Prelims Specific CA PF Compilation by PMF IAS®– November 2024

Table of Contents

GS1 – Art and Culture ..................................................................................................................................... 1

{GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Ramappa Temple & Ghanpur (Kota Gullu) Temple .................................................. 1
{GS1 – A&C – Architecture} The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904 ..................................................... 2
{GS1 – A&C – Art Forms} Haveli Sangeet .......................................................................................................... 2
{GS1 – A&C – Personalities} Guru Nanak Dev.................................................................................................... 2
{GS1 – A&C – Personalities} Guru Tegh Bahadur ............................................................................................... 3
{GS1 – A&C – Personalities} Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti .................................................................................... 4
GS1 – Geography: Physical, Human, Economic and Indian Geography .................................................... 5

{GS1 – Geo – HG} Siddi Community .................................................................................................................. 5

{GS1 – Geo – PG – Climatology} DANA (Cold Drop) ........................................................................................... 5
{GS1 – Geo – PG – Water Resources} “Bhu-Neer” Portal.................................................................................... 5
GS1 – History ................................................................................................................................................... 6

{GS1 – MH – Dynasty} Surpur Empire ............................................................................................................... 6

{GS1 – WH – Events} Fall of the Berlin Wall Reshaping Europe .......................................................................... 6
GS2 – Various Aspects of Governance ........................................................................................................... 7

{GS2 – Governance – Issues} Curbing 'Bulldozer Justice' .................................................................................... 7

{GS2 – Governance – Laws} Re-evaluating the Safe Harbour Clause .................................................................. 7
{GS2 – Governance – Reforms} One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) ................................................................ 7
GS2 – International Relations ........................................................................................................................ 9

{GS2 – IR – EU} Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 ...................................................................... 9

{GS2 – IR – Groupings} 11th ADMM Plus Meeting .............................................................................................. 9
{GS2 – IR – Groupings} MAHASAGAR Initiative ................................................................................................. 9
{GS2 – IR – India-Africa} PM Modi’s Visit to Nigeria .......................................................................................... 9
{GS2 – IR – India-Australia} Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) ................ 9
{GS2 – IR – India-US} H-1B visa .......................................................................................................................10
{GS2 – IR – India-US} Indian Firms on U.S. Blacklist ..........................................................................................10
{GS2 – IR – Israel-Palestine} Balfour Declaration..............................................................................................10
{GS2 – IR – Middle East} India-UAE Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)................................................................10

PMF IAS – Learn Smart i November 2024 CA

 {GS2 – IR – Middle East} Israel- Lebanon Ceasefire Deal ...................................................................................11
{GS2 – IR – SA} PM's Historic Visit to Guyana ...................................................................................................11
{GS2 – IR – USA} Department of Government Efficiency (“DOGE”) ....................................................................11
GS2 – Policies, Schemes, Initiatives & Laws by Various Ministries .......................................................... 13

{GS2 – MoF – Initiatives} National MSME Cluster Outreach Programme ...........................................................13

GS2 – Polity .................................................................................................................................................... 14

{GS2 – Polity – Cooperatives} Revitalizing Cooperative Societies in India ..........................................................14

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Comparison} US Presidential Elections ...............................................................................14
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Elections} Multi-Member Constituencies in India ................................................................15
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Federalism} Net Borrowing Ceiling on States by Centre ......................................................16
{GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} Aligarh Muslim University Case Verdict ......................................................................16
{GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} Fundamental Rights Under the RPwD Act ...................................................................17
{GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} Right to Privacy (RoP) ................................................................................................17
{GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} SC Ruling on Property Acquisition ...............................................................................18
{GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} SC Verdict on UP Madarsa Education Act, 2004 ...........................................................18
{GS2 – Polity – IC} Constitution Day .................................................................................................................18
{GS2 – Polity – IC} Reflection on the Constitution of India.................................................................................19
{GS2 – Polity – IC} SC Upholds ‘Secular, Socialist’ in Preamble ..........................................................................20
GS2 – Social Sector: Health, Education, Hunger, Poverty, Etc................................................................... 21

{GS2 – Social Sector – Education} PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme................................................................................21

{GS2 – Social Sector – Education} QS World University Rankings: Asia (2025) ...................................................21
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Global Tuberculosis Report-2024.......................................................22
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Methanol Poisoning .............................................................................22
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Orphan Drugs ......................................................................................22
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Drug Compounding ...........................................................................................22
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Food Safety and Standards Regulations, 2024....................................................23
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Global Access to Nutrition Report 2024..............................................................24
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} HIV Genome Detection ......................................................................................24
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Jeddah Commitments on AMR ..........................................................................24
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Nafithromycin – India’s first Indigenous antibiotic .............................................25
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Pork Consumption in Northeast India ................................................................25
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Snakebite Envenoming ......................................................................................25
{GS2 – Social Sector – Poverty} Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty ....................................................26

PMF IAS – Learn Smart ii November 2024 CA

GS2 – Vulnerable Sections of the Society .................................................................................................... 27

{GS2 – Vulnerable Section – Women} Femicides in 2023...................................................................................27

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} ILO Report on WLFP ..............................................................................27
{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} The Journey of Beijing Declaration ........................................................27
{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} Women's role in Constitution making ....................................................27
GS3 – Agriculture .......................................................................................................................................... 29

{GS3 – Agri – Crops} De-branning of Millets.....................................................................................................29

