SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY

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

Lighthouse Tourism in India
Context- India has 204 lighthouses, many of which are being reimagined as tourist
destinations.

Lighthouse Tourism

• Lighthouse tourism involves transforming lighthouses and their surrounding areas

into vibrant tourist attractions.
• These structures, often located in scenic coastal or island settings, offer visitors a
unique combination of natural beauty, maritime history, and recreational
opportunities.

The potential of Lighthouse Tourism in India

• Strategic Locations: Many lighthouses are situated in breathtaking locations along

India’s coastline or remote islands, offering panoramic sea views.
• Cultural Importance: Some lighthouses date back centuries and are near UNESCO
World Heritage Sites like Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu or other prominent cultural
landmarks.
• Adventure and Leisure: These sites can host activities such as trekking, boating, and
water sports, appealing to adventure seekers.
• Economic Impact: Developing lighthouse tourism can generate hospitality,
transportation, and handicraft employment while boosting local economies.

Steps Taken By The Indian Government To Boost Lighthouse Tourism

• The Central Government is actively promoting lighthouse tourism as a part of its

broader Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Amrit Kaal vision 2047 to enhance
India’s cultural heritage and maritime legacy.
• Indian Lighthouse Festival Series: The 1st Indian Lighthouse Festival, “Bharatiya
Prakash Stambh Utsav”, was inaugurated in September, 2023 by the Union Minister
of Ports, Shipping & Waterways in Goa.
• It has been held annually since then, serving as a key platform to celebrate and
promote lighthouse tourism.
• Sagarmala Programme: The government’s commitment to lighthouse tourism is also
evident from its efforts under the Sagarmala Programme and its focus on fostering
partnerships with private stakeholders.
• It exemplifies integrated development, blending infrastructure growth,
sustainability, and community welfare to drive India’s maritime and economic
progress.
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Recent Developments:

• In February 2024, PM Modi dedicated 75 lighthouses with tourist facilities across 10

states and UTs.
• ₹60 crore invested in the development of these sites, which now include museums,
amphitheaters, parks, etc.
• Over 16 lakh visitors in 2023-24, up by 400% from 2014, with 10 lakh visitors already
in 2024-25.

Forward-looking strategies:

• Sustainable Development: Emphasis on eco-friendly practices to protect fragile

coastal ecosystems while promoting responsible tourism.
• Integration with Coastal Circuits: Lighthouses are incorporated into broader coastal
tourism itineraries to enhance their appeal.
• Awareness Campaigns: Digital initiatives are being launched to showcase
lighthouse destinations to domestic and international audiences.
• Skill Development: Training programs are being introduced to equip local
communities with skills required for employment in hospitality and tourism-related
sectors.

Conclusion:

• Lighthouse tourism blends heritage conservation with modern tourism, offering a

unique visitor experience while contributing to local economies and community
empowerment.
• Continued efforts under the Sagarmala Programme and with private stakeholder
participation will further strengthen lighthouse tourism as a cornerstone of India’s
tourism industry.

Reducing Stress among bureaucrats

Context: The article emphasizes reducing stress among bureaucrats. It highlights the need
for self-care, lifelong learning, and systemic reforms. It calls for fair incentives, humane
policies, and a focus on well-being to ensure effective governance and national progress.

What Causes Stress in Bureaucracy?

• Rigid Systems: Bureaucrats face limited flexibility and innovation due to outdated,
rigid processes.
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• Arbitrary Decisions: Superiors’ unpredictable judgments create a stressful work
environment.
• Lack of Incentives: The absence of rewards for innovation or exceptional
performance discourages motivation.
• Heavy Workload: Excessive responsibilities strain their mental and physical well-
being.
• Limited Experimentation: Fear of failure restricts creativity and adaptability.

How Can We Support Bureaucrats?

• Adapt Learning Approaches: Encourage bureaucrats to continuously adapt by

learning, unlearning, and relearning, as highlighted by Alvin Toffler. This approach
prepares them for changing governance challenges.
• Revise Incentives: Introduce tangible rewards for innovation and exceptional
performance. Allow a range of experimentation to motivate and engage them,
moving away from decisions based solely on the whims of superiors.
• Promote Self-Care: Emphasize the importance of self-care, inspired by the
Bhagavad Gita’s focus on self-realization. Encouraging a balanced life helps
maintain their well-being and effectiveness.
• Implement Systemic Reforms: Foster a more humane work environment by
reducing bureaucratic stress and workload, ensuring that bureaucrats can serve
with fulfillment and not at the expense of their health.

Conclusion

• India’s governance relies on its bureaucrats, but rising stress threatens their health
and effectiveness. Alvin Toffler’s idea of adaptability and the Bhagavad Gita’s
emphasis on self-care underline the need for reforms. Tangible rewards, innovation,
and humane policies are vital for ensuring their resilience and purpose.

India’s Energy Shift Toward Renewable Energy Sources

Context: The article discusses India’s energy evolution, focusing on the shift from coal to
renewable energy (RE). It highlights the growth of public and private sectors, energy access
programs, and future goals like energy independence by 2047, while addressing challenges
in RE integration and fossil fuel dependency.

What is the Background of India’s Energy Sector?

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• India has progressed from using coal and oil to adopting renewable energy (RE) over
the past 25 years.
• This shift is part of the country’s broader socio-economic growth, influenced by
evolving public sector undertakings, energy access schemes, and regulatory
frameworks.

How Has India’s Oil Industry Evolved?

