Abhyaas Newsboard March 2024

2024
MARCH
EDITION
MONTHLY
CURRENT
AFFAIRS
MAGAZINE
https://lawprep.in
March-2024
Abhyaas Newsboard...
For the quintessential test prep student
CURRENT AFFAIRS BUCKETS
1. Polity & Governance

2. International Relations
3. Science and technology
4. Environmental And History Cultural
5. Defense
6. Disaster & Disaster Management
7. Miscellaneous
8. Economy
Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 1

March-2024
1. Polity & Governance

1.Patanjali Advertisement controversy - Governance
Why in the News?
Recently, the Supreme Court delivered a resounding rebuke to Patanjali Ayurved, led by Baba Ramdev, in
the case of the Indian Medical Association v. Union of India (2022). The Court's decision stemmed from
Patanjali's dissemination of misleading advertisements, prompting a ban on its marketing activities until
further notice.
What are Allegations Against Patanjali?
Initiation:
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) lodged a petition in August 2022 following Patanjali's publication
of an advertisement denigrating allopathic medicine.
Title of Advertisement in Conflict:
Title of advertisement in conflict is MISCONCEPTIONS SPREAD BY ALLOPATHY: SAVE
YOURSELF AND THE COUNTRY FROM THE MISCONCEPTIONS SPREAD BY PHARMA AND
MEDICAL INDUSTRY
Reason Behind Fueling Controversy:
Ramdev's statements labeling allopathy as a "stupid and bankrupt science" and attributing Covid-19 deaths
to allopathic medicine further fueled the controversy.
Additionally, there were accusations of spreading false information related to vaccines during Covid-19.
What are Legal Arguments Against Patanjali?
Violation of Laws:
o The IMA contended that Patanjali's advertisements violated the Drugs & Other Magical Remedies
Act, 1954 (DOMA), and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 (CPA).
o Legal Provisions under DOMA:
o Under Section 4 of the DOMA, publishing misleading advertisements regarding drugs is
prohibited, punishable by imprisonment or fines.
o It states that no person shall take any part in the publication of any advertisement relating to a drug
if the advertisement contains any matters which—
• directly or indirectly gives a false impression regarding the true character of the drug; or
• makes a false claim for the drug; or
• is otherwise false or misleading in any material particular

March-2024
Section 7 of DOMA further states that Whoever contravenes any of the provisions of this Act or the rules
made thereunder shall, on conviction, be punishable
•in the case of the first conviction, with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with fine, or
with both;
•in the case of a subsequent conviction, with imprisonment which may extend to one year, or with fine, or
with both.
Legal Provisions of Consumer Protection Act:
Furthermore, Section 89 of the CPA imposes stringent penalties for false or misleading advertisements.
It states that any manufacturer or service provider who causes a false or misleading advertisement to be
made which is prejudicial to the interest of consumers shall be punished with imprisonment for a term
which may extend to two years and with fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees; and for every
subsequent offense, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years and with
fine which may extend to fifty lakh rupees.
Role of Agreements:
Despite agreements between AYUSH and regulatory bodies, Patanjali persisted in flouting advertising
regulations, violating the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Ministry of AYUSH and the
Advertising Standards Council of India in January 2017.
What is the Response of the Supreme Court in Patanjali Case?
The SC, in its February 27 ruling, emphasized the seriousness of Patanjali's transgressions.
o Despite prior warnings and assurances, Patanjali persisted in publishing misleading
advertisements, prompting the Court to take decisive action.
o The Court prohibited Patanjali from advertising or branding products addressing diseases specified
in the DOMA and cautioned against adverse statements toward conventional medicine.
The court has fixed the hearing date for 19th March 2024.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SC's verdict against Patanjali underscores the importance of ethical advertising and
consumer protection. By holding corporations accountable for misleading practices, the Court upholds the
integrity of the healthcare industry. Moving forward, regulatory bodies and corporations must adhere to
stringent advertising standards to safeguard public health and trust.
2. Karnataka temple Bill controversy

Why in the News?
The Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which
regulates the taxation of Hindu temples, was recently rejected in the Legislative Council.

March-2024
What controversy has erupted regarding the bill?
1. Aim– The Bill aimed to change various sections of the Karnataka Hindu Religious Institutions and
Charitable Endowments Act, 1997.
2.Gross Vs Net income of temples– The main point of contention was the proposal to allocate “10% of the
gross income of institutions earning over Rs 1 crore annually” to a common pool for temple maintenance,
rather than the current rule of “10% of the net income of institutions earning over Rs 10 lakh annually”
3.Note– Net income is what remains after deducting expenses from the temple’s earnings, while gross
income represents the total amount of money the temple earns.
Additionally, the Bill allocated 5% of the earnings of institutions making between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1
crore to the common pool, altering the prior income range from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.
4. Impact– If the recent changes had been approved, they would have resulted in an additional Rs 60 crore
from 87 temples earning over Rs 1 crore and 311 temples earning over Rs 10 lakh.
5. Accusation– The opposition party has accused the current Karnataka government of trying to “steal”
from temples and questioned why only Hindu temples were singled out.
6. Counter– However, the government counters by stating that the increased funds would be used to
support poorer temples, provide benefits to sick priests, and offer scholarships for the children of priests’
families.
How do other states manage temple income?
Kerala:
a. In Kerala temples are often managed by state-run Devaswom (temple) Boards.
b. These boards are managed by government-appointed nominees, many of whom are politicians.
c. Each Devaswom Board receives a budget from the state government and is not obliged to disclose
revenue figures.

March-2024
What is the need for government regulation?
1. Recommendation– In 1960, the Government of India formed the Dr. C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar
Commission to investigate issues related to Hindu Public Religious Endowments.
2. Constitutional authority – The framers of our Constitution granted states limited control over religious
matters through Article 25(2).
Note– Article 25(2) of the Indian Constitution states that the state can regulate or restrict any economic,
financial, political, or other secular activity associated with religious practices to ensure public order,
morality, and health.
3.. Linking Aadhaar with Voter ID: ECI

Why in the news?
 The Election Commission of India has asked the Union government to change the Representation
of the People Act, 1950, and voter registration forms.
 It wants to remove the requirement for voters to give reasons if they choose not to link their
Aadhaar number with their voter ID card.
o The EC has proposed amending the RP Act, 1950 to remove the requirement of a “sufficient
cause” for not providing Aadhaar.
o It also asked to amend the registration forms that did not give an option to the individual who has
an Aadhaar but chooses not to furnish it.
Representation of People Act
• The Parliament passed two laws to provide a legal framework for the conduct of elections:
o The Representation of the People Act, 1950,
o The Representation of the People Act, 1951
• The 1950 Act provides for
o allocation of seats and delimitation of constituencies for elections,
o qualifications of voters,
o preparation of electoral rolls.
 The 1951 Act regulates the actual conduct of elections and by-elections. It provides for the conduct
of elections and offenses and disputes related to elections.
o It also deals with the registration of political parties, the qualifications and disqualifications for
membership of the Houses.
Previous attempt to link voter card and Aadhaar number
o The EC had in 2015 taken up linking of voter card and Aadhaar number as part of its National
Electoral Roll Purification and Authentication Programme.

March-2024
o The aim of the drive was to remove bogus or duplicate entries from the electoral roll.
o Around 32 crore Aadhaar numbers were seeded at that time.
o However, this initiative was halted by the Supreme Court in August 2015 via its famous protection
of privacy judgment in the Puttaswamy case.
o This Puttaswamy case has challenged the validity of Aadhar scheme and Aadhar Act,
2016”.
o In August 2015, the Supreme Court passed an interim order in this case.
o The order prohibited Aadhaar from being used for any purpose other than the state-
facilitated distribution of food grain and cooking fuel such as kerosene and LPG.
 In 2019, the EC again proposed linking Aadhaar with the electoral roll, asking the government to amend the
election laws to enable collecting of Aadhaar details
o The government then brought the Election Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021, which was passed by
Parliament in December 2021, to enable the linking of Aadhaar and Voter IDs.
o Under the Act, the EC re-started the collection of Aadhaar numbers from July 2022 on a voluntary
basis.
o A new Form, Form 6B, was introduced for existing electors to give their Aadhaar number and the
form for new registrations was amended as well.
 It was again challenged in the Supreme Court.
 The Form 6B gave only two options — either provide the Aadhaar number or say one does not
possess an Aadhaar.
 This would force those who did not want to give their Aadhaar number into making a false
declaration.
 The petition sought directions to the Election Commission and the government to make
amendments so those who don’t want to link their Aadhaar and Voter ID have that option.
 As a result, EC told the court in September that it would make the clarificatory changes required.
Broad reasons in support of the linkage
 Improving the accuracy of the electoral rolls, by weeding out duplication and misrepresentation in
electoral rolls;
 Assistance in the ECI’s plans to implement advanced mechanisms such as electronic and internet-
based voting;
 Giving ‘remote’ voting rights to domestic migrants; and
 To facilitate proxy voting which may require Aadhaar backing for voter verification.
4. Implementation of CAA - Indian Constitution

Why In the news
 Just days ahead of the announcement of Lok Sabha election, the Union Home Ministry notified the
Citizenship Amendment Rules, 2024.

