Updated 2

PT 365 UPDATED PART 2
Table of Contents
1. POLITY AND GOVERNANCE _____________5 2.7.3.1. Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) ___ 25
1.1. Fiscal Federalism _____________________ 5 2.7.3.2. Operation Meghdoot and Siachen Glacier
1.2. EVM-VVPAT _________________________ 6 ______________________________________ 26
2.7.3.3. UK Parliament passed bill to send asylum
1.3. National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
seekers to Rwanda ______________________ 26
______________________________________ 7 2.7.3.4. Draft Explosives Bill (2024) _________ 26
1.4. Misleading Advertisements ____________ 8 2.7.4. Military Exercises in News _____________ 27
1.5. Other Important News related to Elections 9 2.7.4.1. Tiger Triumph 2024 _______________ 27
1.5.1. Disclosure of Assets by Election Candidates 9 2.7.4.2. Exercise ‘Gagan Shakti’ ____________ 27
1.5.2. Home Voting _________________________ 9 2.7.4.3. Exercise Poorvi Lehar _____________ 27
1.5.3. Re-polling____________________________ 9 3. ECONOMY _________________________ 28
1.5.4. Right to Contest Election and Right to Vote of
3.1. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) ___ 28
Prisoners _________________________________ 9
3.2. Urban Poverty in India _______________ 29
1.6. Other Important News _______________ 10
3.2.1. Inheritance Tax as a tool of Wealth
1.6.1. Curative Petition _____________________ 10
Redistribution ____________________________ 30
1.6.2. Doctrine of Harmonious Construction ____ 10
3.2.2. Living Wage and Minimum Wage _______ 30
2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS ___________11 3.3. Asset Monetization _________________ 31
2.1. Multilateral Organisations ____________ 11 3.4. Asset Reconstruction Companies ______ 31
2.1.1. AUKUS _____________________________ 11
3.5. Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs) ____ 33
2.2. Other Important Organisations in News _ 12
3.6. Crowdfunding ______________________ 34
2.2.1. UN Membership Procedure ____________ 12
2.2.2. United Nations Conference on Trade and
3.7. Key Developments in Banking and Finance
Development (UNCTAD) rebranded as UN Trade and _____________________________________ 35
Development _____________________________ 12 3.8. Consumer Confidence Survey _________ 37
2.2.3. Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) _________ 12 3.9. Internationalization of Rupee _________ 37
2.2.4. Initiatives for Prevention of Crimes against 3.10. Basel III Endgame __________________ 39
Peacekeepers ____________________________ 13 3.11. Financing for Sustainable Development
2.2.5. International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Report 2024 ___________________________ 41
________________________________________ 13 3.12. IMF Lending ______________________ 41
2.3. Places in News ______________________ 13 3.13. Millets ___________________________ 42
2.4. Bilateral Relations ___________________ 17 3.14. Steel Sector of India ________________ 43
2.4.1. India-Indonesia ______________________ 20 3.15. Coal Sector in India _________________ 45
2.5. Other Bilateral Relations in News ______ 21 3.16. IPRPM Framework _________________ 46
2.5.1. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Paid Official Visit to
3.17. Other Important Developments ______ 46
India ____________________________________ 21
2.6. Other Important News _______________ 21 4. ENVIRONMENT _____________________ 48
2.6.1. Disaster Diplomacy ___________________ 21 4.1. Climate Change _____________________ 48
2.6.2. Chabahar Port _______________________ 22 4.1.1. Green Credit Rule ____________________ 48
2.6.3. Other Recent Developments ___________ 22 4.1.2. Direct Air Capture and Storage _________ 48
2.6.3.1. Schengen Area ___________________ 22 4.1.3. Other Important News ________________ 49
2.6.3.2. Havana Syndrome ________________ 22 4.1.3.1. Climate Technology Centre and Network
2.6.3.3. Darfur Crisis _____________________ 23 (CTCN) ________________________________ 49
2.6.3.4. Erez Crossing ____________________ 23 4.1.3.2. New Collective Quantified Goal on
2.7. Issues Related to Security _____________ 23 Climate Finance (NCQG) __________________ 49
2.7.1. India’s Defence Exports _______________ 23 4.1.3.3. Climate Promise Initiative __________ 49
2.7.2. Miscellaneous _______________________ 24 4.1.3.4. MYAC (One Million Youth Actions
2.7.2.1. Weaponisation of Space ___________ 24 Challenge) _____________________________ 49
2.7.2.2. Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 4.1.3.5. Clean Energy Transitions Programme
(AFSPA), 1958 __________________________ 24 (CETP) ________________________________ 50
2.7.3. Other Important Developments _________ 25 4.1.3.6. Carbon Farming __________________ 50
4.1.4. Reports and Indices __________________ 50
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4.2. Pollution __________________________ 51 5.1.1. National Framework for Early Childhood
4.2.1. E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, Stimulation ______________________________ 74
2024 ____________________________________ 52 5.2. Child Care Leave ____________________ 74
4.2.2. Phasing out mercury measuring devices in 5.3. Doping in Sports ____________________ 75
healthcare project _________________________ 52 5.4. Other Important News _______________ 76
4.2.3. Cleanest Air in Southern Ocean _________ 53 5.4.1. Food Waste Index Report 2024 _________ 76
4.2.4. Reports and Indices in News ____________ 53 5.4.2. Global Network Against Food Crises (GNAFC)
4.3. Biodiversity ________________________ 54 ________________________________________ 77
4.3.1. Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes 6. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY _____________ 78
Conference (SFTLC) ________________________ 54 6.1. Biotechnology ______________________ 78
4.3.2. Protected Areas in News_______________ 55 6.1.1. Tissue Culture _______________________ 78
4.3.3. Species in News ______________________ 57
6.2. IT, Computer and Cybersecurity _______ 78
4.3.4. Other Important News ________________ 59
6.2.1. Cyber Risk: Concern for Macro-Financial
4.3.4.1. Global Forest Watch (GFW) _________ 59
Stability _________________________________ 78
4.3.4.2. Plankton Crash ___________________ 59
6.2.2. Global Positioning System (GPS) Spoofing_ 79
4.3.4.3. Gape Limitation __________________ 59
6.2.3. Doxxing ____________________________ 79
4.3.4.4. Central Marine Fisheries Research
6.2.4. Mercenary Spyware __________________ 79
Institute (CMFRI) ________________________ 59
6.2.5. Shallowfake _________________________ 79
4.3.4.5. Fourth Global Mass Coral Bleaching
6.2.6. Cyber Slavery _______________________ 79
Event _________________________________ 60
6.2.7. White Rabbit (WR) Technology _________ 80
4.4. Sustainable Development _____________ 61
6.3. Space Technology ___________________ 80
4.4.1. Environmental Movements in India ______ 61
6.3.1. Space Weather ______________________ 80
4.4.2. Constitutionalization of Environmental Issues
6.3.2. Satellite Communication Technology (SCT) 80
________________________________________ 61
6.3.3. Semi-cryogenic Engine (SCE)-200________ 81
4.4.3. National Green Tribunal _______________ 62
6.3.4. Important Space Missions in News ______ 82
6.3.4.1. Aryabhata ______________________ 82
4.4.4.1. Paira Cropping System _____________ 64
6.3.4.2. Juno Mission ____________________ 82
4.4.4.2. World Energy Council _____________ 64
6.3.4.3. Dragonfly Mission ________________ 82
4.4.4.3. World's first ever Nuclear Energy Summit
______________________________________ 64
6.3.5.1. Ice Cube Observatory _____________ 82
4.4.4.4. Antarctic Treaty __________________ 64
6.3.5.2. Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO) __ 83
4.4.4.5. Solar photovoltaic Potential (SPV)____ 65
6.3.5.3. Kalam-250 ______________________ 83
4.4.5. Reports and Indices ___________________ 66
6.3.5.4. Chang'e-6 _______________________ 83
4.5. Disaster Management ________________ 66 6.3.5.5. Weakly Interacting Massive Particles
4.5.1. Tornadoes __________________________ 66 (WIMPs) ______________________________ 83
4.5.2. Early Warnings for All (EW4All) _________ 67 6.3.5.6. Quarks _________________________ 83
4.6. Geography _________________________ 67 6.4. Health ____________________________ 84
4.6.1. Baseflow ___________________________ 67 6.4.1. Ethylene (C2H4) _____________________ 84
4.6.2. Timekeeping ________________________ 68 6.4.2. Glycemic Index ______________________ 85
4.6.3. Geoparks ___________________________ 68 6.4.3. Bird Flu ____________________________ 85
4.6.4. Other Important News ________________ 69 6.4.4. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
4.6.4.1. Rogue Waves ____________________ 69 Technology ______________________________ 86
4.6.4.2. Swell Waves _____________________ 69 6.4.5. Other Important News ________________ 86
4.6.4.3. Volcanic Vortex Rings (VVR) ________ 69 6.4.5.1. Meningitis ______________________ 86
4.6.4.4. Ringwoodite _____________________ 69 6.4.5.2. Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia
4.6.4.5. Zero Shadow Day _________________ 69 Syndrome (TTS) _________________________ 87
4.6.4.6. Permafrost Region ________________ 70 6.4.5.3. S.A.R.A.H. _______________________ 87
4.6.5. Places in News _______________________ 70 6.4.5.4. WHO Sodium Benchmarks _________ 87
4.6.5.1. Rivers in news (India) ______________ 70 6.4.5.5. Coronavirus Network (CoViNet) _____ 87
4.6.5.2. Places in News: International _______ 71 6.4.5.6. Weight Loss Drugs ________________ 87
4.7. Errata _____________________________ 71 6.4.5.7. Retrotransposons ________________ 88
5. SOCIAL ISSUES ______________________73 6.4.5.8. Microbiome _____________________ 88
5.1. Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) 6.5. Defence ___________________________ 88
_____________________________________ 73 6.5.1. Spy (reconnaissance) Satellite __________ 88
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6.5.2. Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) 7.1. Sculpture, Temple and Other Architecture
________________________________________ 89 _____________________________________ 96
6.5.3. Agni Prime __________________________ 89 7.1.1. Delisting of Monuments _______________ 96
6.5.4. Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of 7.1.2. Madhava Perumal Temple _____________ 97
Torpedo (SMART) System ___________________ 90 7.2. Painting and other Art Forms__________ 97
6.5.5. Other Important News ________________ 90 7.2.1. Mohiniyattam _______________________ 97
6.5.5.1. Exoatmospheric missiles (EMs) ______ 90 7.2.2. Tholu Bommalata ____________________ 97
6.5.5.2. Operation Iron Shield ______________ 90 7.3. Important Sites in News ______________ 98
6.5.5.3. C-Dome Defence System ___________ 90 7.3.1. Padta Bet ___________________________ 98
6.5.5.4. Rampage Missiles _________________ 90 7.3.2. New Archaeological Sites in Telangana ___ 98
6.5.5.5. Kamikaze Drones _________________ 91
7.4. Tribes in News _____________________ 98
6.6. Miscellaneous ______________________ 91 7.4.1. Soligas Tribe ________________________ 98
6.6.1. Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) ___________ 91 7.4.2. Shompen Tribe ______________________ 99
6.6.2. Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced 7.4.3. Konda Reddi Tribes ___________________ 99
Research (KSTAR) _________________________ 91
7.5. Miscellaneous ______________________ 99
6.6.3. Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (e-VTOL)
7.5.1. Vaikom Satyagraha ___________________ 99
________________________________________ 91
7.5.2. World Craft City (WCC) _______________ 101
6.6.4. Piezoelectricity ______________________ 92
6.6.5. Insoluble Sulphur/Polymeric Sulphur _____ 92
7.6. Errata ___________________________ 101
6.6.6. Bisphenol A (BPA) ____________________ 92 8. SCHEMES IN NEWS _________________ 102
6.6.7. Goldene ____________________________ 92 8.1. National Ayush Mission (NAM) _______ 102
6.6.8. Oxytocin ____________________________ 92 8.2. Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) Scheme _ 103
6.6.9. Chloropicrin _________________________ 93 8.3. Errata ___________________________ 104
6.6.10. Nitroplast __________________________ 93 9. APPENDIX ________________________ 105
6.7. Science and Technology in Government 9.1. Classical Music of India _____________ 105
Schemes ______________________________ 93 9.2. Classical Dances of India ____________ 106
7. CULTURE __________________________96
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1. POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1.1. FISCAL FEDERALISM
Why in the news?
Recently, some states have moved the Supreme Court against the Centre for disputes over sharing of financial
resources by the Central Government.
Fiscal Federalism
• Refers to how Union, state, and local governments share funding and administrative responsibilities within
India’s federal system.
Constitutional Provisions defining India’s Fiscal Federalism
• Seventh Schedule: Constitution delineates tax bases between the Union and States listing them in the Union
List and the State List respectively (Article 246).
• Distribution of Revenue
o Taxes levied and collected by the centre, but wholly assigned to the states (Article 269).
o Levy and Collection of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in course of Inter-State Trade or Commerce (Article
269A), which is distributed between Centre and States based on recommendations of GST Council.
o Taxes levied and collected by the union and distributed between the union and the states (Article 270)
based on the recommendations of Finance Commission.
• Grants-in-Aid
o Statutory Grant (Article 275): Grants-in-aid of the revenues of such States as Parliament may determine
to be in need of assistance.
✓ Different sums may be fixed for different States.
o Discretionary Grants (Article 282): Union or a State may make any grants for any public purpose, even
beyond their legislative competence.
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• Borrowings: As per Article 292, the union government has powers to borrow money either within or outside
the country while under Article 293, a state government can borrow within India (and not abroad).
o Also, if a state is indebted to the Union, it may not resort to further borrowing without the prior consent
of the Union Government.
• Finance Commission: Article 280 provides for a Finance Commission (constituted by President after every five
years, or earlier) to adjudicate sharing of resources between Union and States.
1.2. EVM-VVPAT
Why in the News?
In Association for Democratic Reforms vs Election Commission of India and Another (2024) the Supreme Court
dismissed requests for full cross-verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) data with Voter Verifiable Paper
Audit Trail (VVPAT) records.
About EVM-VVPAT
• Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is a portable microcontroller-based instrument designed to modernize the
Election process.
o It is manufactured and supplied to the ECI by Bharat Electronics Limited (under the Ministry of Defense)
and Electronic Corporation of India Limited (under the Department of Atomic Energy).
• It consists of 3-units
o Ballot unit: Functions like a keyboard with 16 buttons/ key.
o Control unit: Also called as the master unit, remains with the polling/presiding officer
o VVPAT: Allows the voters to verify that their votes are cast as intended.
✓ When a vote is cast, a slip is printed containing the serial number, name and symbol of the candidate
✓ This slip is visible through a transparent window for 7 seconds before it automatically cuts and drops
into a sealed box.
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✓ It was introduced to have the fullest transparency in the voting system and to restore the confidence
of the voters by ensuring the accuracy of the voting system using EVMs.
• Note: Goa was the first state to use VVPATs with all EVMs during its 2017 Legislative Assembly election.
o VVPATs were fully deployed in the 2019 Lok Sabha General Elections.
Advantages of the EVM-VVPAT
• It runs on battery and does not require any external power supply.
• Negating a scenario of an invalid vote akin to an invalid paper ballot.
• It does not permit more than 4 votes per minute, thereby deterring booth capturing.
• After pressing the ‘CLOSE’ button on the control unit, there is no possibility of voting.
• By pressing the ‘TOTAL’ button on the control unit at any time, the total number of votes polled up to the
time of pressing the button is displayed, without indicating the candidate-wise result of votes.
• It is not possible to pre-program the EVM in a spurious manner.
1.3. NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC)

Why in the news?
Recently, the United Nations-linked Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) deferred the
accreditation of the NHRCI for the second year in a row.
About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Genesis: It is a statutory body, established under the Protection of Human Rights Act (PHRA), 1993 as
amended in 2006 and 2019.
o PHRA defines Human Rights as the rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual.
These rights are guaranteed by the Constitution or embodied in International Covenants and are
enforceable by courts in India.
• Appointment: Chairperson and Members of the Commission are appointed by the President of India, on the
recommendations of a committee, headed by the Prime Minister, consisting of:
o Speaker of Lok Sabha
o Minister-in-Charge of Union Ministry of Home Affairs
o Leader of
Opposition in
Lok Sabha
and Rajya
Sabha
o Deputy
Chairman of
Rajya Sabha
• Tenure:
Chairperson and
members of NHRC
will hold office for
three years or till
the age of
seventy years,
whichever is earlier.
o The Chairperson and members both are eligible for reappointment.
• Removal: Both Chairperson and members can be removed from office by order of the President on the
ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity after consultation with the Supreme Court.
• Powers of NHRC: It has all the powers of a civil court trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908
and in particular in respect of the following matters, namely:
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o Summoning and enforcing the attendance of witnesses and examining them on oath;
o Discovery and production of any document;
o Receiving evidence on affidavits;
o Requisitioning any public record or copy thereof from any court or office;
o Issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents.
• Limitations of NHRC
o Cannot investigate cases if the complaint was made more than one year after the incident.
o For violation of human rights by armed forces, NHRC can seek report from the Union Government and
then issue recommendations.
✓ State Human Rights Commissions, however, cannot even call for information from the Union
Government regarding violation of human rights by armed forces.
1.4. MISLEADING ADVERTISEMENTS

Why in the News?
Supreme Court (SC) asked the Government to act on FMCG (Fast-Moving Consumer Goods) firms using
misleading advertisements.
About Misleading Advertisements
• Misleading advertising is any published claim that gives a consumer an incorrect understanding of the
product or service.
• Under Consumer Protection Act 2019, an advertisement is misleading if it
o Falsely describes a product/service,
o Gives a false guarantee to nature, quantity or quality of product/service,
o Represents unfair trade practice, or
o Deliberately conceals important information.
Initiatives taken to combat misleading advertisements
• ‘Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements,
2022’ issued by Central Consumer Protection authority (CCPA).
• Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954: It prohibits advertisement for
remedies alleged to possess magic qualities.
• Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Establishes CCPA to regulate matters relating to misleading advertisements.
• Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Penalty for misleading advertisements pertaining to food.
Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954
• Misleading claims are prohibited under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements)
Act, 1954.
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○ Section 4 of the Act prohibits advertisements that give false impressions regarding the true character
of the drug.
○ Section 5 prohibits the Advertisement of Magic Remedies for treatment of certain diseases and
disorders.
✓ magic remedies are defined as any charm (talisman, mantra, kavacha, etc.), alleged to possess
miraculous powers for diagnosis, cure, mitigation etc.
1.5. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS RELATED TO ELECTIONS

1.5.1. DISCLOSURE OF ASSETS BY ELECTION CANDIDATES
• Supreme Court, while hearing an appeal on election petition, held that election candidates have right to
privacy as regards to matters which are of no concern to voters or are irrelevant to candidature of public life.
o It is not necessary that a candidate declare every item of movable property that he or his dependent
family members own, such as clothing, shoes, crockery, stationery and furniture, etc.
• Statutory provisions regarding declarations by Election candidates
o Section 33 of the Representation of People’s Act (RPA), 1951: Deals with nominations for election of
candidates and presentation of valid information.
o Section 36 of RPA, 1951: Provides for scrutiny of nomination and empowers returning officer to reject
nominations on grounds of any defect of ‘substantial character’.
1.5.2. HOME VOTING

• Election Commission of India (ECI) for the first time provides facilities of home voting in coming 2024 election.
• About Home Voting Facility
o Under this, voting from home takes place with involvement of a full contingent of polling staff and
security personnel with secrecy of voting diligently maintained.
o Beneficiaries
o Persons with disabilities (PwDs) meeting 40% benchmark disability.
o Senior citizens aged above 85 years.
1.5.3. RE-POLLING
• Election Commission of India conducted re-polling for the ongoing Lok Sabha General Elections in various
polling stations of Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Provisions related to Re-polling under the Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951
o Circumstances under which re-polling is needed
✓ Section 57: On account of natural calamity, violence, etc.
✓ Section 58(2): Due to damage or destruction of voting machines.
✓ Section 58A: Countermanding of election on account of Booth capturing.
✓ Section 52: On account of death of candidate of recognised political party (National party/ State
party).
1.5.4. RIGHT TO CONTEST ELECTION AND RIGHT TO VOTE OF PRISONERS

• Contesting: A convicted person, sentenced to imprisonment for 2 years, cannot contest election (Section 8
(3) of Representation of People Act or RPA, 1951).
o Such person shall continue to be disqualified for a further period of six years since his release.
o Even if such convicted person is on bail, they cannot contest election.
• Voting: A person confined in a prison cannot vote (Section 62(5) of the RPA, 1951).
o It is applicable to persons under a sentence of imprisonment or transportation or is in the lawful custody
of the police.
o A person under preventive detention is entitled to vote in an election (Section 62(5) of the RPA, 1951 and
Rule 18 of Conduct of Elections Rules 1961).
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1.6. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS
1.6.1. CURATIVE PETITION
• Supreme Court (SC) quashes arbitral award against Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
• Curative Petition: It’s the last constitutional remedy available to a person whose review petition (Article 137)
has been dismissed by SC.
• Given shape in Rupa Ashok Hurra v. Ashok Hurra & Anr. Case (2002)
○ The curative power of the Court flows from Articles 129 (Court of Record) and 142 (power to do complete
justice).
• Supreme Court could entertain a curative petition under the following grounds
○ Violation of principles of natural justice.
○ Question of bias against the presiding judge.
○ Abuse of the process of the court.
1.6.2. DOCTRINE OF HARMONIOUS CONSTRUCTION

• While refusing to condone the delay, Supreme Court laid down principles to provide harmonious
construction to Sections 3 and 5 of Limitation Act, 1963.
o Notion of Condonation of delay encompasses discretionary power of a court to extend prescribed time
limit for filing an appeal/application.
• About Doctrine of Harmonious Construction
o It means that when there arises a conflict between different statutes or between the statutes, in such
circumstances, courts try to interpret them in a way that makes them work together smoothly instead
of declaring other statutes void.
o Its origin is traced back to first amendment made in judgment of Shankari Prasad v. Union of India (1951).
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2. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
2.1. MULTILATERAL ORGANISATIONS
2.1.1. AUKUS
Why in the news?
AUKUS members are considering cooperation with Japan on advanced capabilities projects.
More on news
• Japan’s inclusion in Pillar II (not a new full member yet) could enhance alliance partnerships, capability
integration and standardisation, as well as potentially rationalise export control and information security
regulations among the four countries.
o Japan already has a close bilateral defense partnerships with all three countries (Australia, the UK and US)
About AUKUS
• Genesis: Announced in 2021.
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• Nature: It is a new three-way strategic defence alliance between Australia, the UK and US.
• Aim: To boost defense capabilities, accelerate technological integration, and expand the industrial capacity
of all three countries.
• AUKUS partnership is composed of two pillars:
o Pillar I – Conventionally Armed, Nuclear-Powered Submarines: Under it, UK and USA are helping Australia
acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
o Pillar II – Advanced Capability Development: Focused on developing joint capabilities to enhance
interoperability with focus on cyber capabilities, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and
additional undersea capabilities etc.
• AUKUS primarily serves as a framework for advancing defense technologies, rather than an alliance
committed to defense during contingencies.
• For facilitating sharing of critical technology, a legally binding tripartite agreement known as the Exchange
of Naval Nuclear Propulsion Information Agreement (ENNPIA) was signed in 2021.
• AUKUS is different from Quad: AUKUS prioritizes defense partnership, unlike Quad, which has a broader focus
on strategic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
o Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is a group of US, Australia, India, and Japan which commits for a
free, open, prosperous and inclusive Indo-Pacific region that is prosperous and resilient.
2.2. OTHER IMPORTANT ORGANISATIONS IN NEWS