• Early Beginnings: Oil was first discovered in Digboi, Assam, in the late 19 th century
by an English engineer.
• Mid-20th Century: The government established ONGC for exploration and IOCL,
BPCL, and HPCL for marketing.
• Major Discoveries: In 1974, ONGC discovered Bombay High, which now accounts
for 70% of India’s domestic oil production.
• Private Sector Entry: The 1999 New Exploration Licensing Policy (NELP) allowed
private companies to explore oil and gas. Reliance Industries discovered gas in KG-
D6 in 2002, while Cairn Energy found the Mangala oil field in 2004.
• Challenges: Domestic crude production has stagnated at 30-35 million tonnes
annually since 2011. In 2023-24, production fell to 29.4 million tonnes.
• Future Goals: India is promoting green fuels to reduce reliance on oil imports.

What Challenges and Advances are Present in Renewable Energy?

Challenges in Renewable Energy

• Seasonal and Unreliable Supply: Renewable energy (RE), like solar and wind,
depends on weather, making it less reliable.
• High Storage Costs: Expensive storage technology limits the integration of RE into
the grid.
• Discom Financial Strain: Power distribution companies prefer cheaper thermal
power despite falling RE costs.
• Slow Grid Absorption: RE capacity grew to 136 GW by 2024, but it contributes only
12% to India’s energy mix.
• Slow Adoption of Next-Generation Fuels: Technologies like biodiesel and green
hydrogen have not scaled effectively.

Advances in Renewable Energy

• Significant Capacity Growth: India targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by

2030.
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• Policy Support: The National Biofuel Policy of 2018 and the ethanol blending
program aim for 20% ethanol in petrol by 2025-26.
• Green Hydrogen Mission: This initiative focuses on green energy exports and energy
independence by 2047.
• Government Initiatives: Policies supporting decentralized solar and transmission
infrastructure boost RE growth.

What Role Does Coal Play in India’s Energy Strategy?

• Coal remains central to India’s energy strategy despite global pressure to reduce
reliance on fossil fuels.
• Coal India Ltd (CIL) has seen growth and private participation, leading to increased
coal production.
• The government plans to phase out coal slowly, with a target of a more significant
reduction by 2047.

How Has Energy Access Improved in India?

• Universal Electrification: Programs like Saubhagya connected all households to the

national grid.
• Electricity Supply: Rural areas get 18-20 hours, and urban areas 22 hours daily.
• LPG Access: The Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) provided clean cooking fuel
to 103.3 million households.
• Targeted Subsidy: PMUY now offers Rs 300 per cylinder for up to 12 refills annually.
• Impact: 20.3 million PMUY families used more than six refills in 2023-24.

What Future Energy Goals Does India Have?

• India aims for energy independence by 2047 with a shift towards non-fossil fuel
sources, aiming for 500 GW of capacity by 2030.
• The National Green Hydrogen Mission is part of this strategy, intending to make India
an energy exporter and reduce fossil fuel reliance significantly.

Captive Elephants in India Face Rising Exploitation

Context: The article discusses the mistreatment of captive elephants in India, despite their
protection under the Wildlife Protection Act. It critiques new government rules that could
lead to further exploitation, such as the transfer of elephants for commercial purposes and
the cycle of capturing wild elephants.
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What is the current situation of captive elephants in India?

• Captive elephants in India face mistreatment despite being protected under the
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• As of January 2019, there were 2,675 documented captive elephants.
• They are exploited for religious events, tourism, and entertainment, often subjected
to isolation and abusive training.
• Microchips from deceased elephants are reused to legalize captured wild
elephants.
• The 2024 rules allow commercial exploitation through transfers, as seen in the
gifting of an elephant from Assam to a Delhi temple.
• These practices undermine elephant conservation.

What are the new rules introduced in 2024?

• Purpose of Rules: The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change

(MoEFCC) introduced the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024 to
regulate the transport and ownership transfer of captive elephants and curb illegal
captures.
• Ownership Transfer: The rules allow ownership transfer if the current owner cannot
maintain the elephant. However, there is no requirement for this transfer to be non-
commercial, leading to potential trading of elephants as movable property.
• Temporary Transport: Elephants can be transported temporarily across or within
state borders. The rules lack clear justification requirements, raising concerns
about elephants being rented out for religious ceremonies, weddings, or political
events.
• Lack of Accountability: The rules do not mandate the removal or destruction of
microchips after an elephant’s death, facilitating misuse. For instance, microchips
could be reused to legalize illegally captured wild elephants.
• Birth in Captivity: The rules recognize calves born in captivity as legally owned,
perpetuating the cycle of commercial exploitation.
• Trade of an endangered: elephants are often transported from northeastern to
southern and western states, such as an elephant “gifted” from Assam to a Delhi
temple. The new rules facilitate such transfers, enabling trade of an endangered
species instead of protecting them.

What Actions Have Been Taken So Far?

• In August, the Elephant Project under MoEFCC flagged illegal transfers of captive
elephants.
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• It issued a memorandum emphasizing digitizing genetic profiles and strict
adherence to the 2024 rules.
• However, these measures lack strong enforcement to ensure elephant welfare.

What Needs to Be Done?

• The government should enforce humane birth control measures and stop using live
elephants for temples, processions, and tourism.
• Alternatives like electronic elephants should be promoted.
• Civil society and temple committees must take responsibility for changing current
practices.

Biodiversity Credit
Context- A study published in the journal ‘Proceedings of the Royal Society B’ highlights
major uncertainties in the functioning of the biodiversity credit markets.

About Biodiversity Credit

• Definition: World Economic Forum defines Biodiversity Credits as verifiable,

quantifiable and tradeable financial instrument that rewards positive nature and
biodiversity outcomes through the creation and sale of either land or ocean-based
biodiversity units over a fixed period.
• Goal: They are designed as innovative financing mechanisms to attract private
investments in conserving and restoring biodiversity.