March-2024
 This would now enable the implementation of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) passed by
Parliament in 2019.
Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), 2019: Key Provisions
 Basic idea: CAA, 2019, aims to amend the Citizenship Act, 1955, to grant Indian citizenship to
specific categories of illegal migrants.
 Eligible Religions: CAA targets Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi, and Christian illegal migrants
from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, making them eligible for Indian citizenship.
 Objective: The primary objective is to facilitate citizenship for non-Muslim immigrants from
India’s three Muslim-majority neighboring countries.
 Residence Requirement: The Citizenship Act, 1955, normally requires 11 of the previous 14 years
of residence in India as a condition for naturalization.
 Amendment: CAA reduces this requirement to 6 years for applicants belonging to the specified
religions and countries.
 Exemption from Criminal Cases: Members of the designated communities are exempted from
criminal cases under the Foreigners Act, 1946, and the Passport Act, 1920, if they entered India
before December 31, 2014.
Defining Illegal Migrants
 Status under Present Laws: Existing laws prohibit illegal migrants from acquiring Indian
citizenship.
 CAA’s Definition: CAA classifies an illegal migrant as a foreigner who enters India without valid
travel documents (passport and visa) or overstays beyond the allowed period.
 Penalties: Illegal migrants can face imprisonment or deportation under the Foreigners Act, 1946,
and The Passport (Entry into India) Act, 1920.
Controversies Surrounding CAA
 Country of Origin: CAA categorizes migrants based on their country of origin, specifically
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
 Religious Exclusivity: It raises questions about why only six specified religious minorities have
been considered in the Act.
 Omission of Rohingya: The Act doesn’t address the Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar, who have
faced persecution.
 Entry Date Differentiation: The differential treatment of migrants based on their entry date, i.e.,
before or after December 31, 2014, has generated debate.
 Secularism Concerns: Critics argue that granting citizenship based on religion contradicts the
secular principles of India’s Constitution, considered part of the unalterable basic structure.
 Constitutionality Check
 The challenge may rest primarily on the grounds that the law violates Article 14 of the
Constitution that guarantees that no person shall be denied the right to equality before law or the
equal protection of law in the territory of India.

March-2024
 The Supreme Court has developed a Two-Pronged Test to examine a law on the grounds of Article
14.
 First, any differentiation between groups of persons must be founded on “intelligible differentia”
 Second, differentia must have a rational nexus to the object sought to be achieved by the Act
 Simply put, for a law to satisfy the conditions under Article 14, it has to first create a “reasonable
class” of subjects that it seeks to govern under the law.
 Even if the classification is reasonable, any person who falls in that category has to be treated
alike.
Way forward
 India is a constitutional democracy with a basic structure that assures a secure and spacious home
for all Indians.
 Being partitioned on religious grounds, India has to undertake a balancing act to protect the
religious minorities in its neighbourhood.
 These minorities are under constant threat of persecution and vandalism.
 India needs to balance its civilization duties to protect those who are prosecuted in the
neighbourhood.
5. Two New Election Commissioners for India polity

Why in the News?
The high-powered selection committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appointed two
retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, as the
new Election Commissioners of India. The appointments were made on March 14, 2024, following the
recommendations of the panel.
The other members of the selection committee included Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of
Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. The appointments have been made to fill the vacancies
created by the retirement of Anup chandra pandey on February 15 and the surprise resignation of Arun
Goel on March 9.
Dissatisfaction expressed Over Selection Process
While the government has hailed the appointments as a step towards ensuring the independence and
impartiality of the Election Commission, the selection process has come under scrutiny from the
opposition. Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who was part of the selection panel, has submitted
a dissent note questioning the criteria used for shortlisting the candidates.
CJI’s Absence from Selection Panel Criticized
Another point of contention raised was the absence of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) from the selection
panel. In a landmark ruling in March 2023, the Supreme Court had directed that the selection committee
for appointing Election Commissioners should comprise the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in
Lok Sabha, and the CJI.

March-2024
The court had stated that this order would remain in force until a law was enacted by the Parliament on the
matter. However, in December 2023, the government passed the Chief Election Commissioner and other
Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023, which
excluded the CJI from the selection panel.
Profiles of the New Election Commissioners
 Gyanesh Kumar, a 1985-batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, retired as the Secretary of the
Ministry of Cooperation in 2021. He holds a postgraduate degree in Economics from Harvard
University and a B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.
 During his tenure in the Union Home Ministry, Kumar played a key role in the abrogation of
Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. He also served as the Secretary of Parliamentary Affairs and
was instrumental in setting up the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust.
 Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, on the other hand, is a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Uttarakhand cadre. He
retired as the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand in January 2023, after serving in the post for nearly
two years.
 Sandhu holds an MBBS degree from the Government Medical College, Amritsar, and a
postgraduate degree in History from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. He has also served as
the Chairman of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and as Additional Secretary in
the Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development.
6. Arrest of Delhi CM (Excise Policy)

Why in the news?
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Delhi
Excise policy-linked money laundering case.
The arrest, the first of a sitting Chief Minister, came hours after the Delhi High Court refused to
grant protection to Mr. Kejriwal from any coercive action by the agency.
Enforcement Directorate (ED)

• About
o The Enforcement Directorate was established in the year 1956 as an ‘Enforcement Unit’
under the Department of Economic Affairs.
o Later, in 1957, this Unit was renamed as ‘Enforcement Directorate’.
 Administrative control
o Presently, it is under the administrative control of the Department of Revenue (Ministry of
Finance) for operational purposes.
Functions
 ED is responsible for enforcement of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999
(FEMA), and certain provisions under the PMLA.
 ED has the power to attach the asset of the culprits found guilty of the violation of FEMA.

March-2024
 It has also been empowered to undertake, search, seizure, arrest, prosecution action, and
survey, etc. against the offenses committed under PMLA.
 Appointment of Director of ED
o The ED Director is appointed by the central government on the recommendation of a
committee:
o chaired by the Central Vigilance Commissioner and members of Vigilance Commissioners,
Home Secretary, Secretary DOPT and Revenue Secretary.
About
o Also known as the new liquor policy, the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22 was implemented on
November 17, 2021.
o It changed how liquor was sold in the city — with the government withdrawing from the
business and allowing only private operators to run liquor shops.
o The main aim was to improve customer experience and stop black marketing.
o However, after the whole controversy around the new excise policy, Delhi reverted to the
old excise regime.
Key features of the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22
o Under the new policy, the city was divided into 32 zones inviting firms to bid on the zones.
Instead of individual licenses, bidding was done zone-by-zone.
o Also, licenses for 849 retail vends were issued through open bidding by the Excise
department.
o Under the old liquor policy, Delhi had 864 liquor shops, including 475 run by the four
government agencies, and 389 were private.
o For the first time, shops were allowed to offer discounts to retail customers and reduced the
number of dry days to three from 21.
o The new policy also had a provision for home delivery of liquor. It even proposed lowering
the drinking age from 25 to 21.
o It also suggested the opening of shops till 3 am. However, these were not implemented.
o The controversy surrounding Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22
o Before the implementation, the policy had first to be examined by the Chief Secretary (CS)
of Delhi.
o The CS allegedly found procedural lapses and irregularities in the new policy.
Allegations made in the report
o oIn the report, Delhi Deputy CM Sisodia, who heads the excise department, was accused of
making changes to the excise policy without the approval of the L-G.
o The report said arbitrary and unilateral decisions taken by then Delhi Deputy CM had
resulted in financial losses to the exchequer, estimated at more than Rs 580 crore.
o It alleged that kickbacks were received by the Delhi government and its leaders from
owners and operators of alcohol businesses for preferential treatment.
o These kickbacks were used to influence the Assembly elections held in Punjab and Goa in
early 2022.
o
March-2024
Matter referred to CBI
o This report was referred to the CBI, and which led to the arrest of the then Delhi Dy CM
Manish Sisodia.
o 14 others were also accused in its FIR, including AAP communications in-charge Vijay
Nair.
o ED Comes into picture
o Two cases, one by CBI and one on alleged money laundering being investigated by ED,
have been registered in relation to the excise policy.
o The ED told a court that the alleged proceeds of crime amounted to more than Rs 292
crore, and that it was necessary to establish the modus operandi.
o It alleged that the “scam” was to give the wholesale liquor business to private entities and
fix a 12% margin, for a 6% kickback.
o It also alleged that AAP leaders received kickbacks to the tune of Rs 100 crore from a
group of individuals identified as the South Group.

March-2024
2. International Relations
1.Hong Kong's New National Security Law
Why in the news?