2.2.1. UN MEMBERSHIP PROCEDURE
• UN Security Council refers Palestinian application to become full UN member to committee.
• About UN Membership procedure
o State accepts Charter commitments by submitting an application to Secretary-General.
o UNSC requiring affirmative votes from 9 out of 15 members and no vetoes by 5 permanent members.
o If recommended, it's presented to General Assembly, which requires a two-thirds majority vote.
o Membership becomes effective upon resolution adoption.
2.2.2. UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD)

REBRANDED AS UN TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT
• The rebranding marks the start of the 60th anniversary of the organization.
o This strategic move underscores the organization's commitment to increasing its global voice on the
behalf of developing countries.
• Key Achievements of UNCTAD:
o Implementation of Financing for Development, as mandated by the global community in the Addis Ababa
Agenda (2015), together with four other major institutional stakeholders.
✓ The institution includes the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the World Trade
Organization, and the United Nations Development Programme.
o Assisted countries under the Debt Management and Financial Analysis System (DMFAS) Programme.
2.2.3. EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION (EEU)

• India and EEU bloc officials held talks to formally start negotiation for Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
• About EEU
o It is an ambitious project for economic integration in the former Soviet region.
o Objectives: To create a common market much like the European Union (EU).
o Established by the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union signed in 2014 in Astana (now Nur-Sultan).
o 5 Members Countries: Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia.
o Within EEU, Russia is India’s top trading partner with a bilateral trade worth USD 49.4 billion (FY2023).
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2.2.4. INITIATIVES FOR PREVENTION OF CRIMES AGAINST PEACEKEEPERS
• India-led Group of Friends (GOF) launched a new database designed to record crimes against Peacekeepers
& monitor progress in holding perpetrators accountable.
o The GOF was launched by India in 2022 to promote accountability for crimes against the Blue Helmets
during its presidency of the UN Security Council
• UN peacekeeping forces are employed to maintain or re-establish peace in an area of armed conflict.
However, they sometimes face violence in deployed regions.
o These forces are also referred to as Blue Helmets as they are equipped in blue-coloured helmets.
o They won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.
2.2.5. INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD (INCB)

• India’s Jagjit Pavadia has been re-elected to INCB for the third term from 2025 to 2030.
• About INCB
o It is independent and quasi-judicial monitoring body for implementation of UN international drug control
conventions.
o It was established in 1968 in accordance with Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961.
o Members: 13 members (elected by UN Economic and Social Council for five years)
o Its functions are laid down in:
✓ Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961.
✓ Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971.
✓ United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, 1988.
2.3. PLACES IN NEWS
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ASIA
Uzbekistan Chief of the Army Staff inaugurated a high-tech IT
(Capital: laboratory at the Academy of Armed Forces in
Tashkent) Uzbekistan.
• Political features:
○ It is a double landlocked country in
Central Asia.
○ BorderingCountries:Kazakhstan(North),
Kyrgyzstan(East),Tajikistan(South-
east),Afghanistan(South),Turkmenistan(
South-west).
• Geographical Features:
○ Desert: Kyzyl Kum.
○ Highest Point: Khazret Sultan
○ Major rivers: Syr Darya River, Amu Darya
River
○ The Aral Sea, is located in both
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Senkaku • Joint statement issued by Japan and USA
Island recently opposed any attempt to unilaterally
change the status quo of the Senkaku
Islands by China.
o Japan and China have long-running
dispute over these islands.
• About Senkaku Island:
o Also known as Diaoyu in Chinese.
o Senkaku Islands are located in the East
China Sea approximately 410 km west of
Okinawa Island.
o Largest island: Uotsuri Island.
Sittwe Port, • India has secured the right to operate its

Myanmar second overseas port (after Chabahar in
Iran), Sittwe, after approval by Ministry of
External Affairs (MEA).
• About Sittwe Port
o Deep water port located at the estuary
of Kaladan River in Rakhine State of
Myanmar.
o Developed as a part of Kaladan Multi-
Modal Transit Transport Project
(KMTTP) funded under grant in aid
assistance from GoI.
o Significance: Will open new
opportunities for India’s Northeast for
trade and transit, enhance trade and
commerce between India and Myanmar,
etc.
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Tajikistan • Tajikistan’s state security service has
(Capital: detained nine individuals in relation to
Dushanbe) Moscow concert hall attack.
• Political features
o Landlocked country in Central Asia.
o Bordered by Kyrgyzstan (north), China
(east), Afghanistan (south), and
Uzbekistan (west and northwest).
• Geographical features
o Highest Peak: Imeni Ismail Samani or
Ismoil Somoni.
o Major rivers: Amu Darya, Vakhsh River.
Aral Sea • Study has found that the desert which
emerged due to the drying up of the Aral Sea
has made Central Asia a much dustier place.
• About Aral Sea
o It was once-large saltwater lake of
Central Asia.
o Lies on the boundary between
Kazakhstan to the north and Uzbekistan
to the south.
• Other important lakes that shrunk in last
few decades:
o Lake Urmia: Lies in the bottom of the
large central depression of the
Azerbaijan region in northwestern Iran.
o Lake Hamoun: Freshwater Lake in Iran
on Iran – Afghanistan border.
North Korea • Russia has vetoed a United Nations Expert
(Capital: Panel that has been monitoring sanctions
P’yŏngyang) against North Korea.
o Known as Democratic People’s Republic
of Korea, it is an East Asian country
occupying Northern part of Korean
Peninsula.
o Bordered by China and Russia to north
and Republic of Korea (South Korea) to
south.
o Water bodies: East Sea (Sea of Japan)
and Yellow Sea in west.
o Highest Peak: Mount Paektu.
o Major Rivers: Yulu (Yalu), Tumen,
Taedang, and Imjin.
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EUROPE
Ural River • Rise in water level of Ural River due to snow
melting affected over 10,000 Homes across
Russia.
• Ural River
o It is 2,428 km long river that flows
through Russia and Kazakhstan along
the continental boundary between
Europe and Asia.
o Originates in Ural Mountains and
empties into Caspian Sea.
o It is Europe's third-longest river after
Volga and Danube rivers.
o Melting snow constitutes about 60% to
70% of the river’s water source.
Republic of • Ireland got new Prime Minister.
Ireland • Political Features:
(Capital: o It occupies greater part of an island lying
Dublin) to west of Great Britain.
o Bordering countries: Northern Ireland to
North (Part of United Kingdom)
o Surrounding water bodies: Atlantic
Ocean (west), Celtic Sea (south), and
Irish Sea (east).
o Ireland is separated from Great Britain by
North Channel, Irish Sea, and St.
George’s Channel.
• Geographical Features:
o Highest Peak: Carrantuohill.
o Longest river: River Shannon.
o Largest lake: Lough Neagh
Romania • A research center in Romania developed
(Capital: world’s most powerful LASER, which
Bucharest) promises revolutionary advances in sectors
like health, space, etc.
o Located in Southeastern Europe.
o Bordered by Ukraine (north), Moldova
(northeast), Bulgaria (south), Serbia
(southwest), and Hungary (west).
o Bounded by Black Sea to the Southeast.
o Joined NATO in 2004 and European
Union in 2007.
o Climate is temperate and marked by four
distinct seasons.
o Relief is dominated by the Carpathian
Mountains.
o Major rivers: Danube, Tisza, Prut, etc.
o Highest peak: Mount Moldoveanu.
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Netherlands • 12th India-Netherlands Foreign Office
(Capital: Consultations were held in The Hague,
Amsterdam) Netherlands.
o Located in north-western Europe, also
known as Holland.
o Land Boundary: Belgium (south) and
Germany (east).
o Water Bodies: North Sea (north and
west).
• Geographical Features
o Major Rivers: Rhine, Meuse etc.
o Highest Point: Vaalserberg.
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AFRICA
Kenya • Heavy rains in the capital city have resulted in
(Capital: devastating floods.
Nairobi) • Political boundaries
○ Lies on the East Africa coast, bordered by
the Indian Ocean.
○ Somalia to the east, Ethiopia and South
Sudan to the north, and Uganda and
Tanzania, west and south respectively.
○ Major mountain: Mt Kenya (second
highest in Africa), Aberdare Range, Mau
Escarpment
○ Major rivers: Athi, Tana
○ Lake Victoria on the western border.
○ Bisected horizontally by the Equator.
○ Great Rift Valley passes through it.
Afar Triangle • Geologists predict potential emergence of a
new ocean at the Afar Triangle (also known
as the Afar Depression), located in the Horn
of Africa.
• About Afar Triangle
o It represents the northernmost portion
of the Great Rift Valley.
o It is on one of the most geologically
active regions on earth, where Nubian,
Somali and Arabian Plates converge.
o It will be inundated by Red Sea and the
Gulf of Aden when new ocean basin will
be formed. This could lead to the birth of
a distinct continent in East Africa.
o It encompasses sections of Eritrea,
Djibouti, and Ethiopia.
• Awash River is the main river that flows
through the Afar Triangle.
Chad Chad polling to vote for a new president aimed at
(Capital: ending military rule.
N’Djamena) Political features:
• Landlocked country in north-central Africa.
• Land borders: Libya (north), Sudan (east),
the Central African Republic (south),
Cameroon, Nigeria, and Niger (west).
Geographical features:
• It is largely a semi-desert country.
• Largest Lake: Lake Chad.
• Major River: The Chari river.
• Highest Point: Mount Koussi.
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Ghana India-Ghana agreed to strengthen trade ties at
(Capital: 4th joint trade committee meeting in Accra.
Accra) Political features
• West African country on Gulf of Guinea.
• Land Border: Burkina Faso (north), Togo
(east), Côte d’Ivoire (west).
• Maritime border: Atlantic Ocean (south).
Geographical features
• Major Rivers: Volta, Tano, Pra, etc.
• Highest Point: Mount Afadjato
• The Greenwich Meridian passes through
Ghana.
Americas
Colombia • Bogota started water rationing due to low
(Capital: levels of water in its reservoirs.
Bagota) • Political Features:
○ Located in the northwestern part of the
South American continent.
○ Bounded by the Caribbean Sea in the
north, Pacific Ocean in the west.
○ Neighboring countries: Panama on the
west, Venezuela and Brazil on the east,
Peru and Ecuador on the south.
• Geographical Features
○ Andes Mountains run along the western
flank, and the Amazon Forest in the
southeast.
○ Important Peaks: Pico Cristóbal Colón
and Simón Bolívar.
○ Rivers: Amazon, Magdalena, Orinoco.
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2.4. BILATERAL RELATIONS
2.4.1. INDIA-INDONESIA
Why in the news?
75 year of diplomatic ties between India and Indonesia have been completed recently.
About India-Indonesia Relations About the country
• The foundation of diplomatic ties between Indonesia (Capital: Jakarta)
both the countries was laid by visit of the
Indonesian President in 1950 and the Treaty
of Friendship (1951).
Key Aspects of Relationships:
Political:
• Established Strategic Partnership in 2005,
later elevated to Comprehensive Strategic
Partnership.
• Both countries were part of Bandung
Conference 1955 which led to establishment
of the Non-Aligned Movement (1961).
• Both countries cooperate in common
groups like G20, Indian Ocean Rim
Association (IORA), East Asia Summit,
United Nations etc.
• Indonesia is part of India’s Act East Policy
(2014).
Trade Political features
• Land border: Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and with East
• Indonesia has emerged as India’s largest
Timor.
trade partner in ASEAN region.
• Almost three-fourths of Indonesia’s area is embraced by
• India is the second largest buyer of crude
Sumatra, Kalimantan, and western New Guinea.
palm oil from Indonesia.
o Celebes, Java, and the Moluccas account for most of
Maritime Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific the country’s remaining area.
• Indonesia is strategically located between • Maritime boundary: Australia, Palau, Philippines,
the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and India.
• Under Security and Growth for All in the o Southwest of Great Nicobar lies the northwestern
Region (SAGAR) initiative, India is helping tip of Sumatra, Indonesia.
development of port infrastructure (E.g. Geographical features
Sabang port). • Indonesia is the largest Archipelago in the world.
• It lies across the Equator.
Defense: Joint Military Exercises; Samudra • Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of fire.
Shakti, India-Indonesia Coordinated Patrol (IND- • Longest River: The Kapuas River.
INDO CORPAT)
• Highest point: Puncak Jaya.
Cultural: Hinduism and Buddhism have key • Major volcanoes: Krakatau, Merapi, Sinabung, etc.
influence over the culture of Indonesia. • Major straits: Malacca, Lombok, Sunda
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2.5. OTHER BILATERAL RELATIONS IN NEWS
2.5.1. UKRAINE’S FOREIGN MINISTER PAID OFFICIAL VISIT TO INDIA
• Foreign Minister visits amid efforts to seek a peaceful
resolution to the more than two-year-old Russia-Ukraine
conflict.
• Ukraine expects India to participate in the Peace summit to
be hosted by Switzerland based on Ukrainian President's 10
points peace formula.
o 10 points peace formula aims to bring lasting peace to
Ukraine and put an end to war.
• A Review meeting of the Inter-governmental Commission
(IGC) was also held to restore cooperation prior to war level.
About India- Ukraine Relationship
• Political: India was one of the first countries to recognise
Ukraine (1991).
• Trade and Economic Cooperation: India is Ukraine’s major
export destination in the Asia-Pacific (2020).

2.6.1. DISASTER DIPLOMACY
Why in the news?
Recently, 6th edition of the International
Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
(ICDRI) held in India, which emphasized the
nation's expanding contribution to global crisis
response efforts.
About Disaster diplomacy
• Disaster Diplomacy refers to ‘a country’s
efforts to provide aid and support to other
countries affected by natural/ man-made
disasters or conflicts.
o This approach to diplomacy involves a
country’s deployment of personnel,
resources, and aid to provide assistance
to those in need.
• The Use of Foreign Military and Civil
Defence Assets in Disaster Relief - “Oslo
Guidelines” (adopted in 1994, updated in
2006) sets the guiding principles of
humanitarian assistance for UN humanitarian agencies.
India’ Approach towards disaster relief
Approach India’s initiatives
First responder to • Launched Operation Dost in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes that
natural disasters struck in Turkiye.
• India launched Operation Karuna to assist cyclone-hit Myanmar
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Capacity Building • India assists Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Mauritius in developing
Early Warning Systems under the UN's 'Early Warnings for All (EW4All)' initiative.
Helping people in • A part of Mission SAGAR, India’s humanitarian assistance included supplies of
Conflict Zones essential food items, medicines, Ayurvedic medicines to Mauritius and Comoros.
Post-conflict relief • Focusing on relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and
and rehabilitation Afghanistan.
UN Peacekeeping • India has contributed significantly in peacekeeping missions to facilitate stabilization
and reconstruction.
Managing Health • During the COVID-19 pandemic, India conducted COVID-19 Vaccine Maitri program,
Disasters which has assisted over 100 nations.
2.6.2. CHABAHAR PORT

Why in the news?
Recently, India signed a 10-year agreement with Iran for
the development of the Shahid Beheshti Port Terminal
at Chabahar Port.
More on the News
• The contract was signed between India Ports Global
Limited (IPGL) and Ports and Maritime Organization
(PMO) of Iran.
o IPGL is a company which is 100% owned by
Sagarmala Development Company Limited, a
company under administrative control of
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
• India, Iran, and Afghanistan signed a trilateral agreement in 2016 for the development of the Chabhar port.
• The port will minimize the distance from India’s west coast to landlocked Afghanistan, Central Asia and
European nations bypassing Pakistan.
2.6.3. OTHER RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

2.6.3.1. SCHENGEN AREA
• European Union (EU) has adopted new visa rules for Indian travellers to allow multiple-entry Schengen Visa
with longer validity.
• About Schengen area
o It is world’s largest free travel area comprising 27 countries.
o 27 countries include 23 of the 27 EU members and all members of the European Free Trade Association
(Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
o Started in 1985 as an intergovernmental project between 5 EU countries– France, Germany, Belgium, the
Netherlands and Luxembourg.
2.6.3.2. HAVANA SYNDROME

• Joint media investigation linked mysterious Havana Syndrome symptoms experienced by US diplomats in
recent years to a Russian intelligence unit.
• Havana Syndrome
o Refers to set of mental health symptoms that are said to be experienced by the US intelligence and
embassy officials in various countries.
o Symptoms involve hearing certain sounds without any outside noise, nausea, vertigo and headaches,
memory loss, and balance issues.
o First detected in 2016 in Havana (Cuba).
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2.6.3.3. DARFUR CRISIS
• UN has said that people have been eating ‘grass and peanut
shells’ in Darfur due to hunger crisis in Sudan.
• Since April 2023, civil war in Sudan has ensued with clashes
between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
About Darfur
• Darfur is a region of western Sudan, bordering Libya, Chad, and
the Central African Republic.
• The latest surge in violence comes as the RSF encircles North
Darfur’s capital, El Fasher
• It has halted aid convoys coming from Chad’s Tine border
crossing – a humanitarian corridor that passes through El
Fasher.
2.6.3.4. EREZ CROSSING

• Israel has approved the reopening of the Erez crossing to
allow the flow of more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
o Also approved use of Ashdod Port for Aid.
• About Erez Crossing
o Also known as Beit Hanoun.
o It is a border crossing between Israel and the northern
Gaza Strip.
o It is the only border crossing that allows people in Gaza
to travel to the occupied West Bank without passing
through Egypt or Jordan.
• Other Key Crossings: Rafah crossing (between Egypt and
Gaza), Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing, etc.
2.7. ISSUES RELATED TO SECURITY

2.7.1. INDIA’S DEFENCE EXPORTS
Why In the News?
Category Indigenous Content
Defence exports have grown by 31 times in
last 10 years as compared to FY 2013-14 and Buy (Indian – Indigenously Designed Indigenous design
growth of 32.5% over FY 2022-23. Developed and Manufactured) i.e. and ≥ 50%
Buy (Indian- IDDM)
More on news
• Also, number of export authorisations Buy (Indian) In case of indigenous
rise to 1,507 in FY 2023-24. design ≥ 50%,
• Private sector contributed about 60% in otherwise≥ 60%
defence exports.
• Initiatives taken to promote Defence Buy and Make (Indian) ≥ 50% of the ‘Make’
portion
exports
o Foreign Direct Investment was
Buy (Global - Manufacture in India) ≥ 50%
enhanced upto 74% through
automatic route. Buy (Global) Foreign Vendor –Nil
o Innovation for Defence Excellence Indian Vendor ≥ 30%
(iDEX) to achieve self - reliance and
foster innovation and technology development in Defence.
23
o Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020) increased Indigenous Content in various categories of
procurement (refer table).
o Establishment of Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
2.7.2. MISCELLANEOUS
2.7.2.1. WEAPONISATION OF SPACE
Why in the News?
Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) draft resolution on a weapon-free outer space jointly
proposed by the United States and Japan.
Steps taken by India to enhance space capabilities
About UNSC resolution • Defence Space Agency (DSA): established in 2018 to
• The vetoed resolution would have affirmed enhance coordination among military space activities
that countries which ratified the 1967 Outer • Mission Shakti: India’s first ever Anti-Satellite (ASAT)
Space Treaty must comply Missile Test successfully conducted in 2019 to defend
• with their obligations not to put in orbit its assets in outer space
around the Earth “any objects” with weapons • IndSpaceEx: first simulated space warfare exercise in
of mass destruction, or install them “on 2019 to assess potential threats and formulate a joint
celestial bodies, or station such weapons in space warfare doctrine.
outer space.”
• Russia’s stand: Vetoed resolution focused solely on weapons of mass destruction including nuclear arms, and
made no mention of other weapons in space.
About Weaponisation of Space
• Weaponization of space defines the process which results in deployment of weapons in space which may then
become a theatre of conflict through use of weapons aimed at destroying targets either in orbit or on Earth's
surface.
o On the other hand, militarisation of outer space refers to the use of space in support of ground, sea and
air-based military operations.
Important Global Initiatives for Peace in Space
• Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS, 1959): To govern the exploration and use of
space for the benefit of all humanity.
• Outer Space Treaty (1967): Prohibits nuclear weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction in outer
space.
• Rescue Agreement (1968): Agreement on the Rescue of Astronauts, the Return of Astronauts and the
Return of Objects Launched into Outer Space.
• Space Liability Convention (1972): Launching state is liable for damage caused by its space objects.
• Launch Registration Convention of (1975): Launching State shall register the space object in an appropriate
registry and inform the same to Secretary-General of UN.
• Moon Agreement (1979): The agreement forbids the establishment of military bases, installations and
fortifications on the Moon and, the testing of any type of weapons on the Moon.
Note - India is a party to Outer Space Treaty, the Rescue Agreement, the Liability Convention and the
Registration Convention.
India has also signed the Moon Treaty but not ratified.
India also actively participates in COPUOS.
2.7.2.2. ARMED FORCES (SPECIAL POWERS) ACT (AFSPA), 1958

Why in the news?
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) has been extended by the Centre to eight districts in
Nagaland and three districts in Arunachal Pradesh.
24
More on News
• Currently, AFSPA is in effect in parts of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Also, AFSPA remains in force in Jammu and Kashmir through the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special
Powers Act, 1990.
• However, it was lifted from Tripura in 2015, Meghalaya in 2018 and Mizoram in the 1980s.
About AFSPA, 1958
• An Act to enable certain special powers to be conferred upon members of the armed forces in disturbed
areas in the State of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura that lies
in the North Eastern sector.
• Power to declare areas to be disturbed areas under Section 3 of the Act: Governor of that State or the
Administrator of that Union territory or the Central Government, as the case may be, may, by notification in
the Official Gazette, declare the whole or such part of such State or Union territory to be a disturbed area.
o Disturbed area is an area in such a disturbed or dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of
the civil power is necessary.
• Special powers of the armed forces under Section 4: Any commissioned officer, warrant officer, non-
commissioned officer or any other person of equivalent rank in the armed forces is given "special powers"
under AFSPA, although they must be exercised with extreme caution.
o After giving due warning as considered necessary, Fire upon or use force, even causing death, against
any person acting in contravention of laws:
✓ Prohibiting assembly of 5 or more persons
✓ Prohibiting carrying weapons or firearms/ammunition/explosives.
o If reasonable suspicion exists, can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search a premises
without a warrant
o Unless otherwise authorized by the central government, Army soldiers operating under the AFSPA are
shielded from all legal actions.
2.7.3. OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS

2.7.3.1. COMBINED MARITIME FORCES (CMF)
• Indian Navy seized drugs in Arabian Sea as a part of multi-nation Combined Task Force-150 under CMF.
• Drugs are seized under Operation Crimson Barracuda, first such operation conducted by an Indian Navy after
India joined CMF in 2022.
25
• About CMF
o It is a multinational maritime partnership, which aims to uphold the Rules-Based International Order by
countering illicit non-state actors on the high seas and promoting security, stability and prosperity in
international waters
o Main focus area: Defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, encouraging regional cooperation, and
promoting a safe maritime environment.
o Members: 42 countries.
o It comprises five Combined Task Forces.
o Participation is purely voluntary.
o It is commanded by a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.
2.7.3.2. OPERATION MEGHDOOT AND SIACHEN GLACIER

• Indian Army and Indian Air Force marked 40th year of its presence on strategically-significant Siachen glacier
under Operation Meghdoot.
o Operation Meghdoot was launched on 13 April 1984, when Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF)
advanced to Siachen to secure heights dominating Northern Ladakh.
• About Siachen Glacier
o Located at the height of 20,000 feet, in the Eastern Karakoram Range of the Himalayas.
o It is the second longest (75KM) non-polar glacier in the world, after Fedchenko Glacier in Tajikistan.
o Nubra river originates from the Siachen glacier.
o It is the highest militarized zone in the world.
2.7.3.3. UK PARLIAMENT PASSED BILL TO SEND ASYLUM SEEKERS TO RWANDA

• UK Parliament passed the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill which will give Britain's
immigration authorities power to send any asylum seeker entering the UK "illegally" after January 2022 to
Rwanda.
India’s stand on Refugee Convention
o It will apply to anyone who arrives in UK
• India is not party to the 1951 Refugee Convention
without prior permission, even if their aim is to
claim asylum on legitimate grounds. or its 1967 Protocol and does not have a national
refugee protection framework.
• 1951 Refugee Convention
• However, India continues to grant asylum to a
o Convention, along with its 1967 protocol, is one
of the key legal instruments governing large number of refugees from neighboring
States and respects UNHCR's mandate for other
refugee protection with non-refoulment as its
core principle. nationals, mainly from Afghanistan and Myanmar.
o With 149 State parties to either (Convention or • It conducts refugee status determination (RSD)
Protocol) or both, they outline refugees’ rights for asylum-seekers from non-neighboring
and States’ legal obligations to protect them. countries before grant of asylum.
2.7.3.4. DRAFT EXPLOSIVES BILL (2024)

• The Bill will replace the colonial era ‘Explosives Act, 1884’ which was aimed to regulate the manufacture,
possession, use, sale, transport, import and export of explosives.
o Rash Behari Bose who was a key member of the Ghadar Party was charged under under this Act.
• Key highlights
o Defines explosive: Explosive means gunpowder, nitroglycerine, nitroglycol, guncotton, or any other
substance (solid/ liquid/ gaseous) used or manufactured to produce a practical effect by explosion or
pyrotechnic effect.
o Licensing authority: It means Chief Controller of Explosives or such other authority as may be prescribed.
✓ Central Government shall prescribe the authority competent to grant, suspend or revoke a licence.
✓ Currently, the PESO (refer to the box) is responsible for such things.
o Punishment for contravention: Manufacturing, import or export in contravention of the Act will attract
imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of Rs 1,00,000, or both.
o Power of Central Government: It can make rules to carry out the provisions of this Act.
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2.7.4. MILITARY EXERCISES IN NEWS
2.7.4.1. TIGER TRIUMPH 2024
• Harbour Phase of the exercise Tiger Triumph is being conducted at Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh).
• Tiger Triumph is a Bilateral Tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Amphibious
Exercise between India and the US.
2.7.4.2. EXERCISE ‘GAGAN SHAKTI’

• The Indian Air Force is conducting its biggest exercise ‘Gagan Shakti’ at the Pokhran Field Firing Range in
Jaisalmer district.
• In the exercise, all the major fighter aircraft and modern helicopters of the Air Force will demonstrate their
striking capabilities.
2.7.4.3. EXERCISE POORVI LEHAR

• Indian Navy conducted Exercise Poorvi Lehar on East Coast under the Operational Control of Eastern Naval
Command.
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3. ECONOMY
3.1. GROSS FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION (GFCF)
Why in the news?
The sluggish growth of private Gross Fixed Capital
Formation (GFCF) as a percentage of Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) at current prices has been
a significant challenge for the Indian economy.
Evolution of GFCF (also called Investment):
• From independence to economic
liberalisation, investment largely remained
either slightly below or above 10% of the GDP.
• It rose from around 10% of GDP in the 1980s to
around 27% in 2007-08.
• From 2011-12 onwards, however, private
investment began to drop and hit a low of
19.6% of the GDP in 2020-21.
• In absolute terms, GFCF in the Indian economy increased from Rs. 32.78 lakh crore (constant 2011-12 prices) in
2014-15 to Rs. 54.35 lakh crore in 2022-23 (Provisional Estimates).
• Reasons for fall in Private GFCF:
o Historically, in India, higher consumption has led to lower private investment.
o Unfavourable government policy and policy uncertainty act as major issues affecting private investment.
E.g., disputes associated with tax laws.
✓ The drop in private investment is due to the slowdown in the pace of reforms in the last two decades.
What are Capital Formation (CF) and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)?
• Capital formation: It refers to the process by which resources are invested in assets like plants, equipment,
machinery, etc. as well as in human capital through education, health, skill development, etc.
• Gross Capital Formation (GCF): It refers to the growth in the size of fixed capital in an economy. It includes
o Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF): Like land improvements; plant, machinery, and equipment
purchases; and the construction of roads, etc.
o Change in stock (CIS) of raw materials, semi-finished and finished goods: Stocks of goods held by firms
to meet temporary fluctuations in production or sales.
o Net acquisition of valuables: like gold, gems, ornaments and precious stones etc.
• Net capital formation (NCF) is distinguished from GCF in that NCF includes depreciation, obsolescence and
accidental damage to fixed capital.
GFCF includes GFCF does not include
• Structure equipment such as airport, roads etc. • Transaction intended as intermediate
• Addition to livestock used repeatedly (such as dairy consumption.
cattle, sheep etc.) • Machinery and equipment intended for
• Addition to cultivated crops harvested repeatedly. household final consumption expenditure.
• Major repair and maintenance that prolong • Losses due to natural disaster (flooding, forest
economic life of assets. fire, etc.)
• Intangible assets like software or artistic originals
Why GFCF is an important economic variable?
• Growth Multiplier: GFCF and GDP are positively correlated and indicate that an increase in GFCF invariably
leads to an increase in GDP.
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• Boosts productivity and living standards: GFCF helps workers produce a greater amount of goods and services
each year, helps boost output and improves living standards.
• Promotes Self-sufficiency: Growth in GFCF enables the creation of capital assets, thus improving self-
sufficiency in production as well as research in the longer term.
• Indicator of Market Confidence: GFCF is considered a meaningful indicator of future business activity,
business confidence and future economic growth patterns.
• Reflects overall output: GFCF as an indicator helps to determine the overall output of an economy and hence
what consumers can actually purchase in the market.
3.2. URBAN POVERTY IN INDIA

Why in the news?
Recently, the India Employment Report (IER), 2024 was released which highlighted coexistence of higher
unemployment and wages in urban areas and called for further investigation to understand its implications for
the urban poor.
More on the news
• IER, 2024 was jointly published by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Institute for Human
Development (IHD).
• The report poses questions on the trickle-down effect of benefits to the working class in the backdrop of a
5.4% average real economic growth, from 2015-16 to 2022-23.
o The trickle-down effect assumes that the tax cuts and wealth of the rich and the corporates will
ultimately reach down to the working class and lower class to uplift their economic situation.
29
Key highlights of the report
• Higher unemployment in urban areas: The incidence of unemployment was higher among young people in
urban areas than in rural areas and among younger youths (aged 15–19) than older youths (aged 20–29).
• Persistence of gender gap: In both rural and urban areas in 2022, the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)
of young men (at 61.2%) was almost three times higher than that of young women (at 21.7%).
• Decline in urban poverty: The proportion of poor individuals in urban areas decreased from 13.7% in 2012 to
12.55% in 2022 at the all-India level.
3.2.1. INHERITANCE TAX AS A TOOL OF WEALTH REDISTRIBUTION

Why in the news?
The use of inheritance tax, a system similar to an existing tax system in the U.S. to address economic inequality
is widely debated in India.
What is Inheritance Tax?
• Inheritance tax is levied on property/asset inherited upon an individual's death. It differs from estate tax,
which is levied on the total value of a deceased person's estate.
• It is levied by many countries. E.g. Japan (tax rate is 55%), South Korea (tax rate is 50%) etc.
History of Inheritance Tax in India
• In India, currently there is no inheritance tax.
• Earlier, estate duty was imposed in 1953. The tax rate reached up to 85%, making it highly unpopular. Thus, it
was abolished in 1985.
• Similar to Estate duty, gift tax and wealth tax were imposed in India.
o These were abolished in 1998 and 2015 respectively. However, gift tax was re-introduced in 2004.
✓ Under Gift Tax, any gifts received exceeding Rs 50,000 in a financial year is added to the person's
“income from other sources” and taxed according to the income tax slab.
✓ Exceptions include donations, inheritance, and gifts from close relative, gifts during weddings etc.
3.2.2. LIVING WAGE AND MINIMUM WAGE

Why in the news?
The government sought technical assistance from ILO to
create a framework for living wage.
More on the news
• Presently, India follows the minimum wage, which has
remained stagnant since 2017.
• The Code on Wages passed (2019), proposed a universal
wage floor which shall apply to all states once
implemented.
• Issues with the present system
○ The Minimum Wages Act, 1948 provides guidelines but
does not specify the minimum wage.
○ Fixing minimum wages in some jobs falls under both
the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and the Contract
Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, leading
to potential confusion.
○ Wage payment discrepancies due to the lack of
enforceability of the national wage floor across states.
○ Gender disparity as scheduled employment with more women workers has lower minimum wages than
those with more men.
30
3.3. ASSET MONETIZATION
Why in the news?
Recently, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) raised its highest-ever monetization value of Rs. 15,624.9
Crore through the Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT) mode.
About Asset Monetization (AM)
• Genesis: The idea of AM was first suggested by a committee led by economist Vijay Kelkar in 2012.
o AM was announced in the Union Budget 2021-22 through the National Monetisation Pipeline.
• Definition: AM is the process of creating new sources of revenue for the government and its entities by
unlocking the economic value of unutilised or underutilised public assets.
o A public asset can be any property owned by a public body, roads, airports, pipelines, etc.
• Authority: An authorised Core Group of Secretaries on Asset Monetisation (CGAM) has been constituted
under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary to implement and monitor the project.
• Process of Asset Monetisation (AM)
o AM involves the license/lease of a government-owned asset to a private sector entity for a specific period.
o The transfer of rights in exchange for payments is governed by a concession agreement that facilitates
balanced risk-sharing between the public authority and the private party.
Initiatives taken for Asset Monetization

• National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP):
o Sectors: The government has identified 13 sectors to monetise its brownfield infrastructure assets.
✓ These top 5 sectors capture ~83% of the aggregate pipeline: Roads (27%), Railways (25%), Power (15%),
Oil & Gas pipelines (8%), and Telecom (6%).
o Potential: Monetisation potential of Rs 6.0 lakh crores through core assets of the Central Government,
over four years, from FY 2022 to FY 2025.
• Various assets/ asset classes targeted for monetisation:
o Railways will monetise Dedicated Freight Corridor assets for operations and maintenance, after
commissioning.
o Airports will be monetised for operations and management concession.
• National Land Monetization Corporation: It is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for undertaking surplus land
monetization of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and other Government agencies.
• Asset Monetisation dashboard: For tracking progress and for providing visibility to investors.
3.4. ASSET RECONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

Why in the news?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued master Direction – Reserve Bank of India (Asset Reconstruction
Companies) Directions, 2024.
31
More on the news
• Issued Under: The
powers conferred by
Securitisation and
Reconstruction of
Financial Assets and
Enforcement of
Security Interest
(SARFAESI) Act,
2002.
o Applicable for
every ARC
registered with the Reserve Bank under Section 3 of the SARFAESI Act, 2002.
• Aim: To streamline and regulate the functioning of ARCs in India, ensuring transparency, accountability, and
integrity in the financial system.
About ARCs
• Definition: ARC is a financial institution that buys the Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) or bad assets from banks
and financial institutions so that the latter can clean up their balance sheets.
o ARCs are required to resolve the assets within a maximum of 8 years of acquisition of financial assets and
redeem the SRs representing the assets.
• Genesis: SARFAESI Act in 2002 envisaged that ARCs would be registered and regulated by RBI. There are 29
ARCs in operation in India (2022).
o Narsimham Committee – II (1998) proposed asset reconstruction companies, on the similar lines of asset
management companies’ prevalent globally.
• Types: Based on ownership, ARCs could be public, private or public-private partnership.
• Examples: National Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (NARCL), India Debt Resolution Company Ltd
etc.
How ARCs Work?
• Asset Acquisition: ARCs acquire financial assets from banks/ FIs either on their own books or in the books of
a trust set up for the purpose of securitisation and/ or reconstruction.
• Security Receipts: Lenders sell stressed loans to ARCs at a discount. Unless the transaction is entirely in cash,
ARC issues security receipts that are redeemable as and when it recovers the specific loan.
• Management Fee: ARCs also charge bad-loan sellers a management fee of 1.5% to 2% of the value of the asset
every year.
Key Provisions of Master RBI (ARCs) Directions, 2024
• Net Own Fund (NOF): To commence the business of securitisation or asset reconstruction, an ARC is required
to have a minimum NOF of Rs300 crore and thereafter, on an ongoing basis.
• Registration: Before commencing the business of securitisation or asset reconstruction, an ARC shall apply
for registration and obtain a certificate of registration (CoR) from the RBI.
• Leadership Positions: It set age limit of 70 for MD/CEO or Whole-time Director and tenure of 5 years at a time,
with a maximum tenure of 15 years continuously.
• ARCs shall report to IBA: Details of CAs, advocates and valuers (who committed serious irregularities in
professional services) for including in Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) database.
• Internal audit: ARCs shall put in place an effective internal control system providing for periodical checks and
review of the asset acquisition procedures and asset reconstruction measures.
32
3.5. ADVANCE PRICING AGREEMENTS (APAS)
Why in the News?
The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has signed highest ever record 125 APAs (including Unilateral and
Bilateral APAs) in FY 2023-24 with Indian taxpayers.
About Advance Pricing Agreements (APAs)
• It is an agreement between a
taxpayer and tax authority.
• APAs endeavors to provide
certainty to taxpayers in
domain of transfer pricing
by specifying methods of
pricing.
o APA helps determine
arm’s length price (ALP)
of international
transactions in advance
for a maximum of five
future years.
o Further, taxpayer has
option to roll back APA
for four preceding years, as a result of which, tax certainty is provided for nine years.
Mutual Agreement Procedure:

• MAP is an alternative available to taxpayers for resolving double taxation disputes whether juridical or
economic in nature.
• MAP is a mechanism laid down in tax treaties (E.g. DTAA) to ensure that taxation is in accordance with the
tax treaty.
o A tax treaty is a bilateral (two-party) agreement made by two countries to resolve issues involving
double taxation of passive and active income of each of their respective citizens.
• Difference between MAP and APAs:
o MAP resolves transfer pricing disputes while APAs prevents transfer pricing disputes.
o Taxpayers file MAP for pending disputes while they opt for APA for same transactions for future years
as an effective dispute resolution/ avoidance strategy.
APA Scheme in India
• Ministry of Finance had notified APA Scheme in 2012 through the insertion of sections 92CC and 92CD in the
Income-tax Act, 1961.
o APA rules were notified by CBDT subsequently.
33
• Under it, an agreement is signed between CBDT and any person determining in advance arm’s length price in
relation to an international transaction.
• Nature of Scheme: APA process is voluntary and supplements appeal and other Double Taxation Avoidance
Agreement (DTAA) mechanism for resolving transfer pricing dispute.
• Term of APA: Maximum five years.
• Rollback provisions: Allows Arm’s Length Price as agreed in APA, to be rolled back to a period prior to the
commencement of the APA.
Related News Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)
Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) • Refers to tax planning strategies that exploit gaps
• India & Mauritius signed (not yet ratified) a and mismatches in tax rules for tax avoidance by
protocol amending the Double Taxation shifting profits from higher tax to lower tax
Avoidance Agreement (DTAA). jurisdictions.
• Amendment included Principal Purpose Test • Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty
(PPT) to avail tax benefits under the DTAA to Related Measures to Prevent BEPS aims to update
plug the abuse of treaty for tax evasion and international tax rules and lessen opportunity for
avoidance. tax avoidance by multinational enterprises.
o PPT lays out the condition that the tax o India signed the convention in 2017.
benefits under the treaty will not be
applicable if obtaining that duty benefit was the principal purpose of any transaction or arrangement.
o Protocol to amend DTAA is aimed at making it compliant with Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS)
Minimum Standards.
• DTAA is an agreement between two countries/territories with an objective to avoid double taxation on
same declared asset in two different countries/territories.
o DTAA between India and Mauritius was first signed in 1982 and amended in 2016.
3.6. CROWDFUNDING
Why in the news?
Gujarat High Court sought details on regulations around Crowdfunding.
34
About Crowdfunding
• Crowdfunding is solicitation of funds (small amount) from multiple investors through web-based platform
or social networking site for specific project, business venture or social cause.
o Traditional fundraising consists of asking for a sum from limited set of sources.
o Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates Crowdfunding in India.
• SEBI guidelines on Crowdfunding
o Only “Accredited Investors” may invest i.e.
✓ Companies incorporated under Companies Act, 2013 with minimum net worth of Rs 20 crore,
✓ High Net Worth Individual with minimum net worth of Rs 2 crore,
✓ Eligible Retail Investors who have a minimum annual gross income of Rs. 10 Lacs.
Benefits of Crowdfunding Risk of Crowdfunding
• Promoting funding to new ideas and encourages • Retail investors may not be able to understand
startups. risk in investing start-ups and will be unable to
• Increases flows of credit to Small, Medium bear loss of investments.
Enterprises. • Possibility of genuine websites being used by
• Raising funds during natural calamities. fraudsters.
• Arranging money for those poor people who can't • Lack of monitoring of web-based platforms leads
afford expenses of diseases like cancer etc. to risk like terror financing, money laundering etc.
35
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3.7. KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN BANKING AND FINANCE
Credit • Indian banks are battling the worst deposit
Deposit crunch in 20 years and at 80%, the credit-
Ratio (CDR) deposit ratio is at its highest since 2005.
• About CDR:
o It is the ratio of how much a bank lends
out of the deposits it has mobilised.
o A higher CDR suggests that a significant
portion of the bank's resources are
allocated to loans.
✓ It could potentially stimulate
economic growth but also implies
higher risk.
o Regulators often monitor CDR to ensure
banks maintain a prudent balance between lending and risk management.
Payment • PayU has received an in-principle approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to operate
Aggregator as a PA.
(PA) • About PAs
o It is a financial technology company that simplifies the process of accepting electronic
payments for businesses. E.g., GooglePay, PhonePe, Cashfree etc.
o It acts as an intermediary between the business and the financial institutions.
o It is incorporated as a company under the Companies Act, 1956 / 2013.
o Non-bank PAs require authorisation from RBI under the Payment and Settlement
Systems Act, 2007.
SCORES 2.0 • SCORES refers to SEBI Complaint Redress System.
• SEBI launched SCORES 2.0 version which strengthens investor complaint redress
mechanism in securities market by making process more efficient.
• Salient features of SCORES 2.0
o Reduced timelines for redressal of investor complaints across Securities Market i.e. 21
Calendar days from date of receipt of complaint.
o Introduction of auto-routing of complaints to concerned regulated entity to eliminate
time lapses.
o Integration with KYC Registration Agency database for easy registration.
Compulsory • Competition Commission of India approved subscription to CCD of Napino Auto and
Convertible Electronics Limited by International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Debentures • About CCD
(CCD) o CCDs are debt instruments that are convertible into equity at a specified time or on
happening of specified event(s).
o These are hybrid securities as they initially behave like debt instruments but eventually
convert into equity shares.
o It is often used by companies for raising long-term funds without immediately diluting
equity shareholding of existing investors.
Domestic • Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) releases 2023-24 – List
Systemically of D-SIIs.
Important o Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC
Insurers (D- Re) and New India Assurance Company continue to be identified as D-SIIs.
SIIS) • D-SIIs refer to insurers of such size, market importance, and domestic and global inter
connectedness, whose distress or failure would cause a significant dislocation in the
domestic financial system.
o D-SIIs are perceived as ‘too big or too important to fail’ (TBTF).
o D-SIIs are subject to additional regulatory measures.
36
3.8. CONSUMER CONFIDENCE SURVEY
Why in the news?
Recently, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the results of January 2023 round of its bi-monthly Consumer
Confidence Survey (CCS).
About Consumer Confidence and Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS)
• It is an economic indicator that measures the degree of optimism or pessimism that consumers feel about
overall state of the economy and personal financial situation.
o It serves as an indicator of the health of the economy from the perspective of the consumer.
o High consumer confidence in the economy is usually related to higher spending by Consumers.
• It is measured through a bi-monthly Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS) conducted by the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI).
• Survey obtains current perceptions (vis-à-vis a year ago) and one year ahead expectations on general
economic situation and own income and spending across 19 major cities.
o Survey obtains information on urban consumer sentiments and captures qualitative responses to
questions pertaining to general economic conditions.
• CCS responses are measured through two indexes:
o Current Situation Index (CSI) - Consumer sentiment about current economic, employment, and price
conditions as compared to a year ago.
o Future Expectation Index (FEI) - Expectations about economic, employment, and price conditions a year
ahead.
✓ Businesses often use it to make better-informed decisions or adjustments in strategy such as
investments in new projects or launch of new products.
Findings of the latest Consumer Confidence survey
• Consumer confidence improved both for the current period as well as for the year ahead.
• Current situation index (CSI) continued on its recovery path since the historic low recorded in mid-2021.
o It increased on the back of improved sentiments on general economic situation and household income.
• Future expectations index (FEI): Rose to its two-year high on the back of improved optimism on general
economic situation, employment and income over the next one year.
3.9. INTERNATIONALIZATION OF RUPEE

Why in the news?
Recently, Prime Minister asked the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to
prepare a 10-year strategy to make the Indian rupee a globally
accessible and acceptable currency, enabling its
internationalization.
About internationalization of currency
• Defination: Currency internationalization described as the international extension of a national currency’s
three basic functions of serving as a unit of account, medium of exchange and store of value.
o Examples: US dollar, Euro, Japanese yen, pound sterling etc.
• Determinants of internationalization of currency: Economic fundamentals such as economy’s size and trade
network, depth and liquidity of capital markets, stability and convertibility of currency etc.
Benefits of Internationalization of Currency
• Limit exchange rate risk: It allows the country’s exporters and importers to limit exchange rate risk as
domestic firms can settle their exports/imports in their currency.
• Access to international financial markets: It permits domestic firms and financial institutions to access
international financial markets without assuming exchange rate risk.
37
• Boost capital formation: A larger, efficient financial sector reduces capital cost and widens set of financial
institutions.
• Financing budget deficit: It may allow a country’s government to finance part of its budget deficit (or current
account deficit) by issuing domestic currency debt in international markets rather than issuing foreign
currency instruments.
• Regulating Capital Flows: It results in lowering the impact of sudden stops and reversals of capital flows and
enhances the ability to repay external sovereign debt.
• Reducing requirement of forex reserves: It reduces the requirement to maintain and depend on large foreign
exchange reserves in convertible currencies to manage external vulnerabilities.
Approach for internationalization of Rupee