Mechanism:

• Just like carbon markets, they generate funds by selling credits, with proceeds being
directed towards biodiversity protection and restoration.
• Credits are generated by non-profit organisations, governments, landowners or
companies, which are purchased by private companies to meet their biodiversity
commitments.
• Examples: Common biodiversity credit schemes include ValueNature, Terrasos,
CreditNature, GreenCollar.
• Market Value Estimation: As per the World Economic Forum, the current value of
biodiversity credit market is $8 million, with projections indicating a surge to $2
billion by 2030 and $69 billion by 2050.

Biodiversity Credit Alliance

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• About: Voluntary international alliance that supports the realisation of the Kunming-
Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, specially Targets 19© and (d)
• These targets encourage the private sector to invest in biodiversity, utilising
biodiversity credits.
• Launch: Launched at the 15th Conference of Parties to the UN Convention on
Biological Diversity in 2022.
• Mission: To develop biodiversity credit market by building a framework of high level,
science-based principles.

Challenges faced by marginalized students

Context: The article discusses the struggles of marginalized students, especially Dalits, in
accessing higher education due to rising fees, systemic caste-based discrimination, and
financial constraints. It highlights dropout rates, suicides, and the need for systemic
reforms in education and employment.

What are the challenges faced by marginalized students?

• Financial Barriers: Marginalized students struggle with high educational costs. For
instance, Atul Kumar, a student from a low-income background, lost his IIT seat due
to an inability to pay the ₹17,500 seat booking fee.
• Rising Tuition Fees: Fees at institutions like IITs and IIMs have increased
significantly, exacerbating financial challenges for students from marginalized
communities. IIT tuition fees rose by 200% in 2016, from ₹90,000 to ₹3 lakh per
annum.
• High Dropout Rates: Many students are forced to abandon their education due to
rising costs. Between 2017 and 2018, 2,461 students dropped out of IITs alone. Over
five years, more than 13,500 SC, ST, and OBC students dropped out from central
universities and IIMs.
• Caste-Based Discrimination: Dalit students often face social and academic
exclusion due to caste biases. Notably, 92% of urban septic tank workers belong to
marginalized communities, reflecting ongoing caste-based job segregation.
• Mental Health Challenges: The pressure of financial and social discrimination leads
to severe mental health issues. Over the past seven years, 122 students from IITs
and IIMs committed suicide, with many attributed to financial and academic stress.
• Employment Challenges: After graduation, marginalized students encounter
difficulties in securing employment. An RTI in 2024 revealed that 38% of students
across 23 IIT campuses were unplaced.
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What reforms are needed?

• Need for systemic reforms to address financial constraints, fee hikes, and caste-
based discrimination.
• It emphasizes the need for inclusive environments and targeted support for
marginalized students in education and employment.

Community Action and Governance in Environmental Issues

Context: The article highlights two cases: Salman Khan’s arrest for poaching in Jodhpur
and Delhi’s failure to address pollution. It shows how community action in Jodhpur forced
accountability, while Delhi’s middle class lacks involvement, worsening environmental
issues.

What Happened with Salman Khan in Jodhpur in 1998?

• In 1998, Salman Khan, a famous actor, was arrested in Jodhpur for poaching a
chinkara, an endangered species.
• The Bishnoi community, deeply committed to conservation, took a strong stand
against the crime.
• Their determination, rooted in tradition, forced politicians to act, especially with
state elections approaching in November 1998.
• This shows how community pressure can influence governance.

How Did Delhi Handle Its Pollution Problem in the Late 1990s?

• Delhi faced severe air pollution issues in the late 1990s. In 1996, the Centre for
Science and Environment released a report, Slow Murder, exposing vehicular
pollution.
• Following this, the Supreme Court ordered the Delhi government to phase out
vehicles older than 15 years by March 31, 1998.
• However, during the 1998 elections, then-Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma
backtracked due to political pressure from affected vehicle owners.
• The BJP government failed to take effective steps, and even after Verma’s
resignation, his successor Sushma Swaraj also avoided tackling pollution seriously.

Why Are These Cases Important?

• These cases from 1998 highlight the power of community involvement. In Jodhpur,
the Bishnoi community’s activism ensured Salman Khan faced the law.
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• In Delhi, the lack of public pressure allowed pollution problems to worsen.
• This contrast emphasizes that strong community action is essential for enforcing
environmental policies.

Potential of rupee-backed stablecoins in India

Context: The article discusses the potential of rupee-backed stablecoins in India. These
stablecoins combine cryptocurrency benefits with rupee stability. They can enhance
financial inclusion, reduce costs, and support the rupee’s global influence, but require
strong regulations and technological infrastructure.

What Are Stablecoins and Why Were They Introduced?

• Stablecoins are crypto assets created to reduce the extreme volatility of traditional
cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
• They are pegged to stable assets, such as fiat currencies (e.g., US dollar, Indian
rupee) or gold, to provide price stability.
• For example, popular stablecoins like Tether and USD Coin are pegged to the US
dollar.
• Stablecoins retain the advantages of cryptocurrencies, including fast, secure, and
low-cost transactions, while minimizing risks associated with value fluctuations.
• Their introduction was driven by events like Bitcoin’s 30% value drop in May 2021,
which made users skeptical of cryptocurrency reliability.
• Blockchain-based stablecoins can cut transaction costs by 40-50% (BIS report),
enhancing their utility in global and local markets.
• Rupee-backed stablecoins are emerging as a localized solution for India, aligning
with domestic financial systems and regulations.
• The BIS and Financial Stability Board (FSB) have both highlighted the transformative
potential of stablecoins, while cautioning against their risks.

What Makes Rupee-Backed Stablecoins Unique for India?