The Hong Kong legislature has passed a new national security law unanimously, granting the government
more power to curb dissent. The passing of the ‘Safeguarding National Security Bill’ comes in the wake
of a political crackdown sparked by the 2019 pro-democracy protests.
Political System of Hong Kong

 Political system
o Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China located on the Delta of eastern Pearl
River in South China.
o It has its own currency, political system and cultural identity but it belongs to China.
 Background
o The city was a colony of the United Kingdom, until the British handed it back over to
China in 1997.
 Qing dynasty leaders ceded Hong Kong Island to the British Crown in 1842 after
China’s defeat in the First Opium War.
 At the time of handover, the Chinese Communist leadership had agreed to a unique arrangement –
“One Country, Two Systems”.
 This was agreed upon to maintain Hong Kong’s prosperity, and its legal system and culture.
One Country, Two Systems
o Under this policy, Hong Kong maintains a de-facto constitution, known as the Hong Kong
Basic Law.
o It guarantees freedoms that are unavailable to Chinese mainlanders, such as the right to
protest, the right to a free press and freedom of speech.
o But in recent years, Beijing has repeatedly reinterpreted the Basic Law and now it says it
has "complete jurisdiction" over Hong Kong.
Background - 2019 Pro-Democracy Protests and a Security Law

 2019 pro-democracy protests
o In 2019, a large number of people in Hong Kong wore white and marched through the
streets in one of the largest protests since the Umbrella Revolution in 2014.
o They were protesting against a proposed law change that would allow suspects accused of
serious crimes to be sent to mainland China for trial.
 2019 Security law
o Following the protests in 2019, Beijing had already imposed a national security law four
years ago.
o The new law was used to prosecute several leading activists.
o Beijing and the Hong Kong governments said the law brought about stability in the region.

March-2024
What is the Safeguarding National Security Bill?
 About
o The ‘Safeguarding National Security Bill’ will come into effect on March 23.
o It extends the government power to curb any future dissent or challenges that might arise.
o This includes expanding the scope of punishing treason and insurrection upto life
imprisonment.
o The law allows criminal prosecution for specific acts committed anywhere in the world.
o It also incorporates provisions for imposing tougher penalties on people convicted of
working with governments in foreign countries to commit crimes.
 Key offenses and sentences

March-2024
Why has a new law been imposed?
o The law was introduced to prevent future disruptive protests like the ones that happened in
2019.
o In 2003, there was an initial attempt to implement a national security law in Hong Kong as
required by its mini-constitution.
o This sparked protests by nearly half a million people who were concerned that it would
threaten the city's freedoms.

March-2024
3. Science And Technology
1.India to manufacture Penicillin G again .
Why in the news?

India has decided to resume the manufacturing of the common antibiotic Penicillin G after nearly 3
decades.
About Penicillin G
1) It is a medication used to manage and treat a wide range of infections. This is very effective against
gram-positive and gram-negative cocci bacterial infections. For Ex- Susceptible bacterial infections in the
stomach.
2) It is the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used in manufacturing several common antibiotics.
About Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Description– These are the active ingredients contained in a medicine. It is that part of the medicine that
produces the intended therapeutic effects. For example, in a painkiller, the active ingredient relieves pain.
Quantity– A Small amount of the API is required to produce the effect, and so the medicine contains only
the required amount of the API.
Largest production– China is one of the largest producers of Key Starting Material (KSM) and APIs in the
world.
Why did penicillin manufacturing stop in India?

1) It was phased out of production because of subsidy-driven cheaper Chinese products flooding the
market.

March-2024
2) The Drug Prices Control Order ensured that more companies went for cheaper imported products. The
Drug Prices Control Order regulates the price of essential medicines in India.
What is a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme?

 Objective– To promote the domestic manufacturing of APIs, drug intermediates and key starting
materials (KSMs).
 Incentive– The scheme envisages support of 20% for first four years, 15% for fifth year, and 5%
for sixth year on eligible sales of fermentation-based bulk drugs such as antibiotics, enzymes, and
hormones such as insulin.
 Implementation– The scheme will be implemented through a Project Management Agency (PMA)
to be nominated by the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
NOTE– After the PLI scheme, there has been a decline in the imports of APIs.
2. India AI Mission - Rs 10,372 crore

Why in the News?
 The Union Cabinet approved the IndiaAI Mission with an outlay of Rs 10,372 crore for the next
five years.
 Last year, the Indian PM had announced the Mission and said its aim was to establish the
computing powers of AI within the country.
What is India’s AI Mission?

 The PM of India at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2023 (New
Delhi) announced that India will launch an artificial intelligence (AI) mission.
 Under the India AI Mission [to be implemented by the ‘IndiaAI’ Independent Business Division
(IBD) under Digital India Corporation (DIC)], the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) will
look -
o To establish a computing capacity of more than 10,000 graphics processing units (GPUs)
and
o To help develop foundational models trained on datasets covering major Indian languages
for priority sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and governance.
 AI Curation Units (ACUs) will also be developed in 50-line ministries and AI marketplace will be
designed to offer AI as a service and pre-trained models to those working on AI applications.
 The implementation of this AI compute infrastructure will be done through a public-private
partnership model with 50% viability gap funding.
 Of the total outlay (of Rs 10,372 crore), Rs 4,564 crore has been earmarked for building computing
infrastructure.

March-2024
7 Key Features of IndiaAI Mission
 IndiaAI Compute Capacity: This pillar will build a high-end scalable AI computing ecosystem to
cater to the increasing demands from India’s rapidly expanding AI start-ups and research
ecosystem.
 IndiaAI Innovation Centre: The Centre will undertake the development and deployment of
indigenous Large Multimodal Models (LMMs) and domain-specific foundational models in
critical sectors.
 IndiaAI Datasets Platform: This will streamline access to quality non-personal datasets for AI
Innovation.
 IndiaAI Application Development Initiative: This will promote AI applications in critical sectors
for the problem statements sourced from Central Ministries, State Departments, etc.
 IndiaAI FutureSkills: It is conceptualized to mitigate barriers to entry into AI programmes and will
increase AI courses in undergraduate, Masters level, and Ph.D. programmes.
 IndiaAI Startup Financing: This pillar is conceptualized to support and accelerate deep-tech AI
startups and provide them with streamlined access to funding to enable futuristic AI projects.
 Safe & Trusted AI: This pillar will enable the implementation of responsible AI projects including
the development of indigenous tools and frameworks.
Significance of India AI Mission

 The IndiaAI Mission will further the vision of Making AI in India and Making AI Work for India.
 The IndiaAI Mission seeks to showcase to the international community the positive applications of
the revolutionary technology for societal benefit, thereby elevating India's global competitiveness.
 It will establish a comprehensive ecosystem catalyzing AI innovation through strategic
programmes and partnerships across the public and private sectors.
 It will drive forward creativity and enhance internal capabilities, safeguarding India's technological
autonomy.
 Additionally, it aims to generate employment opportunities that require advanced skills, tapping
into the country's demographic advantage.
3. India’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor -

Why in the News?
The vital second stage of India’s three-stage nuclear programme got a boost with the commencement of
‘core loading’ at the country’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu,
earlier this month.
Core Loading
 About
o In a nuclear reactor, core loading is the process of loading nuclear fuel assemblies into the
reactor core.
o The fuel assemblies comprise fuel rods that contain fissile material, such as enriched
uranium or plutonium, which undergoes nuclear fission to produce heat.
March-2024
o And a fast breeder reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that is designed to produce more
fissile material (such as Plutonium-239) than it consumes during operation.
o It achieves this by using fast neutrons to convert non-fissile isotopes (such as Uranium-
238) into fissile isotopes (such as Plutonium-239).
o This process is known as "breeding" because it creates more fissile material than is initially
loaded into the reactor.
 Significance
o PFBR is considered a precursor to future fast breeder reactors (FBRs).
o After the core loading is completed, the Kalpakkam PFBR reactor will undergo the first
approach to criticality, leading to power generation.
o Once it becomes operational, India will be only the second country after Russia to have a
commercial operating fast breeder reactor.
o The latest development symbolizes India’s entry into the crucial second stage of the
country’s three-stage nuclear programme.
India’s 3-Stage Nuclear Programme

 India's three-stage nuclear power programme was formulated by Dr Homi Bhabha to secure the
country's long term energy independence.
 The ultimate focus of the programme is on enabling the thorium reserves of India to be utilised in
meeting the country's energy requirements.
o Thorium is particularly attractive for India, as India has only around 1–2% of the global
uranium reserves, but one of the largest shares of global thorium reserves at about 25% of
the world's known thorium reserves.
o Thorium is found in the monazite sands of coastal regions of South India.
 Dr Homi Bhabha, therefore, devised a three-stage nuclear power programme to make the most of
India's limited uranium reserves and abundant thorium reserves.
 Each stage of the programme has fuel cycle linkages.
o This means that spent fuel from one stage is reprocessed to obtain fuel for the next stage —
there is little to no wastage.
 Ultimately, the goal is to generate nuclear power while ensuring long-term energy security.
When Will India Achieve 3 Stages of the Nuclear Programme?

