronomy, and space sciences under the
Department of Science & Technology (DST).

nnn

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Environment and Ecology

Highlights
z India Hosts 46th ATCM and 26th Meeting of CEP in 2024 z Failure of Market-Based Approaches to Forest Conservation
z Balanced Fertilisation z Constructed Wetlands
z Snow Leopards z Climate Migration
z Illegal Mining in Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary z New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG)
z Himalayan Magpies z 4th Session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee
z Recipe For A Livable Planet Report of World Bank z Regenerative Blue Economy
z Carbon Farming: A Path to Sustainable Agriculture z Unclassed Forests in India

€ From 1961 to 1994 the ATCM generally met once

India Hosts 46th ATCM and every two years, but since 1994 the meetings
26th Meeting of CEP in 2024 have occurred annually.
¾ 46th ATCM Agenda:
Why in News? € It covers strategic planning for sustainable
India, through the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) management of Antarctica and its resources,
and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research policy, legal, biodiversity prospecting, inspections
(NCPOR), is set to host the 46th Antarctic Treaty and exchange of information and data, research,
Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting collaboration, capacity building and cooperation,
of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP addressing climate change impacts, development
26) in Kochi, Kerala, from 20th to 30th May 2024.
of tourism framework, and promoting awareness.
¾ This reflects India’s commitment to global dialogue on
¾ India’s Engagement in the ATCM:
environmental stewardship and scientific collaboration
in Antarctica. € India as a Consultative Party, participates in
the decision-making process alongside other
What is the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties.
Consultative Meeting (ATCM)? € Antarctic Research Stations:
¾ About: z Establishment: Its first Antarctic research station,
€ ATCM is an annual meeting of the original 12 parties Dakshin Gangotri, in 1983.
to the Antarctic Treaty, and other parties that have
„ India operates two year-round research
shown interest in Antarctica through research.
stations in Antarctica: Maitri (1989) and
z The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and
Bharati (2012).
established Antarctica as a region dedicated
to peaceful purposes, scientific cooperation, z Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica have
and environmental protection. been conducted annually since 1981.
„ Over the years, the Treaty has garnered What is the Committee for
widespread support, with 56 countries
Environmental Protection (CEP)?
currently party to it.
„ India has been a Consultative Party to the
¾ About:
Antarctic Treaty since 1983. In 2022, India € The CEP was established under the Protocol on
enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty
commitment to the Antarctic Treaty. (the Madrid Protocol) in 1991.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 105
€ The CEP advises the ATCM on environmental
protection and conservation in Antarctica. Balanced Fertilisation
€ ATCM and CEP are pivotal in the international
Why in News?
community’s ongoing efforts to safeguard
Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem and promote Post Lok Sabha elections 2024, balanced fertilisation
scientific research in the region. is likely to be a key policy goal for the government taking
over.
€ Convened annually under the Antarctic Treaty
¾ Despite efforts to curb excessive fertiliser consumption,
System, these meetings serve as forums for Antarctic
urea consumption has steadily increased in India,
Treaty Consultative Parties and other stakeholders
reaching a record 35.8 million tonnes in 2023-24 (up
to address Antarctica’s pressing environmental, 16.9% since 2013-14).
scientific, and governance issues.
What is Balanced Fertilisation?
¾ 26th CEP Agenda:
¾ About:
€ It focuses on evaluating the Antarctic environment,
assessing impacts, managing and reporting; € Balanced fertilisation is a practice in agriculture
that focuses on providing plants with the optimal
responding to climate change; developing area
amounts of the nutrients that are needed for their
protection and management plans, including
healthy growth and development.
marine spatial protection; and conserving Antarctic
¾ Essential Nutrients:
biodiversity.
€ Primary Nutrients: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P),
Protocol on Environmental Protection to the and Potassium (K) are the most crucial nutrients
Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol) in 1991 needed in larger quantities. They play vital roles
¾ Protocol designates Antarctica as a “natural reserve, in plant structure, energy production, and overall
devoted to peace and science”. health.
¾ It sets basic principles for human activities in € Secondary Nutrients: Sulphur (S), Calcium (Ca), and
Antarctica and prohibits mineral resource activities, Magnesium (Mg) are also essential but required in
except for scientific research. smaller amounts compared to primary nutrients.
¾ The Protocol can only be modified by unanimous € Micronutrients: Trace elements like Iron (Fe),
agreement of all Consultative Parties until 2048, Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Boron
and the prohibition on mineral resource activities (B), and Molybdenum (Mo) are needed in very
small quantities but are still critical for specific
cannot be removed without a binding legal regime.
plant functions.
¾ The Protocol builds upon the Antarctic Treaty and
¾ Right Proportion:
Recommendations to extend and improve the
€ Balanced fertilisation emphasises supplying these
Treaty’s effectiveness in protecting the Antarctic
essential nutrients in the correct ratios based on
environment.
several factors:
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research z Soil Type: Different soil types have varying levels
(NCPOR) of inherent nutrients. Testing the soil reveals
¾ NCPOR is an autonomous institution established its nutrient profile, guiding fertiliser selection
in 1998, under MoES. and application rates.
z Crop Requirements: Different crops have specific
¾ India’s scientific and strategic endeavours in the
nutrient needs at different stages of growth. For
polar regions (the Arctic and Antarctic), the
example, legumes might require more nitrogen
Himalayas, and the Southern Ocean are under the for nitrogen fixation, while fruits might benefit
NCPOR in Goa. from additional potassium for better quality.

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What are the Benefits Associated ¾ Cost-Effectiveness:

with Balanced Fertilisation? € By preventing over-fertilisation and nutrient
deficiencies, balanced fertilisation can optimise
¾ Improved Crop Yields:
resource utilisation and reduce overall fertiliser
€ By providing the optimal mix of nutrients, plants costs.
can grow to their full potential, leading to higher
yields. What are the Challenges related to Balanced
¾ Enhanced Crop Quality:
Fertilisation?
€ Balanced nutrients contribute to stronger plants ¾ Price Distortions:
with better resistance to pests and diseases, € Urea, a single-nutrient nitrogen fertiliser, is heavily

ultimately improving the quality of the harvest. subsidised by the government, making it cheaper
than other fertilisers like DAP (diammonium
¾ Promotes Soil Health:
phosphate) containing phosphorus and MOP
€ Overuse of single-nutrient fertilisers can disrupt (muriate of potash) containing potassium.
soil health. Balanced fertilisation helps maintain € This incentivises overuse of urea and neglects
a healthy soil ecosystem, promoting long-term other crucial nutrients.
sustainability. ¾ Distorted Fertiliser Pricing Hinders Potash Use:
¾ Reduced Environmental Impact: € The current system for setting fertiliser prices fails
€ Excessive fertiliser application can contribute to to consider market forces, leading to imbalances.
nutrient runoff, polluting water bodies. Balanced For example, the price of Muriate of Potash (MOP),
use minimises this risk. a key source of potassium, is too high for both

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 107
farmers using it directly
and fertiliser companies
including it in blends.
€ This discourages MOP use,
contributing to widespread
potassium deficiencies in
Indian farms.
¾ Soil Testing Infrastructure:
€ Lack of adequate soil testing
facilities in the rural and
remote areas of India, makes
it difficult for farmers to
access them for balanced
fertilisation.
€ Even if tests are done,
interpreting the results
and translating them into
fertiliser recommendations
requires proper training and
mechanism for both farmers
and extension workers.
¾ Fa r m e r A wa re n e s s a n d
Education:
€ Many farmers lack awareness
about soil testing and the
specific needs of their crops.
€ Traditional practices and
limited knowledge mostly
hinders adoption of balanced
fertilisation techniques .
z It is due to the lack
of precise fertiliser
application techniques
resulting in issues of
What are the Government Initiatives to Ensure Balanced Fertilization?
over-fertilisation and
u n d e r- f e r t i l i s a t i o n ¾ Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme
alongwith limited focus ¾ PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Nourishment and
on micronutrients. Amelioration of Mother Earth (PRANAM)
¾ Limited Success of Past ¾ Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme
Schemes: ¾ Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
€ The Nutrient-Based Subsidy ¾ Liquid Nano Urea and Nano DAP
(NBS) scheme, meant to
What Steps Can be Taken by India to Achieve Balanced
encourage balanced use,
failed because it didn’t
Fertilisation?
address urea pricing. Urea ¾ Integrated Nutrient Management (INM):
consumption continued to € It recognises the limitations of relying solely on chemical fertilisers or
rise despite NBS. organic matter.

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It advocates for a holistic approach that combines:

€ € Improved Market Access: Ensuring the availability
z Chemical Fertilisers: Provide essential nutrients of customised fertilisers and micronutrients at
like NPK. reasonable prices.
z Organic Matter:Improves soil health, water € Policy and Subsidy Reforms: Encouraging the use
retention, and nutrient availability. This includes of balanced fertilisers through targeted subsidies
manure (cow dung), compost, and crop residues and promoting sustainable practices.
(dhaincha crop). € Continued Research and Development: Developing
z Crop Rotations: Introducing diverse crops helps new technologies and crop-specific nutrient
break pest and disease cycles and improves management solutions.
nutrient utilisation.
¾ Customising Fertilisers Using Technology:
Snow Leopards
€ Customised fertilisers are multi-nutrient carriers
containing macro and micronutrients for satisfying Why in News?
crop needs that are site-specific and validated by
scientific crop models. Recently there was a significant discovery of snow
leopards in the Kishtwar High Altitude National Park of
€ It is the emerging concept based on the balanced
Jammu and Kashmir’s Chenab Valley region by a team
nutrient fertilisation approach to address the
crops’ multiple nutrient needs. of scientists.
¾ This discovery holds importance for snow leopard
€ In Israel, some remarkable steps are being followed:
conservation in India, shedding light on a lesser-known
z High-resolution soil mapping and its integration
population of this apex predator.
with Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
to create user-friendly maps and fertiliser Why is the Sighting Significant?
application recommendations for farmers.
¾ Importance of the Discovery:
z Advanced laboratory analyses go beyond
€ Snow leopards are highlighted as an apex predator
basic NPK tests and delve into micronutrients,
and a flagship species of High Mountain Asia.
organic matter content, and cation exchange
€ India’s role as home to 2% of the global snow
capacity (CEC).
leopard range emphasizes the importance of
¾ Advanced Approaches Beyond Soil Testing:
conservation efforts.
€ Soil Test Crop Response (STCR):
z The occupancy and abundance of the snow
z Tailors fertiliser recommendations based on
leopard is poorly known across its range in India.
specific soil type, crop variety, and climatic
€ India is home to 718 snow leopards, most of whom
conditions.
live in areas that are not under legal protection.
z It considers nutrient uptake by the crop and
z Population surveys in the Western Himalayas
soil nutrient availability.
have been limited to Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh
€ Diagnosis and Recommendation Integration
and Uttarakhand.
System (DRIS):
¾ Findings:
z Analyses plant tissue for nutrient ratios (e.g.,
N/P, N/K) and compares them to established € Snow leopards were found at altitudes ranging

optimal ratios for high yields. from 3,004 to 3,878 meters.

z Deficient nutrients are then supplemented z This is mostly an arid alpine region above the

through top dressing. (More suitable for long- treeline, with steep and rugged terrain flanked
duration crops). by high-altitude pastures of junipers, grasses,
¾ Other Steps: and legumes on rolling hills.
€ Farmer Education and Training: Equipping farmers € Anthropogenic pressure, particularly from livestock

with the knowledge and skills to implement these grazing, was observed in certain catchments, posing
approaches effectively. threats to habitat and prey availability.

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z This could lead to human-wildlife conflict and drive the snow leopard and its prey into suboptimal areas,
thus exposing them to other threats.
What are the Characteristics of Snow Leopard?

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¾ Some Key Facts:

€ Physical Features
Illegal Mining in Orchha
z Height: 55-65 cm (22 – 26 inches) Wildlife Sanctuary
z Length: 90 – 115 cm (36 – 44 inches)
Why in News?
€ Its extra large paws act like a pair of natural snow
Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) formed
shoes preventing the cat from sinking into the snow.
a committee to look into the complaint of the illegal
€ Its round, short ears reduce heat loss, and the
operation of stone crushers and mining quarries in an
wide, short nasal cavity warms the air before it
eco-sensitive zone of Orchha Wildlife Sanctuary.
reaches the cat’s lungs.
¾ According to the NGT, immediate action is required
€ The cat has strong, short front limbs and longer
for the disposal of 337 tonnes of chemical waste,
hind limbs helping launch the cat up to 30 feet
addressing groundwater contamination, shortage of
(10 meters) in one leap.
piped water, and monitoring iron, manganese and
€ Its extra long tail helps the cat keep its balance nitrate concentrations exceeding the permissible limit.
and provides extra warmth when it’s wrapped
around the body. What are the Key Points About the Orchha
€ Unlike other big cats, snow leopards can’t roar. Wildlife Sanctuary?
€ Despite being called the snow ‘leopard’, this big ¾ About:
cat is more closely related to the tiger than the € It was established in 1994 and is located within a
leopard. large forest area.
€ It is situated near the Betwa River (a tributary
Kishtwar High Altitude National Park
of the Yamuna), in the border region between
Information Details
Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, contributing
Location Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir
to its unique ecosystem and biodiversity.
Region Forms Chenab Valley region along
with Doda and Ramban ¾ Fauna Species:
Habitat Potential snow leopard habitat € It is home to a diverse range of fauna, including
Connectivity Connects greater Himalayas of Jammu spotted deer, Blue Bull, Peacock, Wild pig, Monkey,
and Kashmir, trans-Himalayas of Jackal, Nilgai,Sloth Bear, and various bird species.
Ladakh (via Zanskar), and lesser € Birdwatching is particularly popular, with around
Himalayas of Himachal Pradesh 200 bird species found in the sanctuary’s river
Importance Acts as a corridor connecting snow ecosystem. These include both resident birds and
leopard populations in Himalayan and migratory species such as peafowls, peacocks,
trans-Himalayan regions to the global
swans, Jungle Bush Quail, minivet, etc.
snow leopard range, enabling gene
¾ Forest Types:
flow for healthy populations
Altitude Protected area inaccessible above € It has southern tropical dry deciduous forests. The
Restriction 4,300 meters due to rugged terrain sanctuary features dense plantations of Dhawa
and extreme weather Trees, Kardhai Trees, Teak, Palaash, and Khair,
Other Fauna Home to Siberian ibex, Himalayan contributing to its rich biodiversity and natural
musk deer, and wolves ambiance.

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What are Eco-Sensitive Zones?
¾ About:
€ The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016)
of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change (MoEFCC) stipulated that state
governments should declare land falling within
10 km of the boundaries of national parks and
wildlife sanctuaries as eco-fragile zones or Eco-
Sensitive Zones (ESZs) under the Environmental
(Protection) Act, 1986.
¾ Activities around ESZs: What are the Key Facts
€ Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, About Himalayan Magpies?
establishment of major Hydroelectric Projects
¾ Corvidae Family and Magpies: Magpies belong to
(HEP), commercial use of wood.
the Corvidae family of birds, which includes crows,
€ Regulated Activities: Establishment of hotels and
jays, and ravens.
resorts, commercial use of natural water, drastic
€ Corvids are generally considered to be noisy,
change of agriculture system, such as: adoption of
inquisitive birds that are often associated with
heavy technology, pesticides, etc, widening of roads.
omens, both good and bad, in folklore from around
€ Permitted Activities: Rainwater harvesting, organic
the world.
farming, use of renewable energy sources.
€ Despite their folklore associations, magpies are
¾ Significance of ESZs:
striking in appearance, and some of the most
€ Protect Core Ecological Areas: noticeable species are found in the Himalayas.
z Acts as buffer zone reducing impact from € Himalayan magpies are classified as “least concern”
activities like construction and pollution. on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
z Minimises threats to wildlife and ecosystems. ¾ Himalayan Magpie Species: From Kashmir to Myanmar,
z Promotes in-situ conservation within natural a few closely related blue magpie species are a common
habitats. sight in the Himalayas.
€ Ensure Sustainable Development: € The gold-billed magpie (Urocissa flavirostris), also

z Reduces human-wildlife conflict by minimising called the yellow-billed blue magpie, occupies
disturbances. the high-altitude zone between 2,000 and 3,000
z Encourages sustainable practices in surrounding
meters above sea level.
communities. € The red-billed magpie (Urocissa erythroryncha)

z Creates a transition zone between high-

is found at slightly lower heights, while the blue
protection and lower-restriction areas. magpie is found at lower altitudes where human
populations are larger.
¾ Read More: Wildlife Protection Act,1972
¾ Corridors and Bird Diversity: The best sightings of
the yellow-billed and red-billed magpies are in the
Himalayan Magpies trekking corridor in Western Sikkim, which leads from
the town of Yuksom (1,780 meters) to the Goche La
Why in News? pass (around 4,700 meters).
Recently, the enchanting Himalayan magpies have ¾ Nesting and Behavior of Himalayan Magpies: Yellow-
garnered increased attention as researchers delve deeper billed blue magpies build nests in rhododendron trees,
into their habitats and behaviours. hastily constructed with twigs and grass.
¾ These captivating birds adorn the mountainous € The blue magpie and red-billed magpie are similar
landscapes from Kashmir to Myanmar, adding vibrancy in appearance, though a little smaller than the
to the region. yellow-billed variety.

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€Magpies can be spotted as solitary birds, in pairs, ¾ Agrifood’s Role in Climate Change:
or noisy flocks of 8-10 individuals. € Contribution to Emissions: Agrifood contributes
¾ Threats and Conservation Concerns: Increasing human roughly one-third of global GHG emissions,
activity in forested areas raises concerns about the more than all of the world’s heat and electricity
ability of magpies to cope with habitat changes. emissions combined.
€ Tourist attractions like rhododendron flowers pose
€ Main Conrtributors of Emissions: About three-
sustainability challenges, as villagers may resort
quarters of these emissions originate from
to forest resources to support tourism.
developing countries, necessitating targeted
mitigation actions as per the specific needs of
Recipe For A Livable the region.
Planet Report of World Bank € Emissions from Food Value Chain: Addressing
emissions from the entire food value chain,
Why in News? including land use changes, is critical as over half
Recently, the World Bank released a Recipe For A of the emissions stem from beyond the farm level.
Livable Planet Report stating that annual investments
of USD 260 billion are necessary to cut agrifood emissions
in half by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.
¾ The report highlights that this figure is twice the
amount currently spent on agricultural subsidies.
What are the Key highlights of the Reports?
¾ About:
€ “Recipe for a Livable Planet” provides a global
strategic framework for reducing the agrifood
system’s impact on climate change.
€ It outlines how the world’s food production can
significantly lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
while continuing to ensure global food security.
¾ Potential and Benefits of Agrifood System Reform:
€ Reduction Potential: The global agrifood system
can decrease nearly a third of the world’s GHG
emissions through feasible and accessible measures.
z These measures will enhance food security,
increase the climate resilience of the food What are the Big Opportunities
system, and protect vulnerable communities
Reports Highlighted?
during this transition.
¾ Economic and Environmental Benefits:
€ Untapped Potential: The agrifood sector offers
significant, cost-effective opportunities for
climate action, including drawing carbon from the
atmosphere through enhanced land management.
€ Return on Investment: The financial outlay required
to halve agrifood emissions by 2030 would yield
substantial returns, greatly outweighing the costs
with beneficial impacts on health, the economy,
and the environment.

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¾ Opportunities for Action in Countries and Globally: ¾ Cost-Effective Mitigation
€ Role of High-Income Countries: These countries should reduce their agrifood Potential in India:
energy demands, support lower-income countries through funding and € The report notes that

technology transfer, and modify consumer diets away from high-emission countries like India,
foods. around 80% of the
€ Middle-Income Countries’ Role: These countries can achieve significant
technical mitigation
emissions reductions through better land use management and agricultural potential in agriculture
practices. could be achieved by
adopting cost-saving
€ Low-Income Countries’ Role: Focus on sustainable growth without the burden
measures alone.
of high-emission infrastructures, leveraging strategies like agroforestry to
z This represents a
boost productivity and resilience.
major opportunity
¾ Actions at the Country and Global Levels:
for India to reduce
€ Investment and Policy Initiatives: Enhance private sector investment in emissions while also
agrifood mitigation, repurpose subsidies, and implement policies favoring improving agricultural
low-emission technologies. p ro d u ct i vi ty a nd
€ Innovation and Institutional Support: Use digital technologies for better incomes.
emissions data and invest in innovations to transform the agrifood system, ¾ Key Mitigation Options for
ensuring inclusive stakeholder participation for a just transition. India:
€ Key mitigation options
for India include better
livestock feeding
(Harit Dhara, a nti-
methanogenic feed)
and breeding, fertiliser
management, and better
water management in
water intensive crops.
z A marginal abatement
cost curve for India’s
agriculture sector
shows these are some
of the most cost-
effective interventions
India can pursue to cut
agrifood emissions
substantially by 2030.
€ India needs to curb
methane emissions from
agricultural production.
z Adopting practices like
intermittent irrigation
and promoting
What are the Key Highlights Related to India in the Report? varieties that emit
¾ India’s Contribution to Global Agrifood Emissions:. less methane
€ The report identifies India as one of the top 3 countries in terms of total provide mitigation
annual agrifood system emissions, along with China, and Brazil. opportunities.

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€ India has high rates of food loss and waste. another high-impact, cost-effective avenue
As per Food Waste Index Report 2021, Indian for India.
households generate 50 kg of food waste per ¾ Need for International Support: India will need
capita per year. international financial and technical support to
z Reducing food loss and waste can provides realise its agrifood mitigation potential.