• Currency Stability: Rupee-backed stablecoins protect Indian users from currency

fluctuations associated with dollar-pegged stablecoins.
• Regulatory Alignment: They operate under Indian laws, avoiding international
regulatory complexities.
• User Convenience: Transactions in rupees align with users’ financial activities,
ensuring ease of use.
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• Economic Strength: They strengthen the rupee’s global position and foster localized
digital financial systems. This can boost financial inclusion, efficiency, and the
rupee’s soft power internationally.

How Can Stablecoins and CBDC Work Together?

• India’s Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the e-rupee, has limitations like
transaction restrictions.
• Rupee-backed stablecoins can complement the e-rupee by promoting a broader
digital finance ecosystem. This approach may enhance adoption and financial
inclusion in India.

What Steps Should India Take?

• Develop Robust Technological Infrastructure: Create systems for issuing, trading,

and storing rupee-backed stablecoins. Ensure cybersecurity and interoperability.
• Educate Users: Run awareness programs about risks in stablecoin transactions.
• Regulate Effectively: Align policies with BIS and FSB guidelines to prevent instability.

Debate about Wealth Tax

Context: The article debates the reintroduction of a wealth tax in India. The context is a
discussion initiated by French economist Thomas Piketty, who proposed taxing the super-
rich in India to fund health and education, while India’s Chief Economic Advisor, Anantha
Nageswaran, opposed the idea citing concerns about potential fund outflows.

What is the argument for and against reinstating a wealth tax in India?

For: Wealth tax is worth considering due to the extreme concentration of wealth, which
hampers opportunities for many. With strong economic tracking systems already in place
for the bottom half, similar systems can be extended to the top. Inequality is a fundamental
development issue, not just a moral concern.

Against: Public policy should be evaluated based on effectiveness, not moral outrage.
Implementing a wealth tax faces two challenges:

• Measurement Issues: If wealth is measured as liquid assets (equities or debt),

people will shift to less productive assets like real estate or gold, which harms
economic productivity.
• Capital Flight: High taxation on elites could drive them to leave India, damaging
the country’s progress.
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Why was India’s wealth tax abolished in 2016-17?

• The wealth tax generated less than 1% of gross tax collections, and the cost of
collection was high. Issues included:
o Defining wealth and its ownership, as wealth could easily be shifted or
hidden.
o These challenges persist globally, but solutions include comprehensive taxes
that treat all assets, like real estate and equities, equally.
o The problem Is rooted in enforcement and data collection. Without reliable
data, implementing wealth tax effectively becomes challenging.

How can we address data issues for better inequality measurement?

• At the upper end of wealth distribution, meaningful data collection is nearly

impossible.
• Household surveys don’t capture the wealthy accurately, and even rankings like
Forbes are inadequate.
• While surveys have limitations, interpolation methods combining wealth lists with
survey data provide approximations.
• International collaboration can enhance transparency, as seen with U.S.
agreements with other nations.

What are the concerns regarding capital flight and wealth tax thresholds?

• Capital Flight: Evidence from the U.K. and Norway shows limited outflows due to
wealth taxes, as good public infrastructure retains the wealthy. For India, wealth tax
must be linked to investments in health and education to make staying worthwhile.
• Threshold Effects: Taxing only the top 0.04% avoids discouraging MSMEs. Some
inequality is acceptable, but India must determine the tipping point.
• Capital flight and avoidance are real threats. Historically, countries with extreme
inequality, like medieval U.K., still progressed without redistribution. Focus should
be on growth rather than distributional conflict.

How can wealth tax revenue be used effectively?

• Revenues from wealth tax should not be tied to specific expenditures like health or
education.
• India’s current tax system should focus on three effective taxes: personal income
tax, GST, and property tax. Other taxes are inefficient and distortive.
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• While there are inefficiencies in sectors like education, taxing billionaires can help
finance development without deficits or public borrowing. However, allocation
issues need to be addressed to ensure effective use of these funds.

What is the way forward for addressing inequality and development in India?

• Wealth tax could fund critical sectors like health and education, improving
workforce quality and opportunities.
• It’s a development tool to reduce inequality while boosting overall growth.
• India should focus on improving governance and reducing public expenditure
inefficiencies.
• Wealth tax is not the solution to developmental challenges; growth is the key driver
of societal well-being.

An Avoidable Tragedy: Crowd Management

Context: The article addresses the persistent issue of stampedes in India, highlighting the
country’s distressingly high number of such incidents, which often result in significant
injuries and fatalities.

What is the scale of stampede-related tragedies in India?

• India faces a significant issue with stampedes, leading to injuries and fatalities.
• Between 1996 and 2022, the National Crime Records Bureau recorded 3,935
stampedes resulting in over 3,000 deaths.
• These incidents highlight chronic failures in public safety, particularly during
religious festivals, political rallies, and celebrity appearances.

Which events are most prone to stampedes in India?

• Religious Gatherings: In 2011, 106 people died in a stampede at Sabarimala on a

narrow pathway. In 2013, during the Kumbh Mela in Allahabad, 36 people were killed
at a railway station due to overcrowding.
• Political Rallies: In 2014, over 30 people died during a stampede at Gandhi Maidan,
Patna.
• Celebrity Appearances: While rare, these events also pose risks. A recent incident
occurred during a promotional event for Pushpa 2: The Rule, where Telugu actor Allu
Arjun’s surprise appearance caused a stampede, resulting in the death of Revathi, a
35-year-old woman. Her 8-year-old son, Sri Tej, is critically injured.
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• Stampedes stem from: Negligence in planning and preparation, mismanagement of
crowds and inadequate infrastructure to handle large gatherings.

What steps can India take to improve crowd management?