 The third stage, utilizing thorium as an energy source, is expected to be reached in a few decades.
 To prepare for the use of thorium in the third stage of the programme, efforts are currently
underway to develop and demonstrate the necessary technology.
 This is being done so that a mature technology for thorium utilization will be ready in time.
 The Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is developing a 300 MWe advanced heavy water reactor
(AHWR).
 The AHWR is an innovative concept that serves as a bridge between the first and third stages of
the nuclear programme.
 It aims to advance thorium utilization without going through the second stage.

March-2024
Significance of Nuclear Energy Generated through 3-Stage Programme
 Just like with uranium, generating electricity from thorium produces no greenhouse gases, making
it a clean energy source.
 Thorium reactors are also more cost-effective than conventional reactors.
 Nobel laureate Carlo Rubbia estimates that a tonne of thorium could produce as much energy as
200 tonnes of uranium or 4 million tonnes of coal. As a result, far less nuclear waste is generated.
 Importantly, the waste from thorium reactors contains no isotopes with a half-life beyond 35 years,
significantly reducing the required storage time.
 Harnessing thorium for India's energy needs presents many economic opportunities.
o The availability of affordable electricity could drive a transition away from gas, petrol, and
diesel for cooking and transportation.
o Additionally, nuclear energy could alleviate the pressure on the railways by reducing the
need to transport millions of tons of coal, potentially reducing the necessity for service
expansion.
 The three-stage nuclear programme is expected to make India completely self-sufficient in nuclear
energy.

March-2024
4. Environmental And History Cultural
1. GI tag for Assam’s Majuli masks –
Why in the news?

 The traditional Majuli masks in Assam were given a Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the
Centre on Monday (March 4).
 Majuli manuscript painting also got the GI label.
 Majuli, the largest river island in the world and the seat of Assam’s neo-Vaishnavite tradition, has
been home to the art of mask-making since the 16th century.
What are Majuli masks?

 The handmade masks are traditionally used to depict characters in bhaonas, or theatrical
performances with devotional messages under the neo-Vaishnavite tradition.
 These were introduced by the 15th-16th century reformer saint Srimanta Sankardeva.
 The masks can depict gods, goddesses, demons, animals and birds — Ravana, Garuda, Narasimha,
Hanuman, Varaha Surpanakha all feature among the masks.
 They can range in size from those covering just the face (mukh mukha), which take around five
days to make, to those covering the whole head and body of the performer (cho mukha), which can
take up to one-and-a-half months to make.
 The masks are made of bamboo, clay, dung, cloth, cotton, wood and other materials available in
the riverine surroundings of their makers.
Why is the art practiced in monasteries?

 Sattras are monastic institutions established by Srimanta Sankardev and his disciples as centers of
religious, social and cultural reform.
 Today, they are also centers of traditional performing arts such as borgeet (songs), sattriya (dance)
and bhaona (theater), which are an integral part of the Sankardev tradition.
 Majuli has 22 sattras, and the patent application states that the mask-making tradition is by and
large concentrated in four of them — Samaguri Sattra, Natun Samaguri Sattra, Bihimpur Sattra
and Alengi Narasimha Sattra.
The makers of the masks

 The arts of dance, song and musical instruments are closely tied to the sattras and the one who
began this was Assam’s guru Srimanta Sankardev.
 In the 16th century, he established this art of masks through a play called Chinha Jatra.
 At that time, to attract ordinary people to Krishna bhakti, he had presented the play in his
birthplace Batadrava.
 Samaguri Sattra had been practicing mask-making since its establishment in 1663.
What is Majuli manuscript painting, which also received the GI tag?

 It is a form of painting also originating in the 16th century and is done on sanchi pat, or
manuscripts made of the bark of the sanchi or agar tree, using homemade ink.

March-2024
 The earliest example of an illustrated manuscript is said to be a rendering of the Adya Dasama of
the Bhagwat Purana in Assamese by Srimanta Sankardev.
 This art was patronized by the Ahom kings.
 It continues to be practiced in every satra in Majuli.
2. Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment plan –

Why in the news?
The Prime Minister has recently launched a master plan for the Sabarmati Gandhi Ashram redevelopment
project.
Key Highlights
 The central government and Gujarat government are jointly implementing the Gandhi Ashram
Memorial and Precinct Development Project.
 The redevelopment and restoration plan is based on an aerial picture from 1949 of the ashram and
on the ashram’s documented bills.
 A ‘Mohan to Mahatma Park’, an arboretum on the way to have trees from “all states and Union
Territories”, a herbal garden shaped in the famous pose of Gandhi walking together with his group
of workers , a meditation hall, and a ‘dhyan kendra’: those had been proposed.
Historical significance of the Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati

 Setting up of Ashrams: Mahatma Gandhi set up 5 settlements throughout his lifetime — in
South Africa (Phoenix Settlement in Natal, and Tolstoy Farm outside Johannesburg), where he
lived from 1893 to 1914, and 3 in India, in which he arrived in 1915.
 He set up the first ashram in Ahmedabad in Kocharab in 1915.
 Sabarmati Ashram: In 1917, Gandhiji founded the ashram at Sabarmati — his fourth ashram —
on the western bank of the Sabarmati River.
 The place was to the north of the village of Juna Vadaj, beyond the Chandrabhaga rivulet, a
tributary of the Sabarmati.
 Time Spent in Ashram: Gandhi spent the maximum time here, and it was the cradle of eight
major movements related to India’s war for independence.
Movements Launched: Apart from the Dandi March that Gandhiji began from here on March 12,
1930, he also launched the Champaran Satyagraha (1917), the Ahmedabad mills strike and Kheda
Satyagraha (1918), the Khadi movement (1918), the Rowlatt Act and Khilafat Movements (1919), and the
Non-Cooperation movement (1920) while living in Sabarmati.
Other major Movements and Initiatives by Gandhi

 Champaran Satyagraha (1917): The ashram served as a base for Gandhi’s involvement in the
Champaran Satyagraha, a movement towards oppressive indigo planters in Bihar.
 Khadi Movement (1918): Gandhi initiated the Khadi motion from Sabarmati Ashram, promoting
the use of hand-spun fabric as a method to boycott foreign items and promote self-reliance.

March-2024
 Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918) and Kheda Satyagraha: Gandhi led the employees’ strike in
Ahmedabad and the peasants’ movement in Kheda, each of which have been pivotal in India’s
struggle for independence.
 Non-Cooperation Movement (1920): The ashram performed a vital position in Gandhi’s call for
non-cooperation with the British government, urging Indians to boycott British goods and
institutions.
 Dandi March (1930): One of the most iconic activities in India’s freedom warfare, the Dandi
March, started from Sabarmati Ashram. Gandhi, along with his followers, marched to Dandi to
protest against the salt tax imposed by the British.
3.. Delisting of monuments by ASI

Why in the News?
The Archaeological survey of India (ASI)has decided to delist 18 “centrally protected monuments”
because it has assessed that they do not have national importance. These 18 monuments are part of an
earlier list of monuments that the ASI had said were “untraceable”.
Which Monuments are Being Delisted?

 Among the monuments that face delisting now are a medieval highway milestone recorded as Kos
Minar No.13 at Mujessar village in Haryana, Barakhamba Cemetery in Delhi, Gunner Burkill’s
tomb in Jhansi district, a cemetery at Gaughat in Lucknow, and the Telia Nala Buddhist ruins in
Varanasi.
 The precise location of these monuments, or their current physical state, is not known.
 This is the first such large-scale delisting exercise in several decades. The ASI currently has 3,693
monuments under its purview, which will fall to 3,675 once the current delisting is completed.
What does Delisting a Monument Mean?

Removal from ASI's Purview:
 The delisted monument will no longer be conserved, protected, and maintained by the ASI.
 It will effectively be removed from the ASI's list of centrally protected monuments.
Allowing Construction and Urbanisation:
 Under The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological sites and remains Act 1958 any kind of
construction-related activity is not allowed around a protected site.
 Once the monument is delisted, activities related to construction and urbanisation in the area can
be carried out in a regular manner.
Loss of Legal Protection:
 The AMASR Act, 1958 provides legal protection to monuments declared to be of national
importance.
 Delisting a monument means it will no longer have this legal protection and could be subject to
neglect or damage.
Procedure for Delisting:

March-2024
 Section 35 of the AMASR Act allows the Central Government to declare that any ancient
monument or archaeological site of national importance has ceased to be of national importance
through a notification in the Official Gazette.
 A gazette notification was issued on 8th March 2024 for delisting the 18 monuments, followed by
a two-month window for public objections or suggestions.
What does It Mean When the ASI Declares a Monument "Untraceable"?