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healthy soil biology and organic matter content, which

Carbon Farming: A Path significantly increases the soil’s capacity to capture
to Sustainable Agriculture and store carbon.
€ Regenerative Practices: Carbon farming practices like
Why in News? compost application can improve soil health, fertility,
Recently, carbon farming has emerged as a and overall agricultural productivity.
promising approach to sustainable agriculture. z These practices address soil degradation and create a
¾ It integrates regenerative farming methods natural system that actively pulls down atmospheric
aimed at enhancing soil health and agricultural CO2, contributing to climate change mitigation.
yield while also addressing the challenges of ¾ Types of Carbon Farming Practices: These practice help in
climate change. improved soil health, increased biodiversity, reduced need
What is Carbon Farming? for chemicals, reduces methane emissions, increases carbon
storage in pastures etc.
¾ About:
€ Carbon farming is an approach to agriculture
Practice Description
that focuses on managing agricultural Rotational Grazing Planned movement of livestock between
and forestry practices to increase carbon pastures
sequestration (the capture and storage of Agroforestry Integrating trees and shrubs into
atmospheric carbon dioxide) and reduce
agriculture
greenhouse gas emissions.
Conservation Practices like zero tillage, crop rotation,
z It aims to mitigate climate change
by enhancing carbon storage in soil Agriculture cover cropping
and vegetation, improving soil health, Integrated Nutrient Focuses on organic fertilizers and
and reducing the carbon footprint of Management compost
agricultural activities. Agro-ecology Integrates ecological principles into
¾ Need for Carbon Farming:
agriculture
€ Atmospheric CO 2 Buildup: There is an
Livestock Strategies like rotational grazing and
alarming rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide
levels, a major driver of climate change. Management improved feed quality
z Carbon farming practices can help in
Land Restoration Practices like reforestation and wetland
drawing CO2 out of the atmosphere and restoration
storing it for long periods.
€ Carbon Sequestration Potential: Research
published in Nature Climate Change
emphasises the potential of agricultural soils
to act as significant carbon sinks, effectively
removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
z Carbon farming practices directly enhance
this potential by creating ideal conditions
for increased carbon sequestration.
€ Soil Degradation: There is a critical issue of
soil degradation due to conventional farming
practices. This degradation reduces the ability
of soil to store carbon.
z Carbon farming practices, such as cover
cropping and reduced tillage, promote

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Best Practices Worldwide € Water Prioritization: Water scarcity for drinking
and washing needs limits agricultural practices.
¾ Efforts such as the Chicago Climate Exchange and
Australia’s Carbon Farming Initiative incentivize € Challenges with Cover Cropping: Additional water
carbon mitigation in agriculture through practices demand may make practices like cover cropping
like no-till farming, reforestation, and pollution unviable.
reduction. € Plant Selection: Not all plant species are equally
¾ Kenya’s Agricultural Carbon Project, backed by effective at trapping and storing carbon, especially
the World Bank, showcases how carbon farming in arid environments.
can help economically developing nations tackle
climate change, enhance food security, and adapt Failure of Market-Based
to its impacts.
¾ The initiation of the ‘4 per 1000’ initiative during the Approaches to Forest
2015 COP21 climate talks in Paris underscores the Conservation
specific importance of sinks in reducing greenhouse
gas emissions. Why in News?
What are the Challenges Associated Recently, a major scientific review by the International
with Carbon Farming? Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) found
¾ Standardisation and Certification: A report by the that market-based approaches to forest conservation,
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) highlights such as carbon offsets and deforestation-free certification
the lack of standardised methodologies for measuring schemes, have largely failed to protect trees or alleviate
carbon sequestration in agricultural soils. poverty.
€ This makes it difficult to verify carbon credits What are the Key Findings of Recent Study?
generated through carbon farming practices.
¾ The global study, done in 120 countries, concluded
¾ Lack of Awareness and Extension Services: A report
that trade and finance-driven initiatives had made
by the Government of India’s NITI Aayog highlights
“limited” progress in halting deforestation and in
the limited awareness among Indian farmers about
some cases worsened economic inequality.
carbon farming practices and their benefits.
¾ Small Landholdings and Short-Term Focus: There is ¾ The report suggests a “radical rethink” of market-based
the dominance of small and fragmented landholdings approaches as poverty and forest loss persist across
in India. This can make large-scale implementation of different regions globally where market mechanisms
carbon farming practices more challenging. have been the main policy option for decades.
¾ Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: A report by the ¾ It also provides examples from the Democratic Republic
Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) emphasises the of Congo, Malaysia, and Ghana where market-based
need for robust policy and regulatory frameworks to projects failed to benefit local communities or halt
incentivize carbon farming practices in India. deforestation.
¾ Financial Incentives and Market Access: A research ¾ There is a rise in complex and overlapping market-
paper published by the Indian Council for Research on based schemes “with financial actors and shareholders
International Economic Relations (ICRIER) underlines more often interested in short-term profits than
the importance of providing financial incentives like long-term just and sustainable forest governance”.
subsidies or carbon credit schemes to encourage ¾ Study raises concerns about wealthy nations’ green
farmer adoption of carbon farming practices. trade policies, arguing they might have negative
€ Limited access to carbon markets also poses a consequences for developing countries without
challenge. proper implementation.
¾ Other Challenges: ¾ The report is planned to be presented at a high-
€ Hot and Dry Areas: Limited water availability level UN forum, emphasising the significance of its
restricts plant growth and carbon sequestration findings and recommendations for policymakers and
potential. stakeholders in the field of forest conservation.

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What are the Market-Based Promote Sustainable Practices: It encourages long-

€

Approaches to Forest Conservation? term forest management by rewarding sustainable

practices over deforestation.
¾ About:
z Example: Deforestation-free certification
€ Traditionally, forest conservation relied on
schemes give consumers the power to choose
regulations and government intervention. products that promote responsible forestry,
€ Market-based approaches put a value on the creating market pressure for sustainable
environmental benefits of forests and create practices.
mechanisms for people to profit from protecting ¾ Negatives :
them. € Unequal Benefits: It can increase existing
€ It aims to create a market where sustainable inequalities. Wealthy companies or landowners
practices become more attractive than deforestation. might benefit more readily, while poorer
¾ Examples of Market-Based Approaches: communities struggle to participate effectively.
€ Carbon Offsets: Companies that produce carbon z For example: Complexities in carbon offset

emissions can invest in projects that protect forests, markets can leave some local communities out
which absorb carbon dioxide. This allows them to of the loop, limiting their ability to profit from
offset their emissions footprint. forest conservation.
€ Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES): Landowners € Monitoring Challenges: Ensuring projects

who manage their forests in a sustainable way can deliver real conservation benefits requires
receive payments from governments, NGOs, or robust monitoring. Weak monitoring can lead to
businesses for the environmental services their “greenwashing” where projects appear beneficial
forests provide, such as clean water or biodiversity but have little actual impact.
habitat. z Example: PES programs need clear baselines
to measure improvements in forest health and
€ Deforestation-Free Certification: This involves
effective verification to prevent fraudulent
independent verification that products come from
claims of conservation efforts.
sustainably managed forests, allowing consumers
€ Uncertain Long-Term Impact: The long-term
to choose forest-friendly options.
effectiveness of MBAs is still being evaluated.
What are the Impacts of Market-Based z Recent study by International Union of Forest
Approaches (MBAs) to Forest Conservation? Research Organizations (IUFRO) found that
¾ Positives: market-based approaches to forest conservation,
such as carbon offsets and deforestation-free
€ Incentivise Conservation: It creates economic value
certification schemes, have largely failed to
for keeping forests standing. This can motivate
protect trees or alleviate poverty.
landowners who might otherwise see profit in
logging and forest conservation. Greenwashing:
z Example: Carbon offsets provide income for ¾ Greenwashing is a deceptive practice where
communities protecting forests that absorb companies or even governments exaggerate their
carbon dioxide, a valuable service in combating actions and their impact on mitigating climate
climate change. change, often providing misleading information
€ Market Efficiency: It is more efficient than traditional
or making unverifiable claims.
regulations. They allow the market to find the most ¾ It is an attempt to capitalise on the growing demand
cost-effective ways to achieve conservation goals. for environmentally sound products.
z Example: Payments for Ecosystem Services
¾ It is fairly widespread, and entities often label
(PES) programs can direct resources towards various activities as climate-friendly without
landowners who can demonstrably provide the verifiable evidence, undermining genuine efforts
most significant ecological benefits. against climate change.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 119
z Constructed wetlands are also a sustainable
Constructed Wetlands solution for water treatment. They require
minimal energy and utilize natural processes
Why in News?
for purification.
Recently, there has been a shift towards constructed € Cost-Effective: Compared to traditional wastewater
wetlands, which are a more comprehensive and nature-
treatment plants, constructed wetlands are less
based solution for industrial wastewater treatment, as
expensive to build, operate, and maintain.
compared to traditional methods that have proven
inadequate in addressing the array of pollutants present. € Nutrient Removal: They are efficient in removing
pollutants like nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic
What are Constructed Wetlands? matter.
¾ About: € Land Reclamation: These systems can be used
€ Constructed wetlands are engineered systems to reclaim land degraded by mining activities by
designed to replicate the natural processes of restoring natural wetland functions.
wetlands for wastewater treatment. ¾ Applications of Constructed Wetlands:
€ They consist of carefully selected vegetation, soil, € Municipal Wastewater Treatment: Constructed
and water that work together to purify wastewater.
wetlands can be a secondary or tertiary treatment
€ These wetlands are specifically designed to promote stage for municipal wastewater, improving water
the growth of beneficial microorganisms and quality before discharge or reuse.
plants that can break down pollutants and improve
€ Stormwater Management: These systems can
water quality.
effectively filter stormwater runoff, removing
¾ Types of Constructed Wetlands
pollutants and sediments before they enter natural
€ Subsurface Flow (SSF): SSF wetlands involve passing
waterways.
wastewater through gravel beds or porous media,
€ Industrial Wastewater Treatment: Constructed
where microbial activity degrades organic matter.
wetlands can be adapted to treat specific types
€ Surface Flow (SF): SF wetlands have water flowing
of industrial wastewater, depending on the
above the surface, often creating aesthetically
contaminants present.
pleasing landscapes with diverse vegetation.
¾ Benefits of Constructed Wetlands: € Agriculture: They can be used to treat agricultural
runoff, reduce pollution and improve water quality
€ Need: Traditional treatment methods, such as
for irrigation.
physical and chemical treatments, often struggle
to effectively treat the complex mix of pollutants Example of Constructed Wetlands in India
found in industrial wastewater. ¾ The Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in Delhi uses
z These methods can be costly, energy-intensive, constructed wetlands to purify sewage from nearby
and may not completely remove all contaminants. settlements while also providing a sanctuary for
There comes the role of more comprehensive and flora and fauna.
sustainable solutions like constructed wetlands. ¾ Similarly, the Kolkata East Wetlands in West
€ Environmental Benefits: They can serve as Bengaltreat wastewater from Kolkata while
habitats for a variety of plant and animal species, supporting local fishing and agriculture.
contributing to biodiversity conservation. ¾ In Rajasthan, the Sariska Tiger Reserve has embarked
z Moreover, they can provide ecosystem services on an innovative initiative, utilising constructed
such as flood control and carbon sequestration, wetlands for treating wastewater from nearby
enhancing their ecological significance and value. villages.

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What is the Difference Between Wetlands and Constructed Wetlands?

Feature Wetlands Constructed Wetlands
Origin Naturally occurring ecosystems Engineered systems designed by humans
Formation Develop over time through geological processes, Deliberately constructed in a specific location.
flooding, or changes in water flow.
Water Source Varied - precipitation, groundwater, surface water Controlled source - wastewater, stormwater
runoff. runoff, or specific water bodies.
Purpose Provide a variety of ecological functions like flood Primarily designed for water treatment
control, water purification, habitat for diverse species. (wastewater, stormwater) or specific purposes
like habitat creation.
Biodiversity Established communities of plants, animals, and Plant species are chosen and introduced, while
microbes adapted to the specific wetland type. microbial communities develop over time.
Land Area Can range from small ponds to vast marshes, typically Designed with a specific footprint based on
covering large areas. treatment needs, can be smaller than natural
wetlands.
Regulation Often protected under environmental regulations due May require permits for construction and
to their ecological importance. operation depending on local regulations.
Maintenance Minimal human intervention required after Regular maintenance needed to ensure proper
establishment. functioning (water flow, plant health, sediment
removal).

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What are the Challenges associated This definition highlights that climate migrants
z

with the Constructed Wetlands? are primarily those who have little choice but
to leave their homes due to the impacts of
¾ Plant Selection: Effective plant selection in constructed climate change.
wetlands is critical for nutrient absorption and
¾ Causes of Climate Migration:
pollutant removal, with species like cattails, bulrushes,
€ Sudden-Onset Disasters and Displacement:
and sedges proving particularly adept at absorbing
nitrogen and phosphorus while providing habitat for z Internal Displacement: Reports by the UN Office

beneficial bacteria to degrade pollutants. for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

¾ Land Requirement: Constructing wetlands requires a (OCHA) highlight that sudden-onset disasters
significant amount of land, which might be a limitation like floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes often
in urban areas. cause significant internal displacement.
„ People flee to safer grounds within their
¾ Treatment Efficiency: While effective, constructed
countries, but returning home can be
wetlands might not achieve the same level of
difficult due to destroyed infrastructure
purification as conventional treatment plants for
and livelihoods.
heavily polluted water.
z Disasters and Vulnerability: The UN Refugee
¾ Maintenance Needs: Regular maintenance is required
Agency (UNHCR) emphasises how disasters
to ensure proper functioning and prevent clogging
often disproportionately affect vulnerable
or mosquito breeding.
populations.
¾ Other Challenges: There is a need for clear policies
„ These populations, lacking resources or
and regulations to promote their adoption, raising
living in high-risk areas, are more likely to
awareness and technical expertise among stakeholders,
be displaced and struggle to recover.
and continuous monitoring and research to optimize
€ Slow-Onset Disasters and Migration:
their performance.
z Environmental Degradation and Livelihoods:
The IOM reports that slow-onset disasters like
Climate Migration droughts, desertification, and salinisation
degrade land and water resources.
Why in News? „ This makes it difficult for people to sustain
Recently, the issue of climate migration has garnered their livelihoods, pushing them to migrate
significant attention, yet the world still lacks a in search of better opportunities.
comprehensive legal framework to protect individuals z Sea Level Rise and Coastal Communities:
forced to flee their homes due to increasingly severe Reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on
weather disasters. Climate Change (IPCC) warn of rising sea levels
¾ This critical gap leaves a vulnerable population threatening coastal communities. This can lead
without adequate safeguards in a time of growing to permanent displacement as homes and
displacement. farmland become submerged.
€ The Complexities of Climate Migration:
Who are Climate Refugees?
z Mixed Drivers: The UN Department of Economic
¾ About: and Social Affairs (UNDESA) acknowledges
€ According to the International Organization for that migration due to climate change is rarely
Migration (IOM), “climate migration” refers to the caused by a single factor.
movement of a person or groups of people who „ Poverty, political instability, and lack of social
are predominantly forced to leave their homes safety nets often combine with disasters to
due to sudden or gradual environmental changes force migration.
caused by climate change. z Data Gaps and Policy Challenges: World
z This movement can be temporary or permanent Bankhighlights the challenges in accurately
and can occur within a country or across borders. quantifying climate migration.

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„ This makes it difficult to develop effective € Informal Work and Exploitation: The UN Refugee
policies to support displaced people and Agency (UNHCR) reports that climate migrants
build resilience in vulnerable communities. often end up in informal work sectors with low
Chronological Overview of International Efforts wages and poor working conditions.
Regarding Climate Refugees z They may also be more vulnerable to exploitation
¾ 1951: Geneva Convention gives a legal definition due to their precarious situation.
of refugees. It does not include climate disasters ¾ Integration and Social Challenges:
as a ground for seeking asylum. € Lack of Access to Services:World Bank highlight
€ However, the UN High Commissioner for that climate migrants often struggle to access basic
Refugees, in 2019, says the Geneva Convention services like healthcare, education, and housing
could be applied to persons affected by climate in their new locations.
change. z This can lead to social exclusion and
¾ 1985: UN Environment Programme for the first time marginalisation.
broadly defines environmental refugees as people € Cultural and Linguistic Barriers: The IOM emphasises
who are forced to leave their traditional habitat, the difficulties climate migrants face adapting to
temporarily or permanently, due to “environmental new cultures and languages.
disruption” z This can hinder their ability to integrate into
¾ 2011: Nansen Conference on Climate Change and new communities.
Displacement in Norway formulates 10 principles ¾ Legal Status and Protection:
on climate change and cross-border displacement
€ Limited Legal Framework: Reports by the UN
¾ 2013: European Commission downplays climate- Office of the High Commissioner for Human
induced migration into Europe Rights (OHCHR) point out that there’s no clear
¾ 2015: The Paris Agreement calls for a taskforce to legal framework to protect climate migrants.
recommend approaches to avert, minimise and z They don’t qualify for refugee status under
address climate change-related displacement current international law.
¾ 2018: The UN Global Compact on Refugees has a € Increased Risk of Statelessness: The Journal of
reference of climate refugees, but lacks actionable Environmental Law claims that climate change-
commitments from countries induced displacement can lead to statelessness,
¾ 2022: Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, particularly for those who move across borders.
Environment and Climate Change allows people z In 2021, the World Bank, in its Groundswell
affected by weather events to move safely across report, estimated that by 2050, some 216
the borders in the Horn and East of Africa regions million people worldwide would be internally
¾ 2023: Pacific island countries agree on a framework displaced due to the impacts of climate change.
to allow cross-border movement of people due to ¾ Psychological and Health Impacts:
climate change.
€ Trauma and Mental Health Issues: WHO highlight
What are the Challenges Faced by the Climate the psychological distress and trauma climate
Migrants? migrants experience due to displacement and loss.
¾ Precarious Livelihoods: z Access to mental health services is often limited,
€ Loss of Skills and Assets: The International Labour
further exacerbating their struggles.
Organization (ILO) warn that climate migrants often € Increased Vulnerability to Health Risks: Climate
lose their skills and assets due to displacement. migrants may be exposed to new health risks in
z This makes it difficult for them to find new their new locations, such as infectious diseases
jobs and rebuild their livelihoods in unfamiliar or extreme weather events. This is especially
environments. concerning for children and the elderly.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 123
What are the Limitations of Policies Taken farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and
to Address the Issue of Climate Migration? ensure food security.
€ This reduces the risk of displacement due to food
¾ Global Compact for Migration: It acknowledges climate
change as a factor for human mobility, its silence on scarcity.
climate refugees reflects the difficulty in reaching ¾ Other Examples of Adaptation Measures:
consensus on this issue at the international level. € Pacific Island Climate Mobility Framework: This

¾ Regional Treaties and Declarations: Regional framework facilitates legal movement between
agreements, like the Kampala Declaration, often lack Pacific island countries for populations affected
explicit recognition of climate refugees, highlighting by climate change, providing a model for regional
the need for more comprehensive legal frameworks. cooperation and adaptation.
¾ Identification of Climate Refugees: One of the key € Tuvalu-Australia Pact: The pact between Tuvalu
challenges is identifying and categorising individuals and Australia, granting residency to Tuvaluans
or communities affected by climate change as facing climate-related dangers, demonstrates a
refugees, given the complex nature of climate-induced bilateral approach to addressing climate migration
displacement. challenges.
¾ Collective Displacement: Climate change often
What are India’s Climate Change Mitigation
affects entire communities or nations, requiring
Initiatives?
collective responses and highlighting the limitations
of individual-based refugee status. ¾ National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
¾ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC)
What are the Steps Taken to Address
¾ National Adaptation Fund on Climate Change
the Issue of Climate Migration? (NAFCC)
¾ Countries like Bangladesh are investing in coastal ¾ State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC)
embankments and flood-resistant infrastructure
to protect communities from rising sea levels and
storm surges. New Collective Quantified
¾ Island nations like Fiji are exploring innovative solutions Goal on Climate Finance
like raising landmasses to adapt to rising sea levels.
€ Kiribati are exploring options for planned relocation
(NCQG)
of their populations due to rising sea levels.
z This involves careful considerations of land
Why in News?
acquisition, cultural preservation, and livelihood Recently, in response to the pressing threat of climate
opportunities in the new settlements. change, the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate
¾ Early warning systems for floods, cyclones, and other Finance (NCQG) has emerged as a crucial initiative aimed
extreme weather events have been implemented in at mobilizing resources for developing countries to combat
countries like India and Vietnam. climate challenges.
€ These systems allow communities to evacuate ¾ It is a crucial topic for the upcoming 29th Conference of
vulnerable areas and minimise casualties and the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework
displacement. Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which will
¾ The Kampala Declaration on Protracted Displacement take place later this year in Baku, Azerbaijan.
is a regional framework adopted by African countries
What is the New Collective Quantified
to address the needs of people displaced by conflict,
natural disasters, and climate change.
Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG)?
€ It provides a model for regional cooperation on ¾ About:
climate migration. € The NCQG is a new annual financial target that

¾ Countries like Ethiopia are investing in drought- developed countries must meet from 2025 onward
resistant crops and irrigation technologies to help to provide climate finance to developing countries.

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It will replace the previous commitment of USD

z
100 billion per year that developed nations had 4th Session of
pledged in 2009 but failed to deliver.
Intergovernmental
¾ Importance of NCQG:
€ Empower Developing Countries: Developing
Negotiating Committee
countries are often disproportionately affected
by climate change despite contributing less to Why in News?
greenhouse gas emissions. Recently, the fourth session of the Intergovernmental
z The NCQG provides them with the financial Negotiating Committee (INC-4) of the United Nations
resources needed to invest in clean energy, Environment Agency (UNEA) was held in Ottawa, Canada
adaptation measures, and climate-resilient attracting participation from over 170 member states.
infrastructure. ¾ This session is part of the ongoing negotiations to
€ Accelerate Climate Action: Climate change build a legally binding treaty on plastics pollution
mitigation and adaptation require significant by the end of 2024 under UNEA.
investments. ¾ The INC-4 for a global plastics treaty failed to reach
z The NCQG can unlock the necessary funds for an agreement. Negotiators aim to reach a consensus
developing countries to implement ambitious by the end of 2024 at INC-5 which is scheduled for
climate action plans aligned with the Paris November 2024 in South Korea.
Agreement’s goals.
Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)
€ Promote a Just Transition: The NCQG can support a
just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient ¾ The INC is a committee established by the United
economy, creating new jobs and opportunities Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in March
while protecting vulnerable communities. 2022 to develop an international legally binding
€ Boost Global Cooperation: Fulfilling the NCQG
agreement on plastic pollution.
necessitates collaboration between developed ¾ The INC’s mandate is to develop an instrument that
and developing countries. addresses the entire life cycle of plastic, including
z This fosters international cooperation and
in the marine environment, and could include both
strengthens the global response to climate voluntary and binding approaches.
change. ¾ The INC-1 started in November 2022 in Punta del
Este, Uruguay. The INC-2 occurred in May-June 2023
Paris Climate Accord
in Paris, France. The INC-3 convened in Nairobi in
¾ Legal status: It is a legally binding international December 2023.
treaty on climate change.
¾ Adoption: It was adopted by 196 countries at Why is a Global Plastics Treaty Needed?
the Conference of the Parties COP 21 in Paris in ¾ Rapid Expansion of Plastic Production:
December 2015. € Since the 1950s, plastic production worldwide has
¾ Goal: To limit global warming to well below 2° Celsius, skyrocketed. It increased from just 2 million tonnes
and preferably limit it to 1.5° Celsius, compared to in 1950 to more than 450 million tonnes in 2019.
pre-industrial levels.
z If left unchecked, the production is slated to
¾ Objective: To achieve the long-term temperature
double by 2050, and triple by 2060.
goal, countries aim to reach global peaking of
greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible to ¾ Plastic Waste and Burden:
achieve a climate-neutral world by mid-century. € Although plastic is a cheap and versatile material,
¾ India is a signatory to the Paris Agreement. India with a wide variety of applications, its widespread
reaffirmed its commitment to the agreement in use has led to a crisis.
August 2022 by submitting an updated NDC to z As plastic takes anywhere from 20 to 500 years
the UNFCCC. The NDC outlines India’s goals for to decompose, and less than 10% has been
2021–2030 recycled till now, nearly 6 billion tonnes now

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pollute the planet, according to a 2023 study ¾ Progress Assessment: The treaty will include provisions
published by The Lancet. for assessing member states’ progress in implementing
€ About 400 million tonnes of plastic waste is plastic pollution reduction measures.
generated annually, a figure expected to jump € Regular evaluations will ensure accountability and
by 62% between 2024 and 2050. drive continuous improvement in global efforts to
€ Much of this plastic waste leaks into the environment, combat plastic pollution.
especially into rivers and oceans, where it breaks What are the Challenges in
down into smaller particles (microplastic or
Advancing the Treaty?
nanoplastic).
z These contain more than 16,000 chemicals that
¾ Resistance from Oil and Gas Giants:
can harm ecosystems and living organisms, € Some major oil and gas-producing nations, along

including humans, the chemicals are known with fossil fuel and chemical industry groups, aim
to disturb the body’s hormone systems, cause to narrow the treaty’s focus solely on plastic
cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, etc. waste and recycling.
¾ Climate Change: ¾ Polarising Negotiations:
€ Plastic production and disposal are also contributing € Since the inaugural talks in Uruguay in November

to climate change. According to a report by the 2022, oil-producing countries like Saudi Arabia,
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Russia, and Iran have strongly opposed plastic
Development (OECD), in 2019, plastics generated production caps, resorting to various delay tactics,
1.8 billion tonnes of GHG emissions (3.4% of such as procedural disputes, to obstruct productive
global emissions). discussions.
z Roughly 90% of these emissions come from € The decision-making process for the treaty remains

plastic production, which uses fossil fuels as raw contentious, with countries yet to agree on whether
material. If current trends continue, emissions consensus or majority voting should determine
from production could grow 20% by 2050. its adoption.
¾ High-Ambition Coalition vs. US Stance:
What Can the Global Plastic Treaty Entail?
€ The “High Ambition Coalition (HAC) to End
¾ Global Objectives: The treaty aims to address marine Plastic Pollution,” comprising approximately 65
and other types of environmental pollution caused nations including African nations and most of
by plastics. the European Union, advocates for ambitious
€ It focuses on establishing global objectives to goals such as ending plastic pollution by 2040 and
combat plastic pollution and assess its impact phasing out problematic single-use plastics and
on ecosystems. harmful chemical additives.
¾ Guidelines for International Cooperation: The treaty z The US, although expressing a desire to end
may outline how wealthier nations can support poorer plastic pollution by 2040, diverges from the
ones in achieving their plastic reduction goals. coalition’s approach by promoting voluntary
¾ Prohibitions and Targets: It could include bans on measures instead of binding commitments.
specific plastics, products, and chemical additives, ¾ Influence of Industry Interests:
along with legally binding targets for recycling and € Fossil fuel and chemical corporations are actively
recycled content in consumer goods. working to dilute the treaty’s effectiveness, as
¾ Chemical Testing Mandates: The treaty might require evidenced by the record number of lobbyists.
the testing of certain chemicals present in plastics to z These industries, which profit heavily from
ensure safety and environmental protection. plastics derived from fossil fuels, oppose
¾ Consideration for Vulnerable Workers: Details may be production cuts and falsely assert that the plastics
included regarding a just transition for waste pickers crisis is solely a waste management issue, rather
and workers in developing countries reliant on the than acknowledging the fundamental problem
plastic industry for livelihoods. of plastic production itself.

