June 2023

Polity & Governance

1. New parliament house
Part of Central Vista developmental plan involving multiple projects - inaugurated in 1931- strengthen
governance infrastructure by building new facilities
Need : narrow seating space + fire safety + distressed infra+ poor acoustic system + structural safety
(Seismic zone 4) + inadequate workspace for employees
Features : ek Bharat shreshtha Bharat spirit + Smart parliament + paperless + 150% more eating
capacity
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Spirit : LS hall theme - Peacock + RS hall theme Lotus + National tree
banyan planted + Sengol next to speaker’s chair + Ashoka pillar on roof + Hand woven carpets from
Bhadohi UP + 6 gates dedicated to water, land & sky + Ashoka chakra on gate + Wood - Nagpur ,
Gujarat marble , Raj. stone work + Tripura bamboo wood flooring

2. Law on Sedition
Sec 124A of IPC + Romesh Thapar Vs Madras State 1950 + Kedar Nath Singh v State of Bihar 1962 +
Vinod Dua v Union of India 2021 + S G Vombatkere v Union 2023
Criticism : Subjective definition + legitimate criticism discouraged + low conviction rate + misuse +
other laws exist + FR
Arguments for : anti-national & secessionist elements + reasonable restriction under @19

3. Grievance Redressal Assessment & Index GRAI

Objective : organisation wise comparative picture + insights about strength & improvement areas + 89
central ministries & dept assessed
Issues : low awareness + overburdened judiciary + non-uniformity + no statutory backup + lack
resources + systematic problems
Measures to strengthen : wide publicity + attitude of civil servants + pub grievance officers + financial
penalties + regular review

4. OTT regulation in India

OTT /Over the top platforms - offer services directly through internet , bypassing cables or satellite
systems -publishers of curated content
Mechanism : IT rules 2021 + self classification + parental locks + self regulation + 3 level GRM (self
regulation by publishers + self regulation by self regulating bodies of publishers + oversight
mechanism)
Challenges : freedom of expression + low compliance + privacy vs data protection + foreign entities +
vast digital space

5. Affirmative action
US SC limited affirmative action in college admissions
Affirmative action : positive action or discrimination introduced in US to counter historical patterns of
prejudice against individuals with certain identities

Purpose in India Purpose in USA

Uplift lower strata of society referred as SC & ST Provide level playing field for groups historically
discriminated based on race, gender, sexual
orientation , identity

6. Governor’s power
Misuse : political affiliation + lack coordination+ mistrust + delaying assent + rejecting names
recommendations for posts
 Rajmannar commission + Punchi commission + Sarkaria commission + Venkatachaliah commission

7. General consent to CBI

TN withdrew general consent accorded to CBI to probe cases in state
CBI requires consent of state before it can investigate a crime
Consent can be general or case specific
General consent : given by states to help CBI conduct seamless investigate corruption cases against
central gov employees in state + consent by default
Specific consent : if not granted , CBI officials not have power of police personnel in state

8. DGP appointment
Based on SC judgement on police reforms in Prakash Singh vs Union of India (2006) + selected by
state from among 3 seniors most officers +state sends names to UPSC to pick candidate

9. Justice clocks
Electronic signage systems installed across the court complexes of HCs + inform stakeholders about
court related key parameters + awareness among public by providing bird eye view of court related
data

10. Nyaya Vikas portal

Created by Ministry of Law & Justice + monitoring implementation of Centrally Sponsored Scheme +
central assistance for construction of court halls & residential units for judicial officers etc

11. Panchayat development Index PDI

Released by Ministry of PR + provides matrix to monitor & evaluate progress of panchayats

International Relations
1. India US relations
31st visit of Indian PM to US & only 3rd official visit
Outcomes : interagency led strategic trade dialogue launched + MoU on semiconductor supply chain &
innovation partnership + pub pvt joint task forces for Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN) system
launched + Quantum tech + initiative “Innovation Handshake” to support Initiative on Critical &
Emerging Technologies iCET + clean energy partnership + critical minerals + 2 new consulates in India
Open RAN : system - allows interoperation b/w cellular network equipment provided by different
vendors + reduce cost of data & communication

2. India US defence relations

Agreement to coproduce GE F414 jet engine signed b/w HAL & GE
Significance : boost India’s fleet + tech transfer + understand drone tech + local defence industries +
drone in navy
Challenges : Russia largest defence supplier + rejected US’s invitation to join NATO plus + US funding
to Pak + inconsistent US stance

3. India US space relations

NASA will provide advanced training to Indian astronauts + signed US led ‘Artemis accord’
Significance : push to Gaganyaan mission + entry to ISS + entry to Gateway (upcoming NASA led
international lunar orbital station for Artemis astronauts) + capabilities of ISRO
Challenges : mismatched interests of ISRO & NASA + asymmetries in capabilities + russian collab
with ISRO + financial constraints