• Capital Account Convertibility: INR (Indian National Rupee) is fully convertible in the current account but
partially in the capital account.
o There is need to review extant Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) provisions and extending
incentives for international trade settlements in INR.
• Promoting international use of INR: To facilitate international financial transactions in INR, an efficient
settlement mechanism, availability of liquidity and development of robust cross-border payments system
would be required.
o Currency Swaps and Local Currency Settlement (LCS): These provide currency diversification that
stabilises the local currency, protect businesses against currency risk exposure and reduces transaction
costs.
o Inclusion of INR in Continuous Linked Settlement (CLS): CLS is a global system for the settlement of
foreign currency transactions on a Payment vs Payment (PvP) basis.
✓ CLS system currently settles trades in 18 currencies. However, INR is not among those currencies.
• Inclusion of Indian Government Bonds in Global Bond Indices: It will enable widening of investor base, stable
passive flows, appreciation of INR, and reduction of overall borrowing costs.
Steps taken towards internationalization of Rupee
• Use of Indian Payment Infrastructure: India initiated inter-linkage of UPI with Singapore’s PayNow and is
reaching out to jurisdictions to increase global outreach of UPI system.
• Special Vostro Rupee Accounts (SVRAs): RBI has put in place the mechanism for INR trade settlement with
22 countries by allowing banks from these countries to open SVRAs for settling payments.
• INR as a Designated Foreign Currency in Sri Lanka: Paved the way for INR-based bilateral trade.
• Bilateral Swap Arrangements (BSA): India currently has a BSA with Japan for an amount up to USD 75
billion as a backstop line of support in case of any balance of payments issue.
o Also, India has recently signed a 35 billion rupees currency swap agreement with UAE.
38
3.10. BASEL III ENDGAME
Why in the news?
Consumer Bankers Association (CBA) recently released a White Paper,
“The Impact of the Basel III Endgame Proposal on Consumers on the
Margins of the U.S. Financial System,”
About Basel III Endgame
• The final set of rules of Basel III norms has been called “Basel III
Endgame.”
o Basel III is a set of measures developed by the Basel
Committee on Banking Supervision to strengthen the
regulation, supervision, and risk management of banks.
o Potential impact of the Endgame includes Globally
Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs) experiencing an
increase of 21% in capital requirements.
o Proposed changes are aimed at improving the “strength and
resiliency” of the banking system while also improving
transparency and consistency in banks’ capital frameworks.
Basel Norms (Refer box at the end of this article for key terminologies associated with Basel Norms):
• Description: These rules focus on the amount of capital that banks must have against the credit, operational,
and market risk of their business.
o Banks face significant risk primarily due to being one of the most heavily leveraged sectors.
o Heavily leveraged sectors rely extensively on debt for financing their operations and investments.
• Basel I Norms (1987): In 1987, the Committee introduced capital measurement system which focused on the
credit risk and risk-weighting of assets.
• Basel II norms (2004): Introduced three important pillars: Minimum capital requirements, Supervisory
Review and Market Discipline.
• Basel III Norms (2010): It aims to build robust capital base for banks and ensure sound liquidity and leverage
ratios.
39
Key Features of Basel I, II and III Compared
Pillars Key Components of Basel I Basel II Basel III
Pillars
Pillar I Minimum Ratio of At least 8% (CAR) 8% 8% + 2.5% of Capital
(Capital Capital to RWAs Conservation Buffers
Requireme Tier 1 capital to RWAs At least 4% 4% 6%
nts)
Pillar II (Supervisory Review No provisions for Risk Based Supervision Enhanced Supervisory
Process) Supervisory Review introduced Process
Pillar III (Disclosure & Market No Provisions Quantitative and Enhanced Disclosure
Discipline) related to Market Qualitative disclosures Norms
Discipline prescribed at Quarterly,
Half-Yearly and Yearly
intervals
Basel norms implementation in India:
• Basel 1 norms were adopted in India with the announcement by RBI in its Mid-term Review of Monetary and
Credit Policy for 1998-99 to raise Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio (CRAR) from 8 per cent to 9 per cent.
o In 2007, RBI announced the final guidelines for implementation of Basel II.
• Draft guidelines for implementation of Basel III capital regulations were issued in Dec 2011.
o The Basel III capital regulations (Pillar I of Basel III Norms) were implemented in India with effect from
April 2013 and have been fully implemented as on October 2021.
o As compared to the Basel norms, the RBI’s prescribed norms are stricter and more prudential.
Important Terminologies related to Basel Norms
• Tier I capital (Core Capital): It include paid up share capital, stocks and disclosed reserve.
o These are more permanent in nature and as a result, have high capacity to absorb losses.
• Tier II capital (Supplementary Capital): It includes all other capital e.g. Undisclosed reserve, revaluation
reserves, general provisions and loss reserves.
o It is considered less reliable than Tier 1 capital because it is more difficult to accurately calculate and
more difficult to liquidate.
• Risk weighed Assets (RWA): RWA is linked to minimum amount of capital that banks must have relative to
bank’s risk from its lending activities. The more the risk, the more the capital needed to protect depositors.
• Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) or Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio: CAR is a percentage that
measures a bank's financial health by comparing its capital to its risk-weighted assets.
• Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR): LCR is a
requirement that requires banks to
maintain a minimum amount of liquid
assets to withstand cash outflows over a
30-day period.
• Leverage ratio: The leverage ratio i.e. ratio
of Tier I capital to the bank's average total
consolidated assets (sum of the exposures
of all assets and non-balance sheet items).
o Leverage ratio shows how much of a
company's capital comes from debt,
or how well it can meet its financial
obligations.
• Capital Conservation Buffer: Banks are required to hold capital conservation buffer to ensure cushion of
capital that can be used to absorb losses during financial stress.
• Countercyclical Buffer: It is a mechanism that allows banks to build up capital during periods of excessive
credit growth to help the banking system absorb losses during downturns.
40
3.11. FINANCING FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2024
Why in the News?
2024 Financing for Sustainable Development Report was recently released by the Inter-agency Task Force on
Financing for Development.
About Inter-Agency Task Force on Financing for Development
• It comprises over 60 United Nations agencies, programmes and offices, regional economic commissions
and other relevant international institutions.
• UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) serves as its coordinator of the initiative.
• It was convened by the United Nations (UN) Secretary General to follow up on the seven action areas of
the Addis Ababa Action Agenda.
About Financing for Sustainable Development
• It is centered around supporting the follow-up to the agreements and commitments on Financing for
Development:
o in Monterrey, Mexico in 2002;
o in Doha, Qatar in 2008; and
o in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2015.
• Addis Ababa Action Agenda provides a new global framework for financing sustainable development.
o It was adopted at the Third International Conference on Financing for Development held in Addis Ababa,
Ethiopia, in 2015.
o It aligns all financing flows and policies with economic, social and environmental priorities and ensures
that financing is stable and sustainable.
o It identified seven action areas for financing sustainable development (see infographic).
o It mandates the Task Force to
✓ report annually on progress in implementing the Addis Agenda and other Financing for Development
outcomes and the means of implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
✓ advise the intergovernmental follow-up process on progress, implementation gaps and
recommendations for corrective action.
3.12. IMF LENDING

Why in the News?
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) Board
completed the Reviews of the extended arrangement
under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Egypt.
More on the News
• The executive board’s assent increases the
Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement from
the $3 billion originally approved in December
2022 to $8 billion.
o EFF provide assistance to countries
experiencing serious payment imbalances
because of structural impediments or slow
growth and an inherently weak balance-of-
payments position.
o It support comprehensive programs with a focus on policies needed to correct structural imbalances over
an extended period.
o All member countries facing actual or potential external financing needs are eligible.
• Egypt’s IMF-supported program presents a comprehensive policy package to preserve macroeconomic
stability, restore buffers, and pave the way for inclusive and private-sector-led growth.
41
o Egypt is facing significant macroeconomic challenges that have become more complex to manage given
the spillovers from the recent conflict in Gaza and Israel.
About IMF lending
• IMF provides financial support to countries hit by crises to create breathing room so that they can implement
policies that restore economic stability and growth.
o Unlike development banks, the IMF does not lend for specific projects.
Three Types of financing instruments
General • Members can have access to the non-concessional terms (market-based interest rates) to
Resources resolve the country’s balance of payments problems during the program period.
Account • The money the IMF loans to its members on its general – or non-concessional – terms
(GRA) comes from member countries, mainly through their payment of quotas.
o Multilateral and bilateral arrangements can supplement quota funds and plays a
critical role in the IMF’s support for member countries in times of crisis.
• Different types of GRA loans are Stand-by Arrangement (SBA), Extended Fund Facility
(EFF), Flexible Credit Line (FCL), Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL), Short-term
Liquidity Line (SLL), and Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI).
Poverty • Provides concessional financial support (currently at zero interest rates) which is better
Reduction tailored to the diversity and needs of low-income countries (LICs).
and Growth o Different types of PRGT loans are Extended Credit Facility (ECF), Standby Credit
Trust (PRGT) Facility (SCF), Rapid Credit Facility (RCF).
Resilience • It offers longer-term financing to address longer-term challenges, including climate
and change and pandemic preparedness.
Sustainability o Type of RST fund is Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF)
Trust (RST)
3.13. MILLETS
Why in the news?
Recently, the Closing ceremony of the International Year of Millets 2023 took place at the FAO headquarters in
Rome, Italy.
More about the news
• The United Nations General Assembly declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) at its 75th
session in 2021.
o It was motivated by India’s proposal at the United Nations.
• Aims to create domestic and global demand for millets and raise awareness.
About Millets
• Small-grained, annual, warm-weather cereals belonging to the grass family.
• Staple crops of the semi-arid tropical region and one of the oldest foods known to humankind.
• Depending upon their size, they are broadly divided into:
o Major millets (E.g., sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet) and
o Minor millets (E.g., little millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, barnyard millet, and kodo millet).
Status of Millets in India
• Largest producer of Millets in the world (~41%) followed by Niger (~12%) and China (~8%).
• 5th largest exporter of millets in the world (2020).
• Total production: around 16 Mn tonnes.
o Six states namely Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat
accounts for more than 83 % of millet production in the country.
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• Significance of Millets
o For Farmers: Low input cost and consume less
water as compared to staple crops like Rice and
Wheat.
o For Health: Gluten free; low glycemic index (ideal
for diabetic patients); Micronutrient composition
better than Rice and Wheat.
o Environment: C4 category crops (refer diagram)
with higher efficiency in absorbing and utilising
CO2; exhibit resilience to climate variability and extreme weather events; improves soil health.
• Challenges in mainstreaming Millets: Multiple processing requirements, Poor Shelf life, Supply chain issues,
Lack of access to High-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, etc.
Initiatives for the promotion of millets in the country
• Shree Anna Scheme: Launched in 2023, the scheme aimed at popularising millets and raising their
consumption in the country.
o Indian Millets Research Center Hyderabad would be promoted as a Center of excellence.
• Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry for Millet-based products during 2022-
27 by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries.
• Millets rebranded as “Nutri-Cereals” and 2018 was declared as “National Year of Millets”
• Other efforts:
o Millets included in POSHAN Mission Abhiyaan by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
o Sub Mission on Millets launched under the National Food Security Mission in 2018.
3.14. STEEL SECTOR OF INDIA

Why in the News?
Ministry of Steel organizes National Workshop on "Forging Sustainability in the Steel Sector".
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Types of Steel
• Specialty Steel: It is a downstream, value-added product of steel and covers categories such as
coated/plated steel, high strength/wear-resistant steel, specialty rails, alloy steel etc.
• Green Steel: It is steel with lowest carbon footprint. In green steel production, hydrogen made from
renewable energy replaces fossil fuels for removal of oxygen from iron ore.
• Stainless Steel: highly resistant to corrosion mainly due to use of chromium
• Alloy Steel: contain alloy elements (E.g. manganese, nickel, copper, silicon etc) in varying proportions for
hardenability, resistance to corrosion, formability etc
• Tool Steel: comprise various amounts of tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium to render them useful for
slicing and welding machinery.
Measures taken
• National Steel Policy (2017). It projects crude steel capacity of 300 MT, production of 255 MT and finished steel
per capita consumption of 158 Kgs by 2030-31.
• Steel Scrap Recycling Policy (2019) provides a framework for establishment of metal scrapping centers in the
country.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for specialty steel in India.
• Steel and Steel products (Quality Control) Order bans sub-standard/ defective products both from domestic
& imports.
• Formation of 14 task forces to tackle sustainability issues by enhancing energy efficiency, adoption of
technology, use of renewable energy, use of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies.
• Steel sector is also a stakeholder in National Green Mission (launched by Ministry of New and Renewable
Energy) for green hydrogen production and usage.
Way Forward
The steel sector is crucial for sectors such as construction, infrastructure, automobile, engineering thus
necessitates collaboration among stakeholders to adopt sustainable practices.
Associated terms
• Steel Scrap: It is discarded steel used as a secondary raw material for manufacturing.
o Sources include waste generation, end of life vehicles, recovered steel in buildings, infrastructure,
equipment.
• Steel Slag: It is a by-product produced during the separation of the molten steel from impurities in steel-
making furnaces. It occurs as a molten liquid melt and is solution of silicates and oxides that solidifies upon
cooling.
o Uses: correction of soil acidity, transportation, construction, cements production.
• Pig Iron (crude iron): It is produced by smelting of Iron ore or ilmenite.
o Smelting is a form of extractive metallurgy which is used to produce a metal from its ore.
o Pig Iron has very high carbon content (3.5-4.5%) along with silica, Manganese, Sulphur, Phosphorus,
Titanium, and other trace elements.
o High carbon content makes it brittle and has limited applications.
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3.15. COAL SECTOR IN INDIA
Why in the news?
Ministry of Coal has informed that for the first time, India’s coal
and lignite production has crossed one Billion tonnes during the
financial Year 2023-24.
Key Reforms/Initiatives in Coal Sector which enhanced
production
• Enactment of Coal Mines (Special Provisions) CMSP Act, 2015:
The Act permitted auction of coal mines for commercial mining
by private entities.
o In 2020, first commercial coal mining
auctions were launched.
• Mines and Minerals (Development and
Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021: It
emphasized on enhancing transparency and
efficiency in the allocation of mining licenses.
Allowed Composite Prospecting Licence-
cum-Mining Lease (PL-cum-ML) specifically
for coal.
o Composite PL-cum-ML is a two-stage
concession granted for the purpose of
undertaking prospecting operations
along with mining operations with a
single license.
o Also, it relaxed the end use restriction of
coal by the captive mines (self-use
mines).
• National Coal Index (NCI): NCI is a price index
combining the prices of coal from all the
sales channels- Notified Prices, Auction
Prices and Import Prices.
o It serves as a reliable indicator of market
dynamics, providing valuable insights of
price fluctuation.
• FDI and Technological Advancement:
Allowing 100% FDI in coal mining under
automatic route has attracted global expertise and advanced technologies.
• Amendment to NCDP: New Coal Distribution Policy, 2007, has been amended to allow transparent and
objective sales of coal from closed/abandoned/discontinued mines.
Key Issues/Challenges in Coal Sector
• High Import Dependence: It is mainly because there is less availability of high gross calorific value (GCV) coal
in India. This type of coal has low ash and sulphur content.
o Sectors like Iron and steel are major importer of coking coal.
✓ Coking coal produced in the country has ash between 28 to 42%. On the other hand, ash percentage
in imported coking coal is less than 10%.
• Dominance of Coal India Limited: Coal India Limited (CIL) contributes over 80% of the country's indigenous
coal production and supply.
• Others: Lack of Upgradation, higher coal logistics costs, environment Issues, non-payment of outstanding
dues by Power sector consumers, etc.
45
Related news
Index of eight Core Industries (ICI)
• Combined ICI increased by 6.7% (provisional) in February 2024 as compared to the Index of February 2023.
• The ICI measures the combined and individual performance of production of eight core industries
o Eight core industries are Fertilizers, Cement, Natural Gas, Crude Oil, Coal, Electricity, Steel, and
Petroleum Refinery Products.
✓ They comprise 40.27% of the weight of items included in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).
o ICI is released by the Office of the Economic Adviser, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
3.16. IPRPM FRAMEWORK

Why in the news?
Delhi High Court has declared ‘Haldiram’ as well-known trademark.
More on the news
• High Court declared that ‘Haldiram’ as well as the red oval-shaped mark of the brand as a ‘well-known mark’
in respect of food items, restaurants and eateries in terms of the Trade Marks Act (TMA), 1999.
• TMA defines well-known trademark as a mark which has become so as to the substantial segment of the
public which uses such goods or receives such services that the use of such mark indicates a connection.
India’s Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) Policy Management (IPRPM) framework
IPRs Legal provision Subject Area Term of Protection
Patent Patent Act, 1970 Novel, Inventive and having industrial 20 Years
utility
Trademark Trade Marks Act 1999 Protects brand name, logo, design for 10 years; Can be renewed
a business or commercial enterprise for 10 years.
Designs Designs Act 2000 New or original designs 10 + 5 years
Copyrights Copyrights Act 1957 Creative, artistic, literary, etc. Authors – Lifetime + 60
years,
Producers – 60 years,
Performers – 50 years
Geographical GI Act, 1999 Unique characteristics due to 10 years; Can be renewed
Indications (GI) geographical linkage for 10 years.
Trade Secrets Protected under Confidential information having Till confidentiality is
Common Law commercial value safeguarded
3.17. OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS

UN Trade and • United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has been rebranded as
Development UN Trade and Development.
CDP – • Several states are using SURAKSHA platform for disbursing subsidies to horticulture
SURAKSHA farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).
o CDP is a component of the central sector scheme of National Horticulture Board
(NHB).
• About CDP-SURAKSHA
o SURAKSHA stands for ‘System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and
Secure Horticulture Assistance’.
o It allows an instant disbursal of subsidies to farmers in their bank account by utilising
the e-RUPI voucher from the NPCI.
o Its key features are database integration with PM-KISAN, UIDAI validation,
geotagging, geo-fencing etc.
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o CDP-SURAKSHA allows access to farmers, vendors, Implementing Agencies, Cluster
Development Agencies etc.
National • NIIF has invested $200 million in iBUS Network and Infrastructure Pvt Ltd.
Investment • About NIIF (2015)
and o A Sovereign-linked Alternative Asset Manager, established by the Government of
Infrastructure India (having a share of 49 %).
Fund (NIIF) o It is a collaborative investment platform for international and Indian investors.
✓ It operates in two distinct and attractive asset classes: Indian Infrastructure and
Growth Equity.
o It was established as an Alternative Investment Fund (AIF), registered with Securities
and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
o Its governing council is the headed by Finance Minister.
o Key Funds under NIIF: Master Fund, Strategic Opportunities Fund (SOF) etc.
Federation of • FICCI celebrates its 97th Foundation Day.
Indian • FICCI
Chambers of o Genesis: A non-government, not-for-profit organisation established in 1927.
Commerce o About: FICCI is the largest and oldest apex business organisation in India.
and Industry ✓ It serves its members from Indian private and public corporate sectors and
(FICCI) multinational companies.
o HQ: New Delhi.
o Role: FICCI articulates views and concerns of industry, influencing policy to
encouraging debate, engaging with policy makers and civil society.
✓ Established Committee Against Smuggling and Counterfeiting Activities
Destroying the Economy (CASCADE) Forum in 2011.
47
4. ENVIRONMENT
4.1. CLIMATE CHANGE
4.1.1. GREEN CREDIT RULE
Why in the news?
Recently, the Ministry of Environment and Forests issued
further guidelines on its Green Credit Programme (GCP).
More about the news
• In February 2024, the ministry released rules for
calculating green credit for tree plantations.
• The new guidelines have been issued for the
preparation of cost estimates for the eco-restoration
of degraded forests.
• Key Provisions of the new guidelines
o Focus of work for plantation on degraded forest
areas under the GCP to be on eco-restoration of
degraded forests.
o Number of trees to be planted depends upon site characteristics and may vary as per the site conditions.
o Activities for eco-restoration not to be limited to the plantation of trees and also include other activities
(see image).
✓ Fencing may also be provided if protection against anthropogenic pressures.
o Preference to indigenous species.
o Plantation of high-quality seedlings to ensure their healthy growth.
o Retention of Naturally growing seedlings.
o Cost estimates may be titled as 'Ecorestoration of the identified degraded forests'.
To know more about the Green Credit Program and the Green Credit Rules, kindly refer to Article 4.1.1. Green Credit
Program in PT 365 Updated 1 (January-March) of VisionIAS.
4.1.2. DIRECT AIR CAPTURE AND STORAGE

Why in the news?
World’s largest Direct Air Capture and
Storage (DAC+S) plant, Mammoth,
started operation in Iceland.
About DAC+S Technology
• A Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)
technology that captures CO2
directly from the atmosphere at
any location.
• It is distinct from carbon
capture which is generally carried
out at the point of emissions.
• CO2 can be permanently stored in deep geological formations (DAC+S) or used for various applications.
About CDR
• Refers to anthropogenic activities that remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it durably in geological,
terrestrial, or ocean reservoirs.
48
• Other CDR technologies
o Afforestation/Reforestation and Soil Carbon Sequestration: Fixing atmospheric carbon in biomass and
soils.
o Enhanced Weathering: Mining of rocks containing minerals that naturally absorb CO2.
o Ocean-based CDR: Ocean fertilization (adding nutrients to upper layers), ocean alkalinity enhancement
(transformation of CO2 as bicarbonate/carbonate), coastal blue carbon management, etc.
o Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): Using biomass as energy for CDR and storing
biogenic carbon geologically.
4.1.3. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

4.1.3.1. CLIMATE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE AND NETWORK (CTCN)
• Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) marks its 10th anniversary.
• CTCN, established in 2014, is the implementation arm of Technology Mechanism of the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change.
o Technology Mechanism was established in 2010 for accelerating and enhancing climate technology
development and transfer.
o It is hosted by the UN Environment Programme.
o It promotes accelerated transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low carbon and climate
resilient development at the request of developing countries.
o Headquarters of CCTN: Copenhagen, Denmark.
4.1.3.2. NEW COLLECTIVE QUANTIFIED GOAL ON CLIMATE FINANCE (NCQG)

• Parties to the UNFCCC have made new submissions for the NCQG under Paris Agreement.
• NCQG was proposed in COP21 for setting post-2025 climate finance goal (new goal).
o In 2009 parties to UNFCCC had decided to mobilise $100 billion annually by 2020 which was subsequently
extended to 2025.
• Article 9 of the Paris Agreement stipulates that developed country Parties shall provide financial resources to
assist developing country.
• However, this target is yet to be achieved reflecting significant shortfalls in it.
• NCQG is proposed to raise the floor on climate finance above the current $100 billion annual target.
4.1.3.3. CLIMATE PROMISE INITIATIVE