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What is India’s Stance at INC-4? considerations of emissions during manufacturing

and recycling stages.
¾ Preamble and Objective:
€ India advocated for the preamble to reaffirm
€ Expresses concerns regarding cross-cutting
“the sovereign rights of states to sustainable issues such as trade and financing, insisting on
development”. comprehensive financial and technical assistance
alongside technology transfer.
z The proposed objective is “to safeguard human
health and the environment from plastic What are the Initiatives Related to Plastic?
pollution, including in marine environments, ¾ Global:
while ensuring sustainable development”.
€ UNEP Plastics Initiative:
€ India emphasised the incorporation of principles
z It aims to end global plastic pollution by reducing
such as equity, sustainable development, and
common but differentiated responsibilities. the flow of virgin plastics and promoting the
transition to a circular economy.
€ However, the list does not include fundamental
z It focuses on innovation, reduction, and reuse
human rights principles, such as the right to a
healthy environment and the right to access of plastics. The strategic goals include reducing
information. the size of the problem, designing for circularity,
ensuring circularity in practice, and managing
¾ Restrictions on Plastic Production:
plastic waste.
€ India opposes any limitations on primary plastic
z By 2027, the initiative aims to improve plastics
polymers or virgin plastics, arguing that production
policies in 45 countries, engage 500 private
reductions exceed the scope of UNEA resolution
sector actors in circular solutions, and involve 50
5/14.
financial institutions in supporting the transition.
z India highlights that some chemicals used
€ Global Tourism Plastics Initiative:
in plastic manufacturing are already subject
to prohibition or regulation under different z It aims to unite tourism stakeholders to fight

conventions. plastic pollution. Led by the UN Environment

¾ Chemicals and Polymers of Concern: and United Nations World Tourism Organization
(UNWTO), the initiative supports organisations
€ India advocates for a transparent and inclusive
in reducing plastic waste and improving plastic
process informed by scientific evidence to make
use in their operations.
decisions regarding chemicals.
z It is developing commitments for the private
z India disagrees with the inclusion of language
sector, destinations, and associations to
about polymers of concern.
implement by 2025.
¾ Midstream Measures:
€ Circular Plastic Economy:
€ Stresses the role of sustainable and efficient plastic
z In 2015, the EU created a Circular Economy
usage, advocating for improved design to enhance
product longevity. Action Plan which later consisted of the European
Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy.
€ Asserts the need for nationally determined
approaches for downstream measures like „ This approach helps limit the amount of

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), excluding plastic waste by creating more of a “circular”
international supply chains. method of reusing products and straying
¾ Emissions and Releases: from single-use plastics.
€ Ban Plastic:
€ India emphasises the need to prioritise the
elimination of plastic waste leakage into the z Several countries have implemented bans on
environment, excluding considerations of emissions plastic products.
and effluents during manufacturing and/or recycling. „ In 2002, Bangladesh was the first country to
¾ Prioritising Waste Management: ban thin plastic bags.
€ Advocates for prioritising plastic waste management „ China implemented a ban on plastic bags in
as the primary area of intervention, excluding 2020 with phased implementation.

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„ In the US, 12 states have banned single-use protection. Extends scope beyond just economic
plastic bags. activities to include:
„ The European Union implemented the z Conservation and restoration of marine/coastal
Directive on Single-Use Plastics in July 2021, ecosystems.
which bans certain single-use plastics for z Valuation of ecosystem services like carbon
which alternatives are available, including sequestration.
plates, cutlery, straws, balloon sticks, cotton z It includes major ocean industries, but with
buds, expanded polystyrene containers, and sustainability qualifications.
oxo-degradable plastic products.
z Aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals,
¾ India: especially SDG 14 on oceans about conserving
€ Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, and sustainably using the oceans, seas and
2024 marine resources.
€ The Plastics Manufacture and Usage (Amendment) € Regenerative Blue Economy: RBE goes beyond
Rules (2003). simply maintaining ocean health. It aims to actively
€ UNDP India’s Plastic Waste Management Program restore and revitalize marine ecosystems.
(2018-2024). z It is an economic model that combines rigorous

€ Prakrit initiative. and effective regeneration and protection of

€ EPR Portal by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
the Ocean and marine and coastal ecosystems
with sustainable, low, or no carbon economic
€ India Plastics Pact
activities, and fair prosperity for people and
€ Project REPLAN
the planet, now and in the future.
€ Swachh Bharat Mission
z Founding Principles of RBE:

„ Protection and Restoration: Regenerate

Regenerative Blue Economy and protect marine and coastal ecosystems,

resources, and natural capital. Combat climate
Why in News? change and biodiversity loss.
„ Inclusive Economic System: Ensure inclusion,
The International Union for Conservation of Nature
(IUCN) has released a report outlining a roadmap for a fairness, and solidarity within the economic
Regenerative Blue Economy (RBE). system. Guarantee well-being, resilience,
and reduced vulnerability to climate change,
¾ This approach goes beyond mere sustainability, aiming
supported by sustainable funding.
to actively restore and revitalize our oceans.
„ Inclusive and Participatory Governance:
What are the Key Highlights of the Report? Establish an inclusive and participatory
¾ Proposes a Hierarchy: The report proposes a hierarchical governance system with transparency.
structure to categorize different interpretations and Integrate flexible legal and regulatory
levels of sustainability within the Blue Economy mechanisms into international agreements
concept, they are: on climate and biodiversity.
„ Low or No Carbon Activities: Prioritize low
€ Ocean/Brown Economy: Refers to all economic
activities directly or indirectly related to the ocean. or no carbon activities that positively impact
the regeneration of marine and coastal
z Synonymous with the traditional “marine
ecosystems and enhance the well-being of
economy” or “maritime sectors”.
local populations.
z Includes sectors like shipping, ports, fisheries,
„ Priority Implementation in Island States:
offshore oil/gas, etc.
Implement RBE as a priority in island states
z Follows a business-as-usual approach focused
with specific requirements. Consider the
on economic contribution. needs of coastal populations, particularly
€ Sustainable Blue Economy: Incorporates principles Indigenous peoples, and recognise their
of environmental sustainability and ecosystem traditions in the implementation process.

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¾ Spectrum of Sustainability:11223 € Common themes include: ecosystem health,

€ The IUCN acknowledges various sustainability sustainability, inclusivity, good governance.
levels within the blue economy concept.
€ RBE represents the most ambitious and restorative
approach, moving beyond “business as usual” and
“sustainable use” to actively restore ocean health.

¾ Blue Carbon and Nature-based Solutions:

€ The report emphasises the importance of valuing
coastal/marine ecosystem services like carbon
sequestration.
€ Blue Carbon is highlighted as an emerging market
opportunity and component of sustainable
¾ Principles of Blue Economy: economies.
€ The report states that various sets of principles z Blue Carbon aligns with the broader push for

proposed by different organisations (World Wildlife Nature-based Solutions for climate change/
Fund, United Nations Global Compact, etc.) biodiversity.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 129
€ They play a significant role in mitigating climate
change and contribute to countries’ emissions
reduction targets under the Paris Agreement.
¾ IUCN Involvement: IUCN engages in Blue Carbon
initiatives through the Blue Natural Capital Financing
Facility (BNCFF) and the Blue Carbon Accelerator
Fund (BCAF).
€ These initiatives support the development of
sound investment-based projects with clear
ecosystem service benefits, paving the way for
private sector funding.
¾ Example: The study case of extensive shrimp farming
and mangrove protection in Indonesia showcases
the potential revenue generated through Blue
¾ Key Sectors and Considerations: Carbon initiatives.
€ Fishing and aquaculture must adopt sustainable
What are the Initiatives Promoting
methods, avoid overfishing and habitat destruction
Regenerative Blue Economy?
z Preference for small-scale fisheries, eco-friendly
aquaculture like shellfish/algae ¾ Global Initiatives:
€ IUCN Nature 2030: It is a comprehensive plan for
€ Maritime transport needs transition to low/zero-
conservation efforts aligning with the United Nations
carbon fuels and technologies
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Developmentand the
€ Establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) post-2020 global biodiversity framework
to compensate for extractive activities.
€ Great Blue Wall Initiative: This African-led initiative
¾ Connections to Other Approaches: aims to help countries reach the following targets:
€ The report strongly emphasises the need to z protect 30% of the ocean by 2030;achieve
combine the Blue Economy principles with those net gain of critical blue ecosystems such as
of the circular economy, Bioeconomy , and Social mangroves, corals, seagrasses by 2030; develop
and Solidarity Economy (SSE). a regenerative blue economy and create millions
z The bioeconomy is a model for the economy of jobs by supporting local communities through
and industry that uses biological resources funding, training and technical assistance.
to produce goods, services, and energy. It’s € Clean Seas Campaign: Led by the UN Environment

a sustainable and circular model that uses Programme (UNEP), this campaign tackles plastic
biological resources, processes, and methods pollution in the ocean by encouraging governments
across all economic sectors. and businesses to reduce single-use plastics.
z SSE refers to economic activities and relationships € Moroni Declaration and Cape Town Manifesto:

that prioritise social and environmental These recent declarations from African nations
objectives over profit. highlight the importance of a RBE for the continent’s
development and call for international support.
What is Blue Carbon?
¾ India:
¾ Definition: Blue Carbon refers to carbon stored in
€ Maritime India Vision 2030.
coastal and marine ecosystems.
€ Deep Ocean Mission.
¾ Significance: Coastal ecosystems like mangroves,
€ Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.
tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows are crucial
carbon sinks, storing more carbon per unit area € Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM).

than terrestrial forests. € Blue Economy 2.0

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There is a lack of clarity regarding the extraction of

€
Unclassed Forests in India data from available records and the geographical
location of forests, with no available topo sheet
Why in News? identification maps (a map showing a region’s
Recently, in compliance with the Supreme Court natural and manmade features).
order, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate ¾ Consequences:
Change (MoEFCC) uploaded the various State Expert € The hasty and incomplete nature of the SEC
Committee (SEC) reports on its website. reports is likely to have resulted in the large-scale
¾ This interim order was in response to a public interest destruction of unclassed forests.
litigation challenging the constitutionality of the z For example, Kerala’s SEC did not include the
Forest (Conservation) Act Amendment (FCAA) 2023. Pallivasal unreserve, an ecologically fragile area
¾ A key concern in the petition was that the status of in Munnar, which was also devastated during
unclassed forests, which were to be identified by the the 2018 floods.
state SEC reports, wasn’t known or if they had been
z The report also failed to mention the Chinnakanal
identified at all.
unreserve, an important elephant corridor
What Did the SEC Reports Reveal? in Munnar that is now overrun by intensive
¾ Highlights: commercial tourism, leading to many instances
of human-elephant conflicts.
€ No state provided verifiable data on the identification,
€ The failure to comprehensively identify and protect
status, and location of unclassed forests.
these forests undermines the 1996 Godavarman
z Seven states and Union Territories (Goa, Haryana,
judgementand the Indian Forest Policy’s goal of
Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Tamil
achieving 33.3% forest cover in the plains and
Nadu, and West Bengal) did not even constitute
the SEC. 66.6% in the hills.
z The Forest Survey of India’s 2021 report shows
€ Only 17 out of 23 states submitted reports in line
with the Supreme Court’s directives. an overall 21% forest cover (which experts
have disputed) in the country and 40% in hills.
€ Most states relied on existing data from forest and
Approximately 900 sq. km has been lost in the
revenue departments, without undertaking ground-
last cycle of the Survey’s review.
truthing or physical surveys and demarcation of
unclassed forest lands have not been conducted What are Unclassed Forests?
in most states.
¾ Legal Protection:
z There is a lack of clarity on the geographic
€ Unclassed forests, also known as deemed forests,
location and classification of these forests.
enjoy legal protection under the landmark case
€ Many states’ reports showed significant discrepancies
T.N. Godavarman Thirumulkpad vs Union Of
with the data from the Forest Survey of India (FSI).
India & Ors(1996).
z For example, Gujarat’s SEC report stated
¾ Definition:
unclassed forests of 192.24 sq. km, while the
€ They encompass various types of land, including
FSI reported 4,577 sq. km.
those belonging to forests, revenue, railways,
z Similarly, Assam, where the SEC report states the
government entities, community forests, or private
extent of unclassed forest area to be 5,893.99 sq.
ownership.
km whereas the FSI has reported 8,532 sq. km.
€ Despite their diverse ownership, these forests
€ Only nine states provided the extent of unclassed
forests, while others shared data on different types are not officially notified under the Indian Forest
of forest areas without clarity. Act, though the area has forest type vegetation.
z Some states detailed the extent of degraded,
¾ Identification Process:
cleared, or encroached forests, but this € State Expert Committees (SECs) were tasked with

information varies across reports. identifying unclassed forests across the country.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 131
z Identification involved examining available € Impact on Forest-Dwelling Communities:
records such as Forest Working Plans and Revenue z The Amendment Act’s failure to recognise
land records, as well as physically identifying ‘deemed forests’ as subject to the provisions of
land patches with forest characteristics. the Forest (Conservation) Act,1980 undermines
¾ Implications of FCAA: the rights of forest-dwelling communities.
„ Forest land classified as ‘deemed forests’ can
€ The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023,
be diverted without the consent of Gram
which came into force in December 2023, introduced
Sabhas, violating their rights recognised
significant changes to the Forest (Conservation) under the Forest Rights Act of 2006.
Act, 1980 (FCA). € Environmental and Ecological Concerns:
z The amendment narrowed the coverage of the z The Act’s narrow definition of forests based on
FCA to two types of lands: legal status overlooks ecological considerations,
„ Areas officially declared or notified as forests leading to potential degradation and loss of
under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, or other biodiversity in unclassed forest areas.
relevant legislation. T.N. Godavarman Thirumulkpad vs Union Of India
„ Lands recorded as forests in government & Ors Case, 1996
records since 25th October 1980. ¾ In 1995, T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad filed a writ
€ FCAA, 2023 raised concerns about the loss of legal petition with the Supreme Court of India to protect
protection for unclassed forests, potentially leading the Nilgiris forest land from illegal deforestation.
to their diversion for non-forest use. ¾ The Court issued detailed directions for the
sustainable use of forests and the Court emphasised
€ Under the FCAA, unclassed forests would require
that any area defined as a forest, regardless
Central government approval for any diversion,
of ownership, would be subject to the Forest
even if not officially notified. Conservation Act, of 1980.
¾ Challenges: € This new interpretation prevented states from
€ Legal Protection: de-reserving protected forests for non-forestry
z With the enactment of the Forest (Conservation) use without permission.
Amendment Act, unclassed forests risk losing ¾ One of the key directions was that all forest activities
their legal protection, leading to their diversion throughout the country must cease without specific
for non-forest use. approval from the Central Government.

nnn

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Security
Highlights
z Significance of Carrier Aviation

operations, and indigenously built Advanced Light

Significance of Carrier Helicopters (ALH) for utility tasks.
Aviation ¾ Modernity and Innovation:
€ INS Vikrant incorporates the latest advancements
Why in News? in design, sensors, and electronics. It boasts a new
Recently, the Indian Navy’s two aircraft carriers, INS combat management system, potentially offering
Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, demonstrated “twin carrier superior situational awareness and operational
operations,” featuring simultaneous take-offs of MiG-29K efficiency.
fighter jets from both carriers, followed by cross-deck € INS Vikrant ensures precision operations even in

landings, underscoring a capability possessed by only a adverse conditions by utilising the STOBAR (Short
select few nations. Take-Off but Arrested Recovery) method.
€ Whereas modernised, INS Vikramaditya still uses
What are the Key Features of Indian Aircraft older technology.
Carriers? ¾ India’s Future Plans:
¾ India boasts two operational aircraft carriers, each € India is planning to have four aircraft carrier battle
with a rich history and unique capabilities. groups (CBGs) instead of three to strengthen its
¾ Origin: naval presence.
€ INS Vikrant is the first domestically built aircraft € The Indian Navy’s 15-year plan includes four fleet
carrier boasting 76% indigenous content. It was carriers and two light fleet carriers.
constructed at Cochin Shipyard Limited, it’s a € The new indigenous aircraft carrier INS Vishal,
symbol of India’s growing shipbuilding prowess. also known as Indigenous Aircraft Carrier 3 (IAC-
€ On the other hand,INS Vikramaditya is a modified 3), will be built at the Cochin Shipyard, similar to
Kiev-class carrier, originally built for the Soviet INS Vikrant.
Navy. After extensive refitting and modernisation, Naval forces in the Indo-Pacific Carriers and
it was inducted into the Indian Navy in 2013. Submarines by Country
¾ Size and Speed: Country Aircraft Helicopter Submarines
€ INS Vikrant weighs around 43,000 tonnes and 262 Carriers Carrier
meters long. Its design prioritises manoeuvrability United States 11 9 68
with a top speed of 28 knots.
China 3 3 72
€ Whereas, INS Vikramaditya is slightly larger,weighs
around 44,500 tonnes and a length of 284 meters. India 2 0 16
It can reach speeds of up to 30 knots.
South Korea 0 2 18
¾ Firepower and Flexibility:
Japan 0 4 22
€ Both carry a similar arsenal of aircraft, including
MiG-29K fighter jets for air defense and ground Australia 0 2 6
attack, Kamov-31 helicopters for airborne early
Taiwan 0 0 4
warning, MH-60R helicopters for multi-role

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Debate on Aircraft Carriers vs Submarines
¾ A debate has emerged among navies on whether to focus on submarines or aircraft carriers due to technological
developments.
¾ Technological developments such as anti-ship missiles, hypersonic missiles, and new anti-aircraft systems have
raised concerns about the vulnerability of aircraft carriers.
¾ The economic costs of aircraft carriers are huge, limiting the ability of many countries to operate both submarines
and carriers.
¾ Submarines are seen as a better alternative due to their stealth advantage and relatively cheaper cost compared
to aircraft carriers.

What are the Challenges Associated jump launch with arrested recovery (STOBAR)
with Indigenisation of Aircraft Carriers? due to technological limitations. While STOBAR
is a proven system, it limits the operational
¾ Technological Complexity:
capabilities of heavier, more advanced aircraft.
€ Building an aircraft carrier involves integrating
numerous advanced technologies from propulsion ¾ Time-Consuming Process and High Cost Burden:
systems to combat management and aviation € Designing, procuring materials, and constructing
facilities. a complex warship like an aircraft carrier is a time-
z India initially planned for a catapult launch consuming process. Delays can impact overall
system (CATOBAR) but later switched to a ski- costs and strategic planning.

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z The design work for INS Vikrant began in 1999, ¾ Maintaining Security of Sea-Lines of Communication:
but the carrier wasn’t commissioned until 2023 € In times of military conflict, an aircraft carrier
– a delay of over two decades. serves as the primary naval asset capable of
z This extended timeline can also lead to comprehensively protecting merchant shipping
technological advancements rendering some routes vital for carrying strategic commodities
aspects of the carrier obsolete even before its to India.
completion.
z Concerns have been raised regarding the
€ Building an aircraft carrier is an expensive vulnerability of energy imports through the
undertaking, requiring significant investment in Strait of Hormuz due to China’s strategic
materials, labour, and specialised technologies.
presence in Pakistan’s Gwadar port, underscoring
¾ Skilled Manpower and Industrial Base: the importance of carriers in safeguarding sea-
€ Constructing an aircraft carrier necessitates a large lines of communication.
pool of skilled workers with expertise in various
¾ Ensuring Presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR):
disciplines.
€ India’s security interests are intricately linked to the
z India had to rely on foreign expertise and
Indian Ocean and its surrounding littoral region,
technology transfer for certain aspects of
where the presence of Chinese strategic assets
INS Vikrant’s construction, highlighting the
poses challenges to India’s influence.
need for further development of its domestic
shipbuilding industry. z An aircraft carrier enables India to assert its
influence in these waters and deter potential
¾ Material Dependence:
threats from extra-regional powers, thereby
€ Even with an indigenous design, some critical
safeguarding its interests in the IOR.
materials and components might still need to be
imported, creating a reliance on foreign suppliers. ¾ Protection of Important Overseas Interests:
z Although INS Vikrant boasts a high percentage € Carrier aviation provides India with the capability
of indigenous content, some key elements like to safeguard its strategic interests overseas,
high-tensile steel and specialised electronics particularly in Afro-Asian states facing political,
might have been sourced internationally. This socio-economic, and ethnic instabilities.
can create vulnerabilities in times of geopolitical z India’s economic and strategic stakes are
tensions. increasing in these regions, necessitating the
What is the Significance of Carrier Aviation ability to respond effectively to emerging threats
and protect its citizens and assets abroad.
for India in Modern Strategic Terms?
¾ Securing Island Territories:
¾ Supporting Land and Air Operations:
€ Integral naval aviation is essential for defending
€ In the context of the ongoing disputes along India’s
India’s remote island territories, such as the
land boundaries, the potential for border conflicts
Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which are vulnerable
persists, emphasising the strategic advantage robust
aircraft carriers would provide in future conflicts. due to their geographical spread and limited
infrastructure.
z During the 1971 operations for the liberation
of Bangladesh, INS Vikrant’s aircraft played a z The presence of an aircraft carrier serves as
crucial role in striking deep into East Pakistan, a deterrent against potential foreign military
highlighting its strategic significance in supporting occupation or claims, ensuring the security of
land battles. these strategically important territories.

