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September

The September Monthly Magazine 2023 from SPM IAS Academy covers various topics including governance, international relations, economy, environment, and ethics. Key discussions include the concept of 'One Nation, One Election', the NCERT's new deemed-to-be university status, and significant current events. The magazine serves as a resource for students preparing for competitive exams, providing insights and analyses on contemporary issues.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

116 views142 pages

September

Uploaded by

Gautam Gautam

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Available Formats

Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

SEPTEMBER MONTHLY MAGAZINE 2023

SPM IAS Academy, D.S. Mansion 2nd floor, Opposite Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Near Assam State Zoo, Zoo
Road, Guwahati, Assam – 781005 Phone: 6901259799, Students’ Support Team: 7099064717,
Email: [email protected]
PAGE.NO:1
SEPTEMBER MONTHLY MAGAZINE 2023

28. Nagorno-Karabakh region.................... 44

September Magazine
29. Multipolar world .................................... 45
Polity and Governance
30. Nepal-China agreement ....................... 47
1. One nation, one election ............................6
31. End of old multilateralism ..................... 48
2. NCERT gets deemed-to-be university
32. Balochistan province of Pakistan ......... 50
status .................................................................7
33. 9 dash line by China in South China sea
3. Name of our country: India and Bharat .....9
51
4. 6 years of Privacy judgement of the SC ..10
Economy and Infrastructure
5. National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) portal
13 34. GDP growth of 7.8% in Q1................... 55
Ayushman Diwas.............................................13 35. Service charge ..................................... 55
6. Kokborok language ..................................13 36. National Common Mobility Card .......... 56
7. Election Commissioners Bill, 2023 ..........14 37. Global Biofuels Alliance ....................... 56
8. Vishwakarma Yojana ...............................16 38. Sovereign Gold Bond scheme ............. 57
9. Women Reservation bill ...........................17 39. Falling production of Cotton ................. 58
10. Word ‘Secularism’ and ‘Socialism’ in 40. Tax havens ........................................... 61
Preamble .........................................................19 41. Bima Sugam Portal .............................. 62
11. Cauvery water dispute .........................22 42. Economic impact of India-Canada
12. Issues about Privilege to legislators ....23 strained ties ..................................................... 63
13. Provisions of Nari Shakti Vandan 43. US Fed keeping interest rates unchanged
Adhiniyam 2023...............................................25 64
14. Aadhaar biometrics and its reliability ...25 44. MSME not linked with e-commerce
platform face threat ......................................... 64
15. Substantial imitation or Passing off ......26
45. Brent Crude .......................................... 66
16. Personality rights ..................................27
46. Father of Green Revolution.................. 66
17. POCSO Act ..........................................28
47. PM-WANI Scheme ............................... 69
International Relations
48. ‘Sankalp Saptah’ .................................. 70
18. Military coup in Gabon .........................30
19. Tibetan Democracy Day.......................31
Science and Technology
20. ASEAN and East Asia Summit ............33
21. Myanmar barred from leading ASEAN in 49. LIGO-India ............................................ 72
2026 33 50. Aditya L-1 launch ................................. 73
22. 100 years of Interpol ............................34 51. Kuiper belt and Earth Like Planet ........ 74
23. G20 summit ..........................................35 52. Use of AI to prevent Elephant train
24. G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration...37 collision ............................................................ 74
25. India-Middle East-Europe mega 53. Genetic engineering to control
economic corridor ............................................39 Mosquitoes ...................................................... 75
26. Importance of Saudi Arabia for India ...40 54. OSIRIS-REX......................................... 76
27. India-Canada relations strained ...........41 55. Psyche mission .................................... 77

56. Biohacking ............................................77 80. Hindi Diwas ........................................ 105

57. Nipah Virus ...........................................78 81. Architecture of the new Parliament
58. The basmati success story ..................79 building .......................................................... 107

59. Global Innovation Index 2023 ..............80 82. Santiniketan and Hoysala temples on
UNESCO World Heritage List ....................... 108
83. Rwanda genocide .............................. 111
Environment 84. Adi Shankaracharya ........................... 114
60. Example of Community Conservation of 85. Tilak and Ganesh Chaturthi ............... 115
Wildlife .............................................................82 86. Bhagat Singh ...................................... 116
61. IPBES Invasive Alien Species 87. Charaideo Maidams ........................... 119
Assessment .....................................................82
Assam Issues
62. Three Climate related records broken in
2023 84 88. Assam government consults ILO ....... 120
63. One Sun, One World, One Grid 89. Abhiruchi Sports Day ......................... 120
(OSOWOG) Initiative .......................................85
90. Assam best in implementation of PM
64. Pollution tax proposed on Diesel vehicles SVANIDHI ..................................................... 121
85
91. UPI and CBDC interoperability .......... 121
65. World Ozone Day 2023 ........................86
92. No conclusive outcome of NRC so far
66. Eco sensitive Zones .............................89 123
67. World Rhino Day ..................................89 93. Amrit Brikshya Andolan...................... 124
68. IUCN .....................................................90 94. PepsiCo to invest Rs 778 cr .............. 124
69. Bioremediation .....................................91 95. Bhupen Hazarika................................ 125
Ethics and Integrity 96. CAG flags lapses in Moitri.................. 126

70. Quote: ‘The destiny of India is now being 97. Prof Maheswar Neog ......................... 126
shaped in her classrooms’ 93 98. The Assam Panchayat (Amendment) Bill,
2023 127
71. ‘The heaviest penalty for declining to rule
is to be ruled by someone inferior’ ..................94 99. Amrit Brikshya Andolan-Guiness record
127
72. Suicides ................................................95
Prelims Specific
73. Ethics in Sports ....................................96
Geography and Disaster Management 100. Biswanath Ghat .................................. 128
101. Problem of erosion in Assam ............. 128
74. Earthquake in Morocco ........................98
102. Magsaysay award to Assam Oncologist
History, Art & Culture And Indian Society 129
75. Onam and Pulikkali ............................100 103. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awards ..... 129
76. Indo-Pak war of 1965 .........................100 104. International Organisation of Legal
77. Shiva Nataraja mudra ........................103 Metrology ....................................................... 130

78. Cheriyal scroll painting .......................104 105. Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance .......... 130

79. 75 years of Operation Polo ................104 106. Mithun gets a ‘food animal’ tag .......... 131

107. ‘The opposite of poverty is not wealth, but

justice’............................................................132
108. Norman Borlaug award ......................134
109. Waheeda Rehman for Dadasaheb
Phalke award.................................................134
110. Mukhyamantri Atmanirbhar Asom
Scheme .........................................................135
111. How do airports get codes? ...............136
112. Sycamore Gap tree cut down ............136

Practice Questions ………………141

Polity and Governance

Analysis
1. One nation, one election Advantages (as per Report of Parliamentary
GS Paper II-Indian Polity Prelims Standing Committee, 2015):
"Youtube: DNA 2.9.2023" ● Simultaneous polls will reduce enormous
costs involved in separate elections.
What is one Nation one election or ● The system will help ruling parties focus on
simultaneous election concept? governance instead of being constantly in
● The idea of “One Nation, One Election” election mode.
envisages a system where elections to all ● Simultaneous polls will boost voter turnout,
states and the Lok Sabha will have to be according to the Law Commission.
held simultaneously. ● The policy paralysis that results from the
● Currently, elections to the state assemblies imposition of the Model Code of Conduct
and the Lok Sabha are held separately. (MCC) during election time.
Disadvantages:
● National and state issues are different, and
holding simultaneous elections is likely to affect
the judgment of voters.
● Since elections will be held once in five
years, it will reduce the government's
accountability to the people.
● Impractical in long run because the cycle will
break again.
Idea of returning to simultaneous
elections:
Historical developments ● Election Commission's annual report in 1983
● Simultaneous elections were the norm until ● Law Commission's Report in 1999
1967. ● NITI Aayog prepared a working paper on the
● But following premature dissolution of some subject in 2017
Legislative Assemblies in 1968 and 1969
and that of the Lok Sabha in December 1970,
elections to State Assemblies and
Parliament have been held separately.

Current developments
● The government has constituted a
committee headed by former President of
India Ram Nath Kovind to explore the
possibility of “one nation, one election”.
● Assembly polls are due in five states in
November-December of 2023 and they will be
followed by the Lok Sabha elections in May-
June next year.

● However, the recent moves by the government To pass No Confidence Motion the Opposition
have thrown open the possibility of needs to prove that the government doesn't have
advancing the general elections and some support of Majority on the floor.
state polls, which are scheduled after and with
the Lok Sabha contest.

Concept of “Constructive vote for no

confidence” motion
Implementation challenge ● In this system the Opposition will have to
● Article 83(2) of the Constitution provides for a prove 2 things-
normal term of five years for the House of 1. The government doesn’t enjoy majority on
People (Lok Sabha). the floor of Assembly
● Article 172 (1) provides for similar tenure for 2. The Opposition enjoys the majority.
State Legislative Assembly from the date of Benefit of the system-
its first sitting. 1. No midterm election required
● But if the LS or Legislative Assembly 2. The opposition party forms the
dissolves prematurely, the cycle will break. government.
● Simultaneous Election can be implemented if This is followed in Germany, Spain, Hungary,
we follow “concept of constructive vote for Israel.
no confidence” motion ● If India adopts this system of no confidence
motion then only Simultaneous election in
long term is possible.
Mains Practice Question
Q. Examine whether simultaneous elections
are better than frequent elections? Discuss
what are various challenges for conducting
simultaneous elections in India.
2. NCERT gets deemed-to-be
Note- university status
● There is no mention of a no-confidence GS paper II-Governance Prelims
motion in the constitution. "Youtube: DNA 2.9.2023"
● Article 75(3) of our Constitution of India
embodies this rule by specifying that Council NCERT (National Council of Educational
of Ministers is collectively responsible to Research and Training)
Lok Sabha. ● The NCERT is an autonomous organisation
● The Rule 198 of Rules of Procedure and set up in 1961 by the Government of India,
Conduct of Business of Lok Sabha provides under the Societies Registration Act 1860.
mechanism for testing this collective Important roles played by NCERT
responsibility.

● Assist and advise the Central and State

Governments on policies and programmes
for qualitative improvement in school
education.
● Implementation agency for bilateral cultural
exchange programmes with other countries
in the field of school education.
● Undertake, promote and coordinate
research in areas related to school education;
● Prepare and publish model textbooks,
supplementary material, etc. For example,
Jadui Pitara - a play-based learning-
teaching material tailored for children
between the age group of 3 and 8 years
developed by NCERT.

Current news?
● NCERT has been granted the deemed-to-be-
university status by the Ministry of
Education.
Deemed-to-be university
● A deemed university or deemed-to-be-
university is an accreditation granted to Prelims Practice Question
higher educational institutions (HEIs) in Which of the following statements are correct
India. about Jadui Pitara?
● According to the Ministry of Education, a HEI 1. Jaadui Pitara aims to enhance the learning-
(other than universities) that works at a very teaching environment and make it more
high standard in a specific field of study might child-centric, lively and joyful for the ‘Amrit
be designated as a 'Deemed-to-be- Generation’ of the country.
university' by the Central Government on 2. It has been prepared by UGC.
the advice of the UGC. a. 1 only
● Currently, the UGC lists ~130 institutes that b. 2 only
have been given deemed university status. c. Both
● According to this list, the first institute to be d. None
given deemed university status was the Indian
Institute of Science in 1958 and Tamil Nadu
has the most deemed universities (28).

3. Name of our country: India Puranic literature, and to the epic

Mahabharata.
and Bharat ● The Puranas describe Bharata as the
GS Paper II-Indian Polity Prelims land between the “sea in the south and
"Youtube: DNA 6.9.2023" the abode of snow in the north”.
2. Social justification
Current context ● Social scientist Catherine Clémentin-
● There is speculation of an official change in Ojha explained ‘Bharata’ refers to the
the name of the country from India to Bharat. “supraregional and subcontinental
Why such speculation? territory where the Brahmanical system
● An official invitation to a G20 delegates for of society prevails.
dinner read- to be hosted by “The President 3. Legends
of Bharat” instead of the usual “President of ● Bharata is also the name of the ancient
India”. king of legend who was the ancestor of
the Rig Vedic tribe.
● Considered as the progenitor of all
peoples of the subcontinent.

What our constitution says?

● Article 1 of the Constitution uses the two
Where does the name ‘India’ and
names interchangeably: “India, that is
Bharat, shall be a Union of States.”
‘Hindustan’ come from?
● The name Hindustan is thought to have
● Several names such as Reserve Bank of
derived from ‘Hindu’, the Persian cognate
India and the Indian Railways already have
form of the Sanskrit ‘Sindhu’ (Indus).
Hindi variants with “Bharatiya” in them.
● The Achaemenids used the term to identify
● In June 2020, a PIL was filed in the Supreme
the lower Indus basin, and from around the
Court seeking to remove “India” from the
first century of the Christian era, the suffix
Constitution and retain only Bharat in order to
“stan” came to be used with the name to
“ensure the citizens of this country…get over
create “Hindustan”.
the colonial past”.
● The Greeks, who had acquired knowledge of
● SC rejected the petition claiming-“India is
‘Hind’ from the Achaemenids, transliterated
already called Bharat in the Constitution
the name as ‘Indus’.
itself.”
● By the time the Macedonian king Alexander
invaded India in the 3rd century BC, ‘India’
Where does the name ‘Bharat’ come from? had come to be identified with the region.
Different justifications-
● By the time of the early Mughals (16th century),
1. Geographical justification
the name ‘Hindustan’ was used to describe the
● The roots of “Bharat”, “Bharata”, or
entire Indo-Gangetic plain.
“Bharatvarsha” are traced back to

● From the late 18th century onwards, British

maps increasingly began to use the name
‘India’, and ‘Hindustan’ started to lose its
association.

4. 6 years of Privacy judgement

of the SC
GS Paper II-Indian Polity Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 14.9.2023"

Background
Article 21 of the constitution
● No person should be deprived of life or
personal liberty except according to
procedure by law.
● Right to life guaranteed against State’s
action (in case of violation of such rights by
private individuals aggrieved party should
seek remedy under general law).
● Article 21 has been interpreted several
times by the Supreme Court.

How did ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ come into the

Constitution?
● In his Book ‘Discovery of India’, Nehru
referred to “India”, “Bharata” and
“Hindustan”.
● But when the question of naming India in the
Constitution arose, ‘Hindustan’ was dropped,
and both ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ were retained.
● But some members of the constituent
assembly wanted name Bharat only, since Article 21- Right to Life is enforced against
India reflects colonial legacy. Private individuals too-
● Hargovind Pant, who represented the hill ● The judgement by the Supreme Court on
districts of the United Provinces, made it clear January 3, 2023, in writ petition Kaushal
that the people of Northern India “wanted Kishor vs. The State Of Uttar Pradesh Govt.
Bharatvarsha and nothing else”. and Ors. With the special leave petition ruled
that the rights guaranteed under Article
19(1) and Article 21 can be enforced against
private individuals and not only against the
state.

Article 21 of the constitution- Article 21 of the constitution-

Interpretations Interpretations
AK Gopalan Case (1950) Francis vs. Union Territory of Delhi (1981)
● Art 21-No person should be deprived of life ● Art 21-No person should be deprived of life or
or personal liberty except according to personal liberty except according to procedure
procedure by law. by law.
Court’s view SC said
● British concept of Procedure established by ● Right to life would include, right to life with
law rather than the American ‘due process’. dignity.
Maneka Gandhi vs. Union of India Case (1978) Debate over the ‘Life’
● This case overturned the Gopalan case ● Mere survival, animal like existence
judgement. ● Or meaningful life with dignity
● The court also held that a law that comes
under Article 21 must not be unfair,
unreasonable or arbitrary (principle of due
process of law).
Debate over the term
● procedure by law
Procedure Established by law
● “Procedure Established by Law” is a principle
that is primarily associated with legal
systems based on common law, including
India. In countries following this principle, the Article 21 of the constitution-
government enacts laws, and individuals Interpretations
must comply with those laws. ● Using the idea that Art 21 does not mean
Due Process of Law right to life just as mere survival but a
● Due process of law doctrine not only checks dignified life, SC expanded the ambit of Art
if there is a law to deprive the life and 21.
personal liberty of a person but also sees if the It included-
law made is fair, just, and not arbitrary. ● Right to meaningful livelihood (Olga Telli
Difference between due process of law and case 1986)
procedure established by law ● Right against pollution-free water and air
● Protection of cultural heritage
● Right to pollution-free water and air
● Right of every child to a full development
● Right against custodial death
● Right against delayed execution
● Right to go abroad
● Right to shelter
● Right to privacy - (KS Puttaswamy
judgment 2017)

Supreme Court of India recognized right to

privacy a fundamental right within the “right
to life”(Article 21) provision of India’s
Constitution.
● SC elaborated informational privacy as part
of Right to privacy.

Article 21 of the constitution-

Interpretations
Evolution of Right to Privacy since
Puttaswamy Judgement
1. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018)
● It decriminalised all sexual relations
between consenting adults, including
adults of the same sex (Homosexuals).
2. Right of Adults to Marry Across Religions
and Caste (Hadiya Case)
Q. Explain the how Article 21 of the constitution
3. Joseph Shine v. Union of India case (2018)
intricately links ‘Right to life and personal
● It decriminalised adultery on the grounds of
liberty’ with dignity. 10 marks 150 words
defending sexual liberty and privacy, as
Hints
well as excessive state intrusion in people'
● Article 21 of the Indian Constitution states that
married lives.
“No person shall be deprived of his life or
● The Court Said-Adultery will continue to
personal liberty except according to the
remain ‘social crime’.
procedure established by law”.
● Through successive SC judgements the ambit
of Art 21 has been expanded. Most important
interpretation of Art 21 by SC in Francis vs.
Union Territory of Delhi (1981).
Francis vs. Union Territory of Delhi (1981)
● Right to life would include, right to life with
dignity.
● Not mere animal survival
Explain how the word dignity was used to further
expand ambit of art 21-
● Right to meaningful livelihood(Olga Telli
case 1986)
● Right against pollution-free water and air
● Protection of cultural heritage
● Right to pollution-free water and air
● Right of every child to a full development
● Right against custodial death
● Right against delayed execution
4. Common Cause vs Union of India (2018) ● Right to go abroad
● The Court also examined the role of privacy in ● Right to shelter
the context of end-of-life care and reaffirmed ● Right to privacy (KS Puttaswamy judgment
the right to die with dignity. 2017)
5. Digital Personal Data Protection Act
● Recently enacted.
● In 2017 in Justice K.S. Puttaswamy v Union
of India, a landmark case in which the

5. National Judicial Data Grid Current news?

(NJDG) portal
GS Paper II-Governance Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 15.9.2023"

Current news?
● Recently, the Chief Justice of India
announced the onboarding of the Supreme
Court on the National Judicial Data Grid
(NJDG) in open court.
National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) portal National Health Authority (NHA)
● The NJDG portal is a national repository of ● NHA has been set-up to implement PM-JAY,
data relating to cases instituted, pending and as it is popularly known, at the national level.
disposed of by the courts across the country. ● An attached office of the Ministry of Health
● In this portal, one may access case-related and Family Welfare with full functional
information, statistics such as institution, autonomy.
pendency, and disposal of cases. ● It is headed by a Chief Executive Officer
● The entire database will be periodically (CEO), an officer of the rank of Secretary to
updated on the NJDG portal. the Government of India, who manages its
● NJDG works as a monitoring tool to identify, affairs.
manage, & reduce the pendency of cases. Which of the following statement regarding
National Health Authority (NHA) is incorrect?
1. It is the apex body responsible for
implementing India's flagship public health
insurance/assurance scheme called
"Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan
Arogya Yojana."
2. An attached office of the Ministry of Health
and Family Welfare with full functional
autonomy.
a. 1 only
Ayushman Diwas b. 2 only
GS Paper II-Governance Prelims c. Both
"Youtube: DNA 16.9.2023" d. None
Ayushman Bharat Scheme
● Launched by Ministry of Health and
Family Welfare in 2018
6. Kokborok language
● It has 2 components GS Paper I-Indian Society-Regionalism Prelims
1. Health and Wellness centre "Youtube: DNA 1.9.2023"
2. Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojna
Background
● Last year Union Home Minister Amit Shah
proposed to give elementary knowledge of
Hindi to students up to 9th class and to pay
more attention to Hindi teaching
examinations.
● The Union Home Minister also pitched for
Devanagari script for oral languages of the
Northeast.
● This led to a lot of protest in NE states, as it
was seen as a measure to push Hindi for
other regional languages.

● A major protest came from Tripura in support

of Kokborok language.

Article 351 - Directive for development of

Assam
the Hindi language
● Similarly each Northeast state has its own
● It shall be the duty of the Union to develop and
set of diverse languages, ranging from Indo-
promote the spread of the Hindi language, so
Aryan to Tibeto-Burman to Austro-Asiatic
that it may serve as a medium of expression for
families.
all.
● Assamese and Bodo are both listed in the 8th
● This must be done without interfering forms,
Schedule.
style and expressions languages of India
● While Assamese uses an ancient script of its
specified in the Eighth Schedule.
own, Bodo is written in the Devanagari script.
Current developments ● Assam has dozens of other indigenous
● Last week, a conglomerate of 56 tribal languages, many of them without a script.
organisations in Tripura came out in protest ● Karbi, Mising and Tiwa are mostly written in
against what they saw as the possibility of the Roman script, while Rabha is usually
Hindi being introduced as the language for written in the Assamese script.
Kokborok. Prelims Practice Question
● Kokborok is the main native language of the Q. Kokborok language recently seen in news is
Tripuri people of the Indian state of Tripura. official language of
● Kokborok was recognised as an official a. Mizoram
language of Tripura in 1979. b. Meghalaya
● But Kokborok doesn’t have script of its own. c. Nagaland
● The proposal to use Devanagari script for d. Tripura
Kokborok language has seen further protests.
● Protestors demand use of Roman script in
place of Devanagari. 7. Election Commissioners Bill,
2023
GS Paper II-Indian Polity Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 18.9.2023"

Election commission of India

● Article 324 to 329 (Part XV) of the constitution
deals with powers, function, tenure,
eligibility, etc of the commission and the
member.
● Article 324: The superintendence, direction
and control of the preparation of the electoral
rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to
Parliament and to the Legislature of every
State and of elections to the offices of
President and Vice-President held under this

Constitution shall be vested in the Election ● The Court has called upon Parliament to
Commission. make a law regarding the criteria for
selection, conditions for service and tenure
of the CEC and ECs.
● Until then, the apex court formed a panel of
Prime Minister, Chief Justice of India and
the leader of opposition to make these
appointments.

Composition of Election Commission

● Article 324(2): The Election Commission shall
consist of the Chief Election Commissioner
and such number of other Election
Commissioners, if any, as the President may
from time to time fix and the appointment of
the Chief Election Commissioner and other
Election Commissioners shall, subject to the
provisions of any law made in that behalf by
Parliament, be made by the President.
Appointment Current Context
● The Chief Election Commissioner and the ● The Chief Election Commissioner and other
Election Commissioner are appointed by the Election Commissioners (Appointment,
President of India. Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill,
● The President fixes the service condition 2023, was passed in the Rajya Sabha on
and tenures. August 10.
● They enjoy the same status and receive ● The bill is currently pending in the Lok Sabha.
salary and perks as available to Judges of the ● It will be discussed and most probably
Supreme Court of India. passed during the special session of Lok
Note- Since the President acts on aid and advice Sabha.
of Council of Ministers, a petition was filed in ● The bill has been brought as per the
the SC to change the method of appointment of directions of the Supreme Court to make
CEC and other EC. This will ensure free and fair specific law about appointment and Power of
elections. Election Commissioners.

Key highlights of the bill

1. Removed CJI from the panel
Currently Election Commission includes 1 Chief
● The bill seeks to replace the Chief
Election Commissioner and two Election
Justice of India with a cabinet minister
Commissioners
nominated by the Prime Minister in the
Method of appointment of Judges committee for selection of the CECs and
● Since the President acts on aid and advice ECs.
of Council of Ministers, a petition was filed 2. Process
in the SC to change the method of ● First, a Search Committee, headed by the
appointment of CEC and other EC. This will Cabinet Secretary and including two
ensure free and fair elections.

members not below the rank of Secretary, ● This is in contradiction with SC directives.
shall prepare a panel of five persons. 3. Autonomy of election commission-
● This will then be sent to the Selection essential aspect of democracy
Committee. ● This may lead to compromise with free and
● The selection committee will be chaired by fair elections as per constitutional experts.
the PM and will include the Leader of Mains Practice Question
Opposition or leader of the single largest Q. Critically analyse Chief Election
Opposition party in Lok Sabha and a Commissioner and other Election
Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of
Minister. Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023.
● The Selection Committee may consider
any other person apart from those included 8. Vishwakarma Yojana
in the Search Committee’s panel. GS Paper II-Governance Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 18.9.2023"

Vishwakarma Yojana
● The scheme was announced by the PM
during his Independence Day speech / before
it mentioned in Budget 2023-24.
● It was implemented on the occasion of
Vishwakarma puja.
About the scheme
● For people having traditional skills [like the Raj
Mistris (construction workers), Sunar
(goldsmith), Suthar (carpenters), etc -
mostly from the OBC community] the PM
announced Vishwakarma Yojana.
● The scheme will encompass various elements
such as financial aid, modern and green
technology training, brand promotion,
market connectivity, digital payments, and
social security.
● It is a new scheme with an outlay of Rs 13,000
crore and is fully funded by the Central
government.
3. Terms & tenure ● It aims to provide subsidised loans of up to
● The terms of the CEC and ECs remain Rs 2 lakh to traditional artisans and craftsmen
unchanged, at six years or until they reach ● Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium
the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Enterprise (MSME) is the nodal ministry- a
● The Bill says the salary of the CEC and ECs central sector scheme.
would be equivalent to the Cabinet ● It is available for rural and urban artisans and
Secretary. craftsmen across India.
● Until now, Election Commissioners were at ● Collateral-free credit support up to ₹1 lakh
par with Supreme Court judges in this (first tranche) and ₹2 lakh (second tranche)
regard, under the Election Commission at a concessional interest rate of 5%
Act, of 1991.
Criticism of the bill-
1. Compromised autonomy of the Election
Commission
● EC brought at par with Cabinet Secretary
limits jurisdiction of the Election Commission.
2. Selection Committee will not have the Chief
Justice of India as a member

Lord Vishwakarma, in Hindu mythology, is seen

as the divine carpenter and master craftsman.

Analysis
Are people willing to have women as their
representatives?
Case Study
● Only two political parties in India,
Odisha’s Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and West
9. Women Reservation bill Bengal’s Trinamool Congress (TMC)
have reserved seats for women for
GS Paper II-Indian Polity Prelims
election candidatures.
"Youtube: DNA 19.9.2023"
Result
Current context ● 65 percent of the TMC’s women
● Women’s reservation Bill aims at candidates won in comparison to 44 per
reserving 33 per cent seats for women in cent of their men.
Parliament and legislative Assemblies. ● 86 per cent of the BJD’s women
● The bill was first introduced in the candidates won in comparison to 43 per
Parliament in 1996. cent of their men.
● Since then, it has been introduced and It proves that people are willing to vote for
removed from the parliament several women candidates, the political parties need to
times but failed to get passed. create accessibility for the women candidates.
● Modi government is set to reintroduce
the bill in the current ongoing special
session of the parliament.
● But the government added-
“The Bill will be brought in the ongoing session but
there are many ifs and buts…so the
implementation is unlikely before the next Lok
Sabha election. Most probably, it will take place
only after the delimitation (which is expected to be
held in 2026) but the process will begin soon”.