 When the ASI declares a monument as "untraceable," it means that the monument is no longer
physically locatable or identifiable.
 Factors contributing to the loss of monuments include urbanisation, encroachments, construction
activities like dams and reservoirs, and neglect over time.
 Some monuments, especially smaller or lesser-known ones, have deteriorated to the extent that
there is no surviving public memory of their existence.
 Despite the AMASR Act's mandate for the ASI to regularly inspect and conserve protected
monuments, the effectiveness of these efforts has been inconsistent.
 Declaring monuments untraceable underscores the loss of valuable cultural heritage and highlights
the need for better conservation efforts and resource allocation in the future.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

 The ASI, which works under the Union Ministry of Culture, is responsible for protecting and
maintaining certain specific monuments and archaeological sites that have been declared to be of
national importance under the relevant provisions of The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act,
1904 and The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR
Act).
 Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of
archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments etc.
 It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham- the first Director-General of ASI. Alexander
Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.
Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act)

 The aim of the act is to protect and preserve ancient monuments for future generations.
 Applies to monuments over 100 years old in public or private ownership.
 Prohibits construction or alteration around ancient monuments without National Monuments
Authority (NMA) approval.
 NMA established in accordance with the AMASR Act is responsible for the conservation and
preservation of monuments and sites (and banned/restricted areas surrounding centrally designated
monuments).
 NMA is responsible for implementing the AMASR Act and granting permission for construction
or developmental activity within protected and regulated areas.
 Protected area is a 100-metre radius around the monument, with a regulated area extending up to
200 metres beyond that.
 Current restrictions prohibit construction within 100-metre radius of protected monuments and
have strict regulations for permits in an additional 200-metre radius.

March-2024
5. Defense
1. Grey Zone Warfare
Why In the news

 In contemporary international relations, the concept of grey zone warfare has gained prominence,
reflecting a complex space between overt conflict and peace.
 This nuanced form of warfare encompasses a spectrum of activities aimed at advancing national
objectives while avoiding direct confrontation.
What is Grey Zone Warfare?

 Middle Ground: Grey zone warfare denotes an ambiguous space where activities blur the
distinction between peace and war.
 Diverse Tactics: It encompasses a wide array of activities, including economic coercion,
cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, proxy warfare, and territorial assertiveness, among others.
Historical Context and Rationale

 Cold War Legacy: The conditions of the Cold War era, marked by nuclear deterrence between
superpowers, spurred the adoption of grey zone tactics to avoid catastrophic escalation.
 Resourceful Adversaries: Nations resort to grey zone tactics to advance their interests without
triggering a full-scale conflict, particularly when faced with superior adversaries.
Examples of Grey Zone Warfare:

 South China Sea Disputes: China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, including maritime
militia presence and territorial claims, exemplify grey zone warfare. Confrontations with countries
like the Philippines underscore the contentious nature of these tactics.
 Taiwan Strait Tensions: Chinese military maneuvers near Taiwan and Taiwan’s complaints of
increased Chinese military activity highlight the use of grey zone strategies to pressure without
provoking outright conflict.
 US-China Economic Rivalry: Economic sanctions, trade tariffs, and maritime reconnaissance
efforts by the United States against China illustrate grey zone competition beyond military realms.
Motivations and Objectives

 Covert Intentions: Grey zone tactics serve to advance strategic interests while maintaining
plausible deniability and avoiding direct confrontation.
 Escalation Management: Adversaries seek to exploit vulnerabilities and escalate tensions across
multiple dimensions, complicating crisis management efforts.

March-2024
Challenges and Responses
 Complexity of Response: Grey zone warfare poses challenges in crafting appropriate responses, as
actions are often covert and multifaceted.
 Risk of Over-Escalation: Tactics such as baiting adversaries into escalation can lead to unintended
consequences and heightened tensions, necessitating cautious crisis management.

March-2024
6. Disaster & Disaster Management
1. Man-animal conflict as a state-specific disaster – KERALA

Why in the News?
Amid repeated deaths from animal attacks and rising anger over them, Kerala declared man-animal
conflict as a state-specific disaster, becoming the first state in the country to do so.
What is Man-Animal Conflict?
 Meaning:
o It relates to the interaction between wild animals and humans, as well as the negative
consequences for people, their resources, wild animals, and their habitats.
o Human-wildlife conflict has reached alarming levels in states across India. For example,
 In Maharashtra, human-wildlife conflict led to the death of 86 people in 2021 and
105 in 2022 - a sharp increase compared with the last decade when average human
deaths were around 40.
 Causes:
o Growing populations of human or animal overlap with established wildlife or human
territory, resulting in a loss of resources.
o Habitat and corridor fragmentation as a result of legal and unlawful land use changes, such
as mining clearances or agricultural encroachment.
o Changing cropping patterns attract wild animals to agriculture.
o Habitat destruction as a result of the spread of invasive alien species, etc.
o India currently has more than 700 protected areas. However, 70% of elephant ranges, 40%
of lion ranges and 35% of tiger ranges are outside protected areas (WWF).
o Ecologist Madhav Gadgil said the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 has enabled an atmosphere
where wild animals can invade human habitations with impunity
o .He explained the optimal foraging theory in ecology, which states that animals try to
maximize nutrient intake while minimizing time, effort and risks.
 Solutions:
o Better enforcement and a pragmatic policy: To address the issue will lessen incidences of
man-animal conflict.
o Involvement of local communities: According to the Future for All Report 2021 (by WWF
and UNEP), involving local communities will foster coexistence between humans and
wildlife, as it is impossible to completely eliminate human-wildlife conflicts.
o Awareness campaigns: To educate, guide, and advise the general public about man-animal
conflict, including information dissemination via various types of media.
o Skill-development initiatives: People living in and around the forest would benefit from
reduced pressures on both agricultural and forest land.
Case Study - Success Story of Kerala in Managing Man-Animal Conflict:
 Kerala had about 5,700 (19% of nationwide population of 30,000 in 2017) wild elephant
population and elephants killed 2,036 people in India (between 2018-2021) and Kerala accounted
for only 81 (4%) of these deaths.
 What has kept man-animal conflicts under control in Kerala?

March-2024
o The boundaries between wilderness and civilization have mostly stayed unchanged in
recent years.
o Changes in agriculture practices. For example, coffee, pepper, and tea plantations, where
jumbos have little interest.
o Jumbos are named from their characteristics. Kabali, for example, is an elephant who lives
in the Athirapally jungle in Thrissur district and is known to attack or chase automobiles.
Kerala’s Decision to Declare Man-Animal Conflict as a State-Specific Disaster:
 What changes with this decision?
o At present, managing man-animal conflict is the responsibility of the forest department,
which acts as per the Wild Life Protection Act.
o Once the issue is declared a state-specific disaster, the onus to deal with it shifts to the state
disaster management authority, which is powered by the Disaster Management Act and can
take quicker and more decisive action.
 Need to take this decision:
o Every time a life has been lost to man-animal conflict, there has been a mounting pressure
to tranquilise/capture/kill the animals responsible.
o At present, the chief wildlife warden (only one such post in the state) is the only authority
to take a call on a wild animal wreaking havoc in human settlement.
o Also, in the past, the decision to tranquilise a killer animal, such as a wild elephant, has
been questioned in court.
o Once the issue is under the disaster management authority, it can take actions overriding
other norms, including those under the Wildlife Protection Act.
o As per the Disaster Management Act, no court (except the SC or a HC) shall have
jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of anything done by relevant
authorities in pursuance of any power conferred by this Act.
o The Act also says that the provisions of this Act will have an overriding effect on any other
law during the specific period that a disaster has been declared.

March-2024
7. Miscellaneous
1. Women’s Day
Introduction:
The International Women’s Day is celebrated on 8th March every year to celebrate gender equality and
women’s well-being.
Evolution of International Women’s Day:

 Origin: The International Women’s Day was celebrated by the United Nations for the first time in
1975. Since then, it has been celebrated every year.
o It can be traced back to the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe in
the twentieth century.
o The United States of America celebrated National Woman’s Day on February 28, 1909, to
commemorate the 1908 garment workers’ strike in New York.
o International Women’s Day became a mainstream global holiday after the UN General
Assembly adopted a resolution in 1977.
 Theme: The theme for 2024 will be ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’.
Significance of International Women’s Day:

 Gender Equality Awareness: The day serves as an occasion to raise awareness about gender
equality issues and move towards a more equitable world.
 Understand Challenges Faced by Women: The day also helps society to understand the challenges
women face and work towards solutions.
 Inclusiveness: The day has been publicised as an event to break down barriers, challenge
stereotypes, and create conditions where all women get respect.
 Empowerment and Leadership: The International Women’s Day looks to empower women to
encourage women to take on leadership roles for societal welfare.
Challenges and Disparities: The Status of Women Worldwide

 Enjoyment of Rights: In many parts of the world, women do not enjoy equal rights when it comes
to education, health services, economic opportunities, and political participation.
 Literacy: According to the UN, women make up more than two-thirds of the world’s illiterate
population.
 Wealth Ownership: Only 1% of the world’s resources are owned by women and they earn only
1/10th of the world’s income.
 Health Conditions: Women spend 25% more of their lives in poorer health conditions compared to
men.
 Political Conditions: As of 2023, 11.3% of countries are led by a woman Head of State, and 9.8%
have women Heads of Government.