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¾ Other Non-Military Missions: What are the Related Initiatives Towards Expanding
€ Beyond its military role, an aircraft carrier India’s Defence Infrastructure?
significantly expands India’s operational capabilities ¾ Development cum Production Partner Initiative
to respond to natural disasters in regional seas
or littoral areas. ¾ Defence India Startup Challenge
€ With its capacity akin to a floating city, a carrier can
¾ SRIJAN Portal
provide essential services and logistical support, ¾ Increased the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)limit
complementing existing sealift platforms and in defence sector from 49% to 74%
enhancing India’s disaster response capabilities. ¾ Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
€ Efforts to incorporate modular concepts further
¾ Positive Indigenisation List (Defence Procurement
enhance the carrier’s versatility for non-military
Policy)
missions, enabling rapid deployment of specialised
resources for specific humanitarian missions. ¾ Project 75I

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History
Highlights
z Racial Bias in Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Compensation z Hoysala’s Sri Madhava Perumal Temple Reveals Trade Route

What is the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre?

Racial Bias in ¾ Prelude to the Massacre:
Jallianwala Bagh € The Indian National Congress expected self-

Massacre Compensation governance after World War I but faced resistance

from the Imperial bureaucracy.
Why in News? € The Rowlatt Act, passed in 1919, authorised

The Jallianwala Bagh massacre on 13th April 1919, the government to arrest individuals associated
remains one of the darkest chapters in India’s colonial with seditious activities without trial, leading to
history. New research sheds light on the grossly racialised nationwide unrest.
legal structure employed by the British government in € Arrests of nationalist leaders Saifuddin Kitchlew and
compensating those affected by the tragedy. Dr. Satyapal on 9th April 1919, sparked widespread
What are the Key Highlights of the Research? protests in Punjab.
¾ The Massacre: The Jallianwala Bagh massacre unfolded
¾ Racial Bias in Compensation:
amid heightened tensions caused by the oppressive
€ The British government’s compensation favoured
Rowlatt Act and widespread protests in Punjab.
Europeans over Indians.
€ Fearing a rebellion similar to the 1857 revolt,
€ Europeans received payments valued at 600 times
the British administration responded with severe
more than Indians.
repression.
z The British government placed a significantly
€ Brigadier-General Dyer’s actions (troops opened
higher value on European claims, allocating over
Rs. 523,000 in compensation to Europeans, with fire indiscriminately, killing innocent people and
individual payments ranging from Rs. 300,000 injuring many) on 13th April 1919, escalated the
to Rs. 30,000. situation, resulting in the massacre during a peaceful
€ Discriminatory compensation reflects racial
protest against the Rowlatt Act, 1919 resulting in
prejudice and lack of value for Indian lives. the deaths of hundreds of innocent protestors.
¾ Legal Proceedings: z Dyer, however, issued a proclamation on 13th

€ Punjab Disturbances Committee divided along

April (which was also Baisakhi), forbidding people
racial lines, justifying violence by British officers. from leaving the city without a pass and from
organising demonstrations.
z The committee’s European members justified
the violent tactics used by British officers in ¾ Hunter Commission: The Hunter Commission,
Punjab, while the Indian members disagreed. officially known as the “Punjab Disturbances Inquiry
€ Indian legislators demanded equal compensation
Committee,” was appointed by the British government
and faced resistance from British officials. in response to the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
¾ Unfairness of Colonialism: € The commission’s report criticised Dyer’s decision

€ Research strengthens demands for a formal

to open fire on unarmed civilians and highlighted
apology from the British government. Calls for the disproportionate use of force.
decolonisation of historical wrongs and recognition € The findings of the Hunter Commission contributed
of imperial legacies. to the condemnation of Dyer’s actions in India.

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z Before the Committee began its proceedings, € The temple is believed to be the birthplace of
the government had passed an Indemnity Act Peyalvar, one of the first three of the twelve Alvar
for the protection of its officers. saints of the 6th-9th century CE.
€ The commission’s report led to Dyer’s removal € The temple, largely submerged in the water-
from his command and his subsequent retirement spread area of the Bhavanisagar dam in Erode
from the military. district, became visible as the water level in the
¾ Aftermath and Significance: The Jallianwala Bagh dam dipped.
massacre became a pivotal moment in India’s struggle ¾ Temple Inscription:
for independence, catalysing Mahatma Gandhi’sNon-
€ The inscriptions revealed the existence of a village
Cooperation Movement (1920-22).
named Thuravalur.
€ Rabindranath Tagore renounced his knighthood
in protest against the incident. € The area served as a trunk road, and traders
crossed River Bhavani and River Moyar to reach
€ In 1940, at Caxton Hall in London, Indian freedom
fighter Udham Singh assassinated Michael O’Dwyer, Wayanad in Kerala and various places in Karnataka.
who had approved of Dyer’s actions. € Construction of the Bhavanisagar dam in 1948
resulted in the relocation of nearby residents and
the shifting of temple idols to new locations in 1953.
Hoysala’s Sri Madhava
Bhavanisagar Dam
Perumal Temple Reveals ¾ It is located in Erode district, Tamil Nadu, India.
Trade Route ¾ The dam is constructed on the Bhavani River. It is
one of the world’s largest earthen dams.
Why in News? ¾ Bhavani River originates from the Nilgiri hills of the
Recently, Inscriptions found at Sri Madhava Perumal Western Ghats, enters the Silent Valley National
Temple indicate the existence of a major trade route Park in Kerala and flows back towards Tamil Nadu.
over 1,000 years ago, connecting the Kongu region in The Bhavani River is one of the main tributaries of
western Tamil Nadu with southern Karnataka and Kerala. the Cauvery River.
What are the Key Facts About What are the Key Facts about
the Madhava Perumal Temple? Hoysala Dynasty?
¾ About: ¾ Origin and Rise:
€ It is dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu, who is € The Hoysalas were feudatories of the Chalukyas
worshipped as Madhava Perumal. It is located in
of Kalyana, or the Western Chalukya Empire.
Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
z The first kings came from the hills northwest
€ The Mylapore region came under the rule of the
of Dorasamudra (present-day Halebid), which
Hoysala dynasty, particularly King Veera Ballala III.
became their capital in 1060 AD.
€ The general of the Hoysala army, constructed
€ The most notable rulers of the Hoysala dynasty
Dhandanayaka Fort, 680 years ago. The temple in
the Dravidian style of architecture was constructed were Vishnuvardhana, Veera Ballala II, and Veera
inside the fort. Ballala III.
z The area was later ruled by the Vijayanagara z Vishnuvardhana (also known as Bittideva) was
Empire and Tipu Sultan. the greatest king of the Hoysala dynasty.
z The Battle of Sathyamangalam (1790), during € They governed areas spanning Karnataka and
the Third Anglo-Mysore War (1790-1792), also Tamil Nadu in the Kaveri (Cauvery) river valley
took place near the fort. between the 11th- 14th century.

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€ Later, the Vijayanagar dynasty succeeded the Temple of Somanathapur are UNESCO World
Hoysalas. Heritage Sites and protected by Archaeological
¾ Religion and Culture: Survey of India (ASI).
€ The dynasty patronised various religions, such as € Hoysala architecture is known for its distinctive
Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. blend of Bhumija style prevalent in Central India,
€ King Vishnuvardhana was initially a Jain but later the Nagara traditions of northern and western
converted to Vaishnavism under the influence of India, and the Karnataka Dravida modes favoured
the Saint Ramanuja. by the Kalyani Chalukyas.
¾ Temple Architecture: z These contain multiple shrines grouped around
€ The Hoysala Temples were built during the 12 th a central pillared hall and laid out in the shape
and 13th centuries CE, showcasing the unique of an intricately designed star.
architectural and artistic brilliance of Vesara style. € They are made out of soapstone which is a relatively
€ Among Hoysala temples, Chennakeshava Temple in soft stone, the artists were able to carve their
Belur, Hoysaleshwara Temple in Halebid, Keshava sculptures intricately.

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Geography

Highlights
z Aurora Borealis in India z Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower
z Heat-Waves Threatens Litchi Farmers z Expanding Glacial Lakes in the Himalayas
z Land Subsidence in Chenab Valley z INCOIS Study on Indian Ocean Floor Mapping
z Interplay of Heat Waves, Anticyclones and Global Warming z Indian Ocean Warming Accelerates

The constantly changing inputs from the sun,

z
Aurora Borealis in India the varying responses from the Earth’s upper
atmosphere, and the motion of the planet and
Why in News? particles in near-Earth space all work together
to create different auroral motions and shapes.
Recently, Auroras which are typically visible in high-
€ In the Northern Hemisphere, the phenomenon
latitude regions such as the North and South Poles, were
is called the northern lights (aurora borealis),
observed worldwide, including in areas where they are
while in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s called the
uncommon.
southern lights (aurora australis).
¾ In India, they were observed through all-sky ¾ Composition and Colors:
cameras positioned around the Indian Astronomical
€ Auroras consist of gases and particles, including
Observatory (IAO) in Hanle, Ladakh. oxygen and nitrogen.
What is the Aurora Phenomenon? € The collisions of these particles with the atmosphere
release energy in the form of light.
€ The colors observed in auroras depend on the type
of gas and altitude of the collisions.
¾ Impact:
€ They can trigger blackouts on the Earth, knock
out satellites in space, endanger the lives of
astronauts, and affect space weather throughout
the Solar System.
Note: STEVE is an aurora-like phenomenon that appears
as a distinct, purple-colored arc with a moving green
“picket-fence” structure. It can be observed from lower
latitudes than the typical northern and southern lights.

Geomagnetic Storm
¾ About:
¾ A geomagnetic storm is a major disturbance of
€ Auroras are bright and colourful lights, formed due Earth’s magnetosphere that occurs when there is
to an active interaction in space between charged a very efficient exchange of energy from the solar
solar winds and the Earth’s magnetosphere. wind into the space environment surrounding Earth.
€ They occur when violent solar events eject charged ¾ Violent geomagnetic storms are rare, occurring
particles into space, which become trapped in around once every few decades.
Earth’s magnetic field and interact with atmospheric € The last time charged particles from the Sun

atoms, ultimately resulting in geomagnetic storms blew into the Earth with similar energy and
and the creation of aurora. intensity was in 2003.

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€ India Meteorological Department (IMD) considered

Heat-Waves Threatens heatwave if the maximum temperature of a station
Litchi Farmers reaches at least 40°C or more for Plains and at
least 30°C or more for Hilly regions.
Why in News? z Based on Departure from Normal:
Recently, high temperatures and scorching westerly „ Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.5°C
winds have created an unsuitable climate for the growing to 6.4°C.
litchi fruits in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district. „ Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal
¾ This has spelt doom for hundreds of litchi farmers, is >6.4°C.
who were already worried about low flowering this z Based on Actual Maximum Temperature:
year due to erratic weather. „ Heat Wave: When actual maximum
What are the Challenges Associated temperature ≥ 45°C.
with the Recent Heat Waves in Bihar? „ Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum
¾ Impact of Heatwaves on Litchi Orchards: temperature ≥47°C.
€ Scorching temperatures and strong westerly ¾ IMD’s Initiatives and Tools to Combat Heat Waves:
winds has caused a significant drop in immature € Early Warning Systems:
litchi fruits. z Timely Forecasts: IMD issues timely forecasts
€ The National Research Centre on Litchi (NRCL) and heatwave warnings, often several days in
advises increased irrigation in orchards to combat advance.
rising temperatures and maintain moisture levels, z Colour-coded Alerts: They utilise a colour-coded
but small farmers struggle with costs. system (yellow, orange, red) to categorise the
¾ Effect of Climate Change on Litchi Production: severity of heat waves.
€ Litchi thrives under specific microclimatic € Collaboration and Action Plans:
conditions, with an ideal temperature range of z IMD works closely with the National Disaster
30-35°C during the critical second half of April for
Management Authority (NDMA) to develop
optimal fruit development.
and implement heat action plans.
z Deviations from this range disrupt natural growth
z IMD conducts awareness campaigns to educate
processes, leading to smaller, less sweet litchi.
the public on heatwave risks, precautionary
¾ Expected Reduced Harvest:
measures, and how to stay cool during extreme
€ The anticipated litchi harvest is expected to be heat.
delayed and potentially halved compared to
z IMD has introduced the Heat Index that considers
previous years.
both temperature and humidity for a more
€ Farmers face significant crop losses and are
accurate assessment of heat stress.
planning to request government support to offset
€ Leveraging Technology:
these losses.
€ Muzaffarpur and surrounding areas contributing z Mobile Apps: IMD provides mobile apps like
nearly 40% of India’s litchi production, a poor “Mausam” that disseminate weather updates,
harvest here has a significant national impact. including heatwave warnings, directly to users’
smartphones.
What are Heat Waves? z Website and Social Media: They maintain a
¾ About: user-friendly website and actively utilize social
€ Heat waves are prolonged periods of excessively media platforms to share weather information
hot weather. and heatwave alerts.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 141
on the ground, leading to soil deformation and
Land Subsidence subsidence over time.
in Chenab Valley „ Soil creep is the slow, gradual movement of
soil downhill due to gravity and can contribute
Why in News? to ground subsidence over time.
€ Soil Creeps: Continuous low load and soil creep
Recently, there were reports of Land subsidence in
different parts of the Chenab Valley, especially in the can cause slow deformation of the foundation,
Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda districts, which led to contributing to ground subsidence.
destruction of several houses. ¾ Examples:
¾ Earlier, landslides were common during rain and € Jakarta, Indonesia: Itis experiencing severe
snowfall in the region. However, there has been land subsidence (25 cm/year) due to excessive
frequent occurrence of land subsidence in the last groundwater extraction.
10 to 15 years. € Netherlands: Land subsidence has been a major

What is Land Subsidence? problem due to the extraction of natural gas from
underground reservoirs.
¾ About:
¾ According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric What are the Reasons for
Administration (NOAA), Land subsidence is sinking Land Subsidence in the Chenab Region?
off the ground because of underground material
¾ Geological Factors: Region has the presence of
movement.
soft sedimentary deposits and alluvial soils, which
€ It can happen for many reasons, man-made or
contributes to land subsidence.
natural, such as the removal of water, oil, or
€ These materials are prone to compaction under
natural resources, along with mining activities.
Earthquakes, soil erosion, and soil compaction the weight of overlying structures and the influence
are als o some of the well-known causes of of external forces such as groundwater extraction.
subsidence. ¾ Unplanned Constructions and Urbanization:
€ It can happen over very large areas like whole € Urbanisation and unplanned construction in hilly
states or provinces, or very small areas. regions put immense pressure on the land.
¾ Causes: € The Himalayan foothills have witnessed rapid

€ Overexploitation of Underground Resources: development, leading to land subsidence.

Extraction of resources like Water, Natural gas and ¾ Hydroelectric Projects:
Oil leads to decreased pore pressure and increased € Construction of hydroelectric stations can alter
effective stress, causing ground subsidence. the natural flow of water and impact the stability
z Over 80% of the world’s extracted water is of the land.
used for irrigation and agricultural purposes,
z Eg: Joshimath, a popular town for tourists,
contributing to ground subsidence.
faces subsidence due to its proximity to a
€ Extraction of Solid Minerals: Exploitation of
hydroelectric station.
underground solid mineral resources leads to
¾ Poor Drainage Systems:
formation of large empty space underground
(goaf), which can lead to the ground sinking or € Inadequate drainage systems in the Chenab region

subsiding. can worsen land subsidence through waterlogging,

z Mining activities, such as coal mining, can lead
increased groundwater levels, soil erosion, saltwater
to the formation of goaf areas, which contribute intrusion, and infrastructure damage.
to ground subsidence. ¾ Geological Vulnerability:
€ Load Exerted on Ground: € Scattered rocks in the area are covered with old

z The construction of tall buildings and heavy landslide debris comprising boulders, gneissic
infrastructure can exert significant pressure rocks, and loose soil, with a low bearing capacity.

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€ These gneissic rocks are highly weathered and have a low cohesive value with a tendency of high pore pressure
when saturated with water, especially during monsoons.
Joshimath Land Subsidence
¾ Earlier, Joshimath in Chamoli district in Uttarakhand faced a series of landslides and floods.
¾ Certain areas of Joshimath were gradually “sinking” due to a combination of human activities and natural causes.
¾ The experts propose the cause of the land subsidence to unregulated construction, high population density,
disruption of natural water flow, and activities related to hydropower.

Mishra Committee Report of 1976 Regarding Joshimath Crisis

¾ In 1976, a committee was established to investigate the causes of the sinking phenomenon in Joshimath. The
committee put forth several recommendations.
¾ Imposition of Restrictions on Heavy Construction:
€ Construction should only be allowed after examining the load-bearing capacity of the soil and the stability
of the site, and restrictions should also be imposed on the excavation of slopes.
¾ Keeping the Boulders:
€ In the landslide areas, stones and boulders should not be removed from the bottom of the hill as it would
remove toe support, increasing the possibility of landslides.
¾ Conserving of Trees:
€ It has also advised against cutting trees in the landslide zone. Extensive plantation work should be undertaken
in the area to conserve soil and water resources.
¾ Preventing Water Seepage:
€ To prevent any more landslides in the future, the seepage of open rainwater must be stopped by the
construction of a pucca drainage system.
¾ River Training:
€ The construction of structures to guide the river’s flow should be carried out. Hanging boulders on the foothills
should be provided with appropriate support.

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¾ Understanding these local effects is important for accurate forecasting
Interplay of Heat and effective heat wave mitigation.
Waves, Anticyclones What is an Anticyclone?
and Global Warming ¾ High-Pressure Systems: Anticyclones are areas of high atmospheric
pressure, the opposite of cyclones (low pressure).
Why in News? ¾ Wind Circulation: Winds blow clockwise around an anticyclone in
As the world grapples with the waning the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern
phase of the strong El Niño of 2023, the Hemisphere due to Earth’s rotation (Coriolis Effect).
India Meteorological Department has ¾ Clear Skies and Calm Weather: Anticyclones bring stable, calm
warned of severe heatwave conditions conditions with little wind and clear skies.
affecting extensive areas of eastern India ¾ Dry Air: Sinking air in anticyclones warms up and dries out, leading
and the Gangetic Plain. to less rain and humidity.
¾ This highlights the challenge of ¾ Summer vs. Winter Effects: Summer anticyclones can be hot and
understanding how global warming sunny, while winter anticyclones can be cold and clear with morning
affects local weather. Additionally, frost.
the presence of anticyclones further
complicates the situation, exacerbating
the severity of heat waves in affected
areas.
What Role Do Heat Waves Play in
Global Warming?
¾ Heat waves result from climate
change, caused by the burning of
fossil fuelsthat add Greenhouse Gases
(GHG) to the atmosphere.
€ These gasses trap more heat
energy, increasing average and
extreme temperatures.
¾ GHG emissions from human activities
have heated the planet by about 1.2
degrees Celsius since pre-industrial
times.
€ That warmer baseline means higher
temperatures can be reached during
extreme heat events.
¾ Global warming causes uneven
temperature changes across regions,
leading to local variations in heat
waves.
€ Despite some areas experiencing
cooler temperatures, global
warming can create conditions
that intensify heat waves locally,
influenced by land use and
geography.

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What Links Anticyclones to Heat? Early Warning Systems

¾ Anticyclones and Heat: ¾ Accurate early-warning systems for global warming
€ Anticyclones are linked to heat through their use a three-step approach called the ‘ready-set-
persistence and strength. go’ system.
€ During the pre-monsoon season, the Indian Easterly ¾ The approach is part of the ‘Subseasonal-to-Seasonal
Jet (IEJ) and a strong westerly jet can generate an Predictions (S2S)’ project of the World Climate
anticyclonic pattern over the Indian Ocean and the Research Program under the World Meteorological
Indian subcontinent. Organisation.
z A strong anticyclone can bring dry and hot € India is part of this project and has invested
weather over many parts of India, while a weak heavily in S2S predictions.
anticyclone produces milder weather. ¾ The three-step approach is important for guiding
z IEJ is a narrow belt of strong easterly winds in the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA)
the mid-troposphere that blows over peninsular to function efficiently and effectively.
India and the adjoining south Indian Ocean € The ‘ready’ step provides a seasonal outlook
during the pre-monsoon season (March-May). based on external factors such as global warming
„ It is weaker and smaller than the well-known and El Niño.
African Easterly Jet (AEJ). € The ‘set’ step involves sub seasonal predictions

„ AEJ occurs in the lower troposphere over for weeks two to four, contributing to resource
West Africa. It is characterized by easterly allocations and identifying potential hotspots.
winds and is most prominent during the € The ‘go’ step is based on short- and medium-
summer months. range forecasts and involves managing disaster
„ It is formed due to the temperature contrast response efforts.
between the hot Sahara Desert and the ¾ However, the challenge lies in enhancing local-
cooler Gulf of Guinea. level weather predictions. Efforts are underway to
¾ Impact of Anticyclones on Weather Patterns: forecast weather trajectories over a 10-year span.
€ Strong IEJ years lead to higher near-surface € Coordination and early warning mechanisms are

temperatures and drier conditions in India, while being developed at different levels, requiring
weak IEJ years result in cooler and wetter conditions. training and engagement of governments,
€ The strength of the anticyclone in a particular year
departments, and the public.
is a key factor in determining whether it is related ¾ The success of these systems is crucial for India’s
to heat waves and global warming. sustained economic development.
z The impact of El Niño on the Indian subcontinent
tends to produce stronger and more persistent Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower
anticyclones, leading to longer-lasting and more
intense heat waves. Why in News?
€ Understanding the background state of cool seasonal
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, associated with
temperatures and strong, persistent anticyclones
Halley’s Comet,occurred on the 5th and 6th of May 2024,
is essential for accurate weather predictions and
offering a celestial spectacle for skywatchers worldwide.
early warnings.
¾ Recent Impact of Anticyclones: What is the Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower?
€ The recent anticyclonic circulations over the North ¾ The Eta Aquariid meteor shower occurs annually during
Indian Ocean were responsible for abnormal early May. This event is characterised by its rapid
rainfall in Odisha in March 2024. Anticyclones, meteors, originating from the debris left behind by
characterized by clockwise winds and sinking air, Comet Halley, resulting in long-lasting, glowing tails.
can create high-pressure heat domes. ¾ Approximately 30 to 40 Eta Aquarid meteors can be
z This phenomenon may have also contributed seen per hour during the peak, particularly visible
to floods in Dubai in April 2024. from the Southern Hemisphere.