• Spatial Planning: Ensure proper spatial and thermal comfort during events. Also
provide sufficient hydration facilities to prevent exhaustion.
• Improved Infrastructure: Create multiple entry and exit points to handle projected
crowd sizes.
• Emergency Preparedness: Deploy trained personnel, medical aid, and effective
chaos management protocols.
• Mandatory Standards: Establish and enforce non-negotiable standards for crowd
safety during events.

Why is prioritizing crowd safety essential?

• Whether for faith, fandom, or politics, India must take responsibility for protecting
its citizens.
• By adopting robust measures for crowd management, the country can prevent
avoidable tragedies and ensure public safety at mass gatherings.

Tapping into Kazakhstan’s Rare Earths Potential

Context: The article delves into the growing importance of rare earth elements in the global
transition to cleaner energy and highlights India’s need to diversify its sources of rare earths
to reduce dependence on China.

Why are rare earths critical, and what challenges does India face in sourcing them?

• Rare earths are essential for clean energy technologies and advanced industries like
electronics, defense, and renewable energy.
• As the third-largest carbon emitter, India is transitioning to renewable energy and
has a growing need for rare earths.
• Despite being the fifth-largest holder of these elements, India depends heavily on
imports from China (60%) due to its lack of advanced extraction technologies.
• This reliance on China is concerning because of China’s dominance in the sector,
accounting for 70% of global production and a history of supply disruptions tied to
geopolitical tensions.
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How has China’s dominance and the Russia-Ukraine war impacted rare earth supply
chains?

• China’s monopoly, holding over one-third of global reserves, allows it to influence

supply chains.
• Its recent halt in antimony exports and ban on critical extraction technologies
further tighten its control.
• The Russia-Ukraine war exacerbated supply chain risks, as Russia’s reduced ore
exports added pressure to already concentrated global rare earth sources.
• These factors have driven India and Western nations to diversify supply chains and
reduce dependency on China.

Why is Kazakhstan an attractive partner for India in rare earth sourcing?

• Kazakhstan, rich in rare earth resources and holding 15 of the 17 known rare earth
elements, offers a strategic alternative to China.
• The country has advanced extraction technologies and existing agreements with
Japan, Germany, and others, which underline its credibility in the sector.
Kazakhstan’s vast reserves, including dysprosium, beryllium, tantalum, and
niobium, align with India’s renewable energy goals and strategic needs.
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• Additionally, connectivity initiatives like the International North-South Transport
Corridor strengthen India’s engagement with Kazakhstan.

What role do rare earths play in Kazakhstan’s economy?

Kazakhstan is positioning rare earths as the “new oil” for its economy.

• The country hosts unique full-cycle facilities for beryllium and scandium and is a
global leader in manufacturing tantalum and niobium.
• It Is also expanding investments in tungsten, battery materials, and magnets, with
significant growth projected in dysprosium extraction between 2024 and 2029.
• These resources are vital for clean energy, telecommunications, and nuclear
technologies.

How can India and Kazakhstan address challenges in collaboration?

While a partnership promises mutual benefits, challenges include:

• Connectivity Issues: Geographic hurdles between the two nations.

• Technological Gaps: Both countries lack advanced extraction capabilities.

To address these issues, the proposed India-Central Asia Rare Earths Forum aims to:

• Facilitate joint mining ventures and bilateral training.

• Share geological data and expertise.
• Foster private sector investment.
• Encourage sustainable extraction practices.

Create a regional market to reduce dependence on China.

How does this partnership align with India’s renewable energy goals?

• India’s COP29 pledge to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy by 2030 underscores

the need for critical rare earth elements like dysprosium.
• Collaborating with Kazakhstan can enhance India’s resource security, reduce its
dependence on China, and support its clean energy ambitions while ensuring
supply chain diversification.

Assisted Dying: Should It Be Legalized?

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Context: The article examines the legal and ethical dimensions surrounding the debate on
assisted dying, a practice where terminally ill individuals may choose to end their lives with
medical assistance.

What is the current debate around assisted dying in the U.K.?

• The U.K. House of Commons recently voted to legalize assisted dying for terminally
ill adults in England and Wales, signaling a significant social shift.
• Proponents view it as a humane way to end suffering, while opponents fear it could
pressure vulnerable individuals to end their lives.
• Concerns include the potential impact on hospice and palliative care services and
ethical issues highlighted by figures like the head of the Church of England. Public
support, however, is high, with 75% favoring legalization.

What are the existing laws regarding assisted dying in the U.K.?

• Suicide Laws: Suicide and attempted suicide are not criminal offenses in England
and Wales.
• Assisted Dying Laws: Encouraging or assisting suicide is illegal under the 1961
Assistive Suicide Act, with offenders facing up to 14 years in prison.

What changes does the proposed law introduce?

The new Bill aims to:

• Allow terminally ill, mentally competent adults with less than six months to live the
option to end their lives.
• Require approval from two doctors and a High Court judge for such a decision.

What concerns have been raised by petitioners and opponents?

Petitioners argue that:

The 1961 law violates their rights under the European Convention on Human Rights
(ECHR), including:

• Right to life (Article 2): Emphasizing self-determination.

• Freedom from cruel treatment (Article 3): Suffering caused by the denial of assisted
dying.
• Right to privacy and conscience (Articles 8 and 9): Interference with personal
decisions.
• Anti-discrimination (Article 14): Discrimination against disabled individuals needing
assistance.
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How have the U.K. courts responded?

• In 2002, the House of Lords rejected these arguments.

• In 2014, the Supreme Court acknowledged that the 1961 law was incompatible with
the rights of certain petitioners but deferred the decision to Parliament.
• In 2015, the European Court of Human Rights upheld that it was Parliament’s
prerogative to decide on legislative changes.

What is India’s legal stance on euthanasia?