{GS3 – Agri – Fisheries} Various Initiatives in India's Fisheries Sector ................................................................29
{GS3 – Agri – Food Security} Hunger Hotspots: FAO-UNWFP ............................................................................29
{GS3 – Agri – Food Security} Svalbard Global Seed Vault ..................................................................................30
{GS3 – Agri – Schemes} National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) .............................................................30
GS3 – Environment ........................................................................................................................................ 32

{GS3 – Envi – Air Pollution} Causes of Smog in North India ...............................................................................32

{GS3 – Envi – Air Pollution} Underutilisation of NCAP Fund ..............................................................................32
{GS3 – Envi – CC} Carbon Market Rules for Article 6.4 ......................................................................................32
{GS3 – Envi – CC} Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 ....................................................................33
{GS3 – Envi – CC} Environmental Terms in News...............................................................................................33
{GS3 – Envi – CC} Global Carbon Budget (GCB) Report 2024 .............................................................................34
{GS3 – Envi – CC} U.N. International Methane Emissions Observatory Report ...................................................34
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} BBNJ: The High Seas Treaty ..................................................................................34
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Exemption from dual approval .............................................................................35
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Harare Declaration ..............................................................................................35
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Key Takeaways from COP-16 ................................................................................35
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Updated NBSAP 2024-2030 ..................................................................................36
{GS3 – Envi – Degradation} Greenwashing ......................................................................................................36
{GS3 – Envi – Degradation} International Day for PEEWAC ...............................................................................37
{GS3 – Envi – Issues} Pet Industry and Animal Abuse........................................................................................37
{GS3 – Envi – Laws} New Rules under the Water Act 2024 ................................................................................38
{GS3 – Envi – RE} Asia – Pacific Climate Report 2024 ........................................................................................39
{GS3 – Envi – RE} Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferatioincreases.....................................................................................39
{GS3 – Envi – RE} India's RE Capacity surpasses 200GW ...................................................................................39
{GS3 – Envi – UNFCCC} Adoption of Article 6 at COP29 .....................................................................................40
{GS3 – Envi – UNFCCC} COP 29 Climate Summit: A ‘Finance COP’ ......................................................................40

PMF IAS – Learn Smart iii November 2024 CA

 {GS3 – Envi – Wetlands} Hokersar Wetland .....................................................................................................40
GS3 – Indian Economy .................................................................................................................................. 42

{GS3 – IE – Banking} Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) ..............................................................42

{GS3 – IE – Banking} RBI's Monetary Policy Stances .........................................................................................42
{GS3 – IE – Industry} Advancing CPI and IIP Data Release Timings ....................................................................42
{GS3 – IE – Industry} 'EV as a Service' Programme ...........................................................................................43
{GS3 – IE – Industry} Government Scheme for Tourism Development ................................................................43
{GS3 – IE – Inflation} Key Economy Terms ........................................................................................................44
{GS3 – IE – Institutions} Pharmexcil .................................................................................................................44
{GS3 – IE – Securities} Market Correction.........................................................................................................44
{GS3 – IE – Securities} New Framework for Reclassification of FPI to FDI ...........................................................45
{GS3 – IE – Urbanization} Challenges Faced by Indian Cities .............................................................................45
{GS3 – Infra – Initiatives} Tato-I Hydro Electric Project .....................................................................................45
{GS3 – Infra – Railways} DFCs boosting India's Economy ..................................................................................46
GS3 – Science and Technology ..................................................................................................................... 47

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Biofilm Barriers ............................................................................................................47

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} 'One Day One Genome' Initiative ..................................................................................47
{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} RNA Editing ..................................................................................................................47
{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Air-to-Air Refuelling .....................................................................................................48
{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 ............................................................................................48
{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Balloons: Utility & Limitations ......................................................................................48
{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) ..........................................................................48
{GS3 – S&T – Defence} India’s First Long-Range Hypersonic Missile ..................................................................49
{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Project Shaurya Gatha .................................................................................................49
{GS3 – S&T – IPR} World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) Report 2024 ....................................................50
{GS3 – S&T – ISRO} Aditya-L1's VELC Payload ..................................................................................................50
{GS3 – S&T – ISRO} Implementation Agreement (IA) ........................................................................................51
{GS3 – S&T – Space} GSAT-N2 Satellite ............................................................................................................51
{GS3 – S&T – Space} India in Space: Six-Decade Journey & Current Developments ............................................52
{GS3 – S&T – Space} India’s first analogue space mission .................................................................................53
{GS3 – S&T – Space} Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile.............................................................................53
{GS3 – S&T – Space} Proba-3 Mission ..............................................................................................................53
{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Cloud Computing - Types, Applications & Challenges ..........................................................54

PMF IAS – Learn Smart iv November 2024 CA

 {GS3 – S&T – Tech} Instrument Landing System (ILS) ........................................................................................55
{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Nanomaterial Coating .......................................................................................................56
{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Silicon-Carbon Batteries ....................................................................................................56
{GS3 – S&T – Tech} X-Rays...............................................................................................................................56
Prelims Specific Topics ................................................................................................................................. 59

{Prelims – Awards} Ballon d’Or Award 2024 ....................................................................................................59