Is mere reservation enough for women

empowerment?
● Analysis-Reservation for women in local
bodies
● Though 1/3rd seats are reserved for women in
local bodies but it still the outcome has
remained subdued.
Challenges faced by elected women Steps taken to promote women
representatives in local institution- participation in local bodies-
1. Male domination- Even after getting elected 1. Many states have increased reservation for
as a representative to the local bodies women women in local bodies to 50% eg Bihar.
act on directions of the male member of the ● Article 243D- 1/3rd seats reserved for women
family. This is popularly known as Sarpanch in PRIs.
Pati phenomenon. ● Article 243T-1/3rd seats reserved for women
2. Patriarchal culture in rural India - Eg Women in ULBs.
should not speak in front of people, she ● But it can be increased upto 50%.
should always remain under ghoonghat has 2. Training program in the office of deputy
Limited the capability of human to play role of commissioner for women Sarpanch is
a leader in rural areas. conducted once in every month.
3. Absence of women from Panchayat 3. It has been mandated that all panchayat
meetings - Illiteracy, lack of awareness and meeting should be conducted in the
leadership skill causes absence of women from panchayat house only.
Panchayat meeting. According to Ministry of Panchayati Raj institutions
gradually awareness among women elected
representatives is growing and they are
increasingly participating in the political process
of local bodies.
‘She is a Changemaker’ campaign
● To improve leadership skills of women
political leaders, the National Commission
for Women (NCW) launched a pan-India
capacity building programme, ‘She is a
Issues with ‘Sarpanch Pati’ phenomenon: Changemaker’.
● Most of the women’s sarpanches do not ● It has been launched for women
attend meetings that take place at the representatives at all levels, gram
district/block/village. panchayats to parliament members and
● Defeats the purpose of reservation for political workers including office bearers of
women in Panchayat National/State political parties.
● More than 80 per cent of women sarpanches
have proxy sarpanches even today.
Why it is important for women Sarpanch to take
independent decision?
● 2010 study published by the India Policy
Forum, organised by the NCAER, noted that
“villages with female leaders increased
female participation and responsiveness to Does Political empowerment ensures
female policy concerns”.
overall women empowerment?
“Greater political power alone will not improve
women’s plight”.
● Asked as an examination question for the
essay paper of the UPSC CSE in the past.

What does the quote mean?

● The quote talks about a criticism that many
have raised on the question of political
reservations – that by itself, it is not going to
bridge the gap that exists between men and
women in society.
Line of argument-
● Inequality can be measured in multiple
ways.
● The World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap
Index, for instance, has four dimensions –
Economic Participation and Opportunity,
Educational Attainment, Health and Survival
and Political Empowerment. Term ‘Secularism’ and ‘Socialism’ in
World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Preamble
Index-2022 ● Two words ‘Secularism’ and ‘Socialism’ were
originally not a part of the Preamble.
● They were added by The Constitution (42nd
Amendment) Act, 1976 during the Emergency
imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Mains Practice Question

Q. Women reservation bill has introduced and
lapsed no of times. In this context discuss why
it is necessary to have reserved seats for Why ‘Socialism’ was not included in
women in all legislative bodies? original Preamble?
1. Indian Socialism different from prevalent
10. Word ‘Secularism’ and idea of Socialism
● Socialism envisaged by the Indian state was
‘Socialism’ in Preamble not the socialism of the USSR or China of
GS Paper II-Indian Polity Prelims the time.
"Youtube: DNA 21.9.2023" ● It did not envisage the nationalisation of all
of India’s means of production.
Current context 2. India adopted mixed economic model
● Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir 3. India attempted to avoid getting embroiled
Ranjan Chowdhury has claimed that the words in Cold war dynamics
“socialist” and “secular” were missing in ● Cold war was ideological war between
the Preamble of the Constitution of India, the Socialist and Liberal ideologies.
copies of which were given to MPs Indian Polity was always Socialist in its essence
● Then he was later informed that the copy he as can be seen in several articles under Part IV
got was ‘original copy’ of the constitution. i.e. DPSP.
Indira Gandhi government heavily relied on
welfare measures to address inequality,

poverty. Her government popularised the slogan ‘Treaty of Westphalia’. It led basis for watertight
“garibi hatao”. Thus during her regime separation of religion and politics- west
‘Socialism’ was included in the Preamble. understanding of Secularism.
This led to idea of Sovereignty, Nation state.
Sovereignty means - beginning of diplomacy and
international relations.
Significance of Treaty of Westphalia (1648)

India adopted Democratic Socialist polity

without specifying Socialism in the
preamble-
● The concept of democratic socialism has
been adopted in various liberal democracies
like India with the concept of a welfare state.
Why ‘Secularism’ was not included in
original Preamble?
● The secular nature of the Indian state is
secured by Articles 25-28 of the Constitution.
● But the term ‘Secularism’ was not there in
original constitution, since idea of Indian
secularism was different from accepted
concept of secularism, especially prevalent in
the West.
● West concept of Secularism is mutual
exclusion of state and religion, i.e. non-
interference in affairs of each other.
● This concept is rooted in ‘Treaty of
Westphalia’.

Comparison of Indian secularism with

western secularism
Indian Secularism
● Equal treatment to all religion by the
government (Sarvdharm Sambhav).
● No privilege or discrimination against any
religion.
● State/ Government will identify its citizens on
the basis of their religion also.
● Help them if needed.
● It will also subject them to limitations as per
need.
You are a Muslim. In general there is economic
The war was fought on religious lines (Catholics backwardness Muslim community so take
vs Protestants). reservation. But there are some social evils also
By the end of the war it was realised religion like triple talaq that will be banned
should not be basis for State action, otherwise
there would be only chaos. The war ended with

You are a Hindu. Let me build Char Dham project France is facing similar problems
to give you easy transportation service to your Some incidents of recent cultural clash-
pilgrim site. But the social evils like caste based 1. Charlie Hebdo incident
discrimination, dowry, gender based discrimination Charlie Hebdo is a French satirical weekly
will be banned. newspaper that predominantly publishes
Comparison of Indian secularism with cartoons. In 2015 the published cartoon of Prophet
western secularism Muhammad. On 7 January 2015, two masked
Western Secularism gunmen barged into the office of the Charlie
● The state shall not identify citizens on the Hebdo newspaper office in Paris and shot dead
basis of their religion at all. 12 people injuring many others.
● They do not identify any special needs on 1. 2020 Samuel Paty -School teacher was
the basis of religion. beheaded in France by an Islamic person
for showing caricature of Prophet
Example Muhammad.
2. Recent riots in France after death of a
youth Nahel, a muslim youth

● In India Sikhs are exempted from wearing

helmet considering their religious need of
wearing Pagadi.
● In western countries like France everyone
including Sikhs have to wear helmet
Issues with western secularism?
● The general laws, norms, rule have been
created around the culture of majority
Challenges of Indian and western
population that follows Christianity.
● Example everyone has to wear helmet (This secularism?
could not become a law if majority of the Western secularism
population was Sikh). Burqa ban in 2010 ● Focuses on uniform,universal conduct
(this could not become a law if majority of the ● Neglects minorities aspiration
population was Muslim). ● It is conceptually weak because it is bound to
yield conflict.
Indian secularism
Problems arising because of Western ● Incorporates multiculturalism
secularism? ● Conceptually very strong
● The majority fails to anticipate cultural needs ● Challenges-
of minority groups. 1. Poor understanding of Indian secularism by
● The minority groups develop a sense of the citizens themselves
alienation. 2. Political parties, media exploits lack of
● This leads to cultural conflicts- (Clash of awareness of the people
Civilization by Samuel P Huntington- only UPSC 2019
Political Science students) Q. What can France learn from the Indian
The constitution of Western countries made Constitution’s approach to secularism?
uniform provisions, the government makes Explain. 250 words/15 marks
uniform laws for everyone irrespective of their
religion. They believe they practicing to
secularism. But ultimately most of these
constitutional and general laws are framed
according to the culture of the majority
population i.e. Christianity and the minority
religious groups have to adjust accordingly

● The Cauvery water dispute between

Karnataka and Tamil Nadu began in 1974
when Karnataka started diverting water
without Tamil Nadu's consent.
● After several years, the Cauvery Water
Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was established in
1990 to resolve the issue.
11. Cauvery water dispute ● It took 17 years for the CWDT to reach a final
order in 2007, which outlined the sharing of
GS Paper II-Indian Polity Prelims
Cauvery water among the four parties.
"Youtube: DNA 21.9.2023"

Constitutional provision for resolving

interstate water dispute
Article 262 of the Constitution provides for the
adjudication of interstate water disputes. It makes
two provisions:
1. Parliament may by law provide for the
adjudication of any dispute or complaint
with respect to the use, distribution and
control of waters of any inter-state river and
river valley.
2. Parliament may also provide that neither the
Supreme Court nor any other court is to
exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such
dispute or complaint.
● Under this provision, the Parliament has
enacted Inter-State Water Disputes Act
(1956).

Current dispute
● Recently Karnataka failed to release the
mandated amount of water for Tamil Nadu as
per order of the Cauvery water dispute
Tribunal.
● Tamilnadu sought the intervention of SC to
make Karnataka immediately release 24,000
cubic feet per second (cusecs) to stick with
CWDT’s final award.
Karnataka’s stand
● It has contended that lower rainfall in the
Cauvery catchment including in Kerala has led
to the poor inflow to its own reservoirs.
Current news?
Cauvery water dispute ● The Supreme Court refused to intervene
● Cauvery river originates in Karnataka, flows either in favour of Karnataka or Tamil Nadu in
through Tamil Nadu with major tributaries the Cauvery water dispute, instead it relied on
coming from Kerala and drains into the Bay of the combined expertise of the Cauvery
Bengal through Pondicherry. Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and
● Thus the dispute therefore involves 3 states the Cauvery Water Management Authority
and one Union Territory. (CWMA) to manage the water-sharing
between the two neighbouring States.

Way forward
● A distress-sharing formula, should be
developed acceptable to all the
stakeholders.
● Government plans to create a single tribunal
to deal with all inter State river disputes and
reduce the complexity.

12. Issues about Privilege to

legislators
GS Paper II-Indian Polity Prelims What is the procedure to arrest a MP in
"Youtube: DNA 23.9.2023" India?
In Civil Cases
Parliamentary Privileges ● In civil cases, they have freedom from arrest
● Rights and immunities enjoyed by members during the continuance of the House and 40
of Parliament. days before its commencement and 40 days
● Individually and collectively after its conclusion, as per section 135 of
Purpose-So that they can “effectively discharge the Code of Civil Procedure.
their functions” In Criminal Cases
● Parliamentary privileges are defined in Article ● If Parliament is not in session, a
105 of the Indian Constitution and those of Legislature/cabinet minister can be
State legislatures in Article 194. arrested by a law enforcement agency in case
What kind of rights and immunities are enjoyed of a criminal case registered against him.
by the legislatures? ● As per Section 22 A of the Rules of
● Freedom of Speech-No member can be taken Procedures and Conduct of Business of the
to explain their statement anywhere outside the Rajya Sabha, the Police, Judge or Magistrate
four walls of the House (eg Court) would, however, have to intimate the
● Freedom from Arrest-no member shall be Chairman of the Rajya Sabha about the
arrested in a civil case 40 days before and after reason for the arrest, the place of detention
the adjournment of the House or imprisonment in an appropriate form.
● Exemption from attendance as witnesses: No arrest, whether of a member or of a stranger,
The members of Parliament also enjoy can be made within the premises of the House
freedom from attendance as witnesses in any without the prior permission of the
court of law. Chairman/Speaker and that too in accordance
● Right to punish members and outsiders for with the procedure laid down by the Home
breach of its privileges Ministry in this regard.

Prevention of Corruption Act 1988) to MPs

who took bribes and voted to save the then
Congress government in Parliament.
Keshava Singh Case (1965)
● In the matters of privileges stated under the
Constitution of India, the house will be
considered as the sole and exclusive judge.
● But if any such privilege is not mentioned in
the Constitution of India, then it’s the Court
who has to decide upon it.

Privilege motion
● If there is a belief that such a privilege has
been breached, a motion can be raised by
any member.
● It can be admitted by the Chairman.
● They can then refer it to the Privileges
Committee.
The right to raise a question of privilege is
based on satisfying two conditions, namely:
a. the question shall be restricted to a specific Recent issues
matter of recent occurrence, and ● Recently, the matter came up in another case
b. the matter requires the intervention of the related to bribery charges against JMM MLA
Council. Sita Soren, who was accused of having
accepted a bribe to vote for an independent
candidate in the 2012 Rajya Sabha
elections.
● The matter was first taken up HC and then in
SC.
● Ultimately the matter has been taken up by
5-judge Constitutional bench presided by
CJI.
View of the the Constitutional bench
● The bench will revisit its view in P.V.
Narsimha Rao Case (1998).
● SC view -The object of Articles 105(2) and
194(2) is not to set apart the members of the
Legislature as persons who wield immunity
SC judgements on Privileges and from the application of the general criminal
Immunities law of the land.
P.V. Narsimha Rao Case (1998): ● It is to give freedom of speech and
● Issues- Bribe taking for voting/not voting expression to the legislators to act in
should be protected or not under Parliamentary independent manner.
privileges?
● The Supreme court (by a 3:2 majority)
granted immunity from prosecution (under the

13. Provisions of Nari Shakti ● The Unique Identification Authority of India

(UIDAI) is a statutory authority established
Vandan Adhiniyam 2023 in 2016
GS Paper II-Governance Prelims ● It is identity of residentship but not
"Youtube: DNA 25.9.2023" citizenship.
● Proof given by the resident but not proper
Context mechanism to verify the document.
● Parliament passed Nari Shakti Vandan ● Doesn’t contain other details like DL, PAN etc
Adhiniyam 2023 with more than 2/3rd
majority.
Key Provisions of the law-
1. Inserted new Articles to the constitution
● Article 330A- Reserves 33% seats for
women in Lok Sabha
● Article 332A-Reserves 33% seats for
women in State Legislative Assembly Significance of Aadhar Card
● Article 239AA-Reserving seats for women ● Aadhar is being used as a mechanism to
in legislative assembly of NCT of Delhi implement government welfare schemes by
2. Sub-reservation using JAM trinity.
● For SC and ST women candidates JAM trinity
3. Duration ● JAM (short for Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile)
● Initially for 15 years from commencement trinity refers to the government of India
of the act initiative to link Jan Dhan accounts, mobile
4. Enforcement numbers and Aadhaar cards of Indians to
● Implementation after the completion of plug the leakages of government welfare
delimitation process based on first scheme.
census conducted after the bill passage. Example of JAM trinity
● 765.30 million Indians had linked Aadhaar
with ration card to avail ration through
Public Distribution System.
● Over 280 million residents linked Aadhaar
with cooking gas connection for LPG
subsidy through PAHAL.
● 100 percent of farmer-beneficiaries under
PM Kisan Yojna are connected via Aadhaar.

14. Aadhaar biometrics and its

reliability
GS Paper II-Governance Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 27.9.2023"

Aadhar Card
● Aadhar is a 12-digit unique identification
(UID) number (Aadhaar) to all the residents of
India.
● Aadhaar is regulated under UIDAI act.
UIDAI

Issues with Aadhar

Privacy
● Since an individual is required to give her
biometric details like- Iris Scan and Thumb
impression, there is chance of leakage of
the data and thus breach of privacy.
Government response
● Data will be stored in secured system and The government has rejected the claims.
will be accessed by the government only on ● “A certain investor service has, without citing
direction of District Court (or above) of a any evidence or basis, made sweeping
Joint Secretary level officer (o above). assertions against Aadhaar, the most
SC trusted digital ID in the world,”
● Aadhaar is not compulsory for citizens. ● The government also said that international
● Aadhaar not necessary for essential agencies such as the IMF and World Bank
services. have “lauded the role of Aadhaar”. “
But the problem is without Aadhar a person will
not be able to avail benefits of many government Mains Practice question
schemes. Q. Aadhar brings solution and new ways to
Reliability implement welfare schemes. But it is also
● If the technology is not reliable, it might result fraught with some concerns. Discuss.
in people not receiving various subsidies
from the government that they are entitled to. 15. Substantial imitation or
● The consequences o
● For instance, there are documented cases in Passing off
Jharkhand of starvation deaths linked to GS Paper II-Governance Prelims
Aadhar biometrics failing and people "Youtube: DNA 27.9.2023"
consequently not being able to receive
rations from the PDS. What is Intellectual Property?
Intellectual Property- It is a category of property
Current news? that is intangible in nature. It is creation of mind.
● Global rating major Moody’s Investors It includes-
Service has released a report titled 1. Literary works like songs, books etc protected
“Decentralized Finance and Digital under Copyrights
Assets”. Moody has raised some 2. Logo protected under Trademarks
concerns over Aadhar such as: 3. Technological innovations protected under
1. Biometric issues Patents
● Aadhar often results in service denials and Patents
the reliability of biometric technologies ● It allows you to prevent others from using
especially for manual laborers in hot, your invention for commercial purposes.
humid climates, is questionable. ● Patent rights are given to promote
● Last year, in a report, the CAG said that innovations by protecting the commercial
there are issues of data-matching, errors in interest of innovators.
authentication Other intellectual property includes-Industrial
2. Centralized Identification system designs, Geographical indications (GI) and
● Aadhaar is a centralized identification Trade secrets.
system. This leads to the concentration of
sensitive information with specific entities
and increases the risks of data breaches.
Hence, that’s why Moody has favoured
adoption of decentralized ID (DID)
systems.

If someone has to make commercial use of a

patented Technology he must pay royalty to
the innovator
Governing regulations
Global level
● The Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of
Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS)
● Formulated at WTO.
● It establishes minimum standards for the
regulation by national governments of
different forms of IP.
National level
● The Trade Marks Act 1999,
● The Patents Act 1970 (amended in 2005),
● The Copyright Act 1957,
● The Designs Act 2000,
● The GI of Goods (Registration and
Protection) Act 1999, etc.

Current news?
● The Delhi High Court has issued summons
to an Instagram account called People of
India (POI), in a copyright infringement suit
filed by the storytelling platform Humans of
Bombay (HOB).
● Besides copyright infringement, HOB’s plea
said that the similarities between the infringing
content and its own amounted to “passing off
and unfair competition”.
“Passing off”
● Suppose a brand logo is misspelt in a way
16. Personality rights
that is not easy for the consumer to discern. GS Paper II-Governance Prelims
● In such cases, the infringing products need "Youtube: DNA 28.9.2023"
not be identical.
What are Personality Rights?
● Personality rights refer to the right of a person
to protect his/her personality under the right
to privacy or property.
● These rights are important to celebrities as
their names, photographs or even voices
can easily be misused in various
advertisements by different companies to
boost their sales.

● Therefore, it is necessary for renowned

personalities/celebrities to register their 17. POCSO Act
names to save their personality rights. GS Paper II-Governance Prelims
Personality rights consist of two types of rights: "Youtube: DNA 30.9.2023"
1. The right of publicity
● It includes the right to keep one’s image Protection of Children against Sexual
and likeness from being commercially Offence (POCSO) Act, 2012
exploited without permission or contractual ● “Children” according to the Act are individuals
compensation. aged below 18 years.
2. The right to privacy ● The Act is gender neutral.
● the right to not have one’s personality ● Not limited to sexual harassment but also
represented publicly without involves including children in pornography.
permission. ● Aggravated crime- when the child is mentally
ill. Also when the abuse is committed by the
person in a position of trust such as doctor,
teacher, policeman, family member.
● Investigation process as child-friendly as
possible
● POCSO e- Box- For online complaint
Personality Rights protection in India ● Punishment- Up to death sentence
● The closest statute to protect personality As per NCRB
rights is Article 21 of the Constitution of India
under rights to privacy and publicity.
● The Indian Trademarks Act, 1999 also
protects personal rights under Section 14,
which restricts the use of personal names
and representations.
Current case
● In its interim order, the Delhi High Court has
restricted third parties from utilising in any
manner Anil Kapoor's name, likeness,
voice, or any other aspect of his persona to
create any merchandise, ring tones, ring-back
tones or any other use of his name, likeness,
image, etc, by use of tools like AI, face
morphing.

POCSO law is in line with UN Convention on

the Rights of the Child to which India is also a
party.
POCSO (Amendment) Act 2019
● The act was amended in 2019.
New provisions added
● The Act also makes it mandatory to report
such cases.
● It makes it the legal duty of a person aware
of the offence to report the sexual abuse.
● In case he fails to do so, the person can be
punished with six months imprisonment or
fine.

● It also prescribes punishment to the people Issues with POCSO Act

who traffic children for sexual purposes. Law Commission report
● The Act also provides for punishment against ● The Law Commission has recommended the
false complaints or untrue information. government to retain the existing age of
consent under the Protection of Children
from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, noting
that reducing it might have damaging
effects on fighting child marriage and child
trafficking.
● The panel further advised the Law Ministry to
introduce guided judicial discretion in the
matter of sentencing in cases involving tacit
approval of children in the 16-18 age
bracket.
Note- Assam government started crackdown
against child marriage by applying POCSO Act
only.
Q. Critically analyse key provisions of the
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences
(POCSO) Act. 15 marks/200-250 words
Hints
● NCRB-1 in 4 girl/1 in 6 boys face sexual
abuse before 18 years of age.
● A 2013 survey conducted by UNICEF
states that almost 42% of Indian girls
experience sexual violence before they are
teenagers.
Considering gravity of the crime-government
Issues with POCSO Act enacted POCSO act 2012.
● Consensual act of sex between two ● Mention key provisions of the act.
individual (where one is above 18 and other is Concerns with the act:-
below 18) is also considered as an act of child 1. The issue of age of consent has generated
sex abuse. some controversy. The implication of this
● In such cases a case under POCSO act is law is not clear in cases where both parties
registered against the person who is above are below 18 years.
18. 2. Age covers only physical age but mental
● To address this issue Law Commission age is not covered. The sexual assault
investigated about rationality of reducing case of a cerebral palsy patient in front of
consensual age for sex from 18 years to 16 SC shows this dilemma.
years. 3. Low awareness
4. Victimization in case of act of consensual
sex.
What can be done?
● Sex education at school level in pragmatic
manner.
● All those dealing with children including
teachers and doctors should be trained
how to detect and deal with the cases they
encounter.

International Relations
18. Military coup in Gabon
GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 1.9.2023"

Current development
● The Military seized power in the West
African country of Gabon.
● The coup was announced on national TV
minutes after election results handed
President Ali Bongo his third consecutive
term in power.
● After the army deposed him in a coup and
put him under house arrest.

Why series of coup?

● All these countries were having economic
problems in form of inflation,
unemployment etc.
● People were frustrated due to
misgovernance.
● Almost all of these countries were having a
unique political structure known as
‘democratic dictators’.
‘Democratic dictators’
● Let's take example of Gabon-
● One family to which Ali Bongo belonged has
ruled for about 50 years.
● Ali Bongo was elected for third consecutive
term.
● This hints of rigging in elections (money and
muscle power).

Domino effect in West Africa

● The Military coup in the West African country
of Gabon, making it the eighth former French
Colony in the region to see a coup d’etat
since 2020.

● Ali Bongo asked his supporters to make

noise in his support.

● However, the crowds that have thronged the 19. Tibetan Democracy Day
streets have instead celebrated the coup.
GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
How few families were able to get hold of "Youtube: DNA 4.9.2023"
power?
● All these countries are were former colonies Context
of France. ● Tibetan Democracy Day was marked with the
● France while evacuating these territories inauguration of the Tibetan government-in-
ensured that those families that held exile in Dharamshala on September 2.
allegiance to France stays in power. Tibet government in exile
● This arrangement was done to ensure that ● Till 1950 Tibet was independent.
France keeps on benefiting from the natural ● In 1950 China attacked Tibet and acquired it.
reserves of West Africa, one reason behind ● China acquired Tibet and conducted
economic challenges faced by these atrocities on Tibet monks like Forced
countries. abortion, sterilisation of Tibetan women,
● Earlier any attempt of coup were thwarted by and the transfer of low-income Chinese
French forces stationed in West Africa. citizens threaten the survival of Tibetan
● But now since people sentiments are turned culture.
completely against French intervention, it ● Dalai Lama fled to India and established a seat
has become difficult for France to maintain its in Dharamsala in 1959.
hold in the region. ● This is one reason behind India - China 1962
war.

Why refuge to Dalai Lama became a bone

of contention?
Mali ● Because China found it violation of
● driven out French troops and cut diplomatic Panchsheel agreement between India and
ties with France. China.
● It has also changed the official language Panchsheel agreement 1954
from French in favor of Malian national ● Signed between India and China - It a set of
languages, Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence.
Senegal 1. Peaceful co-existence
● French business interests have been attacked. 2. Mutual respect for each other’s territorial
Niger integrity and sovereignty
● the French ambassador has been ordered 3. Mutual non-interference
to leave the country. 4. Mutual non-aggression
5. Equality and mutual benefit
Apart from these 5 principles India accepted
China’s sovereignty over Tibet. India hoped that
it will help in building good ties with China.

But many strategic experts believe that Penpa Tsering, CTA runs seven departments:
acceptance of China's sovereignty over Tibet Religion and Culture, Home, Finance etc
was big strategic mistake of Nehruvian foreign ● Tibetan refugees across the world recognise
policy. Many experts believe that disputed status the CTA as their legitimate government.
of Tibet would have helped India to avoid a direct What is India’s official policy towards the CTA?
border tensions against China. ● India considers the Dalai Lama as a revered
religious leader and an honoured guest, but
it does not encourage political activities by
Tibetans. It “does not recognise any separate
government of Tibet functioning in India
● Infact CTA is not officially recognised by any
country.

Tibet as a buffer state between India and China

could have avoided direct conflict
Tibet Government in exile
● A government in exile is the one who has no
control over its own territories.
● It claims to be legitimate government and
operates from some other place.
● On September 2, 1960, a year after
thousands of Tibetans had been forced to Recent developments
flee their home, the first elected ● Recently China released a map showing
representatives of the Tibetan Parliament-in- north-eastern Arunachal Pradesh state and
exile took their oaths in Bodh Gaya to the disputed Aksai Chin plateau as China's
inaugurate the Tibetan democratic system. territory.
● Dalai Lama established Tibet Government in ● Some experts argue that India can retaliate by
Exile in 1963. going back on Panchsheel and treat Tibet as
● In practice Tibetan government-in-exile in an autonomous, sovereign region.
Dharamshala is considered as legal ● This may lead to more direct confrontations
government by 1 lakh Tibetan refugees with China.
across the world.
● Administration is managed by Central
Tibetan Administration (CTA).
● In 1975, Kashag, the apex body of CTA,
declared September 2 as the founding day of
Tibetan democracy.

How does the CTA, the Tibetan

government-in-exile, work?
● The CTA, which is based in Dharamshala in
Himachal Pradesh, has a branch office in
every Tibetan settlement spread across India
and abroad. Under its incumbent President,

20. ASEAN and East Asia East Asia Summit is ASEAN + 8 members
(Australia, China, Japan, India, New Zealand, the
Summit Republic of Korea, Russia and the United States)
GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims Current context
"Youtube: DNA 6.9.2023" ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed to
Jakarta for the ASEAN and East Asia
ASEAN summit.
● The Association of Southeast Asian Nations ● Given that the G20 summit follows shortly
(ASEAN) is an international organisation after the ASEAN summit, it will be a short visit
that has 10 member countries in Southeast of 2 days.
Asia: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos,
Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
● Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia
● History: It was formed in 1967

21. Myanmar barred from

leading ASEAN in 2026
Brief History of India ASEAN relations GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
● Till 1991 USSR was India's major trading "Youtube: DNA 6.9.2023"
partner.
● But after disintegration of USSR India look for Background
or other trading partners. Myanmar
● Thus in 1992 under Prime Ministership of PV ● A Southeast Asian Country.
Narasimha Rao India started Look East Military coup in 2021
Policy- To promote trade with Southeast ● National League for Democracy Party’s rule
Asian countries. under leadership of Aung San Suu Kyi was
● This was the beginning of India ASEAN ended as a result of military coup by Military
relations (leading to 30 years of India Junta (A military junta is a government led
ASEAN relations). by a committee of military leaders).
● In 2014 Look East Policy was upgraded in to ● Since then a civil war like situation prevails in
Act East Policy to add strategic dimensions Myanmar between Army and civilian
in India ASEAN relations. protesters.

Current context 22. 100 years of Interpol

● ASEAN leaders decided that Myanmar won't GS Paper II-International Institutions Prelims
take over the rotating leadership of their "Youtube: DNA 8.9.2023"
regional bloc as scheduled in 2026.
● The Philippines agreed to take over the Interpol
regional bloc’s chairmanship in 2026 at an ● The International Criminal Police
ASEAN summit hosted by Indonesia. Organisation, or Interpol, is a 195-member
● The ASEAN leadership was taken away from intergovernmental organisation
Myanmar to show disagreement with military headquartered in Lyon, France.
rule in Myanmar and induce Myanmar to ● It was formed in 1923.
reinstate democracy. ● India joined the organisation in 1949, and is
one of its oldest members.
What does Interpol do?
● The Interpol basically connects police across
the world.
● The agency is focused on several key areas
of crime – Terrorism Sexual abuse of
children and child pornography Organized
crime International fugitives.
Funding –
● Most of Interpol's funding comes from the
.
member countries themselves.
How to conclude if a question comes on
implications for India due to return of Military
junta rule in Myanmar?
● With the return to military rule and the
arrest of political leadership in Myanmar,
the tightrope between idealism and
realpolitik for New Delhi is back. Structure of Interpol
Q. In lig ht of India's dual interests in promoting ● The President of Interpol is elected by the
democracy and ensuring regional security, General Assembly of Interpol and holds
how can India effectively balance its policies office for four years.
towards Myanmar? 10 marks/150 words ● CBI assumes this role of liasoning with
Hints Interpol in India.
● India has been walking on tightrope on
Current news
balancing national interest and restoration
● This week INTERPOL commemorated its
of democracy in Myanmar.
100th anniversary.
● Democracy in the neighbourhood ensures
peace and stability.
● Currently Myanmar is marked with military
rule facing civilian protest and civil war.
Challenges for India
● Refugee crisis in India
● Growing China’s influence
● Security issues- Insurgency in NE ULFA +
Junta nexus as per reports
Options available with India
● Balanced ties with current government
● Look for institutional support to democracy
through ASEAN or UNSC
Sooner the civil war in Myanmar ends better for
India and especially for NE states.