4. India US digital trade relations

Computer & Communication Industry Association CCIA of US highlighted digital trade barriers with
India + flagged India as protectionist in approach
 Concerns raised : protectionist policy + preferential treatment to Indian comp + gov censorship +
complicated tax structure

5. India - Nepal
Initiatives & Agreements : resolve vexed boundary dispute + inaugurated twin integrated check posts
+ handing over Kurtha-Bijalpura rail section to Nepal
Engagement area : Economic cooperation + development partnership + defence cooperation + energy
cooperation + hydropower cooperation + culture
Issues : border dispute + economic engagement with China through BRI + slow project implementation
+ porous borders + Gurkha issues

6. China’s rising influence in Central Asia

China hosted “C+C5” with leaders of 5 CA countries + focus on Cultural silk road programme + invest
through BRI & relationship with region institutionalised through SCO
Implication : limits India’s influence + economic competition + affect India’s ability to foster closer ties
by initiatives like INSTC + energy security
Challenges : poor connectivity + India’s resource constraints + regional conflicts

7. Role of India’s defence cooperation initiatives in meeting foreign policy goals

India gifted indigenously built in-service missile corvette INS Kirpan to Vietnam + defence diplomacy
Linkage b/w Defence cooperation & foreign policy : security & stability + globalization+ terrorism +
power politics
Benefits : regional stability + strengthen relations + capacity building of armed forces + boost defence
industry + R&D

8. 75 years of universal declaration of Human rights

Significance : strengthen human rights + strengthen citizens + universal recognition
Challenges : poverty + CC+ wars+ terrorism + food insecurity + women’s rights + hatred +
authoritarian regimes violence

9. UN Educational Scientific & Cultural Organization UNESCO

US rejoined by proposing to pay its due of more than $600 mn
Issues : mismatch in member priorities + financial woes + reduced focus on edu + inability to protect
WHS + China’s influence

10. India - Egypt

Signed a ‘Strategic Partnership’ agreement + 3 MoUs on agriculture , archaeology & antiquities &
competition law + PM conferred ‘Order of the Nile' award - highest state honour + visited Heliopolis
Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery & Al-Hakim Mosque
Heliopolis Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery : commemorates sacrifices of nearly 4300 Indian
soldiers who fought for Egypt & Palestine & Aden in WWI
Al-Hakim Mosque: Dawoodi Bohra muslims are sect of followers of Islam - adhere to Fatimi Ismaili
Tayyibi school of thought originated in Egypt - settled in India in 11th cent & seat of sect moved to
Sidhpur GJ in 1539 from Yemen

11. 75 yr of UN Peacekeeping
For 75 years , more than 2 mn peacekeepers worked to save & change lives in world’s most fragile
political & security situations

12. India-UN SDG Cooperation Framework

NITI Aayog & UN signed GoI- UNSDCF 2023-27 : built on 4 strategic pillars - People , Prosperity
,Planet , Participation + represents UN development system’s collective offer to India for SDG +
principal planning & implementation instrument
 13. International Criminal Court ICC
International court to investigate & prosecute individuals accused of serious international crimes :
genocide , crimes against humanity , war crimes & aggression + established by Rome Statute of
International Criminal Court 1998 + not have its own police force - relies on state cooperation
India not signed treaty

14. Universal Postal Union UPU

Cabinet approved establishment of a Regional Office of UPU in New Delhi
UPU : 2nd oldest international organisation + primary forum of cooperation between postal sector
entities + sets rules for international mail exchanges

15. Asia Pacific Plant Protection Commission APPPC

Elected India as chair of Standing Committee on Integrated Pest Management for 2023-24+
administers Regional Plant Protection Agreement for Asia & Pacific approved by FAO council

16. UAE withdrew from Combined Maritime Forces CMF

HQ : Bahrain + multinational maritime partnership + focus on counter-narcotics , counter-smuggling
,etc + respond to environmental & humanitarian incidents

17. Northern Sea route

NSR or Northeast Passage NEP connects eastern & western parts of Arctic ocean + runs from Barents
sea near Russia’s border with Norway to Berring strait between Siberia & Alaska + entirely in Arctic
waters within Russia’s exclusive economic zone + opens 2 months annually
Significance : Energy & time saving + non existent piracy risk + natural resources
Challenges : Arctic fog reduce sailing time + environmental risk + operating cost increased + Russia’s
sovereignty so geo-strategic conflict

