SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY

Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/9988210461

Ken-Betwa River Linking Project
Context- Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the interstate Ken-
Betwa river linking project.

Ken-Betwa River Linking Project

• In 2021, a memorandum of agreement was signed among the Ministry of Jal Shakti
and the governments of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to implement the Ken-
Betwa Link Project.

Project:

• Transferring water from the Ken river to the Betwa river, both tributaries of the
Yamuna.
• The Ken-Betwa Link Canal will be 221 km in length, including a 2-km tunnel.
• It has two phases. Phase-I will involve building the Daudhan Dam complex and its
subsidiary units.
• Phase-II will involve three components — Lower Orr Dam, Bina Complex Project and
Kotha Barrage.
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• It is the project under the National Perspective Plan for interlinking rivers

Regions to be Benefited:

• The project lies in Bundelkhand, which spreads across 13 districts of Uttar Pradesh
and Madhya Pradesh.
• The project will be of immense benefit to the water-starved region.
• Completion: It is proposed to be implemented in eight years.

National Perspective Plan of Interlinking of Rivers (ILR) Programme

• The Ministry of Water Resources (then Union Ministry of Irrigation) and Central Water
Commission formulated a National Perspective Plan (NPP) for water resources
development in 1980.
– The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) has been entrusted with the work
of Interlinking of Rivers under it.

– The NPP has two components:

1. Himalayan Rivers Development;

2. and Peninsular Rivers Development.

– 30 link projects have been identified under the NPP.

1. 14 links under Himalayan Component and 16 links under Peninsular Component.

– Himalayan Rivers Development: Construction of storage reservoirs on the principal

tributaries of the Ganga and the Brahmaputra in India, Nepal and Bhutan.

1. Inter-linking canal systems to transfer surplus flows of the eastern tributaries of the
Ganga to the west.

– Peninsular Rivers Development Component is divided into four major parts:

1. Interlinking of Mahanadi-Godavari-Krishna-Cauvery Rivers and building storages at

potential sites in these basins.

2. Interlinking of west flowing rivers, north of Mumbai and south of Tapi.

3. Interlinking of Ken-Chambal rivers.

Significance of River Linking Projects

• Reduction of Water Scarcity: It helps transfer surplus water from water-rich regions
to water-deficient areas, addressing water scarcity issues.
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• Improved Water Availability for Agriculture: Increased water availability in dry
regions to enhance agricultural productivity.
• Mitigation of Floods: Interlinking rivers help distribute excess water during periods of
heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of floods in specific regions.
• Increased Hydropower Potential: The construction of reservoirs and canals for
interlinking projects create opportunities for hydropower generation.
• Job Creation: The construction and maintenance of interlinking infrastructure create
job opportunities, contributing to economic development.
• Conflict Resolution: River interlinking projects potentially reduce inter-state
disputes over water resources by providing a more equitable distribution of water.

Concerns with the River Linking Projects

• Ecosystem Disruption: Altering natural river courses and diverting water can disrupt
ecosystems, leading to habitat loss, changes in biodiversity, and potential extinction
of species.
• Displacement of Communities: The construction of dams, reservoirs, and canals for
river interlinking result in the displacement of communities, leading to social and
economic hardships for affected populations.
• Inter-State Disputes: River interlinking projects often involve multiple states, and
disagreements arise over water sharing, leading to inter-state disputes.
• Financial Viability: The construction of large-scale infrastructure for river interlinking
projects can be economically challenging, with costs often exceeding initial
estimates.
• Seismic Risks: Areas prone to earthquakes face increased risks due to the
construction of large dams and other infrastructure.
• Maintenance Issues: Neglecting maintenance can lead to system failures and
adverse consequences.
• Community Resistance: Local communities and environmental activists often
oppose river interlinking projects due to concerns about their impact on the
environment, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.

100 Years For Belagavi Session of Indian National Congress

Context- The Indian National Congress (INC) has planned a series of events in Belagavi to
mark the 100th anniversary.
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• These include a two-day extended session of the Congress Working Committee
(CWC) and a public rally themed ‘Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan’.