23. G20 summit Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa,

Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United
GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims States) and the European Union.
"Youtube: DNA 9.9.2023" These members represent-
Current context 1. 85 percent of the global GDP
● The G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held in New 2. 75 percent of global trade
Delhi on September 9-10. 3. Two-thirds of the world population
● This will be culmination of India’s year-long
presidency of the G20.
● The summit will be concluded with the
adoption of a G20 Leaders’ Declaration.

When did the G20 come into being?

● The Soviet Union fell in 1991, bringing an end
to the Cold War.
● At the same time, vibrant economies were
emerging in the Global South, in countries
such as Brazil, China and India.
● It was in this context that a need for reform
emerged in global governance and
international institutions.
● In 1997, the Asian financial crisis ripped
through some of the fastest-growing
economies in East Asia.
● It was in the context of this crisis that the G22,
G20’s earliest iteration, was set up in 1998 as
one time meeting.
● It was in late 1999 that the G20, with its current
composition, was finally founded as an
informal forum for Finance Ministers and
Central Bank Governors of its members to
meet annually.

What is the G20 and what does it do?

● The G20, or the Group of Twenty, comprises
19 countries (Argentina, Australia, Brazil,
Canada, China, France, Germany, India,
Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea,

When did the G20 Leaders’ Summit begin?

● Between 1999 and 2008, the G20 operated How does the G20 work?
mostly outside the public eye. While annual ● G20 is an informal grouping.
meetings were held, they were not the big deal ● This means
they are today. The global financial crisis of 1. Unlike the United Nations (UN), it does not
2008 would, however, catapult G20 to its have a permanent secretariat or staff.
present status. As the world reeled from the Rather, the G20 presidency rotates annually
greatest economic crisis to hit since the among the members.
Great Depression (1929-39), France, which 2. Chairing nation is responsible for bringing
held the EU presidency at the time, argued for together the G20 agenda, organising its
an emergency summit meeting to address the workings and hosting summits.
crisis. 3. The decisions of the G20 are important, they
● The first G20 Leaders’ Summit was do not get implemented automatically.
convened in Washington DC in November Rather, the G20 is a forum where leaders
2008. discuss various issues and make
● In addition to the leaders of its 20 members, the pronouncements, which signals their
heads of the IMF, the World Bank and the intentions. Then, they are implemented by
United Nations were invited. relevant nations or international
● Annual summits have been held ever since. organisations.
For example- If the G20 makes a
pronouncement on trade, the actual
implementation of the pronouncement will be done
by an organisation such as the World Trade
Organization (WTO).
● The presidency of the G20 rotates every
year among members, and the country
holding the presidency, together with the
previous and next presidency-holder, forms
the ‘Troika’ to ensure continuity of the G20
agenda.
● During India’s presidency, India, Indonesia
and Brazil will form the troika.

How is the G20 presidency determined? because of which India has always believed in
● The G20 presidency is rotated among its global harmony.
members who (except the EU) are divided into ● The lotus flower symbolises our Puranic
5 groups. heritage, our aastha (belief) and boddhikta
● The presidency rotates from group to group. (intellectualism).
● However, each country within a group is
eligible for presidency when it is their
group’s turn.
● Thus, the countries in the eligible group
negotiate among themselves to determine
the group’s presidency.

Who is invited to this year’s G20 Summit?

● In addition to the member countries, each
year, the G20 president invites guest Q. Essay- G20 and its significance
countries to participate in the G20 meetings At Least write 500 to 600 words
and the Summit.
● This year, India has invited Bangladesh, 24. G20 New Delhi Leaders’
Egypt, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Declaration
Oman, Singapore, Spain and UAE as guest
GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
countries during its G20 presidency.
"Youtube: DNA 11.9.2023"

Context
● G20 leaders summit was held in New Delhi
on 9th and 10th September.
● The leaders at India’s G20 Summit 2023
arrived at a joint communique — called the
G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration.
G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration
● It starts with a preamble, and then has 10
chapters, and ends with a conclusion.

G20 logo for year 2023

● The logo bears a lotus and the message of
‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — One Earth,
One Family, One Future’.
Significance of the G20 logo
● The lotus is a symbol of hope.
● The seven petals of the lotus in the logo
represent the seven continents.
● The logo reflects our idea of Vasudhaiva
Kutumbakam (the whole earth is a family),

Highlights of New Delhi Leaders’

Declaration
Action Plan against Fugitive Economic
Offenders
● It vows to implement the Action Plan against
Fugitive Economic Offenders that will help
strengthen international cooperation and
information sharing.
Multilateral Institutions for the 21st Century
● reform of the UN Security Council was
agreed to for the first time in the G20
Technological Transformation & Digital Public
Infrastructure
● This chapter contains elements of building
digital public infrastructure, crypto-assets,
and harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI)
responsibly.
● The G20 leaders agreed on a G20 framework
for digital public infrastructure and Global
Digital Public Infrastructure Repository
(GDPIR).
● Consensus around creating a global
regulatory framework for crypto-assets.

Highlights of New Delhi Leaders’

Declaration
On Ukraine
● The Russia-Ukraine paragraphs did not
condemn Russia for its actions, nor did it call
it an aggression.
The resolution read-
● There should be peaceful resolution to the
crisis through dialogue and diplomacy.
● Today’s era must not be of war.
Difference from Bali declaration last year
● The declaration issued at the G20's Bali
Highlights of New Delhi Leaders’
summit last November had deplored in the
strongest terms the Russian aggression
Declaration
Gender Equality and Empowering all Women
against Ukraine
and Girls
● Under India’s G20 Presidency, a decision to
create a full-fledged working group on
women’s empowerment has been made.
On Countering Terrorism and Money
Laundering
● It contains a strong condemnation of
terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
G20 becomes G21

● India’s G20 Presidency has paved the way for ●The project is part of the Partnership for
the African Union’s permanent membership Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII).
in the G20. What is PGII?
● PGII is a collaborative effort by G7
nations to fund infrastructure projects in
developing nations.
Strategic significance of the project
● The project aims to counter China's Belt and
Road Initiative (BRI).
● The projects include India, the UAE, Saudi
Arabia, the European Union, France, Italy,
Germany and the US.
● African Union’s is a group of 55 countries. ● It will establish a modern-day Spice Route to
India’s engagement with Africa vis-a-vis China bind regions that account for about a third of
● India’s structured outreach to Africa began in the global economy.
2008. ● BRI of China aims to revive ancient Silk route.
● But held its outreach in 2000. The Forum on ● This project comes at a time when Saudi
China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) process Arabia and the UAE, both old allies of US,
began in 2000. have been strengthening their ties with
China.
25. India-Middle East-Europe Note-China has also boosted ties with the
mega economic corridor Middle East of late, helping to broker a deal
between Saudi Arabia and Iran earlier this year.
GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 11.9.2023"

Current news?
● PM Modi announced the launch of the India-
Middle East-Europe mega economic
corridor on the sidelines of the G20 summit.
● The corridor will include a rail link as well as
an electricity cable, a hydrogen pipeline and
a high-speed data cable.
● The proposed project would link railway and
port facilities across the Middle East —
including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi
Arabia, Jordan and Israel.
● This would speed up trade between India and
Europe by up to 40 percent.
● This project is also called as a green and
digital bridge across continents and
civilizations.

The corridor will consist of two separate corridors

— the Eastern Corridor, connecting India to
West Asia/Middle East, and the Northern
Corridor, connecting West Asia/Middle East to
Europe.

Mains Practice Question ● MBS stayed back after the Summit for a State
Q. Explains what is recently announced India- Visit, and co-chaired with Modi the first meeting
Middle East-Europe mega economic corridor of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic
and its significance for India. Partnership Council.
Hints ● The two sides signed eight agreements,
● India-Middle East-Europe mega economic including on upgrading their hydrocarbon
corridor is infrastructure project announced energy partnership to a comprehensive
on the sidelines of G20 summit in India. energy partnership for renewable, petroleum
● Aims to reshape the trade route between and strategic reserves.
the Gulf, Europe and South Asia,
connecting them by rail sea links,electricity
cable and hydrogen pipeline.
● Countries involved: India, US, UAE, Saudi
Arabia, European Union (EU), Italy, France
and Germany.
● Draw map
● The corridor will consist of two separate
corridors — the Eastern Corridor,
connecting India to West Asia/Middle East,
and the Northern Corridor, connecting
West Asia/Middle East to Europe.
Significance
1. Counter China’s influence in West Asia
2. Connectivity to Afghanistan (denied by Pillars of the relationship
Pakistan so far) - through the Eastern For India, there are four key elements of the
Corridor of the project. strategic ties with Saudi Arabia:
3. The corridor will safeguard regional supply 1. Economic Ties
chains, boost trade accessibility-speed up ● Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth-largest trade
trade between India and Europe by up to partner.
40 percent. ● Bilateral trade in FY 2022-23 was valued at
4. reduce greenhouse gas emissions, leading $52.76 billion.
to a radical integration of Asia, Europe, and 2. Energy Cooperation
the Middle East. ● Saudi Arabia is a key partner for ensuring
Conclusion - Mention with time other Asian and India’s energy security, and was its third
African countries my join and they may no longer largest crude and petroleum products
need to remain dependent on China for infra source for FY23.
development and become victim of China’s debt ● India’s LPG imports from Saudi Arabia
trap diplomacy. stood at 7.85 MMT, and 11.2% of its total
petroleum product imports, in FY 23.

26. Importance of Saudi

Arabia for India
GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 15.9.2023"

Current context
● Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited New
Delhi for the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
● On the sidelines of G20 summit Prince
Mohammed bin Salman with Prime Minister 3. Counter terrorism
Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden, ● Saudi Arabia’s status as a religious and
announced the India-Middle East-Europe conservative society has its roots in the
Economic Corridor. 18th-century alliance of religion and state

between the first Al Saud king, Muhammad

bin Saud, and the Muslim reformer
Muhammad Abdul Wahhab.
● About 60–70 per cent of the Saudi people
are conservatives, who do not want the
change or reforms that the government
has been attempting.
● Saudi Civil society is economically
prosperous and due to their orthodox
outlook often fund radical Islamic
organization like Taliban.
● Strong ties with Saudi government will help
India to prevent any cross border radical
Islamic

Q. Saudi Arabia is one of the most important

partner in India’s extended neighbourhood.
Evaluate.
India and Saudi Arabia relations is rooted in strong
historical and civilisational links.
Importance of Saudi Arabia for India
1. Counter-terrorism: India needs Saudi
Arabia to support India’s efforts against
terrorism emanating from Pakistan.
2. Energy: Saudi Arabia is a major source of
of crude oil and LPG requirements of India.
3. Cultural: The Saudi Kingdom facilitates Hajj
pilgrimage to over 1,75,000 Indians every
year.
4. Investment: Saudi has one of the largest
Sovereign Fund in the World. It is an
important nation to invest fund in India
particularly in National Infrastructure and
Investment fund (NIIF). India needs fund
for its infrastructure sector.
5. Strategic significance: Saudi is
geographically located near Strait of
4. Defence Partnership Hormuz. This is world’s most important oil
● There is extensive naval cooperation artery and strategically important for India’s
between India and Saudi Arabia. energy security.
● Bilateral naval exercise, Al Mohed al Hindi, Considering the potential benefits the two sides
have been concluded so far. have agreed to Riyadh Declaration of 2010 had
● Agreement for joint development and forged a Strategic Partnership between India and
production of defence equipment. Saudi Arabia.
5. Indian Diaspora 27. India-Canada relations
● The Indian community in the kingdom is
more than 2.4 million strong, widely strained
respected for its contribution to the GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
development of Saudi Arabia, and seen as a "Youtube: DNA 20.9.2023"
living bridge between the two countries.
Khalistan Movement

● Khalistan movement pertains to the demand

of separate Sikh country that would mainly
include the current state of Punjab of India.
● Pakistan fuelled the movement by arms and
fund support in order to destabilise India.
● One such orthodox Sikh leader
Bhindranwale was turning face of the
movement in 1980’s.
● Bhindranwale and his supporters were
stationed in Golden temple.

Indira Gandhi assassination

● 4 Angered Sikh bodyguards of Indira Gandhi
killed her on 31st October 1984.
● Following this anti Sikh riots spread in India.
● More than 4,000 Sikhs killed in India.
● This further angered Sikhs.
● They started to strongly demand separate
country Khalistan.
● Punjab CM Beant Singh was also killed.
● Manifold extremist groups like the Khalistan
Liberation Force, Khalistan Commando
Force, Babbar Khalsa and umpteen others
gained prominence and roamed around
freely across Punjab.

Sikh sentiment hurt

Khalistan movement slowed down
● From Golden Temple Bhindranwale
● At the present, Khalistan movement is a
conducted terrorist strikes in India and
dormant movement in India.
demanded Khalistan.
● It does not hold much traction in the urban or
● Thus on 5th June 1984 Indian Army
local populace of Punjab. .
launched operation Bluestar that killed
● But the movement gets ideological support
Bhindranwale.
from Sikhs living in Canada, UK or USA.
● During Operation Bluestar firing happened at
● They pump money, ideological support to the
Akal Takht.
struggle, ISI of Pakistan is still pumping
● Akal Takht is seat of Adi Granth- eternal Guru
money and effort in reviving the movement.
of Sikhs.
● Naturally Sikh sentiment got hurt.

History of Canada and Khalistan movement

1. Establishment of Khalistan Office:
● Surjan Singh Gill established the ‘Khalistan
government in exile’ office in Vancouver in
1982, issuing Khalistani passports and
currency.
2. Militancy’s Impact Current developments
● Rise of groups like Babbar Khalsa ● Canada’ Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
Note-The Babbar Khalsa orchestrated the made an allegation of a potential link between
bombing of Air India 1985, resulting in 331 civilian agents of the Government of India and the
deaths. killing of a pro-Khalistan leader and
Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Current situation in Canada

● Canada’s Sikh community, constituting
approximately 2 percent of the population,
has gained significant political influence.
● This is evident through the election of Sikh
Members of Parliament and their active
involvement in Canadian politics. Current developments
● Thus the government of Canada keeps a soft ● At the G20 earlier this month, India expressed
corner for the Khalistan supporters. “strong concerns about continuing anti-India
Note - Not all Sikhs staying in Canada support activities of extremist elements in Canada”.
Khalistan movement. ● Still Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau accused
India of killing of a Khalistan leader.
● India expels ‘senior Canadian diplomat’ in
response to Trudeau govt action.
● Canada also expelled a senior Indian
diplomat for his alleged involvement in the
killing of pro-Khalistan leader and Canadian
citizen Nijjar.

● This has taken India Canada relations to a ● In 1990s, Azerbaijan’s troops were pushed
great low. out of the region following a war.
● Since then, these ethnic Armenians have
been in administrative control of Nagorno-
Karabakh, with support from Armenia.
● And thus often these two countries start
fighting for control of this region.

28. Nagorno-Karabakh region

GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 20.9.2023"

Background
● Armenia, Azerbaijan are two important
Caucasian countries
Note - The Caucasus is a region between the
Black Sea and the Caspian Sea and mainly
occupied by Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and
south western Russia.
● Armenia and Azerbaijan are hostile to
each other.
Reasons for hostility-
1. Religious conflict- Armenia is a
Christian country while Azerbaijan is an
Islamic country.
2. Territorial conflict- Both countries have
territorial conflict regarding Nagorno
Karabakh region.

India’s stand on the issue

● A country’s foreign policy is guided by its
national interest.
● To understand India’s stand we need to first
Nagorno-Karabakh region issue see India’s interest from the region.
Nagorno-Karabakh region 1. Economic interest
● It is internationally recognised as part of ● ONGC/OVL has made investments in an
Azerbaijan. oilfield project in Azerbaijan and GAIL is
● But more than 95% population ethnically exploring the possibilities of cooperation in
belongs to Armenia. LNG.
● And this region is practically under control of ● Azerbaijan also falls on the International
Armenia. North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)

route, connecting India with Russia through Current issues

Central Asia. ● Time and again the two countries start
conflicting each other for the region.
● Azerbaijan has launched military
operation "seemingly to retake
Armenian-populated Karabakh in its
entirety".
● The rise in the conflict will again require
India take calibrated stand.

2. Strategic interest
● Armenia extends its unequivocal support
Mains Practice Question
to India on Kashmir issue.
Q. Discuss the core issues behind Nagorno-
● Azerbaijan promotes Pakistan’s
Karabakh conflict and India’s stand on the
narrative on this issue.
3. Territorial interest issue.
150 words/10 marks
● Azerbaijan equates Nagorno-Karabakh
region occupation by Armenia with India’s 29. Multipolar world
administration over Kashmir. GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
Clearly India’s strategic and economic interests "Youtube: DNA 25.9.2023"
are divergent on the issue. Thus India adopted a
balanced and neutral stance and pitching for a Few terminologies of International
political solution as outlined in the Madrid Relations
Principles. ● Unipolar world- Only one country and its allies
Madrid Principles enjoy dominance in the global order.
● The Madrid Principles as the basis for the ● Bipolar world- Two countries enjoy
formulation of a peace treaty between dominance in global order.
Armenia and Azerbaijan. ● Multipolar world- Many small regional powers
● These steps are also consistent with the UN enjoy say in global order and institutions like
Security Council’s 1993 resolutions, calling WTO, UN etc. Such order can also be called
for the unconditional withdrawal of Armenian democratic global order.
occupying forces from Azerbaijan.

India’s strategic vision of multipolar world

● The US and its NATO allies enjoyed
undisputed control over global order and
institutions like UN and its agencies, WTO etc
● After 1991 this dominance became stronger.

● By 21st century new regional powers Challenges between India-US relations

emerged like China, India, Brazil etc. 1. ‘Bait and Bleed’ policy of the US
● They demand restructure of global order- ● Experts believe that the US defence
multipolar world- dispersion of power. cooperation with India is aimed at using India
● China has made its position stronger- eg- as a bait to counter China.
Yuan included in IMF basket of currencies, 2. Continuous support to Pakistan
China increased influence on UN agencies ● Although US has reduced support to
by increasing its funding etc. Pakistan, it has still provided monetary
support to Pakistan. Eg Pakistan got eight
nuclear-capable F-16 fighters from the US.
3. CAATSA law of the US
● Making it difficult for India to manage its
relations with Russia and Iran.
The Baseline
1. The China factor has led to immense
support from US and its NATO allies to India.
China known as Dragon made its position 2. China factor has led to strengthening of
strong in global order India’s position in global order like entry to
India’s strategic vision of multipolar world MTCR, Australian group etc
● The rise of China has led to strengthening in 3. China factor has led to huge investment by
the Indo-US ties. the US and its allies including India.
Some of the highlights of Indo-US ties- Indian dilemma
1. 2008- Indo US nuclear deal
● It was the US only that put trade sanctions on
India after peaceful nuclear explosion in
1974 (Operation Smiling Buddha).
2. The US has emerged as one of the largest
defence supplier to India after 2010.
● The US and India have signed defence
pacts.
● 2005- Defence Framework Agreement
● 2015- Upgraded to DTTI- Defence
Technology and Trade Initiatives
● 2016- The US declared India as its Major
Defence Partner
● 2018- India put Strategic Trade Authorisation Special equation of India-US - China
- 1 (STA-1) list - could allow high-technology
dual-use exports to India
● QUAD group, Malabar exercise

Remember some basic ideas of foreign

policy by S Jaishankar
Recent development ● The sole objective of foreign policy is to
● Recently India signed a 3 billion dollar deal preserve national interest.
with the US for High Altitude Long ● There is no permanent friend or permanent
Endurance (HALE) UAVs
enemy in international relations.

30. Nepal-China agreement What happened in 2015?

● Nepal framed and made its constitution
GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
effective in September 2015.
"Youtube: DNA 26.9.2023"
● The constitution was slightly favoring
Background Pahadis vis-a vis Madhesi interest.
● India and Nepal have historically shared ● India raised the concern with Nepali
good diplomatic ties. government.
● The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and ● Nepal misunderstood India’s suggestion for
Friendship of 1950 forms the bedrock of the protecting Madhesis interest as India’s
special relations that exist between India and attempt to interfere in the internal matters of
Nepal. Nepal.
India and Nepal are Natural allies- ● Madhesi protest against the new constitution
1. Cultural ties (many Hindu religious sites saw law and order issues in plain areas,
like Pashupatinath Temple). leading to blockade of logistical supplies of
2. Common values- respect for democracy. essentials from India.
3. People to people ties strong - open ● Nepal misunderstood it as India’s attempt to
border pressurise Nepal.
Thus it is said that India Nepal have Roti- Beti ka ● Insensitive Indian media reporting of Nepal
sambandh. earthquake disaster strengthened anti India
sentiments.

But India- Nepal relations have seen a shift

since 2015.
Politics of Nepal
● Nepal has mainly 2 types of Ethnic group-
Madhesis and Pahadis.
● Pahadis live in hilly region.
● Madhesis are people living in South of Nepal in
the region of Terai.
● They are people living close to the border of
India.
● They have cultural affinity with India.
● The Madhesis have always been
discriminated against by Pahadis.
● Pahadis support Communist party of Nepal
while Madhesis support Nepali Congress.
● Communist party of Nepal is China tilt while
Nepali Congress is considered to be close to
India. .
Watershed moment in India-Nepal relations
Developments in 2015
1. Insensitive Indian media reporting of Nepal
earthquake
2. India’s suggestion to Nepal government
about new constitution for safeguarding
Madhesis interest
3. 2015-blockade after Madhesi unrest
● These events have created anti-Indian
sentiments in Nepal.

● Now when Communist Party of Nepal is in

power, it is showing some pro-China tilt.
● Most troubling issues started in 2020-
Kalapani border disputes.
Border disputes with Nepal since 2020
● Till 2020, Nepal used Indian maps
showing Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and
Lipu Lekh in India.
● India published map showing Kalapani in
India in 2019 (similar to earlier).
● Nepal raised objections because the
Kalapani area was shown as being in India.
● In 2020, Nepal amended its constitution
to show Kalapani in Nepal for the first time. Mains Practice Question
● In all probability, Nepal brought these Q. Discuss significance of Nepal in India’s
changes on behest of China. foreign policy.
Structure- India Nepal natural allies- common
culture, common values. India Nepal friendship
treaty 1950.
Significance of Nepal -
1. India’s foreign policy - Neighbour first(
Nepal is important part of this policy).
2. Strategic- Nepal important for alienation
of Pakistan in South Asia region.
3. Security- Due to open border- criminals
enter into Nepal from India. Eg IM-terrorist
Yasin Bhatkal captured from Nepal.
4. Cultural and economic ties- Roti beti ka
sambandh.

31. End of old multilateralism

Current news GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
● Nepal has signed 12 agreements with "Youtube: DNA 9.9.2023"
China.
● This indicates further strengthening of
What is Multilateralism?
● It refers to the practice of multiple countries
Nepal-China axis.
coming together and collaborating on global
India’s reconciliation approach
issues.
● In order to counter rising influence of
● It involves engaging in dialogue,
China on Nepal India to has taken up many
negotiation, and cooperation through
developmental processes in Nepal in
international organizations, treaties, and fora.
recent times.
● Some of the multilateral fora that India is
Examples
engaged in are- The G20, United Nations,
● India builds drinking water supply
SCO, BRICS, etc.
project, library in Nepal.
● India also launched UPI in Nepal to
promote digital transactions.

3. The US actions during Donald Trump

regime
● The US withdrawal from Iran Nuclear deal
● The US withdrawal from Paris Climate deal
(US rejoined on February 19, 2021)
● The US withdrawal from the Intermediate -
Range US withdrawal from Open Skies
treaty
● Deliberate weakening of WTO by
preventing quorum of its dispute settlement
body.
4. Degrading legitimacy of UNSC-
● Blocking up of its democratic expansion.
About the article ● Misuse of veto power by P5 countries.
● The article argues the old multilateral order
in the world is weakening.
Factors behind weakening of old old
multilateral order-
1. China’s aggression
● Territorial aggression-China’s territorial
disputes with neighbouring Asian
countries, including India, Japan, the
Philippines, and Vietnam.
● Debt trap diplomacy-China’s use of its
economic power for political and strategic
gains has eroded trust among nations.
2. Russia’s invasion on Ukraine
● Russia’s expulsion from G8 reducing it to
G7 and thus weakened the group since
2014 (post Crimea annexation.

At least three people are required to preside

over an appeal. Currently, the Appellate Body is
unable to review appeals given its ongoing
vacancies.
How to use in Mains?
● Misuse of veto power by the P5 countries for
vested interest could be used as an
argument to bring reforms in UNSC
structure.
● Veto power to a select few countries has
given them complete licence to breach
international norms, peace and security.
● Such an undemocratic structure will lead to
more chaos, conflict and anarchy and
ultimately failure of UN. For example Russia
has vetoed many UNSC resolutions in recent
times to prevent it from invading Ukraine.
Other examples of politicisation of veto power-
1. Syrian Civil War

● China and Russia vetoes any resolution

brought against Bashar al Assad to stop
Syrian Civil War.
2. Israel Palestine conflict
● The US vetoes any resolution brought
against Israel for human rights violation
against Palestinians.
3. Yemen Civil war

Pakistan changed its stand on Gilgit Baltistan

region after India restructured its administration
in J&K in 2019
Why problems in Balochistan?
● Pakistan was formed on the basis of religion.
● However, skewed power relations among
the different Muslim ethnicities was almost
immediately visible.
● Punjabi landlords had an almost
unchallenged hold over Pakistan’s
bureaucracy.
● Ethnic differences were the cause of East
Pakistan breaking away in 1971 and are also
the driving force behind Baloch nationalism.
32. Balochistan province of
Pakistan
GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 30.9.2023"

Administrative units of Pakistan

● Pakistan has four provinces namely
Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab,
and Sindh.
● In 2020 Pakistan decided to elevate Gilgit-
Balochistan
● Balochistan have a shared history, language
Baltistan status to that of a full-fledged 5th
and other cultural similarities very different
province.
from Punjabis or Sindhis (dominant
community of Pakistan).
● least populated even though it is the largest
province in terms of land size.
● Balochistan is rich in natural gas and oil
(problem of plenty).
Why problems in Balochistan?
● Economic/political rights of Baloch are
neglected, which led to rise of Baloch
insurgency.
Example
● The construction of the China-backed
Gwadar Port is in some ways symptomatic of
the economic injustice faced by the Baloch
population.
● Punjabi and Sindhi engineers and technical
specialists were hired en masse for the

project, despite extremely high levels of 33. 9 dash line by China in

unemployment among the educated Baloch
population. In recent years, Baloch militants South China sea
have routinely targeted Chinese officials GS Paper II-International Relations Prelims
involved in the project. "Youtube: DNA 28.9.2023"
Recent
● As per latest reports, at least 53 have been Indo Pacific
killed and over 70 injured in a suicide blast in ● Indo Pacific is an interconnected space
Pakistan’s Balochistan province. between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific
Ocean.
● Its expanse is debated to be ranging from the
eastern shores of Africa to the western
coast of the United States
● It has huge strategic significance due to large
number of Sea Lines of Communications
moving through it.
● Strategic Significance- Something that can
be utilised to restrict/control some other
country by threatening its security.

India’s stand on Balochistan

● The Pakistani government has itself blamed
foreign actors, including India and Iran, as
fomenting trouble in the region to destabilise
the country.
● In 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi
triggered an outcry in Pakistan when he
mentioned Pakistan’s atrocities and
repression of the Baloch people in his Asia Pacific
Independence Day speech. ● The ‘Asia Pacific’ relates to that part of Asia
● He said "People of Balochistan, Gilgit and which lies in the Pacific Ocean.
PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) have ● It includes north-east Asia, south-east Asia
thanked me a lot in past few days, I am and Oceania (South Western Pacific).
grateful to them," ● Mainly structured with aim of intensifying
economic integration in the region.
● The multilateral institution that represents
the Asia Pacific region are-,
1. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
forum (APEC)
2. RCEP(Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership)
Just like New Delhi blames Islamabad of ● Both does not include India.
backing a protracted insurgent movement in its
portion of Kashmir, Pakistani authorities claim
Indian intelligence agency RAW (Research and
Analysis Wing) is aiding the Baloch
separatists.