Economy
1. State’s Capital Expenditure
Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2023-24
Objective : higher multiplier effect of capital expenditure + boost capital spending by states
Assistance : 50 year interest free loan + 8 parts
Trends : expenditure on subsidies rose + capital outlay - GDP ratio to improve + debt /SGDP highest in
Punjab 48%
Significance : capacity development + inclusive & sustainable growth + positive impact on other states
Reason of failure in increasing capex : FRBM- keep fiscal deficit in control + unable to reduce
revenue expenditure + lack of projects or skills + political disruptions + wasteful expenditure as freebies

2. Urban Co-operative Banks UCBs

UCBs can now open new branches upto 10% of no. of in previous financial year without prior approval
(automatic approval) + rationalise branch opening + UCBs tap growth opportunities + by policy
approval by board and Financially Sound & Well Managed Norms
Criteria for FSWM : core banking solution implemented + no monetary penalty + sound internal control
system + less than 3% NPA
UCBs : primary cooperative banks in urban & semi-urban areas + 75% advances comprise PSL
Issues : Gross NPAs 8.7% + internal weakness + low capital base + not best practices + high influence
of top mgmt + avg cost-income ratio 10% higher compared to commercial bank + low share in banking
sector

3. Critical Minerals
Ministry of Mines released report on Critical Minerals for India
Critical & strategic minerals : 30 critical minerals - 17 rare earth minerals REE 6 Platinum group
elements PGE
 Significance : self reliance + address vulnerability in supply chains + climate friendly technologies +
aerospace & defence sector + R&D + raw material security
Concerns : import dependence + supply chain issues + supply dependent on trade agreements + lack
periodic assessment
Initiatives : MSP + Supply chain resilience initiative SCRI

4. Semiconductor Industry in India

Modified Semicon India Programme : MEITY launched for devt of sustainable semiconductor &
display ecosystem + attractive incentive support to companies
Semiconductor mkt : consumption growing at 15.1% rate + hub for semiconductor design with nearly
2000 chips
Global scenario : Taiwan is world leader in manufacturing microchips + US vs China trade & tech
conflict + India major beneficiary of Taiwan’s New Southbound policy
Significance : emerging tech + global hub for electronics system design & manufacturing + critical info
infrastructure
Challenges : infra requirement + long gestation + hurdles in setting plants + hardly any semiconductor
engineers + raw material import

5. Mission on Advanced & High - Impact Research MAHIR

Ministry of Power & Ministry of New & Renewable Energy launched - leverage emerging technologies
in power sector
About : identify emerging tech + create vibrant & innovative ecosystem + leverage foreign alliance +
nation leading in power system + support pilot projects of indigenous tech + technology life cycle
approach of idea to product
8 areas of research : geo-thermal energy + green hydrogen for mobility + carbon capture + alt for Li
ion storage + solid state refrigeration + modify electric cooker + nano tech for EV battery + indigenous
Cold Rolled Grain-Oriented CRGO tech
Significance : net zero emission + growing energy demand + Make in India & Start Up India + SDGs
Emerging tech in power sector : Air Gen - generate electricity from water vapour in atmosphere +
Microgrids - local energy grids operate freely or connected to bigger conventional grid + Powerwalls -
store clean energy to use it anytime + vertical wind turbines - capture waves created by passing
vehicles
Initiatives in power sector : financial incentives to states for reforms + mkt coupling (forming single
power trading entity owned by gov) + electricity (rights of consumers)amendment rules 2023

6. National Electricity Plan NEP

Power sector in India : 100% village electrification under DDGJY + 43% total installed renewable
capacity + distribution losses of DISCOMS reduced
Highlights : CAGR of 4.1% + installed capacity + CO2 emissions reduced
Challenges : supply uncorrelated with demand pattern + location specificity of solar & wind resources
+ operational issues + issues with global supply chains + CC+ rehabilitation for hydro power plants +
costly Carbon capture tech + cyber security + low quality coal
Initiatives : competitive federalism + universal electrification + PAT implementation + growth of
renewable energy (OSOWOG, PM KUSUM , ISA etc) + Fly ash utilisation (PM gram sadak yojana)

7. Production Linked Incentive Scheme PLI

Gov decided not to launch PLI scheme for new sectors + assess need for course correction for some
sectors
PLI scheme : special incentive scheme for produces - promote manufacturing in multiple sectors -
incentives on incremental sales - help create global champions
Objective : global champions + investment in manufacturing & innovation + self reliance
Benefits : restructure domestic manufacturing + spur green investment + increase exports + tech
adoption + reduce regional imbalance + upskilling
Sectors under PLI scheme : white goods + speciality steel + pharma drugs + ACC battery etc
 Challenges : ambiguity around incentive + subsidies dependent manufacturing industry + orientation
towards larger firms + lack centralised database