About the Belagavi Session of the INC (December 26-27, 1924)

• It was the 39th session of the INC that took place in Belagavi (then Belgaum),
Karnataka. It was a period marked by intense political activity and growing
momentum for India’s freedom movement.
• It was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi, the only time he served as the Congress
president.
• Participants in the 1924 Congress session : The session was attended by several
senior Congress leaders including Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel,
Sarojini Naidu, and Khilafat movement leaders Muhammad Ali Jauhar and Shaukat
Ali, among others.
• It was a testament to the power of unity, non-violence, and collective action in the
face of oppression.

Key Decisions and Outcomes

• Non-Cooperation and Civil Disobedience: Mahatma Gandhi reiterated his

commitment to non-cooperation and civil disobedience as effective tools against
British rule.
• These principles became the cornerstone of subsequent movements, including the
Salt March and Quit India Movement.
• Promotion of Khadi: The session emphasized the importance of promoting Khadi
(hand-spun cloth) as a symbol of self-reliance and resistance against British
economic policies.
• This initiative aimed to revive indigenous industries and reduce dependence on
British goods.
• Communal Harmony: Gandhi stressed the need for communal harmony and unity
among different religious and ethnic groups in India.
• It was crucial In countering the divisive tactics employed by the colonial
administration.

Significance of Belagavi Session of INC

• Gandhi’s Leadership: Mahatma Gandhi’s presidency underscored his commitment

to non-violence, communal harmony, and self-rule (Swaraj).
• Gandhi’s ideas and strategies laid the groundwork for future movements against
British colonial rule.
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• Impact on the Freedom Movement: The session promoted peasant consciousness,
spread khadi, and encouraged village industries, especially in Karnataka. It also led
to increased peasant participation in Congress-led initiatives.
• Unity and Inclusivity: The session brought together prominent leaders from various
parts of India, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Lala Lajpat Rai, C. Rajagopalachari,
Sarojini Naidu, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and many others.
• It symbolized the unity and collective resolve of Indian leaders to achieve
independence.
• Cultural and Social Impact: Noted vocalist Veene Seshanna performed the song
‘Udayavagali Namma Chaluva Kannada Nadu’ which became an anthem for
Karnataka’s unification movement.
• The event highlighted the role of cultural expressions in the freedom struggle.

Challenge of Elderly Care

Context: The article highlights India’s ageing population, rising elder care needs, and
socio-economic challenges. It discusses the growing “silver economy” for affluent elders
but emphasizes struggles faced by poorer seniors. Despite policies, poor implementation
hampers effective elder care solutions.

What is the current status of India’s elderly population?

• India has 153 million elderly people (aged 60 and above) in 2024.
• This number is expected to grow to 347 million by 2050.
• The elderly will form 15-20% of the total population as fertility rates fall below
replacement levels.

What challenges do India’s elderly face?

• Financial Struggles: 40% of the elderly belong to the lowest wealth quintile, and 20%
have no income.
• Healthcare Issues: Many suffer from diseases like heart problems, kidney ailments,
dementia, and Alzheimer’s.
• Social Pressures: Urbanization and nuclear families reduce family support, leading
to abandonment of sick or disabled elderly.
• Inadequate Access to Elder Care: Existing schemes like the National Programme for
Health Care of the Elderly are poorly implemented.
• Economic Divide: Private sector solutions target wealthy seniors, excluding the
majority.
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What policies and laws exist for elder care in India?

• National Policy on Older Persons (1999): India was ahead of global efforts in
addressing elderly care.
• Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens Act (2007): Children are legally required
to provide financial support to parents. The law includes fast-track mechanisms and
provisions for old-age homes.
• National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (2010): Focuses on dedicated
healthcare services for the elderly.
• Ayushman Bharat Health Scheme: Extended health insurance to all senior citizens
above 70 years, regardless of income.

What steps are needed for the future?

• Develop a robust elder care system that is affordable and accessible.

• Address financial security, healthcare, and social support for all elderly, especially
the poor.
• Ensure effective implementation of existing schemes and laws.

Government Ends No-Detention Policy

Context- The Centre has scrapped the no-detention policy in schools governed by it,
including Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.