March-2024
Status in India: Challenges in Literacy, Health, and Economic Equality
 Literacy: As of 2011, the rate of literacy among women is 65.46 per cent. This is significantly
lower than the world average of 79.7%.
 Health Status: About 24%of Indian women are malnourished and 54% women are anemic. The
mortality rate of women due to health issues is also higher than men.
 Gender pay Gap: Indian men earn 82 per cent of the labour income while women earn only 18
percent of it.
Factors Contributing to Gender Disparities

 Poverty: Poverty is still the most important reason for inequality across the world. It is poverty that
prevents society from self-introspection.
 Lack of Representation in Decision-making: Women still make up a very small amount at
decision-making positions. This affects the introduction of women-centric measures.
 Patriarchy: The patriarchal setup in many parts of the world contributed to the fundamental
inequality between men and women.
 Misogyny: The practice of misogyny, which is the feeling of hatred or prejudice against women or
girls, is another reason for gender bias.
 Social Beliefs: Social customs and beliefs play a major role in keeping women at lower places in
the society.
 Lack of Awareness: Many women are still unaware of their rights and their ability to achieve
equality. This has enabled decision-makers to ignore women’s demands.
Strategies for Addressing and Resolving Women’s Issues Worldwide

 Political Representation: Political empowerment of women can go a long way in addressing the
issue of gender discrimination in the world.
 Sensitization: There is a need to create a sense of awareness among the population to be
empathetic towards issues faced by women.
 Gender Budgeting: Gender Budgeting analysis the unique and diverse needs of women and ensures
a fair distribution of resources.
 Educational Initiatives: There is a need to promote education among women to make them
empowered and strong.
 Protecting Rights: Making laws and also taking measures to implement them will ensure that
women’s rights are not violated.
Conclusion
The International Women’s Day is an event for celebrating the achievements of women. It also raises
awareness about gender equality issues that are currently plaguing the world.
2 . SC sets up panel to look into tiger safaris

Why in the news?
On March 6, the Supreme Court ordered the formation of a committee to address ecological damage in the
Jim Corbett National Park due to illegal construction and tree felling. The committee will also examine
issues related to tiger safaris in national park buffer zones and provide necessary guidelines. The court
criticized the Uttarakhand state government for the illegal felling of over 6,053 trees for the Pakhrau Tiger
Safari in the Kalagarh division, as reported by the Central Empowered Committee.

March-2024
What is the case about?

 A three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, including Justices BR Gavai, Prashant Kumar Mishra,
and Sandeep Mehta, heard a public interest litigation concerning illegal tree felling and
construction within the Corbett Tiger Reserve’s Tiger Breeding Habitat.
 Advocate Gaurav Bansal first brought these allegations to the Delhi High Court in 2021, but the
court directed the government to address the issues. Bansal also filed applications with the Central
Empowered Committee, leading to a Supreme Court case in January 2023.
 In 2021, the Uttarakhand High Court took suo motu cognizance of the illegal construction based
on news reports involving both Rajaji National Park and Jim Corbett. After finding a “prima facie
case” on September 6, 2023, the Uttarakhand HC handed the investigation over to the Central
Bureau of Investigation.
What is the case concerning Pakhrau safari?
 In its 159-page ruling, the Supreme Court identified several irregularities in the Pakhrau safari, as
reported by the Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
 The CEC report highlighted that a 1.2-km road and culverts were constructed outside the safari,
and 12 buildings were erected as Forest Rest Houses at Pakhrau, Morghatti, and Kugadda camps
without the necessary approvals. Inside the safari, the report noted the illegal felling of
approximately 6,053 trees, despite permission being granted for only 163 trees.
 The Ministry of Environment had approved the use of bamboo for the buildings, but the CEC
report found concrete structures. The report also found that while Rs 28.81 crore was approved for
the construction, Rs 102.11 crore was actually spent.
What solutions has the SC suggested?
 The court did not interfere with the decision to establish a tiger safari at Pakhrau, as most of the
authorities were in agreement (ad idem) on it.
 The Uttarakhand government informed the Supreme Court that 80% of the work on the safari was
already complete, and many tigers were in rescue centres, ready to be rehabilitated into the safari.
Who is in the SC-appointed committee?
 The Supreme Court appointed a committee comprising representatives from the National Tiger
Conservation Authority, the Wildlife Institute of India, the Central Empowered Committee (CEC),
and an officer from the Environment Ministry of at least Joint Secretary rank.
 The committee’s tasks include assessing the environmental damage to the Corbett Tiger Reserve,
identifying officers responsible for the damage to recover restoration costs, and recommending
restoration measures.
 The committee will also evaluate the feasibility of tiger safaris in the buffer or fringe areas of
national parks and, if appropriate, suggest guidelines for their establishment. The court emphasized
that the committee’s approach should be ecocentric, not anthropocentric, and adhere to the
precautionary principle to minimize environmental damage.
 The court also stipulated that only injured, conflicted, or orphaned tigers may be exhibited in
safaris, and animals should not be sourced from outside the tiger reserve.
Conclusion-The Supreme Court has taken significant steps to address the environmental damage caused
by illegal activities in the Jim Corbett National Park. A committee has been appointed to assess the
damage, identify responsible officers, and recommend restoration measures. The committee will also
evaluate the feasibility of tiger safaris in national park buffer areas and suggest guidelines if appropriate.

March-2024
3. .World happiness report
Why in the News?
Finland has once again claimed the title of the world's happiest country for the seventh consecutive year,
according to the annual UN-sponsored World Happiness Report released recently.
About World Happiness Report

 The annual World Happiness Report is a partnership of Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research
Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), and the World Happiness
Report's Editorial Board.
 It is based on global survey data from people based on people's own assessments of their
happiness, as well as economic and social data.
 The report considers six key factors: social support, income, health, freedom, generosity, and the
absence of corruption.
 It assigns a happiness score based on an average of data over a three-year period.
Highlights of World Happiness Report 2024
o The Nordic nations continue to dominate the top rankings. Finland topped the list for the
seventh year in a row.
o The other top 10 countries are Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Israel, Netherlands, Norway,
Luxembourg, Switzerland, and Australia.
o Out of the 143 countries surveyed, Afghanistan remained at the bottom of the list.
o For the first time in over a decade, the United States and Germany have slipped out of the
top 20 happiest nations, landing at 23rd and 24th place, respectively.
o The report underscores a change wherein the happiest countries no longer include any of
the world's most populous nations. Only the Netherlands and Australia, both with
populations exceeding 15 million, are present in the top 10.
Where does India stand?
o India is ranked 126th on the list, the same as last year, in the happiness index.
o Older age is associated with higher life satisfaction in India.
o The report said that older Indian men, particularly those in higher age brackets, presently
married, and those with an education, tend to report greater life satisfaction compared to
their counterparts.
o However, older women in India report lower life satisfaction than older men.
o Satisfaction with living arrangements, perceived discrimination, and self-rated health
emerged as the top three predictors of life satisfaction.
4.World happiness report

Why in the news?
India added 94 new billionaires in 2023, the most by any country other than the US, taking the total to
271, according to the 2024 Hurun Global Rich List. An individual with $1 billion in wealth is a billionaire.
The collective wealth of Indian billionaires amounts to US$ 1 trillion or 7 per cent of total wealth,
emphasizing the nation’s substantial economic influence, it said. The average age of Indian billionaires is
67 years.
March-2024
Dominant industries which India’s billionaires represented include pharmaceuticals (39), automobile &
auto components (27) and chemicals (24).
Mumbai was the fastest growing billionaire capital in the world with 92 billionaires, adding 26 in the year,
taking it to third in the world and Asia’s billionaire capital. New York ranked number 1 with 119; London
was in second spot with 97. Beijing dropped from first place last year to the fourth position with 91, just
three billionaires less than India’s
 Mukesh Ambani is in the tenth position with a wealth of $115 billion and Gautam Adani is in the
15th position with a wealth of $86 billion, according to UK based Hurun.
 At 52, Elon Musk (US $231 billion) reclaimed the title of the richest person in the world for the
third time in four years, propelled by a surge in Tesla’s stock. Simultaneously, SpaceX, Musk’s
aerospace venture, saw its valuation hit new heights on the back of successful launches, satellite
internet ventures, and lucrative government contracts.
 Jeff Bezos, 60, rose to the second position with US$ 185 billion, as his wealth grew 57 per cent
this year, driven primarily by Amazon’s cloud computing, winning market share and making up
for all his losses last year.
 The biggest gainers of the year were Mark Zuckerberg, adding US$ 90 billion, and Elon Musk
adding US$ 74 billion. Jensen Huang of Nvidia saw his wealth double to US$ 48 billion and a
place in the Hurun Top 30.
 Despite losing 155 billionaires, China is still the world capital for billionaires with as many as 814.
The USA was just behind with 800 billionaires, adding 109. Between themselves, China and the
USA — the ‘Big Two’ — have 49 per cent of the known billionaires on the planet, down 4 per
cent, says the Hurun Rich List.