{Prelims – Awards} Booker Prize 2024 .............................................................................................................59
{Prelims – Awards} Green World Awards.........................................................................................................59
{Prelims – Awards} President's Colours Award ................................................................................................59
{Prelims – Awards} Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar .................................................................................59
{Prelims – Envi – Species} “Kenyan Lesser Mealworm”: Plastic Eating Insect .....................................................60
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Benjamin Button Jellyfish.........................................................................................60
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) ......................................................................60
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Cicadas ...................................................................................................................60
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Comb Jellies ............................................................................................................61
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Dicliptera polymorpha .............................................................................................61
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Dunlin Bird (Calidris alpina) .....................................................................................61
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla) ............................................................................61
{Prelims – Envi – Species} New Genus fish -'Koima' ..........................................................................................62
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Nilgiri marten (Martes gwatkinsii) ...........................................................................62
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Okinawicius tekdi ....................................................................................................62
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva) .................................................................62
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Red-Headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus)....................................................................63
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Vampire Bats...........................................................................................................63
{Prelims – In News} “Spade” Platform .............................................................................................................63
{Prelims – In News} 4B Movement ..................................................................................................................63
{Prelims – In News} 58th Meeting of National Mission for Clean Ganga ............................................................64
{Prelims – In News} AI-Enabled e-Tarang System .............................................................................................64
{Prelims – In News} Aphantasia ......................................................................................................................64
{Prelims – In News} AroTrack: Water-Pollutant Detector Device .......................................................................65
{Prelims – In News} Digital Population Clock ...................................................................................................65
{Prelims – In News} E-Daakhil Portal ...............................................................................................................65
{Prelims – In News} First Asian Buddhist Summit .............................................................................................65

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 {Prelims – In News} Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX) ..................................................................................65
{Prelims – In News} Janjatiya Gaurav Divas .....................................................................................................66
{Prelims – In News} Operation Dronagiri .........................................................................................................66
{Prelims – In News} PAN 2.0 Project ................................................................................................................66
{Prelims – In News} Peak Oil ...........................................................................................................................67
{Prelims – In News} PM-JAY-ABHA CARD .........................................................................................................67
{Prelims – In News} Price Monitoring Cell ........................................................................................................67
{Prelims – In News} UP new rules for DGP Appointment ..................................................................................68
{Prelims – In News} VISION Portal ...................................................................................................................68
{Prelims – PIN – Middle East} Al-Jawf Region ..................................................................................................68
{Prelims – PIN India} Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve .....................................................................68
{Prelims – PIN India} Hindon River ..................................................................................................................68
{Prelims – PIN World – Asia} Mt. Lewotobi Laki Laki ........................................................................................69
{Prelims – PIN World – Asia} Solomon Islands..................................................................................................69
{Prelims – PIN World – NA} Puerto Rico ...........................................................................................................69
{Prelims – PIN World – SA} Chancay Port, Peru ................................................................................................70
{Prelims – PIN} Saint Francis Xavier .................................................................................................................70
{Prelims – S&T – Defence} Induction of 25T Bollard Pull Tugs Bhishm & Bahubali .............................................70
{Prelims – S&T – Defence} Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher System ...........................................................71
{Prelims – S&T – Defence} Storm Shadow and Oreshnik Missiles ......................................................................71
{Prelims – S&T – Defence} ToxicPanda .............................................................................................................71
{Prelims – S&T – Defence} WOH G64 Star ........................................................................................................71
{Prelims – S&T – Space} Black Hole Triple System ............................................................................................71
{Prelims – S&T – Space} Proba-3 Mission .........................................................................................................72
{Prelims – S&T – Space} Sputnik 2 Mission.......................................................................................................72
{Prelims – S&T – Space} Transit of Venus .........................................................................................................72
{Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Equine Piroplasmosis.......................................................................................72
{Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Sjögren's Syndrome .........................................................................................73
{Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Thai Sacbrood Virus ........................................................................................73
{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Candidatus Phytoplasma: Microbe Affecting Sesame Fields...............................................74
{Prelims – Sci – Bio} IL-35-Immunotherapy ......................................................................................................74
{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Ingestible Jet-Powered Capsules .......................................................................................74
{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Kodo Millet ......................................................................................................................74
{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Lucy – Oldest Human Fossil ..............................................................................................75
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 {Prelims – Sci – Bio} Richard Cash....................................................................................................................76
{Prelims – Sci – Physics} LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Technology ........................................................76

Colour Codes

Important for Prelims

Colour 1 | Colour 2 | Colour 3 (Negative Connotation)

Very Important for Prelims

Colour 1 (Positive Connotation) | Colour 2 (Neutral Connotation) | | Colour 4 (Negative
Connotation) | Colour 5 (Important for Upcoming Prelims)

Important for Prelims/Mains

Colour 1

Important for Prelims *

Important for Mains **

PMF IAS – Learn Smart vii November 2024 CA

 GS1 – Art and Culture

{GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Ramappa Temple & • Sculptural Art: The temples feature mythical sculp-
Ghanpur (Kota Gullu) Temple tures such as Gaja-Kesari (a half-human, half-lion fig-
ure riding an elephant) and horse-headed, lion-
❖ The Centre approves development loans for backed elephants. Intricate carvings and floral pat-
Ramappa Circuit and Somasila Retreat in Telangana terns adorn the pillars and walls, showcasing the de-
under Special Assistance to States/Union Territories tailed artistry of the Kakatiya dynasty.
for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme.
• The Ramappa Circuit includes various components
like Ramappa Temple, Kota Gullu Temple, and the
lakefront development of Ghanpur village.
• The Somasila retreat will include wellness and spir-
itual practice facilities and an organic café.
Ramappa Temple (Rudreswara Temple)
• It is located in Palampet, Telangana, and has been
recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Source: lightuptemples
• Historical Significance: It was constructed by Kaka-
About Kakatiya Dynasty
tiya General Recharla Rudra Reddy during the reign
of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva in the 13th century. Attribute Details
It is a Sivalayam dedicated to Lord Ramalingeswara. Capital Orugallu (Warangal)
• Marco Polo’s Praise: The renowned traveller Marco Common Lan- Telugu, Sanskrit, Kannada
Polo visited the Kakatiya Empire and described the guages
temple as "the brightest star in the galaxy of tem- Religion Hinduism
ples". Government Monarchy
• Sandbox technique of construction: Its foundation is Preceded By Eastern Chalukyas
built with red sandstone. The flooring is made of Succeeded By Western Chalukya Empire, Reddi
granite & pillars are of basalt. Meanwhile, the white Kingdom, Musunuri Nayakas, Delhi
gopuram (tower) is made of floating light bricks. Sultanate, Bahmani Sultanate, Vija-
yanagara Empire
Characteristics of Kakatiya Architecture