8. Fertilisers sector in India

PM Programme for Restoration , Awareness Generation , Nourishment & Amelioration of Mother -
Earth (PM PRANAM) - promote alternate fertilizers & balanced use of chemical fertilizers + GOBAR
Dhan under Swachh Bharat Mission - impact village cleanliness + generate wealth & energy from cattle
& organic waste + sulphur coated urea (urea gold) - address sulphur deficiency - more economical than
neem coated urea
Significance : boost farmer’s income + organic farming+ rejuvenate soil productivity + food security +
utilise crop residue (parali)
Concerns : soil degradation + environmental pollution + respiratory disease + subside fiscal burden +
inefficiency + import dependency + ideal NPK 4:2:1 actual 12.8:5.1:1

9. Regulation of Start-Up ecosystem

Self regulation essential for start-up environment to thrive

10. Investor Service Fund ISF & Investor Protection Fund IPF
IPF : to protect interests of participants of exchange - all stock exchanges & depositories establish
ISF : to provide different kinds of services to investing public eg investor , awareness programs etc -
supervision by Regulatory Oversight Committee (one of 7 Market Infrastructure Institutions)

11. Middle Class in Indian Economy

To realise country’s economic ambition a large expanding & increasingly prosperous genuine middle
class needed - 31% of Indian population
Importance : contribute 70% consumer spending + 79% taxpayer base + saving & human capital
Challenges faced : imitate behaviour of richer peers lead to debt burden + steep inflation erode
purchasing power + widespread informal sector + contribution benefit gap + limited social mobility

12. Railway safety in India

Train accident in Balasore district in Odisha
Issues : Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh never fully spent + 69% accidents due to derailments +
track defeat , maintenance issues + lack modernisation track congestion (about 10k km railway trunk
routes exceeds 125%) + fire extinguishers absent in 62% coaches + delayed inquiry + top down
approach in monitoring + Kakodkar committee - vacancies + unskilled & untrained staff + overworked
pilots
Steps taken : Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (clear backlog of critical safety etc) + Linke Hofmann
Busch LHB coaches + increased budget expenditure + Kavach system + mechanised track
maintenance + technologically advanced track recording car + Bridge mgmt system BMS + electronic
interlocking - conflicting signals not sent + unmanned level crossings + electrification of rail network +
railway protection force
LHB coaches : equipped with cutting - edge technologies as disc brakes , side suspension etc
Kavach system : automatic protection system in development + indigenously developed by Research
Design & Standards Organisation RDSO with Indian industry
Features : prevent trains to pass signal at Red + activate train’s braking system automatically +
relays SoS msg during emergency + centralised live monitoring

13. NHAI issued guidelines for rectification of accident prone spots on national highways
Short term measures : eg zebra crossing with advance warning signs + crash barriers & railings ,etc
Blackspots : 500m stretch on NH + either 5 road accidents with fatalities/ grievance injuries in past 3
years or 10 fatalities in 3 years
Factors : inadequate signage + street design permits speeding + poor construction of speed breakers
+ ongoing construction works astride road + weather condition reduce visibility + sidewalk encroached
+ vehicles malfunction + human factors + regulatory issues
14. Developing country status
Legislation establishes US policy against granting China developing country status in future treaties etc
Developing country advantages : preferential treatment + longer transition period before fully
implement WTO agreement etc

15. Global Liveability Index 2023

Released by Economist Intelligence Unit EIU + ranking based on 5 factors - stability , healthcare,
culture & environment , education , infrastructure
Findings : Vienna best city to live + New Delhi & Mumbai 141st /173

16. UNDP & DAY-NULM

UNDP & Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National urban Livelihood Mission in collaborative partnership
+ empowering women make well- informed career choices in entrepreneurship + aid developing
community business mentors (Biz - Sakhis)
Women - 15% entrepreneurs

17. Fair & Remunerative Price FRP

FRP : min price at which sugarcane is to be purchased by sugar mills from farmers
Dual pricing mechanism for sugarcane : FRP announced by centre at recommendation of
Commission for Agricultural Costs & Prices CACP + states can announce State advised prices
generally more than FRP

18. Framework for Compromise Settlements & technical write-offs

For resolution of stressed assets & rationalise instructions across all regulated entities REs
Compromise settlements : negotiated arrangement with borrower to fully settle claims of RE
Technical write-off : NPA remain outstanding at borrower’s loan account but written off by RE
Wilful defaulter : refuses to pay loans despite having capacity to pay up

19. Financial Stability Report FSR

Bi-annual report released by RBI - reflects risk to financial stability & resilience of Indian financial
system (global FSR released by IMF)
Highlights : indian banking system well capitalised + absorbing macroeconomic shocks + Net NPA
declined to 10.1% + IBC rescued 72% of distressed assets