• UN Development Programme unveiled Climate Promise 2025, next stage of its Climate Promise Initiative.
• Climate Promise Initiative is an initiative to support developing countries on their climate action.
• It is world’s largest offer of support to developing countries on NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution)
enhancement and implementation.
• Climate Promise 2025 aims to align next generation of developing countries’ NDCs to the goals of 2015 Paris
Climate Agreement.
To know more about Nationally Determined Contribution, kindly refer to Article 1.2.3. Nationally Determined
Contributions (NDC) in Environment PT 365 (April-Dec).
4.1.3.4. MYAC (ONE MILLION YOUTH ACTIONS CHALLENGE)

• 1MYAC (One Million Youth Actions Challenge) is promoted by the One UN Climate Change Learning
Partnership (UN CC:Learn).
o UN CC: Learn is a collaborative initiative of 36 multilateral organizations working together to help
countries build the knowledge and skills they need to take action on climate change.
• 1MYAC aims to encourage youth aged 10 to 30 years old to take concrete actions for a more sustainable
future.
• It works to promote four Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 12
(responsible consumption and production), SDG 13 (climate action) and SDG 15 (life on land).
49
4.1.3.5. CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITIONS PROGRAMME (CETP)
• Clean Energy Transitions Programme (CETP) Report was released by the International Energy Agency (IEA).
• CETP, launched in 2017 by IEA, is leading the global fight against climate change by accelerating clean energy
transitions.
• Under CETP, IEA provides technical assistance, insights etc.
• Its objectives are aligned with 2015 Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
4.1.3.6. CARBON FARMING

• European Parliament and the European Council recently reached a provisional agreement on a regulation to
establish the first EU-level Carbon Removal Certification Framework.
• Framework will boost innovative carbon removal technologies and carbon farming.
• Carbon Farming uses regenerative practices to improve agriculture, restore ecosystems, and combat climate
change by storing carbon and reducing emissions.
• Common Methods: Agroforestry, conservation farming (minimising soil disturbance), integrated nutrient
management, Renewable Energy Production Grasslands Conservation, etc.
4.1.4. REPORTS AND INDICES

Report Key Highlights
State of Global • Released by: World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Climate Report, 2023 • Key Findings
o 2023 was the warmest year on record, with the global average near-surface
temperature at 1.45 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial baseline.
o Greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification,
etc. reached record high.
Recipe for a Livable • Released by: World Bank
Planet: Achieving • Report provides first comprehensive global roadmap for mitigating the agrifood
Net Zero Emissions system’s contributions to climate change.
in the Agrifood • Key findings
System’ report o Agrifood generates almost a 1/3rd of global greenhouse gas emissions.
o Top Emitters: China, Brazil, and India are the top 3 emitters.
o In India, 60% of such emissions come from the farm gate, mainly due to enteric
fermentation in the livestock sector.
A World Energy • Released by: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
Transitions Outlook o Tracks global progress towards the energy transition commitment to triple
Brief: Tracking CoP renewables by 2030 as outlined in COP 28 of UNFCCC.
28 outcomes” report • Key findings
o 2023 added 473 GW (73% contributed by Solar energy) additional Renewable
to global energy mix.
✓ However, annual addition must reach almost 1100 GW to meet tripling
target.
o With a growth of 20.1% Asia was leader in renewable deployment and its
growth was driven by China.
Measuring the • Released by: International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the World Bank
Emissions and o It presents the energy and emissions profile of Information and
Energy Footprint of Communication Technology (ICT) sector and assesses the 30 highest emitting
the ICT Sector: countries (including India) for telecommunications.
Implications for • Key highlights of the report:
Climate Action" o At least 1.7 % of global emissions stem from the ICT sector.
Report o ICT sector accounted for 60% of renewable power purchases in 2021, pointing
to potential avenues to abate increasing emissions.
50
Green and Social • Released by: International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Bond Impact Report o IFC launched Green Bond Program in 2010 to unlock investment for private
2023 sector eligible projects that seek to mitigate climate change and Social Bond
Program in 2017.
• Key Highlights
o $2 billion raised through Green bond is expected to reduce 3.3 million metric
tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.
o $1.2 billion raised through Social bonds will cater sectors like Agribusiness,
Gender finance, Education, etc.
Global Status Report • Released by: Jointly by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and
for Buildings and Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC).
Construction ○ GlobalABC, founded at COP21, is leading global platform for all built
(Buildings-GSR) 2024 environment stakeholders committed to a common vision: A zero-emission,
efficient and resilient buildings and construction sector.
• Key findings
○ Building and Construction Sector (BCS) accounts for about 21% of global
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions.
○ In 2022, buildings were responsible for 34% global energy demand and 37% of
energy and process-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
○ India is attributing 40% of its CO2 emissions to buildings.
More Chilling Than • Released by: Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).
Ever • Highlighted that illegal trade in HFCs into Europe is fueled by ongoing demand for
gases and high profits.
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4.2. POLLUTION
4.2.1. E-WASTE (MANAGEMENT) AMENDMENT RULES, 2024
Why in news?
E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024 were notified recently.
Major provisions of E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024
• Relaxation of timelines for filing of returns or reports: By a manufacture, producer, refurbisher or recycler
for a period not exceeding nine months.
• Central Government can establish one or more platform for exchange or transfer of Extended Producer
Responsibility (EPR) certificates.
• Exchange price of EPR certificate to be between the highest and lowest prices fixed by central pollution
control board.
• Other recent amendment: E-
Waste (Management) Second
Amendment Rules, 2023. Its
major provisions include-
○ Provides more clarity to the
exemption of reduction of
harmful substances.
○ Determination of the
conversion factor of EPR
certification generation.
○ Management of refringent
by the producers.
To know more about E-Waste, kindly refer to Article 2.5. Other Important News in Environment PT 365 (April-Dec).
4.2.2. PHASING OUT MERCURY MEASURING DEVICES IN HEALTHCARE PROJECT

Why in the news?
UN Environment Programme (UNEP) launched Phasing out mercury measuring devices in healthcare project.
About the Project
• It is a $134-million initiative led by UNEP.
• Aim
o Phase out mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers at a rate of 20% annually, and reduce
mercury spillages.
o Encourage adoption of accurate, affordable and safe mercury-free alternatives, while improving
management of mercury-containing medical waste.
• Member countries: Albania, Burkina Faso, India, Montenegro, and Uganda.
• Funding: By Global Environment Facility.
• Execution: By World Health Organisation.
• Several countries and international organizations have already established reference levels for daily or
weekly methyl-mercury or mercury intakes that are estimated to be safe (or without appreciable risk to
health).
To know more about Mercury, kindly refer to Article 2.6.1. Minamata Convention on Mercury in Environment PT 365
(April-Dec).
52
4.2.3. CLEANEST AIR IN SOUTHERN OCEAN
Why in the news?
Scientists discover the reason behind the cleanest air (low
levels of aerosol) in the Southern Ocean region.
Reasons for the low level of aerosols in Southern Ocean
region
• Reduced Human activity in the region, resulting in
minimal emissions and fossil fuel usage.
• Phytoplankton that are a source of airborne sulfate
particles are fewer in winter, resulting in fewer sulfate
particles during winter.
• Role of Clouds and Rain
○ Honeycomb-structured clouds play a crucial role in
the region's climate.
○ Open honeycomb clouds allow sunlight to pass and
tend to produce more intense, sporadic rainfall,
which "washes" the aerosols out.
○ These clouds are more common in the winter.
○ Closed honeycomb clouds reflect sunlight leading to low rainfall and thus less effective at removing
aerosols.
About Southern Ocean (Antarctic Ocean)
• Geologically the youngest of the world's oceans.
• Dominated by the clockwise circulating Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
• Known for its strong winds, intense storms, dramatic seasonal changes, and cold temperatures.
4.2.4. REPORTS AND INDICES IN NEWS

Report/Indices Observation
Plastic Overshoot • Released by: Earth Action
Day 2024 report • In 2024, Global Plastic Overshoot Day is projected to occur on September 5th.
• Each country has its own Plastic Overshoot Day with India’s falling on 23rd April.
To know more about Plastic Pollution, kindly refer to Article 2.3. Plastic Pollution in
Environment PT 365 (April-Dec).
The Arctic’s Plastic • Released by: Alaska Community Action on Toxics (ACAT) and the International
Crisis: Toxic Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN).
Threats to Health, o IPEN is a global network aiming to build a global movement for a toxics-free
Human Rights, and future.
Indigenous Lands • Key Findings
from the o Plastic and Toxic chemicals from the world deposit and accumulate in the Arctic,
Petrochemical making the Arctic a “hemispheric sink”.
Industry Report ✓ These are transported on atmospheric and oceanic currents from lower
latitudes through a process known as global distillation or the
“grasshopper effect.”
✓ Chemicals threaten the environment and health of Arctic People. E.g.
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (cancer, heart disease), Bisphenols (obesity
and cancer), etc.
53
4.3. BIODIVERSITY
4.3.1. SUSTAINABLE FINANCE FOR TIGER LANDSCAPES CONFERENCE (SFTLC)
Why in the News?
Recently, SFTLC was hosted by the Bhutan
government and supported by the Tiger
Conservation Coalition.
More on the news
• Tiger coalition is an independent group of
organisations that have worked
extensively together under a common
vision for tiger conservation.
• Member organization: International Union
for Conservation of Nature, United Nations
Development Programme, Wildlife
Conservation Society, World Wide Fund for
Nature, etc.
About Sustainable Finance for Tiger
Landscapes Conference (SFTLC)
• It seeks to increase support for tiger
protection and tiger landscape by using
new financial strategies and promoting
global partnerships as stated in the Paro
statement.
o Tiger Landscape includes large blocks
of ecologically connected areas of
suitable tiger habitat.
• It seeks to mobilize US$1 billion in
additional funding for tiger conservation
by 2034.
Sustainable financing initiatives in the
conference:
• Tiger Landscapes Investment Fund:
Presented by the UNDP, it is a new blended
financial mechanism under development
that would catalyze nature-positive
businesses with positive impacts on tigers,
biodiversity, and people.
• Asian Development Bank will explore
innovative financing instruments such as a
tiger bond to engage private sector
investors and promote nature based
solutions.
To know more about the Tigers, kindly refer to Articles 3.2.3. Tiger Conversation in India in Environment PT 365 (April-
Dec) of VisionIAS.
54
4.3.2. PROTECTED AREAS IN NEWS
55
Protected Area Details
Assam
Sonai Rupai Wildlife • National Green Tribunal has taken notice of polling stations, schools and other
Sanctuary construction activities in Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Geographical location and other important feature
o Location: Foothills of the Himalayas in the Sonitpur district of Assam.
o Together with Nameri National Park, it forms part of Sonitpur Kameng
Elephant Reserve.
o An Important Bird Area recognized by Birdlife International.
• Rivers: Dolsiri, Gabharu, Gelgeli, Belsiri, and Sonairupai.
• Forest type: Evergreen, Semi-evergreen and Moist Deciduous forests
• Fauna and fauna: Asian Elephant, Indian Bison, Leopard, Indian Gaur,
Sambar, Hog Deer, Sloth Bear.
Haryana
Kalesar Wildlife • The Supreme Court has stayed construction of four proposed dams inside
Sanctuary (KWS) KWS in Haryana’s Yamunanagar district.
• Geographical location and other important features
o Location: Junction of the states of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh,
Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
o Largest wildlife sanctuary in Haryana situated at lower Shivalik in the
Himalayan foothills.
o An important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs).
• River: Yamuna River runs to the east of KWS.
• Forest type: Broadleaf Deciduous Forest.
• Fauna and fauna: Leopard, Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus), Hyena, sal, khair,
shisam, etc.
Maharashtra
Sahyadri Tiger Reserve • Maharashtra plans to relocate tigers to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve from
Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district.
• Geographical location and other features
o Location: Sahyadri Ranges of Western Ghats in Maharashtra.
✓ Spread over Kolhapur, Satara, Sangli and Ratnagiri districts in western
Maharashtra.
o Reserve was notified in 2010 amalgamating Koyana Sanctuary and
Chandoli National Park.
• Forest type: Subtropical Hill Forests, Semi-evergreen Forests, Deciduous
Forests.
• Fauna and flora: Tiger, Atlas Moth, Moon Moth, and other endangered
Butterflies, Blue finned Mahasheer fish, Hornbills etc.
Telangana
Eturnagaram Wildlife • Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary is witnessing forest fires.
Sanctuary • Geographical location and other features
o Location: Situated at near Warangal (Telangana)
o Lies on border of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.
• River: Dayyam Vagu and Godavari
• Flora: Bamboo, Maddi, Dry Deciduous Teak, Thiruman, Madhuca
• Fauna: Sloth Bear, Chinkara, Nilgai, Black Buck etc.
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4.3.3. SPECIES IN NEWS
Species Details
Terrestrial Species
Gray Slender Loris • Gray slender Loris was rescued in North Goa.
• Protection status
• Characteristics
o Nocturnal animal.
o Slow movers and foragers, they nest near large insect colonies for
easy meals.
o They are Viviparous (producing living young instead of eggs).
• Habitats: Tropical rainforests, scrub forests, semi-evergreen forests,
swamps.
o Found in India and Sri Lanka.
• Threat: Habitat Loss, Electrocution on power lines etc.
Chital (Spotted Deer) • Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island (formerly Ross Island) is facing an
invasion of chital deer.
• Characteristics
o Gestation period: Around 231 - 235 days.
o Food and Feeding: Grasses, but also forbs, leaves, flowers, and
fruits.
o Antlers are present only in males.
• Habitats: Riverine forest during the hot dry season while Sal forest
during the monsoon season.
o Native to the Indian subcontinent
• Threats: Illegal hunting, habitat loss and degradation due to human
encroachment and spread of invasive alien plant species.
Aquatic Species
Blue Whales • Blue whales have made a comeback near the Seychelles after 60 years.
• Characteristics
o Largest & loudest animal on the planet.
o Lifespan: Estimated at around 80 to 90 years.
o Key Behaviour aspect: Sometimes swim in small groups but are
more often found alone or in pairs.
o Diet: Feeds almost exclusively on krill (marine crustaceans)
• Habitat: Found in all oceans except the Arctic Ocean.
• Threats: Vessel Strikes, commercial whaling, etc.
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Reptiles, insects, amphibians , etc.
Neptis Philyra • Rare butterfly species Neptis philyra was recently discovered for the
first time in India.
• Has been discovered in Tale Valley wildlife sanctuary in lower Subansiri
district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is commonly known as long-streak sailor.
• It has serrated wings with rich brownish-black on the upper side and
yellow brown on the underside.
• Habitat: Evergreen forests, riverine vegetation, and rocky streams.
o It is generally found in east Asia, including eastern Siberia, Korea,
Japan, central and southwest China.
Plant species
Arogyapacha (Trichopus • 'Arogyappacha' (Trichopus zeylanicus) found endemic to Agastyar hills
zeylanicus) of Kerala is used by the local 'kani' tribe as a health food for getting
instant stamina, ever green health and vitality.
• It is a small medicinal plant with slender stems and thick leaves, grows
in shade near the banks of streams and rivulets and only its tender
fruits plant are edible.
• Medicinal properties: Anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory,
anti-tumour, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective and anti-
diabetic, etc.
• Arogyapacha is a subspecies of Trichopus zeylanicus.
o The subspecies found in India is called Trichopus zeylanicus
travancoricus.
o Though the main species, Trichopus zeylanicus, is found in Sri Lanka
and Thailand, only the Indian variety is proved to have medicinal
qualities.
• A drug named ‘Jeevani’ has been developed using “Arogya Pacha”
with three more ingredients by Tropical Botanic Garden and Research
Institute (TBGRI), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
o Kani Tribes gets a share of 50% on commercial returns.
Oleander Flowers (Nerium • Kerala banned the use of oleander flowers in temple offerings after
oleander/ rosebay) death of two women due to accidental poisoning from the flower.
• It is a rapidly growing evergreen, rounded shrub or small tree native
to Europe and Asia.
• Also known as Arali and kanaveeram in Kerala.
• It is heat, drought, wind, air pollution, salt, and poor soil tolerant.
• All parts of the plant are highly toxic as it contains cardiac glycosides
(a type of chemical) including nerioside and oleandroside.
Newly discovered species

New tardigrade species • A new species of marine tardigrade discovered from the southeast
coast of Tamil Nadu is named Batillipes chandrayaani after
Chandrayaan-3 moon mission.
• About Batillipes chandrayaani
o Third marine tardigrade species to have been scientifically
described from the Indian waters.
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o It has a trapezoid-shaped head and four pairs of legs with sharp-
tipped sensory spines.
• About Tardigrade
o Near-microscopic aquatic animals with plump, segmented bodies
and flattened heads.
o Also known as ‘water bears’, they are among the hardiest animals.

4.3.4.1. GLOBAL FOREST WATCH (GFW)
• India Lost 2.33 Million Hectares (Mha) of Tree Cover since 2000 as per Global Forest Watch (GFW).
• This is equivalent to a 6% decrease in tree cover during 2001-2023.
o Tree cover is an estimated area comprising of tree patches, which are less than 1 hectare and isolated
trees outside the recorded forest.
o Forest cover is defined as an area more than 1 hectare in extent and having tree canopy density of 10%
and above.
• World Resources Institute (WRI) established GFW in 1997.
o It is an online platform that provides data and tools for monitoring forests.
o It allows access to near real-time information about where and how forests are changing around world
4.3.4.2. PLANKTON CRASH

• The red color of Promenade beach in Puducherry last year was connected to plankton crash, an expert panel
told National Green Tribunal (NGT).
• Noctiluca scintillans, a type of phytoplankton, turn a red color when in large numbers experienced a crash,
leading to the release of colored pigment from their cells.
o These pigments then stick to rocks and the sea floor, forming a biofilm-like layer and causing ‘red tides’.
• Plankton crashes happen due to a lack of nutrients or lack of CO2 in the earlier part of the production cycle.
o Plankton may also die later in the cycle due to sudden change in water quality.
4.3.4.3. GAPE LIMITATION

• Gape limitation is a concept in ecology that refers to the physical constraint on the size of prey that a predator
can consume. This limitation is primarily determined by the size of the predator’s mouth or “gape”.
o This means that small predators can only eat small prey, while bigger predators can eat bigger prey.
o For example, lions can take down large prey like zebras due to their large gapes, while smaller predators
like hawks are limited to eating rodents or insects.
• Importance of Gape limitation in ecology: Shaping Food Webs, Driving adaptations, Regulating predator-prey
balance, Predicting ecosystem changes
4.3.4.4. CENTRAL MARINE FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE (CMFRI)

• Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) achieved captive breeding of high-value marine fish
golden trevally.
o It will help to promote sustainable seafood production and boost India's mariculture activities.
• CMFRI monitors and assesses the marine fisheries resources of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
o Lies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
o Joined the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1967.
• Golden trevally (or golden king fish) is a reef-associated fish and lives in company of larger fishes like skates,
groupers etc.
o Use: For consumption and ornamental purposes.
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4.3.4.5. FOURTH GLOBAL MASS CORAL BLEACHING EVENT
• NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch (CRW) and International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) confirm 4th global mass coral
bleaching event.
• It is second such event in the past 10 years with earlier event lasting from 2014 to 2017.
• Initiatives for coral reef: ICRI, Global Fund for Coral Reefs, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN),
Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI), etc.
o Coral Triangle is a marine area located in the western Pacific Ocean. It includes the waters of Indonesia,
Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Solomon Islands.
o World Coral Conservatory Project: To protect a global collection of the majority of coral species and
strains in the form of living colonies through a network of partner public and private aquariums.
To know more about Coral bleaching, kindly refer to Article 4.3.12. Other Related News in PT 365 Updated 1 (January-
March) of VisionIAS.
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4.4. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
4.4.1. ENVIRONMENTAL MOVEMENTS IN INDIA
Why in the news?
2023 marked the 50th anniversary of
the Chipko movement.
About Chipko movement
• Nonviolent resistance against
forest cutting that began in the
Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district.
• Meaning of ‘chipko’: It comes from
the word ’embrace’, as the villagers
hugged the trees and encircled
them to prevent being hacked.
• Origin of the movement: Dates
back to the 18th century and was
started by Rajasthan’s Bishnoi
community.
o Led by Amrita Devi against the
orders of then King of Jodhpur.
o Resulted in passing of a royal
decree that banned cutting of
trees in all Bishnoi villages.
• Major leaders: Sunderlal Bahuguna,
Chandi Prasad Bhatt, Gaura
Devi,etc.
• Renowned for its collective
mobilization of women in the
effort to conserve forests, manifesting the philosophy of Eco-feminism.
Other Major environmental movements
• Silent Valley Movement (1973): Against hydro-electric dam, to be built on the Kundapuzha River, in the
Palakkad district of Kerala.
• Appiko movement (1983): Led by Panduranga Hegde in Karnataka.
• Narmada Bachao Andolan (1985): Led by environmental activist Medha Patkar against construction of large
dam on Narmada.
• Other important environmental movements: Chilika Bachao Andolan, Against Bauxite Mining in Kashipur,
Gandhamardan Environment Protection, etc.
4.4.2. CONSTITUTIONALIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Why in the news?
The Supreme Court (SC), in a recent judgment, stated that the right to be free from the adverse effects of climate
change should be recognised by Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
More about the news
• The judgment stated that the inability of underserved communities to adapt to climate change or cope with
its effects violates the rights granted under Article 14 and 21.
o e.g., Food and water shortages due to climate change and environmental degradation affects poorer
communities more, affecting right to equality.
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• Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India guarantee the fundamental rights to equality and life
respectively.
• The judgment was made under the writ Petition ‘M.K. Ranjitsinh and Others v. Union of India and Others’
regarding the protection of Great Indian Bustard and its habitat.
Other details about the judgment
• Supreme Court modified its earlier order to place a blanket direction for undergrounding high-voltage and
low-voltage power lines in the Great Indian Bustard habitat.
• SC was hearing an application for modification by the Union MoEFCC, Ministry of Power, and Ministry of
New and Renewable Energy against earlier order.
• Highlights of the Judgement
o Removed blanket direction for undergrounding high voltage and low voltage power lines in the entire
region.
o Constituted an Expert Committee to
✓ Determine the scope, feasibility, and extent of overhead and underground electric lines in the
area identified as priority areas.
✓ Review international best practices for conservation of similar species.
✓ Facilitate conservation and protection measures for GIB as well as other fauna.
• Reasons for reversing earlier judgment: Diverse factors are responsible for reduction in GIB population,
Issues in laying underground cables.
To know more about the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) and the earlier judgment, kindly refer to Articles 3.2.13. Species
in News in Environment PT 365 (April-Dec) and 4.3.12. Other Related News in PT 365 Updated 1 (January-March) of
VisionIAS.
Other important SC judgements regarding environmental issues
• Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra vs. State (1988): Right to live in a healthy environment as part of
Article 21.
• M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India (1987): Right to live in pollution free environment under Article 21.
• Virender Gaur vs. State of Haryana (1995): Protection and preservation of the environment, ecological
balance free from pollution as part of Article 21.
• T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union Of India & Ors (1996): Expanded ‘forest’ meaning.
• Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum vs. Union of India (1996): Observed that “the Precautionary Principle” and
“the Polluter Pays Principle” are essential features of “Sustainable Development.”
o Precautionary principle: it allows decision makers to take precautions when scientific evidence of
environmental or health hazard is inconclusive.
o Polluter pay principle: It is a practice in which those who produce pollution bear the coasts of managing
it to prevent damage to human health or the environment.
Other Constitutional Provisions regarding Environment
• Article 48A: State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests
and wild life of the country.
• Clause (g) of Article 51A: Makes it the duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment
including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.
4.4.3. NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL

Why in the news?
NGT directed Punjab government to disclose how it will achieve its target to cut stubble-burning incidents.
About National Green Tribunal (NGT)
• A specialised judicial body equipped with expertise solely to adjudicate environmental cases in the country
(refer to the infographics).
o Disposal of applications or appeals within 6 months of filing of the same.
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• Genesis: Established as a statutory body under the NGT Act, 2010.
• Composition
o Headed by: Chairperson
o Members: 10-20 judicial as well as expert members (each)
• Qualification
○ A person who is or has been Supreme Court Judge or High Court (HC) Chief Justice can serve as both
Chairperson and judicial member.
○ A person who is or has been HC judge can only serve as judicial member.
• Guided by principles of natural justice and not bound by the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
○ While passing any order/decision/ award, it shall apply the principles of sustainable development,
precautionary principle and polluter pays principle.
• Power: Power of the civil court; Power to take suo motu cognizance; and Power to grant relief in the form of
compensation and damages to affected persons.
• Appeal: Orders are binding but not final (it can review its judgements or an appeal could be made in SC within
ninety days.).
• Benches: NGT has a presence in five zones- North (Principal Bench, headquartered in Delhi), Central, East,
South and West.
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Related news: Environment Protection Charge (EPC) and Environmental Compensation
• A Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Report to NGT showed that 80% environmental funds remained
unutilized.
• Only 20% of funds collected through Environment Protection Charge (EPC) and Environmental
Compensation has utilized only.
• CPCB receives compensation under two heads:
o EPC: The dealer/manufacturer is required to pay 1% EPC for specified new diesel vehicles, registered
only in Delhi and NCR.
✓ It is received as per order of Supreme Court.
o Environmental compensation: A policy instrument for protection of environment which works on the
Polluter Pay Principle.
✓ It is received as per orders of NGT.
✓ It is utilized to protect environment through strengthening of laboratories/monitoring network,
projects in compliance of NGT orders, capacity building of pollution control boards, etc.