Source: swarajyamag
• Architectural Beauty: The temple stands on a 6 feet
high star-shaped platform with walls, pillars and ceil-
ings adorned with intricate carvings.
Ghanpur Temples (Kota Gullu)
• Location: Ghanpur, Telangana.
• Period: Constructed during the reign of Ganapati
Deva in the late 12th and early 13th centuries.
• Design and Structure: It comprises over 20 temples
within a fortified complex. The main temple is dedi-
cated to Lord Shiva. These temples are enclosed by
two layers of brick walls. Source: Wikipedia

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 1 November 2024 CA

• Elaborate Pillars and Sculptures: Intricately carved • Origin: Govardhan, Mathura in Braj, northern India.
pillars and sculptures often depicting deities, mythi- It is also linked to the Pushti Margiya temples of the
cal creatures, and scenes from Hindu epics. Vaishnava Tradition, where people sang daily to
• Star-Shaped Platforms: Many temples were built on Krishna.
raised star-shaped platforms. • Historical Background: Revived during the Bhakti
• Use of Granite and Sandstone: Robust materials like movement; declined during the medieval period due
granite and sandstone were extensively used, ensur- to socio-political changes.
ing the longevity and resilience of their structures. • Musical Styles: This includes Prabandh, Dhrupad,
List of Temples built by Kakatiyas Dhamar, Khyal, Kirtana, and Bhajan, but is not limited
to the Dhrupad style alone.
Temple Name Dedicated Significance
• Languages Used: Songs are performed in Brij Bhasha,
To
Sanskrit, Punjabi, and Marwari.
Thousand Pil- Lord Shiva, It is known for its archi-
• Significant Figures: Vallabhacharya, Shri Vitthalnathji
lar Temple Vishnu, tectural grandeur and
(Shri Gusaiji), Surdas, Pandit Jasraj.
Surya star-shaped structure.
Padmakshi Goddess Famous for its Jain influ- Vallabhacharya and the Rise of Haveli Sangeet
Temple Padmakshi ence and Kakatiya-era • Discovery of Lord Shrinath: In 1556, Vallabhacharya
carvings. discovered a divine form of Bhagwat, named Lord
Inavolu Mal- Lord Shiva One of the early Kaka- Shrinath (the ‘Consort of the Goddess of Wealth’), in
likarjuna tiya temples is known a cave on Giriraj Mountain.
Swamy Tem- for its cultural im- • Fearing destruction during Aurangzeb's reign, Val-
ple portance. labhacharya moved the deity multiple times before
{GS1 – A&C – Architecture} The Ancient Monu- establishing a permanent home in Nathdwara, Raja-
ments Preservation Act, 1904 sthan.
• Establishment of Haveli Sangeet: The temple of
❖ Tensions in Sambhal highlight Place of Worship Act, Shrinathji in Nathdwara, known as Haveli of
1991 interpretation issues. Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Shrinathji, serves as seat of the Pushtimarg. The mu-
Masjid is a “protected monument” under Ancient sic associated with these temples, called Haveli Sang-
Monuments Preservation Act, 1904. eet.
The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904 • Devotional Services and Disciples: Vallabhacharya
appointed four disciples—Kumbhandas, Surdas, Par-
• It was enacted during the tenure of Lord Curzon in
manandas & Krishnadas—for devotional services,
British India.
with Kumbhandas as Shrinath's first kirtankar
• Objective: The Act aimed to ensure the conservation
of monuments, sculptures, carvings, and other struc- (singer).
tures of historical, archaeological, or artistic interest. • Expansion by Shri Vitthalnath: Vallabhacharya’s son,
• Protected Monuments: The Act empowered the gov- Shri Vitthalnath (Shri Gusai), further systematised the
ernment to declare certain monuments "protected" sewa (service) and added four more disciples—Go-
and regulate activities around them to prevent unau- vindawami, Chhitaswami, Chaturbhujdas, and
thorised digging or removal of artefacts. Nanddas—forming the Ashta Sakhas (eight compan-
• Maintenance and Preservation: It provides for the ions) of the Lord.
maintenance and repair of protected monuments by • Introduction of Raga, Bhog, and Shringar: Shri Gusai
the government or authorised agencies. introduced raga (melody), bhog (offering), and
• Acquisition: The govt. could acquire private land con- shringar (adornment) as essential parts of sewa.
taining monuments if necessary for preservation. ❖ Raag sewa involves singing padas (devotional hymns)
• Penalties: Any injury to protected monuments was in various ragas and taals (rhythmic cycles) according
considered an offence punishable by law. to the eight prahars (time periods), including
Read More > The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Mangala, Shringar, Gwaal, Rajbhoga, Uthapan,
Sites and Remains Act, 1958 Bhoga, Sandhya, Aarati, and Shayan.
{GS1 – A&C – Art Forms} Haveli Sangeet {GS1 – A&C – Personalities} Guru Nanak Dev