• In Common Cause vs. Union of India (2018): The Supreme Court affirmed that the
“right to die with dignity” is integral to Article 21 (Right to Life). Passive euthanasia
was legalized, allowing the withdrawal of life support for terminally ill or vegetative
patients.
• Living Will Guidelines: Patients can execute a living will, attested by two witnesses
and a Judicial Magistrate. The process was simplified in 2023 to make it more
practical and impose strict timelines.
• Draft Health Ministry Guidelines (2023): Doctors should avoid initiating life support
when it offers no benefit and may cause suffering or loss of dignity.

How do the U.K. and India compare on euthanasia laws?

• The U.K. is debating the legalization of assisted dying, involving active measures to
end life, while India allows only passive euthanasia through withdrawal of medical
support.
• India’s legal framework prioritizes the “right to die with dignity” under strict judicial
and procedural safeguards.

Prelims Facts-
NHRC Action On Tribal Suicides In Kerala
• The NHRC took suo motu cognisance of a news report highlighting an alarming rise
in suicides among the tribal population in Kerala’s Peringammala Panchayat in
Thiruvananthapuram district. The report revealed that 23 suicides occurred in 2024,
following 138 suicides in the region between 2011 and 2022.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

• The NHRC is an independent statutory body established on October 12, 1993, under
the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
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• It serves as a guardian of human rights in India, overseeing the rights associated
with life, liberty, equality, and dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution of India and
international covenants.
• The NHRC aligns with the Paris Principles on Human Rights, ensuring accountability
and compliance.
• According to Section 2(1)(d) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, human
rights encompass the rights related to life, liberty, equality, and dignity protected by
the Constitution or outlined in international treaties enforceable in Indian courts.
• The NHRC is a multi-member body, comprising:
• Full-Time Members:
o A chairperson (retired Chief Justice of India or Supreme Court judge).
o Members include a sitting/retired Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of a
High Court, and three experts in human rights (one must be a woman).
• Ex-Officio Members: Chairpersons of:
o National Commission for Minorities, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes,
Women, Backward Classes, Protection of Child Rights, and Chief
Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

Tiger Translocation
• MP to translocate 15 tigers to Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Odisha
• The Madhya Pradesh government has announced the translocation of 15 tigers to
Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
• This initiative involves 12 tigresses and 3 tigers, subject to approval from the Central
Government.
• The tigers will be relocated from the Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Kanha Tiger
Reserves.
• Kanha Tiger Reserve, also known as Kanha National Park, is the largest national park
in Madhya Pradesh.
o Spread across Mandla and Balaghat districts, nestled in the Maikal range of
Satpuras, forming part of the Central Indian Highlands.
o It was established as a national park on June 1, 1955, and Declared a Tiger
Reserve in 1973.
o The reserve inspired Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”.
o It was the first in India to introduce an official mascot, Bhoorsingh the
Barasingha.
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Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

• AI and machine learning to help the Indian pharma industry to pivot innovation.
• AI refers to machines performing human-like tasks such as learning, reasoning, and
decision-making.
• Core components include:
• Machine Learning (ML): Algorithms that improve over time with data.
• Neural Networks: Mimicking the human brain for pattern recognition.
• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Enabling machines to understand and generate
human language.
• AI systems process inputs, apply algorithms and deliver intelligent outputs.
• Artificial Intelligence:
o Narrow AI: Task-specific systems like virtual assistants (e.g., Alexa, Siri).
o General AI: Mimics human intelligence across diverse tasks (yet to be
achieved).
o Super AI: A hypothetical future form surpassing human intelligence.

United Nations Disengagement Observer Force

• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has paid tributes to Brigadier General
Amitabh Jha of India, who was serving with the United Nations Disengagement
Observer Force (UNDOF) at Golan Heights.
• UNDOF was established by UN Security Council Resolution 350 (1974) on 31 May
1974 immediately following disengagement of Forces Agreement between Israel
and Syria.
• It is To maintain the ceasefire and supervise the area of separation — a demilitarized
buffer zone — as well as the area of limitation — where Israeli and Syrian troops and
equipment are restricted — in the Golan.
• The mandate of the mission Is regularly renewed every six months and it has been
extended till June 2025.
• UNDOF is funded through a separate account approved on an annual basis by the
UN General Assembly.
• India is the top third troop and police contributing countries to this mission.
• Headquarter: Camp Faouar, Syria
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SVAMITVA Scheme
• The Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas
(SVAMITVA) is a central sector scheme, launched in 2020.
• It was launched with a vision to enhance the economic progress of rural India by
providing ‘Record of Rights’ to households possessing houses in inhabited areas in
villages through the latest surveying drone technology.
• The scheme seeks to achieve the following objectives:
• To bring financial stability to the citizens in rural India by enabling them to use their
property as a financial asset for taking loans and other financial benefits.
• Creation of accurate land records for rural planning.
• Determination of property tax, which would accrue to the GPs directly in States
where it is devolved or else, add to the State exchequer.
• Creation of survey infrastructure and GIS maps that can be leveraged by any
department for their use.
• To support in preparation of better-quality Gram Panchayat Development Plan
(GPDP) by making use of GIS maps.
• To reduce property related disputes and legal cases.
• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) is the Nodal Ministry for implementation of
the scheme.

Bald Eagle : Declared As United States National Bird

• Bald eagle was officially declared as United States national bird after 250 years.
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• The Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is a magnificent bird of prey found in
North America.

• It usually leads a solitary life, gathering in groups during nesting season.