March-2024
The 2024 Hurun Global Rich List underscores India’s ascension as a future economic titan, poised to
secure its place as the world’s third-largest economy. Surpassing all but the United States, India’s
unprecedented billionaire boom propels Mumbai past Beijing, crowning it as Asia’s billionaire epicenter,”
said said Anas Rahman Junaid – Founder and Chief Researcher, Hurun India
The USA had a strong year on this latest Hurun Global Rich List, with its 800 entrants contributing a
notable 37% of the overall wealth of the list. Adding 132 new faces, the American landscape continues to
showcase entrepreneurial dynamism.
5. India TB report 2024
Why in the News?

Recently, the Union Health Ministry released the India TB report 2024.
Findings of the report

March-2024
1) Since 2015, there has been a decline of 16% in TB incidence (new cases emerging each year) and an
18% reduction in mortality due to TB.
2) The incidence rate in India has fallen from 237 per lakh population in 2015 to 199 per lakh population
in 2022, while the mortality rate has declined from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh
population in 2022.
3) Nearly 32% of TB notifications in 2023 came from the private health care sector, which is an increase
of 17% from the previous year.
4) While the overall notification of TB cases has improved by over 50% in the last nine years on an annual
basis, Uttar Pradesh saw the highest jump in notifications (by 21% compared to the previous year)
followed by Bihar (15%).
About Tuberculosis
1) Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs and is caused by a
Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium.
About National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP)

1. The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) is a public health initiative started in 2020
by the Government of India.
2. It was formerly known as the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme (RNTCP).
2. Mission: Its mission is to organize anti-Tuberculosis efforts across the country.

March-2024
3. Vision: Achieving a “TB free India” through strategies focused on prevention, detection, treatment, and
universal coverage.
4. Components:
a) Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative provides additional diagnostic, nutritional, and vocational support to TB
patients.
b) Ni-kshay Digital Portal is a platform for community support for persons with TB.
5. Through the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, nutritional support is extended to all TB patients during their
entire treatment duration.
6. Provision of chemoprophylaxis against TB disease for pediatric contacts of TB patients and people
living with HIV (PLHIV).
6. India’s falling fertility rate

Why in the news?
 India has experienced a significant decline in fertility rates over the past few decades. The total
fertility rate (TFR) has dropped from nearly 6.2 in 1950 to just under 2 in 2021.
 Projected Decline: Policymakers anticipate further declines in fertility rates to 1.29 by 2050 and a
worrying level of 1.04 by 2100.
 Global Context: Falling fertility rates are not unique to India but are part of a global trend. The
global fertility rate has decreased steadily, dropping nearly 50% in the past 70 years.
 UN Projections: The United Nations predicts global population growth to reach 10.9 billion by
2100, with TFR converging to near replacement level (2.1).
 Impact of Aging Population: Declining fertility rates coupled with longer life expectancies pose
challenges, including provisions for social security, healthcare for the elderly, and generating
employment opportunities for this demographic.
Economic Implications
 Aging Population: The aging population resulting from lower fertility rates and higher life
expectancies poses economic risks, such as escalating healthcare expenses and a shrinking global
workforce.
 Economic Slowdown: Factors such as wealth disparities, gender biases, and social imbalances can
contribute to economic slowdowns.
Contributing Factors
 Health and Lifestyle: Factors like obesity, stress, smoking, and environmental pollution contribute
to declining fertility rates.
 Infertility Cases: Urban areas with high-stress lifestyles and dietary patterns are witnessing a
significant proportion of infertility cases, with sedentary employment increasing the risk.
 Rising Demand for IVF: The rising demand for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatments underscores
the growing prevalence of infertility issues, with the IVF market projected to grow substantially.
TFR as per NFHS-5
 The Total Fertility Rate (TFR) decline in India, as highlighted by the recent National Family
Health Survey (NFHS-5), indicates significant demographic shifts with various implications and
future considerations.
Current TFR and Sex Ratio:
 TFR Decline: India's TFR has decreased from 2.2 in 2015-16 to 2.0 at the national level, with
variations observed between urban (1.6) and rural areas (2.1).

March-2024
 Sex Ratio: NFHS-5 reports a sex ratio of 1,020 women per 1,000 men, a notable deviation from
previous surveys.
 TFR Target: Replacement level fertility, set at 2.1, ensures each generation replaces itself. An
additional 0.1 child per woman accounts for infant mortality.
Reasons for Fertility Decline:
 Education: Higher female education levels contribute to fertility decline.
 Economic Factors: Increased mobility, late marriages, and financial independence influence family
planning decisions.
 Family Planning Programs: Enhanced access to family planning methods and higher contraceptive
prevalence rates play a role.
Future Considerations:
 Population Decline: Lower fertility rates may lead to population decline akin to developed
countries.
 Policy Focus: Attention should shift towards improving employment opportunities, healthcare
infrastructure, and social security systems to address the aging population.
 State-Level Strategies: States with higher fertility rates should prioritize improving education,
income levels, and reducing infant mortality.

March-2024
8. Economy
1. India,South Africa block investment deal at WTO
Why in the news?
India and South Africa objected to including the China-inspired Investment Facilitation for Development
(IFD) pact in the agenda of the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization
(WTO).
The IFD, backed by 123 countries, aims to facilitate investment for development, but it has not been
ratified by all participating nations.
About the Debate on IFD:
India raised doubts about IFD’s classification as a trade agreement.Concerns were expressed regarding its
effectiveness in addressing developmental issues. The block mirrors ongoing debates within the WTO on
balancing investment facilitation with developmental goals.
About WTO?
 The WTO is the primary global organization governing trade rules among nations.
 It operates based on agreements negotiated and ratified by most trading nations.
 With 164 members and 23 observer governments, it oversees international trade regulations and
agreements.
 The WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) convened from February 26 to 29, 2024, in Abu
Dhabi, UAE, addressing global trade policies.
 Details:
 The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) took place in
Abu Dhabi, starting on February 26 and concluding on February 29.
Investment Facilitation for Development (IFD) Agreement:
 The IFD Initiative was initiated in the spring of 2017 by developing and least-developed WTO
members.
 Its goal is to create a global agreement to enhance the investment and business climate, facilitating
easier investment, daily business operations, and expansion for investors across all economic
sectors.
o The agreement is plurilateral, based on the most-favoured-nation principle, and is open for
all WTO members to join. Plurilateral agreements are binding only on the WTO members
that accept them.
 Over 120 countries supported the IFD agreement, aiming to integrate it into the WTO to improve
the investment and business climate.
 The agreement, advocated by a China-led group, sought to be made binding through Annexure-4
of the WTO.
 Opposition by India and South Africa
o India and South Africa formally opposed the IFD agreement’s consideration at MC13,
labeling it a non-trade issue outside the WTO’s framework.
o India argued that investment-related issues do not fall under the WTO’s jurisdiction,
emphasizing that the Marrakesh Agreement requires explicit consensus for adopting new
plurilateral agreements.
 Consensus and Attempts to Persuade

March-2024
o South Korea, a co-sponsor, acknowledged the need for consensus to incorporate the IFD
agreement.
o Civil society organizations reported efforts by the WTO Secretariat to persuade opponents
to withdraw their objections.
o WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala mentioned the IFD agreement as a potential
“deliverable.”
 India’s Stance on Development Issues
o India emphasized the importance of addressing issues relevant to developing countries,
insisting that new issues should not be considered unless previous decisions and mandates
were fulfilled.
o India defended the principles of ‘Special and Differential Treatment’, asserting they are
fundamental to the WTO’s objectives and not exceptions to its rules.
2. India - ASEAN FTA

Why in the News?
India on Sunday (March 10) signed a trade agreement with the four-nation European Free Trade
Association (EFTA), an intergovernmental grouping of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.
The deal brings in $100 billion in investment over 15 years, with the EFTA looking at joint ventures that
will help India diversify imports away from China.
India is negotiating with the ten-member ASEAN for greater market access for its goods, more flexibility
in determining origin of products through product-specific rules and redressal of non-tariff barriers. This
comes as part of the India-ASEAN FTA review initiated by New Delhi to address its growing trade deficit
with the bloc.
1: Dimension- Objective behind India’s demand

 India had been urging the ASEAN for a review of the FTA as its trade deficit with the region
ballooned since the trade pact was implemented in January 2010.
 The India-ASEAN FTA, formally known as the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement
(AITGA), has resulted in disproportionate gains for the ASEAN countries.
2: Dimension- India’s solutions
 Seeking product-specific rules (PSRs) in the rules of origin (ROO) determination is one solution
being pursued by India for greater exports.
 ROO are the criteria to determine the origin of a product and establish if it qualifies for duty cuts
under a FTA.
 PSRs can be introduced in the ROO chapter for relaxing rules for certain items where meeting the
prescribed ROO is difficult.
 India is also looking for tariff cuts in items such as chemicals, metals and alloys, machinery,
plastic and rubber, textiles, leather and gems and jewelry.
3: ASEAN’s demands
 ASEAN too wants its own set of PSRs for items such as electronics, chemicals and textiles.
 Moreover, the ASEAN (especially Thailand) is unhappy with the Customs (Administration of
Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements) Rules, 2020 (CAROTAR, 2020) rules introduced in

March-2024
India which aims to supplement the operational certification procedures related to implementing
the ROO as prescribed under the respective trade agreement.
Which Indian sectors could EFTA investment benefit?