• It is a form of Hindustani classical music sung in ❖ Guru Nanak Jayanti, celebrated on November 15 in
havelis. The essential component is dhrupad. 2024, coincided with Kartik Purnima. Also known as

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 2 November 2024 CA

 Gurpurab, it marks the birth anniversary of Guru Na- • Promoting Peace: Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s philosophy of
nak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism. oneness, compassion, and service offers a pathway to
Guru Nanak Dev Ji (c. 1469–1539 CE) peace and social cohesion.
• Spiritual Leadership: As a spiritual guide, he empha-
• Birth: Born in 1469 in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, sised the role of a Guru in providing illumination, dis-
Pakistan). pelling doubts, and guiding towards truth.
• Enlightment: Guru Nanak got his enlightenment
Sikhism
in Sultanpur in 1496.
• Founder of Sikhism: Established the Sikh faith, reject- • Founding and Core Beliefs: Sikhism was founded by
ing caste discrimination and advocating for devotion Guru Nanak in the 15th century.
to one formless, all-powerful, and truthful God. • God & Soul: Sikhism believes in one God, aiming to
• Rejection of Rituals: Denounced idol worship, pil- reconnect with God by overcoming ego and desires.
grimages, and caste distinctions, promoting a practi- • Equality and Social Justice: Guru Nanak promoted
cal, ethical, and truthful way of life. social equality and opposed the caste system, advo-
• Core Teachings: God is conceptualised as Nirguna (at- cating for equal treatment for all individuals.
tribute less) and Nirankar (formless). • Guru Granth Sahib: The Guru Granth Sahib is the
• Three Pillars of Sikhism eternal Guru after the ten Gurus, containing hymns
✓ Nam Japna: Contemplating and chanting the that promote universal values.
name of one God. • The Khalsa and Five Ks: Guru Gobind Singh estab-
✓ Kirat Karna: Earning an honest livelihood lished the Khalsa in 1699, with Sikhs wearing the Five
through righteous work. Ks as symbols of their faith.
✓ Vand Chhakna: Sharing one’s wealth with others • Gurdwaras and Takhts: Sikhs worship in Gurdwaras,
to promote social equality. with Harmandir Sahib in Amritsar being the most sig-
• Death: Guru Nanak passed away in 1539 at Kartarpur, nificant. Five Takhts are key institutions in Sikhism.
Punjab. • Service (Seva): Seva (selfless service) is a core princi-
ple of Sikhism, encouraging individuals to serve hu-
Key Aspects of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's Life and Teach- manity without expecting rewards.
ings • Sikh Population in India: As per the census 2011, the
• Egalitarian Society: Promoted equality through Lan- Sikh population in India is around 20 million (1.7% of
gar (shared community meal), Pangat (eating to- the total population).
gether without discrimination), and Sangat (collec- {GS1 – A&C – Personalities} Guru Tegh Bahadur
tive decision-making).
• Oneness of God: Emphasized the message of “Ek On- • Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth Sikh Guru. He was
kar Satnam,” advocating that all are equal. born in Amritsar in 1621 and became leader of Sikhs
• Core Values: His teachings centered on forgiveness, from 1665 until his death in 1675.
patience, kindness, and compassion, essential for • Guru Tegh Bahadur is revered as the ‘Protector of Hu-
fostering societal harmony. manity’ (Srisht-di-Chadar).
• Just Society: He advocated "kirat karo" (honest • He wrote extensively; many of his hymns are part of
work), "naam japo" (devotion), and "vand chhako" Guru Granth Sahib.
(sharing with others) to create a balanced and re- • He built the city of Anandpur Sahib (in Rupna-
sponsible community. gar/Ropar district, on the edge of Shivalik Hills, near
• Karma and Dharma: Emphasized that karma (ac- the Sutlej River, in Punjab).
tions) should be the basis of dharma (righteousness), • Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and Gurdwara Rakab Ganj
linking spirituality with social responsibility. Sahib in Delhi mark the places of Guru Tegh Baha-
• Charity and Service: Promoted the concept of dur's execution and cremation.
“dasvandh”, encouraging individuals to donate a • He stood up for the Kashmiri Pandits, who sought his
tenth of their earnings to help the needy. help against Aurangzeb's religious oppression.
• Gender Equality: Taught that both men and women • He was publicly beheaded on the orders of Aurang-
are equally valued and share God’s grace, advocating zeb as he resisted the forced conversion to Islam.
for gender justice. • As per the Nanakshahi calendar released by the Shi-
• Respect for Women: Stressed that women deserve romani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, his mar-
equal respect and opportunities, a significant teach- tyrdom is remembered as the Shaheedi Divas every
ing in the context of modern gender equality. year on 24 November.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 3 November 2024 CA
• Inspired by Guru Tegh Bahadur, his son, Guru Gobind • Foundation: It was founded by Abu Ishaq Shami in
Singh Ji, went on to formalise the Sikh community Chisht (modern-day Afghanistan) and established in
into the distinguished and symbolic society known as India by Khwaja Moin-Uddin Chishti.
the Khalsa. • Core Beliefs: Emphasised the doctrine of the unity of
{GS1 – A&C – Personalities} Khwaja Moinuddin being with God (waḥdat al-wujūd). Adherents were
pacifists who believed in non-violence and harmony.
Chishti
• Lifestyle: Reject all material goods as distractions
• Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti is also known as Moinud- from the contemplation of God. Abstained from any
din Hasan Chishti and is revered by the epithet connection with the secular state.
Ghareeb Nawaz (Benefactor of the Poor). • Practices: Involved reciting the names of God, both
• He was born in Sijistan (modern-day Sistan, Iran) and aloud (dhikr jahrī) and silently (dhikr khafī).
settled in the Indian subcontinent in the early 13th Prominent Disciples
century. He is said to have been a descendant of • Qutbuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki: Spread the Chishti teach-
Prophet Muhammad. ings in Delhi and became the spiritual guru of Iltut-
• He became a disciple of Khwaja Usman Harooni; af- mish, the Delhi Sultanate ruler. The Qutub Minar is
ter rigorous spiritual training, Moinuddin was initi- named after him.
ated into the Chishti silsila (spiritual lineage). • Baba Fariduddin: Spread Chishti teachings in Punjab
• He preached in Ajmer after Muizuddin Muhammad and was given the name "Ganj Shakr" (treasure of
bin Sam of Ghor defeated Prithviraj Chauhan in the sweetness) by Moinuddin.
Second Battle of Tarain (1192). After that, Ajmer be- • Nizamuddin Auliya and Chirag Dehalvi: Established
came his base of spiritual and social work. He the Chishti order in Delhi.
founded his ‘khanqah’ in Ajmer to help the poorest
people in the community. About Sufism
• His shrine in Ajmer has been visited by rulers like Mu- • The word derives from the Arabic word for wool (suf),
hammad bin Tughlaq, Sher Shah Suri, Akbar, Jahangir, which refers to the rough wool clothes worn by ascet-
Shah Jahan, Dara Shukoh and Aurangzeb. ics and even prophets.
• Contemporaries: Lived during the reigns of Qutub- • It is the mystical form of Islam that focuses on the
ud-din Aibak and Iltutmish. spiritual search for God and shunning materialism.
• Teachings and Influence: Promoted “Sulh-i-Kul” • It emphasises asceticism and devotion towards God.
(Peace with all), drawing followers from all religions • In Sufism, self-discipline is considered essential to
and social classes. Also, it advocated service to hu- gain knowledge of God through perception.
manity, inner purity, and devotion to God. • Its belief is that serving humanity equates to serving
Chishti Order (Chishtiya) God.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 4 November 2024 CA