4.4.4.1. PAIRA CROPPING SYSTEM
• This conservation agricultural practice in Odisha is dwindling in recent years.
• Paira cropping system is a relay method of sowing in which short-duration pulses/oilseeds are broadcast in
standing crop of rice ~2 weeks before its harvest.
• It does not allow interventions such as tillage, weeding, irrigation, and fertilizer application.
• Benefits: maximize land use efficiency, boost farmers income, etc.
• Areas of Practise: Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chattisgarh and Odisha.
4.4.4.2. WORLD ENERGY COUNCIL

• The 26th World Energy Congress, co-hosted by the World Energy Council (WEC), concluded in Rotterdam
(Netherlands).
• About WEC
o Genesis: Formed in 1923, the WEC is an UN-accredited not-for-profit global energy body.
o Mission: Enabling access to clean, affordable and reliable energy for better lives and a healthier planet.
o Role: Develop practical solutions and convene network of global energy transition leaders and
practitioners.
o Members: More than 3000 member organizations (public, private and academic sectors) located in
around 90 countries.
4.4.4.3. WORLD'S FIRST EVER NUCLEAR ENERGY SUMMIT

• Summit was jointly organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Belgium to promote
nuclear energy held in Brussels.
o It was organised in the wake of the historic inclusion of nuclear energy in the Global Stocktake agreed at
the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), 2023.
o Inclusion in Global Stocktake called for accelerating its deployment.
✓ Currently, nuclear energy is responsible for around 25 % of global low carbon electricity production.
• Summit was attended by more than 30 nations (including India) and European Union.
4.4.4.4. ANTARCTIC TREATY

• India is set to host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.
o Meeting will be organised by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Ministry of
Earth Sciences (MoES).
• About Antarctic Treaty:
o Signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961.
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o Total Parties to the Treaty is 56.
o India signed the treaty and received the consultative party status in 1983.
✓ Enacted Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, reaffirming its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty.
o Key provisions: Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes, Freedom of scientific investigation, etc.
• Key Protocol and Conventions:
o Protocol on Environment Protection (Madrid Protocol) to the Antarctic Treaty, 1991
o Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, 1980
4.4.4.5. SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC POTENTIAL (SPV)

• India Meteorological Department (IMD) study finds Solar photovoltaic Potential (SPV) showed a general
decline in stations of IMD.
o SPV is the amount of radiation that may be practically available to be converted to electricity by panels
measured as kilowatt hours per installed kilowatt of capacity (KWh/kWp).
• As per the study, Gujarat and Rajasthan, where India’s largest solar parks are located are also showing a
decrease in SPV potential.
• Cause: increase in aerosol load due to fine particles from carbon emissions, fossil fuel burning and dust.
o Aerosols absorb sunlight and deflect it away from the earth, and they can also form dense clouds that
block sunlight.
• Global solar radiation (GR) is the total amount of solar radiation that is being received per unit area on the
earth surface.
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4.4.5. REPORTS AND INDICES
Report Details
Annual Land • Atlas, released by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), aims to systematically
Use and examine land utilization patterns to offers invaluable insights into the evolving dynamics
Land Cover of our environment.
(LULC) Atlas • Key highlights of the Atlas
of India o Over the past 17 years, Kharif and Rabi cropland has expanded by 46.06% and 35.23%
respectively, as fallow land diminished by 45.19%.
✓ Since 2005, shifting cultivation increased until 2016-17, after which it witnessed a
decline.
o Indicated by minimum water body surface, Water resources increased by 146 % since
2005.
o Built-up land increased with an overall growth of 30.77% since 2005.
✓ Wastelands (degraded and unproductive lands) contributed significantly to built-
up area expansion by 12.3%.
Food Waste • Launched by: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), co-authored with WRAP
Index (FWI) (Waste and Resources Action Programme) was published ahead of International Day of
Report 2024 Zero Waste (observed annually on 30 March).
o WRAP is a climate action NGO (established in UK in 2000) working to tackle causes of
climate crisis and give the planet a sustainable future.
• FWI tracks global and national generation of food and inedible parts wasted at retail and
consumer (household and food service) levels.
• It supports the goals of two indicators of SDG 12.3 which is to be achieved by 2030 i.e.
o SDG 12.3.1 (a), Food Loss Index (FLI), reduce food losses along production and supply
chains, including post-harvest losses. Food and Agriculture Organization is custodian
of FLI.
o SDG 12.3.1 (b), FWI, halve per-capita global food waste at retail and consumer levels.
UNEP is custodian of FWI.
4.5. DISASTER MANAGEMENT

4.5.1. TORNADOES
Why in the news?
IMD warns of more tornadoes in northern Bengal.
About Tornadoes
• A land-based vertical column of violently rotating air that extends from thunderstorm to ground.
o It can have wind speeds in range of 105-322 Km/hr.
• They develop from severe thunderstorms in warm, moist, unstable air along and ahead of cold fronts.
o Thunderstorms are severe local storms associated with thunder, lightning, heavy rain, hail, strong winds
etc.
• Tornadoes are most common in United States, Argentina and Bangladesh.
o In India, these are reported in eastern states of West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand during pre-monsoon
period.
o India is known for formation of Tropical Cyclones.
Parameters Tropical Cyclones Tornadoes
Size and Scale Can span hundreds of miles and affect vast Size is only a few hundred yards in
areas. diameter.
Wind Shear Require very low values of tropospheric Require substantial vertical shear of
vertical shear. horizontal winds.
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Temperature Generated in regions of near-zero horizontal Produced in regions of large
Gradient temperature gradient. temperature gradient.
Area of Formation Purely an oceanic phenomenon. Primarily developed over land.
Time-Scale Lifetime that is measured in days. Typically lasts on the scale of minutes.
Impact Heavy rainfall, storm surges, and widespread Cause Localized destruction.
flooding.
4.5.2. EARLY WARNINGS FOR ALL (EW4ALL)

Why in the news?
India is helping Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Mauritius develop Early Warning Systems (EWS).
More on the news
• India's efforts are part of 'Early Warnings for All (EW4All)' initiative announced by UN in 2022.
o EWS: An integrated system of hazard monitoring, forecasting etc. and processes enabling individuals,
governments to take timely action reducing disaster risks.
• About EW4All
o Aims to protect everyone from hazardous weather, water or climate events through EWS by end of 2027.
o Spearheaded by World Meteorological Organization and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk
Reduction.
4.6. GEOGRAPHY
4.6.1. BASEFLOW
Why in the news?
A recent study has highlighted that Baseflow
has contributed significantly to the flooding
of rivers in peninsular India.
More about the news
• The study examined six major river
basins of peninsular India namely
Narmada, Tapi, Mahanadi, Godavari,
Krishna and Cauvery.
• The study revealed that catchments with
higher baseflow lead to an increased
likelihood of rapid runoff with incoming
rainfall events in shorter time lags.
What is Baseflow?
• Refers to the portion of stream flow that
originates from groundwater discharge
seeping into the stream or river over an
extended period.
• Groundwater discharges into the water bodies when the water table intersects the surface of the ground
along rivers or wetlands, contributing to their flow.
• Factors influencing Baseflow: Topography of the land, Nature of the Soil, Land use pattern, Climate Change.
• Environmental significance of Baseflow: Maintains the river flow and ecosystem; Reduces silt accumulation;
Maintains the water quality etc.
• Potential effects of change in Baseflow: Increases Flood Risk, Affects the riverine ecosystem, Affects the
water temperature.
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4.6.2. TIMEKEEPING
Why in the news?
According to a study, climate change has slowed Earth’s rotation and could affect timekeeping.
Findings of the study
• Earth’s rotation is speeding up in recent years due to changes in its core, however, melting of polar ice mass
due to climate change have decelerated such speeding up.
• To keep clocks in sync with the Earth’s rotation, speeding up of Earth’s rotation would have necessitated
addition of a negative leap second in two years’ time.
• However, climate change has delayed such addition by another three years, to 2029.
About Leap Second

• Historically, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is followed as time standard, in which a day lasts 86,400
seconds (24 hours * 60 minutes * 60 seconds).
• However, average length of a day depends on Earth’s rotation speed.
• In case of fluctuations in Earth’s rotation speed, leap seconds are added/subtracted to UTC.
• A negative leap second is subtracted in case of slowing of Earth’s rotation while a positive leap second is
added to compensate for speeding of Earth’s rotation.
• So far, there have been 27 positive leap seconds, but no negative leap seconds.
About Rotation of Earth
• Earth rotates on its axis relative to the Sun every 24 hours mean solar time, with an inclination of 23.45
degrees from the plane of its orbit around the Sun.
• Earth’s rotation is affected by three major geophysical processes -
o Tidal dissipation: Friction between ocean water and the sea floor — both in shallow seas and in deep-
ocean — has progressively slowed Earth’s rotation.
o Earth’s core: Changes in the flow of currents in the molten outer core affecting its spin.
o Glacial melt: As polar glaciers melt, the water mass gets redistributed throughout the oceans, pooling
most noticeably around the equator.
✓ It changes the shape of Earth, making it flatter and slows down its rotation speed.
4.6.3. GEOPARKS
Why in the news?
UNESCO endorsed the addition of 18 new Geoparks to the Global Geoparks Network (GGN).
More about the news
• Latest addition raises the number of total Geoparks to 213 which are spread across 48 countries (no geopark
in India).
• Some major geoparks added to GGN are:
○ Land of Extinct Volcanoes (Poland): Features distinctive remnants of Paleozoic and Cenozoic volcanoes
○ Impact Crater Lake (Finland): Europe's largest impact crater lake formed through a collision with a
meteorite 78 million years ago.
○ Uberaba (Brazil): Its tag line ‘Land of the Giants’ refers to its rich palaeontological heritage.
About UNESCO's Global Geopark (UGGPS)
• About: Internationally geologically significant landscapes are managed with a holistic concept of protection,
education and sustainable development.
• Genesis: Geopark concept arose in mid-1990's and was created in 2015.
• Management: By a body having a legal existence recognized under national legislation.
• Designation is not permanent: Designation is for four years after which it is reassessed.
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• Mandatory Networking: Membership of the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is obligatory for UGGPs.
• Significance: Giving local people sense of pride and strengthen their identification, Geotourism.
Global Geoparks Network (GGN)

• It is a non-profit International Association officially established in 2014.
○ GGN was founded as an international partnership developed under the umbrella of UNESCO.
• Networking and collaboration among Global Geoparks is an important component of the GGN.

4.6.4.1. ROGUE WAVES
• A University of Melbourne expedition to Antarctica has discovered that wind drives the formation of colossal
rogue waves.
• Rogues, also called 'extreme storm waves', are those waves which are greater than twice the size of
surrounding waves.
• Can form in large bodies of freshwater as well as the ocean and are often steep-sided with unusually deep
troughs.
• Rogue waves are unusually large, unpredictable, dangerous and can cause damage to ships or coastal
infrastructure.
4.6.4.2. SWELL WAVES

• The Swell Waves inundated coastal areas of Kerala.
• Swell waves are a series of mechanical or surface gravity waves generated by distant weather systems that
propagate thousands of miles across oceans and seas.
• They can propagate in directions that differ from the direction of the wind.
• It takes place without any noticeable advance change in local winds or coastal environment.
• They are locally known as Kallakadal.
4.6.4.3. VOLCANIC VORTEX RINGS (VVR)

• Volcanic Vortex Rings (VVR) observed from the Mount Etna.
• VVR, also known as volcanic smoke rings, are generated when gas, predominantly water vapor, is released
rapidly through a circular vent in the volcanic crater.
4.6.4.4. RINGWOODITE
• Researchers have uncovered a vast reservoir of water, dubbed the "Ringwoodite Ocean," concealed within
the Earth's mantle, over 700 kms beneath the surface.
o "Ringwoodite Ocean" is a vast reservoir of water trapped within the mineral ringwoodite in the Earth's
mantle.
• Ringwoodite is a vivid blue mineral formed under high temperatures and pressures in Earth's mantle.
o It is one of the most typical high-pressure mineral in meteorites.
o Named after Australian earth scientist Alfred E. Ringwood who studied polymorphic phase transitions in
common mantle minerals, olivine and pyroxene.
4.6.4.5. ZERO SHADOW DAY

• Recently, Bengaluru experienced a rare celestial phenomenon known as ‘Zero Shadow Day’.
• Zero Shadow Day occurs when the sun aligns perfectly overhead, causing vertical objects to cast no shadows.
• This phenomenon occurs twice a year (once during Summer Solstice and once during Winter Solstice) in
regions situated between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
• The zero shadow days are different for different places.
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4.6.4.6. PERMAFROST REGION
• As per a recent study the northern permafrost region has been projected to shift from a net sink to a net
source of carbon under global warming.
• Permafrost is a permanently frozen layer on or under Earth's surface. It consists of soil, gravel, and sand,
usually bound together by ice.
• Permafrost usually remains at or below 0°C (32ºF) for at least two years.
• As Earth’s climate warms, the permafrost is thawing. That means the ice inside the permafrost melts, leaving
behind water and soil.
• Impact of thawing permafrost: Net source of carbon, Disease Outbreak, Infrastructure stability.
4.6.5. PLACES IN NEWS

4.6.5.1. RIVERS IN NEWS (INDIA)
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4.6.5.2. PLACES IN NEWS: INTERNATIONAL
4.7. ERRATA
Environment PT 365 (April-Dec)
• Article 3.4.1. First International Treaty to Protect the High Seas: In the infographic titled ‘Maritime Zones’ on
page 82, the extent of the territorial sea, the contiguous zone and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) have
been marked incorrectly due to a design error. The correct infographic is:
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5. SOCIAL ISSUES
5.1. EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION (ECCE)
Why in the News?
Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) launched Aadharshila a National Curriculum for Early
Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), 2024 for Children from three to six Years.
About Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
• ECCE is defined as care and education of children from birth to eight years. It includes:
o Early stimulation programmes through crèches/homes stimulation for 0–3-year-olds.
o Early Childhood Education (ECE) programmes for 3-6 year olds (as seen in anganwadis, nurseries,
preschools, kindergartens, preparatory schools, etc.).
o Early Primary Education Programmes as part of schooling for 6–8-year-olds.
• Government of India adopted National ECCE Policy in 2013.
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCF-FS)
2022 have recognized the critical role of ECCE in country.
o NCF-FS institutionalized guidelines specifically tailored for fostering high-quality ECCE for 3-6 years and
age group of 0-3 years.
o The NCF-(FS) 2020 recognizes the multifaceted nature of child development by integrating the
Panchakosha concept.
• Aadharshila, the National Curriculum for ECCE 2024 address this need.
o Its objective is to improve quality of early childhood education transacted at Anganwadi Centre, by
prioritising competency-based lesson plans and activities, covering all learning domains.
Initiatives for ECCE in India

• Integrated Child Development Services, 1975 aimed at addressing malnutrition, health and also
development needs of young children, pregnant and nursing mothers.
• Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0: They are Integrated Nutrition Support Programme that seeks to
address the challenges of malnutrition in children, adolescent girls, pregnant women and lactating
mothers.
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• Palna (PROVISION OF ANGANWADI CUM CRECHES) and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
(PMMVY) Schemes under Mission Shakti.
• Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi launched in 2023.
• Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009 provides that appropriate
government may make necessary arrangements for pre-school education.
• Other policies: National Policy for Children (1974), National Policy for Education, (1986), National Plan of
Action for Children (2005).
Global initiatives
• UNESCO established Global Partnership Strategy (GPS) for Early Childhood.
o Overall goal of GPS is to ensure that ECCE, Early childhood development, and Early childhood
investment services are fully inclusive, accessible, affordable, gender-responsive and equitable for each
child.
• Convention on the Rights of Child (CRC) 1989 and Education for All (EFA) 1990 has postulated ECCE as the
very first goal to be achieved for Education For All, since “learning begins at birth”.
o India is also a signatory to both.
• SDG4 - Education 2030 agenda marked the first global commitment to ECCE beyond education community.
5.1.1. NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD STIMULATION

Why in the news?
Recently, MoWCD has released Navchetana, a National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation (ECS) from
Birth to Three Years.
About Early Childhood Stimulation (ECS)
• ECS begins from biological and sensory growth of the
child right from their gestation in mother’s womb.
• Framework for Stimulation (0-3 years) aims to fill the
gaps in implementing care and stimulation from birth
until the first three years of a child’s growth.
• Framework guides engagement inside home and at
Anganwadi centres or crèches.
• In order to facilitate inclusion of children with disabilities,
an age-appropriate screening tool has been included.
• Need of ECS
o At this age baby’s brain is twice as active as an adult’s
brain and patterns of thinking and responding are
established.
o At birth, only 25% of the eventual brain is formed,
while 75% develops in the first 3 years of a child’s life.
• Document emphasizes on two of the five components of
nurturing care framework: ‘responsive caregiving’ and
‘creating opportunities for early learning’.
o Nurturing care framework for Early Childhood
Development was provided by WHO.
o Other three components are Security and safety, good health and Adequate Nutrition
5.2. CHILD CARE LEAVE

Why in the news?
Recently, a 2-judge bench of the SC directed the government of Himachal Pradesh to review its policies on CCL
concerning working mothers, especially mothers of children with special needs.
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Key highlights of the SC Directive
• Court observed that where the state is the employer of a working mother, it cannot be ignorant of her
responsibilities at home while serving the state.
• Participation of women in workforce is a constitutional entitlement protected by Article 15 of the
Constitution.
o Article 15 provides that State shall not discrimination on grounds only of religion, race, caste, sex, place of
birth, or any of them.
• Maternity benefits given for delivering the child were not sufficient and are perhaps distinct from the
concept of CCL.
o Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 provides for 26 weeks of paid maternity leave to women
workers.
✓ Out of these 26 weeks, not more than 8 weeks shall be preceding the expected date of delivery
About Child Care Leave (CCL)
• Rule 43-C of the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972 provides for 2 years (730 days) of CCL to female
employees for taking care of two eldest surviving children upto the age of 18 years.
o This leave can be used for any child-related needs like exams or illness.
o State of Himachal Pradesh has not adopted these provisions of CCL.
• Rule 43-C also provides CCLs to single male parents (unmarried or widower or divorcee).
• There’s no age limit in case of disabled child.
5.3. DOPING IN SPORTS

Why in the news?
India recorded highest percentage of doping offenders (3.26%), according to the 2022 testing figures released by
the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
More about the news
• India is followed by South Africa and Bangkok in percentage of doping offenders.
• In 2022, nearly all drug classes saw an increase in the number of individual Prohibited Substances compared
to 2021.
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About Doping
• It is the act of consuming banned artificial and often illegal substances to gain an advantage over others in
sporting competitions.
• Doping may also include other methods like increasing oxygen in the bloodstream through blood
transfusions.
Efforts to stop doping in India

• National Anti-Doping Act, 2022: To strengthen the framework and mechanisms for carrying out doping control
program. It provided for constitution of National Anti-Doping agency as a statutory body.
• National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA): An autonomous body under Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports to
implement anti-doping programme in India, in line with the World Anti-doping Code 2021.
o It was set up as a registered society under Societies Registration Act of 1860 in 2005.
• Key Initiatives of NADA:
o Program for Education and Awareness on Anti-Doping in Sports (PEADS) for education and awareness
regarding doping.
o Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with South Asia Regional Anti-Doping Organization
(SARADO) to increase the Regional Cooperation in anti-doping in sport.
o Anti-Doping helpline number for athletes and athlete support personnel to provide information about
Anti-Doping rules and guidelines.
• Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985: It prohibits any individual from engaging in any activity
consisting of production, cultivation, sale, purchase, transport, consumption of any narcotic drug or
psychotropic substance.
• India has signed and ratified United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization International
Convention against Doping.