• Its body and wings are dark browns in color while the head and tail are white.
• The legs and feet are bright yellow and the eyes are light yellow.
• Males of this species are smaller than females.
• It typically prefers areas near large water bodies such as sea coasts, coastal
estuaries and inland lakes and rivers, in many areas,
• Bald eagles have a monogamous mating system. These birds are believed to mate
for life, or until a pair member dies.
• Their range extends from the Mexico border through the United States and Canada.
• They can be seen year-round in Alaska, along the East and West coasts, the Rocky
Mountains, and the Mississippi River.
• The rest of the United States only sees bald eagles during the winter and their
migration.
• Conservation status: IUCN: Least Concern

Kaveri Engine
• India’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), part of the Defence Research
and Development Organisation (DRDO), has announced that the Kaveri engine has
been cleared for inflight testing.
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• The”Kaveri engine project began in the late 1980s with the goal of powering the Light
Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas.
• It has been developed by the Gas Turbine Research Establishment under the
Defence Research and Development Organisation.
• The current version of the Kaveri engine produces approximately 49-51 kN of thrust.
• This thrust level is suitable for UAV applications like the Ghatak, India’s stealth
UCAV program.
• The DRDO plans to integrate an afterburner to increase the thrust to 73-75 kN for
more demanding scenarios.
• The Kaveri engine has undergone extensive ground testing, modifications, and
enhancements over the years.
• It has been tested in high-altitude simulations in Russia and ground trials in India.
These tests demonstrated promising results in reliability, thrust output, and
operational stability, meeting the required performance metrics for inflight testing.
• This signifies a major step for India’s self-reliance in aero-engine technology,
particularly for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the Ghatak stealth UCAV
program.

400 Million Dreams

• The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) released a working
paper titled “400 Million Dreams!” which highlights a 12% decline in domestic
migration since 2011.
• This shift, reflecting broader socio-economic changes, is attributed to improved
economic opportunities and infrastructure in traditionally high migration source
areas.

Key Highlights of the EAC-PM Report on Domestic Migration:

• The number of domestic migrants in India has decreased by 12% since 2011, with
the estimated number of migrants in 2023 standing at 40.20 crore.
• This is an 11.78% decline from the 45.58 crore migrants reported in Census 2011.
• The migration rate (difference between the number of persons entering and leaving)
has fallen from 37.64% of the total population in 2011 to 28.88% in 2023, indicating
a slowdown in migration.
• Migrant States: West Bengal, Rajasthan, and Karnataka have experienced the
highest growth in attracting migrants.
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• Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh have seen a reduction in their percentage share of
total migrants.
• Major urban agglomerations like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata
continue to be the primary destinations for migrants.
• Mumbai, Bengaluru Urban, and Howrah are among the top districts attracting the
most migrant arrivals.
• Primary migration corridors include Uttar Pradesh-Delhi, Gujarat-Maharashtra,
Telangana-Andhra Pradesh, and Bihar-Delhi.
• Migration is most frequent during April to June, with secondary peaks in November-
December, likely due to festivals and marriages.
• January experiences the lowest levels of migration, suggesting a seasonal pattern.

Increasing Real Effective Exchange Rate in India

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that the Real Effective Exchange Rate
(REER) of the rupee reached 108.14 in November 2024 from 107.20 in October 2024,
marking its highest level this year.The rupee’s REER of 108.14 indicates
overvaluation since 2015-16, undermining export competitiveness, despite nominal
depreciation against the USD, revealing contrasting Nominal Effective Exchange
Rate (NEER) and REER indices.

Wealth Tax : Proposal To Reintroduce

• The proposal to reintroduce wealth tax in India has sparked debates, with
arguments for reducing inequality through redistribution versus concerns over
capital flight and administrative inefficiencies.Wealth tax is a direct tax levied on the
net wealth of individuals, HUFs, and companies to ensure redistribution of
resources. In India, it was governed by the Wealth Tax Act, 1957, abolished in 2016
due to high administrative costs and low revenue collection.

Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan

• Prime Minister launched the Suposhit Gram Panchayat Abhiyan, emphasizing the
significance of combating malnutrition and promoting healthy living.It Aims to
encourage villages to adopt practices that ensure better nutrition and overall health.
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• Focus Areas: Malnutrition eradication, healthy competition among villages, and
sustainable development.It is Community-driven initiatives to improve nutritional
outcomes and empower rural populations.

Monetary and Fiscal Policy

• A finance ministry report cited monetary policy, macroprudential measures, and
structural factors as possible contributors to the demand slowdown, highlighting
differing views with the RBI on growth and inflation.Fiscal policy refers to the
government’s use of taxation, spending, and borrowing to influence economic
activity.

Russia Declares Federal Emergency Over Black Sea Oil Spill

• Russian authorities have declared a federal-level emergency in response to a
catastrophic oil spill along the Black Sea coast. The spill, which occurred on
December 15, has led to widespread pollution across the region, severely affecting
local communities, marine ecosystems, and the coastal economy.

Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a)

• The Ocean Anoxic Event 1a (OAE 1a), which occurred around 120 million years ago
during the early Aptian, was a significant climatic and environmental event caused
by massive volcanic eruptions that released large quantities of CO₂, triggering global
warming and oceanic anoxia. The event severely disrupted marine ecosystems,
leading to the extinction of several species, particularly plankton, and the formation
of organic-rich black shale deposits. The study of this ancient event provides
valuable insights into current climate concerns, with modern parallels in human-
induced global warming and the potential risks for marine life.

Sachin Tendulkar Accepts Prestigious MCC’s Membership

• The Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), a prestigious institution managing the iconic
Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), has announced that legendary Indian cricketer
Sachin Tendulkar has accepted its invitation to become an Honorary Cricket
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Member. This honor recognizes Tendulkar’s unparalleled contributions to the game
over a remarkable 24-year international career.