 GS1 – Geography: Physical, Human, Economic and Indian Geogra-
phy

{GS1 – Geo – HG} Siddi Community • Polar Jet Stream Influence: It involves the polar jet
stream, which acts as a boundary between polar &
❖ The film Rhythm of Dammam, which highlights the tropical air. Occasionally, a pocket of cold air detaches
marginalised Siddi community in India, is being & moves over Mediterranean, triggering DANA.
screened at the 55th International Film Festival of In- • Period: It typically occurs in the autumn and spring
dia (IFFI) in Goa. months in the western Mediterranean region.
• The Siddis are descendants of African slaves brought  Note: This should not be confused with Cyclone
to India by the Portuguese in the late 17th century. DANA, a tropical cyclone that impacted the states
They arrived during the trans-Indian Ocean slave of West Bengal and Odisha in India.
trade.
• Location: Most Siddis live along India's western {GS1 – Geo – PG – Water Resources} “Bhu-Neer”
coast, particularly in Gujarat, Maharashtra & Karna- Portal
taka.
• Status as a Scheduled Tribe: In 2003, the Indian gov- ❖ The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the “Bhu-Neer”
ernment recognised Siddis as a Scheduled Tribe. They portal during the India Water Week 2024.
are also part of the centre's list of Particularly Vulner- • Developed by Central Ground Water Authority
able Tribal Groups (PVTGs). (CGWA) under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collabo-
• Rich Cultural Traditions: Dances, such as Dhamal and ration with National Informatics Centre (NIC), to im-
Rasda, with men performing the Dhamal dance. prove groundwater regulation across India.
International Film Festival of India (IFFI) Features of “Bhu-Neer”
• Established in 1952; it is held annually in Goa. • PAN-Based Single ID System: This feature allows us-
• Jointly organised by the National Film Develop- ers to use their PAN (Permanent Account Number)
ment Corporation of India Ltd., the Ministry of In- as a single identification system for all groundwater-
formation and Broadcasting, in collaboration with related activities.
the Government of Goa and the Indian Film Indus- • NOC with QR Code: The portal issues No Objection
try. Certificates (NOCs) with QR codes, ensuring easy ver-
• It is the only film festival in South Asia accredited ification and authenticity.
by the International Federation of Film Producers • Centralised Database: Provides comprehensive de-
and Associations (FIAPF) as a Competitive Feature tails on the legal framework governing groundwater
Film Festival. extraction, regulations at both state and national lev-
els, and access to critical information on groundwater
{GS1 – Geo – PG – Climatology} DANA (Cold
compliance, policies, and sustainable practices.
Drop)
• Ease of Doing Business: Makes groundwater regula-
❖ Valencia (eastern Spain) received a year's worth of tion seamless & faceless.
rainfall within just 8 hours, which can be attributed to India Water Week 2024
an event known locally as "Depresión Aislada en
• Aim: It focuses on addressing critical challenges in
Niveles Altos" (DANA).
water management and fostering innovation in
About DANA water-related technologies and practices.
• Depression Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA) is com- • Theme: ‘Partnerships and Cooperation for Inclu-
monly referred to in English as the "cold drop." Span- sive Water Development and Management’.
ish meteorologists coined the term to describe this • Participants: Countries such as Denmark, Israel,
weather phenomenon specifically. Australia, and Singapore showcased their innova-
• It forms when a mass of cold air descends over the tions and experiences in water management. No-
warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, leading to tably, China and Bangladesh did not participate in
rapid atmospheric instability. India's International Water Week events.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 5 November 2024 CA