5.4.1. FOOD WASTE INDEX REPORT 2024
• Recently, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Launched Food Waste Index (FWI) Report 2024.
• Report co-authored with WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) was published ahead of
International Day of Zero Waste (observed annually on 30 March).
o WRAP is a climate action NGO (established in UK in 2000) working to tackle causes of climate crisis and
give the planet a sustainable future.
• FWI tracks global and national generation of food and inedible parts wasted at retail and consumer
(household and food service) levels.
o It supports the goals of two indicators of SDG 12.3 which is to be achieved by 2030 i.e.
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✓ SDG 12.3.1 (a), Food Loss Index (FLI), reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including
post-harvest losses. Food and Agriculture Organization is custodian of FLI.
✓ SDG 12.3.1 (b), FWI, halve per-capita global food waste at retail and consumer levels. UNEP is custodian
of FWI.
5.4.2. GLOBAL NETWORK AGAINST FOOD CRISES (GNAFC)

• GNAFC launched the Global Report on Food Crises (GRFC) which is produced annually by the Food Security
Information Network (FSIN).
• About GNAFC
○ It was launched in 2016.
○ By the European Union, the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food
Programme (WFP).
○ It seeks to better link, integrate and guide existing initiatives, partnerships, programmes and policy
processes to address the root causes of food crises.
○ It brings together governments, international organisations, and NGOs to improve humanitarian
responses and reduce the number of people facing acute food insecurity.
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6. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
6.1. BIOTECHNOLOGY
6.1.1. TISSUE CULTURE
Why in the News?
Tissue culture lab will generate saplings of
threatened or rare native Delhi trees.
More about News
• Tissue culture lab will be set up at the
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Delhi
NCR region.
• Species identified are Hingot, Khair, Bistendu, Siri, Palash etc.
About Plant Tissue Culture (PTC)
• Refers to the cultivation of undifferentiated plant cells, tissues or organs on synthetic media under an aseptic
environment and suitable controlled physical conditions.
• Based upon the totipotency characteristic of a plant cell.
o Totipotency is the ability of a vegetative cell to divide and differentiate into any type of specialized cell.
• Types of PTC
o Organ Culture: Any part of the plant (root, stem, leaf, and flower) is used as an explant for culturing
purposes.
o Seed culture: The explants are obtained from the plants that are already cultured and grown under in vitro
conditions.
o Embryo culture: The embryo is isolated and cultured under in vitro conditions.
• Benefits of PTC
o Propagating and genetically improving commercially valuable plants.
o Study characteristics of the growth, metabolism, reproduction, physiology and nutritional necessities
of the plants under controlled circumstances.
o Production of plantlets in a very short time with a lesser amount of plant tissue.
o Large-scale fabrication of artificial seeds.
• Challenges with PTC: Inadequate Infrastructure, lack of skilled manpower, lack of scientific knowledge about
biotechnological principles, etc.
6.2. IT, COMPUTER AND CYBERSECURITY

6.2.1. CYBER RISK: CONCERN FOR MACRO-FINANCIAL
STABILITY
• Rising Cyber Threats Pose Serious Concerns for Macro-Financial Stability,
warns International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• According to IMF’s Global Financial Stability Report 2024,
o Risk of extreme losses from cyber incidents has increased to $2.5
billion.
o Number of cyberattacks has almost doubled since COVID-19
pandemic.
o Attacks on financial firms account for nearly one-fifth of total, of
which banks are most exposed.
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6.2.2. GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) SPOOFING
• As per reports, Israel used GPS spoofing against Iran.
o GPS is a satellite constellation supporting highly accurate positioning, navigation and timing (PNT)
measurements worldwide. It is owned by the United States.
• About GPS Spoofing
o Also, known as GPS simulation.
o Refers to the practice of manipulating or tricking a GPS receiver by broadcasting false GPS signals.
o This form of cyber-attack undermines the reliability of GPS data, which is vital for a variety of applications.
o Spoofing is different from GPS jamming.
o In the latter, the GPS signals are jammed or blocked.
6.2.3. DOXXING
• Incidents of Doxxing are increasing over internet.
• About Doxxing
o The term "doxxing" is derived from phrase "dropping dox (documents).
o It refers to collection of a user’s private information, across multiple platforms (including social media)
by an unauthorized individual and
✓ then publishing the information in an attempt to shame or embarrass user.
o Conducted by researching public databases, hacking, or through social engineering.
o Prevention: Adjust social media settings, use strong passwords, report through National Cyber Crime
Reporting Portal, etc.
6.2.4. MERCENARY SPYWARE

• Apple has issued warnings to users in India and other countries of potential "mercenary spyware" attacks.
• About Mercenary Spywares:
o Mercenary spywares are designed to remotely infiltrate and compromise smartphones and other devices
without the knowledge or consent of the users.
o These targets specific individuals and can be used to monitor movements, communications and steal
private data.
o Some of mercenary spywares include Pegasus, FinSpy and Galileo.
• Spyware: It is malicious software or malware that is installed on a computing device without end user’s
knowledge and monitors or steals sensitive information.
6.2.5. SHALLOWFAKE
• A shallowfake video of the US Vice President has gone viral.
• Shallowfake refers to altered media (pictures, videos and voice clips, etc) created with conventional and
affordable technologies without the help of AI technology.
o Contrary to this, Deepfakes are synthesized images, videos, and other media created by the Artificial
Intelligence (AI).
o Shallowfake is also called as cheapfake.
6.2.6. CYBER SLAVERY

• Over 3 months, the Indian Embassy rescued 75 Indians trapped in cyber-slavery in Cambodia.
• About Cyber-slavery
○ It is a modern form of human trafficking that exploits people in the digital world.
○ Victims are lured with employment opportunities and forced to work as online scammers.
○ It is emerging as a form of organized crime of unprecedented severity and scale.
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6.2.7. WHITE RABBIT (WR) TECHNOLOGY
• CERN has launched the White Rabbit Collaboration (WRC) to foster the uptake of White Rabbit technology
by Industry.
o The Collaboration aims to provide dedicated support and training, facilitate R&D projects in the
technology.
• WR technology
o Developed at CERN to provide sub-nanosecond accuracy and picosecond precision of synchronisation for
the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) accelerator chain.
✓ LHC is the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator.
✓ LHC was first used in 2012 and in 2020, it was included in the worldwide industry standard known as
Precision Time Protocol (PTP).
6.3. SPACE TECHNOLOGY

6.3.1. SPACE WEATHER
Why in the News?
As per the recent study, Space weather is behind unprecedented loss of 38 Starlink satellites.
More about News
• The Study was conducted by IISER Kolkata. It found following factors for loss of satellites.
o Space weather conditions,
o Satellites in high-density low Earth orbit,
o Enhanced drag due to orientation changes of satellites.
About Space Weather
• Space weather is environment around Earth, other planets, and celestial objects in our galaxy which is largely
controlled by Sun’s activities.
• It is influenced by solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and other particles and emissions emanating
from Sun.
o Solar flares are sudden and intense explosions of energy on surface of Sun, often associated with
sunspots. These are caused by release of magnetic energy stored in Sun’s atmosphere.
o CMEs are large expulsions of plasma and magnetic field from Sun’s corona.
• Impact of Space Weather on Earth:
o Radio blackout storm: Electromagnetic energy released in flares disrupts radio signals in earth’s upper
atmosphere impacting Navigation system.
o Geomagnetic storms (major disturbances in earth’s magnetic field) affect power grids, pipelines, and
railways, and cause auroras.
o Solar radiation storm: Fast-moving charged particles from sun can permeate magnetosphere and
endanger astronauts and spacecraft/satellites/aircraft.
About Starlink
• A constellation of satellites in LEO (Created by SpaceX, American space start-up) providing global internet
coverage, particularly for remote regions.
• Plans to have as many as 42,000 satellites at altitude of about 550 km.
• Offers reduced latency and increased bandwidth due to satellite's proximity to Earth.
6.3.2. SATELLITE COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (SCT)

Why in the News?
Tiantong-1 will allow Smartphones to Make Direct Satellite Calls.
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More about News
• Chinese scientists have developed world’s first satellite series
(Tiantong-1).
• It is capable of enabling smartphone calls without the need for
ground-based infrastructure such as Base Transceiver Station
(BTSs) or cellular towers.
About Chinese Satellite Communication Technology (SCT)
• Tiantong-1 series of satellites consist of three satellites placed
in geosynchronous orbit at an altitude of ~36000 km.
o Geosynchronous orbit is a low inclination orbit having a
period of 23 hours 56 minutes and 4 seconds.
o It is a special position high above the Earth that allows an
object to keep pace with the rotation our planet.
• It covers entire Asia-Pacific region from Middle East to the
Pacific Ocean.
• Significance of SCT
o Accessibility: Seamless and ubiquitous access to
communication services in remote, rural, and hard-to-
reach areas.
o Contingency planning: SCT can be crucial during natural
disasters or other emergencies when terrestrial networks may be damaged or disrupted.
o Military and Defense applications: Can enable secure and reliable communication, navigation,
surveillance, and intelligence gathering.
• Concerns associated with SCT: Space debris and orbital congestion, regulatory and governance challenges
due to issues of international coordination and liability, cyber threats such as jamming, spoofing, etc.
6.3.3. SEMI-CRYOGENIC ENGINE (SCE)-200

Why in the News?
ISRO successfully conducted the first Pre-Burner Ignition trial for semi-cryogenic engine (SCE)-200.
More about News
• The ignition process is one of the most critical parts in the development of liquid rocket engine systems.
○ The recent SCE ignition is achieved using a start fuel ampule which uses a combination of Triethyle
Alumnide and Triethyle Boron developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
Semi-Cryogenic Engine (SCE)
• SCE utilises liquid oxygen (LOX) as an oxidiser and refined kerosene as fuel.
• ISRO is developing a powerful SCE that produces a thrust of 2,000 kilonewtons (kN).
○ This SCE is aimed at improving the payload capacity of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) and future
launch vehicles.
○ Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Bengaluru, is ISRO’s lead center for development of SCE.
• These engines offer significant advantages over traditional cryogenic engines.
○ The cryogenic engine uses liquid Oxygen as oxidiser and liquid Hydrogen as fuel (both kept at very low
temperatures). It is usually the last stage of rockets.
Advantages of SCE
• Easy storage and handling: Refined kerosene is lighter, needs less space and can be stored at a normal
temperature.
• More thrust: They can carry huge weight to a higher altitude.
• Other benefits: They are eco-friendlier and more cost-effective compared to cryogenic engines.
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6.3.4. IMPORTANT SPACE MISSIONS IN NEWS
6.3.4.1. ARYABHATA
• ISRO celebrated Satellite Technology Day (STD) commemorating the 50th year of the Aryabhata Launch in
1975.
• About Aryabhata
o India’s first satellite, named after the famous Indian astronomer in the 5th century.
o Built by the ISRO and launched by a Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar (Russia).
o Aimed to conduct experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics.
6.3.4.2. JUNO MISSION

• NASA's Juno captures closest views of erupting volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io.
o Moon Io is the most volcanically active world in the solar system.
• About Juno mission
o Launched in 2011.
o Aim:
✓ To understand the origin and evolution of Jupiter.
✓ Investigate the existence of a possible solid planetary core, map Jupiter’s intense magnetic field, etc.
o In its extended mission, it continues its investigation of Jupiter till 2025, or until the spacecraft’s end of
life.
6.3.4.3. DRAGONFLY MISSION

• NASA has announced that Dragonfly mission to Saturn's massive moon Titan will be launched in 2028.
o It is fourth mission of NASA’s New Frontiers Program. The other three are NewHorizons, Juno, and
OSIRIS-Rex (also OSIRIS-APEX).
• About Dragonfly Mission
o Goal: To explore the chemistry and habitability of multiple surface sites covering a large area. It will help
in investigating Titan’s habitability.
• Titan is the only satellite in our solar system known to be blanketed by a dense atmosphere and host liquid
seas on its surface

6.3.5.1. ICE CUBE OBSERVATORY
• Scientists at Ice Cube Neutrino Observatory in Antarctica have detected seven tau neutrinos (ghost particles),
which passed through the Earth.
• About Ice Cube Observatory
o A cubic-kilometre neutrino particle detector buried deep beneath the ice surface (~2500 metres).
o Aim: Observe cosmic rays that interact with the Earth’s atmosphere and study the nature of dark matter
and the properties of the neutrino.
o Location: Near the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station in Antarctica.
✓ The observatory was built on the South Pole as it needs clear, pure, and stable ice to make its
discoveries and be shielded from radiation at the Earth’s surface.
o First gigaton neutrino detector ever built and was primarily designed to observe neutrinos from the most
violent astrophysical sources.
• Other Neutrino Observatories
o Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO)
o China’s TRIDENT (Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope): Being built in the South China Sea, near the
equator.
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6.3.5.2. KODAIKANAL SOLAR OBSERVATORY (KSO)
• KSO is entering its 125th year of establishment
• Established in 1899 and subsumed then Madras Observatory.
• Set up to obtain data on how Sun heats up Earth’s atmosphere and to understand monsoon patterns.
• Kodaikanal was chosen for its proximity to equator and its dust-free high-altitude location.
• Observatory is currently under Indian Institute of Astrophysics and is located in Palani range (Tamil Nadu).
• Also houses telescopes like H-alpha telescope, Twin Telescope, WARM (White light Active Region Monitor)
telescope etc.
6.3.5.3. KALAM-250
• Skyroot Aerospace has successfully test-fired Stage-2 of Vikram-1 space launch vehicle, called Kalam-250.
o Stage-2 is significant because it propels satellites from dense atmosphere of Earth to deep vacuum of
outer space.
o Vikram-1 is three-stage, solid-fuel based rocket.
• About Kalam-250
o A high-strength carbon composite rocket motor, which uses solid fuel and high-performance Ethylene-
Propylene-Diene terpolymers (EPDM) Thermal Protection System.
o Solid propellant in Kalam-250 was processed by Solar Industries at Nagpur facility.
o Earlier, Skyroot had tested Kalam-100, third stage of Vikram-1, which was test-fired successfully in 2021.
6.3.5.4. CHANG'E-6
• Recently, China announced successfully launching of more than 8 metric ton Chang'e-6 lunar probe.
• About Chang'e-6
○ Aims to bring back 2 kilograms of samples from the far side of the moon, which humans have never done
before.
✓ China sampled from the near side of the moon in 2020 with the Chang'e-5 mission.
○ Expected to make a soft landing in the South Pole of the moon i.e Aitken Basin.
○ Included the ICUBE-Q orbiter, a cubesat developed by Pakistan.
✓ CubeSats are miniature satellites typically characterized by their small size and standardized design.
6.3.5.5. WEAKLY INTERACTING MASSIVE PARTICLES (WIMPS)

• Recently, Indian scientists have found a new approach to explore cold dark matter (CDM), a hypothetical dark
matter that constitutes 25% of the current universe.
o One of the promising candidates of CDM is the Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMP).
o Such particle arises naturally in extensions of the standard model of particle physics and predict the
correct energy density of the CDM for a plausible range of interaction strength (WIMP miracle).
• WIMP represents one hypothesized class of particles to explain dark matter.
o They neither absorb nor emit light and don't interact strongly with other particles.
o But when they encounter each other, they annihilate and make gamma rays.
• Also, Researchers have recently proposed the idea that we may have had two Big Bangs-one for normal matter
and one for mysterious Dark Matter called “Dark Big Bang.”
o Dark Big Bang is thought to have happened significantly after the regular Big Bang and it could be where
dark matter came from.
6.3.5.6. QUARKS
• Scientists have reported that the inside of most massive neutron stars is most likely made of quark matter.
o Neutron stars are formed when a massive star runs out of fuel and collapses.
• About Quarks:
o These are elementary particles. Like the electron, they are not made up of any other particles.
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o These can’t exist in isolation. They can only be found in clumps (groups) of two or three and such clumps
of quarks are called hadrons.
✓ A quark’s antiquark clump is called a meson.
o These are the ultimate building blocks of visible matter in the universe.
o There are six types of quarks: up, down, top, bottom, strange, and charm.
6.4. HEALTH
6.4.1. ETHYLENE (C2H4)
Why in the News?
Mangoes were seized after being artificially ripened with ethylene.
About Ethylene Other Key Application of Ethylene based Chemicals
• Ethylene is a simple gaseous plant growth • Ethylene Oxide / Ethylene Glycol – Used to make
regulator (PGR). other chemicals, including antifreeze, textiles,
• Synthesis: Mainly by tissues undergoing plastics, detergents, and adhesives.
senescence (process of becoming old) and o Also used as a pesticide and sterilizing agent for
ripening fruits. medical equipment.
• Properties: Colourless, flammable gas having a o Recently, several countries have ordered to
sweet taste and odour. recall of India’s Spice product due to the
• Key Role: presence of ethylene oxide.
o Influences of ethylene on plants include • Ethylene Dichloride – Used in PVC pipes, siding,
horizontal growth of seedlings, swelling of medical devices, and clothing.
the axis and apical hook formation in dicot seedlings.
o Highly effective in fruit ripening. It enhances the respiration rate during ripening of the fruits. This rise in
rate of respiration is called respiratory climactic.
o Promotes senescence and abscission of plant organs especially of leaves and flowers.
o Breaks seed and bud dormancy, initiates germination in some seeds and sprouting tubers.
o Helps leaves/ upper parts of the shoot to remain above water.
o Promotes root growth and root hair formation
o Used to initiate flowering and for synchronising fruit-set in pineapples.
o Widely used PGR in agriculture.
• Ethephon: Most widely used compound as source of ethylene is ethephon.
o Ethephon in an aqueous solution is readily absorbed and transported within the plant and releases
ethylene slowly.
• Health Impact of Ethylene and product based on it: Long-term exposure can result in irritation of eyes, skin,
and respiratory passages and affects nervous system. Ethylene Oxide is carcinogenic to humans.
FSSAI directions to use Ethylene
• Permits Ethylene for artificial ripening provided concentration does not exceed 100 ppm (parts per million).
• Any source of ethylene gas coming in direct contact with fruits is not permitted.
Liquid Nitrogen
• The Commissioner of Food Safety in Tamil Nadu has directed officials to monitor use of liquid nitrogen in
food items.
• About Liquid Nitrogen
o A colorless, odorless, non-flammable, non-corrosive and extremely cold element
o Inert cryogenic fluid with a temperature of −196 °C produced by compressing and cooling nitrogen gas
below its evaporation point.
o Applications: Freezing and transporting of food products, Cryotherapy, etc.
o Harmful Effects: Rapidly freeze skin tissue and eye fluid, resulting in cold burns, frostbite, etc.
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Methanol
• USA recalls various hand sanitisers containing methanol.
○ FDA has warned that methanol exposure could lead to nausea, coma, seizures, permanent blindness,
permanent damage to the Central Nervous System, or death
• Methanol (CH3OH)
○ Also known as wood alcohol.
○ Characteristic:
✓ A colorless and fairly volatile liquid with a faintly sweet pungent odor.
✓ Completely mixable with water.
✓ Considered as an alternative fuel.
○ Applications: Synthetic dyestuffs, pharmaceuticals, perfumes etc.
○ Treatment of methanol poisoning: Administer ethanol or an antidote called fomepizole
6.4.2. GLYCEMIC INDEX

Why in the news?
A recent scientific study has revealed the relationship between the Glycemic Index in food to the risk of Type II
diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
About Glycemic Index (GI)
• Definition: A measure of how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food raises blood sugar levels after it is
consumed.
o The index ranks the carbohydrate-rich foods on a scale of 0 to 100 based on their ability to raise blood
sugar levels as compared to pure glucose (which has a GI of 100).
• Proposed by: Prof. David Jenkins of the University of Toronto in 1981.
• Factors that determine GI:
o Internal factors: Amylose, lipids, protein, phytic acid, dietary fibre, resistant Starch etc.
o External factors: Cooking, processing, retro-gradation, soaking and germination.
• Glycemic Load (GL) uses GI and the amount of total Carbohydrates in a serving of a specific food to estimate
how quickly and how much
blood sugar will rise after its
consumption.
o It is obtained by
multiplying the quality of
carbohydrate in a given
food (GI) by the amount of
carbohydrate in a serving.
Link between GI and Human Health
• Complications for people with diabetes: High GI foods cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which
may strain the body's ability to produce insulin or utilize it effectively.
• Issues to Cardio Vascular Health: Diets rich in GI lead to weight gain, higher triglyceride levels and blood
pressure in the body thereby making the individual susceptible to Cardiovascular complications in the long
run.
6.4.3. BIRD FLU

Why in the News?
Recently, avian influenza has resulted in the death/culling of over 65,000 birds in Kerala.
Avian influenza
• Avian influenza or bird flu refers to the disease caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A
viruses.
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• Influenza A viruses are divided into subtypes based on two proteins on the surface of the virus: hemagglutinin
(H) and neuraminidase (N).
o H and N of influenza A virus possess antagonistic activities on interaction with sialic acid (SA), which is
the receptor for virus attachment.
o There are 18 different H subtypes and 11 different N subtypes Avian case.
• Avian influenza A viruses are classified into the following two categories:
o LPAI viruses cause either no signs of disease or mild disease in chickens/poultry.
o HPAI viruses cause severe disease and high mortality in infected poultry.
Steps taken to mitigate/curb the H5N1 impact
• Global Initiatives
o World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): An international organization that collaborates across
nations to enhance animal health.
✓ Members: 183 (including India).
o Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS): Global influenza surveillance has been
conducted through WHO's GISRS since 1952.
✓ National Institute of Virology (Pune) is WHO Collaborating Centre for GISRS.
• India initiatives
o National Action Plan for Prevention, Control, and Containment of Avian Influenza (revised in 2021): It
describes the actions to be taken to handle a confirmed outbreak of Notifiable Avian Influenza (NAI),
advises the States on pre-outbreak preparedness, etc.
✓ Vaccination against HPAI is not permitted in India.
6.4.4. MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) TECHNOLOGY

Why in the News?
Iseult the World's most powerful MRI
scans the first images of the human brain.
More about News
• Iseult can help refine our
understanding of anatomy of brain.
o It could also shed light on
diseases like Alzheimer's or
psychological conditions like
depression or schizophrenia.
About Magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) Technology
• MRI is non-invasive medical imaging
test that produces detailed images of
almost every internal structure in
human body.
• Uses large magnet and radio waves. No ionizing radiation is produced during an MRI exam, unlike X-rays.
• Magnetic field inside works with radio waves and hydrogen atoms in body to create cross-sectional images.