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¾ The Southern Hemisphere offers a more favourable €When meteoroids enter Earth’s atmosphere at
viewing experience due to the higher position of the high speed and burn up, they’re called meteors.
constellation Aquarius, the radiant of the meteor
€ If a meteoroid doesn’t burn up completely in
shower.
Earth’s atmosphere and reaches the ground, it
€ In the Northern Hemisphere, observers may
is called a meteorite.
witness “Earthgrazers,” long meteors skimming
the horizon. ¾ Constellation:

¾ The radiant of the Eta Aquarids is in the constellation € It is a group of stars that form a recognizable

Aquarius, and the meteors appear to come from the pattern in the night sky.
area around the star Eta Aquarii. z It have been used for centuries by different

€ This star and the constellation give the shower its cultures for navigation, storytelling, and
name: Eta Aquarids. keeping track of time.
¾ Kuiper Belt:
The Comet 1P/Halley
€ It is a region of the solar system beyond
¾ Comet Halley (1P/Halley), discovered by Edmund
Neptune’s orbit. It is a vast, icy realm that is
Halley in 1705, orbits the Sun approximately every
home to thousands of icy objects, including
76 years. The only naked-eye comet that can appear
dwarf planets like Pluto, comets, and Kuiper
twice in a human lifetime.
Belt Objects (KBOs).
€ Its dusty trail produces the Eta Aquariids in May
¾ Oort Cloud:
and the Orionids in October when Earth passes
through these debris fields. € It is a giant, spherical cloud of icy objects that
surrounds the solar system at a much greater
¾ Notably, Halley’s last appearance visible to casual
distance than the Kuiper Belt.
observers was in 1986, and it won’t return until 2061.
z The Oort Cloud is thought to be the source of
¾ Comet Halley’s is one of the least reflective, objects
long-period comets, which are comets that
in the solar system, with an albedo of 0.03.
take thousands or even millions of years to
What are Comets? orbit the Sun.
¾ About:
€ Comets are frozen remnants from the early days Expanding Glacial Lakes
of the solar system, composed of dust, rock, and
ice. They orbit the Sun in highly elliptical paths. in the Himalayas
€ Comets emit gas and dust when heated by the
Sun, forming a glowing head and a tail. Why in News?
€ According to NASA, a billions of comets orbiting Recently, satellite monitoring data bythe Indian Space
the Sun beyond Neptune, in the Kuiper Belt and Research Organisation (ISRO) has shown a large
distant Oort cloud. expansion in glacial lakes between 1984 and 2023 in the
¾ Meteor Showers Relation to Comets: Himalayanregion, which has posed an alarming situation
€ Meteors originate from remnants of comets and
for the downstream areas.
broken asteroids. They are tiny grains of dust or What are ISRO’s Observation on
rock that burn up as they enter Earth’s atmosphere,
Expansion of Himalayan Glaciers?
creating brief tails of light.
¾ Key Findings:
Key Terms
€ Of the 2,431 lakes larger than 10 hectares identified
¾ Meteoroid and Meteorite:
during 2016-17, 676 glacial lakes have notably
€ Meteoroids are space rocks that range in size expanded since 1984.
from dust grains to small asteroids. z 130 of these lakes are situated within India, with
z This term only applies when these rocks are 65, 7, and 58 lakes located in the Indus, Ganga,
still in space. and BrahmaputraRiver basins, respectively.

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z Of these lakes 601 lakes (89%) have expanded ¾ Types and Number of Glacial Lakes in Himalayas:
more than twice, 10 lakes have grown between € Moraine-dammed (307): They are formed when
1.5 to 2 times and 65 lakes at 1.5 times. piles of rocks and debris (moraines) left behind by
€ Elevation-based analysis reveals that 314 lakes retreating glaciers block valleys, creating natural
are located in the 4,000 to 5,000 m range and 296 dams that hold back meltwater.
lakes are above 5,000 m elevation.
€ Ice-dammed (8): They are formed when a glacier
€ Long-term changes in the Ghepang Ghat glacial
itself acts as a dam, blocking the flow of meltwater.
lake (Indus River Basin) at an elevation of 4,068 m
in Himachal Pradesh, India, show a 178% increase € Erosion (265): These lakes occupy depressions
in size from 36.49 to 101.30 hectares between carved directly into bedrock by glaciers.
1989 and 2022. € Other Glacial lakes (96)

What are the Causes of land surfaces. This allows for the formation of new
Expanding Glacial Lakes in Himalayas? glacial lakes.
¾ Weakening Moraines: Glaciers are often dammed
¾ Global Warming: It is causing temperatures to rise
by natural walls of rock and debris called moraines.
in the Himalayas, leading to increased melting of
€ As glaciers shrink, these moraines become weaker
glaciers. This meltwater feeds into existing glacial and more susceptible to collapse. A sudden collapse
lakes, causing them to expand in size. can trigger a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF), a
¾ Retreating Glaciers: As glaciers melt, they not only catastrophic event where a large volume of water
contribute water to the lakes but also expose new is released downstream.

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¾ Increased Precipitation: Changes in precipitation it can create depressions that collect water,
patterns, including increased rainfall and snowfall in contributing to the expansion of glacial lakes.
the region, can contribute to the expansion of glacial ¾ Human Activities: Infrastructure development, such
lakes by providing more water to fill them. as roads and hydropower projects, can alter the
natural drainage patterns of glacial lakes, leading to
¾ Permafrost Thaw: Permafrost, which is soil that
their expansion.
remains frozen year-round, acts as a natural barrier
€ Additionally, activities such as mining and
to water drainage. deforestation can indirectly contribute to glacial
€ As permafrost thaws due to warming temperatures, lake expansion by accelerating climate change.

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Recent Cases of GLOF in India ¾ Improved Modelling with Accurate Bathymetry:

¾ In June 2013, Uttrakhand had received an unusual € Previous ocean modelling systems underestimated
observed coastal currents around India.
amount of rainfall leading to the melting of the
Chorabari glacier and the eruption of the Mandakini € Incorporating accurate bathymetry data led to:
river. z Better predictions of upper ocean salinity,
temperature, and currents near the coast.
¾ In August 2014, a glacial lake outburst flood hit the
z More realistic estimation of the East India
village of Gya in Ladakh.
Coastal Current (EICC) flow at deeper depths
¾ In February 2021, Chamoli district in Uttarakhand (1,000 and 2,000 metres), which flows opposite
witnessed flash floods which are suspected to have to the surface currents.
been caused by GLOFs. „ The EICC is the western boundary current
¾ In October 2023, the South Lhonak Lake, a glacial of the Bay of Bengal. It’s a powerful current
lake located at an altitude of 17,000 feet in the that reverses its direction twice a year,
state’s northwest, experienced a rupture as a result playing a crucial role in the ocean circulation
of continuous rainfall. of the region.
„ The surface flow of the EICC from February
to September, it flows northeastward along
INCOIS Study on Indian the Indian coast. From October to January,
Ocean Floor Mapping the flow reverses southward along both the
Indian and Sri Lankan coasts.
Why in News? z Identification of a boundary current along the
Andaman and Nicobar Islands coast at a depth
Recently, scientists at the Indian National Centre for
of 2,000 metres.
Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) conducted a study
z Understanding the Maldives Islands’ influence
on the mapping of the Indian Ocean floor to delve deeper
on the Equatorial Under Current (EUC).
into ocean currents and dynamics.
„ EUC is a permanent eastward-flowing
Note: current in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
¾ ESSO-INCOIS was established as an autonomous and is present in the Indian Ocean during
body in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences the northeast monsoon in spring and winter.
(MoES) and is a unit of the Earth System Science
z The presence of the Maldives Islands affects the
Organisation (ESSO). It is located in Hyderabad.
westward extent of the EUC, with variations in
¾ ESSO- INCOIS is mandated to provide the best
depth and definition between seasons.
possible ocean information and advisory services
to society, industry, government agencies and the ¾ Importance for Forecasting:
scientific community through sustained ocean € Accurate oceanographic forecasting is essential
observations and constant improvements through for the maritime industry and has significant
systematic and focused research. economic benefits.
€ Accurate ocean forecasts vital for weather, climate,
What are the Key Highlights of the Study?
and maritime industry. Improved observations and
¾ Influence of Islands on Currents: models are key for precision predictions.
€ The study reveals that the Andaman and Nicobar ¾ Advancing Ocean Dynamics Understanding:
Islands, along with the Maldives, significantly € The study highlights the importance of incorporating
influence the direction and speed of Indian Ocean accurate bathymetry data into ocean circulation
currents, creating deep-swirling patterns opposite models. Aids in forecasting for Indian subcontinent
to surface currents. and nearby regions.

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What is Bathymetry?
Indian Ocean Warming
¾ Bathymetry is the study and mapping of the
underwater topography of water bodies, such as Accelerates
oceans, rivers, lakes, and streams.
Why in News?
€ It involves measuring the depth of the water and
Recently, an Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
is similar to mapping the topography of land. (IITM), Pune indicates a tenfold increase in marine
€ Bathymetric maps use contour lines to show heatwaves, potentially intensifying cyclones, with a rise
the shape and elevation of underwater terrain. from 20 days to 220–250 days per year.
¾ Bathymetry is the foundation of the science of What are the Key Findings of the Report?
hydrography, which measures the physical features ¾ Increase in Ocean Temperature:
of a water body. € Rapid Warming: The Indian Ocean’s temperature

€ Hydrography includes not only bathymetry, but has risen by 1.2°C from 1950 to 2020 and is
projected to increase further by 1.7°C to 3.8°C
also the shape and features of the shoreline; the
from 2020 to 2100.
characteristics of tides, currents, and waves;
€ Marine Heatwaves: Predictions indicate an increase
and the physical and chemical properties of in marine heatwave days from an average of 20
the water itself. days per year to 220–250 days per year.

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These heatwaves are linked to quicker cyclone

z €Increasing heat content leads to sea-level rise
formation and can lead to a nearly permanent primarily through thermal expansion, which
heatwave state in the tropical Indian Ocean. accounts for over half of the sea-level risein the
z The frequent and intense heat waves are likely Indian Ocean, surpassing the effects of glacier
to accelerate coral bleaching, destruction of and sea-ice melting.
seagrass, and loss of kelp forests, which are ¾ Changes in Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and Monsoon
crucial to the fisheries sector. Patterns:
¾ Changes in Heat Content of the Ocean: € IOD Alterations: Due to the rise in the ocean’s

€ Deep Ocean Warming: The increase in temperature heat content Indian Ocean Dipole, a significant
extends beyond the surface down to depths of factor in determining monsoon strength, is likely
2,000 meters, escalating the overall heat content to experience a 66% increase in extreme events
of the ocean. and a 52% decrease in moderate events by the
z The heat content of the Indian Ocean is currently
end of the 21st century.
increasing at a rate of 4.5 zetta-joules per € Implications for Monsoons: These changes are

decade and is expected to grow at a rate of critical as positive phases of the dipole, characterized
16–22 zetta-joules per decade in the future. by warmer temperatures in the western half, are
€ Energy Comparison: The projected increase in
favourable for the summer monsoon.
heat content is likened to the energy released by ¾ Future Outlook:
one Hiroshima atomic bomb detonation every € Despite ongoing heatwaves, an “above-normal”
second, continuously for ten years. monsoon is expected for June-September 2024
¾ Sea-Level Rise and Thermal Expansion: partially due to a positive phase of the IOD.
Difference Between Land Heatwave and Marine Heatwave
Feature Land Heatwave Marine Heatwave
Medium Air temperature Ocean surface water
Duration Days or weeks Weeks or months
Identification Exceeds high-temperature threshold Abnormally high sea surface temperatures
Impacts Heat stress, dehydration, wildfires, Disrupted marine ecosystems, harm to marine life, influences
power outages weather patterns (potentially intensifying cyclones)
How do Rising Sea Levels Impact India? ¾ Implications:
¾ Rate of Sea Level Rise: € India is facing compound extreme events along
€ According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, on our coastline. Cyclones are intensifying rapidly
average, the sea level along the Indian coast was due to more moisture and heat from ocean
observed to be rising at a rate of about 1.7 mm/ warming.
year during the last century (1900-2000). € The amount of flooding also increases because
€ A 3 cm sea level rise could cause the sea to intrude storm surges are compounding sea level rise
inland by about 17 meters. decade by decade.
¾ India is more Susceptible:
€ Cyclones are bringing more rain than earlier.
€ India is most vulnerable to the compounding
z Super Cyclone Amphan (2020) caused large-
impacts of sea level rise.
scale flooding and inundated tens of km inland
€ In the Indian Ocean half of the sea level rise is
with saline water intruding.
due to the volume of water expanding since the
ocean is warming up rapidly. The contribution € Over time, the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra
from glacier melt is not as high. rivers may shrink, and rising sea levels combined
€ The Indian Ocean is the fastest-warming ocean with a deep intrusion of saltwater will make large
in terms of surface warming. parts of their huge deltas simply uninhabitable.

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Steps Taken by India

¾ Monitoring and Research: ¾ Additional Measures:
€ Indian National Centre for Ocean Information € National Missions on Climate Changer
Services (INCOIS)
€ Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
¾ Cyclone Preparedness:
€ Renewable Energy Target
€ National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA) € National Hydrogen Mission
€ IMD Cyclone Warnings € Amrit Dharohar Scheme

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What are the Ways to Tackle the Threat of oceanic data, NOAA provides forecasts for
Marine Heatwaves and Intensifying Cyclones? cyclone activity, allowing for better preparedness.
¾ Coastal Resilience Measures:
¾ Mitigation Strategies:
€ Mangrove Restoration: Implement initiatives like
€ Emission Reduction Strategies: Adopt and advocate
for policies similar to the European Union’s Bangladesh’s efforts to restore mangrove forests.
Emissions Trading System (ETS). z Mangroves act as natural barriers, mitigating

z The ETS is a cap-and-trade scheme that

storm surges and protecting coastal communities
incentivises industries to reduce greenhouse from cyclones.
gas emissions, combating the root cause of € Infrastructure Improvements: Strive for

marine heat waves. advancements akin to the Netherlands’ robust

€ Renewable Energy Integration: Invest in and seawall network.
promote renewable energy sources like Germany’s z Well-maintained seawalls and levees can

transition towards solar and wind power. significantly reduce cyclone damage to coastal
z This reduces dependence on fossil fuels infrastructure and settlements.
and lessens the long-term impact on ocean ¾ International Collaboration:
temperatures. € Data Sharing and Research: Foster open exchange
¾ Early Warning Systems and Preparedness: of scientific data, similar to the Global Ocean
€ Advanced Monitoring: Emulate programs like Observing System (GOOS).
Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System z GOOS facilitates international collaboration
(IMOS). in ocean observations, leading to a better
z IMOS utilises a network of buoys, ships, and understanding of marine heatwaves and cyclone
satellites to collect real-time oceanographic development.
data, providing crucial insights into marine heat € Capacity Building: Provide technical and financial
waves heat waves and cyclone development. assistance to developing countries, akin to the
€ Predictive Modeling: Leverage advancements World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO)
like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Tropical Cyclone Programme.
Administration’s (NOAA) hurricane seasonal z This program equips vulnerable nations with
outlooks. resources and expertise to prepare for and
z By statistically analysing atmospheric and respond to cyclones.
nnn

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Ethics

Highlights
z Criminalisation of Politics

What are the Causes of Increasing

Criminalisation of Politics Criminalisation of Politics?
Why in News? ¾ Nexus between Politicians and Criminals:
€ Many politicians in India have established close ties
Recent cases of alleged sexual harassment of women
with criminal elements, often using their money
on the various MP, MLA and government employees,
and muscle power to win elections.
sheds light on a concerning aspect of criminalisation of
¾ Weak Law Enforcement and Judicial System:
politics and the ethical issues involved like moral
€ The Indian criminal justice system is often
responsibility, failure to uphold professional ethics etc.
characterised by slow, inefficient, and corrupt
What does the Criminalisation processes, making it difficult to effectively prosecute
of Politics Mean? and convict politicians with criminal backgrounds.
¾ About: z A report by the National Crime Records

€ Criminalisation of politics is when people with Bureaurevealed that the conviction rate for
crimes committed by Members of Parliament
criminal charges or backgrounds become politicians
and State Legislatures was only 6% in 2019.
and are elected to office.
¾ Lack of Internal Party Democracy:
€ It can affect the basic principles of democracy,
€ Many political parties in India have weak internal
such as fairness in elections, accountability, and
following the law. democratic structures, allowing party leaders to
handpick candidates, including those with criminal
€ This growing menace has become a big problem
backgrounds, based on their ability to win elections
for our society, affecting the basic principles of
rather than their integrity.
democracy, such as fairness in elections, following
€ This lack of internal party democracy undermines
the law, and being accountable.
the ability of citizens to hold their representatives
¾ Statistics: accountable.
€ According to data from the Association for ¾ Voter Apathy and Lack of Political Awareness:
Democratic Reforms (ADR), the number of
€ Some voters, particularly in rural and impoverished
candidates withcriminal charges being elected to
areas, may prioritise immediate tangible benefits
Parliament in India has been on the rise since 2004.
provided by criminal-backed candidates over long-
€ In the 2009 Lok Sabha, 30% of parliamentarians term considerations of good governance and the
had pending criminal cases, which rose to 34% in rule of law.
the 2014 Lok Sabha.
€ In the 2019 Lok Sabha, 233 (43%) of 543 Lok Sabha
What are the Ethical Issues Associated
members faced criminal charges. with Criminalisation of Politics?
z In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, 112 MPs (21%) ¾ Absence of Non-partisanship and Accountability:
faced serious criminal cases against them, € The failure to address misconduct within the

including those of rape, murder, attempt to political class, underscores a lack of accountability
murder, kidnapping, crimes against women. and ethical standards.

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€ Examples of MPs facing serious criminal charges empowerment requires the ability to set and
reveal a pattern of defending individuals accused of enforce normative ethical and moral standards.
serious offences relating to women, indicating the z The disconnect between representation and
separation from ethical norms across party lines. empowerment is evident in the limited impact of
€ This separation often originates from intense bodies like the National Women’s Commission,
partisanship and prioritisation of power over National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) etc
ethical conduct.
¾ Nonpartisanship refers to the state of not being
¾ Lack of Democratic Accountability through Public
affiliated with or biassed toward any particular
Outrage:
political party or ideology. It is the idea of being
€ Public outrage often serves as the catalyst for
neutral and unbiased in political matters, and not
action within political parties, as seen in the case taking sides with one party or another.
of Prajwal Revanna.
z However, the reactive nature of political What are the Ethical Implications
responses to scandals highlights a broader issue of Criminalisation of Politics?
of accountability within democratic systems. ¾ Societal Perspective:
€ Despite knowledge of misconduct, parties often
€ Erosion of Moral Fabric: When people with criminal
remain inactive until forced to address public outcry,
backgrounds hold power, it sends a message that
emphasising the need for more robust mechanisms
lawbreaking is acceptable, potentially leading to a
of accountability beyond public pressure.
decline in societal ethics and respect for the law.
¾ Culture of Impunity and Individual Accountability:
€ Reduced Civic Participation: There is a high chance
€ A culture of impunity diffuses through the political
of erosion of trust in the democratic process.
sphere, where norms and rules are inconsistently
Citizens will be less likely to vote or participate in
enforced, placing the burden of accountability on
civic life if they believe the system is corrupt and
individual women.
unresponsive.
€ Despite systemic failures, courageous women like
€ Inequality and Exclusion: Criminalization
the complainant against Revanna or the Unnao
rape survivor have played pivotal roles in holding can disproportionately affect marginalised
perpetrators accountable. communities, limiting their representation and
hindering progress on issues relevant to them.
€ However, the high personal costs of pursuing
justice highlight the need for systemic reforms to € Focus on Short-Term Gains: Politicians with criminal

address impunity and ensure genuine accountability backgrounds can prioritise personal gain or quick
within the political sphere. fixes over long-term societal development.
¾ Women’s Empowerment as a Fallacy: ¾ Democratic Perspective:
€ Despite widespread agendas on women’s € Undermines Democratic Principles: A core principle

empowerment, substantive progress on women’s of democracy is electing representatives who can

issues such as respect, equality, and security uphold the law. Politicians with criminal backgrounds
remains unaddressed. lack essential ethical qualities of integrity and
z While women are mobilized as voters and honesty which may lead to favouritism and unfair
beneficiaries of welfare schemes, their collective law-making.
concerns often remain on the periphery of € Free and Fair Elections: Criminalization can distort
political agendas. electoral processes through money laundering,
€ The gap between promises made and action muscle power, and intimidation, hindering a fair
undermines the potential for meaningful progress chance for honest candidates.
on women’s issues within the political sphere. € Accountability and Transparency: When criminals
¾ Representation vs Empowerment: hold office, they are less likely to face scrutiny or
€ Equitable representation alone is insufficient be held accountable for their actions, reducing
for true political empowerment of women. True transparency in governance.

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 155
€ Challenges to India’s Development: Criminalization can hinder India’s development by diverting resources
towards personal gain or stalling crucial reforms due to vested interests.
What are the Constitutional and Legal Aspects of Disqualification of Criminal Candidates?
¾ About:
€ In this regard, Indian Constitution does not specify as to what disqualifies a person from contesting elections
for the Parliament, Legislative assembly or any other legislature.
€ The Representation of Peoples Act 1951 mentions the criteria for disqualifying a person for contesting an
election of the legislature.
z Section 8 of the act provides for disqualification on conviction for certain offences, according to which an
individual punished with a jail term of more than two years cannot stand in an election for six years after
the jail term has ended.
z However, the law does not bar individuals who have criminal cases pending against them from contesting
elections therefore the disqualification of candidates with criminal cases depends on their conviction in
these cases.
¾ Recommendations Against Criminalisation of Politics:
€ In 1983, the Vohra Committee on Criminalisation of Politics was constituted with an objective to identify
the extent of the political-criminal nexus and to recommend ways in which the criminalisation of politics can
be effectively dealt with.
€ The Law Commission submitted its 244th report in 2014 which dealt with the need to curb the trend of criminal
politicians in the legislature posing serious consequences to democracy and secularism.
z The Law Commission recommended disqualification of people against whom charges have been framed
at least one year before the date of scrutiny of nominations for an offence punishable with a sentence of
five years or more.
€ In 2017, the Union government started a scheme to establish 12 special courts for a year to fast-track the
trial of criminal cases against MPs and MLAs.
¾ SC Judgements Regarding Criminalization of Politics:
€ Association for Democratic Reforms v. Union of India (2002):

z In 2002, the SC ruled that every candidate contesting an election has to declare his criminal and financial
records along with educational qualifications.
€ PUCL v Union of India (2004):

z The SC ruled that a law nullifying the requirement for election candidates to disclose their criminal records
was unconstitutional. The Court said voters have a right to know about candidates’ backgrounds for fair
elections.
€ Ramesh Dalal vs. Union of India (2005):

z In 2005, the SC had ruled that a sitting MP or MLA will be disqualified from contesting the election if
convicted and sentenced for imprisonment for two years or more by a court of law.
€ Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013):

z The SC has declared that any member of parliament or state legislative assembly who is convicted of a
crime and sentenced to a prison term of two years or more would be disqualified from holding office.
€ Manoj Narula v. Union of India (2014):

z The five-judge bench of the Supreme Court held that a person cannot be disqualified from contesting
elections merely because they have been charged with a criminal offence.
z However, the court also held that political parties must not field candidates who have a criminal background.

€ Public Interest Foundation v. Union of India (2018):

z The SC has ordered political parties to publish the criminal records of their candidates on their websites,
social media handles, and newspapers.

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Miscellaneous
Highlights
z Booker Prize’s Link to Slavery z World Press Freedom Day 2024

industries, with African slaves providing labour

Booker Prize’s Link to Slavery in plantations.
€ The use of African slaves in British Guyana reflects
Why in News? the history of slavery in the region during the 19th
The Booker Prize, one of the most prestigious awards century.
in the literary world, has recently come under criticism ¾ The Booker Brothers Josias & George were involved
for the historical links to slavery of its original sponsor, in the exploitative slave-based economy of British
Booker Group. Guyana. In a cotton plantation, they enslaved nearly
¾ It’s claimed that during the early 1800s, George and 200 people.
Josias Booker, the founders of the company, reportedly ¾ After slavery was abolished in Guyana in 1834 and
enslaved close to 200 individuals. African slaves were emancipated, the Booker brothers
What are the Key Facts About the Booker received compensation for 52 emancipated slaves,
Prize? totalling 2,884 Pounds (equivalent to 378,000 Pounds
in 2020).
¾ The prize was established in 1969 by Tom Maschler
€ Bookers convinced the British government to
and Graham C. Greene.
finance voyages to collect replacement sugar
¾ The Booker Prize is awarded annually to the author
workers from India.
of the best eligible work of long-form fiction, written
€ This led to the exploitation of Indian workers who
originally in English by an author of any nationality,
faced debt and unemployment due to the East
and published in the UK and/or Ireland.
India Company’s policies and were sent to Guyana
€ The International Booker Prize is a separate award
by the East India Company.
for translated works into English.
¾ The indentured labour system lasted till about the
¾ The winner of the Booker Prize receives a cash award
1920s, leading to a significant migration of labourers
of 50,000 Pounds. Additionally, each of the shortlisted
from India to Guyana.
authors is awarded 2,500 Pounds.
€ People of Indian origin are now the single largest
€ Irish author Paul Lynch has won the 2023 Booker
ethnic group in Guyana due to the scale of migration.
Prize for his novel ‘Prophet Song’.