20. Global Economic Prospects Report

Released by WB issued twice a year

21. Financial Services Institution Bureau FSIB

FSIB : set up under Department of Financial Services , Ministry of Finance - replaced BBB +
recommends whole-time directors & non-executive chairpersons on board of financial institution

22. Greedflation
Inflation & hike in prices by corporate greed + companies artificially inflate prices to increase profit
margins

23. Antardrishti
RBI governor launched dashboard ANTARDRISHTI - assess & monitor progress of financial inclusion

24. Gift tax

CBDT exempted buyers from gift tax when they acquire equity shares in PSUs through strategic
investment

25. Global competitiveness index

Published by International Institute for Management Development IIMD - India 40th
 26. National Agriculture Market eNAM
pan-India electronic trading portal - networks the existing Agricultural Produce Market Committee
mandis - unified national mkt for agricultural commodities - funded by Centre - implemented by Small
Farmers Agribusiness Consortium under MoAFW

27. PM Kisan Samman Nidhi PM- KISAN scheme

MOA&FW launched mobile app with face authentication feature
PM KISAN scheme - 1st gov scheme to do e-KYC through facial authentication

28. Govt withdraws Draft Livestock bill

Concerns raised by animal activists
Livestock Importation Act 1898 : state can make rules for imported livestock + centre right to regulate
or prohibit import of livestock
Need to amend : not cover export + limited definition of livestock + to curb zoonotic disease from
import & export

29. Electronics Repair Services Outsourcing ERSO

MEITY launched pilot project on ERSO + make India repair capital of world
Advantage in ERSO sector : skilled & affordable workforce + electronic equipment insurance + right
to repair + domestic digital push etc
Significance : Mission LiFE & circular economy + skill enhancement + incremental tax revenue +
MSME growth

30. Strategic Reserves of Crude oil

RJ potential site for strategic reserves in salt caverns
salt caverns : developed by solution mining - pumping water into geological formations with large salt
deposits to dissolve salt
Rock caverns : developed through excavations

31. Exploration of Coal & Lignite scheme

2 broad phases : promotional (regional) exploration + detailed exploration in non-coal India limited
blocks - gives estimated coal resources available

32. Steel Industry

India world’s 2nd largest producer of crude steel - China largest
Initiatives : Steel scrap recycling policy + preference to domestically manufactured Iron & Steel
producer + PLI for domestic production of speciality steel

33. Petroleum coke (pet coke)

DGFT permitted pet coke as raw material for Li ion batteries
Pet coke : carbon rich solid material from final cracking process
Issues : 5-10% more CO2 emission than coal + toxic gases released + heavy metal content

34. National Energy Data : Survey & Analysis 2021-22

Report of Energy Data Management Unit , under Bureau of Energy Efficiency

Security
1. Illegration Immigration & Internal Security
Violence b/w Manipur’s Kuki tribe & majority Meitei community : 10 yr old demand by non tribal
Meitei community for ST tag + refugees entered Manipur after Myanmar military coup 2021 - threat to
internal insecurity
Threat by illegal immigrants : militants included + human trafficking + community tension due to
social exclusion + increased financial burden + illegal voters + identity crises + environment degrade
 ST list : state recommends + proposal to Ministry of Tribal affairs + sended to Registrar General + then
to National Commission for ST + then to Cabinet for amendment + final decision of President under
@342 & 341
Reason of illegal immigration : ethnic , linguistic & religious commonalities + persecution in
neighbour country + difficult terrains hard to monitor + employment opportunities

2. Private Military Company PMC

Rebellion in Russia by Wagner group , a pvt military company
Factors for rise of PMC : flexibility , cost effectiveness , smaller standing military + for risky operations
+ technological advancements + employed for other interest + legal ambiguities
Issues : lack accountability + state sovereignty + conflict of interest + implication on local communities

3. SIPRI Yearbook 2023

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute released annual assessment of state of armaments ,
disarmament & international security
Deployed warheads : USA > Russia > France > UK
Total inventory of nuclear warheads : Russia > USA > China
No nuclear warheads deployed : India , China , Pakistan , North Korea , Israel

4. Agni prime or Agni P

New generation ballistic missile - successfully flight tested by DRDO - form the backbone of India’s
nuclear deterrence

5. MH-60R Romeo Helicopter

Launched on indigenously built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant - all weather helicopter to support mulltiple
missions

6. Varunastra
Successfully test fired with live warhead against undersea target , by Indian Navy - indigenously
developed

7. Tapas Unmanned Aerial Vehicle UAV

To carry different combinations of payloads for missions during day & night

8. Brain Electrical Oscillation Signature Profiling BEOSP

Also known as Brain Fingerprinting /brain mapping - neurological method of interrogation - to bring info
hidden in person’s brain by sensing brain wave responses - through process electroencephalogram