6.4.5.1. MENINGITIS
• Nigeria became first country in world to introduce Men5CV vaccine, recommended by WHO.
o It offers protection against five strains of meningococcus bacteria in a single shot.
o Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine is the one available in India.
86
• About Meningitis
o Inflammation of surrounding tissues of brain and spinal cord.
o Caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
o Mostly transmitted from person to person.
o Although it affects all ages, young children are most at risk.
o Symptoms: Neck stiffness, fever, confusion, headaches, nausea.
6.4.5.2. THROMBOSIS WITH THROMBOCYTOPENIA SYNDROME (TTS)

• AstraZeneca for the first time admitted that its COVID-19 vaccine (Covishield) had rare side effects including
TTS.
• About TTS
○ Also referred to as Vaccine-induced Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia (VITT).
○ Occurs when a person has blood clots (thrombosis) together with a low platelet count
(thrombocytopenia).
✓ It is a rare condition in which blood clots form in unusual places in the body.
○ Affects person's brain, abdomen, lungs, arteries, etc.
○ Symptoms: Difficulty in breathing, chest pain, abdominal pain, swelling in leg, etc.
6.4.5.3. S.A.R.A.H.
• World Health Organization unveils a digital health promoter prototype S.A.R.A.H harnessing generative
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for public health.
• About S.A.R.A.H.
o A Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health which uses new language models and cutting-edge technology.
o Provides information across major health topics, including healthy habits and mental health.
o Aims to provide an additional tool for people to realize their rights to health.
o Can support people in developing better understanding of risk factors for some leading causes of death
in world E.g., cancer, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes.
6.4.5.4. WHO SODIUM BENCHMARKS

• World Health Organization (WHO) has released the 2nd edition of its global sodium benchmarks for different
food categories.
• About Sodium Benchmarks
o Part of a broader WHO initiative to reduce sodium consumption and prevent chronic conditions related
to high blood pressure and obesity.
o Benchmarks provide reference values for sodium content to assess progress in reducing sodium
consumption.
o For adults, WHO recommends less than 2000 mg/day of sodium (equivalent to less than 5 g/day salt).
6.4.5.5. CORONAVIRUS NETWORK (COVINET)

• World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a new CoViNet.
• About CoViNet
o A network of global laboratories with expertise in human, animal and environmental coronavirus
surveillance.
o Currently includes 36 laboratories from 21 countries (3 in India) in all 6 WHO regions.
o Aims to facilitate and coordinate global expertise for early and accurate detection, monitoring and
assessment of SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV and novel coronaviruses of public health importance.
6.4.5.6. WEIGHT LOSS DRUGS

• Research reveals that medications designed to combat obesity can also be beneficial in treating a variety of
other diseases.
87
• How Weight loss drugs work?
o Weight loss drugs mimic the action of a gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1).
o Glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) is secreted from three major tissues in humans’ i.e. enteroendocrine L-cells
in the distal intestine, α cells in the pancreas, and the central nervous system.
✓ GLP-1 increases the production of insulin (a hormone that lowers blood-sugar levels) and reduces the
production of glucagon (which increases blood-sugar levels).
✓ They suppress appetite and slow digestion, making people feel full faster and longer, which reduces
food intake.
✓ GLP-1 is broken down by enzymes in the body very quickly, so it sticks around for only a few minutes.
• Other Benefits of Fat loosing drugs: control type 2 diabetes, reducing heart issues like heart attacks, etc.
6.4.5.7. RETROTRANSPOSONS
• They are evolutionarily widespread genetic elements that replicate through reverse transcription of an RNA
copy and integrate the product DNA into new sites in the host genome.
• They comprise significant fractions of metazoan genomes.
• Retrotransposons are found in all eukaryotes (organisms with cells containing a clearly defined nucleus) but
not in prokaryotes.
6.4.5.8. MICROBIOME
• The microbiome is the collection of all microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes, that
naturally live on our bodies and inside us.
• Although microbes are so small that they require a microscope to see them, they contribute in big ways to
human health and wellness.
• These groups of microorganisms are dynamic and change in response to a host of environmental factors,
such as exercise, diet, medication and other exposures.
6.5. DEFENCE
6.5.1. SPY (RECONNAISSANCE) SATELLITE
Why in the News?
South Korea has put second military spy (reconnaissance) satellite successfully into orbit.
More about News
• The satellite was launched by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
• Satellite is equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) capable of producing images regardless of weather
conditions.
About Spy or Reconnaissance satellite
• Provides intelligence information on the military activities of foreign countries.
• Can be either a communications satellite or an Earth observation satellite.
• Can pick up and record radio and radar transmissions while passing over a country.
• Major Types:
o Optical-imaging satellites: Detect missile launches and see enemy weapons on the ground.
o Radar-imaging satellites: Observe the Earth using radar technologies even during cloud cover.
o Signals-intelligence or ferret satellites: Captures radio and microwave transmissions.
• Countries like US [Keyhole series (KH)], China (Yaogan series), Russia (Persona series) etc. have launched
many reconnaissance satellites.
o Radar Imaging Satellite – 2 (RISAT-2) is generally considered to be India’s reconnaissance satellite. It was
equipped with SAR.
• Concerns:
o Militarization of space,
88
o Promotes mistrust among the countries (E.g. North and South Korea),
o Can be used as dual used technology (as orbital weapon by placing warheads on a low orbit satellite to
be launched at a ground target), etc.
6.5.2. INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY CRUISE MISSILE (ITCM)

Why in the News?
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted test from the Integrated Test Range (ITR),
Chandipur on the eastern coast.
About ITCM
• Developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO.
• It is a long-range subsonic cruise missile powered by an indigenous propulsion system.
o The propulsion system is developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment.
o Cruise missiles are unmanned vehicles that remain within the atmosphere and can fly as low as a few
meters off the ground.
o Subsonic cruise missile flies at a speed lesser than that of sound (around 0.8 MACH)
Reasons for Missile and Satellite launch from the Eastern coast
• A satellite launched from the sites near the equator towards the east direction gets an initial boost equal to
the velocity of Earth's surface.
o It helps in cutting down the cost of rockets used to launch the satellites.
• In case of the failure of satellite/missile, the Bay of Bengal provides a safe corridor that does not fall on built-
up hinterland.
• Does not have major international maritime or airline routes crisscrossing testing.
o During test launches, the few existing routes can be closed temporarily without causing much disruption.
6.5.3. AGNI PRIME

Why in the News?
Agni-prime the new generation ballistic missile flight was tested successfully.
More about News
• Test was conducted by Strategic Forces Command (SFC), along with the Defence Research and Development
Organisation from Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Island.
○ SFC is responsible for the management and administration of the country's tactical and strategic nuclear
weapons stockpile.
About Agni prime
• Two-stage canisterised solid propellant ballistic missile, with a maximum range of 1,000 to 2,000 km.
• A nuclear-capable advanced variant of the Agni class of missiles.
• Lighter than all the earlier Agni series of missiles and will be guided by inertial navigation systems (INS) based
on advanced ring-laser gyroscopes.
• First of the new generation of missiles after the end of the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program
(IGMDP).
Significance
• As the warhead is preloaded, it offers the ability to launch with minimal preparation time.
• It can be stored for many years together, with minimum inspection at periodic intervals.
• It has very high accuracy, which is useful for precise targeting.
89
6.5.4. SUPERSONIC MISSILE-ASSISTED RELEASE OF TORPEDO (SMART) SYSTEM
Why in News?
SMART system was successfully flight-tested from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast of Odisha.
About SMART
• A Next-generation missile-based light-weight torpedo delivery system.
o A torpedo is a type of missile or bomb fired underwater.
• Developed by: Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• Canister-based missile system and is equipped with parachute-based release system.
• Consists of advanced sub-systems like two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system,
etc.
• Enhances the anti-submarine warfare capability of the Indian Navy far beyond the conventional range of
lightweight torpedo.

6.5.5.1. EXOATMOSPHERIC MISSILES (EMS)
• Allegedly, Exoatmospheric missiles (EMs) were used by Israel to intercept an attack by Iran.
• EMs, also known as anti-ballistic missiles (ABMs), are designed to intercept and destroy incoming ballistic
missiles during mid-course or terminal phase of their trajectory.
• They use advanced sensors, such as infrared and radar systems, to detect and track incoming threats and use
guidance systems to accurately manoeuvre and intercept targets travelling at high speeds in space.
• Different types of exoatmospheric missiles:
o Kinetic kill vehicles: Destroy their targets through physical impact.
o Directed energy weapons: Use lasers or other energy beams to disable or destroy incoming threats.
6.5.5.2. OPERATION IRON SHIELD

• Israel's successful interception of drones and missiles launched by Iran, has been officially named operation
“Iron Shield”.
• Israel is protected by a multi-layered defence array, which includes Arrow-2, Arrow-3, David's Sling, and Iron
Dome active defence systems.
o Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 intercepts medium to long-range missiles while David’s Sling intercepts short to
medium and medium to long range missiles.
o Iron Dome is world’s first missile defense system developed to tackle threat of short range rockets and
UAVs.
o It is capable of handling multiple incoming threats simultaneously.
6.5.5.3. C-DOME DEFENCE SYSTEM

• Israel deployed C-Dome defense system for the first time.
• About C-Dome
o A naval version of the Iron Dome air defense system used to shield against advanced ballistic, aerial, and
surface-to-surface threats.
o Handles saturation attacks by engaging multiple targets simultaneously, with short reaction time.
o Unlike Iron Dome which has its own radar, C-Dome is integrated into the ship’s radar to detect incoming
targets.
6.5.5.4. RAMPAGE MISSILES

• Recently, Rampage Missiles has been inducted by Indian Air Force and Indian Navy.
• About Rampage Missile
o Long-range, supersonic, Air-to-Surface, precision strike missile.
90
o Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli Military Industries Systems.
o Range: ~250 kms
o Guidance: GPS/ Inertial Navigation System (INS) navigation with anti-jamming capabilities.
✓ INS is an electronic system that is able to detect and measure change in motion of an object.
o Integrated into Russian-origin aircraft fleet, including Su-30 MKI, MiG-29, and Jaguar fighters, and also
into Indian Navy's MiG-29K fleet.
6.5.5.5. KAMIKAZE DRONES

• India’s first kamikaze drone has been developed by Kadet Defence Systems in collaboration with Defence
Research Development Organisation (DRDO).
• About Kamikaze drones
o Also known as Loitering Aerial Munitions (LAM) or Suicidal drone (crashes onto target) or Switchblade
drones.
o Features:
✓ Can loiter over target area for a long duration (Around 12 hours) for precise target identification.
✓ Has precision target capability, can change targets mid-flight or even abort the mission.
✓ Adaptable to various terrains, including deserts, plains, and high-altitude environments.
✓ Flying range: 150 km to 300 kilometers.
6.6. MISCELLANEOUS
6.6.1. NETWORK-AS-A-SERVICE (NAAS)
• The market for NaaS in India is expected to expand from $1.18 billion in 2024 to $7.32 billion by 2029.
• About NaasS
o A cloud service model in which customers rent networking services from cloud providers. It provides the
flexibility to pay for services based on usage and to scale as business needs change.
o Allows customer to operate the networks without maintaining their own networking infrastructure.
✓ The traditional network model requires capital expenses (CapEx) for physical networks with switches,
routers, and licensing.
6.6.2. KOREA SUPERCONDUCTING TOKAMAK ADVANCED RESEARCH (KSTAR)

• Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) has set the new world record of 48-second-
long operation at 100 million degrees
• KSTAR fusion reactor reached temperatures seven times that of the Sun's core in latest advancement for
nuclear fusion.
• KSTAR also maintained high confinement mode (H-mode) for over 100 seconds
o H-mode is a stable plasma state.
o Plasma is hot, charged gas made of positive ions and free-moving electrons with unique properties
distinct from solids, liquids, or gases.
6.6.3. ELECTRIC VERTICAL TAKE-OFF AND LANDING (E-VTOL)

• Recently, there has been proposal for air taxi from Gurugram to Delhi using e-VTOL.
• eVTOLs are a new class of clean, quiet, cheap air mobility solutions that promise to fundamentally transform
urban mobility.
• E-VTOL aircraft is one that uses electric power to hover, take off, and land vertically.
o Most eVTOLs use distributed electric propulsion technology which means integrating complex
propulsion system with the airframe.
o This technology has grown as a result of electric propulsion based on progress in motor, battery, fuel cell
and electronic controller technologies and fuelled by need for new vehicle technology that ensures urban
air mobility (UAM).
91
• Applications of e-VTOL aircraft are in firefighting, public safety, search and rescue, disaster relief and law
enforcement.
6.6.4. PIEZOELECTRICITY
• Command Hospital, Pune became the first government hospital in India to conduct successful piezoelectric
Bone Conduction Hearing Implants (BCI).
• Piezoelectric BCI system is an implantable medical electronic device for hearing impaired patients.
• About Piezoelectricity
○ Refers to the appearance of positive electric charge on one side of certain non-conducting crystals and
negative charge on the opposite side when the crystals are subjected to mechanical pressure.
○ Utilized in various applications, like, microphones, sensors, Piezoelectric Motors etc.
6.6.5. INSOLUBLE SULPHUR/POLYMERIC SULPHUR

• An anti-dumping probe has been initiated on ‘insoluble sulphur’ imports from China and Japan.
• Insoluble Sulphur is amorphous form of sulfur that does not dissolve in carbon disulfide.
• Applications
o Important rubber additive agent, used in automobile rubber parts and other rubber products. E.g., Tyres,
Shoes.
o Used as vulcanization accelerator in rubber industry.
✓ Vulcanization is chemical process that hardens rubbers by cross-linking rubber molecules with other
substances.
o Improves product quality, wearability, etc.
6.6.6. BISPHENOL A (BPA)

• Negotiations are being under the aegis of UNEP to address plastic pollution across the life cycle including the
issue of harmful chemicals such as BPA used in plastic packaging.
• About BPA
o Chemical used primarily in production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.
✓ Polycarbonate plastics are often used in containers that store food and beverages.
✓ Epoxy resins are used to coat the inside of metal products, such as food cans, bottle tops, etc.
o Exposure to BPA can have health effects on brain and prostate gland of foetuses, infants and children.
6.6.7. GOLDENE
• Scientists have developed a sheet of Gold, called Goldene, which is just one-atom thick.
• About Goldene
o Created by sandwiching silicon between titanium carbide layers, depositing gold, allowing gold atoms to
replace silicon, forming monolayer.
o They are roughly 100 nanometres thick, approx. 400 times thinner than the thinnest commercially
available gold leaf.
o Potential applications: Catalyst in the electronics industry, carbon dioxide conversion, hydrogen
generation, water purification, etc.
6.6.8. OXYTOCIN
• Delhi High Court orders police action against oxytocin use on cattle in city dairies.
• About Oxytocin
○ A hormone secreted by the pituitary glands of mammals during sex, childbirth, lactation or social
bonding.
○ Helps new mothers from excessively bleeding after giving birth.
○ Misused on milch cattle to increase yield.
○ Regulated under Section 26 A of Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940.
92
○ Administering Oxytocin is considered animal cruelty and is punishable under Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals Act, 1960.
6.6.9. CHLOROPICRIN
• The United states accused Russia of employing the chemical agent chloropicrin in Ukraine
• Chloropicrin is a broad-spectrum fumigant chemical that can be used as an antimicrobial, fungicide, herbicide,
insecticide, nematicide and also as a warfare agent.
o First used as a poison gas in the First World War, both by Allied and Central Powers.
• Properties:
o Colorless to yellow oily liquid.
o Highly volatile and is a gas at room temperature.
• Effects on humans: Severe irritation to eyes, skin, respiratory tract, induce vomiting, etc.
6.6.10. NITROPLAST
• Researchers have discovered a type of organelle, called nitroplast, in a marine algae Braarudosphaera
bigelowii, that can fix nitrogen.
o Nitrogen fixation is a biological process in which nitrogen gas is converted into a usable form for cell
growth.
• It is generally believed that nitrogen fixation only occurs in bacteria and archaea but Braarudosphaera
bigelowii marks the first known nitrogen-fixing eukaryote.
• Implications: The nitroplast discovery opens doors for sustainable agriculture, improved crop yields, reduction
in need of fertilizers and environmental stewardship.
6.7. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN GOVERNMENT SCHEMES

Technologies/ Scheme/Initiatives/S Features/ Details of Technology
Applications phere
LiDAR and Namami Gange • In Namami Gange Yojana, Geographical Mapping is carried out
Geographical Yojana by Survey of India with the help of LiDAR (Light Detection &
Information Ranging) & GIS technology.
System (GIS) o LiDAR is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form
of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to
the Earth.
o It consists of a laser, a scanner, and a specialized GPS
receiver.
o Two types of LiDAR-
✓ Topographic uses a near-infrared laser to map the land.
✓ Bathymetric uses water-penetrating green light to also
measure seafloor and riverbed elevations.
o GIS: A GIS is a computer system that analyzes and displays
geographically referenced information. It uses data that is
attached to a unique location.
Internet of Jal Jeevan Mission • Sensor based IoT solution is used for the measurement and
things (IoT) (JJM) monitoring of water supply under JJM.
o IoT refers to a network of devices, vehicles, appliances and
other physical objects that are embedded with sensors,
software and network connectivity.
Augmented e-Pathshala AR • AR is an enhanced, interactive version of a real-world
Reality (AR) (Augmented Reality) environment achieved through digital visual elements, sounds,
App, an initiative of and other sensory stimuli via holographic technology.
NCERT • It incorporates three features:
93
o a combination of digital and physical worlds,
o interactions made in real time, and
o accurate 3D identification of virtual and real objects.
Cloud Meghraj (the Cloud • Cloud computing is the on-demand access of computing
Computing Computing initiative) resources such as physical servers or virtual servers, data
storage, networking capabilities, etc. over the internet with pay-
per-use pricing.
• It offers customers greater flexibility and scalability compared
to traditional on-premises infrastructure.
Artificial PM Kisan Samman • ‘Kisan e-Mitra’ an AI-powered chatbot will assist farmers with
Intelligence Nidhi scheme (PM- queries about the PM-KISAN Scheme.
KISAN Scheme) o This solution supports multiple languages and is evolving to
assist with other government programs.
Optical Fibre BharatNet • Optical Fibre Cables (OFCs) are laid down under BharatNet to
Cable (OFC) broadband connectivity to Gram Panchayats.
o OFCs are thin strands of glass or plastic that carries digital
information in the form of light pulses.
Geospatial Smart Cities Mission • Geospatial Information Management System (GMIS) is a web
Information application designed for the advancement, and smooth running
Management of services across the Smart Cities program and for enhanced
System (GMIS) monitoring using enabled services.
Electronic Pradhan Mantri • eMARG is a GIS-based Enterprise e-Governance solution to aid
Maintenance Gram Sadak Yojana and assist the officials, Contractors, Banks and general public.
of Rural Roads (PMGSY) • New/Green Technology in Road Construction:
under PMGSY o Waste plastics,
(eMARG) and o Cold mix technology/ Cold Mix Asphalt Technology
Green (production of asphalt mixture without application of heat),
Technology in o Cell filled concrete (it is a grid OF plastic CELLS into
Road which CONCRETE is placed),
Construction o Coir geo-textiles are used for IMPROVEMENT OF SUB-
GRADE SOIL STRENGTH IN ROAD PAVEMENTS AND
STABILIZATION OF SIDE slopes
o Nano technology (like zydex technologies, Asphalt HMA
layers or carpet and sealcoat layers)
o Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) for recycling distressed
flexible pavement and its underlying pavement layer(s) into
a new base layer
✓ It is not for improving roads which fail due to poor
drainage.
o Stabilization using cement and lime.
Continuous Survey of Villages • Continuous Operating Reference Station (CORS) network
Operating Abadi and Mapping supports accurate Geo-referencing, ground truthing and
Reference with Improvised demarcation of lands.
Station Technology in o A CORS network is a group of Real-time kinematic
(CORS) Village Areas positioning (RTK) base stations that broadcast corrections,
(SVAMITVA) often through the Internet.
o RTK is the application of surveying to correct common
errors in current satellite navigation (GNSS) systems.
Aadhaar Pradhan Mantri Jan • Aadhaar enabled Payment System (AePS) is a bank led model
enabled Dhan Yojana which allows online interoperable financial inclusion
Payment (PMJDY) - National transaction at PoS (MicroATM) through the Business
System (AePS) correspondent of any bank using the Aadhaar authentication.
94
Mission For Financial • AePS integration Application Programming Interface (API) will
Inclusion further facilitate the financial inclusion.
o API is a set of rules or protocols that enables software
applications to communicate with each other to exchange
data, features and functionality.
Geo-tagging Mahatma Gandhi • Geo-tagging of created assets through GeoMGNREGA of the
National Rural Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) in association with
Employment National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO and National
Guarantee Act Informatics Centre.
(MGNREGA) 2005 • Geo-tagging is the process of ascertaining the geographical
and Pradhan Mantri location of an image by adding geographical identification like
Jan Vikas Karyakram latitude and longitude to various media such as a photo or video.
(PMJVK)
Blockchain Tokenisation of • Tokenisation refers to the process of creating a digital
Technology Cards by Reserve representation of an asset, called a token, on a blockchain
Bank of India (RBI) network.
• Blockchain is a shared, immutable ledger that facilitates the
process of recording transactions and tracking assets in a
business network.
Radio One Vehicle, One • FASTag employs RFID technology to enable automatic toll
Frequency FASTag Initiative payments.
Identification o RFID is a method of wireless communication involving
(RFID) electromagnetic waves.
technology o It has two components, tags and readers which do not need
to be in line of sight to share information.
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PT 365 UPDATED PART 2

1.3. NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC)

1.4. MISLEADING ADVERTISEMENTS

1.5. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS RELATED TO ELECTIONS

1.5.2. HOME VOTING

1.5.4. RIGHT TO CONTEST ELECTION AND RIGHT TO VOTE OF PRISONERS

1.6.2. DOCTRINE OF HARMONIOUS CONSTRUCTION

2.2. OTHER IMPORTANT ORGANISATIONS IN NEWS

2.2.2. UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCTAD)

2.2.3. EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION (EEU)

2.2.5. INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD (INCB)

2.3. PLACES IN NEWS

Sittwe Port, • India has secured the right to operate its

2.6. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

2.6.2. CHABAHAR PORT

2.6.3. OTHER RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

2.6.3.2. HAVANA SYNDROME

2.6.3.4. EREZ CROSSING

2.7. ISSUES RELATED TO SECURITY

2.7.2.2. ARMED FORCES (SPECIAL POWERS) ACT (AFSPA), 1958

2.7.3. OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS

2.7.3.2. OPERATION MEGHDOOT AND SIACHEN GLACIER

2.7.3.3. UK PARLIAMENT PASSED BILL TO SEND ASYLUM SEEKERS TO RWANDA

2.7.3.4. DRAFT EXPLOSIVES BILL (2024)

2.7.4.2. EXERCISE ‘GAGAN SHAKTI’

2.7.4.3. EXERCISE POORVI LEHAR

3.2. URBAN POVERTY IN INDIA

3.2.1. INHERITANCE TAX AS A TOOL OF WEALTH REDISTRIBUTION

3.2.2. LIVING WAGE AND MINIMUM WAGE

Initiatives taken for Asset Monetization

3.4. ASSET RECONSTRUCTION COMPANIES

Mutual Agreement Procedure:

Understanding the Developing an eye for Understanding the

Key Features of Key Features of

3.9. INTERNATIONALIZATION OF RUPEE

Approach for internationalization of Rupee

3.12. IMF LENDING

3.14. STEEL SECTOR OF INDIA

3.16. IPRPM FRAMEWORK

3.17. OTHER IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS

4.1.2. DIRECT AIR CAPTURE AND STORAGE

4.1.3. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

4.1.3.2. NEW COLLECTIVE QUANTIFIED GOAL ON CLIMATE FINANCE (NCQG)

4.1.3.3. CLIMATE PROMISE INITIATIVE

4.1.3.4. MYAC (ONE MILLION YOUTH ACTIONS CHALLENGE)

4.1.3.6. CARBON FARMING

4.1.4. REPORTS AND INDICES

4.2.2. PHASING OUT MERCURY MEASURING DEVICES IN HEALTHCARE PROJECT

4.2.4. REPORTS AND INDICES IN NEWS

Newly discovered species

4.3.4. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

4.3.4.2. PLANKTON CRASH

4.3.4.3. GAPE LIMITATION

4.3.4.4. CENTRAL MARINE FISHERIES RESEARCH INSTITUTE (CMFRI)

4.4.2. CONSTITUTIONALIZATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

4.4.3. NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL

4.4.4. OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

4.4.4.2. WORLD ENERGY COUNCIL

4.4.4.3. WORLD'S FIRST EVER NUCLEAR ENERGY SUMMIT

4.4.4.4. ANTARCTIC TREATY