About

• The decision will impact around 3,000 Central schools, including Sainik Schools,
which function under the Ministry of Defence, and Eklavya Model Residential
Schools, under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

No Detention Policy

• Under Section 16 of the Right to Education Act, 2009, schools were prohibited from
detaining students up to Class 8.
• Reason: With the possibility of students dropping out if they were detained, the no-
detention policy was meant to ensure children received a minimum level of
education at least.
• Criticism: In the years since then, several States called for scrapping the no-
detention policy.
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• In 2016, the Central Advisory Board of Education passed a resolution calling for
scrapping the policy on the grounds that students were no longer serious about their
studies.
• 2019 Amendment: The Act was then amended in 2019, allowing “appropriate
government to hold back a child in the fifth class or in the eighth class or in both
classes if the child fails in the re-examination.
• This left it to the States to decide on scrapping the no-detention policy.
• Since the amendment, 18 States and UTs have done away with the no-detention
policy.

New Policy

• It has now allowed schools to hold back students who fail annual examinations.
• Additional-support-for-students

Conclusion

• The policy led to the compromised academic standards in higher classes.

• With the scrapping of no detention policy, the fear of failing will enable children to
learn at least basic concepts to excel in exams.
• This will ultimately benefit the children and increase the educational and academic
standards in India.

India to play a role in Multi- Polar World

Context: The article highlights India’s growing global influence, emphasizing its leadership
in sustainable development, economic growth, and diplomacy. It showcases India’s role in
fostering multilateral cooperation, addressing global challenges, and positioning itself as a
key driver of the global economy.

What is the global economic outlook and key challenges?

• Global growth is expected to remain steady at 3.2% in 2024 and 2025.

• Inflationary pressures are reducing, and the global economy avoided a recession
despite monetary tightening.
• Key challenges include climate change, unstable debt dynamics, and increasing
protectionism.
• Fragmentation and polarization are rising, but global issues like sustainable growth,
energy transitions, and governance of advanced technologies require cooperation.
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How is India emerging as a global leader?

• India promotes a rule-based international order and democratic values.

• Supplied vaccines and medicines to over 100 countries during COVID-19, showing
global responsibility.
• Leads International Solar Alliance and Global Biofuels Alliance for sustainable
development and climate resilience. These efforts promote sustainable
development, climate resilience, and energy transitions.
• Expanded strategic economic ties through FTAs and liberalized FDI restrictions.
• Advocated for African Union’s inclusion in G20 and reforms for equitable
representation in global institutions.
• Balances global relationships, strengthening credibility as a mediator and leader in
the Global South.

What is driving India’s economic growth?

• India is the world’s fifth-largest economy and the fastest-growing major economy,
contributing 17% to global growth in 2023.
• It aims to become a $10 trillion economy by the 2030s and a developed nation by
2047.
• Initiatives like Make in India and the Production-Linked Incentive Scheme boost
domestic capabilities and resilience.

What is India’s vision for the future?

• India plans to leverage its demographic dividend, strengthen critical infrastructure,

and embrace digital transformation.
• It aspires to be part of the G3 era alongside the US and China, driving the global
agenda.
• By advancing multilateralism, enhancing regional partnerships, and bridging
developed and developing nations, India can lead a more equitable global system.
• Key focus areas include inclusive growth, technology governance, and skilling its
workforce.

An India- China Reset

Context: The article emphasizes peaceful dispute resolution and cooperation between
India and China. It highlights the need for trust-building, mutual respect, and collaborative
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efforts in trade, diplomacy, and global issues. It proposes actionable steps for better
relations and mutual growth.

How Have India and China Handled Past Disputes?

• India and China peacefully resolved the 2020 Galwan Valley standoff.
• Leaders Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping lent political authority to a disengagement
agreement.
• The agreement was reached after multiple diplomatic and military discussions.
• This prevented the violent confrontation from escalating into a larger conflict.
• The Line of Actual Control was stabilized, ensuring peace.
• Both leaders demonstrated maturity in conflict resolution.
• The resolution shows their ability to prioritize dialogue over hostility.
• Trust-building steps, such as these, set a precedent for managing future disputes
constructively.

What Challenges Do India-China Relations Face?

• Unsettled Boundary Disputes: The Line of Actual Control remains a contentious

issue, with the potential for future clashes, as seen in the 2020 Galwan Valley
incident.
• Mutual Distrust: India suspects China’s alliance with Pakistan and its stance on
Kashmir-related terrorism. Beijing views India’s involvement in the Quad as a threat.
• Trade Imbalance: India’s trade deficit with China is significant, though China can
address this by importing more Indian goods.
• Limited Engagement: In 2023, China issued visas to 200,000 Indians, but India
issued fewer than 10,000 to Chinese nationals.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Anti-China narratives in Indian media and India’s deviations
from the “One China” policy strain ties.