Environment
1. Glaciers in Hindu Kush Himalaya
Impact of CC : water glaciers disappeared 65% faster in 2010s + 3 fold increase in GLOF risk
Challenges : poor adaptation capabilities + unpredictable hazards + population growth & infrastructure
+ outside PA + limited regional cooperation + neglect at international forums

2. Energy transition
WEF in collab with Accenture released report with Energy Transition Index ETI released
ETI : 3 parameters - equity + security + sustainable
Energy transition : global energy sector’s shift from fossil based systems to renewable energy
sources
Need : tackle GW + reduce emission + environmental impact + international commitments + energy
security + affordability + create green jobs
Challenges : dependence on conventional sources + finance constraints + low pvt participation + just
transition + implementation gap + technology availability
3. Coal based thermal power plants TPP emission norms compliance
Coal beneficiation : process through which combustion attribute of coal is enhanced by separating
inorganic impurities from raw coal
Challenges : high investment + lack bidders of flue gas desulphurisation + meagre penalty for violating
emission norms

4. Disaster mgmt in India

Steps to move away from reactionary & relief centric approach : holistic approach + proactive fund
allocation + promoting use of ICT + cooperation b/w state & union + community at grass root level
Challenges : multiple agencies + slow progress at dist level + insufficient funds for training +
inadequate early warning system + lack infrastructure

5. Urban floods
Excessive runoff in developed in developed urban areas - due to poor drainage system capacity
Challenges in urban flood mgmt : urban heat island + overwhelmed drainage infra + poor land use +
lack financial resources
Initiatives : AMRUT + flood mgmt programme + categorising alert in stages of EWS

6. Fires
Fire incidents in densely populated urban areas , congested areas etc
Challenges : poor enforcement + limited applicability of fire safety norms + resource constraints +
infrastructural issues + low awareness among citizens

7. Cloud seeding
IIT Kanpur successfully conducted a test flight for cloud seeding.
Cloud seeding : kind of weather modification technology to create artificial rainfall - making available
chemical nuclei around which condensation happens - when enough pre-existing clouds in atmosphere
Ways of adding nuclei particles to cloud : large cannons shoot particles in sky + airplanes drop
particles from above
Chemicals used : Silver iodide + dry ice + potassium iodide + propane + calcium carbide + ammonium
nitrate + NaCl + urea compound
Benefits : drought mgmt + clearing fog + fight forest fires + divert rainfall + distribute rainfall
Issues : bioaccumulation + carbon footprint + uncertainty on effectiveness + hydrological cycle

8. UN’s High seas treaty

Adopted under UNCLOS + polluter pays principle + integrated approach to ocean mgmt+ recognize
rights & traditional knowledge + large scale marine protected areas in international waters

9. Bonn climate meet

Discussions : Draft framework for global stocktake(assess progress against CC) + Mitigation Work
Programme MWP -for climate action focussing on increasing emission cuts + loss & damage principle
+ new collective qualified goals NCQG(developed countries reluctant & called for viewing NCQG as
collective goal)
Developing & developed countries different opinions

10. Paris finance meet

Summit for a New Global Financing Pact - boost crisis financing for low-income states & ease debt
burdens - reform post war financial systems + free up funds to tackle CC

11. World Environment Day WED 2023

5th June - part of UNEP to build awareness to save life on Earth - every year specific host country
MoEFCC launched schemes : Amrit Dharohar + MISHTI
12. Climate change & food choices
Food choices contributing to global emissions : shift to animal-based products + packaged & processed
foods + food choices globalisation + unsustainably produced food + 6% ghg emissions from wasted
food

13. Subsidies & Climate change

WB report : subsidies don’t fight climate change + subsidies exceed 8% GDP + subsidies distribution
across countries highly skewed & uneven
Effects of subsidies : agriculture subsidies - global deforestation + fossil fuel subsidies + fisheries
subsidies - dwindling fish stocks - falling profitability

14. Draft Green Credit Programme GCP Implementation Rules 2023

MoEFCC notified
Green credit : singular unit of an incentive for specific activity delivering positive impact on
environment
GCP objectives : market based mechanism for providing GCs for environment positive actions +
tradable outcomes for trading on domestic mkt platform - Paris agreement - carbon trading through mkt
mechanism

15. Short lived halogens SLH

SLH : gases that contain halogen elements Cl, Br,or Iodine + increase methane’s lifetime + increase
levels of water vapour
Oceans cool the planet by releasing SLH

16. Leed rating system

Leadership in Energy & Environment Design LEED rating system : framework for healthy , efficient
, carbon & cost-saving green buildings - globally recognized certification system developed by US
green building council
Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment GRIHA - India’s own green building rating system