Amit Shah Reviews BBSSL’s Role in Strengthening Cooperative Agriculture

• Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah chaired a review
meeting of Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) in New Delhi. Attendees
included Union Ministers of State for Cooperation Shri Krishna Pal and Shri
Murlidhar Mohol, Secretary of Cooperation Dr. Ashish Kumar Bhutani, and senior
officials. Shri Shah emphasized BBSSL’s pivotal role in realizing PM Narendra Modi’s
vision of “Sehkar Se Samriddhi” by empowering farmers through the preservation
and promotion of India’s traditional seeds.

Dr. Sandip Shah Appointed A Chairperson of NABL

• The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), a
constituent board of the Quality Council of India (QCI), has appointed Dr. Sandip
Shah as its new Chairperson. A distinguished medical professional, Dr. Shah brings
over three decades of expertise in healthcare, pathology, and diagnostics.

Governor : Reshuffling And Appointment

• The President has appointed two new Governors and reshuffled three others.

Recent Appointments

• Ajay Bhalla, former Union Home Secretary, has been appointed as the Governor of
Manipur.
• General V.K. Singh (Retd.), a former Union Minister, has been appointed as the
Governor of Mizoram.
• Arif Mohammed Khan has been transferred from Kerala to Bihar, with Rajendra
Vishwanath Arlekar, the incumbent Bihar Governor, appointed as the new Kerala
Governor.
• Hari Babu Kambhampati, the Governor of Mizoram, has been appointed as the
Governor of Odisha.
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Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar
• The President of India will present the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar to 17
children on December 26.
• Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar is organized to celebrate the energy,
determination, ability, zeal and enthusiasm of our children.
• It is the highest civilian honor for children in India.
• The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar organized by the Ministry of Women and
Child Development Government of India
• It is awarded annually to children for exceptional achievements in seven categories:
• Art & Culture, Bravery, Innovation, Science & Technology, Social Service, Sports, and
Environment.
• Eligibility:
o A child should be an Indian Citizen.
o A child above the age of 5 years and not exceeding 18 years (as of 31 st July of
respective year).
o The act/incident/achievement should have been within 2 years of the last
date of receipt of application/nomination for the year of consideration.
o Number of Award will be 25, however, any relaxation to this maximum
number may be permitted at the discretion of the National Selection
Committee.
o Each awardee will receive a medal, certificate and citation booklet.

Kilauea Volcano: Erupting Again

• One of the world’s most active volcanoes Hawaii’s Kilauea is erupting again
• Kilauea Volcano is located in the southern part of Hawaii’s Big Island, within Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park, U.S.A.
• It is the youngest and most active Hawaiian shield volcano, renowned for frequent
eruptions.
• It erupts from vents at its summit caldera or along rift zones.
• The central crater, Halemaumau, is believed to be the home of the Hawaiian fire
goddess Pele.

Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises

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• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the
results of Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE) for 2023-24.
• The ASUSE 2023-24 results highlight significant growth in establishments,
employment, and productivity in the unincorporated non-agricultural sector.
• The total number of establishments in the sector increased substantially from 6.50
crore in 2022-23 to 7.34 crore in 2023-24, representing a healthy12.84% growth.
• Among the broad sectors covered, the number of establishments in the “Other
Services” sector recorded a growth of 23.55% followed by a 13% Increase witnessed
by the manufacturing sector.
• During the same period, the Gross Value Added (GVA) which is a key indicator of
economic performance rose by16.52% driven by a 26.17% growth in other services
sector.
• The percentage of female-owned proprietary establishments has increased from
22.9% in 2022-23 to 26.2%
• The average emolument per hired worker also increased by 13% in 2023-24
compared to the previous year, 2022-23, signaling improvements in wage levels.
• Percentage of establishments using internet has also grown significantly from
21.1% in 2022-23 to 26.7% in ASUSE 2023-24.

Welfare Scheme Debate

• Welfare schemes and direct cash transfers now define India’s socio-political
landscape but raise concerns about fiscal sustainability and development impact.
Welfare Schemes are Direct cash transfers such as pensions, unemployment
benefits, and aid for women (e.g., PM-KISAN).

Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya

• Prime Minister paid tribute to educationist and social reformer Pandit Madan Mohan
Malviya on his birth anniversary.Born on December 25, 1861, in Allahabad, Uttar
Pradesh.Education: Studied at Muir Central College, Allahabad, graduating in 1884.
• He began as a teacher, later practiced law at Allahabad High Court, and transitioned
to politics and social reform.

Real Effective Exchange Rate (REER)

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• The real effective exchange rate (REER) index of the rupee touched a record 108.14
in November, strengthening by 4.5 per cent during this calendar year, according to
the latest RBI data.REER is a weighted average of a nation’s currency value against
the currencies of its trading partners, adjusted for inflation.

Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant

• The Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant in Bangladesh, a landmark project built with
Russian collaboration under Rosatom, has recently faced allegations of
irregularities.Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant situated in Rooppur, Ishwardi Upazila,
Pabna District.
• Built by: Constructed by Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation. River bank:
Located along the Padma River.

Employees Provident Fund Organisation

• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) achieved a significant
milestone with a net addition of 13.41 lakh members in October 2024.Established
in: 1952 under the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act,
1952.
• Administering Ministry: Ministry of Labour and Employment. Aim: To ensure social
security for the organized sector workforce through provident fund, pension, and
insurance schemes

Global Warming: Study

• The year 2024 marked a grim milestone as global temperatures breached the 1.5°C
threshold for the first time.Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s
average temperature due to the accumulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) like
carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) in the atmosphere,
primarily caused by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

Dodo
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• Kashmiri artisans are reviving the memory of the extinct dodo (Raphus cucullatus)
through papier mache art, with over 50,000 colourful models exported to markets in
Europe.Scientific Name: Raphus cucullatus.IUCN Status: Extinct (1681).