Why Should India and China Cooperate?

• Economic Benefits: India’s large market can boost China’s slowing economy, while
China’s technology can aid India’s development goals.
• Global South Unity: Joint efforts can help underdeveloped nations in Asia, Africa,
and Latin America.
• Global Stability: Cooperation can address global issues like the Russia-Ukraine war
and the West Asian crisis.

What Are Immediate Steps to Build Trust?

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• Resume Flights: Restart direct flights suspended during COVID-19 to increase
connectivity.
• Issue More Visas: India issued less than 10,000 visas to Chinese nationals in 2023,
while China issued over 200,000 to Indians.
• Reinstate Journalists: Reverse decisions leading to the exit of journalists from both
countries to improve communication.
• Lift App Bans: Allow Chinese apps like WeChat, banned after the Galwan clash, to
enhance digital interaction.
• Boost Trade: Reduce the trade deficit by importing more from India and fostering
Chinese investments, as suggested by India’s Chief Economic Adviser.

What’s the Vision for 2025?

• A breakthrough year can be achieved through high-level visits by leaders. Mutual

trust, stronger trade ties, and cooperation on global issues can redefine India-China
relations, benefiting both nations and the world.

MSP and its Importance

Context: The article focuses on the critical issue of guaranteeing Minimum Support Price
(MSP) for farmers in India through legal measures. MSP has long served as a safety net to
protect farmers from market fluctuations, ensuring that they receive a fair price for their
crops. However, over the decades, the growing gap between production costs and MSP,
coupled with systemic inefficiencies, has led to widespread exploitation of farmers,
mounting debts, and alarming rates of farmer suicides.

What is MSP, and why was it introduced?

• MSP, or Minimum Support Price, was introduced approximately 60 years ago as a

safety net for farmers when India faced challenges feeding its growing population.
• It guarantees a minimum price for crops, ensuring that farmers are not exploited by
market forces.
• Initially, MSP aimed to encourage agricultural production but did not factor in
production costs.

How has MSP evolved, and what challenges have emerged?

• Over time, the costs of production increased while MSP lagged behind.
• Farmers became reliant on the market, leading to exploitation and financial
distress.
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• This disparity has contributed to rising farmer suicides, with reports suggesting
4,00,000 suicides officially recorded in the last three decades, while unofficial
estimates place the number closer to 7,00,000.

Why do some argue that farmers in Punjab do not need MSP?

• Critics claim that groundwater depletion, particularly due to water-intensive crops

like rice (which consumes 3,000–3,500 liters of water per kilogram), is a major issue.
• They argue that MSP encourages unsustainable farming practices

Counterarguments:

• Farmer unions suggest that a guaranteed MSP for 23 crops could promote crop
diversification, encouraging farmers to grow less water-intensive and more
profitable crops.
• This would address groundwater concerns and provide long-term solutions.

How could a guaranteed MSP law promote sustainability?

• Diversifying crops under MSP guarantees would reduce electricity consumption in

agriculture by 60%, conserve groundwater, and ensure more efficient use of
resources.
• Additionally, Punjab could lead the way in producing oilseeds, pulses, and other
crops, reducing India’s reliance on imports and saving nearly ₹2 lakh crore annually.

How does MSP relate to public health and national wealth?

• Guaranteeing MSP could reduce reliance on imported palm oil, which is often
processed with harmful chemicals, thereby safeguarding public health.
• It would also stabilize the agricultural economy and reduce farmers’ financial
distress, preserving national wealth.

Are farmers currently receiving the promised MSP?

• In states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, farmers often sell crops below
MSP due to inadequate procurement systems.
• For instance, despite an MSP of ₹2,325 per quintal for paddy, farmers sell it for
₹1,000–1,400 in many cases. Similarly, procurement caps force farmers to sell
surplus crops at lower rates.
• An OECD report highlights that India’s farmers have faced losses amounting to ₹60
lakh crore over the years due to underpriced MSP rates. In 2023 alone, these losses
were estimated at ₹14.72 lakh crore, exacerbating farmer debt and distress.
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How does guaranteeing MSP address critical issues? What steps must the government
take?