How Booker is Linked to Slavery and

Indentured Labour?
¾ Britain gained control of Guyana through the Treaty
of Paris in 1815.
€ Guyana isa country in South America bordered
by Suriname to the east, Brazil to the south, and
Venezuela to the west.
€ Its economy was driven by the sugar and cotton

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moving from 161 in 2023 to 159 among 180
World Press Freedom countries in 2024.
Day 2024 € Despite this upward shift in ranking, India’s score
witnessed a decline, dropping from 36.62 to 31.28
Why in News? and scores decreased across all categories except
On the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day the security indicator.
Conference on 3rd May 2024, the United Nations € According to RSF, press freedom is under threat
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in the world’s largest democracy.
(UNESCO) released a new report indicating a rise in z Since January 2024, 9 journalists and 1 media
violence against environmental journalists worldwide. worker have been detained in India.
¾ It highlighted increasing violence against environmental
€ Several laws such as the Telecommunications Act
journalists worldwide with 44 journalists killed in
2023, the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation)
15 years.
Bill 2023, and the Digital Personal Data Protection
¾ It shows the highest number of killings in Asia and
Act 2023 extensively regulate media and censor
the Pacific region.
news.
What is the World Press Freedom Index? € This report highlighted that economic and political
¾ About: pressures limit the independence of the media.
€ It is an annual report released by the global media ¾ Global Score:
watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF). € In the 2024 report Norway, Denmark and Sweden
¾ India’s score in 2024: maintain 1st, 2nd and 3rdspots respectively. Eritrea was
€ India’s position has seen a slight improvement at the bottom of the list, with Syria just ahead of it.

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World Press Freedom Index (WPFI)

¾ The World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) is an annual ranking of countries compiled and published by RSF, an
international NGO based in France, since 2002.
¾ It exclusively focuses on press freedom and does not evaluate the quality of journalism or broader human rights
violations within the countries it assesses.
¾ The press freedom questionnaire encompasses five key categories: political context, legal framework, economic
context, sociocultural context, and security.

nnn

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Rapid Fire Current Affairs

Highlights
z UNGA Resolution for Palestine’s UN Membership Bid z Amendment to Mutual Fund Rules
z UN Body Defers NHRC Accreditation z International Sun Day
z Silk Cotton Tree Under Threat z SMART System
z UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register z Boeing Starliner’s First Crewed Test Flight
z SBI Becomes First TCM Member at IIBX z Vallabhacharya Jayanti
z Superplasticizers in Concrete z Tirthahalli Areca Nut Variety
z International Nurses Day 2024 z 7th India-Indonesia Joint Defence Cooperation Committee
z India’s KABIL Eyes Lithium Acquisition in Australia z Cyclone Hidaya
z China’s Third Aircraft Carrier Completes Maiden Sea Trials z Discovery of Peucetia Chhaparajnirvin
z Prerna Programme z NPCI International Partners with the Bank of Namibia
z 5th Customs Meeting Between India and Bhutan z Critical Minerals Summit
z Oleander Flowers z Growth in Mineral Production
z International Thalassemia Day z PlayTrue Campaign of NADA
z Catatumbo Lightning z World’s Deepest Blue Hole
z Indian Naval Ships Strengthen Maritime Partnerships z Orangutan Treats Wound With Medicinal Plant
z Heatwaves Causing Major Wildfires in Russia z Chinese Road Construction in Shaksgam Valley
z Green Milestone z Study Advocates Removal of Exotic Plant Species
z Batillipes Chandrayaani z 6th Conference of the ICDRI
z Atmosphere of a 55 Cancri e Exoplanet z CPGRAMS
z Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary z Microsoft Unveils Phi-3-Mini
z Kavach System z 65th Foundation Day of CSIR-Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP)
z India Emerges as Third-Largest Solar Power Producer in 2023 z Options Writing
z Widal Test in Diagnosing Typhoid in India z GST Revenue Collection for April 2024
z Elected Women Representatives of PRI Participated in CPD57 z Shompen Cast their First Vote
z Approval for Phase 2 Trials of MTBVAC z Bhimtal Lake
z EC Stops Release of Aid Under Rythu Bharosa Scheme z Simultaneous Eruption of Solar Flares
z Jiadhal River Assam z IREDA Gets Navratna Status
z Border Roads Organisation 65 Raising Day
th
z Hangor Class Submarine
z Israeli Military Seizes Rafah Border Crossing z Plato and the Avars
z SPACE for Indian Navy z AI-powered Election Outreach
z Dry Aral Sea z Goldman Environmental Prize 2024

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¾ India voted in favour of the UN resolution

UNGA Resolution recommending Palestine for full UN membership.
for Palestine’s UN € Despite opposition from the US, the resolution
received 143 votes in favour, signalling a global
Membership Bid push for Palestine’s status upgrade within the UN.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted ¾ Palestinian first delivered the application for UN
in favour of the resolution granting new “rights and membership in 2011, which failed to garner the
privileges” to Palestine and called on the Security Council required support in the Security Council.
to reconsider its request to become the 194th member
€ Subsequently, the General Assembly upgraded
of the United Nations.
Palestine’s status to a non-member observer state
¾ The resolution “determines” that the state of Palestine
in 2012, allowing participation in international
is qualified for membership and recommends the
organisations like the International Criminal
Security Council reconsider its request “favourably.”
Court.
€ The resolution grants Palestine the right to speak on
all issues, propose agenda items, and participate € The renewed push for full Palestinian membership
in UN and international conferences, but explicitly in the UN comes as the war in Gaza has put the
states that Palestine does not have the right to more than 75-year-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict
vote in the General Assembly. at centre stage.

Read more: UNSC Reforms

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Silk Cotton trees (Bombax ceiba L.) are under threat
UN Body Defers NHRC in Rajasthan due to overuse in tribal religious traditions,
Accreditation particularly in Holika-dahan rituals.
¾ It is also called Semal, or the Indian Kapok tree, or
The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Shalmali in Sanskrit.
Institutions (GANHRI), which is based in Geneva and
€ Tribals see the act of burning as a virtuous ritual
affiliated with the United Nations (UN), has postponed
by mythological Holika and Prahlad.
granting accreditation to the National Human Rights
€ In 2009, around 1,500-2,000 trees were cut,
Commission of India (NHRC) for the second consecutive
year. debarked, and ignited during Holi in the Udaipur
¾ The decision could impact India’s voting rights at
district in that year.
the Human Rights Counciland certain UNGA bodies. ¾ It is mainly found in moist deciduous and semi-
¾ GANHRI gives A-status to institutions that meet evergreen forests, also in the plains.
certain criteria for independence and effectiveness € In India, this species is commonly found in Andaman
in protecting human rights. & Nicobar Island, Assam, Bihar, Kerala, Madhya
€ The NHRC has been accredited ‘A’ Status since the Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan,
beginning of the accreditation process for NHRIs and Uttar Pradesh.
in 1999, which it retained in 2006, 2011 and in ¾ This tree is of high medicinal value; its roots and
2017 also after the deferment. flowers are used for their stimulating, astringent and
z However, in 2023 and 2024, India’s NHRC had its hemostatic properties, as an aphrodisiac, to stop
A-status suspended for two consecutive years. diarrhoea, strengthen the heart, induce vomiting,
¾ The GANHRI latest report is still awaited. However, soothe inflammation, treat dysentery, and lower fever.
its previous report (2023 report) had cited a number € It also has antibacterial and antiviral properties,
of reasons for recommending the deferral. These provides pain relief, protects the liver, acts as
included: antioxidants, and lowers blood sugar levels.
€ Composition: Lack of transparency in appointing
€ It is also used in agroforestry for livestock feed.
members to the NHRC,
The wood is strong, elastic and durable for ship
€ Appointment of police officers to oversee human
building.
rights investigations
¾ The Kathodi tribe of Rajasthan uses wood for musical
€ Lack of gender and minority representation on
instruments such as the Dholak and Tambura and the
the member panel.
Bhils use it to make kitchen spoons.
€ NHRC has also failed to create conditions required
Read More: Bhil Tribe
to be “able to operate independent of government
interference”.
Read More: National Human Rights Commission UNESCO’s Memory of
(NHRC)
the World Asia-Pacific
Silk Cotton Tree Under Threat Regional Register
Recently, the Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and
Sahṛdayāloka-Locana have been included in ‘UNESCO’s
Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register’.
¾ ‘Sahṛdayaloka-Locana’, ‘Panchatantra’, and
‘Ramcharitmanas’ were authored by Acharya
Anandvardhan, Pt. Vishnu Sharma, and Goswami
Tulsidas, respectively.
¾ The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
played a vital role in securing the historic moment

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during the 10th meeting of the Memory of the World

Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP). Superplasticizers in Concrete
€ This marks the first time IGNCA has submitted
Superplasticizers are often added to dry-pressed
nominations to the Regional Register since its concrete to make it easier to work with and to improve
inception in 2008.
its density and surface finish.
¾ The Memory of the World (MoW) Program is a global
¾ Superplasticizers are sulfonated melamine
initiative launched by UNESCO in 1992 to safeguard
formaldehyde condensates or sulfonated naphthalene
important documentary heritage.
formaldehyde condensates.
¾ In the Asia Pacific region, a specific branch called the
¾ It is a water-reducing admixture used in making
Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the
concrete.
Pacific (MOWCAP) was established in 1998.
¾ The water-cement ratio is an important factor in
€ MOWCAP covers 43 countries, representing one
of UNESCO’s five regional programs. deciding the durability of concrete because concrete’s
impermeability, strength and durability are directly
Read more: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the
proportional to the water-cement ratio.
Arts (IGNCA)
¾ In regular cement pastes, when cement particles
get close, they tend to stick together in big clumps
SBI Becomes First TCM because of the attraction between them. This means
Member at IIBX more water has to be added than necessary.
€ These can be overcome by adding superplasticisers
State Bank of India (SBI) announced that it has at the appropriate stage of mixing the ingredients of
become the first bank to become a Trading cum Clearing concrete which reduces the inter-particle attraction
(TCM) Member at India International Bullion Exchange of cement particles.
(IIBX).
¾ It helps to reduce inter-particle attraction between
¾ It enables SBI’s IFSC Banking Unit (IBU) to trade on cement particles and to disperse the cement particles
the IIBX platform as the RBI allowed IBUs to act as with less water.
trading members and clearing members at IIBX as
¾ Superplasticizers are used to produce “flowing”
Special Category Clients (SCCs) for importing gold
concrete for placement in inaccessible locations, and
through the bullion exchange.
also to produce high-strength concrete with normal
€ This move is expected to increase trading volumes
workability but very low water/cement ratio to reduce
for gold and silver at the IIBX, bringing transparency
the heat of hydration in mass concrete.
and efficiency to India’s Bullion Market.
¾ IIBX regulated by the International Financial Services
Centers Authority (IFSCA) is India’s first bullion International
exchange established in GIFT -City IFSC.
Nurses Day 2024
€ A bullion market is where traders trade in precious
metals like gold and silver, with exchanges taking International Nurses Daywas celebrated on 12th May
place directly between buyers and sellers and in 2024, at the Ayurvigyan Auditorium, Army Hospital (R &
the futures market (auction market). R), New Delhi.
z The versatile uses of silver and gold, especially ¾ International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on the
in industrial applications, influence their prices. birth anniversary of Florence Nightingaleto recognize
Bullions are considered a safe bet against the contributions of nurses to society.
inflation and a haven for investment. ¾ The International Council of Nurses has declared the
¾ TCM is a member who can trade on their own account theme for this year as ‘Our Nurses Our Future, The
and on behalf of their clients, and also clear and settle Economic Power of Care’.
trades executed by themselves and other trading ¾ Florence Nightingale was a British nurse, statistician,
members who opt to use their clearing services. and social reformer known as the foundational
Read more: GIFT City and Bullion Exchange philosopher of modern nursing.

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€ She became famous for her work in nursing British Russian carrier commissioned in 2013, and the
and allied soldiers during the Crimean War, where INS Vikrant, an indigenously designed and built
she earned the nickname “Lady with the Lamp.” carrier commissioned in September 2022.
Read more: International Nurses Day Read more: Indigenous Aircraft Carrier

India’s KABIL Eyes Lithium Prerna Programme

Acquisition in Australia Recently, the Secretary, Department of School
Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL), a joint venture of Education and Literacy virtually addressed the first alumni
three public sector undertakings, is working to acquire meeting of the Prerana Program.
a lithium block in Australia. ¾ Prerana is an ‘Experiential Learning program’ that
¾ KABIL is a joint venture of National Aluminium aims to offer a meaningful, unique, and inspiring
Company Ltd (Nalco), Hindustan Copper Ltd (HCL), experience to all participants, thereby empowering
and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd (MECL) them with leadership qualities.
the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) under ¾ It is driven by a strong commitment to integrate
the Ministry of Mines. principles of the Indian education system and the
€ It aims to identify, acquire, develop, process, and philosophy of value-based education.
commercialise strategic minerals from overseas ¾ It was launched by the Department of School Education
locations for supply in India, with a focus on battery & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India.
minerals like Lithium and Cobalt.
¾ A batch of 20 selected students (10 boys and 10 girls)
¾ Lithium is a crucial mineral for the energy transition,
attend the program every week from various parts
as it is a fundamental component of lithium-ion
of the country.
batteries that power electric vehicles and battery
energy storage systems. ¾ The curriculum is built around nine core values like
Dignity and Humility, Valor and Courage, Hard Work
Read more: KABIL & CSIR-IMMT Sign Critical Minerals
MoU and Dedication, Compassion and Service, Diversity and
Unity, Integrity and Purity, Innovation and Curiosity,
Faith and Trust, and Freedom and Responsibility.
China’s Third Aircraft Carrier Read more: Rajasthan to Start Prerana Schools.
Completes Maiden Sea Trials
China’s third aircraft carrier, Fujian has successfully 5th Customs Meeting Between
completed its eight-day maiden sea trials.
India and Bhutan
¾ Fujian is an 80,000-tonne supercarrier with
electromagnetic catapults for launching aircraft. The 5th Joint Group of Customs (JGC) meeting
€ Trials focused on propulsion, electrical systems, between India and Bhutan took place on 6- 7th May 2024
and other equipment, achieving expected results. in Leh, Ladakh.
¾ China is the second country after the US to field a ¾ Meeting discussed bilateral issues such as opening
supercarrier with this technology. new Land Customs Stations and notifying new trade
¾ China’s first aircraft carrier Liaoning was commissioned routes, development of infrastructure, automation
in 2012 and the second carrier Shadong was launched and digitisation of transit processes, prevention of
in 2017. smuggling, coordinated cross-border management,
¾ China announced that it is building its fourth aircraft and pre-arrival exchange of Customs data.
carrier, likely a nuclear-powered supercarrier. ¾ These meetings enhance connectivity and trade
¾ Indian Navy’s carriers: infrastructure for smooth customs clearance at 10
€ The Indian Navy operates two aircraft carriers Land Customs Stations along the India-Bhutan border
namely the INS Vikramaditya, a refurbished (6 in West Bengal and 4 in Assam).

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¾ Bhutan is a top trade partner of India for both imports digitoxigenin, which can have pharmacological
and exports. effects on the heart.
€ It has more than tripled from USD 484 million in € Symptoms of oleander toxicity include nausea,
2014-15 to USD 1,615 million in 2022-23. diarrhea, vomiting, rashes, confusion, dizziness,
€ This accounts for about 80% of Bhutan’s overall irregular heartbeat, slow heartbeat, and in extreme
trade. cases, death.
¾ Bhutan thanked the Central Board of Indirect Taxes
and Customs for supporting its capacity building,
training, and skill development through workshops,
seminars, and various training programmes.
¾ Enhancing connectivity with Bhutan is important for
India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ Policy.

Read More: Types of Forests in India

International
Read more: India Bhutan Relations Thalassemia Day
Recently, International Thalassemia Daywas
Oleander Flowers celebrated on 8th May, to unite stakeholders to fight
Kerala has banned the use of Oleander flowers thalassemia through prevention, awareness, early
(Nerium Oleander) (locally known as Arali) in temple diagnosis, and ensuring quality care for patients.
offerings after a woman died from accidentally chewing ¾ The 2024 theme, “Empowering Lives, Embracing
poisonous oleander leaves. Progress: Equitable and Accessible Thalassemia
¾ Oleander, also called rosebay, is a widely cultivated plant Treatment for All,” emphasizes on equality in access
found in tropical, subtropical, and temperateregions to comprehensive care.
around the world. ¾ The need for integration of compulsory Thalassemia
€ It is popular for its ability to withstand drought and testing into the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH)
is commonly used for landscaping and ornamental program as a means to significantly alleviate the burden
purposes. of Thalassemia was promoted during the celebration.
¾ Oleander as a Traditional Medicine: € RCH programme is a comprehensive flagship

€ Ayurveda prescribes this for treating chronic and programme launched in 2005, under the umbrella
obstinate skin diseases, including leprosy. of the National Health Mission (NHM)to deliver
€ The Bhavaprakasha (a renowned treatise on the RCH targets for the reduction of maternal and
Ayurveda) has mentioned it as a poisonous plant infant mortality and total fertility rates.
and recommended its use in the treatment of ¾ The event emphasized that there are nearly 1 lakh
infected wounds, skin diseases, microbes and Thalassemia patients in India, with around 10,000
parasites, and itching. new cases being reported annually. It is crucial to
¾ The plant contains cardiac glycosides (a type of raise widespread awareness about Thalassemia among
chemical), including oleandrin, folinerin, and the general population.

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Read more: Casgevy Therapy for Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassaemia
the Catatumbo River, where it meets Lake Maracaibo,
Catatumbo Lightning the largest lake in Latin America. It is also among the
oldest water bodies on the planet.
Catatumbo lightning is a natural phenomenon that
¾ Warm, moist air from the Caribbean Seais pushed
occurs over the Catatumbo River in Venezuela, where
towards the Andes mountains, where it collides with
lightning strikes almost continuously. cooler air descending from the peaks.
¾ The strikes occur for up to 160 nights in a year, with an ¾ This collision creates a perfect storm of sorts, as the
average of 28 lightning strikes per minute at its peak. warmer air is forced to rise rapidly by the shape of
¾ This phenomenon primarily happens at the mouth of the local landscape.

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¾ It cools and condenses, forming towering cumulonimbus ¾ INS Kiltan is an indigenous anti-submarine warfare
clouds. The combination of strong winds and stealth corvette commissioned into the Indian Navy.
temperature differentials generates electrical charges € It is the third of the four Kamorta-class corvettes
within these clouds. built under Project 28. Designed by the Indian
¾ The cumulonimbus clouds sometimes reach heights of Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design and built by
more than 5 km loaded up on static electricity. When Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE)
the electrical potential within the clouds becomes too in Kolkata.
great, it discharges in the form of lightning. € It is named after an island in the Lakshadweep
and Minicoy group. Continues the legacy of the
erstwhile Petya Class ship of the same name
‘Kiltan (P79)’, which played a significant role in
'Operation Trident’ during the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
Read more: Indian Navy Day 2023

Heatwaves Causing Major

Wildfires in Russia
Russia’s wildfire season, spanning eight regions since
early March 2024 is expected to bring prolonged periods
of “high” and “extreme” wildfire danger across most of
Read more: Report on Lightning Strikes the country this year, continuing a trend seen in previous
years, such as the heatwaves in Siberia in 2019 and 2022
that led to devastating wildfires.
Indian Naval Ships ¾ Verkhoyansk, a town in the Sakha Republic or Yakutia,
Strengthen Maritime known as the ‘coldest inhabited place in the world,’
recorded a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius in June
Partnerships 2020, likely the highest ever in the Arctic Circle region.
Indian Naval Ships Delhi, Shakti, and Kiltan recently ¾ Multiple regions in Russia, including the Jewish
visited Singapore as part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Autonomous Region and Khabarovsk Territory
Fleet’s Operational Deployment to the South China Sea. are currently under a state of emergency due to
widespread wildfires.
¾ The visit aimed at bilateral engagements and discussions
¾ The Russian Hydrometeorological Centre has predicted
on mutual interests and cooperation, emphasizing
that much of Russia will face extended periods of
the commitment to enhancing maritime security and
“high” and “extreme” wildfire risk this year.
stability in the region.
Read more: Forest Fire
¾ INS Delhi, built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, is the
Indian Navy’s first indigenously designed and built
guided missile destroyer. Green Milestone
€ Commissioned in 1997, it is capable of undertaking Recently, the Council on Energy, Environment and
all facets of maritime operations - on surface, air, Water and Centre for Energy Finance (CEEW-CEF) market
and underwater domains. handbook found that the share of coal in India’s overall
¾ INS Shakti is the second and final ship of her class, installed electricity capacity dropped below 50% for the
along with her predecessor INS Deepak fleet tanker first time in history during the 2023-24 period.
built by Fincantieri, an Italian shipbuilding company. ¾ The report cited that renewable energy sources made
€ It is capable of replenishing other naval ships at up 71% of the 26 gigawatts (GW) of power generation
sea with fuel, ammunition, and provisions. capacity added in India.