● Control over South China sea gives

disproportionately higher strategic
advantage to choke trade flow of major
countries.
● For example- As per Ministry of External
Affairs, over 55% of India's trade passes
through South China Sea.

Basic difference
1. Indo Pacific- More of strategic significance
2. Asia Pacific- Economic significance
South China Sea
● South China Sea, Chinese Nan Hai, arm of
the western Pacific Ocean that borders the
Southeast Asian mainland. 9 dash line
● It can be considered as ‘heart of Indo-Pacific’ ● Due to strategic significance of South China
region. sea all major countries of the world are trying
● Naturally a country that control South China to increase their influence.
Sea will have higher strategic power. ● China has been asserting its claim over the
region through 9 dash line.
9 dash line
● Virtual boundary around the map of South
China sea drawn by China.
● China claims 90% of the South China sea.
● A 9 dash line is demarcated by China in
South China sea and claims that entire
territory inside 9 dash line belongs to China.
● It has set up many short and long range
missiles on islands of South China sea.
● It has established naval bases in South
China sea.
● China has created many artificial islands,
South China Sea
reefs in South China sea to strengthen its
Importance
control on South China Sea.
1. Natural reserves
● 9 dash line is clear cut violation of UNCLOS.
● There are 11 billion barrels of oil and 190
Basis for such claims by China
trillion cubic feet of natural gas in
● Historical examples eg Song Dynasty
deposits under the South China Sea,
(960-1279 AD) of China about 2000 years
according to the estimates of the United
ago controlled these regions.
States Energy Information Agency.
● Major fishing area.
● Rich in critical minerals.
2. Trade
● Estimates that over 21% of global trade,
amounting to $3.37 trillion, transited
through these waters.
3. Strategic

Disputed islands
1. Spratly Islands- Between China, Taiwan,
Malaysia, Philippines and Vietnam.
2. Paracel Islands- between China and
Vietnam.
3. Scarborough shoal- between China and
Philippines
Strategis by other ‘Powers’ to limit China’s
claims
1. The US
● The US has initiated ‘ Rebalance Asia’
policy to keep control on Indo Pacific
region
● It is building economic and military ties in
the region with influential countries like
India, Japan, Australia, South Korea to
Institutional attempt to reject China’s counter the hegemony of China in the
claims region.
● In 2016, after the Philippines took China to Some important initiatives under ‘Rebalance
an international tribunal pertaining to the Asia’ policy-
dispute over the Scarborough Shoal, an (a) Quad Group
island in South China sea. (b) Malabar Exercise
● The Permanent Court of Arbitration under 2. Russia
UNCLOS has determined that China’s claim ● Russia’s interests aligns with China’s in
in this region lacks a legal foundation. South China sea ie to curb the US
● Although the tribunal’s judgement was influence.
binding, there was no enforcement
mechanism. China boycotted the
proceedings, claiming the tribunal had no
jurisdiction and that it would ignore any
decision.
● China rejects UNCLOS- as it says it is dispute
of territories not of sea. Thus UNCLOS has no
locus standi here.
It proves 2 points-
1. In global order ‘might is right’ concept
prevails.
2. Global institutions lack enforcement
mechanism-in line with the concept of
sovereignty. (Despite rise in global
institutions like UN, WTO sovereignty
remains intact).

3. Japan and Australia

● Part of QUAD- aim to restrict China’s
influence in the region.
● Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific
(FOIP) strategy aims to limit China’s
influence in the region.
4. India
● Upgraded ‘Look East Policy’ into ‘Act
East Policy’ in 2014 with aim of strategic
convergence with ASEAN to curb China’s
influence.
● ‘Look East Policy’-Main focus was
Economy
● ‘Act East Policy’- Economy + Strategic
● Part of QUAD and Malabar exercise
● India's Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)
aims at keeping Indo Pacific ‘Free and
open Asia Pacific’.
● It indirectly condemns China’s behaviour
in South China sea.

Japan's Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)

strategy and India's Indo-Pacific Oceans
Initiative (IPOI) have strong convergence.
Both wants to keep the region free from
dominance of-
1. China- Asserting claims through 9 dash
line
2. The US- which considers the region as its
traditional zone of influence.
Mains Practice Question
Q. What are the significance of South China
Sea for India? Also explain concerns for India
in the region.
15 marks/200-250 words

Economy and Infrastructure

35. Service charge
34. GDP growth of 7.8% in Q1 GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims
GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims "Youtube: DNA 7.9.2023"
"Youtube: DNA 2.9.2023"
What are service charges?
Current news? ● They are a type of fee collected to pay for
● Growth in India’s Gross Domestic Product services associated with the purchase of the
(GDP) and the Gross Value Added (GVA) in primary product or service.
the economy sped to 7.8% in the first quarter ● It is the equivalent of what is known as gratuity
of this year. around the world, or tip, in casual parlance.
● This was revealed by the estimates released ● Most restaurants decide the service charge
by the National Statistical Office (NSO). on their own, and print it at the bottom of the
● At 7.8 per cent, India remains the fastest- menu with an asterisk.
growing major economy as China’s GDP Note-
growth in the April-June quarter was 6.3 per ● Service Charge is not mandatory for the
cent. customers to pay (as per Central
government guidelines 2017).
What can a consumer do when an eatery levies
service charge?
● The consumer may make a request to the
concerned hotel or restaurant to remove
the service charge from the bill amount.
● They may also register a complaint on the
National Consumer Helpline (NCH).
Current news?
● The Delhi High Court in an interim order
Tuesday directed members of the Federation
of Hotel and Restaurant Association of
India (FHRAI) to replace the term ‘service
charge’ with ‘staff contribution’, while adding
that the amount charged should not exceed
10% of the total bill.

Current news?
● GDP growth stood at 6.1% in the January to
March 2023 quarter and at 13.1% in the first
quarter of 2022-23.

Q2. With reference to service charge, consider

the following statements;
1. It is a fee collected to pay for services
associated with the purchase of a
primary product or service.
2. It is collected by sectors like hospitality
and food and beverages.

3. It is mandatory for a customer to pay Mobility Card (NCMC) to enable people to pay
service charge. multiple kinds of transport charges, including
Which of the statements given above is/are metro services and toll tax, across the country.
correct? Current news?
a. 1,2 only ●State Bank of India has launched its
b. 2,3 only ‘Nation First Transit Card’.
c. 1,3 only ● It is a RuPay prepaid instrument under
d. 1,2,3 all the National Common Mobility Card
(NCMC) that can be used nationwide.
36. National Common Mobility ● It is powered by RuPay and National
Card Common Mobility Card (NCMC)
GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims technology.
"Youtube: DNA 9.9.2023" RuPay Card Scheme
● RuPay is the first domestic Debit and
Background Credit Card payment network of India.
● To ensure a seamless travel across metros ● The name, derived from the words ‘Rupee
and other transport systems in addition to and ‘Payment’, emphasises that it is
retail shopping and purchases, the Ministry India’s very own initiative for Debit and
of Housing & Urban Affairs (MoHUA) came Credit Card payments.
out with the National Common Mobility Card ● The card is now accepted at all ATMs in
(NCMC) Program in 2019. India.
● NPCI was given the mandate to develop the
specifications for card & terminal to support
the NCMC ecosystem.
● Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) was roped
in for making Gates & Reader.
● The programme was named as 'One Nation
One Card' programme.

37. Global Biofuels Alliance

GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 11.9.2023"

Current news?
● The Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) was
formally launched by the Indian PM on the
sidelines of the G20 Summit in New Delhi.
Global Biofuels Alliance
● GBA is an India-led Initiative to develop an
alliance of Governments, International
organisations and Industry to facilitate
adoption of biofuels through international
cooperation.
● the initiative aims to position biofuels as a
key to energy transition and contribute to
jobs and economic growth.
In 2019 the Prime Minister has launched the
indigenously-developed National Common

2. Every year large amount of Foreign

Exchange reserve is spent on Gold import
● 10% of India's total import expenditure is
made on Gold

12 international organisations:
● World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World
Economic Forum, IEA, International Energy
Forum etc are also members
Step taken to curb investment in Gold
Ethanol blending Policy of India Gold Bond Scheme, 2015
● The 2018 Biofuel Policy has the objective of ● Objective – Goal of reducing the demand
reaching 20% ethanol by 2025. for physical gold and shifting a part of
● Currently the level of blending is upto 10%. domestic savings, used for purchase of gold,
GBA Members constitute major producers and into financial savings.
consumers of biofuels. ● Under it, bonds are denominated in units of
1. USA (52%) one gram of gold and multiples thereof.
2. Brazil (30%) ● Some nominal interest is also offered on the
3. India (3%), contribute about 85% share in gold Bond.
production and about 81% in consumption of ● After maturity the gold bond is redeemed at
ethanol. the prevailing current market price of gold.

38. Sovereign Gold Bond

scheme
GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 12.9.2023"

Negative impact of investment in Gold on

the economy
1. It is productive investment for the investor but
non-productive investment for the economy
If price of Gold goes up- the return on Bond will
also go up
● Investors have to pay the issue price in cash
and the bonds will be redeemed in cash on
maturity.
● Gold bond is as good as one gram gold
● In fact it is better than gold in few terms like
there will be no deduction of making charges
when use redeem the gold Bond, some
nominal interest is also offered on gold Bond

Current news Sovereign Gold Bond scheme

●The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently Review-
announced the issue price for the ● Despite the fact that gold Bond scheme is
upcoming Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) is more remunerative in terms of income
Tranche 2. sovereign gold Bond scheme is partially
Who can sell Gold Bonds? successful.
● People still prefer to buy physical gold as
●Scheduled Commercial banks (except mode of their investment.
Small Finance Banks and Payment Banks) Why?
● Stock Holding Corporation of India Limited 1. Gold has cultural value in India-
● Designated post offices, and recognised ● Has to be given to the daughter during
stock exchanges viz., marriage(Example Arundhati gold
● National Stock Exchange of India Limited scheme by Assam government)
and Bombay Stock Exchange Limited. ● Sign of status
Who can buy Gold bonds? ● Transferred from one generation to other
● Resident individuals, Hindu Undivided as a part of heritage.
Families, Trusts, Universities and 2. Bonds will be redeemed in cash on
Charitable Institutions. maturity only Physical gold can be
liquidated anytime into cash.
Practice question
Q. Consider the following statements
regarding the Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)
Scheme:
1. Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGB) are
government securities denominated in grams
of gold.
2. Persons resident in India are eligible to
invest in SGB.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both
● Maturity period=-8 years d. None
● Interest offered 2.5%
● Exemption from Capital Gain Tax 39. Falling production of
● Income taxable under IT Act 1961
Cotton
GS Paper I-Geography GS Paper III-Indian
Economy Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 13.9.2023"

Cotton Crop
● Kharif Crop which requires 6 to 8 months to
mature.
● Drought – resistant crop ideal for arid
climates.
● Occupies 2.1% of the world’s arable land,
meets 27% of the world’s textiles needs.
● Temperature: Between 21-30°C.
● Rainfall: Around 50-100 cm.
● Soil Type: Well-drained black cotton soil
(Regur Soil) (E.g. Soil of Deccan Plateau)

● Products: fibre, oil and animal feed.

● Top Cotton Producing Countries: India >
China > USA
● (India and China are very close)
● Top Cotton Producing States in India:
Gujarat > Maharashtra > Telangana > Andhra
Pradesh > Rajasthan.

Cotton Crops
● White fluffy fibre, oil-rich
● After harvesting cotton (Kapas), the
breakdown is approximately 36% fibre, 62%
seeds Why decline in Cotton production?
● Cottonseed is essential for vegetable oil 1. Development of Pink Bollworm (PBW)
production. Resistance to Bt Cotton
● Cottonseed oil is the third-largest ● Initially, Bt cotton protected against pests
domestically produced vegetable oil in India, like pink bollworm.
following mustard and soyabean. ● But by 2014, pink bollworms developed
resistance to Bt Cotton, causing
Cotton Production trend in India widespread infestations and yield
Introduction to Bt Technology (2002) reductions.
● India adopted genetically modified (GM) 2. Pest Infestation Discouraging Farmers
cotton hybrids embedded with genes from ● Farmers in some states, like Punjab, avoid
Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium, which cotton cultivation.
were toxic to certain pests. 3. Ineffectiveness of Traditional Insecticides
● This led to significant boost in Cotton ● Conventional insecticides had limited
production. efficacy against PBW larvae, affecting lint
● Between 2000-01 and 2013-14, Bt cotton led quality and yields.
to a remarkable increase in cotton 4. Monoculture
production, from 278 kg/hectare to 566 ● Decreased diversity in cotton varieties
kg/hectare. increased the scale of infestation.
Subsequent Yield Decline
● However, post-2013-14, cotton production and
yields started declining 447 kg/hectare by
2022-23.

Q. Analyse the pros and cons of Genetically

Modified Crops with special emphasis on Bt
Cotton.
● A GM crop is the one that is artificial
inserted with the gene of some other
species to develop a hybrid of desired
variety.
Genetically modified crops can impact ● For Example Bt Cotton- Bacillus
biodiversity by leading to monoculture thuringiensis-Bt ( Soil bacteria ) +
Cotton Seeds = Bt Cotton
● This makes the crop resistant to the attack
of pink bollworm pest.
Genetically modified crops
● Benefits -Not attacked by pests, long shelf
life, requires less water less pesticides etc
● Challenges - Can damage biodiversity
(may not allow the crops to grow), some
Solution to the declining cotton production food experts believe that it may have
Mating Disruption as a Solution negative impact on human health in long
● “Mating disruption” uses synthetic versions of term.
pheromones to confuse male PBW moths, Bt Cotton
preventing them from mating with females. ● This led to significant boost in Cotton
● Products like PBKnot and SPLAT were production.
approved for this purpose. ● Between 2000-01 and 2013-14, Bt cotton
Other initiatives by the government to promote led to a remarkable increase in cotton
textile sector overall- production, from 278 kg/hectare to 566
1. Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme kg/hectare.
2. SAMARTH (Scheme for Capacity Building Subsequent Yield Decline
in the Textile Sector) ● However, post-2013-14, cotton production
3. Mega Investment Textiles Parks (MITRA) and yields started declining 447
4. Amended Technology Upgradation Fund kg/hectare by 2022-23.
Scheme (ATUFS) Why decline in Cotton production?
5. Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme ● pink bollworms developed resistance to
Bt Cotton, causing widespread
infestations and yield reductions.
Use of GM crops have to be regulated considering
the negative outcomes. Government has created
GEAC for the same.

40. Tax havens How Mauritius became source of largest

GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims FDI in India from 2000 to 2015?
"Youtube: DNA 13.9.2023" ● 1983-India-Mauritius DTAA signed
● 1985- Amended CGT (Capital Gain Tax)-
Tax havens made it free for investment from abroad
● A tax haven is generally an offshore country ● Round tripping began through Hawala and
that offers foreign individuals and Mauritius Became source of largest FDI to
businesses little or no tax liability in a India.
politically and economically static
environment.
● Tax havens also share limited or no financial
information with foreign tax authorities.
● Top companies of the world prefer such
locations to register in order to minimise their
tax liability.
Negative impact of such tax havens-
● Countries where majority of the business
is conducted lose their tax share.

What is Double Tax Avoidance Agreement?

● The Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement or
DTAA is a tax treaty signed between India
and another country (or any two/multiple
countries) so that taxpayers can avoid
paying double taxes on their income earned
from the source country as well as the
residence country.

Baseline
Why Flipkart shifted to Singapore? ● Most of the FDI coming from Mauritius
1. Taxation (main reason) were actually black money coming
● India has a corporate tax rate of 34% through round tripping.
whereas Singapore has a corporate tax ● DTAA between India and Mauritius was
rate of only 17%. misused.
2. Singapore is a politically and economically ● Mauritius acted as tax havens-money
stable country rerouted via shell companies.
3. Ease of doing business
Taxation is primarily the driving factor behind
deciding on the location for registering a
company.

India – Mauritius DTAA amended

● In 2016-India-Mauritius DTAA amended.
● Partial CGT from 2017 to 2019 41. Bima Sugam Portal
● Full CGT from April 2019 onwards GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims
● After amendment in Double Taxation "Youtube: DNA 20.9.2023"
Avoidance Agreement with Mauritius- FDI
from Mauritius has come down Bima Sugam Platform
● Mauritius no longer the source of largest FDI ● Bima Sugam will enable individuals to buy life,
to India health, motor or property insurance policies
online.
Current context ● The platform will act as a centralised
● In the case of outward direct investment database which will assist consumers with all
(ODI), Singapore, the United States, the insurance related services.
United Kingdom and the Netherlands ● This platform will help in the settlement of
were among the top four destinations, claims, whether it’s health coverage or death
which accounted for 60 per cent of the Rs claims, in a paperless manner on the basis of
9.1 lakh crore invested by Indian entities. policy numbers.
● Three jurisdictions known for tax benefits ● It will provide end-to-end solutions for
hence sometimes referred as tax havens customers’ insurance needs i.e., purchase,
are also in the list- they are Bermuda, service, and settlement in a seamless
Jersey, Cyprus. manner.
● It will also pave the way for a speedy
acceptance of new or sandbox products.
Sandbox products in economy
● A sandbox is a system where businesses can
test innovative products under relaxed
regulatory conditions.
● Typically, participating companies release new
products in a controlled environment to a
limited number of customers for a limited
period of time.
Global minimum corporate tax ● If something wrong happens the company
● G7 countries in it’s summit at UK have can pull back its product and make necessary
accepted a resolution to bring down tax changes.
undercutting due to tax havens.
Main provisions of the article-
1. Measures to make companies pay in the
countries where they do business.
2. Global minimum corporate tax rate of 15%

42. Economic impact of India-

Canada strained ties
GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 22.9.2023"

Context
● India-Canada diplomatic ties recently
strained on the issue of killing of a Canadian
citizen who was allegedly a Khalistani
supporter.
● In this context lets evaluate the possible
economic fallout of the development-
1. Trade
● About $8b
● Balance of trade slightly in favour of India.
● Major imports for India- Potash (for
Fertiliser), Pulses, Newsprint, Coking coal etc
● Major exports for India-Pharmaceuticals,
readymade garments, machinery, gems and
jewellery.
● Trade could get a boost after FTA.
● India and Canada on the free trade
agreement (FTA) negotiations stalled after
recent developments.
Current news?
● Insurance regulator IRDAI has formed a
steering committee, which will act as the
apex decision making body for creation of
its ambitious Bima Sugam platform.
● The steering committee is composed of
members from IRDAI, LIC and private
insurance companies like ICICI
Prudential Life Insurance, Tata AIA Life
Insurance and others.
● The overall budget for Bima Sugam is Rs
200 crore. 2. Investment
Will the physical mode go away? ● Canada accounts for just 0.56% of total
● Customers will open an insurance FDI in India.
account and the policies will be stored in ● Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd, Zomato,
this account, thus obviating the need for Paytm and other companies with
physical documents. significant investments from Canada
● Further, the paperwork involved in buying Pension Plan Investment Board
a policy will also come down. (CPPIB).
● Settlement of claims and renewal of 3. Indian Diaspora
policies will also become faster as ● 5.26% overseas Indians are in Canada.
paperwork is reduced drastically, 4. Higher Education
making it easier for the customers. ● About 14% of Indian students studying
abroad are in Canada.
5. Tourism
● Canada is 4th largest source of tourists in
India.

India stopped Visa services in Canada, if

Canada reciprocates it will have higher political
and economic impact.

Contractionary Policy means pull out of dollars

from India. This will lead to-
1. Weakening of Rs (Depreciation of Rs)
2. Decrease in FPI and hence decline in
Sensex.
43. US Fed keeping interest
rates unchanged
GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 22.9.2023"

US Federal Reserve
● The Federal Reserve System is the central
bank (like RBI of India) of the United States.
Current development
● US Federal Reserve on Wednesday
(September 20) left the policy rate
unchanged at 5.25-5.5%.
● It, however, indicated a possible 25 basis 44. MSME not linked with e-
points (bps) hike in interest rates by the end
of this year, and said it may cut rates by 50 bps commerce platform face
by the end of 2024. threat
● This resulted in downward pressure on global GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims
markets, including in India, which witnessed
"Youtube: DNA 23.9.2023"
its indices Sensex and Nifty falling 570.6
points and 159 points respectively on What are MSMEs?
Thursday. ● Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
● Over the last two trading sessions, Sensex [“MSMEs”] are small to medium-sized
has lost 1,366 points or 2%. businesses that typically have a limited
What does it mean? number of employees and generate moderate
● The US Central Bank (US Federal Reserve) is levels of revenue.
planning a contractionary monetary policy. ● MSMEs are defined or classified in
accordance with the MSME Development
Act of 2006.

Importance of MSME sector for Indian

economy

Government Initiatives for MSME

1. CHAMPIONS Portal
● Provides information, grievance redressal,
and integration.
2. RAMP
● COVID resilience and recovery support.
3. Finance
● Emergency Credit Line, PM Mudra Yojana,
equity infusion.
4. Technology Upgradation
● Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme.
5. Udyam portal provides
● MSMEs with a permanent registration and
basic identification number.

Current news?
● A report titled “Annual Survey of Micro,
Small, and Medium Enterprises
(MSMEs) In India: Leveraging E-
commerce for the Growth of MSMEs”
was recently published. UPSC 2023
● The report claims-MSME not linked with e- Q. Consider the following statements with
commerce platform face survival threat. reference to India:
Significance of E-Commerce integration: 1. According to the ‘Micro, Small and
1. Successful integration with the E- Medium Enterprises Development
commerce platform has reported an (MSMED) Act, 2006’, the ‘medium
increase in sales. enterprises’ are those with investments
2. Integrated firms report higher turnovers in plant and machinery between 15
and profitability. crore and 25 crore.
3. Integrated firms have a higher share of 2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small and
permanent employees Medium Enterprises qualify under the
priority sector.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2

45. Brent Crude 46. Father of Green Revolution

GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 27.9.2023" "Youtube: DNA 29.9.2023"

Important Oil markets Current context

Brent crude oil ● The legendary agricultural scientist M.S
● originates from oil fields in the North Sea Swaminathan, 98, passed away on
between the Shetland Islands and Norway. September 28.
● It is a light, sweet crude oil extracted from ● Called the ‘Father of the Green Revolution’,
different oil fields in the North Sea. in India.
Why Sweet crude? ● He played a major role in the set of changes
● Because it contains very low amounts of introduced in farming in the 1960s and ‘70s
sulfur which makes it sweeter. that helped India achieve food security.
● Sulfur is undesirable in crude oils because it Early life
lowers the yield of high-value refined ● Early on in his career, he cleared the
products. examination for the civil services but
Swaminathan was interested in agriculture
foremost and soon ended up pursuing
research in the field.

Other Oil Benchmarks:

1. West Texas Intermediate (WTI)
● West Texas Intermediate (WTI) is
sourced from US oil fields, primarily in
Texas, Louisiana, and North Dakota.
2. Dubai Crude
Why he chose career in Agri science?
Current news?
● MS Swaminathan was a student at the time of
● Brent crude recently jumped to a 10-
Bengal famine.
month high and breached $93/barrel.
● He was deeply moved by the consequence of
● Brent Crude serves as the most widely
the famine.
used benchmark that defines oil prices
Bengal famine
around the world.
● In 1942-43, there was the Bengal famine.
How rising oil prices can impact Indian
● The Bengal famine saw the deaths of
economy?
between 2 million and 3 million people.
● India is the world’s third-largest
● The famine was man-made, the consequence
consumer of oil (The United States and
of British policies at the time that were
China are two of the largest consumers of
guided by World War II and the need to
oil in the world).
provide grains to its soldiers from its
● India imports 85% of its oil needs.
colonies in Southeast Asia, British were
● It is often vulnerable to global supply and
fighting Japanese there.
price shocks.
Prelims Practice Question-UPSC 2020
Q. The term 'West Texas Intermediate,
sometimes found in news, refers to a grade of
(a) Crude oil
(b) Bullion
(c) Rare earth elements
(d) Uranium

Churchill (he was a racist) engineered the

Bengal famine in India, 1943. “I hate Indians.
They are a beastly people with a beastly
religion and breeding like rabbits.”
Bengal famine was worse than Hitler’s
holocaust (as per some assessment). But no one
talked about it

Food Scarcity in India-Post independence

● India after independence faced massive food
scarcity.
● India signed a long-term Public Law (PL) 480
agreement to get food aid from the US in
1954.
● The agreement was ended by the US in 1965
when Lal Bahadur Shastri, the then PM
openly criticised the US invasion of Vietnam.
● Indo-Pak war in 1965 made the matter worse,
India faced massive food scarcity.
● From facing a food shortage in 1965 India
became food grain-surplus nation mainly due
to success of green revolution.
● India moved from being a ‘ship-to-mouth’
economy to a food surplus country
PL-480 programme
● The programme was criticised on 2 grounds-
1. Deviation from NAM
2. Compromise on dignity of people of
India.
Food aid under PL480 not only drew flak but some
critics pointed out that the wheat sent to India was
“fit enough only for pigs!”.

Green Revolution benefiting the already prosperous farmers

● The Green Revolution was an endeavour as it was introduced in states with higher
initiated by Norman Borlaug in the 1960s. productivity.
He is known as the 'Father of Green ● Green Revolution increased regional
Revolution' in world. disparity.
● In India, the Green Revolution was mainly led ● To address it, the government brought
by M.S. Swaminathan. “Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern
● The Green Revolution resulted in a great India (BGREI)” initiative.
increase in production of food grains
(especially wheat and rice)
● The Green Revolution, spreading over the
period from 1967-68 to 1977-78, changed
India’s status from a food-deficient country
to one of the world's leading agricultural
nations.
Data
● between 1964 and 1968, annual production of
wheat increased from about 10 million tonnes
to about 17 million tonnes.

Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh

were the main regions of Green Revolution
“Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern
India (BGREI)” initiative
● The programme of “Bringing Green
Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI)”
was launched in 2010-11.
● Aim-to address the constraints limiting the
productivity of “rice based cropping
systems” in eastern India comprising
seven (7) States namely; Assam, Bihar,
Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha,
Eastern Uttar Pradesh (Purvanchal) and
West Bengal.
● The programme is now a sub-scheme of
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.

HYV vs Traditional crops

● HYV crops have less height (thus problem of
lodging is avoided) and more yield.
Side effects of Green Revolution
● Despite its landmark role in achieving food
sufficient in India, the Green Revolution has
been criticised on multiple counts, such as

Mains Practice Question

Q. Though Green revolution had many
positives but it is not free from negatives.
Discuss. 10marks/150 words
The Main achievements of the Green Revolution
are:
● Increase in Agricultural Production and
productivity:
● Income and employment generation
● Less Dependence on Imports The scheme was implemented as pilot project
Negative Impacts of the Green Revolution are in 2017, was launched fully in 2020.
● Regional Disparity
● Reduction in genetic diversity
● Land Degradation
● Groundwater depletion
● Ecological and health Impacts
In conclusion mention-Bring Green Revolution in
Eastern India

47. PM-WANI Scheme

Prelims Practice Question
GS Paper III-Indian Economy - Infrastructure
Q3. Which of the following statements are
Prelims
correct about PM WANI scheme?
"Youtube: DNA 19.9.2023"
1. The project aims to provide free WiFi
PM-WANI service to BPL families.
● The objective is to provide public Wi-Fi 2. It will not require a Public Data Office to
service through Public Data Offices (PDOs) get a licence.
spread across the length and breadth of the a. 1 only
country just like what PCOs (Public Call b. 2 only
Offices) did for telephone spread in India. c. Both
● The Public Wi-Fi Networks will be set up by d. None
Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs).
● The Public Data Offices (PDOs) will be there
with no requirement of the license, registration,
or any other fees.
What is public data office?
● This concept was introduced by Telecom
regulatory Authority of India in 2017.
● According to the small entrepreneurs to
access internet at a cheaper rate and pass it
to the customers and other people in their
area at lower cost.
● For this public data aggregators way
established in a pilot project mode

48. ‘Sankalp Saptah’

GS Paper III-Indian Economy Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 29.9.2023"

Current news?
● The Prime Minister is set to inaugurate a
unique week-long initiative, ‘Sankalp
Saptaah,’ at Bharat Mandapam, New
Delhi.
● It is linked to the effective implementation
of the Aspirational Blocks Programme
(ABP).
● Aspirational Blocks Programme has
been launched in line with Aspirational
district programme.