• MSP guarantees can prevent farmer suicides, reduce inflationary pressures,

conserve water, and promote sustainable farming.
• They also strengthen India’s self-reliance by reducing dependency on imports and
protecting public health.
• The government should urgently enact a legal guarantee for MSP across 23 crops,
invest wisely in agriculture, and establish effective procurement mechanisms.
• This will stabilize the agricultural sector, ensure fair incomes for farmers, and
contribute to national development.

Prelims Facts-
Free Movement Regime
• In February 2024, the Union Home Ministry had announced the suspension of the
Free Movement Regime (FMR) along the Myanmar border. However, the formal
notification ending the FMR is yet to be issued. In the meanwhile, new guidelines
have been issued to regulate the movement of people along the international
border.
• About
o The FMR came into existence in 1968 to allow cross border movement of
people on either side of the Indo-Myanmar border.
o Initially, the territorial limit of free movement then 40 km, which was reduced
to 16 km in 2004, and additional regulations were enforced in 2016.
o Aim: To facilitate cross-border familial and ethnic ties and boost local border
trade.
o Under FMR, individuals can cross borders by producing a border pass with
one-year validity and can stay up to two weeks per visit.
• About the new guidelines
o The new guidelines have reduced the range of free movement to 10 km from
the earlier 16km. The goal is to check illegal immigration and ethnic violence.
o The guidelines regulate cross-border movement of people of border areas
from 43 designated entry and exit points.
o A resident crossing the border from India to Myanmar will be given a border
pass by Assam Rifles for stay up to seven days in Myanmar.
• Rules for entry into India from Myanmar:
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o Individuals will have to report at the designated border points and fill in a
form.
o Documents inspection will be conducted by Assam Rifles.
o A security and health check would be carried out by the State police and
health department.
o Assam Rifles will upload forms on the Indo-Myanmar Border portal, record
biometrics and issue a border pass.
o The pass needs to be deposited on return at the same crossing point within
seven days.
• About Indo-Myanmar Border
o It is 1,643 km long border.
o It is guarded by Assam Rifles.
o The border runs along Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

Lesotho
• Recently, India sent a consignment of 1,000 metric tonnes of rice to help Lesotho in
addressing her food security and nutrition challenges.
• Location: It is a landlocked country, situated entirely within the territory of South
Africa.
• Capital: Its capital is Maseru, which is also the largest city of Lesotho.
• Geography:
o It is situated in the Maloti Mountains, gaining the nickname ‘The Mountain
Kingdom’.
o It features Thabana Ntlenyana, the highest peak in Southern Africa.
o Orange River, one of the longest rivers in Africa, rises in the Lesotho
Highlands.
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Kilauea Volcano
• Kilauea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world, started erupting again.
• Location: Situated on the southeastern part of the Hawaii’s Big Island, as a part of
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
• Volcano Type: It is an active shield volcano, formed by the eruption of highly fluid
lava.
• Features:
o Kilauea has covered around 90% of its surface in lava flows within the last
1,000 years.
o It is an elongated dome built of lava eruptions from the central crater and
features long, shallow slopes.
o It has two rift zones stretching to the east and southwest.
o Eruption History: It has been erupting regularly since there have been written
records, with the exception of the quiet period between 1924 and 1952.
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UN Internal Justice Council

• Madan B Lokur, retired judge of the Supreme Court of India, has been appointed as
the chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC) for a four-year
term.
• It was established by the UN General assembly to ensure independence,
professionalism and accountability in the administration of justice system of the
United Nations.
• Composition: It comprises of 5 members
o Staff representative
o Management representative
o Two distinguished external jurists
o Distinguished jurist, who acts as the chairperson
• Appointment:
o Members are appointed by the Secretary General
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o Chairperson is chosen by consensus by four other members
• Functions:
o Monitoring the independence and impartiality of the UN’s Internal Justice
System, which includes Office of Staff Legal Assistance, UN Disputes
Tribunal (UNDT) and UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT)
o Recommends candidates for the positions of judges in UNDT and UNAT
o Advises the General Assembly regarding the administration of the justice
system