 GS1 – History

{GS1 – MH – Dynasty} Surpur Empire • Surpur paintings: Surpur paintings are a type of min-
iature art that are now largely no longer produced.
❖ Viragallu (hero stones) memorial stones commemo-
{GS1 – WH – Events} Fall of the Berlin Wall Re-
rate the deaths of heroes in battle.
shaping Europe
About The Surpur Empire
• Also known as the Shorapur Principality, was a state ❖ The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the end of
in present-day Yadgir district, Karnataka. the Cold War and the reunification of Germany.
• Date and Event: Built in 1961, the Berlin Wall was a
• Rulers: Ruled by the Nayak Dynasty, with Raja Ven-
physical and ideological barrier between East and
katappa Nayak as the last ruler.
West Berlin until its fall on November 9, 1989.
History • Cold War Context: Constructed by East Germany un-
• The Bedars, a community whose name means der Soviet influence, the Wall was designed to pre-
"hunter" in Kannada, became the rulers of Surpur af- vent East Germans from defecting to the West, rein-
ter the fall of Vijayanagara. forcing Communist ideals against Western democ-
• Raja Venkatappa Nayak led a rebellion against the racy.
British East India Company in 1857, refusing to ac- • GDR’s Justification: East German authorities labelled
cept their sovereignty. the Wall the “Anti-Fascist Protection Rampart,”
• The British captured the city of Surpur, and Raja Ven- claiming it was necessary to shield East Germany
katappa Nayak was forced to flee to Hyderabad. from Western “fascist” influence.
• Palace: An example of the superior architecture of • Western Response: The West condemned the Wall as
the Nayak reign. It features fine wooden work, stone a "Wall of Shame," symbolising authoritarian repres-
carving, and plasterwork. sion and a barrier to freedom.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 6 November 2024 CA

 GS2 – Various Aspects of Governance

{GS2 – Governance – Issues} Curbing 'Bulldozer • Anti-Bias Enforcement: Guidelines to avoid selective
Justice' demolition targeting specific individuals/groups.
• Digital Tracking System: Creation of a portal for
❖ The Supreme Court has intervened in response to in- transparency and tracking all procedural steps, in-
creasing arbitrary demolitions. cluding notices and final orders.
 Concept of 'Bulldozer Justice': The use of demoli- Key Case Backgrounds and Judicial Findings
tions as extrajudicial punishments, bypassing le-
gal procedures, especially in cases targeting mar- • Maneka Gandhi Case (1978): Reinforced that due
ginalised communities or individuals accused of process under Article 21 must be non-arbitrary; de-
crimes. molitions without evidence or trial violate this princi-
ple.
Issues with 'Bulldozer Justice'
• Olga Tellis Case (1985): Affirmed that the right to
➢ Due Process Violations: Demolitions without proper shelter is integral to the right to life, and demolitions
legal procedures infringe on rights under Articles 14, without notice infringe on this right.
19, 21, and 300A of the Constitution. • K.T. Plantation Case (2011): Emphasized that prop-
➢ Contravention of Article 87(3) of the Geneva Con- erty deprivation under Article 300A requires laws that
vention on collective punishment: Thus, it conflicts are just, fair, and reasonable.
with India's commitment to uphold international ob- Read more > State-Specific Demolition Practices
ligations under Article 51 of the Constitution.
Implications of Supreme Court Guidelines
➢ Selective Enforcement without Resettlement: Fre-
quent reports indicate a bias in enforcement, dispro- ✓ Uniform Nationwide Standards: All states and UTs
portionately affecting vulnerable communities with- are directed to enforce these standardised demoli-
out ensuring resettlement or compensation. tion practices, establishing a crucial precedent in the
Supreme Court’s Response and Core Guidelines protection of property rights under the Constitution.
✓ Ensuring Public Trust: By enforcing these protocols,
Pre-Demolition Safeguards the judiciary upholds constitutional rights and rein-
• Mandatory Notice Period: A 15-day registered no- forces public confidence in state actions.
tice specifying demolition grounds, violations, and ✓ Protecting Rule of Law: Supreme Court’s judgment
opportunities for regularisation. reaffirms the need to safeguard citizens’ rights, rein-
• Documentation Requirements: A thorough inspec- forcing that property demolitions must strictly follow
tion report, signed by at least two witnesses, with legal protocols.
video documentation of the demolition. ✓ Deterring Arbitrary State Actions: Clear rules aim to
• Right to Hearing: Property owners must be given a eliminate selective demolitions, reducing the misuse
chance to contest orders with all objections docu- of state power in the name of public order.
mented and a formal order justifying the decision.
{GS2 – Governance – Laws} Re-evaluating the
Accountability and Legal Compliance
Safe Harbour Clause
• Officials’ Accountability: Disciplinary action and po-
tential liability for damages if guidelines are ignored, ❖ Government emphasises revisiting Safe Harbour pro-
including possible contempt charges. visions under Section 79 of the IT Act for a balanced
• Public Access to Records: Documentation to be & accountable digital ecosystem, aligned with India's
posted on a public portal, ensuring transparency. "Viksit Bharat 2047" vision.
Post-Demolition Rehabilitation  Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000 provides a "Safe Har-
bour" provision, granting immunity to
• Resettlement: Immediate financial relief and alterna-
intermediaries like social media platforms from lia-
tive housing support for displaced families.
bility for user-generated content, provided they fol-
Checks Against Selective Enforcement low due diligence requirements.
• Preventing Executive Overreach: Directives ensure {GS2 – Governance – Reforms} One Nation One
no demolitions are conducted solely based on accu-
Subscription (ONOS)
sations or political influence.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 7 November 2024 CA
❖ The Union Cabinet approved the One Nation One agency. The process is designed to be entirely digital
Subscription scheme to provide nationwide access to through a unified portal.
high-impact international scholarly research and • Target Audience: It will benefit students, faculty
journal publications. members, and researchers from government institu-
• It aligns with India's vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, At- tions across tier 2 and 3 cities.
manirbhar Bharat, and NEP 2020. • Promotion of Interdisciplinary Research: The
• It is Central Sector Scheme for 2025, 2026 & 2027. It scheme will encourage core research and interdisci-
responds to the PM’s call for “Jai Anusandhan” to plinary studies by providing access to quality re-
emphasise the importance of research and innova- sources.
tion in the Amrit Kaal. • Centralised Coordination: Department of Higher Ed-
Key Features of ONOS ucation will administer ONOS through a portal.
• Usage Review: The ANRF will periodically monitor
• Access to High-Impact Journals: This includes provid- the scheme’s usage and assess the output regarding
ing access to publications from various major interna- publications and research contributions by Indian au-
tional journal publishers. Beneficiaries include Higher thors.
Education and central govt R&D institutions.  The Anusandhan National Research Foundation
• Digital Access via INFLIBNET: The Information and Li- (ANRF) is a complementary initiative that pro-
brary Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter- motes a research-oriented ecosystem.
university centre under the University Grants Com-
mission (UGC), will be the central access coordinating