Aspirational Block Programme

● Recently, the Prime Minister of India
launched the Aspirational Block
Aspirational District Programme Programme.
● Aspirational District Programme was What is Aspirational Block Programme?
started in 2018. ● The Aspirational Blocks Programme is on the
● The programme is anchored by NITI Aayog lines of the Aspirational District
in partnership with state governments and Programme that was launched in 2018.
district level administrations. ● This new programme is aimed at improving
● The main objective of the programme is to performance of blocks lagging on various
bring improvement in lifestyle of people development parameters.
living in backward districts of India. ● This will enable holistic development in those
● For this purpose total 112 backward districts areas that require added assistance.
were identified from 28 states, at least one ● The programme will cover 500 districts
from each state. across 31 states and Union Territories initially.
● Objective is to work in 5 dimensions- Health ● Over half of these blocks are in 6 states—
and Nutrition, Education, Basic Uttar Pradesh (68 blocks), Bihar (61),
Infrastructure, Financial inclusion and Skill Madhya Pradesh (42), Jharkhand (34),
development, Agriculture development. Odisha (29) and West Bengal (29).
● India aims to improve its Human
Development Ranking with help of this
programme which is very poor now.
● In HDI 2021 India was ranked 132nd in HDI
in total 191 countries.

Q. With reference to Aspirational Block

Programme (ABP) consider the following
statements:
1. This programme aims at providing
monetary support to the people living in
slum areas at the block level.
2. A quarterly ranking of the blocks
covered under the programme will be
released by the NITI Aayog.
Select the correct statements using the codes
given below:
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both
d. None

Science and Tech

Interferometry is a technique which uses the
interference of superimposed waves to extract
49. LIGO-India information.
GS Paper III-S&T Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 2.9.2023"

Gravitational waves
● Gravitational waves are 'ripples' in space-
time caused by some of the most violent and
energetic processes in the Universe.
● Gravitational waves travels at a speed of light.
● Gravitational waves were proposed by Albert
Einstein in his General Theory of Relativity
in 1916
● But It was only in 2015 the first gravitational
wave was actually detected — by LIGO.
● Since then, there have been a number of
subsequent detections of gravitational
waves.

How Gravitational Waves are produced?

Processes that can produce gravitational
waves are-
1. Merger of 2 Neutron Stars
2. When two black holes merge.
● Until now, the LIGO-Virgo collaboration (LVC)
of gravitational waves detectors has only
been able to observe collisions between pairs
of black holes or neutron stars.
What are Neutron stars or Blackhole?
● Neutron stars or Black Hole are formed
LIGO-Laser Interferometer Gravitational when a massive star runs out of fuel and
Wave Observatory collapses.
● The Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave ● A neutron star is about 1.4-2 times the mass
Observatory (LIGO) is a large-scale physics of the sun while the other black hole is much
experiment and observatory to detect cosmic more massive.
gravitational waves. ● A neutron star has a surface and a Black
● Method used to detect gravitational waves- Hole does not.
laser interferometry. ● Black Hole is still collapsing.
● Operated by MIT and Caltech University.
● There are 2 LIGO observatories-
1. Hanford
2. Livingston
How Gravitational Waves are detected?
● By using laser interferometry technique

LIGO India (IndiGO project)

● Being developed in India by Ministry of Earth
sciences.
● Planned L-shaped arms four kilometres long in
Hingoli district of Maharashtra.
● It received the Indian Government's in-
principle approval in 2016.
● Seven years after an in-principle approval
in 2023, the government’s final go-ahead to
the LIGO project.
● It will be India’s largest scientific facility with 50. Aditya L-1 launch
a budget of Rs 2,600 crore.
GS Paper III-S&T Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 2.9.2023"

Current news?
● ISRO successfully launched India’s first
solar mission, Aditya-L1, via PSLV from
Sriharikota.
● It aims to study Sun from the Halo Orbit L1.

L1 means Lagrange point- a special point

between the Sun and the Earth.
Aditya L1 Mission
● L1 refers to Lagrangian/Lagrange Point 1,
one of 5 points in the orbital plane of the
Earth-Sun system.
● Lagrange Points are positions in space
where the gravitational forces of a two-body
system like the Sun and Earth produce
enhanced regions of attraction and
repulsion.
● These can be used by spacecraft to reduce
fuel consumption needed to remain in
position.

● A Satellite placed in the halo orbit around the Current news?

L1 has the major advantage of continuously ● Astronomers have recently found
viewing the Sun without any occultation/ compelling evidence suggesting the
eclipses. existence of an Earth-like planet in the
distant Kuiper Belt of our solar system.

52. Use of AI to prevent

Elephant train collision
GS Paper III-S&T Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 8.9.2023"

What is the news?

● Government data shows that on an average
20 elephants die due to train collisions in the
country every year and a majority of these
incidents take place in the Northeast Frontier
Railway.
● The introduction of an AI-based surveillance
mechanism in 11 elephant corridors in the
northeast has helped eliminate elephant
deaths due to train collisions.
51. Kuiper belt and Earth Like ● Thus Northeast Frontier Railway now plans
Planet to introduce it across the zone.
● The AI system is named Intrusion Detection
GS Paper III-S&T Prelims System (IDS).
"Youtube: DNA 7.9.2023"

Kuiper belt
● The Kuiper belt is a donut-shaped region, flat
ring of small icy bodies that revolve around
the Sun beyond the orbit of the planet
Neptune.
Why don't we call it between Neptune and
Pluto?
● Pluto, once considered the ninth planet in our How Intrusion Detection System works?
solar system was declared as a dwarf planet ● Every time an elephant steps on to the track,
by International Astronomical Union (IAU) in the system generates an alert to the train
2006. controller, station master, train drivers and
Composition of Kuiper belt other stakeholders who take precautionary
● The Kuiper Belt is primarily composed of measures to avoid the imminent danger.
small icy bodies, such as dwarf planets, ● According to the NFR, in the eight months
asteroids, and comets. between its launch in December 2022 and
July this year, the Intrusion Detection System

has sounded 9,768 alerts, or an average 41

alerts daily.
● Since the launch of the system, these 11
corridors have not reported any train-
elephant collision.

53. Genetic engineering to

control Mosquitoes
GS Paper III-S&T Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 14.9.2023"

Current context
● Oxitec, the UK-based company, has said that
the first open-air study of Genetically
Modified Mosquitoes (GMM) in the United
States has yielded positive results
● Genetically modified mosquitoes, such as
OX5034, have been released in certain areas
to reduce mosquito populations.
● This has been showing a promising results in
decreasing disease incidence like Dengue,
Malaria, Chikungunya etc.
● However, these technologies come with
potential risks, such as ecological
disruptions and unintended consequences
in the ecosystem.

Q. Oxitec mosquitoes recently seen in news

are-
a. spread a number of diseases like Malaria,
dengue, chikungunya, etc.
b. Harbour dangerous virus like Nipah virus
c. Genetically Modified to curb vector borne
diseases
d. None of the above

54. OSIRIS-REX
GS Paper III-S&T Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 26.9.2023"

Asteroid Bennu
● Bennu revolves around the Sun and has
large amount of carbon
● It is potentially hazardous for Earth because it’s
orbit is such that it can strike Earth in future.

Current news?
● The NASA OSIRIS-REx mission has
successfully returned to Earth with an
estimated 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of material
gathered from the surface of an asteroid
Bennu.
● These precious samples hold the potential to
provide critical insights into origin of
universe and possibility of life outside
Earth.

About - OSIRIS-REx
● OSIRIS-REx is a mission which was launched
by NASA to study asteroid Bennu, collect a
sample and return it to Earth.
● By analysing these samples Scientists will try
to understand the possibility of life on other
planets
● Earlier also, other such missions have been
sent to asteroids like Hayabusa mission by
Japan Prelims Practice Question
Q. OSIRIS-Rex is a NASA study and sample
return mission of which of the following
asteroid?
a. Florence
b. Bennu
c. Ceres
d. Phobos & Deimos

55. Psyche mission Prelims Practice Question

GS Paper III-S&T Prelims Q. Consider the following statements
"Youtube: DNA 28.9.2023" regarding NASA's Psyche mission:
1. The Psyche mission aims to explore a
What is Psyche mission? metallic asteroid called 16 Psyche,
● A space mission of NASA. located in the asteroid belt between
● The mission will study the asteroid, also Mars and Jupiter.
named 16 Psyche. 2. The Psyche spacecraft will host a
● The mission will take six years and cover technology demonstration known as
approximately 3.6 billion kilometers and NASA's Deep Space Optical
reach Psyche asteroid. Communications (DSOC) experiment.
● The asteroid orbits the Sun between Mars 3. 16 Psyche is composed mainly of water
and Jupiter. ice, making it similar in composition to
● Psyche is believed to be a planetesimal, Saturn's moon, Enceladus.
composed primarily of iron-nickel metal. Which of the statements above is/are correct?
● Studying it from orbit could provide a. Only Statement 1 is correct.
invaluable insights into the composition of b. Statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Earth's core. c. Statements 1 and 3 are correct.
d. All three statements (1, 2, and 3) are
correct.
56. Biohacking
GS Paper III-S&T GS Paper IV-Ethics Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 21.9.2023"

Biohacking
● Biohacking is a term used to describe various
tips and tricks for enhancing the body’s
Deep Space Optical Communications
ability to function at peak performance—and
(DSOC) maybe even extend one’s lifespan.
● The Psyche spacecraft will host a
● It employs methods drawn from fields like
technology demonstration known as
biology, genetics, neuroscience and
NASA's Deep Space Optical
nutrition to enhance physical or mental
Communications (DSOC) experiment.
performance.
● DSOC aims to test high-bandwidth optical
Ways of Biohacking
communications back to Earth during the
early stages of the Psyche spacecraft's 1. Lifestyle
journey. 2. Molecular
● This technology has the potential to 3. Technology- smartwatches and
revolutionize long-distance data diagnostics such as blood sugar
transmission in space. monitors
4. Genetic engineering

Types of Biohacking
● Age Biohacking
● Energy Biohacking
● Physical Health Biohacking
● Brain Biohacking

Current news? Prelims Practice Question

● Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup, Q2. Biohacking, recently seen in news is
Neuralink, has received approval to begin related to which of the following?
the first human trial of its brain implant a. Hacking into biological systems to steal
designed for paralysis patients. or modify data
● The trial will focus on individuals with b. Biological experimentation done to
paralysis due to cervical spinal cord improve the qualities or capabilities of
injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. living organisms
● Neuralink aims to implant a brain- c. The use of biotechnology to produce
computer interface (BCI) to allow new forms of life or to modify existing
participants to control a computer cursor ones
or keyboard using their thoughts. d. Exploiting biological vulnerabilities to
cause harm or disruption

57. Nipah Virus

GS Paper III-S&T-Health Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 14.9.2023"

Nipah virus
● It is a Zoonotic disease i.e. it is transmitted to
humans through infected animals or via
contaminated food.
● Fruit bats are considered to be a natural
reservoir of the virus.
● The virus is transmitted to people from
animals and can also be passed on through
contaminated food.
Application in Ethics Impact of Nipah virus
● Such neurological biohacking may
improve condition of some neural ● In infected people, it causes a range of
patients, but raises some ethical issues illnesses from asymptomatic (subclinical)
too. infection to acute respiratory illness and
Ethical issues raised- fatal encephalitis.
● The virus can also cause severe disease in
1. Genetic Modification- unintended animals such as pigs, resulting in significant
consequences in long term. economic losses for farmers.
2. Access Inequality-Biohacking may be
more accessible to individuals with
financial resources, creating disparities in
enhancement opportunities.
3. Privacy and Data-The collection and
sharing of biological and genetic data may
raise privacy concerns and data security
issues.
4. Environmental Impact-Poorly handled
genetic materials and reagents can lead to
environmental contamination, raising
ecological concerns.

Treatment against Nipah Virus

● There are currently no drugs or vaccines
specific for Nipah virus infection.

●
WHO has identified Nipah as a priority grains) and yielding barely 10 quintals of
disease for the WHO Research and paddy an acre.
Development Blueprint. ● Seed variety were known as Karnal Local.
History of Nipah virus in India
● In 2018 Nipah virus had spread in Kerala
and Tamil Nadu.
● Somehow the outbreak was controlled
then.
Current news?
● Two people have died and four others are
under treatment after contracting Nipah
virus in Kerala’s Kozhikode district.
● While the Nipah virus does not spread as
quickly as the Covid-19 virus, it is more
deadly.

The basmati success story

The first revolution
● The breakthrough happened with Pusa
Basmati-1 (PB-1), an improved variety
released in 1989.
● It was a cross between Karnal Local and
Pusa-150, a high-yielding non-basmati line.
● This became very successful experiment.
● It was called as first green revolution in
Basmati production.
● At the turn of the century, India was
exporting 0.6-0.7 mt of basmati rice fetching
$400-450 million annually, with PB-1’s share
58. The basmati success story at roughly 60%.
GS Paper III-E-technology in the aid of farmers ● With a plant height of 100-105 cm, PB-1 didn’t
Prelims lodge, yielded 25-26 quintals grain per acre
"Youtube: DNA 19.9.2023" and matured in 135-140 days.

The basmati success story

● Basmati rice, whose annual exports from
India have soared, from 0.3-0.35 million
tonnes (mt) valued at $200-250 million to 4.5-
4.6 mt worth $4.7-4.8 billion, in the past
three decades.
● Much of this has been courtesy of scientists
at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute
(IARI) and their research. The basmati success story
● It is a testimony that public funded research The second revolution
in agriculture can yield desired outcome. ● PB-1 delivered a yield revolution and helped
Technical breakthrough double India’s basmati exports.
● Till the late 1980s, Indian farmers grew ● But the real revolution came in 2003, with the
traditional basmati varieties having tall release of Pusa Basmati-1121 (PB-1121).
plants (150-160 cm), prone to lodging ● PB-1121 yielded less (20-21 quintals/acre)
(bending over when heavy with well-filled with a slightly longer maturity (140-145 days).

● However, its USP was the grain quality.

● The kernel length averaged 8 mm that
elongated 2.7 times to about 21.5 mm on
cooking.
● A cup of milled PB-1121 grains gave 4.5 cups
of cooked rice, as against 4 for PB-1 and 3.7
for Taraori.

India is largest Basmati exporter to the world

The basmati success story (65%) followed by Pak (35%).
The third revolution
● In 2013, the IARI released Pusa Basmati- 59. Global Innovation Index
1509 (PB-1509). 2023
● It yielded just as much as PB-1, with the
milled rice length before and after cooking GS Paper III-S&T Prelims
comparable to PB-1121’s. "Youtube: DNA 30.9.2023"
● But PB-1509’s seed-to-grain duration was Global Innovation Index
just 115-120 days. ● Global Innovation Index Is published by World
● Being an early-maturing high-yielding Intellectual Property organisation
variety made PB-1509 advantageous for (specialised agency of the UN) in
farmers, as they could now take an extra partnership with Cornell University,
crop. INSEAD, and other organizations and
Risk factors with Basmati cultivation institutions.
1. No minimum support price (MSP) for ● It is a reliable tool for governments across
basmati paddy. the world to assess the innovation-led social
2. Mostly exported with only a limited and economic changes in their respective
domestic market demand- makes countries.
farmers vulnerable to fluctuations in ● This year, the NITI Aayog, in partnership with
international market. the CII and the World Intellectual Property
3. Competition with Basmati rice coming Organisation (WIPO), is hosting, virtually, the
from Pakistan India Launch of the GII 2023.

Prelims Practice Question

Q. Which organization is a primary publisher of
the Global Innovation Index?
a. United Nations
b. World Intellectual Property
Organization (WIPO)
c. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
d. World Health Organization (WHO)

Global Innovation Index, 2023

● It considers 80 parameters to give ranking
132 countries regarding innovation.
● Top 3 Innovative Economies in 2023
1. Switzerland
2. Sweden
3. United States
● China is ranked 12th in 2023 (1 rank
lower wrt last year)
Global Innovation Index, 2023
● India retains 40th rank out of 132 economies
in the Global Innovation Index 2023
rankings.
● Over the years, India has steadily climbed the
GII rankings, moving from 81st place in 2015
to 40th place in 2023.

Environment
Arrangements in India
60. Example of Community ● In India wildlife conservation is mainly
Conservation of Wildlife managed by the Forest officials under
several acts like-
GS Paper III-Environment Prelims
1. Wildlife Protection Act,1972
"Youtube: DNA 4.9.2023"
2. Environment Protection Act 1986
Ngorongoro Conservation Area 3. Forest Rights Act
● A UNESCO World Heritage Site located in ● This leads to certain challenges like-
Tanzania. 1. Disputes between forest officials and
● A region with area about 8292 sq km. local community about rights on forest
● The region is known for community resources
conservation of wildlife. 2. Poaching and smuggling
● The pastoralist Maasais, who have lived in For better wildlife protection we can use
the area for over a century coexist with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area community
wildlife, enjoying multiple rights. participation as an example.
Prelims Practice Question
Q. Where do the Maasai primarily live?
a. East Africa
b. West Asia
c. West Africa
d. Central Africa

61. IPBES Invasive Alien

Species Assessment
GS Paper III-Environment Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 5.9.2023"

Intergovernmental Science - Policy

Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem
Services (IPBES)
● Independent intergovernmental body
● Established in Panama City in April 2012 by
94 Governments.
● It is not a United Nations body.
● However, the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP) provides secretariat
services to IPBES.
● HQ – Bonn, Germany
Functions of IPBES
● Assessments on environment issues like
e.g. “Pollinators, Pollination and Food
Production”.
● Policy Support: Identifying policy-relevant
tools and methodologies, facilitating their use,
and catalyzing their further development.
Note - IPBES role is very similar to that of IPCC.

● Such alien species are known as invasive

alien species.

Current news?
Key Highlights of the Assessment Report on
Invasive Alien Species and their Control
4. Examples of invasive alien species
● Water hyacinth is the world’s most
widespread invasive alien species on
land.
● Lantana, a flowering shrub, and the black
rat are the second and third most
IPBES has produced several influential widespread globally.
assessment reports, including the Global 5. Other impacts of invasive alien species
Assessment Report on Biodiversity and ● reduction of food supply
Ecosystem Services in 2019. ● the Caribbean false mussel damaging
Current news? locally important fishery resources in
● The Intergovernmental Platform on Kerala.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
(IPBES) has released its new publication
– the “Assessment Report on Invasive
Alien Species and their Control’’.
Key Highlights of the Assessment Report on
Invasive Alien Species and their Control
1. 37,000 alien species have been
introduced
● More than 3,500 out of the 37,000
introduced alien species pose major global
threats to nature, economy, food security
and human health.
2. Invasive species: one of the major
drivers for biodiversity loss
● Invasive alien species (IAS) play a key role
in 60% of global plant and animal
extinctions, and cost humanity more than
$400 billion a year.
3. Number of alien species increasing at
unprecedented rates
Invasive alien species
● Some alien species are destructive in
nature and they can destroy the entire
ecosystem.

Prelims Practice Question

Q. In the Bandipur National Park, an estimated
60% is affected by Lantana, which hinders the
growth of native vegetation that herbivores
such as deer and elephants feed. Consider the
following statements regarding the Lantana
Camara:
1. Native to South America, Lantana
camara was brought to India by the
British as ornamental plants, possibly
as long as 200 years ago.
2. Lantana camara is one of the most
2. Highest sea surface temperature
invasive of plants that have taken over
● Each day from July 31 to August 31, 2023,
the country’s forests, driving wild
has witnessed warmer global average sea
animals out for foraging.
surface temperature than the previous
3. Forest officials in different parts of the
record from March 2016.
country have watched helplessly as the
● Therefore, August as a whole saw the
invasive plant has spread, and efforts to
highest global monthly average sea
contain it have gone largely in vain.
surface temperature on record across all
Which of the following above statements is
months, at 20.98 degree Celsius — it is well
true?
above average for August, with an anomaly
a. 1 and 2
of 0.55 degree Celsius.
b. 2 and 3
c. 1 and 3
d. 1, 2 and 3

62. Three Climate related

records broken in 2023
GS Paper III-Environment Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 9.9.2023"

What is the news?

● So far 2023 has broken three records that
can be attributed to global warming and climate
change.
The records are- 3. Lowest Antarctic sea ice extent
1. Hottest summer, ● The Antarctic sea ice extent hit a new
2. Highest ocean surface temperature record low in 2023.
3. Lowest Antarctic sea ice extent ● In July, the sea ice extent averaged 13.5
Hottest summer ever million sq km, the lowest levels observed
● This year’s summer was the hottest on record for this time of year since the continuous
as per World Meteorological Organization satellite record began in late 1978, a
(WMO)s. NASA Earth Observatory report said.
● The three-month period from June to
August broke previous records with an
average temperature of 16.77 degree
Celsius, which was 0.66 degree Celsius
above the 1990-2020 average.

63. One Sun, One World, One ● Countries that do not fall within the Tropics
can join the alliance and enjoy all benefits as
Grid (OSOWOG) Initiative other members, with the exception of voting
GS Paper III-Environment Prelims rights.
"Youtube: DNA 12.9.2023"

International Solar Alliance

● The ISA, is an Indian initiative that was
launched by the Prime Minister of India and
the President of France in 2015 in Paris, on
the sidelines of the Conference of the Parties One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)
(COP-21) of UNFCCC. Initiative
● Objective- To develop cooperation 121 solar ● The idea for the OSOWOG initiative was put
resource rich countries lying fully or partially forth by the Prime Minister of India, at the
between the tropic of Cancer and tropic of First Assembly of the International Solar
Capricorn as prospective members. Alliance (ISA) in October 2018.
● But an amendment was brought in the ● The initiative aims at connecting energy
constitution of International Solar Alliance in supply across borders.
2020.
● Now membership has extended to all
members of UN.
● Secretariat of the ISA in National Institute of
Solar Energy campus, Gurugram, Haryana.

64. Pollution tax proposed on

Diesel vehicles
GS Paper III-Environment Issues GS paper III-
S&T Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 13.9.2023"

Current context
● Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said
that people needed to move away from fuels
such as petrol and diesel.
● He also said if the use of diesel-run vehicles
continued, he might consider proposing to
the Finance Minister that an additional 10%
GST be imposed on these vehicles as
“pollution tax”.
Functioning of International Solar Alliance ● The government already imposes a 28% tax
● It has a two-tier structure – the Assembly on diesel cars, plus an additional cess
and the Secretariat (at Gurugram). depending on the engine capacity, taking the
● Each member-country is represented on the total tax to almost 50%.
Assembly, which meets annually. ● The plan to pushback diesel vehicle is part of
● Each Member has one vote in the Assembly. stated aim to reduce greenhouse gas
● There is no membership-fee to join the ISA. emissions and to produce 40% of India’s
All costs relating to the running of the ISA will electricity from renewables as part of its goal
be funded through voluntary contributions to achieve net zero emissions by 2070.
of members.
● There are no targets or legal obligations
imposed on member-countries. Every
contribution is a voluntary one.

● initiation of combustion relies on air heated

by electric spark.
Diesel engine
● compression - ignition engines because
initiation of combustion relies on air
heated by compression rather than on an
electric spark.

Why diesel vehicles are more polluting?

● Diesel engines have higher compression
ratio.
● This has both positives and negatives.
Positives
● Higher efficiency-use less fuel per
kilometre.
Negatives
● The higher compression ratio of diesel engines
means increased emissions of oxides of
nitrogen (NOx), which is one of the main
drawbacks of diesel engines versus petrol.

65. World Ozone Day 2023

Compression ratio GS Paper III-Environment Prelims
● the ratio of the maximum to minimum "Youtube: DNA 16.9.2023"
volume in the cylinder of an internal
combustion engine. Background
Why diesel engines have high Our Atmosphere is divided in certain layers on the
basis of density and composition, like following –
Compression ratio?
Petrol Engine
● Spark ignition combustion engine.

Ozone layer
What is ozone hole?
● In some areas, like over the Antarctic region,
the thickness of ozone had decreased,
resulting in a phenomena called as ozone
hole. If we allow this to grow then it will be
dangerous to us.
Why Ozone hole is dangerous to us?
● Because Ozone captures ultraviolet rays
coming from the Sun and thus protects us from
such harmful radiations.
● Exposure to ultraviolet radiations can cause
cancer.

Ozone layer
● What is Ozone layer?
○ It is 10-15 km thick layer of ozone gas in the
stratosphere
● How is thickness of Ozone layer measured?
○ The thickness of the ozone in the
atmosphere is measured in terms of
Dobson units (DU). 1 DU is equivalent to
a layer of pure ozone molecules 0.01mm
thick.
● How is Ozone formed?
○ Ozone is formed when the UV (Ultraviolet)
rays in sunlight attack the oxygen present
in the atmosphere. In this process they
consume the UV light and protect us from
that.

Montreal Protocol
● Why has Ozone layer thickness decreased?
○ Rapid industrialisation and pollution from
industries have caused emission of ODS
(Ozone depleting Substances) like CFC,
HCFC, etc. which hinder the process of
ozone formation, so ozone does not get
formed

○ The harmful substances are used in use of HFCs by roughly 80-85% from their
refrigeration and air conditioners. respective baselines.
● What has been done to prevent this? Timelines for different countries
○ World countries have adopted the Montreal ● India has to achieve this target by 2047
protocol in 1987 to protect the earth’s ● Developed countries have to do it by
ozone layer by eliminating use of ozone 2036.
depleting substances (ODS) ● China and some other countries have a
Success of Montreal Protocol target of 2045.

Current news
● Each year, September 16 is observed as
the International Day for the
Challenge of Global warming Preservation of the Ozone Layer.
● Montreal protocol focuses on eliminating ● 2023 marks the 36th year of
use of ozone depleting substances like implementation of the Montreal Protocol
CFC and HCFC. ● UN is observing the Ozone Day with the
● It has already resulted in the phase-out of theme “Montreal Protocol: fixing the
98.6% of ozone-depleting substances. ozone layer and reducing climate
● The remaining 1.4% are the HCFCs that change”
are in the process of being transitioned.
● CFC and HCFC were used for cooling
purposes like- Refrigeration, Air
Conditioning.
● Now they are being replaced with HFC for
refrigeration and air conditioning
purposes.
Issues with HFC
● HFCs, though benign to the ozone layer,
were powerful greenhouse gases.
Practice question
Q1. Which of the following statements are
correct?
Statement 1: Montreal protocol was brought in
1987 with the objective of reduction of ozone
depleting substances.
Statement
2: Kigali agreement to Montreal protocol
Kigali Agreement targets reduction in production of
● HFCs do not cause ozone layer hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) because
depletion, but will cause global warming hydrofluorocarbons are a major ozone
● To reduce this, Kigali agreement was depleting substances
signed in 2016. a. 1 Only
● As per the agreement, countries are b. 2 Only
expected to reduce the manufacture and c. Both
d. None

66. Eco sensitive Zones the theme for 2022 seems universal and
apt for all upcoming celebrations, ‘Five
GS Paper III-Environment Prelims Rhino Species Forever.’
"Youtube: DNA 18.9.2023"

Eco Sensitive Zones

● Eco-Sensitive Zones are ecologically fragile
areas are areas around National Parks and
Wildlife Sanctuaries.
● It can be minimum of 100 m and maximum
10 km.
● ESZs are notified by MoEFCC, Government
of India under Environment Protection Act
1986.
● The basic aim is to regulate certain activities
around National Parks and Wildlife
Sanctuaries so as to minimise the negative
impacts of such activities on ecosystem.
● While the 10-km rule is implemented as a
general principle, the extent of its application
can vary.
● Areas beyond 10 km can also be notified by
the Union government as ESZs, if they hold
larger ecologically important “sensitive
corridors”.

Q2. What are Eco sensitive zones? Discuss

different activities that are restricted around African Rhinoceros
ESZ. 10 marks/150 words 1. Black Rhinoceros
67. World Rhino Day ● Numbers slightly less than 6000
● Listed as Critically endangered in IUCN
GS Paper III-Environment Prelims Red Data book.
"Youtube: DNA 22.9.2023" ● Found in East African region
What is the news? 2. White Rhino
● 22nd September is celebrated worldwide ● They are larger in size.
as World Rhino Day. ● White rhinos are the second largest land
● World Wildlife Fund, South Africa mammal after the elephant.
announced World Rhino Day to create ● Less aggressive-More threat of poaching.
awareness about Rhinos conservation. ● There are more than 19,000 White Rhinos.
● There is no official announcement for the ● The IUCN Status of White Rhino is Near
World Rhino Day 2023 theme, however, Threatened.