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¾ India’s total installed electricity capacity rose to and earning recognition for their remarkable
442GW, with renewables contributing 144GW (33%) survival abilities.
and hydro 47 GW (11%).
¾ Solar power accounts for 81% of renewables, with
wind capacity reaching nearly 3.3 GW and nuclear
capacity adding 1.4 GW.
¾ Renewable energy auctions reached a record 41
GW in the fiscal year 2024, with innovative formats
like wind-solar hybrids and RE-plus-storage gaining
prominence.
€ RE-plus-storage refers to renewable energy
systems, such as solar or wind power, combined Read more: Chandrayaan-3 Propulsion Module
with energy storage solutions, typically in the Returns to Earth’s Orbit
form of batteries.
¾ India updated its climate change commitments in Atmosphere of a 55 Cancri e
2022, aiming to reduce GDP emissions intensity by 45%
from 2005 levels by 2030 and have 50% of its power Exoplanet
capacity from non-fossil sources by the same year. Scientists have recently detected a dense atmosphere
Read more: Perspective: India’s Green Energy enveloping 55 Cancri e, a super-Earth twice the size of
Transition our planet, shedding light on its unique characteristics
and potential implications for exoplanetary research.
Batillipes Chandrayaani ¾ The atmosphere of 55 Cancri e is composed of carbon
dioxide and carbon monoxide, although exact amounts
Researchers at Cochin University of Science and remain unclear.
Technology have named a newly discovered marine € Unlike Earth’s atmosphere, which is a blend of
tardigrade species from the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and other gases, the
as Batillipes Chandrayaani, in honour of the Chandrayaan-3 atmosphere of 55 Cancri e is markedly different.
moon mission. ¾ The boiling temperatures on 55 Cancri e, reaching up
¾ It was found in the sandy area between the high and to 2,300°C, make it inhospitable for life as we know it.
low tide marks at Mandapam in Tamil Nadu. € Despite its uninhabitable conditions, the discovery

¾ This tardigrade is the 39thtype of tardigrade classified offers hope for finding other rocky planets with thick
under the name Batillipes. atmospheres that may be more conducive to life.
¾ It has a head that looks like a trapezoid and four pairs ¾ The 55 Cancri e is an exoplanet, located 41 light
of legs with pointy spines for sensing things. years away, has a mass eight times that of Earth and
is characterised by permanent day and night sides.
¾ Tardigrades:
€ It is a super-Earth, which is a unique class of planets
€ These tiny creatures, often called “water bears,”
that are larger than Earth but lighter than ice
are microscopic wonders. giants like Neptune and Uranus.
€ Marine tardigrades make up 17% of all tardigrade
€ They can be composed of gas, rock, or a combination
species known to us, and they inhabit every ocean. of both, and are typically between two to ten times
z Tardigrades have adapted to environmental stress the mass of Earth.
by undergoing a process known as cryptobiosis. ¾ The findings suggest that gases from magma oceans
z Cryptobiosis is defined as a state in which on the planet’s surface may contribute to maintaining
metabolic activities come to a reversible its atmosphere.
standstill. ¾ Exploring 55 Cancri e could provide insights into the
€ Despite their small size, these micro-metazoans evolutionary processes of Earth and Mars.
are incredibly resilient, surviving mass extinctions Read more: New Super-Earth Planet

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Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary Kavach System

Recently, the Supreme Court stayed the construction Recently, Indian Railways has finalised an agreement
of four proposed dams inside Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary with RailTel Corporation of India Limited and Quadrant
in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district as the construction Future Tek Limited to expedite the rollout of the KAVACH
will not only negatively impact the wildlife and local train collision avoidance system, both domestically and
internationally.
community but also harm the ecosystem.
¾ Kavach was developed by the Research Design and
¾ It was established in 1988 to protect the local wildlife
Standards Organisation (RDSO) in association with
and biodiversity and was declared a National Park on three Indian vendors and serves as a cab signalling
8th December 2003. train control system with anti-collision capabilities
¾ It is situated in the foothills of the Shiwalik ranges of ¾ It has been designated as India’s National Automatic
the Himalayas and is contiguous to Rajaji National Train Protection (ATP) System and meets Safety
Park (Uttarakhand) and Simbalbara National Park Integrity Level-4 (SIL-4) standards.
(Himachal Pradesh). € ATP systems are safety mechanisms that monitor

¾ It is spread across 13,209 acres and is rich in biodiversity, a train’s speed to ensure it aligns with permitted
featuring dense sal and khair forests and grassland speeds set by signals. If the train exceeds these
patches supporting diverse plant and animal life. limits, ATP triggers emergency brakes to halt the
train.
¾ It is home to many species of animals, including
¾ Additionally, the system transmits emergency SoS
leopards, sambar deer, barking deer, hyenas, jackals,
messages and offers centralised live monitoring of train
Indian porcupines, Indian pangolins, and langurs and
movements through the Network Monitor System.
several species of birds, such as the red junglefowl,
¾ The Indian Railways Institute of Signal Engineering
grey partridge, Indian peafowl, and white-throated
& Telecommunications (IRISET) in Secunderabad,
kingfisher Telangana, serves as the ‘Centre of Excellence’ for
Read More: Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary Kavach.

Read more: Derailments in Indian Railways

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€ Some carriers may remain asymptomatic, shedding
India Emerges as bacteria for months. Untreated, it can be life-
Third-Largest Solar Power threatening, mimicking other diseases like malaria
and influenza.
Producer in 2023 ¾ The gold standard for diagnosing typhoid involves
India’s remarkable ascent as the world’s third-largest isolating the bacteria from a patient’s blood or
producer of solar power in 2023 underscores a significant bone marrow and growing them in the lab, which
shift towards renewable energy sources in the global is resource-intensive and time-consuming.
energy landscape. ¾ The Widal test detects antibodies against the bacteria
¾ India surpassed Japan in solar power production in but can yield false positives and negatives due to
2023, generating 113 billion units (BU) compared to various factors such as prior antibiotic treatment and
Japan’s 110 BU. cross-reactivity with antibodies from other infections
¾ China remains the leading producer of solar power or vaccinations.
globally, generating 584 BU in 2024, more than the € Misdiagnosis of typhoid can lead to delayed
next four countries combined (the United States, treatment and complications, contributing to the
Japan, Germany and India). obscured burden of the disease in India.
¾ India ranks fifth globally in installed power capacity, ¾ Overuse of antibiotics driven by the Widal test
with 73 gigawatts (GW) of solar power capacity. contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing
¾ Global solar generation in 2023 was more than six a significant public health threat.
times larger than in 2015, while in India it was 17 ¾ Improved access to diagnostics and AMR surveillance
times higher. is vital for addressing typhoid challenges.
€ The share of solar generation increased from 0.5% Read more: Typbar Typhoid Vaccine
of India’s electricity in 2015 to 5.8% in 2023.
Solar power constitutes 18% of India’s total installed
¾
electricity but only 6.66% of the power produced,
Elected Women
highlighting a gap between capacity and actual output. Representatives of PRI
Renewables, including solar and wind power, accounted
¾
for 30% of global electricity production in 2023, with
Participated in CPD57
China being the main contributor. Elected Women Representatives (EWRs) from India’s
Read more: India’s Solar Power Dream Panchayati Raj Institutionsparticipated in the United
NationsCommission on Population and Development
(CPD) Event titled “Localising the SDGs: Women in Local
Widal Test in Diagnosing Governance in India Lead the Way”.
Typhoid in India ¾ The event was part of the 57th session of the United
The widespread use of the Widal test for diagnosing Nations Commission on Population and Development
typhoid in India has raised concerns about its accuracy (CPD57).
and implications for public health management. € It was organised by the Permanent Mission of
¾ The Widal test, a rapid blood test, is extensively India to the United Nations and the Ministry of
used in India for diagnosing typhoid fever, despite Panchayati Raj in collaboration with the United
its limitations and propensity for erroneous results. Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) at the UN
Headquarters Secretariat Building in New York.
¾ Typhoid, caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria, spreads
through contaminated food and water, presenting as ¾ India’s Panchayati Raj system comprises more than 1.4
enteric fever with symptoms like high fever, stomach million EWRs, showcasing a narrative of empowerment,
pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and rash. inclusion, and progress in women’s leadership.

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¾ About UN Commission of Population and Development

(CPD): EC Stops Release of Aid
€ A Population Commission was established by Under Rythu Bharosa Scheme
the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in
Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has
1946, which was renamed as the Commission on
put on hold the disbursement of amounts under Rythu
Population and Development by the UN General Bharosa (previously known as Rythu Bandhu) till the
Assembly in 1994. completion of polling for the Lok Sabha election in the
€ The Commission is composed of 47 Member State.
countries. ¾ The Chief Minister of Telangana violated the Model
€ Member countries are elected by the ECOSOCfor Code of Conduct (MCC) by publicly speaking about
a period of 4 years on the basis of geographic ensuing disbursement under the Rythu Bharosa.
distribution. ¾ The MCC is a set of guidelines issued by the ECI to
regulate the conduct of political parties and candidates
Read More: Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI)
during elections.
¾ Article 324 of the Constitution grants the ECIthe
Approval for Phase 2 authority to oversee and ensure the conduct of
impartial elections for both the Parliament and
Trials of MTBVAC State Legislatures.
¾ The scheme ‘RYTHU BHAROSA’ is one of the nine
Recently, The Central Drug Standard Control
navratna welfare schemes launched by Telangana
Organisation’s (CDSCO) has approved the proposal to
Govt in June 2019.
conduct the phase II clinical trial of the Mycobacterium
¾ The scheme provides financial assistance of Rs. 13,500
Tuberculosis (Live Attenuated) Vaccine. per farmer family every year including tenant farmers
¾ The MTBVAC is the first vaccine against TB derived also across the state.
from a human source to begin clinical trials in adults Read more: Model Code of Conduct
in India.
¾ Bharat Biotech International Limited in collaboration Jiadhal River Assam
with Spanish biotechnology company Biofabri have
started a series of clinical trials to evaluate the safety, Heavy precipitation in Assam is actively reshaping
immunogenicity, and efficacy of MTBVAC in India. the path of the Jiadhal River, leading to soil erosion and
posing a significant threat to agriculture.
¾ MTBVAC is being developed for two purposes as a
¾ It originates from the sub-Himalayan mountains of
more effective and potentially long-lasting vaccine
Arunachal Pradesh at an altitude of 1247 meters,
than BCG(Bacillus Calmette and Guérin) for newborn this river serves as a northern tributary to the
children, and for the prevention of TB in adults and Brahmaputra River.
adolescents, for whom there is currently no effective ¾ It flows through a narrow gorge in Arunachal
vaccine. Pradesh, and the river emerges into the plains of
¾ MTBVAC is the only vaccine against tuberculosis in Assam, specifically in the Dhemaji district, known as
clinical trials based on a genetically modified form of the “Sorrow of Dhemaji” due to its annual floods
the pathogen isolated from humans Mycobacterium and erosion,
tuberculosis. ¾ It travels downstream from Gogamukh, which is
renamed the Kumotiya River.
¾ BCG is an only attenuated variant of the bovine TB
¾ As a northern sub-tributary of the Brahmaputra
pathogen which is older than a hundred years old and
River, it merges with the Subansiri River near its
has a very limited effect on pulmonary tuberculosis. endpoint, augmenting the Brahmaputra’s water
Read more: Tuberculosis volume and force.

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Read more: Subansiri Dam Project

in Arunachal Pradesh on Balipara-Chardwar-Tawang

Border Roads Organisation Road.
65th Raising Day € The BRO will soon start construction on the 4.10-km
long Shinkun La Tunnel, which will become the
Recently, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) world’s highest tunnel at 15,800 ft once completed,
celebrated its 65th Raising Day on 7th May 2024. bypassing China’s Mila Tunnel at 15,590 ft.
¾ Established in 1960 with only two projects, Project ¾ The BRO is an Indian executive force under the
Ministry of Defence, to secure India’s borders and
Tusker (now Vartak) in the East and Project Beacon in
develop infrastructure in remote areas of the north
North India, the BRO has grown to become a vibrant
and north-eastern states.
organisation with 18 projects operating in 11 States
¾ It operates under the Border Roads Development
and three Union Territories.
Board (BRDB) and is responsible for road networks
€ It is now recognised as the leading infrastructure in border areas and neighbouring countries.
construction agency in high-altitude and difficult € The motto of BRO is “Shramena Sarvam Sadhyam”,
snow-bound areas. which translates to “Everything is achievable
¾ In 2023-24, the BRO completed 125 infrastructure through hard work.”
projects, including the construction of the Sela Tunnel Read more: BRO Celebrates 64th Raising Day

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€ Floating Part is a platform which floats on the

Israeli Military Seizes Rafah water surface, and
Border Crossing € Submerged Part is a submersible platform which
can be lowered to any depth upto 100 m using
The Israeli military seized control of the Rafah border winch systems.
crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt and its tanks ¾ Upon completion of operations, the submersible
pushed into the southern Gazan town of Rafah after a
platform can be winched up and docked with the
night of air strikes on the Palestinian enclave.
floating platform.
¾ The closure of the Rafah crossing hindered aid delivery
¾ It will allow quick deployment and easy recovery of
to the Gaza Strip, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.
¾ The Rafah crossing is the southernmost exit point
¾ It will be suitable for survey, sampling, and data
from the Gaza Strip, and it shares a border with
Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. collection of air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor
parameters using modern scientific instrumentation.
€ The crossing is controlled by Egypt. It is the only
exit that does not lead to Israeli territory. € It will bring a new era of Anti-Submarine Warfare

¾ There are two other border crossings in and out of

research capabilities.
Gaza are Erez in the north for people in Israel, and ¾ SONAR (SOund Navigation And Ranging) is a device
Kerem Shalom in the south for commercial goods. used for measuring distance using ultrasonic waves.
€ The sonar technique is used to determine the
depth of the sea and to locate underwater hills,
valleys, submarines, icebergs, sunken ships etc.
Read More: Three Anti-Submarine Warfare Ships
for Indian Navy

Dry Aral Sea

A recent study reveals that the drying up of the Aral
Sea has resulted in the emergence of the Aralkum Desert,
making Central Asia dustier by 7%.
¾ The Aral Sea, once the world’s fourth-largest lake,
dried up in Soviet Central Asia in the 1960s, leading
to severe environmental consequences like increasing
dust and consequently affecting air quality and could
change the overall weather patterns, and increase
the air pressure on the ground in the Aral region.
€ It can intensify the Siberian high in winter and
Read more: Rafah Crossing a weakening of the Central Asian warm low in
summer.
SPACE for Indian Navy € The dust can accelerate the melting of glaciers,
exacerbating the water crisis in the region.
Recently, Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) has set up a premier testing & ¾ The Aral Sea was fed by the two great rivers of Central
evaluation hub for SONAR Systems named “SPACE” in Asia — the Amu Darya (from the Pamir Mountains)
Kerala which is dedicated to the Indian Navy. and the Syr Darya (Tien Shan mountain ranges).
¾ It stands for Submersible Platform for Acoustic ¾ Other similar examples:
Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE). € Lake Urmia in Iran and Lake Hamoun on the Iran-

¾ It will mainly be utilised for evaluation of complete Afghanistan border have also dramatically shrunk
Sonar Systems. It consists of two distinct assemblages. and become strong local sources of dust.

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Read more: Aral Sea

z Front running refers to the unethical practice

Amendment to of a broker or trader, executing orders on a
Mutual Fund Rules security based on advance knowledge of pending
trades from their clients, which can impact the
Recently, the Securities & Exchange Board of India market price.
(SEBI) approved amendments to SEBI (Mutual Funds) z Insider trading, on the other hand, involves
Regulations, 1996 and it has mandated amendments to buying or selling a security based on material,
enhance regulatory oversight within Asset Management non-public information about the security.
Companies (AMCs), some other recent proposed ¾ Recording of Communication:
amendments are: € SEBI has exempted face-to-face interactions during
¾ Institutional Mechanism: market hours from the requirement of recording
€ AMCs are required to implement enhanced all communication by dealers and fund managers.
surveillance systems, internal controls, and ¾ Prudential Norms for Passive Schemes:
escalation processes to identify and address specific € SEBI has streamlined prudential norms for passive
types of misconduct. schemes, allowing equity passive schemes to
€ It aims at preventing front-running, insider trading, invest up to the weightage of constituents in the
and misuse of sensitive information within the underlying index, with a 35% cap on investment
industry. in sponsor group companies.

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Read more: Asset Reconstruction Company

Sun and to promote solar energy as a sustainable

International Sun Day and environmentally friendly energy source.
The Government of India marked International Sun Read more: India’s Solar Power Dream
Day on 3rd May 2024, reaffirming its commitment to
sustainable energy practices with a special focus on solar SMART System
power.
Recently, the Defence Research and Development
¾ The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy organised a
Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a flight test
‘Run for Sun’ Marathon at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium,
of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo
New Delhi, to raise awareness about the pivotal role (SMART) system from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the
of solar power in mitigating climate change. coast of Odisha.
€ The Ministry announced Solar Art, an All-India ¾ SMART System:
Intra-School Solar Art Competition, aiming to € It represents a next-generation missile-based
promote awareness of solar energy among school lightweight torpedo delivery system.
students through artistic expression. € Its primary aim is to significantly augment the
¾ Solar Stops were set up in six Indian cities to educate anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the Indian
citizens about the significance of solar energy through Navy extending beyond the conventional range of
captivating installations and displays. lightweight torpedoes.
¾ International Sun Day is recognised globally as an z The missile is launched from a ground mobile

opportunity to acknowledge the importance of the launcher.

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€ This canister-based missile system incorporates € A torpedo is an underwater weapon with a cigar-
various advanced sub-systems, shaped design, propelled by its power.
z It includes a two-stage solid propulsion system, z It can be launched from various platforms
electromechanical actuator system and precision such as submarines, surface vessels, or
inertial navigation system.
aeroplanes.
€ When it approaches close enough to the submerged
€ Varunastra stands as the inaugural indigenous
submarine, the missile will eject the torpedo system
into the water and the autonomous torpedo will heavyweight ship-launched anti-submarine electric
start moving towards its target to take out the torpedo.
submarine.

Read more: Supersonic Missile Assisted Torpedo

¾ Starliner is a spacecraft that carried astronauts to
Boeing Starliner’s First space, launched by a rocket, featuring a crew capsule
Crewed Test Flight for astronaut accommodation, designed for reentry,
and a non-reusable service module providing life
Recently, an Atlas V rocket is poised to launch with support and propulsion systems.
two seasoned astronauts, Barry Wilmore and Sunita Read more: NASA’s Boeing Starliner Spacecraft
Williams, aboard the Boeing-built crew capsule called
Starliner.
¾ This marks the capsule’s third test flight and the first
Vallabhacharya Jayanti
with astronauts on board, aiming to transport them Vallabhacharya Jayanti, celebrated on 4th May 2024,
to the International Space Station (ISS)in low-earth commemorates the birth anniversary of the renowned
orbit. Hind scholar and an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna, Shri
€ If successful, the US will achieve a historic milestone Vallabhacharya (1479-1531 CE).
by having two spacecraft capable of launching ¾ Vallabhacharya was a revered figure who had a
astronauts into space. deep command over the Vedas and Upanishads. He
€ Currently, the Dragon spacecraft of SpaceX is the was known by the titles Vallabha and Mahaprabhu
only spacecraft that can return significant cargo to Vallabhacharya.
Earth and the first private spacecraft to transport € Vallabhacharya founded the philosophy of Shuddha
humans to the space station. Advaita or pure non-dualism. He also founded the

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Pushti sect of Vaishnavism, a Krishna-centric cult

in the Braj region of India. 7th India-Indonesia
¾ Vallabhacharya was born in a Telugu Brahmin family Joint Defence Cooperation
in 1479 AD and is a prolific writer, he composed
many literary works in his lifetime, including sixteen Committee
independent granthas called “Shodash Granth.” The recent 7thIndia-Indonesia Joint Defence
Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting highlights the
ongoing efforts of both nations to bolster their defence
collaboration.
¾ Progress on various bilateral defence cooperation
initiatives was reviewed, including those deliberated in
meetings of Working Groups on Defence Cooperation
and Defence Industries Cooperation.
€ Means to enhance existing collaboration, particularly
in defence industry ties, maritime security, and
multilateral cooperation, were identified.
¾ JDCC is an annual meeting between the Indian and
Indonesian Defence Ministries, discussing a wide
Read more: Schools of Indian Philosophy range of bilateral cooperation.
¾ India and Indonesia upgraded their strategic partnership
Tirthahalli Areca Nut Variety to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” in 2018,
and also signed a Defence Cooperation Agreement,
The Tirthahalli variety of Karnataka has long been aligned with a shared vision of the Indo-Pacific.
recognised for its exceptional areca nut production, as € Indonesia is a crucial partner in India’s Act East
confirmed by a recent analysis conducted by the Areca Policyand holds significance in the Indo-Pacific
Research Centre at Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of region.
Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences in Shivamogga, Read more: Local Currency Trade between
Karnataka. India-Indonesia
¾ The Tirthahalli areca is highly sought-after for its
suitability in producing high-grade nuts, with growers
of this variety able to cultivate the coveted Nuli and Cyclone Hidaya
Hasa grades. Recently, a severe storm named Cyclone Hidaya is
¾ The areca nut palm is the source of the popular chewing set to hit the coast of Tanzania near Dar es Salaam from
nut known as betel nut or Supari. India is both the the Indian Ocean.
largest producer and consumer of areca nut, with ¾ Cyclone Hidaya (Guidance in Arabic), may bring heavy
major cultivation in states like Karnataka, Kerala, rain and strong winds to regions in Tanzania like Tanga,
Assam, Tamil Nadu, Meghalaya, and West Bengal. Morogoro, the islands of Unguja and Pemba.
€ Arecanut kernels are boiled, and areca precipitates ¾ It formed over the South Indian Ocean and was named
are added after removing the husk. The nuts are by France’s overseas tertiary in the Indian Ocean.
later dried and graded as Nuli, Hasa, Rashi, Bette, ¾ Even though Kenya is usually considered safe from
and Gorabalu based on their market value. cyclones, now it is preparing for the impact of Cyclone
€ Nuli and Hasa nuts fetch a higher price than Rashi, Hidaya.
Bette, and Gorabalu. € Kenya falls within the latitude of 4° North and
¾ Earlier ‘Sirsi Supari’ grown in Uttara Kannada district South and is considered safe from cyclones because
of Karnataka has received the Geographic Indication they typically don’t form within 5 degrees of the
(GI) tag. equator due to the weak Coriolisforce there, which
Read more: “Sirsi Supari” Gets GI Tag is necessary for creating cyclones.

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z Tropical cyclones usually develop in areas or stalking tactics to capture prey, often waiting
between 5° and 30° North or South of the on flowers for insects to come close.
equator.
€ However, despite this usual safety, Kenya now
faces the possibility of being impacted by Cyclone
Hidaya. If this happens, it would be the first time
Kenya has ever experienced a cyclone.

Read more: Spider

NPCI International Partners

with the Bank of Namibia
NPCI International Payments Ltd. (NIPL) signed an
agreement with the Bank of Namibia to create a real-time
instant payment system similar to India’s Unified Payment
Read more: Cyclone Interface (UPI).
¾ The new system will facilitate faster Person-to-Person
Discovery of Peucetia (P2P) and Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions,
promotingfinancial inclusionfor underserved
Chhaparajnirvin populations.
Recently, arachnologists have identified the green ¾ NIPL, established on 3rd April 2020, as NPCI’s fully
lynx spider, which was never discovered earlier. owned subsidiary, focuses on internationalising the
¾ The newly identified spider species, found in RuPay card schemeand UPI mobile payment solution.
Rajasthan’s Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, has been € NIPL aims to revolutionise global payments through
namedPeucetia chhaparajnirvin. innovation and technology, enhancing payment
¾ The nocturnal spider, blending with the Vachellia systems worldwide, especially in resource-limited
nilotica (babul) tree leaves due to its green hue, countries, leveraging its extensive experience and
preys on small insects and serves as a vital predator advanced payment knowledge.
in controlling pest populations, and maintaining ¾ Namibia is the second least densely populated, located
ecological balance.
along the Southern African coast.
¾ The climatic conditions of the sanctuary, characterised
€ Namibia shares a border with the surrounding
by extreme temperatures, underscore the spider’s
adaptability. countries of South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe,
Zambia, and Angola.
¾ Lynx spiders are a family of active hunting spiders
(Oxyopidae) that typically don’t build webs. € It has a diverse environment that is home to
€ These spiders, often found on vegetation, are
deserts, marshlands, savannas, mountains, and
known for their excellent eyesight and use ambush river valleys.