The funds from the EFTA region include Norway’s $1.6 trillion sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest
such ‘pension’ fund, which posted a record profit of $213 billion in 2023 on the back of strong returns on
its investments in technology stocks.
Reported that India could see investment flow into the pharma, chemical sectors, food processing and
engineering sectors. Government officials said that EFTA is also looking at joint ventures (JVs) in the
above-mentioned sectors that will help India diversify imports away from china.
Currently, India’s imports of chemical products from China in FY23 alone stood at a massive $20.08
billion. It imported $3.4 billion worth of medical and bulk drugs worth nearly $7 billion from China, as
per commerce and industry ministry data.
Why will it be difficult for India to access the EFTA market?

Switzerland, which is India’s biggest trade partner among EFTA countries, decided to eliminate import
duties on all industrial goods for all countries starting from January 1, 2024.
The abolition of tariffs on all industrial products, including chemicals, consumer goods, vehicles and
clothing is a concern for India as industrial goods accounts for 98 per cent of India’s $1.3 billion
merchandise exports to Switzerland in FY2023. India’s goods will face stiffer competition despite any
tariff elimination that would be part of the deal.
Think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said that exporting agricultural produce to
Switzerland remains challenging due to the complex web of tariffs, quality standards, and approval
requirements. EFTA has not shown any inclination to make agriculture tariffs zero on most basic
agricultural produce.
3.India Employment Report 2024
Why in the News?

The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Institute of Human Development (IHD) have jointly
published a report titled “India Employment Report 2024”.
About India Employment Report 2024

1. Prepared by – the Institute for Human Development in collaboration with the International Labour
Organization (ILO).
2. It highlights the challenges of youth employment within India’s evolving economic, labor market,
educational, and skills landscapes.
3. This report has used the data analysis from the National Sample Surveys and the Periodic Labour Force
Surveys between 2000 and 2022.

March-2024
Key Findings of the report:
a) There has been an increase in female labor market participation rates since 2019, especially in rural
areas.
b) There has also been a gradual shift in the workforce from agricultural to non-farm sectors.
c) There has been predominance of self-employment and casual employment, with nearly 82% of workers
in the informal sector.
d) A modest rise in the wages of casual laborers between 2012 and 2022 has been observed while real
wages for regular workers have stagnated or declined.
e) India is expected to have a migration rate of around 40 per cent in 2030 and will have an urban
population of around 607 million.
Challenges highlighted by the report:

1. Almost 90% of workers remain engaged in informal work.
2. There has been a rise in contractualisation. There is only a small percentage of regular workers covered
by long-term contracts. The share of regular work increased steadily after 2000 which declined after 2018.
3. There are widespread livelihood insecurities with only a small percentage being covered with social
protection measures, precisely in the non-agriculture, organized sector.

March-2024
4. India’s large young workforce is a demographic dividend, but they don’t appear to have the skills to
deliver with 75% of youth unable to send emails with attachments, 60% unable to copy and paste files,
and 90% unable to put a mathematical formula into a spreadsheet.
Measures to address these challenges:

1. Promoting job creation.
2. Enhancing employment quality.
3. Tackling labor market inequalities.
4. Strengthening skills and active labor market policies.
5. Bridging knowledge gaps regarding labor market trends and youth employment.
4. India’s ‘protected’ basmati varieties renamed & cultivated in Pak

Why in the news?
 IARI has raised concerns about Pakistan’s unauthorized cultivation and marketing of IARI-bred
basmati rice varieties, including Pusa Basmati-1121, PB-6, PB-1509, PB-1847, PB-1885, and PB-
1886.
 These varieties, accounting for approximately 90% of India’s basmati exports, are protected under
Indian law,limiting their cultivation to certain regions within India and restricting seed sales.
 The illegal cultivation in Pakistan undermines the rights of Indian breeders and farmers.
 Variety Piracy Issues- Specific Varieties and Responses
 Pakistani seed firms need only a small quantity of seeds to multiply these varieties, facilitating
illegal propagation.
 Pusa Basmati-1121 (PB-1121): Known for the extra kernel length of its grains, officially registered
in Pakistan as ‘PK 1121 Aromatic’ and marketed as ‘1121 Kainat’.
 Other Varieties:PB-6 and PB-1509 have also been adopted in Pakistan, with PB-1509 being
registered as ‘Kissan Basmati’.
 Improved Pusa Basmati 1 (Pusa 1460) – First product of molecular breeding in rice in India.
 Pusa Basmati 6 (Pusa 1401) – Superior grain quality.
 Pusa RH10 – The World's first superfine grain aromatic rice hybrid: It was released in 2001 for
commercial cultivation in the irrigated eco-systems of Haryana, Delhi and Uttaranchal.
 Newer Varieties:IARI’s latest varieties like PB-1847, PB-1885, and PB-1886, bred for disease
resistance, are being grown in Pakistan, and acknowledged in YouTube videos by Pakistani farms.
Legal protection for these rice varieties:
 IARI Director A.K. Singh has called for legal measures against Pakistani seed firms to protect
Indian interests.
 All the varieties are notified under the Seeds Act, 1966 for cultivation in the officially demarcated
Geographical Indication area of basmati rice within India, covering 7 northern states.
 They are further registered under the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001.
This Act allows only Indian farmers to sow, save, re-sow, exchange or share the seeds of any
protected/registered varieties. Even they cannot violate the breeder’s rights by selling the seeds in
branded packaged and labeled form
India’s Basmati Rice Exports:

March-2024
 Poised to hit a new high, with projections reaching $5.5 billion for 2023-24, driven largely by
high-yielding varieties developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
 India dominates markets in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and West Asia, with a preference for parboiled rice.
Pakistan’s Basmati Exports:

 Significantly lower than India’s, with exports valued at $694.55 million in 2021-22 and $650.42
million in 2022-23.
 The first seven months of 2023-24 saw a 24.3% increase in quantity and a 35.6% increase in value
over the previous year.
 Pakistan enjoys an 85% share of the EU-UK market due to lower export prices facilitated by the
depreciation of the Pakistani rupee.

Join us on
Telegram
To Receive
Daily News Updates
Daily GK Quiz
Word of the Day
(English & Legal)
Exam Related Updates

CLAT based passages

Abhyaas Newsboard March 2024

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Abhyaas Newsboard March 2024

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Abhyaas Newsboard March 2024

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS BUCKETS

1. Polity & Governance

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 1

1. Polity & Governance

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 2

2. Karnataka temple Bill controversy

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 3

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 4

3.. Linking Aadhaar with Voter ID: ECI

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 5

4. Implementation of CAA - Indian Constitution

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 6

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 7

5. Two New Election Commissioners for India polity

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 8

6. Arrest of Delhi CM (Excise Policy)

Enforcement Directorate (ED)

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 9

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 11

Why in the news?

Political System of Hong Kong

Background - 2019 Pro-Democracy Protests and a Security Law

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 12

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 13

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 14

1.India to manufacture Penicillin G again .

Why in the news?

About Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Why did penicillin manufacturing stop in India?

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 15

What is a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme?

2. India AI Mission - Rs 10,372 crore

What is India’s AI Mission?

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 16

Significance of India AI Mission

3. India’s first indigenous Fast Breeder Reactor -

India’s 3-Stage Nuclear Programme

When Will India Achieve 3 Stages of the Nuclear Programme?

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 18

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 19

1. GI tag for Assam’s Majuli masks –

Why in the news?

What are Majuli masks?

Why is the art practiced in monasteries?

The makers of the masks

What is Majuli manuscript painting, which also received the GI tag?

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 20

2. Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment plan –

Historical significance of the Gandhi Ashram at Sabarmati

Other major Movements and Initiatives by Gandhi

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 21

3.. Delisting of monuments by ASI

Which Monuments are Being Delisted?

What does Delisting a Monument Mean?

Procedure for Delisting:

Abhyaas Newsboard ... www.lawprep.in Page 22

What does It Mean When the ASI Declares a Monument "Untraceable"?

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 (AMASR Act)