Practice question
Q. Which of the following statements are true?
1. All Rhinos in the world except Indian
Rhinos have two horns.
2. All other Rhinos in the world are
critically endangered but Indian rhino is
vulnerable in IUCN red Data Book
a. 1 Only
b. 2 Only
c. Both
d. None
Hints-
● Apart from Indian rhino the Javan rhino
also has one horn.
● Indian Rhino- vulnerable
● African Black Rhinos- critically
endangered
● African white Rhino - near threatened
● Java and Sumatra Rhino critically
endangered
Asian Rhinos
● There are three species of rhino in Asia—
68. IUCN
1. Great one-horned/Indian Rhino, GS Paper III-Environment Prelims
2. Javan Rhino "Youtube: DNA 23.9.2023"
3. Sumatran Rhino
● Javan and Sumatran Rhino are critically
endangered.
Great one-horned (or Indian) rhino
● Great one-horned (or Indian) rhino is
vulnerable In IUCN Red List.
● All these Rhinos are spread across India,
Nepal, Bhutan, Indonesia and Malaysia.
● These countries are also known as Asian
Rhino Range Countries.
● Only the Great one-horned rhino is found in
India.

What is IUCN (International Union for

Conservation of Nature)?
● The International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN) is a global environmental
organisation.
● It is headquartered in Switzerland and was ● Least concern are the species that are
created in 1948. present in abundance
● Official Observer Status at the United ● Near threatened species are the one whose
Nations General Assembly. population is decreasing but it cannot be
Functions of IUCN? categorised as vulnerable
1. Prepares the IUCN Red List of Threatened ● Extinct In The Wild are those species that are
Species. present only in especially conserved areas
● It uses a set of quantitative criteria to like zoo or botanical garden
evaluate the extinction risk of species. ● Extinct species are no longer present in the
2. Runs hundreds of conservation projects all world.
over the world.
Funding of IUCN? 69. Bioremediation
● Funded by governments, bilateral and GS Paper III-Environment GS Paper V-Assam
multilateral agencies, foundations, Issues Prelims
member organisations and corporations. "Youtube: DNA 30.9.2023"
IUCN Red List About Deepor Beel
On the basis of degree of threat species are ● Deepor Beel is located to the south-west of
categorised in different list Guwahati city, in Kamrup district of Assam,
India.
● It is Assam’s sole Ramsar site.
● Deepor Beel has also been designated as a
Ramsar Site in November 2002.
● Deepor Beel has been selected as one of the
Important Bird Area (IBA) sites by Birdlife
International.
Different categories under IUCN Red Data ● It is also a wildlife Sanctuary.
Book Current news?
1. Critically Endangered(CR) Species ● Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest
● Critically Endangered (Cr) is the highest risk and Climate Change notified the eco-
category assigned by the IUCN for wild sensitive zone of Deepor Beel Wildlife
species. Critically endangered species Sanctuary on the south-western fringe of
means a species numbers have decreased, Guwahati.
or will decrease by 80% within three ● Deepor Beel provides bioremediation
generations. It is therefore considered to be ecosystem services to Guwahati city.
facing an extremely high risk of extinction
in the wild.
2. Endangered (EN) species
● Reduction in population size by more than
70% in last 10 years or three generations.
3. Vulnerable (VU) species
● Vulnerable (VU) species is a species which
has been categorised by the IUCN as likely
to become endangered unless the
circumstances threatening its survival and
reproduction improve.

Bioremediation
● Bioremediation can be defined as the
methodology to remove or neutralises
waste and toxic substances in the
environment with the help of microorganism
and plants.
● It is the process to detoxify the pollution
from the environment with the help of
microorganisms, plants, or microbial or
plant enzymes.

Bio augmentation
● When bacterial culture is added to the
contaminants to increase the rate of
biodegradation, it is known as bio
augmentation.
● It is the addition of archaea or bacterial
cultures required to speed up the rate of
degradation of a contaminant.

Ethics and Integrity

1. a long and healthy life,
70. Quote: ‘The destiny of 2. a decent standard of living
India is now being shaped in 3. being knowledgeable

her classrooms’
Paper I-Essay GS Paper IV-Ethics and Integrity
"Youtube: DNA 4.9.2023"

The Quote
“The destiny of India is now being
shaped in her Classrooms”
Kothari Commission report (1964-66)
Current context
● This week India will celebrate Teachers day.
● Every year on Teachers’ Day, the
contribution of both teachers and the wider
profession of teaching is acknowledged in
John Dewey
Indian society.
● 20th Century American philosopher
Role of Education in shaping characters
Role of Teachers and Educational Institutions
in inculcation of values
1. Role of Teachers
● Teachers serve as the role models to
students in schools and they play a major
role in inculcating ethical behavior in them.
● Gopal Krishna Gokhale was a political
guru of Gandhi and in many ways he
shaped the ideology and outlook of Gandhi
towards India and life.
2. Role of Education institutions
● Cognitive and psychomotor skills -
through curricular activities
● Social and interpersonal skills- through
extra-curricular activities.
● Discipline, punctuality is inculcated
amongst kids by school.
3. Role of Education
● Science increases rational thinking and
questioning of old age beliefs.
Similar quote ● Literature helps us understand human
“Education is not preparation for life; nature and prevalent social values of a
education is life itself.” given era.
John Dewey
Human Development Index
● Measurement of quality of life
● The Human Development Index (HDI) is a
summary measure of average
achievement in key dimensions of
human development:

71. ‘The heaviest penalty for

declining to rule is to be
ruled by someone inferior’
Paper I-Essay GS Paper IV-Ethics and Integrity
"Youtube: DNA 12.9.2023"

The quote
“The heaviest penalty for declining to rule
is to be ruled by someone inferior”
Plato
About the quote
● Ancient Greek philosophers (Socrates-
Plato-Aristotle) were some of the earliest to
form arguments about politics and
governance and write about them.
● In Plato’s seminal The Republic, he gave
this quote.
Essential meaning of the quote-
“The destiny of the nation is shaped in her ● Capable people being disinterested in
Classrooms” reforming society. And yet, he argued, they
You can start with- must be the ones to do it.
The early years of human being’s life are the most Another way of putting the same idea-
favourable ones for developing the attitudes and “The price good men pay for
values that form the basis of their personalities. indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil
The structure of values and attitudes built in early men.”
years are strong and permanent roots for one’s
entire life.
Abraham Lincoln rightly said “The philosophy of
the school room in one generation will be the
philosophy of government in the next generation.”

Education = Knowledge + Character

Knowledge without character is a deadly sin. “A

man who has never been to school may steal from
a freight car, but if he has a university education he
may steal the whole railroad.”
Can conclude with-
“If someone is going down the wrong road, he
doesn’t need motivation to speed him up. What he
needs is education to turn him around.”

Why does Plato believe so?

● Plato wanted to establish a society based
on the idea of justice.
● Thus he tried to first explain the concept
of justice in his book The Republic.
Concept of Justice as per Plato-
● Every person three traits as part of their
personality-

1. Wisdom
2. Courage
3. Appetite (Greed)
● But a person has one of the three trait as
their dominant trait or principal virtue.
● Just person is one who acts according
his/her dominant trait.
● When every person in a society acts
according to their dominant trait, just
society evolves.

The quote highlights importance of participating

in electoral processes like voting and contesting
elections etc for good people.

72. Suicides
GS Paper IV-Ethics Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 25.9.2023"

About the article

● The article gives some of the data regarding
suicide rates in World and India.
● Every 40 seconds, someone in the world
dies by suicide.
● Globally suicide is the second leading cause
Philosopher King of Plato of death among the 15-29 years old.
● Only those people who have wisdom of ● India accounts for 17% of world’s suicide.
dominant trait should have power to ● India accounts for 40% of the world suicides
govern/rule. amongst women.
● Plato stated democracy is the worst form of
government as its rule by the needy or
people of appetite and courage.
Criticism of Plato’s concept of Philosopher
King
● Criticised for having dictatorial tendencies,
for only allowing certain people to be
involved in governance.
Justification in defence of Plato Depression- Losing hope, sense of
● In Plato’s system-a Philosopher is the one worthlessness, ruthless competition, love
who has dominant trait of Wisdom. So even related depression are some major causes
if he gets power, he will see the power as Factors behind poor mental health
his duty and not rights. 1. Modern lifestyle- In modern age of social
● Corruption / misgovernance arises when media and virtual platforms many people get
people with Appetite and Courage gets into depression due to sense of relative
power. poverty generated due to catfishing
Capable people being disinterested in (projecting something else in online mode)
reforming society. And yet, he argued, they by others.
must be the ones to do it. 2. Social stigma and discrimination
● People do not accept the fact that that they
are suffering from mental illness.

● This mindset helps aggravate the health If an essay comes on mental health issues,
issues related to mental distress. you may start with explaining that-
● Through the numbers, anyone having Use following ideas in Ethics/Essay
suicidal tendency and other mental issues ● All living things are made up of Matter and
can avail free assistance and counselling. Soul.
● We take care of matter part always- what to
eat, what to wear etc. If we fall sick bodily we
contact a doctor.
● But Soul which is equally important (or
more important for humans, as we are more
sensible) component is neglected. We don't
know how to keep our soul peaceful and
happy.
● Someone visiting a doctor for mental health
is stigmatized.

Molly Russell (a 17 year old UK girl-committed

suicide)
Algorithmic searches on social media led to
more and more depressing content ━ she
ultimately committed suicide (another example
to differentiate between AI and natural
There is an essential difference between the
intelligence) - Why AI can’t replace humans?
two. Human is combination of matter and soul
Government policy
● The UK’s Online Safety Bill aims to Mains Practice Question
impose a “duty of care” on social media Q. “We are what our thoughts have made us.
companies. So take care about what you think. Words are
secondary, thoughts live, they travel far”
Factors behind poor mental health Swami Vivekananda
3. Career driven mindset of parents
4. Extensive use of smartphones: Extensive 73. Ethics in Sports
use of mobile phones affects the sleep pattern Paper I-Essay GS Paper IV-Ethics and Integrity
of person which indirectly leads to the mental "Youtube: DNA 16.9.2023"
stress.
5. Demographic Determinants: Gender First Case
inequality, racial, regional and ethnic ● Luis Rubiales, the chief of Spain’s football
discrimination etc. could lead to the mental federation had to resign in the wake of a
health problems. scandal involving allegations of sexual
assault for kissing a female player, Jenni
Hermoso, during the Women’s World Cup
medals ceremony.
Ethical issues involved in the case-
1. Breach of trust
● Players put a lot of trust in their management
and coaches, which was misused in the given
case.
2. Abuse of Authority

● Accusations were made that Rubiales abused

his authority as the chief of Spain’s football
federation to engage in inappropriate
conduct with a player.
3. Sexual assault
● The kissing incident can be understood as an
act of sexual assault.
4. Lack of Consent
● The incident raised ethical concerns regarding
consent, as Hermoso stated that she was
kissed against her will.

Similar accusations have been made against Q. Sports helps lot in inculcation of values.
the former chief of the Wrestling federation in Explain.
India. These incidents highlight the issues of ● Sportsmanship-character building
degrading ethical standard in sports. Values inculcated
Second Case ● Discipline, Hard work, consistency skills,
● Indian men’s football team coach Igor Stimac work ethic, commitment, and integrity.
picked the national squad for the crucial Examples of ethical behaviour by sportsperson –
Asian Cup match against Afghanistan in ● Legendary Indian cricketer Sachin
June 2022 on the advice of an astrologer. Tendulkar was told by his father that he
● Interestingly, it is also said that the astrologer would be a role model in future and so he
was introduced to Igor Stimac by the All India should never promote alcohol or tobacco
Football Federation (AIFF). products.
Issues- ● Cristiano Ronaldo refused to promote
1. Dogmatism in sport aerated drinks high on sugar.
2. Disregard for merit Sports inculcate important values, including
3. Disregard for human efforts - Divine respect and teamwork, as well as teach lessons
Determinism about perseverance and honesty.
4. In sports winning is not everything
● true purpose of sports is not to win but
realise human possibilities and strength
of human spirit.

Geography And Disaster Management

● The USGS attributed it to “oblique-reverse
74. Earthquake in Morocco faulting at shallow depth within the
GS Paper I-Geography Prelims Moroccan High Atlas Mountain range”.
"Youtube: DNA 12.9.2023"

Current context
● An earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck
Morocco.
● So far, the death toll stands at well over
2,400.
● The USGS reported that the focus of the
earthquake was roughly 18.5 km below the
Earth’s surface.
● It was a fairly shallow quake.
● Such quakes are generally more dangerous
as they carry more energy when they emerge
to the surface when compared to quakes that
occur deeper underneath the surface.
● While deeper quakes do indeed spread
farther as seismic waves move radially
upwards to the surface, they lose energy
while travelling greater distances.

Shallow Focus Earthquake

Why the quake occurred?
● Seismicity rates are indeed lower in the
region, making earthquakes rarer.
● But they are not completely unheard of.
● Such quakes occur due to the “northward
convergence of the African plate with respect
to the Eurasian plate along a complex plate
boundary.

Q. Briefly mention the alignment of major

mountain ranges of the world and explain their
impact on local weather conditions, with
examples.
Hints
● A mountain range is a series or chain of
upraised, elongated landform.
● The alignment of these ranges and their
impact on local weather condition can be
seen as:
The Himalayas:
● 2500 km from west to east, in an arc
shaped manner.
● Protect the Indian subcontinent from
the frigid, dry winds blowing from the
Tibetan plateau.
● Acts as barrier for monsoon winds, causing
rainfall in India.
● Responsible for the for the Taklamakan
and Gobi Desert as they fall in the rain
shadow area.
The Alps:
● Alps influence presence and direction of
local winds like, Foehn, Mistral etc.
The Atlas
● Separates the Mediterranean region from
the Sahara Desert.
● It causes high rainfall in the region between
them and the Mediterranean Sea
by capturing the moisture laden winds
● They also act as a rain shadow, preventing
the rainfall in the desert region of Sahara.
The Rockies
● Warm snow-eater Chinook winds.
Andes
● Andes acts as the rain shadow for the
Atacama Desert.

History, Art & Culture and Indian Society

● Snake boats were used for war during 13th
75. Onam and Pulikkali century.
GS Paper I-Culture Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 5.9.2023"

Onam Festival
● It is a rice harvest festival of Kerala.
● It is celebrated during August-September
months.
● Lord Vishnu is revered on this day.
● According to myths, the festival is celebrated
to commemorate King Mahabali, whose spirit
is said to visit Kerala at the time of Onam.
● It is observed with numerous activities which
include Vallam Kali (boat races), Pulikali
(tiger dances), Pookkalam (flower Rangoli), PuliKali
Onathappan (worship) etc. ● It is a folk dance of Kerala performed on the
fourth day of Onam festival.
● It is popularly called as Tiger Dance.
● In this artists wear a tiger mask, paint their
bodies like tigers and dance to the rhythm of
traditional percussion instruments such as
thakil, udukku and chenda.
What is the current use?
● Onam festival came to an end in Kerala with
Pulikkali dance.

76. Indo-Pak war of 1965

GS Paper I-Post Independence History GS Paper
Vallam Kali II-International Relations Prelims
● It is a traditional boat race in Kerala, India. "Youtube: DNA 7.9.2023"
● It is mainly conducted during the season of
the harvest festival Onam in autumn. Historical Background
● The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is a popular ● The Pakistan Army had been waging an
vallam kali event held in the Punnamada undeclared war in Jammu and Kashmir
Lake near Alappuzha, Kerala. since August 1965, when Pakistani
● Some special snake boats are also employed infiltrators were pushed inside the (erstwhile)
known as chundan vallam. state under what was known as Operation
Gibraltar.

● On September 1, the Pakistanis launched a ● After the initial success by the Indian forces,
conventional military attack supported by the momentum could not be maintained in
tanks and the Pakistan Air Force in the many areas by Indian armed forces.
Akhnoor sector near Jammu. ● The Pakistanis sought to take advantage of
● The aim of the Pakistani forces was to capture the lull in the Indian advance by launching an
Akhnoor and advance towards Jammu. attack of their own in Khemkaran sector, and
● It was in retaliation to the Pakistani managed to succeed in gaining ground till they
aggression in this sector that the Indian Army were checked by the Indian Army at the
launched an attack across the International historic Battle of Asal Utar.
Border in Punjab.

Battle of Asal Uttar

● The Battle of Asal Uttar was one of the largest
tank battles fought during the Indo-Pakistani
War of 1965.
● It was fought from 8 to 10 September 1965.
● First the Pakistan Army thrust its tanks and
infantry into Indian territory, capturing the
Indian town of Khem Karan 5 km from the
International Border.
● The Indian troops retaliated.
● On September 10, 1965 three Indian
armored regiments with 45 old American M4
Sherman tanks, 45 light French built AMX-
13 tanks, and 45 British-built Centurion
tanks were arrayed outside the village of Asal
Uttar in the western Punjab province of
India.

Why was it important to launch an attack in

the Lahore sector?
● The strategic concept of this offensive was to
force the Pakistan Army to deploy its forces
in this sector, and to prevent their
deployment in aid of the Pakistani offensive
in Akhnoor.
● This was done to offset the early gains made
by the Pakistani forces in Akhnoor.

Battle of Asal Uttar

● The Pakistani force contained no less than
300 of the new American M47 Patton tanks
along with a few M24 Chaffee Tanks.
Q. Under what circumstances was the war of
● But the Pakistani armor fell into the Indian
1965 with Pakistan fought? How did it affect
trap.
India? Discuss.
● Pakistan admitted that it lost 165 tanks during
Hints
the 1965 war, more than half of which were
The 1965 war between India and Pakistan was the
knocked out during the “debacle” of Asal
second conflict between the two countries over the
Uttar.
status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
● The battle also witnessed the personal
Circumstances-
bravery of an Indian soldier, Abdul Hamid,
● Death of Nehru
who was honoured with the Param Vir Chakra,
● India’s struggle with food crisis
India’s highest military award, for knocking
● Support of China to Pakistan also
out seven enemy tanks with a recoilless
influenced its strategy to challenge India.
gun.
Operation Gibraltar- Strategy of Pakistan to
infiltrate Jammu and Kashmir, and start a rebellion
against Indian rule. The war was fought at two
fronts and culminated in a ceasefire where India
was believed to have an upper hand.
Effect on India
● Tashkent Declaration- It was a peace
agreement signed between India and
Pakistan to give effect to ceasefire.
● Establishment of RAW- India established
Research and Analysis Wing for external
espionage and intelligence to avoid such
incidents in future.
The article came in Indian Express to
● Enhanced tri-service co-ordination- India
commemorate sacrifice of Havildar Abdul
focused on enhancing communication and
Hamid
coordination within and among the tri-
services of the Indian Armed Forces.
● Modernization of army
● Changed foreign policy- United States and
United Kingdom refused to supply India
with sophisticated weaponry, India
Distanced itself from Western powers and
developed close relations with the Soviet
Union.

77. Shiva Nataraja mudra

GS Paper I-Art and Culture Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 8.9.2023"

Nataraja mudra
● Nataraja means -Lord of the Dance.
● In Hindu tradition god Shiva in his form as
the cosmic dancer, is represented as
Nataraja.
Symbolic meaning of gestures in Natraj pose-
1. Upper right hand holds the damru
● The upper right hand holds the damru
(drum), which signifies the sound of
creation.
2. Upper left-hand holds the eternal fire Shiva Nataraja mudra is important part of
● Destruction is the precursor and Chola sculpture.
inevitable counterpart of creation.
Current context
3. Lower right hand-Abhaya mudra
● The magnificent Nataraja sculpture that
● Reassuring the devotee to not be afraid.
has been installed at Bharat Mandapam,
4. Lower left-hand-points towards the
venue of the G20 Leaders' Summit,
upraised foot
portrays Lord Shiva in a form that was first
● Indicates the path of salvation.
seen in the fifth century AD, but which
was made iconic under the Great Cholas.
● The 27-feet-tall 'Nataraja' statue made of
'Ashtadhatu' – eight - metal alloy.

Nataraja mudra
Symbolic meaning of gestures in Natraj pose-
5. Small dwarf beneath feet
● The dwarf symbolises ignorance and the
ego of an individual.
6. Ardhanarishwar
● In ornamentation, one ear of Shiva has a
male earring while the other has a female.
This represents the fusion of male and
female basis for life.
7. Snake
● The snake symbolises the kundalini
power, which resides in the human spine
in the dormant stage. If aroused, one can
attain true consciousness. Sculpted by the renowned sculptor
8. Nimbus of glowing lights Radhakrishnan Sthapatya of Swami Malai in
● The Nataraja is surrounded by a nimbus of Tamil Nadu and his team in a record 7 months.
glowing lights which symbolises the vast 34 generations of Radhakrishnan have been
unending cycles of time. making idols since the Chola Empire period.

Q. Nataraja Pose of Shiva is summary of

Vedanta philosophy. Comment.
Hints
● Vedanta-known as fountain head of Indian
philosophy.Also known as Upanishads.
● Core philosophy of Vedanta- Brahma Satya
Jagat Mithya
● Ultimate reality- God/Brahma- World (Jagat)
emerges out of Brahma (God) and merges into
it.
● Ways to know God (Brahma) - Bhakti Marga
and Gyan Marg. Themes-
Natraj Pose of Siva/Prominent amongst Hindus ● These scrolls are painted in a narrative
during Chola regime -reflects Vedanta philosophy. format similar to a film roll or even comic
● Upper right hand holds the damru- strips and depict stories from Indian
Creation mythology as well as the shorter stories
● Upper left-hand holds the eternal fire- related to the Puranas and Epics
destruction (Mahabharata, Ramayana, Shiva Puranam,
● Lower left-hand-points towards the Markandey Puranam)
upraised foot-Bhakti Marga
● Small dwarf beneath feet/Snake-Kundalini-
Gyan Marga

78. Cheriyal scroll painting

GS Paper I-Art and Culture Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 11.9.2023"

Current news?
● Cheriyal scroll painting were presented to
the spouses of the heads of state from
around the world, who will gather for the
upcoming G20 Summit.
Cheriyal scroll painting
● This art form is unique to the state of 79. 75 years of Operation Polo
Telangana and made mostly in Hyderabad. GS Paper I-Post Independence History Prelims
● It is a popular and modified version of
"Youtube: DNA 14.9.2023"
Nakashi art-highly rich in the local motifs.
● Community engaged called Kaki Background
Padagalu(storytelling community). ● Hyderabad was one of the largest princely
● This painting also received the Geographical states in India.
Indication (GI) tag in the year 2007. ● It was ruled by the Nizams.
● Traditionally served as visual aids during ● Nizams who accepted the paramountcy of
storytelling performances, particularly in the British.
shadow puppetry theater. Indian Independence Act 1947
● It declared India as an independent and
sovereign state
● It provided for partition of India and creation
of two new dominions- India and Pakistan
● It granted the princely states the freedom to
join either of the dominions or to remain
independent.

Policy of “paramountcy” Operation Polo

● Under Lord Hastings (Governor- General ● On 13th September 1948, the Indian Army
from 1813 to 1823) a new policy of was sent into Hyderabad under Operation
“paramountcy” was initiated. Polo.
● According to it the Company claimed that its ● Operation Polo was a military operation to
authority was paramount or supreme, hence annex Hyderabad into the Union of India.
its power was greater than that of Indian ● Ground for intervention-law-and-order
princely states. situation in Hyderabad threatened the peace
of South India.
● The troops met little resistance by the
Razakars.
● But by 17th September 1948, Indian Army
took control of the entire state.
● In 2023, 75 years of Operation Polo and
hence merger of Hyderabad is completed.

History of Hyderabad integration to India Prelims Practice Question

● The Nizam of Hyderabad like the Nawab of Q1. Which of the following statements are true
Junagadh and the ruler of Kashmir did not about British Policy of “paramountcy”?
accede to India before the date of 1. It involved the British prohibiting a
independence, i.e., 15th August 1947. Hindu ruler without a natural heir from
● Nizam of Hyderabad was encouraged by adopting a successor and, after the
Pakistan to stay as an independent power ruler died or abdicated, annexing his
and improve his armed forces to resist the land.
integration. 2. It was introduced by Lord Dalhousie.
● The NIzams developed Razakars the private a. 1 only
militia forces to resist the integration with b. 2 only
India. c. Both
● The Razakars were used to suppress the d. None
demand of merger by local people. 80. Hindi Diwas
● They committed atrocities to threaten the GS Paper I-Post Consolidation History Prelims
local population. "Youtube: DNA 15.9.2023"

Hindi Diwas
● Hindi Diwas was celebrated across the country
on September 14, 2023.
● It was on this day in 1949 that the constituent
assembly adopted Hindi-an Indo-Aryan
language, written in Devanagari as the
official language of the country.

Controversy regarding official language Controversy regarding official language

● National Language issue was one of the
major issues of national consolidation post-
independence.
● Gandhiji had also supported Hindi as the
National Language.
● However, many leaders opposed it because it
will be unfair to non-Hindi speaking
population who will face problems in
employment
● Constituent Assembly decided on Hindi as the
official, and not national, language of India.
● But recently SC in one of its judgement said
Hindi can be considered as National
language of India.

India became bilingual

● Efforts by the Indian Government to make
What purpose Hindi serves? Hindi the sole official language after 1965
● A medium of communication between were not acceptable to many non-Hindi
citizens of the country. Indian states, who wanted the continued use
● Helps in maintaining unity in of English. There was series of violent
diversity/composite culture. protests for the same.
● The Official Languages Act was ultimately
Controversy regarding official language amended in the year 1967 by Indira Gandhi’s
● Whole assembly was divided on this issue government which provided for indefinite
whether Hindi should be adopted as the usage of English and Hindi as the official
Official language or not. languages of the country.
● The arguments by both the groups are shown
on the other side.
● The Constitution does not list any one
language as India’s “national language”.
● But adopted Hindi as one of the Official
language apart from English.
Why English also? Constitution Provisions (For PT) -
● Opposition from non-Hindi speaking ● Article 343: It mentions that the official
states. language of the Union shall be Hindi in
Devanagari script.
● The Official Languages Act, 1963, allowed
for the continuation of English alongside
Hindi in the Indian Government indefinitely
until legislation is passed to change it.
● Article 351: It mentions directive for
development of the Hindi language
accordingly, It shall be the duty of the Union to
promote the spread of the Hindi language

81. Architecture of the new ● The new LS chamber has thrice the number
of seats, with enough space for 888 members.
Parliament building ● This is light of the fact that delimitation
GS Paper I-Art and Culture Prelims exercise at some point in future might
"Youtube: DNA 18.9.2023" increase the number of MPs in the country.
● The new Rajya Sabha has the capacity to seat
Current context 248 members.
● A special session of the Parliament has Seating Capacity of new Rajya Sabha
been called by the government.
● The proceedings of the special session
will start in new Parliamentary building.
Note-
● India does not have a fixed parliamentary
calendar.
● By convention (i.e. not provided by the
Constitution), Parliament meets for three
sessions in a year.
● The President summons each House of
The architecture has many elements that
the Parliament from time to time.
demonstrate Indian culture
● the Lok Sabha is based on a peacock theme-
the national bird of India
● the Rajya Sabha is shaped like a lotus, the
national flower.
● the building features an open courtyard with a
Banyan tree, the national tree of India.

Gates of New Parliament building

● The new Parliament has six entrances.
● The six entrances of the complex, has their
guardian animals.
● It includes red sandstone sculptures of
auspicious animals
Six entrances of the complex-
1. Gaja Dwar
● The sculpture of an elephant or Gaja has been
installed to guard the entrance to the north
● The animal represents wisdom and wealth,
intellect, and memory, and also embodies the
aspirations of the elected representatives
New Parliament building of the democracy.
● 64,500 square metre building combines
modern and cultural features.

Which of the statements given above is/are

correct?
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both
d. None
82. Santiniketan and Hoysala
Six entrances of the complex- temples on UNESCO World
2. Asva: Asva or the horse standing alert and
ready at the southern entrance is symbolic Heritage List
of endurance and strength, power, and GS Paper I-Culture Prelims
speed, also describing the quality of "Youtube: DNA 19.9.2023"
governance.
3. Garuda: The eagle-like Garuda stands at the United Nations Economic and Social
eastern ceremonial entrance, signifying the Council
aspirations of the people and the ● The UN Charter established ECOSOC in
administrators of the country. 1945 as one of the six main organs of the
● In Vastu shastra, officials say, the eastern United Nations.
direction is associated with the rising sun ● As per UN Charter, ECOSOC is responsible
representing hope, the glory of victory, for promoting higher standards of living and
and success. social progress.
4. Makara: A mythological aquatic creature, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Makara combines the bodily parts of Cultural Organization
different animals, representing, unity in ● A specialised agency of the United Nations
diversity among the people of the country. (UN).
5. Shardula: Another mythological creature, ● Headquartered-World Heritage Centre in
symbolising the power of the people of the Paris.
country. ● Founded in 1945.
6. Hamsa: The most important quality of the ● Aim - To promote world peace and security
people of a democracy is the power of through international cooperation.
discernment and self-realisation born of ● Five key program areas - Education; Natural
wisdom. sciences; Social or human sciences; Culture;
Communication / information.
● One of the main role of UNESCO is
establishment and protection of World
Heritages.