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Critical Minerals Summit

Recently, the Critical Minerals Summit was
concluded in New Delhi on a note of strategic
collaboration and policy insights, marking
significant strides towards India’s critical minerals
objectives.
¾ The summit was organised by the Ministry
of Mines in collaboration with Council on
Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), and
the International Institute for Sustainable
Development (IISD).
¾ The objective of the summit was to equip
government and industry stakeholders
with the knowledge, connections and
tools necessary to accelerate the domestic
production of Critical Minerals.
¾ The discussion emphasised a cluster-based
approach to enhance synergies in mineral
extraction, refining, and utilisation, especially
in low-carbon technologies.
¾ The summit stressed on the need for regulatory
clarity, financing structures, and ESG standards
to attract investors.
¾ Organisations like Invest India were
Read more: Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
commended for their facilitation services in
establishing processing capabilities in India.

Read more: Critical Minerals for India

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Growth in Mineral Production PlayTrue Campaign of NADA

Recently, India’s mineral production witnessed an Recently, the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA)
8.2% year-on-year growth for the period April-February India, concluded #PlayTrue Campaign, commemorating
2023-24 according to provisional data from the Indian the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)’s Play True Day.
Bureau of Mines. ¾ The PlayTrue Campaign highlights NADA India’s
commitment to equipping athletes, coaches, and
¾ The index of mineral production for the mining and
the entire sporting community with a thorough
quarrying sector in February 2024 is 139.6, which is understanding of anti-doping regulations, empowering
8.0% higher compared to February 2023. them to champion clean play in India.
¾ Important minerals showing positive growth during ¾ The campaign served as a crucial event for athletes
February 2024 over February 2023 include: Gold (86%), and stakeholders to collaborate, exchange insights,
Copper (28.7%), Bauxite (21%), Coal (12%), Natural and strategies towards establishing a resilient anti-
gas (U) (11%), Petroleum(crude) (8%). doping framework in anticipation of the Paris 2024
Olympics.
¾ Other important minerals showing negative growth
¾ NADA:
include Iron Ore (-0.7%) and Lead (-14%).
€ National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) was set up
Index of Industrial Production: as a registered society with a mandate for dope
free sports in India.
¾ IIP is an indicator that measures the changes in the
¾ WADA:
volume of production of industrial products during
€ The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was set
a given period.
up under the International Olympic Committee to
¾ It is compiled and published monthly by the National develop, harmonise, and coordinate anti-doping
Statistical Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and regulations across all sports and countries.
Programme Implementation. ¾ National Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act
€ Base Year for IIP is 2011-2012. (NDPS) Act, 1985:
€ It prohibits a person from producing, possessing,
selling, purchasing, transporting, storing, and/
or consuming any narcotic drug or psychotropic
substance.
Read more: Doping Practices In India

World’s Deepest Blue Hole

Recently, researchers have discovered the world’s
deepest blue hole located in Mexico’s Chetumal Bay in
Mexico, known as Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH).
¾ It was originally believed to be the second deepest.
However, recent measurements have shown that it
exceeds 420 meters below sea level (mbsl), making
it deeper than any other known blue hole.
¾ The new measurement reached into the mesopelagic
zone, where sunlight is significantly reduced, and
marine life concentration is high.
¾ TJBH’s depth surpasses other well-known blue holes
Read more: Index of Industrial Production such as the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole in the South

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China Sea (301 mbsl) and the Dean’s Blue Hole in Feature Blue Holes Deep Trenches
the Bahamas (202 mbsl).
Formation Cave collapse Subduction of
¾ Blue holes serve as biological hotspots hosting diverse
tectonic plates
marine life, including corals, sponges, molluscs, sea
turtles, and sharks. Location Continental Convergent plate
¾ Exploration of blue holes has been limited due to shelves, reefs, etc. boundaries
challenging access conditions, as most blue holes Depth Variable, from Deepest parts of
have small openings that are several hundred feet shallow to very the ocean (Mariana
underwater, making them inaccessible for automated deep Trench>36,000 ft)
submersibles.

Read more:Biological hotspot

Orangutan Treats Wound ¾ The plant is known for its antibacterial, anti-
inflammatory, and anti-fungal properties.
With Medicinal Plant ¾ Rakus’ behaviour suggests that wound treatment
¾ An orangutan named Rakus in Sumatra (Indonesia) may have originated in a common ancestorof humans
treated a facial wound with a medicinal plant called and orangutans.
Akar Kuning (Fibraurea tinctoria). ¾ Great apes belong to the taxonomic family Hominidae
€ This is the first documented instance of a great
within the primate superfamily Hominoidea.
ape using a tool with medicinal properties to € Bonobo (Pan paniscus); Chimpanzee (Pan

treat a wound. troglodytes); Eastern Gorilla (Gorilla beringi);

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Western Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla), and orangutans (Pongo) are referred
to as great apes due to their large size and humanlike features. Study Advocates
Removal
of Exotic Plant
Species
A recent study conducted by
the Kerala State Forest Protective
Staff Organisation (KSFPSO), an
association of frontline forest
officers highlights the importance
Read more: Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary
of removing exotic plant species
from forests to ensure ample food
Chinese Road Construction for wild animals, particularly
elephants, at Chinnakkanal in
in Shaksgam Valley Munnar, Kerala.
India expresses concern over recent Chinese road construction activities ¾ The KSFPSO emphasises the
in the Shaksgam Valley in the trans-Karakoram tract of Pakistan-occupied necessity of removing exotic
Kashmir (PoK), a territory ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963. species like Acacia mearnsii
¾ India has consistently rejected the 1963 China-Pakistan Boundary (black wattle) and Eucalyptus
Agreement, which attempted to cede the Shaksgam area to China and (Eucalyptus teriticornis) from
assert Shaksgam Valley as its territory. forest areas to mitigate human-
¾ The Siachen glacier, a vital piece of Indian territory, is situated adjacent to elephant conflicts.
the Shaksgam Valley and holds strategic importance, particularly amidst € Exotic plants inhibit the
the 2020 standoff between Indian and Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh. growth of other species and
¾ China’s extensive military build-up along the Line of Actual Control, restrict animal movement,
especially in eastern Ladakh, poses threats to Indian positions in regions leading to food scarcity for
like Depsang and Daulat Beg Oldie. wildlife.
€ Changing these areas to
natural grasslands will
provide food and water
for wild elephants at
Chinnakkanal and improve
the landscape.
¾ The Chinnakkanal landscape is
overrun by West Indian Lantana
(kongini), hindering the growth
of diverse vegetation and
posing challenges for animal
access.
¾ Nearly 4,000 hectares of
forestland in the district are
affected by exotic species,
impacting prey availability
and consequently attracting
predators like tigers and
Read more: Pakistan-China Relationship & India leopards to adjacent areas.

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Read more: Invasive Alien Species ,Planting of Exotic Trees in Nilgiris is Harmful

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Read more: India Approves Ratification of HQ
6th Conference of the ICDRI Agreement with CDRI
Recently, the Prime Minister of India addressed the
6thInternational Conference on Disaster Resilient CPGRAMS
Infrastructure (ICDRI) 2024.
Recently, the Centralised Public Grievance Redressal
¾ ICDRI is the annual international conference of the
and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) of India was
Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
recognised as a state-of-the-art grievance redressal
in partnership with member countries, organisations
system and a best practice of smart government by the
and institutions
Commonwealth Secretariat.
€ It aim to increase the resilience of infrastructure
¾ Other country’s monitoring systems are the Civil
systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby
Registration and Vital Statistics System (CVRS) and
ensuring sustainable development.
identity management systems of Namibia, Human
¾ CDRI was launched in 2019, at the United Nations Resource Management and E-Citizen models of Kenya.
Climate Action Summit in New York. It is India’s
second major global initiative after the International CPGRAMS:
Solar Alliance (ISA). ¾ It is an online web-enabled system developed by the
€ The CDRI Secretariat is based in New Delhi, India.. National Informatics Centre, (MeitY), in association
¾ CDRI’s initiatives: with the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances
& Pensions.
€ Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS):
India launched this initiative and it focuses on ¾ It aims to receive, redress and monitor the grievances
building capacity, having pilot projects in Small of the public.
Island Developing States or SIDS. ¾ It acts as a single portal connecting all Ministries/
€ Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund: It
Departments of the Government of India and States.
is a fund supported by both the United Nations ¾ Citizens can access CPGRAMS through a standalone
Development Programme (UNDP) and United mobile application via theUMANG integrated mobile
Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). application.
¾ Few other CDRI programs are the resilient housing ¾ While registering, citizens receive a unique registration
in Dominica, resilient transport networks in Papua ID to track the status of their grievances.
New Guinea, and enhanced early warning systems ¾ It also offers an appeal mechanism for citizens
in the Dominican Republic and Fiji. unsatisfied with the resolution.

Read more: Santusht Portal

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€ It is funded by the Ministry of Science and

Microsoft Unveils Phi-3-Mini Technology and it operates as an autonomous
body through the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
Recently, Microsoft unveiled Phi-3-Mini as part of
¾ CSIR covers a broad range of fields from radio and
its family of open AI models, designed to be capable and
space physics,oceanography, and geophysics to
cost-effective Small Language Models (SLMs).
biotechnology, nanotechnology,mining, aeronautics,
¾ SLMs are AI systems trained on existing data to solve
environmental engineering, and information
language-related tasks such as text classification, technology.
question answering, text generation, etc.
Read More: Council of Scientific and Industrial
¾ Phi-3-Mini reportedly outperforms models of similar Research
size and even larger ones in key areas like language,
reasoning, coding, and math.
¾ Phi-3-mini is the first model in its class to support Options Writing
a context window of up to 128K tokens, with little Retail investors and affluent individuals are
impact on quality. increasingly diving into options writing, a riskier segment
€ The amount of conversation that an AI can read once dominated by institutional players and experts.
and write at any given time is called the context ¾ This surge is amidst regulatory concerns over retail
window, and is measured in something called participation in derivatives trading, with a Securities
tokens. and Exchange Board of India study estimating losses
¾ Microsoft collaborates with Imperial Tobacco Company for 90% of individual traders in the Futures and Options
(ITC) utilising Phi-3- Mini for their ongoing partnership (F&O) segment.
in developing Krishi Mitra, a farmer-focused app ¾ Options writing refers to the strategy of selling
benefiting over a million farmers. options contracts, which grants the seller (writer) an
Read More: Microsoft’s Phi-2: Small Model, Big obligation to buy or sell the underlying asset at a
Impact predetermined price (strike price) within a specified
period (expiration date).
€ This strategy is often employed by investors seeking
65th Foundation Day of to generate income through collecting premiums,
CSIR-Indian Institute of but it comes with the risk of potentially unlimited
losses if the market moves unfavourably against
Petroleum (IIP) the writer.
Recently, the Council of Scientific & Industrial ¾ The introduction of daily and weekly expiry options
Research - Indian Institute of Petroleum (CSIR-IIP) has further fueled options writing, allowing traders
celebrated its 65th Foundation Day, established on 14th to capitalise on short-term market movements and
April, 1960. premium decay.
¾ During the event, scientists were encouraged to € Options writers benefit from theta decay (daily

undertake challenging research in e-Methanol and decline in an option’s value), while buyers face
Green Hydrogen, Carbon neutrality. challenges due to faster premium decay.
¾ The Director of CSIR-IIP presented the institute’s ¾ Derivatives, financial instruments derived from
roadmap for 2024-2030, aiming to achieve Vikasit underlying securities, include forwards, futures,
Bharat and highlighted achievements of institute and options.
such as Numaligarh Wax Plant, Sustainable Aviation € Forwards and futures mandate buyers to purchase
Fuel, US Grade Gasoline, Medical Oxygen Units, an asset at a pre-agreed price on a future date.
Sweetening Catalyst, PNG Burner, and Improved € Options give buyers the right, but not obligation, to
Gur Bhatti. buy or sell the underlying asset at a predetermined
¾ CSIR is one of the largest research and development price, exercisable on or before the maturity date.
(R&D) organisations, established in 1942. Read more: Nifty Next 50 index

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GST Revenue
Collection
for April 2024
The Gross Goods and
Services Tax (GST) collections hit
a record high in April 2024 at Rs
2.10 lakh crore. This represents
a significant 12.4% year-on-year
growth, driven by a strong
increase in domestic transactions
(up 13.4%) and imports (up
8.3%).
¾ After accounting for refunds,
the net GST revenue for April
2024 stands at Rs 1.92 lakh
crore, reflecting an impressive
15.5% growth compared to
the same period of 2023.
¾ Finance Minister attributed
this surge to the strong
momentum in the economy
and efficient tax collections,
with no dues pending on
account of IGST (Integrated
GST) settlement to the States.
¾ GST compensation cess
collections also hit an all-time
high of Rs 13,260 crore,
€ Introduced for five years Read more: Goods and Services Tax (GST)
to compensate States for
revenue losses due to
the 2017 switch to the
Shompen Cast their First Vote
GST regime, the cess is For the first time 7 members of the Shompen tribe, one of the Particularly
now being used to repay Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)residing in the Great NicobarIsland cast their
loans taken during the votes in the Andaman and Nicobar Lok Sabha constituency.
pandemic to compensate ¾ They are highly isolated, semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers. The estimated
States amid a lockdown- population of the Shompen tribe was 229 as per the 2011 Census data.
triggered collapse in ¾ They are known for their distinctive unique language, consisting of various
revenues. dialects understood only within specific bands.
¾ Mizoram reported the ¾ The tribe’s social structure is patriarchal, with the eldest male member
highest growth at 52%, overseeing family affairs. While monogamy is common, polygamy is also
followed by Assam at 25%, permissible.
and Delhi, Bihar, and Goa at ¾ Five PVTGs are residing in Andamans archipelago are Great Andamanese,
23% rise in revenues. Jarwas, Onges, Shompens and North Sentinelese.

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¾ PVTGs were originally labelled as Primitive Tribal several faults that occurred due to the shifting of
Groups (PTGs) by the Dhebar Commission in 1973, the Earth’s crust.
later renamed PVTGs by the Government of India ¾ The lake was built during British time in 1883 and
in 2006. has a masonry dam built on it.
Read more Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups ¾ The lake has rich flora and fauna around it and thick
(PVTGs)
forests of pine and oak cover the hill slopes around
the lake.
Bhimtal Lake € It is home to a number of migratory birds in the
¾ Bhimtal Lake is the largest lake in the Nainital district, winter months.
in the state of Uttarakhand. It is the largest lake in the € Famous species found in the area include bulbul,
Kumaon region, known as the “lake district of India”. wall creeper, Emerald Dove, Black Eagle, and
€ It is named after the second Pandava called Bhima Tawny fish owl.
of the famous epic Mahabharata. ¾ The lake has an island at its centre developed as a
¾ It is a natural lake and its origin is attributed to tourist attraction with an aquarium.

Read more: sun-stream lake

Simultaneous Eruption ¾ When the sun reaches the peak of its 11-year solar
cycle known as solar maximum, it exhibits heightened
of Solar Flares activity.
Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space € It is known as a sympathetic solar flare, where

Administration (NASA) solar dynamics observatory multiple eruptions occur across the Sun’s magnetic
captured a rare celestial event that occurred with four field, linked by massive magnetic field loops.
solar flares erupting simultaneously. ¾ Sympathetic flares are caused by one eruption
¾ It originated from three sunspots and a large magnetic triggering others, leading to Coronal Mass Ejections
filament, demonstrating complex magnetic interactions. (CMEs) and massive bursts of plasma.

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¾ It is considered rare because most reported sympathetic ¾ This event offers scientists an opportunity to understand
flares involve only two linked flares, while this one the Sun’s complex life cycle and magnetic interactions
involved four flares erupting in unison making it a better.
super-sympathetic event.
¾ The sun’s magnetic field goes through a cycle, called
¾ These types of events have the potential to disrupt
the solar cycle, every 11 years the Sun’s magnetic
power grids, telecommunication networks on Earth,
and orbiting satellites, and expose astronauts to field completely flips which means the sun’s north
dangerous radiation levels. and south poles switch places.

Read more: Solar Radiation Management

IREDA Gets Navratna Status

Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) achieves a significant milestone as it attains ‘Navratna’
status from the Department of Public Enterprises.
¾ IREDA was set up in 1987 as a non-banking financial institution, it operates under the Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy and promotes and develops projects related to renewable energy sources.
¾ Navratna Privileges: Firms with Navratna status can undertake investments up to Rs 1,000 crore without central
authority approval, allocate 30% of net worth annually, and engage in joint ventures and overseas subsidiaries.
¾ Qualification Criteria: Companies must attain Miniratna Category-I designation and be listed in Schedule A of
CPSEs to qualify for Navratna status.

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Classification of CPSEs
Category Launch Criteria Examples
Maharatna ¾ Maharatna Scheme ¾ Having Navratna status. ¾ Bharat Heavy
was introduced ¾ Listed on Indian stock exchange with minimum Electricals Limited,
for CPSEs in May, prescribed public shareholding under Securities Bharat Petroleum
2010, in order to and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulations. Corporation Limited,
e m p owe r m e ga ¾ An average annual turnover of more than Rs. Coal India Limited,
CPSEs to expand 25,000 crore during the last 3 years. GAIL (India) Limited,
their operations and etc.
¾ An average annual net worth of more than Rs.
emerge as global
15,000 crore during the last 3 years.
giants.
¾ An average annual net profit after tax of more
than Rs. 5,000 crore during the last 3 years.
¾ Should have significant global presence/
international operations.
Navratna ¾ Navratna Scheme ¾ The Miniratna Category - I and Schedule 'A' ¾ Bharat Electronics
was introduced in CPSES, which have obtained 'excellent' or Limited, Hindustan
1997 in order to 'very good' rating under the Memorandum of Aeronautics Limited,
identify CPSEs that Understanding system in three of the last five etc.
enjoy comparative years, and have composite score of 60 or above
advantages in their in the six selected performance parameters,
respective sectors namely.
and to support € Net profit to net worth.
them in their drive € Manpower cost to total cost of production/
to become global services.
players.
€ Profit before depreciation, interest and
taxes to capital
€ employed.

€ Profit before interest and taxes to turnover.

€ Earning per share.

€ Inter-sectoral performance.

Miniratna ¾ Miniratna scheme ¾ Miniratna Category-I: The CPSES which have ¾ Category-1: Airports
was introduced in made profit in the last three years continuously, Authority of India.
1997 in pursuance of pre-tax profit is Rs.30 crores or more in at least Antrix Corporation
the policy objective one of the three years and have a positive net Limited, etc.
to make the public worth are eligible to be considered for grant ¾ Category-II: Artificial
sector more efficient of Miniratna-I status. Limbs Manufacturing
and competitive and ¾ Miniratna Category-II: The CPSEs which have Corporation of India,
to grant enhanced made profit for the last three years continuously B h a ra t P u m p s &
autonomy and and have a positive net worth are eligible to Compressors Limited,
delegation of be considered for grant of Miniratna-II status. etc.
powers to the profit- ¾ Miniratna CPSEs should have not defaulted in
making public sector the repayment of loans/interest payment on
enterprises. any loans due to the Government.
¾ Miniratna CPSES shall not depend upon
budgetary support or Government guarantees.
Read more: Sectors of Indian Economy, India’s Renewable Energy Vision: IREDA

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w w w. d r i s h ti IA S.c om CURRENT AFFAIRS MAY, PART-I 2024 189
in the 18th century from Herculaneum unveiled
Hangor Class Submarine Plato’s burial in Athens’ Academia garden.
Recently, China has launched the first of eight Hangor- ¾ Avars, a dominant power in eastern central Europe

class submarines being built for Pakistan. It is a diesel- from the late 6th century CE to the early 9th century.
electric attack submarine. € The Avars originated from eastern central Asia and
settled in the Carpathian Basin. The researchers
¾ It is bigger than the Indian Navy’s Kalvari class
collected DNA from Avar cemeteries and used a
submarines, with a displacement of 2,800 tons
method called ancIBD to investigate the social
compared to 1,775 tons for the Kalvari class.
practices of the Avars.
¾ The Hangor class has Air independent propulsion (AIP).
z ancIBD detects Identity-by-Descent (IBD)
€ AIP allows submarines to stay submerged for segments in ancient human DNA (aDNA). IBD
longer periods. segments are long DNA sequences shared
€ AIP is planned to be installed on the first Scorpene between two individuals and are a signal for
class submarine INS Kalvari in 2024. recent genealogical connections.
¾ In terms of armament, both carry torpedoes and € The findings reveal that Avars avoid cousin marriage
anti-ship missiles, TheKalvari class likely has more and have minimal intermarriage with non-Avars.
modern and battle-tested armament. z They practised Levirate unions (a widow married

¾ The bigger size of the Hangor class may hamper its a male from the family of her deceased spouse),
manoeuvrability in littoral waters compared to the which is not common in Europe but were an
smaller Kalvari class. established feature of steppe peoples from
Asia and had a strict patrilineal structure.

AI-powered
Election Outreach
As the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in India unfold
the use of technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and
augmented reality (AR) is rapidly transforming how
politicians interact with and reach out to potential voters.
¾ AI-generated Conversation: It involves generating
Read more: Air Independent Propulsion for Diesel
the realistic-sounding voice of a local leader to make
Electric Submarines calls to voters and respond to their issues using a
generative AI and making promises to improve the
Plato and the Avars situation.
¾ Augmented Reality Rallies: Political parties use AR
Recent scientific advances have uncovered Plato’s technology to create computer-generated images
burial site and shed light on the Avars’ historical of politicians delivering messages to voters in their
significance, unveiling two intriguing past chapters. real-world environment, accessed through QR codes.
¾ Plato (427-348 BCE), a prominent philosopher from ¾ Social Media Deepfakes: AI-generated deepfakes
Greece, was a student of Socrates (470-399 BCE) and of politicians and bollywood celebrities are being
a teacher of Aristotle (384-322 BCE). used on social media and messaging platforms to
€ In North India and Pakistan, they are known as deliver positive and negative messages to sway voter
‘Sukraat’, ‘Aflatoon’, and ‘Arastu’ respectively. sentiment.
€ Ancient papyrus scrolls (writing material used in ¾ Concerns about Literacy and Transparency: The
ancient Egypt and the Mediterranean) discovered widespread use of these technologies raises concerns

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about the potential for misinformation and the need ¾ The Hasdeo River, which flows into the Mahanadi
for greater transparency, especially in a country with River, is fed by these forests and supplies water to
a large and diverse population of internet users with the Hasdeo Bango reservoir, irrigating 741,000 acres
varying degrees of digital literacy. of farmland.
Read more: Deepfakes: Opportunities, Threats, and € Chhattisgarh, where 44% of the land is forested,

Regulation, Artificial intelligence has the third largest forest coverage in India.
€ Furthermore, nearly 15,000 Indigenous peoples rely
on the Hasdeo Aranya forests for their livelihood,
Goldman Environmental cultural heritage, and food.
Prize 2024 ¾ The Goldman Environmental Prize also known as
the Green Nobel Awards awarded by the Goldman
Alok Shukla, a forest and tribal rights activist, has
Environmental Foundation. The Prize was founded
been awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental
by Richard and Rhonda Goldman in 1989.
Prize 2024 for his successful campaign that saved 4.45
€ It recognises grassroots environmental leaders from
lakh acres of biodiversity-rich forests from 21 planned
coal mines in Chhattisgarh’s Hasdeo Aranya region. six regions (Asia, Africa, Europe, North America,
South and Central America) and lastly, islands and
¾ The forest of the Hasdeo Aranya is spread over 1.70
island nations.
lakh hectares across the districts of Korba, Surajpur,
€ The winners are selected by an international jury
and Surguja in Chhattisgarh, known as the “lungs of
Chhattisgarh”, with rich biodiversity and home to 25 and awarded USD 200,000 as prize money.
endangered species, 92 bird species, and 167 rare Read more: Protests in Chhattisgarh Over Coal
and medicinal plant species. Mining

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