17. National Water Awards

Prominent winners : MP (best state) + Ganjam , Odisha(best district)
Objective : holistic approach towards water resources mgmt

18. Desiccation - Tolerant Vascular DT plants

DT plants : capable to withstand extreme dehydration losing upto 95% of water content - revive again
when water available - resurrection plants
62 new desiccation tolerant vascular plant species discovered in Western Ghats

19. Protosterol biota

Microscopic organisms - eukaryotes + source of evolution of life
Eukaryotes : single celled or multi cellular - cells contain nucleus & other membrane- bound
organelles - eg fungi etc

20. Ban on drugs harmful for vultures

Ketoprofen & aceclofenac : manufacturing, sale & distribution prohibited

21. River sand mining

NGT made it mandatory to obtain consent from concerned SPCBs for river sand mining
Impact : alter river bed + destroy habitat

22. Marine noise pollution

3 major sources : shipping + seismic airgun surveys + pile driving
Solution : alter ship design + marine vibroseis + low freq seismic signals
 23. Cyclones in Arabian sea
Cyclone Biparjoy towards Gujarat
52% increase in frequency during 2001-2019 in Arabian sea
Reason : warming of sea surface & deep waters + frequent El Nino Modoki

24. Earthquake in J & K & Ladakh

25. Groundwater extraction tilted earth’s spin

Groundwater pumping tilted planet nearly 80 cm east between 1993 & 2010

Social Issues
1. Social justice & decent work
Decent work : productive work in conditions of freedom , equity , security & human dignity
Challenges : labour mkt insecurity + widespread casual work + high inequality + weak social contracts

2. National Indicator Framework NIF for SDGs

MoSPI developed

3. Gender gap report 2023

WEF released - India 127/146

4. 2023 Gender Social Norms Index GSNI report

UNDP report - captures biases & prejudices regarding gender equality

5. Modern slavery
Situations of exploitation that a person can’t refuse or leave because of threat , violence , coercion or
deception

Science & Technology

1. Outer space governance
Opportunities in space : earth observation + communication + satellite navigation + scientific
experiments in orbit
India signed : outer space treaty 1967 + rescue agreement 1968 + liability convention 1972 +
registration convention 1976 + moon agreement 1979(not ratified)
Need for new mechanism : resource activities + space debris + space traffic coordination + prevent
conflict in outer space
Recommendation : new peace treaty + space debris removal + space traffic mgmt

2. Brain computer interface BCI

US FDA approved Elon Musk’s Neuralink chip for human trials- build next gen brain implant with atleast
100 times more brain connection
BCI : System that determines functional intent - directly from brain activity ie control device using mind
3 main parts : device record brain signals + computer analyze signals + device to control
Measuring brain activity : Electroencephalography EEG (measures electrical activity by electrodes
attached to scalp) + Functional MRI (detect changes in blood oxygenation& flow)
Application :control prosthetic limbs + treat disease as Parkinson + brain research + improve cognitive
performance
Concerns : unique brain signals + data privacy + unequal access + ethical issues + side effects

3. Gravitational are permeating universe at low frequencies creating cosmic background hum
Gravitational waves GW : ripples in spacetime fabric by most energetic events + first detected in 2015
by Laser Interferometer Gravitational Observatory LIGO detectors (high frequency)
 High freq GW : from smaller pairs of black holes - final sec before they collide
Low freq GW : by huge black holes lumber around each other slowly - mn years before merge
Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope GMRT : instrument to study astrophysical phenomena at low radio
freq + man made radio interference lower in metre wavelength part of spectrum + detect highly
redshifted spectral line + study rapidly rotating pulsars
Pulsars : distant rapidly rotating neutron stars - emit pulses of radiation - bursts at extremely precise
intervals - used as cosmic clocks
Little discrepancies in timing of pulsars due to deformities in spacetime by GW

4. Rare Higgs Boson Decay

European org for Nuclear Research CERN hosts Large Hadron Collider LHC discovered evidence of
Higgs Boson decaying into Z boson & a photon - rare decay process - indirect evidence to existence of
particles beyond those predicted by Std model of particle physics
Higgs boson : subatomic particle + carries force that particle experiment when move through an
energy field called Higgs field throughout universe +decay rapidly

5. Fixed dose combination drugs

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare prohibited manufacture , sale or distribution of 14 FDC medicines -
no therapeutic justification for FDCs + risk to human
FDCs : products with active ingredients for a particular indication
Active pharmaceutical ingredient API : biologically active component of a drug product that produces
intended effects
DCGI heads Central Drugs Std Control Organisation CDSCO - ensure quality drugs supply
CDSCO : statutory body + central drug authority
Issues in FDCs regulation : comp. reformulate drugs + compromised quality + lack coherence among
stakeholders + poor capacity of SDCO + not exact database
Merits of FDCs: increase efficacy + reduce production cost + simpler logistics + reduce pill burden +
treat infectious disease
Demerits of FDCs : drug power mismatch + decrease shelf life + questionable effectiveness + AMR