Prelims Practice Question

Q1. Consider the following statements
regarding the legislative powers of the
President:
1. He can summon or prorogue the
Parliament and dissolve the Lok Sabha.
2. He can appoint any member of the Lok
Sabha to preside over its proceedings
when the offices of both the Speaker
and the Deputy Speaker fall vacant.

● Visva-Bharati University got the

What is UNESCO - United Nations ‘heritage’ tag from UNESCO.
Educational, Scientific and Cultural ● It will get distinction of world’s first living
heritage university.
Organization?
Living heritage- still functioning
● It is one of the 15 specialised agencies of the
UN. Current news?
● Headquarters: Paris, France ● THE SACRED Ensembles of the
● The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Hoysalas, will be India’s 42nd UNESCO
Cultural Organization focuses on everything World Heritage Site.
from teacher training to helping improve The three temples include;
education worldwide to protecting important 1. The Chennakeshava temple
historical and cultural sites around the world. ● It is the main temple in the complex at
Belur (Hassan district), located at the
centre of the traditional settlement, which is
surrounded by the remnants of a mud
fort and a moat.
2. The Hoysaleswara Temple
● It is on the banks of the Dwarasamudra
tank in Halebidu (Hassan district), a
town which has many protected and
Current news? unprotected temples, archaeological ruins,
● Santiniketan, the home of late Nobel and mounds.
laureate Rabindranath Tagore, has been 3. The Keshava Temple
added to the UNESCO World Heritage ● It is at the centre of Somanathapura village
Sites list. (Mysore district).
Visva Bharati University
● Located in Santiniketan, West Bengal.
● The university was established in 1921 by
Nobel Prize Laureate, Rabindranath
Tagore.
● The institution was given the status of
Central University in 1951 through a
central Act.
● The university is renowned for its cultural
festivals called Poush Mela and the
Basanta Utsab which attracts a number of
artisans from all across the country.

Q1. Consider the statements:

1. The Chennakeshava temple in Belur,
Hasan district, Karnataka has been built
by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala
dynasty.
2. The Hoysala architectural style is How did Rwanda leapfrog them to the top?
considered an intermediate between the ● The story of women’s active political
Indo-Aryan and Dravidian traditions. participation in Rwanda goes back in history.
Which for the above statements is/are correct? ● Located in central Africa, Rwanda came
a. 1 only under German and Belgian rule in the 19th
b. 2 only and 20th centuries.
c. Both ● It gained independence in 1962 but continued
d. None to battle ethnic tensions between the majority
community, the Hutus, and the minority
83. Rwanda genocide Tutsis.
GS Paper I-Post Independence History Prelims ● Under colonial rule, people had to carry ID
"Youtube: DNA 22.9.2023" cards identifying their ethnicity, hardening
the divisions.
Current context ● Hatredness between the two ethnic groups
● Representation of women in the rooted in colonial legacy, led to a massive
legislative bodies is in news due to women bloodbath later known as Rwanda genocide.
reservation bill recently passed by the ● The genocide is reason behind high women
Parliament in India. representation in the legislative body.
● The current Lok Sabha (2019-2024) has
the highest-ever representation of women
Members of Parliament at any point in
India, with 78 MPs in the 545-member
House (around 14 per cent).
● Yet it is low, since globally, the average
for women in parliament is around 24 per
cent. Rwanda
● Countries like Sweden, Iceland and New ● Rwanda is a landlocked country in central
Zealand, which have boasted of gender Africa.
progress for decades, have high ● Its Capital is Kigali.
numbers of women MPs. Population composition:
● But the country with the highest 1. Hutus – majority
percentage of women legislators in its 2. Tutsi –Minority
Parliament is Rwanda, with 49 of its 80
Lower House seats occupied by women
(around 61 per cent).

What is Rwanda genocide?

● The Rwandan genocide, also known as the What caused Rwanda genocide?
genocide against the Tutsi, was a genocidal 1992
mass slaughter of Tutsi in Rwanda by ● Tutsi rebels invaded Rwanda from Uganda.
members of the Hutu majority government. ● Ceasefire agreement between Rwandan
● An estimated more than 800,000 Rwandans govt. and RPF.
Tutsis were killed during the 100-day period ● Transition govt. formed.
from April 7 to mid-July 1994. 1994
● The (Hutu) president of Rwanda shot dead.
● Civil war erupts.
● Hutu (majority) extremist angry, they want a
“pure Hutu state”.
● This led to the beginning of genocide.
● April 6 to July 18: Hutu extremist tried to
eliminate entire Tutsi population living there
in Rwanda.
● 8 lakh people killed in this genocide.
What caused Rwanda genocide?
● Originally Rwanda was German colony.
● But after defeat of Germany in WW1, it was
transferred to Belgium.
● Belgium favoured Tutsi over Hutus-
following their divide and rule policy.
● It led to widening communal rift between
Tutsis and Hutus.
● The Hutu revolution in 1959 forced
thousands of Tutsis to flee the country.
● More than 336,000 Tutsi to seek refuge in
neighbouring countries.
● A group of these refugees in Uganda
founded the RPF (Rwandan Patriotic Force)
to fight for Tutsis. How war ended?
● Rwanda got independence in 1962. ● RPF, backed by Uganda's army, gradually
seized more territory, until 4 July 1994, when
its forces marched into the capital, Kigali.
● Some two million Hutus - both civilians and
some of those involved in the genocide -

then fled across the border into the

Democratic Republic of Congo, at fearing
revenge attacks.
● Others went to neighbouring Tanzania and
Burundi.
● RPF came to power in Rwanda.

Compare 1947 riots of India with Rwanda

genocide.
Both had roots in in colonial policy of divide and
rule
Rawandan genocide and women
representation
● Scores of women faced gender-based
violence in the form of sexual assaults and
honour killings, but the targets and
participants of fatal violence were primarily
men.
● As a result, 70 per cent of the population was
composed of women after the war.
● With the kind of traditional, male-led society
prevalent in Rwanda until then, many families
found themselves lacking a head of the
household due to the deaths of the men in
By July 1994 RPF entered in capital Kigali while the violent conflict.
majority Hutu fled the country. ● From a legal perspective too, women lacked
Justice for victims of Rawandan genocide the ability to have the land and assets of their
● The International Criminal Court was set up husbands transferred to them at the time.
in 2002, long after the Rwandan genocide so ● Thus “gender equality strategy” by Rwanda
could not put on trial those responsible. since then has led to increase in women
● UN Security Council established the participation in legislative actions.
International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda
in the Tanzanian town of Arusha to
prosecute the ringleaders.
● A total of 93 people were indicted and
sentenced. But many human rights violators
escaped sentence.
How to use in Mains?
1. World history
Direct question may be asked from Rawandan
genocide.
2. Indian history
● You can argue the divide and rule policy of
the colonial leaders led to ethnic conflicts that
are causing social disharmony in many
colonial countries till day.

Mains Practice Question ● The second category of Hindu scriptures is

Q. Communal conflicts in post-colonial states less authoritative – in many ways they are
are rooted in their colonial legacy. Explain with considered to be derived from the first –
special emphasis on India. 10 marks/150 words but more popularly known. These include
the great epics of Ramayana and
84. Adi Shankaracharya Mahabharata, Dharmashastras,
GS Paper I-Art and Culture Prelims Puranas and all other post-Vedic
"Youtube: DNA 23.9.2023" scriptures.
Adi Shankaracharya
● Adi Shankara, who is believed to have lived
between 788 and 820 AD, was born in
Kerala’s Kalady, situated on the bank of the
Periyar River.
● He became a sanyasi at an early age and left
his Brahmin household.
● He became a proponent of Advaita Vedanta,
challenging prevailing philosophical
traditions – including Buddhism and
Jainism.
Contributions of Adi Shankaracharya
● Chief propounder of Advaita Vedanta.
● Challenged prevailing philosophical traditions
including Buddhism and Jainism and made
Sanatan dharm popular again. Vedanta Philosophy
● Shankaracharya established four Mathas in ● Vedanta- End of Vedas- Highest level of
the four corners of India and the tradition Sanatan philosophy.
continues to this day. Key ideas in Vedanta/Upanishad
● According to Vedanta philosophy we humans
are mainly the self or the soul or Atma.
● Ultimate reality is Brahman.
● The material world around us ie Jagat is
because of illusion of Atma which is called
Maya.
● The day Atma realises this true knowledge it
will attain Mukti.
Two main dictum of Vedanta philosophy-
● Aham brahmasmi-I am the Braham
● Brahma Satyam Jagat Mithya-This world is
illusionary, the ultimate reality is Brahman.
Sanatan dharm scriptures
● There are broadly two categories of
Hindu sacred texts:
1. Shruti
● It is considered to be the most
authoritative and consists of the four
Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva) and
accompanying texts.
● These include Brahmanas (ritual texts),
Aranyakas (“forest” or “wilderness” texts),
and Upanishads (philosophical texts).
2. Smriti (“the remembered”)

How to realise Brahman?

● There are four paths to realise Braham and
attained Mukti-Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga,
Rāja Yoga and Jñāna Yoga.
● Karma yoga is the path of service through
selfless action for the good of others.
● Bhakti -yoga cultivates the expression and Mains Practice Question
love of the Divine through devotional Q. Trace the rise of Bhakti Movement. Discuss
rituals. its nature with reference to Dvaita and Advaita
● Jnana yoga is the path of intellect and Vada. 15 marks (250 words)
wisdom.
● Raja Yoga adopts the methods of controlling
the mind for transcendental state of 85. Tilak and Ganesh Chaturthi
consciousness. It includes meditation.
GS Paper I-Indian History Prelims
● Bhagwat Gita talks about Karma Yoga.
"Youtube: DNA 26.9.2023"

Current context
● The ten-day Ganesh festival, commencing on
September 19, is celebrated nationwide,
particularly in the western regions.
● Till 1893 Ganesh festival was a one day affair,
largely observed in private, primarily by
Brahmins and upper castes.
● In 1893, Tilak started the new tradition of
worshipping Ganpati, the Lord who would
remove obstacles and bring good luck, as a
community festival where patriotic songs
would be sung and nationalist ideas would
be propagated.

Nataraja Pose of Shiva- Summarises entire

Vedanta Philosophy

Reasons for promoting Ganesh festival

● It allowed free gathering of Indian people thus
it acted as a source of national integration.
Current news? ● To promote unity among the people.
● The Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister ● It gave jolt to the hegemony of Britishers as
recently unveiled a 108-feet statue of Adi social and political gatherings were banned
Shankaracharya, an 8th-century Vedic by them.
scholar and teacher, in Omkareshwar.

● As lord Ganesh was worshipped by both upper

and lower castes hence it bridge the gap
between brahmins and non brahmins.
● Such gatherings provided means to spread
ideas of nationalism in a channelised way
● To showcase the Britishers the might and
energy of Indians.
● Paved way to collect contributions for
national movement.
Note
● To further the cause of nationalist
resistance, Tilak started the Shivaji festival
in 1896 in similar lines as that of Ganesh
Practice Question
festival.
Q. In 1893 Tilak converted the Ganpati
celebration into public ceremony by drawing
inspiration from_____?
a. Muslim festival of ID
b. Muslim festival of Muharram
c. Durga Puja of Bengal
d. Festival of yom Kippur
Hints
● On August 11, 1893, a massive communal
riot broke out in Mumbai after ceremonial
music was played at the Hanuman temple.
● Then, the most popular festival in the
Bombay presidency was Muharram. The
festival saw participation from both
Because of his ability to connect with masses Muslims and Hindus.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak, fondly known as Lokmanya ● There is a photograph of Tilak participating
or the Leader of the People. in a Muharram procession at the Budhwar
Chowk in Pune in 1892.
Concerns ● The communal tensions ended this
Communal concerns
synthesis with Hindus refusing to
● The festival was criticised for creating
commemorate Muharram.
religious divide among the people.
● Started ganesh festival in similar lines.
● It gave religious fervour to national
● From 1894, Tilak promoted the celebration
movement in line with Hinduism.
of Ganesh Utsav, which soon replaced
● This became basis for schism in national
Muharram in its popularity among the
movement ultimately leading to partition of
masses.
the country.
● Initially it was felt as if Ganpati festival was
● Eg In 1893 saw a wave of communal clashes
popularised by Tilak against Muslims, but
between Hindus and Muslims across the
his real intention was to gather momentum
country.
for national movements.
Ecological concerns
● Some ecological concerns like plaster of Paris 86. Bhagat Singh
instead of natural clay which takes longer time GS Paper I-Indian History Paper I-Essay GS
to decompose. Paper IV-Ethics
● Chemical dyes paint the idol acts as a source "Youtube: DNA 29.9.2023"
of water pollution thus harm to aquatic
biodiversity. Background

● Bhagat Singh was born on September 28, last days come, you will begin to believe.’ I
1907 in the village of Banga in Lyallpur district said, ‘No, dear sir, Never shall it happen. I
(present-day Faisalabad, Pakistan). consider it to be an act of degradation and
● A charismatic revolutionary, he was hanged demoralisation. For such petty selfish
for murdering British police officer John motives, I shall never pray,”
Saunders in 1931, at the age of only 23. Criticising religion, Bhagat Singh wrote in ‘Why I
● His martyrdom and the coverage his trial am an Atheist’ (1930), “All faiths differ on many
received made him a folk hero. fundamental questions, but each of them
Early life claims to be the only true religion. This is the
● Both Bhagat Singh’s father Kishan and root of evil.”
uncle Ajit were politically active against the
British.
● Chris Moffat in his book India’s
Revolutionary Inheritance: The politics and
promise of Bhagat Singh (2019) wrote-
Though Bhagat Singh was inspired for
patriotism by his family, he public rebuke of
his father after he submitted a mercy plea to
the Viceroy when his son was facing the
gallows. Bhagat Singh chastised old Kishan
for his weakness and undermining of the
condemned revolutionaries’ cause. Bhagat Singh
(Example of Courage-Ethics) Mahatma Gandhi on Bhagat Singh execution
● Mahatma Gandhi refused to intervene in the
Bhagat Singh trial.
● He considered it immoral to put people’s
pressure on foreign governments to
commute the sentences of Bhagat Singh.
Jawaharlal Nehru defended Bhagat Singh
● Nehru was highly critical of the legal
process and the injustice being perpetrated by
the British.
● Explaining Bhagat Singh’s actions, he said:
“If England were invaded by Germany or
Russia, would Lord Irwin go about advising
Bhagat Singh the people to refrain from violence against
A very scholarly person invaders?”
● Bhagat Singh was as much a scholar as he
was a revolutionary. He was a voracious
reader and prolific writer.
● He wrote for Kirti, the journal of the Kirti
Kisan Party published in Delhi.
● He often used pseudonyms including Balwant,
Ranjit and Vidrohi.
An atheist and a Marxist
● Bhagat Singh was a steadfast atheist and a
Marxist with an anarchist tilt(Similarity and
dissimilarity between Gandhiji and Bhagat “Whether I agree with him or not, my heart is
Singh). full of admiration for the courage and self-
sacrifice of a man like Bhagat Singh. Courage
Example of Integrity
of the Bhagat Singh type is exceedingly rare. If
● “One of my friends asked me to pray. When
the Viceroy expects us to refrain from admiring
informed of my atheism, he said, ‘When your
this wonderful courage and high purpose

behind it, he is mistaken. Let him ask his own

heart what he would have felt if Bhagat Singh
had been an Englishman and acted for
England,”
Nehru on Bhagat Singh
Bhagat Singh
Jinnah on Bhagat Singh execution
● In the aftermath of the Bhagat Singh arrest and
his subsequent hunger strike in prison, now
stuff of legend, the British attempted to pass a
Bill which would make it legal to conduct a trial
in absentia — without the presence of the
accused. Jinnah stood steadfastly against
this, delivering one of his best speeches in
the Central Assembly on September 12,
1929.
For ETHICS-Chapter 1
● Learning life lessons from great
personalities
Bhagat Singh
● Values of -
1. Courage
2. Self-Sacrifice
3. Patriotism
4. Integrity
“The man who goes on hunger-strike has a
soul. He is moved by that soul and he believes
in the justice of his cause,”
Mohammad Ali Jinnah in
Constituent Assembly on unfair
trial of Bhagat Singh

Mains Question
Q1. “You will never attain integrity if you lack
the courage to stand up for what you believe is
right”. Substantiate your views. 10 marks/150
words

Assam Specific
● Aim-To promote world peace and security
through international cooperation.
87. Charaideo Maidams ● Five key program areas - Education; Natural
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims sciences; Social or human sciences; Culture;
"Youtube: DNA 1.9.2023" Communication/information.
● One of the main role of UNESCO is
What is Charaideo Maidam? establishment and protection of World
● Charaideo commonly known as ‘Pyramids of Heritages.
Assam’ was the original capital of the Ahom
Kings.
● Charaideo remained the symbolic center of
Ahom Kingdom even though the capital of the
kingdom moved many times.
● It was built by Chaolung Sukhapa the
founder of the dynasty in about 1229 CE.
● Location: Located at the foothills of
Nagaland, it’s situated at a distance of
around 30 KM from the historical Sivsagar
town in Assam. World Heritage
UNESCO’s heritage convention
● The UNESCO 1972 World Heritage
Convention gives recognition to cultural and
natural heritage sites globally.
● UNESCO 2003 Convention for the
Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage
It proposes five broad ‘domains for protection-
Oral traditions, Performing arts, Social practices,
Knowledge, Traditional craftsmanship.

Why is Charaideo known as ‘Pyramids of

Assam’?
● It contains sacred burial grounds of Ahom
kings and queens.
● Some 42 tombs (Maidams) of Ahom kings
and queens are present at Charaideo hillocks.
Architecture
● It comprises a massive underground vault Recent developments
with one or more chambers having domical ● Central Government has decided to send a
superstructure proposal to UNESCO nominating Charaideo
● It appears a hemispherical mound. Maidam of Ahom Kingdom as a World
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Heritage Site.
● The State Government of Assam is working
Cultural Organization
on a foolproof dossier for the Charaideo
● A specialised agency of the United Nations
Maidams (Tombs of Ahom Royals) to enable
(UN).
those to qualify for the coveted UNESCO
● Headquartered-World Heritage Centre in
World Heritage Site status.
Paris.
● A UNESCO team is scheduled to visit the site
● Founded in 1945.
in October.

88. Assam government ● In determining the minimum wages, a

delicate balance will have to be struck
consults ILO between the workers’ welfare and
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims sustainability of the 200-year-old tea
"Youtube: DNA 4.9.2023" industry.
Q2. With reference to International Labour
International Labour Organisation Organization (ILO) consider the following
● The ILO was created in 1919, as part of the statements:
Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I. 1. It is an independent non-profit
● In 1946, the ILO became a specialized organization that aims at providing
agency of the United Nations. financial assistance and employment
● The ILO has 187 member states: 186 of the opportunities to the developing nations.
193 UN member states plus the Cook Islands 2. The standards set by ILO is non-binding
are members of the ILO. in nature.
● India is a founder member of ILO. 3. India is a founding and a permanent
● The Headquarter of ILO is in Geneva, member of ILO.
Switzerland. Which of the statements given above are
Role- To ensure labour rights worldwide. correct?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
89. Abhiruchi Sports Day
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims
Current news? "Youtube: DNA 4.9.2023"
● The wages of tea garden workers – the
largest workforce (around 12 lakh) in the Abhiruchi Sports Day
State – have been a contentious issue. ● Bhogeswar Baruah (born on 3 September
● There has been disputes between planters 1940) is an Indian former-athlete and coach.
and workers. ● He was one of the first Assamese to win gold
● In 2016 Assam government constituted a at an international event, winning a medal at
minimum wages advisory board to notify the 1966 Asian Games.
the wages. ● He was the winner of the gold medal in an
● But the board is not able to arrive at any 800-metre running event of 1966 Asian
conclusive mechanism. Games.
● Now, in a first such move in the country, ● Baruah's birthday is celebrated on 3
the Assam government has sought September every year in Assam, called
technical support from the International "Abhiruchi Sports Day" in his honor.
Labour Organisation to determine an
“adequate minimum wage” for both,
scheduled employment and tea garden
workers.
● ILO will make suggestions under ILO’s
1970 convention.
ILO-Minimum Wage Fixing Convention,
1970
● Convention says the needs of the
workers and their families as well as
economic factors must be taken into
consideration.

90. Assam best in ● Many vendors belong to the informal

economy, and often borrow from private
implementation of PM lenders which charge them exorbitant rates
of interest.
SVANIDHI ● The COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims lockdown left daily wage workers and street
"Youtube: DNA 5.9.2023" vendors out of work.
PM SVANIDHI scheme
● It is a Special Micro-Credit Facility for Street
Vendors launched by the Ministry of Housing
and Urban Affairs.
● It will provide affordable Working Capital
loans to street vendors to resume their
livelihoods that have been adversely affected
due to Covid-19 lockdown.
● This scheme targets to benefit over 50 lakh
Street Vendors.
● Under the Scheme, the vendors can avail a
working capital loan of up to Rs. 10,000,
which is repayable in monthly instalments in
the tenure of one year.
● On timely/early repayment of the loan, an
interest subsidy @ 7% per annum will be
credited to the bank accounts of beneficiaries
through Direct Benefit Transfer on quarterly
basis.
● Implemented by: SIDBI will implement the PM
SVANidhi Scheme under the guidance of
MoHUA.
Current news?
● Assam has emerged as the best among
the north-eastern states and the second
best in the country vis-a-vis target
achievement with 89 per cent loan
disbursal under the PM SVANidhi.

91. UPI and CBDC

interoperability
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims
PM SVANIDHI scheme "Youtube: DNA 6.9.2023"
Who is Eligible for the Loan?
● All vendors who have been vending from or Unified Payments Interface (UPI)
before (March 24, 2020) and with a certificate ● Allows money transfer -two bank accounts.
of vending can avail the loan. ● Feature or smartphones both supports UPI
Implementation (no need to have mobile wallets).
● About 41% of the beneficiaries of the ● Online and offline mode both available.
government’s loan scheme for street vendors ● The top UPI apps today include PhonePe,
- PM SVANidhi (PM Street Vendors’ Atma Paytm, Google Pay, Amazon Pay and BHIM,
Nirbhar Nidhi) - are women, but southern the latter being the Government offering.
states fare much better than those in the ● As part of an agreement, India's UPI will be
north. linked to Singapore's PayNow.
Need for the Scheme:

● Launched in 2016 by NPCI(National Payments

Corporation of India)
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI)
● By Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Indian
Banks’ Association (IBA)
● Under Payment and Settlement Systems
Act, 2007
● Purpose- To promote online transaction,
processing and settlement services

Centralised digital currency of India-e-

Rupee
Background
● On 1st December 2022 the Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) launched e-rupee or Central Bank
Digital Currency (CBDC) or digital rupee.
What is e-Rupee?
● e-rupee is the same as a fiat currency and is
exchangeable one-to-one with the fiat
currency.
● Only its form is different.
● It can be accepted as a medium of payment,
legal tender and a safe store of value.
What is Digital currency? ● The digital rupee would appear as liability on
● A Digital currency is that which is only a central bank’s balance sheet.
available and transacted in electronic form.
● It is stored and transacted only through
designated software, mobile or computer
applications.
● Transactions occur over the internet through
secure, dedicated networks.
Virtual currencies are of two types-
1. Private Virtual currencies
● Not controlled by any centralized authority.
● Examples of Virtual currency- Bitcoin,
Litecoin etc
2. Regulated / Centralized Virtual currencies
● Regulated by a Centralized agency like e-
Rupee which regulated by RBI.
The retail digital rupee is similar to the physical
rupee that you hold in your wallet. The only
difference between cash and e-Rupee is that
you hold the latter electronically in a digital
wallet overseen by the RBI.

Current news? UPSC Prelims 2022

● RBI directed Banks to make UPI and Q. With reference to the Indian economy,
CBDC (e-Rupee) interoperable. consider the following statements:
● This integration of UPI and CBDC is part 1. If the inflation is too high, Reserve Bank
of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) of India (RBI) is likely to buy
ongoing pilot project on pushing the retail government securities.
digital rupee (e₹-R). 2. If the rupee is rapidly depreciating, RBI
● Now users of retail digital rupee will be is likely to sell dollars in the market.
able to make transactions by scanning 3. If interest rates in the USA or European
any UPI QR at a merchant outlet. Union were to fall, that is likely to induce
● Merchants can also accept digital rupee RBI to buy dollars.
payments through their existing UPI QR Which of the statements given above are
codes. correct?
● Initially, when the pilot for the retail digital a. 1 and 2 only
rupee was launched, the e₹-R users had to b. 2 and 3 only
scan a specific QR code to undertake c. 1 and 3 only
transactions. d. 1, 2, 3 all
92. No conclusive outcome of
NRC so far
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 7.9.2023"

NRC update process

● The process of updating NRC started in 2013
in Assam on the directives of Supreme
Court.
NRC update was released by Assam
government on 31st August 2019-
● Total Applications- 3 crore 30 Lakhs(
approx)
● Eligible Applications- 3 crore 11 Lakhs
● Rejected- 19 Lakhs
Those applicants whose application has been
rejected can file an appeal in Foreign Tribunals.

94. PepsiCo to invest Rs 778

cr
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 8.9.2023"

Background
● About 3 years ago PepsiCo announced that it
will set up a greenfield project in Assam.
● It will produce Lays Potato chips and Kurkure
Corn puffs.
Current issue
● Three years has passed since the final Current news?
draft was released. ●
Foundation laying of Pepsico Rs 778 crore
● No concrete action has been taken so far. project has started in Nalbari Assam.
● The article says that the central and the ● The Pepsico plant which is expected to be
state government must draw the future operational by 2025, will provide direct
plan about people whose name will be employment to 500 people besides creating
rejected by the Foreigner Tribunal also. a multi-stakeholder downstream chain
which stands to benefit from it.
93. Amrit Brikshya Andolan ● Local farmers from Assam will also benefit
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims from it since PepsiCo will engage into contract
"Youtube: DNA 7.9.2023" farming with local farmers.

What is the news?

● 1 cr seedlings to be planted on 17th
September, 2023 from 9 AM To 11 AM across
the state
● Commercial tree planting by Self Help
Group Member, ASHA workers and
supervisors, Police, Educational institutes,
Anganwadi workers etc
● Registration to be done on Web Portal/
Mobile App
● Financial grant of Rupees 100 will be given
as Direct Beneficiary Transfer after planting
the seedling and uploading the image onto
the portal.
● Rs. 200 to be paid in 3rd Year on survival of
the plant
● Geotagged Photos have to be uploaded to
avail the financial grant.
Contract Farming
● Contract farming is the process of agricultural
production carried out according to an
agreement between companies, government
bodies or individual entrepreneurs on one
side and farmers on the other which
establishes conditions for the production and
marketing of farm products.
● In this process, the farmer agrees to provide
With Amrit Brikshya Andolan Assam to attempt 9 established quantities of a specific agricultural
Guiness records

product, meeting the quality standards and ● Sang songs in Assamese, Bengali and Hindi.
delivery schedule set by the purchaser. ● He did his higher studies from Banaras
● PepsiCo has said that it will provide seeds to Hindu University
farmers. ● Then he went to Columbia University to
● It will also support the farmers in technical pursue Phd in 1949.
upgradation. ● During that time black civil rights campaign
was going on in the USA. It was an anti-
apartheid movement.
● During his stay in Columbia University he came
in contact with black civil rights icon Paul
Robeson.

Paul Robeson- Football player, concert artist,

95. Bhupen Hazarika actor, international civil rights activists (for
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims coloured people rights).
"Youtube: DNA 8.9.2023" Bhupen Hazarika
● During his stay in the US Bhupen Hazarika
About Bhupen Hazarika realised that discrimination was not just
● 5th November is death anniversary of limited to India but it was a global
legend Bhupen Hazarika. phenomenon.
● He was born on 8th September 1926 in ● His inclination towards anti-discrimination,
Sadiya, Assam. humanity, equality, liberty became stronger.
● He died on 5th November 2011 in ● This approach reflected in most of his songs
Mumbai. like He dola he dola he dola- plight of
downtrodden is reflected.
● No doubt Bhupen Hazarika is one of the
greatest genius India has seen.
● The coming generation should know about
his contributions thus SEBA has included
his songs in school curriculum.