6. Sickle cell anaemia

PM launched National Sickle cell Anaemia elimination mission in MP
Sickle cell : haemoglobin disorder , inherited blood disease + modify shape of RBCs + lack plasticity +
can block small blood vessels + common in tribals due to malnutrition
Symptoms : jaundice + liver + spleen enlarge
Cure : bone marrow transplant (risky)
National Sickle Cell Anaemia elimination mission : affordable & accessible care + eliminate by 2047
+ mission mode

7. Lab grown diamonds

Artificially manufactured - crystallisation of pure carbon - same properties as natural diamond -
industrial application -India 15% global production
Method : high temp high pressure method + chemical vapour deposition method

8. Genetic engineering appraisal committee GEAC

Statutory committee in MoEFCC - approve activities involving large scale use of hazardous &
recombinants in industrial production

9. Cell- cultivated meat

Process by which animal based products produced directly from cell cultures

10. MRNA vaccine

India’s first mRNA vaccine approved by DCGI
 Use messenger RNA molecules to provide instructions to cells for producing protein that triggers
immune response against pathogen

11. Phage therapy

Bacteriophages or phages - viruses that infect & replicate only in bacteria cells .
Phage therapy - using phages to treat bacterial infections
Significance : unlikely to damage human cells + small initial doses + non toxic
Challenges : lack clinical trials + time consuming process

12. Leptospirosis
Potential fatal zoonotic bacterial disease - bacterium leptospira interrogans - in animals but
occasionally transfer to humans - warm humid countries - mimic dengue , malaria & hepatitis

13. Captagon pills

Highly addictive amphetamine type drug - produced mainly in Syria - stimulate nervous system - boost
energy - focus - awake for longer hours

14. Phonons
Packets of energy for sound waves - quasiparticles that represent collective vibrations of atoms in solid
material - phonons of diff wavelengths can interact & produce diff wavelength

15. Project Taara

Utilises free space optical communication FSOC technology where free space acts aas communication
channel between transceivers in line of sight
FSOC : outdoor optical wireless communication

16. Hiroshima AI process HAP

Established through G7 working group - towards divergent regulation based on shared norms,
principles & guiding values

17. Framework for submarine cable landing in India

Ease rules for setting up marine (undersea) cable landing stations .
Submarine cables : laid on ocean floor & digitally connect countries typically, connect terrestrial
telecom networks & cable landing station CLS is location where they make a landfall

18. Geminid meteor shower

Parker solar probe reveals mysterious origin of geminid meteor shower on earth
Meteor shower : when Earth passes through path of comet + bits of comet debris creates streaks of
light in night sky as they burn atmosphere
Geminid meteors : by tiny bits of rocky debris shed from a small asteroid named 3200 phaethon
Phaethon : small , only 3 miles across + loops around sun every 1.4 years in an orbit that approaches
sun closer than other asteroid

19. Quasi moon

Orbits the sun in similar time frame as Earth does - but only slightly influenced by Earth’s gravitational
pull

20. Iran’s hypersonic missile

Weapon that travels at speeds that exceeds five times the speed of sound typically exceeding Mach 5
+ lower altitude than conventional ballistic missiles

21. Centralized Laboratory Network CLN

Part of coalition for epidemic preparedness innovation CEPI + largest global group - standardised
methods & materials for testing
 22. Strategic Interventions for green hydrogen transition SIGHT programme
To establish electrolyser manufacturing base & green hydrogen producing facilities

23. Utprerak (Unnati Takniki Pradarshan Kendra)

Ministry of Power established CoE to accelerate adoption of energy efficient technologies in Indian
industry - set up by BEE

24. Chiral Bose Liquid

Physicist from USA & China claimed discovery of new state of matter Chiral Bose liquid - in super small
quantum scale - bringing 2 layers of special material very close together at very low temperature

Culture
1. Chola administration
PM placed Sengol or sceptre presented by head of Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam (monastery) to India’s
first PM - symbol of path of duty in Chola empire

2. GI tag to 7 items of UP
Amroha dholak + Baghpat home furnishing + Kalpi handmade paper + Mahoba Gaura Patthar
Hastshilp + Mainpuri tarkash + Sambhal horn craft + Barabanki handloom
Kari Irshad Mango : KN

3. Jatan : Virtual Museum builder

Digital collection mgmt system for Indian museums