Bhupen Hazarika
● Awarded with Bharat Ratna and Dada Saheb
Phalke Awards.

97. Prof Maheswar Neog

GS Paper V- Assam Issues Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 13.9.2023"

Prof Maheswar Neog

● 13th September is the death anniversary of
eminent academic and indologist Dr.
Maheswar Neog.
About Prof Maheswar Neog
● He was born on 7th september 1915 in the
96. CAG flags lapses in Moitri village Kamarphadiya in Sivasagar district.
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims ● He is widely recognised as the finest product
"Youtube: DNA 12.9.2023" of the Assamese Vaishnavite tradition.
● Most important literary work (known as his
What is Project Moitri?
magnum opus) - Sankardeva and His times:
● Moitri scheme stands for (Mission of Overall
Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and
Improvement of Thana for Responsive
Movement in Assam.
Image) in the State.
● He popularised Sattriya dance in other parts
● The scheme was launched in July 2016 with
of India.
an aim to create modern and citizen-friendly
● He had given the first exposure of Sattriya
infrastructure in 345 police stations within
dance nationally in 1958 at a seminar
five years.
conducted by Sangeet Natak Akademi at
Current news? Vigyan Bhavan, Delhi.
● As per CAG report the scheme objective was, ● He was awarded with Padmashree in 1974.
however, defeated as 48 out of 119 police ● He was the president of Assam Sahitya
stations taken up during the first and Sabha in 1974.
second phases remained incomplete as of
June 2022, while scheme works in remaining
226 police stations were still at planning stage.
● Besides, instances of various irregularities –
award of works without following tendering
process, inflated cost estimate, non-collection
of performance security/retention money to
safeguard against future defect liability.

Prelims Practice Question 99. Amrit Brikshya Andolan-

Q2. Who has written Sankardeva and His times:
Early History of the Vaishnava Faith and Guiness record
Movement in Assam - GS Paper V- Assam Issues Prelims
a. Prof Maheswar Neog "Youtube: DNA 18.9.2023"
b. Homen Borgohain
c. Jyoti Prasad Agarwala Amrit Brikshya Andolan
d. Mamoni Raisom Goswami ● Around one crore saplings were planted at
various locations of the State over the last
98. The Assam Panchayat week under Amrit Brikshya Andolan.
(Amendment) Bill, 2023 ● Through the campaign, the government
intends to create awareness regarding the
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims
environment and “love for trees”.
"Youtube: DNA 15.9.2023"
● During the Amrit Brikshya Andolan, the State
Current news? attempted nine records.
● The Assam Legislative Assembly passed ‘The ● The first attempt was to create a new record
Assam Panchayat (Amendment) Bill, 2023. for the largest line/spiral of saplings.
● The Bill seeks to amend the Assam ● Around 3.22 lakh seedlings were arranged
Panchayat Act, 1994. spirally, covering around 22.22 km in
Provisions length, at the Veterinary College ground here.
● Through the amendment, the government will ● The next day, 3.22 lakh saplings were
constitute a district delimitation distributed at the same venue.
commission in every district to decide the
size of Gaon Panchayat (GP), Anchalik
Panchayat (AP) and Zila Parishad (ZP)
constituencies.
● The district delimitation commission will
consist of the District Commissioner as
chairman, the chief executive officer of the ZP
concerned as member secretary, and the
relevant election officer as member. Guiness record
● The State Environment and Forest department
today planted 6.32 lakh tree saplings in an
area of about one hectare at Ulup Pathar,
Margherita in Tinsukia district to create the
largest tree mosaic depicting the map of
Assam in a bid to create a Guinness World
Record.
● Representatives of Guinness World
Records will arrive at Ulup Pathar and award
the title after completing the necessary
inspections.

100. Biswanath Ghat

GS Paper V-Assam Topics Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 25.9.2023"

Current news?
● Biswanath Ghat has been selected as the
Best Tourism Village of India-2023.
● The area is located at the confluence of
Bridhaganga (Burigonga) river and the
Brahmaputra. Case Study- Erosion of Majuli Island
● With 27 different devalayas (temples), ● Majuli Island is slowly getting eroded by the
and proposed construction of a ropeway to three river streams on three sides.
connect the river island Uma Tumani from ● It had size of 1250 square Km in 1890.
Biswanath Ghat, there is a huge potential ● Now its area is reduced to 515 square Km.
for rural tourism here. ● Some experts have opinion that it will
● On the third day of the Bohag Bihu festival, completely disappear by 2040.
a mela named ‘Gosain Phuroa Utsav’ is
also held here.

101. Problem of erosion in

Assam
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 27.9.2023"

Erosion
● High speed water discharge of river
Brahmaputra has led to loss of land in
coastal areas.
● About 7% of land in the state’s 17 riverine
districts has been lost because of river
erosion over the past 50 years
● According to a data Brahmaputra erodes
about 80 square km area from Assam every
year.

Prelims Specific
102. Magsaysay award to
Assam Oncologist
APSC Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 1.9.2023"

Magsaysay award
● The Ramon Magsaysay Award is widely
considered to be Asia’s equivalent to the
Nobel Peace Prize.
● The award is given to individuals and
organisations in Asia for selfless service to
society in various fields.
● Instituted in 1957.
● The award was set up by trustees of the
Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the
Philippine government to carry forward
Magsaysay’s legacy of service to the people, Noted Recipients of Magsaysay award
good governance, and pragmatic idealism.
● Prominent Indians who have won the award
● The award is given out every year on August
include Vinoba Bhave in 1958, Mother
31, on Magsaysay’s birth anniversary.
Teresa in 1962, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay in
● Acharya Vinoba Bhave first to receive the
1966, Satyajit Ray in 1967, Mahasweta Devi
Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1958.
in 1997.
● In recent years, Arvind Kejriwal (2006),
Anshu Gupta of Goonj (2015), human rights
activist Bezwada Wilson (2016), and
journalist Ravish Kumar (2019) have won the
award.
Ramon del Fierro Magsaysay Senior 103. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar
● He was the seventh president of the
Philippines, from 1953 until his death in an air awards
crash in 1957. Prelims
● He came to prominence during the 2nd world "Youtube: DNA 13.9.2023"
war when Japanese forces occupied the
Philippines — then a colony of the US — for Current news?
nearly four years ● Recently, the Council of Scientific and
Industrial Research (CSIR) announced
Current news?
the list of awardees for the Shanti
● Noted surgical oncologist and director of
Swarup Bhatnagar (SSB) awards for
Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre
2022.
here Dr R Ravi Kannan has been named the
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar awards
65th Ramon Magsaysay Award 2023 winner
● The award is named after the founder
as the ‘Hero for Holistic Healthcare’ for
Director of the Council of Scientific &
making cancer treatment accessible and
Industrial Research (CSIR) India, the late
affordable to the people of the Northeast.
Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar.
● In 2021, Dr Kannan was honoured with
● The Prize is given each year for
Padma Shri.
outstanding contributions to science
and technology.

● It carries a prize amount of Rs 5,00,000

(Rupees five lakh only).
● It is given for notable and outstanding
research, applied or fundamental in the
following disciplines: (i) Biological
Sciences, (ii) Chemical Sciences, (iii)
Earth, Atmosphere, Ocean and Planetary
Sciences, (iv) Engineering Sciences, (v)
Mathematical Sciences, (vi) Medical
Sciences and (vii) Physical Sciences.

OIML certificate
● It is a system for issuing, registering and
using OIML certificates.
● With the addition of India, the number of
countries authorised to issue OIML
certificates has increased to 13.
104. International Organisation ● Other certificate-issuing countries: Australia,
of Legal Metrology Switzerland, China, Czech Republic,
Germany, Denmark, France, United Kingdom,
Prelims Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, and Slovakia.
"Youtube: DNA 16.9.2023" ● It is a single certificate accepted worldwide.
Current news? Benefit for India
● Recently, India has become an International ● Indian domestic manufacturers can now
Organisation of Legal Metrology (OIML) export their weighing and measuring
certificate-issuing authority. instruments worldwide without incurring
What is OIML? additional testing fees, resulting in significant
● The OIML, which stands for International cost savings.
Organisation of Legal Metrology, was 105. Five Eyes Intelligence
established in 1955.
● It is an international standard-setting body. Alliance
● It develops model regulations, standards, Prelims
and related documents for use by legal "Youtube: DNA 20.9.2023"
metrology authorities and industry.
● It plays a crucial role in harmonising Current news?
national laws and regulations on the ● Canada’ Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
performance of measuring instruments etc. made an allegation of a potential link
● India became a member of the OIML in 1956. between agents of the Government of
In the same year, India signed the metric India and the killing of a pro-Khalistan
convention. leader and Canadian citizen, Hardeep
● Headquarter: Paris Singh Nijjar.
● Canada has asked India to co-operate in
the probe.
● The Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance has
called the accusations serious.
● However, the grouping has refused to
publicly condemn the killing of Nijjar in a
joint statement.

Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance

History
● In May 1943, the US and the UK formed a
secret treaty known as 'BRUSA
Agreement' for cooperation in
intelligence sharing.
● This agreement was later formalized as
'UKUSA Agreement' in 1946.
● In the following years, three more
countries, Canada, Australia, and New
Zealand, were added to the UKUSA
Agreement, making it a Five Eyes
Alliance.

Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance

Function
During the cold war
● Kept a track on Soviet activities during
cold war era.
In present time
● They keep track on cyber and other
intelligence activity of different
governments sometimes through legal
procedure and through illegal 106. Mithun gets a ‘food animal’
procedures (as revealed by Edward
Snowden in 2013). tag
Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 21.9.2023"

Mithun
● The mithun, which goes by its scientific name
Bos frontalis, is a ruminant species of the
Bovidae family found in Arunachal Pradesh,
Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram.

● The slaughter of mithuns — an animal that has Prelims Practice Question

ritual significance and is also the state Q3. Which of the following statements are
animal of both Arunachal Pradesh and correct about animal Mithun?
Nagaland — is traditionally reserved for 1. The Mithun is often referred to as ‘the
special occasions. cattle of the mountains’ and ‘ship of the
● Traditionally, the mithun is semi- highland’.
domesticated and is reared in a free-range 2. It has been classified as Vulnerable by
forest ecosystem. the IUCN.
● The animal is usually let loose in a community a. 1 only
forest and has rarely required shelter or b. 2 only
supplementary feeding, except for salt. c. Both
● Since the soil in these parts is acidic and low d. None
in salt content, mithuns have an affinity for
salt and are known to lick it off the hands of the
farmers. 107. ‘The opposite of poverty is
● Mithun is a herbivorous animal that feeds on not wealth, but justice’
grass, shrubs and forest leaves. Paper I-Essay Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 25.9.2023"

The quote
“The opposite of poverty is not wealth, but
justice”
What these quotes essentially means?
● Poverty-Denial of availability of basic
resources needed for a dignified life.
Current news? ● Vicious cycle of poverty.
● Northeast’s Mithun gets a ‘food animal’ ● Poverty can be something people are born
tag from the Food Safety and Standards into with no role of their own to play in their
Authority of India (FSSAI). circumstances, it can also be more likely for
● Food animals means domesticated people belonging to certain castes, genders,
animals of a type commonly raised for ethnic groups and so on.
human consumption. So how can it be addressed?
● Food tag will help in commercialization ● Different ways to address poverty that are
of Mithun meat and hence will augment generally used-
the income of Mithun rearing farmers. 1. Welfare approach
2. Capacity building-Skill development
3. Justice approach

Similar quote in UPSC 2023-Essay-“A society

that has more justice is a society that needs
less charity.”

Analysis ● But such approaches will only ensure

Welfare approach economic aspects of life to some extent.
● Tax the rich and welfare schemes for poor. ● These methods will still lack justice.
● Short term approach to address the ● The experience of a man with the criminal
immediate needs of the poor through welfare justice system will be different to that of a
schemes like MGNREGA, PM AWAS woman, and this would further vary based on
Yojana. other factors such as the caste they belong to,
● Help in survival of the poor. their religious identities, whether they are
● But will not bridge inequality, rather glorify educated, etc.
inequality.
● Poor will get some monetary wealth but not
opportunity to make difference in their life.
● Considered as charity.
● This approach is seen by many as denial of
justice.

Despite Start Up India initiative SC, ST, women

entrepreneurs were not able to benefit from it.
Thus a separate scheme was launched Stand up
India.

Analysis
Justice approach
● Making the system accessible to all,
easier for the disadvantaged.
● Amartya Sen concept of NITI and Nyaya
NITI
● Institutional system - Believing that a just
system will give just outcome.
Nyaya
Even if government makes home for poor without ● Justice in the form of outcome
sustainable means of livelihood, poor would rent Note-
their house and continue to live in slums. ● You can also bring in the debate
Analysis between-
Capacity building Dworkin Vs Rawls vs Amartya Sen vs Thomas
● Training, skill development, certification Picketty
courses etc
● Eg PM Kaushal Vikas Yojana, The National
Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), ITIs
etc
● Government schools, colleges, hospitals
etc.

She is the third Indian agriculture scientist to win

the prestigious Norman Borlaug Field Award 2023.
Other two are-
1. Aditi Mukherji (2012)
2. Mahalingam Govindaraj (2022).

108. Norman Borlaug award

Prelims
"Youtube: DNA 26.9.2023"

Current news?
●Indian agriculture scientist Swati Nayak
won the prestigious Norman E. Borlaug
Award for 2023.
Norman E. Borlaug Award:
● It is endowed by the Rockefeller
Foundation presented by the World Food
Prize Foundation. Dr Norman Borlaug
● The award recognises exceptional ● Widely recognised as father of Green
scientists under 40 and someone who Revolution.
works in the field of food and nutrition ● Helped in increasing food production in
security and hunger eradication. developing countries like Mexico,
● The award will honour an individual who Philippines, India, Pakistan by introducing
is working closely and directly “in the HYV seeds.
field” or at the production or processing
level with farmers, animal herders, fishers
or others in rural communities.
109. Waheeda Rehman for
● It is given in memory of the Nobel awardee Dadasaheb Phalke award
and Green Revolution's chief architect Dr Prelims
Norman Borlaug. "Youtube: DNA 27.9.2023"

Dadasaheb Phalke Award

● It is presented annually by the Ministry of
Information and Broadcasting.
● The award is considered the highest honour
in the Indian film fraternity.
● It is awarded for outstanding contribution to
the growth and development of Indian
Swati Nayak (Agri scientist IARI) cinema.
● Fondly called “Bihana Didi” (Seed Lady) by ● The award was instituted by the government
local communities in Odisha. in 1969, and consists of a ‘Swarna Kamal’, a
● Ms Nayak for her innovative approach to cash prize of INR 10 lakh, a certificate, a silk
engaging smallholder farmers in demand- roll, and a shawl.
driven rice seed systems, from testing and ● The award is presented by the President of
deployment to equitable access and adoption India.
of climate-resilient and nutritious rice ● The first recipient of the award was Devika
varieties Rani Roerich in 1969.
Dadasaheb Phalke
● In 1913, Dadasaheb Phalke wrote,
produced, and directed India’s first

feature film, the silent film -Raja

Harishchandra.

Current news
● Waheeda Rehman named for
Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year
2021 that will be presented during the
69th National Film Awards ceremony.

110. Mukhyamantri
Atmanirbhar Asom Scheme Mukhyamantri Atmanirbhar Asom Scheme
GS Paper V-Assam Issues Prelims After Training, Trained Youth will start any of the
"Youtube: DNA 28.9.2023" below mentioned activity under Mukhyamantri
Mukhyamantri Atmanirbhar Asom Scheme Atmanirbhar Asom Scheme :-
● Chief Minister of Assam Sh. Himanta Biswa ● Self Employment Activity in Agriculture,
Sarma announced to start Assam State's Horticulture, Fisheries, Dairy and Poultry.
biggest self-employment generation ● Packaging Business.
scheme. ● Ready Made Garments Business.
● The name of scheme is "Mukhyamantri ● Plantation.
Atmanirbhar Asom Scheme". ● Setting Up of Wood Based Industry.
Youth of Assam will get the following benefits ● Fabrication Work.
under Mukhyamantri Atmanirbhar Asom ● Hardware.
Scheme:- ● Any Other Self Income Generation Activity.
● Free of Cost Skill and Entrepreneurship Minimum Qualification need to avail the benefit
Training will be provided. of Mukhyamantri Atmanirbhar Asom Scheme is
● Time Period of Training will be One Month. Class 10th Passed for general category
● One Time Stipend of Rs. 10,000/- will be beneficiary.
provided after Completion of Training.
● Interest Free Loan and Government Grant will
be provided to Start Income Generation
Activity.
● Loan Amount will be Rs. 2 Lakh, 3 Lakh, and
5 Lakh provided in two Instalments.

111. How do airports get International Civil Aviation Organization

● It is a specialized agency of the United
codes? Nations.
Prelims ● ICAO is funded and directed by 193
"Youtube: DNA 29.9.2023" national governments to support their
diplomacy and cooperation in air
Current news? transport as signatory states to the
● The upcoming Noida International Airport Chicago Convention (1944).
(NIA) in Jewar was awarded its own unique ● The ICAO standards never supersede the
international three-letter code, ‘DXN’, by the primacy of national regulatory
International Air Transport Association requirements.
(IATA). ● It is always the local, national regulations
Airport Codes which are enforced in, and by, sovereign
● Airport codes are unique identifiers states, and which must be legally adhered
assigned to each airport. to by air operators making use of
● Airport coding first began in the 1930s. applicable airspace and airports.
IATA Code: ● ICAO standards are only
● The three-digit codes assigned by the IATA recommendations that is non-binding in
are used for passenger facing nature.
operations — on tickets, boarding passes, ● Headquarters: Montreal, Canada
signages, etc. Prelims Practice Question
ICAO Code: Q2. Consider the following statements
● The four-digit codes assigned by the regarding International Civil Aviation
ICAO, on the other hand, are used by Organization
industry professionals such as pilots, 1. It was established under Chicago
air traffic controllers, planners, etc. Convention (1944) for coordinating
● For example, for the Indira Gandhi international air travel
International Airport in Delhi, the IATA 2. The ICAO standards supersede the primacy
code is DEL. whereas the ICAO code is of national regulatory requirements to ensure
VIDP. international cooperation.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 only
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2

112. Sycamore Gap tree cut

Airport wishes to identify itself in meaningful
way. But it depends on availability. down
● Ranchi airport is not RAN but IXR Prelims
(already taken by Ravenna, Italy). "Youtube: DNA 30.9.2023"
For example, the newly built Jewar airport has
been assigned ‘DXN’ code. Current news?
● A 300-year-old tree in England that was
International Air Transport Association famous for its beauty and unique location
(IATA) was cut down by a teenage boy.
● IATA is a trade association of the world's ● The sycamore tree was located in a dip
airlines founded in 1945. between two hills, at a gap in the Hadrian
Objective Wall an old stone structure that is close to the
● To support airline activity and helps border between England and Scotland.
formulate industry policy and standards. The Hadrian Wall

● The Hadrian Wall is part of a larger UNESCO

World Heritage Site called the ‘Frontiers of
the Roman Empire’ and is found in the UK
and Germany.

Sycamore trees
● Sycamore trees can become extremely
tall as they mature reaching a height of up
to 35 metres.
● They are commonly found in the UK and
have leaves similar to that of a maple tree.
● A sycamore can live for as long as 400
years

Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the following statement is correct Q5. Which of the following statements is correct?
about Full Moon? 1. Gravitational waves were predicted by
1. All full moons do not look the same. Albert Einstein in 1916 on the basis of his
2. A full moon occurs when the Moon side theory of General Relativity
facing Earth is fully lit up by the Sun. 2. Gravitational waves do also exist in the
a. 1 only Newtonian theory of Gravitation
b. 2 only 3. Gravitational Waves are to be detected by
c. Both very sensitive detectors known as
d. None Interferometer
Select the correct answer using the code given
Q2. Consider the following statement regarding below:
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana a. 1 only
1. Objective of the scheme is to make clean b. 1 and 3 only
cooking fuel such as LPG available to the rural c. 2 and 3 only
and deprived households which were d. 1, 2 and 3
otherwise using traditional cooking fuels such
as firewood, coal, cow-dung cakes etc. Q6. Consider the following statements about
2. This scheme is under Ministry of Power. festival Onam:
1. It is a rice harvest celebration in Kerala.
Which of the following statement is correct? 2. Lord Vishnu is revered on this day.
a. 1 only Which of the above statements is/are correct?
b. 2 only a. 1 only
c. Both a and b b. 2 only
d. Neither a nor b c. Both
d. None
Q3. Which of the following statements are true
about Bengal Slow Loris? Q7. Which of the following statements are true
1. Bengal Slow Lorises are shy and nocturnal about PM SVANIDHI scheme?
animals that reside in the forest patches of 1. It is a Special Micro-Credit Facility for Street
northeast India. Vendors.
2. They are the only known venomous primates. 2. It has been launched by Ministry of Finance.
a. 1 only 3. The Street Vendors need to put a document as
b. 2 only guarantee against the loan.
c. Both a. 1 only
d. None b. 1,2 only
c. 2,3 only
Q4. Which of the following is the only Mixed d. 1,2,3 all
(Cultural and Natural) heritage site in India?
a. Hills fort of Rajasthan Q8. India is a member of which among the
b. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka following?
c. Keoladeo national Park 1. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
d. Khangchendzonga National Park . 2. Association of Southeast Asian Nations
Which of the following is the only Mixed (Cultural 3. East Asia Summit
and Natural) heritage site in India?
a. Hills fort of Rajasthan Select the correct answer using the code given
b. Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka below.
c. Keoladeo national Park a. 1 and 2 only
d. Khangchendzonga National Park b. 3 only
c. 1, 2 and 3
d. India is a member of none of them

Q9. Consider the following statements: Industry to facilitate adoption of biofuels

1. Kuiper Belt is a donut-shaped region of icy through international cooperation.
bodies beyond orbit of Neptune. 2. Brazil is world’s largest producer of Biofuel.
2. Asteroid belt is a region of space between a. 1 only
the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. b. 2 only
Which of the statements given above is/are c. Both
correct? d. None
a. 1 only
b. 2 only Q14. Consider the following statements regarding
c. Both Cheriyal scroll painting:
d. None 1. These paintings traditionally served as visual
aids during storytelling performances,
particularly in shadow puppetry theater.
Q10. With reference to Interpol, consider the
2. The themes of Cheriyal scroll paintings are
following statements:
limited to stories from Indian epics like the
1. The President of Interpol is elected by the
Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
UNSC.
a. 1 only
2. RAW in India assumes contact with Interpol
b. 2 only
for coordination.
c. Both
Which of the statements given above is/are
d. None
correct?
a. 1 only Q15. Which of the following are examples of Fold
b. 2 only Mountains?
c. Both 1 and 2 1. Himalayas
d. Neither 1 nor 2 2. Caucasus
3. Atlas
Q11. In which one of the following groups are all Select the correct answer using the code given
the four countries members of G20 ? below:
a. Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and a. 1 and 2 only
Turkey b. 2 and 3 only
b. Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New c. 1 and 3 only
Zealand d. 1, 2 and 3
c. Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam
d. Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Q16. Consider the following statements about
Korea International Solar Alliance (ISA):
1. The alliance’s primary objective is work for
Q12. Consider the following statements: efficient exploitation of solar energy to
1. National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
helps in promoting the financial inclusion in the 2. Countries that do not fall within the Tropics
country cannot join the ISA.
2. NPCI has launched RuPay, a card payment a. 1 only
scheme. b. 2 only
Which of the statements given above is/are c. Both
correct? d. None
a. 1 only
b. 2 only Q17. Which of the following statements are
c. Both 1 and 2 true about British Policy of “paramountcy” ?
d. Neither 1 nor 2 1. It involved the British prohibiting a Hindu
ruler without a natural heir from adopting a
Q13. Which of the following statements are true?
successor and, after the ruler died or
1. Global Biofuels Alliance is an India-led
abdicated, annexing his land.
Initiative to develop an alliance of
Governments, International organisations and 2. It was introduced by Lord Dalhousie.
a. 1 only

b. 2 only Q22. Five Eyes, an intelligence alliance,

c. Both sometimes seen in news consists of which of the
d. None following countries?
1. USA
Q18. ‘Zoonosis’ refers to any disease or infection 2. UK
that is naturally transmissible from- 3. New Zealand
1. Human to human Select the correct answer from the codes given
2. Animal to Human below:
3. Animal to Animal a. 1 and 2 only
4. Bird to Animal b. 2 and 3 only
a. 1 and 3 only c. 1 and 3 only
b. 1 and 2 only d. 1, 2 and 3
c. 3 and 4 only
Q23. Consider the following statements regarding
d. 2 only
Inter-State Water Disputes Act
1. It empowers the Central government to set
Q19. Consider the following statements with
up an ad hoc tribunal for the adjudication of
respect to PM Vishwakarma
a dispute between two or more states in
1. It aims to strengthen and nurture the family-
relation to the waters of an inter-state river.
based practice of traditional skills by
2. It provides for the establishment of river
artisans and craftspeople.
boards for the regulation and development
2. It is a Central Sector Scheme.
of inter-state river.
3. The scheme was announced in the Budget
Which of the statements given above is/are
2023-2024.
correct?
How many of the statements given above are
a. 1 only
correct?
b. 2 only
a. Only one
c. Both 1 and 2
b. Only two
d. Neither 1 nor 2
c. All Three
d. None
Q24. Which of the following statements are true?
Q20. Lachin corridor was recently in the news. It 1. All Rhinos in the world except Indian
connects: Rhinos have two horns.
a. Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh 2. All other Rhinos in the world are critically
b. Rasht and Astara endangered but Indian rhino is vulnerable
c. Georgia and Ukraine in IUCN red Data Book
d. Donetsk and Russia a. 1 Only
b. 2 Only
Q21. Which of the following statements best c. Both
describes “Regulatory Sandbox”? d. None
a. A joint initiative of United Nations Office
and Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Shanghai Q25. Consider the following statements:
Cooperation Organization (SCO) to control money 1. Tight monetary policy of US Federal
laundering activities. Reserve could lead to capital flight.
b. A set of guidelines under the coastal 2. Capital flight may increase the interest cost
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2018. of firms with existing External Commercial
c. It allows financial service providers to Borrowings (ECBs).
conduct tests for new financial innovations. 3. Devaluation of domestic currency
d. None of the above decreases the currency risk associated
with ECBS.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a. 1 and 2 only
b. 2 and 3 only
c. 1 and 3 only

d. 1, 2 and 3 Q30. .‘Right to Privacy’ is protected under which

Article of the Constitution of India? (2021)
Q26. Privilege motion against a minister can be a. Article 15
brought if- b. Article 19
a. Losses confidence in the government c. Article 21
b. Is absent for long period d. Article 29
c. Presents a wrong fact or restrict a fact
d. Evades from collective responsibility of the
Cabinet.

Q27. Which of the following statements are not

correct about Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam
2023?
1. The law provides for sub reservation for
women from SC,ST and OBC categories.
2. The law provides two third women
reservation in the Parliament initially for 15
years from commencement of the act.
a. 1 only
b. 2 only
c. Both
d. None

Q28. In order to comply with TRIPS Agreement,

India enacted the Geographical Indications of
Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
The difference/differences between a “Trade Mark”
and a Geographical Indications is/are (2010)
1. A Trade Mark is an individual or company’s
right whereas a Geographical Indication is a
community’s right.
2. A Trade Mark can be licensed whereas a
Geographical Indication cannot be licensed.
3. A Trade Mark is assigned to the manufactured
goods whereas the Geographical Indication is
assigned to the agricultural goods/products
and handicrafts only.
Which of the statements given above is/are
correct?
a. 1 only
b. 1 and 2 only
c. 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3

Q29. Who is the first Indian to win Dadasaheb

Phalke Award?
a. Devika Rani
b. Madhubala
c. Nargis
d. Durga Khote

ANSWERS
Q1. C Q2. A Q3. C Q4. D Q5. B

Q6. C Q7. A Q8. B Q9. C Q10. D

Q11. A Q12. C Q13. A Q14. C Q15. D

Q16. A Q17. D Q18. D Q19. C Q20. A

Q21. C Q22. D Q23. C Q24. D Q25. A

Q26. C Q27. C Q28. B Q29. A Q30. C

Best Wishes!

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