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 8 November 2024 CA

 GS2 – International Relations

{GS2 – IR – EU} Italy-India Joint Strategic Action • MAHASAGAR resonates with the government’s
Plan 2025-2029 SAGAR vision.
{GS2 – IR – India-Africa} PM Modi’s Visit to Ni-
❖ At the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Prime Ministers
Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni launched the It- geria
aly-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 to ❖ PM Narendra Modi's visit to Nigeria is the first by an
strengthen bilateral ties.
Indian PM in 17 years, aimed at deepening India-Ni-
Significance of the 2025-2029 Plan geria relations across multiple sectors.
✓ Enhances trade & investment in green technologies, Significance of Modi’s Visit to Nigeria
advanced manufacturing & sustainable mobility.
✓ Historical Milestone: First visit in 17 years, highlight-
✓ Boosts participation of SMEs in industrial and tech-
ing Nigeria's importance in India's African diplomacy.
nological innovation, fostering collaboration between
✓ Distinguished Honor: PM Modi conferred with the
large corporations and start-ups.
✓ Strengthens support for multilateral initiatives like Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, Nige-
IMEC, the Global Biofuels Alliance, and the ISA. ria’s second-highest honour, becoming only the sec-
✓ Counters China’s BRI by promoting connectivity and ond foreign dignitary to receive it.
cooperation in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. ✓ Strategic Partnership: The visit strengthens the India-
✓ Leverages the historical friendship and contributions Nigeria strategic partnership, established in 2007.
of the Indian and Italian diaspora communities. ✓ Common Values: Both nations share multi-ethnic,
✓ Builds on existing frameworks such as the 2023 Exec- multi-religious and democratic systems, positioning
utive Programme of Cultural Cooperation and Joint them as natural allies.
Working Groups in food processing and energy. ✓ Participation in G20: India invited Nigeria during its
G20 Presidency in 2023.
{GS2 – IR – Groupings} 11th ADMM Plus Meet-
✓ Nigeria, most populated country in Africa & Africa's
ing second-largest economy, has bilateral trade of $7.9
❖ 11th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus was billion with India, mainly in crude oil and Indian in-
held in Lao PDR. vestments totaling $27 billion across sectors.
• ADMM-Plus is a platform for ASEAN and its eight Di- {GS2 – IR – India-Australia} Mobility Arrange-
alogue Partners, i.e. Australia, China, India, Japan, ment for Talented Early-professionals Scheme
New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia and the US (MATES)
(collectively referred to as the “Plus Countries”), to
strengthen security and defence cooperation for ❖ Context (IE): The Department of Home Affairs of Aus-
peace, stability, and development in the region. tralia gives Indian university graduates and early ca-
• The Inaugural ADMM-Plus was convened in Ha Noi, reer professionals a chance to work in Australia for
Viet Nam in 2010. It meets annually since 2017. two years through the MATES scheme.
• It is the only official framework of Defense Ministers' • The Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrange-
meetings in the Asia-Pacific Region. ment (MMPA), signed in 2023 between Australia and
{GS2 – IR – Groupings} MAHASAGAR Initiative India to foster two-way migration and mobility while
addressing illegal and irregular migration.
❖ The third edition of MAHASAGAR (Maritime Heads
Eligibility Criteria for MATES
for Active Security And Growth for All in the Region),
a bi-annual initiative by the Indian Navy, took place. • Age Limit: Indian nationals aged 30 or younger at the
• Theme: Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common time of application.
Maritime Security Challenges in Indian Ocean Region. • Language Proficiency: Proficient English, with an
• MAHASAGAR is a high-level virtual interaction overall IELTS or equivalent score of at least six.
among leadership in Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, • Educational Qualifications:
Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Sey- ❖ Graduates within two years from an eligible edu-
chelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. cational institution at the time of application.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 9 November 2024 CA
 ❖ A Bachelor's degree or higher in renewable en- • Green Card: H-1B visa holders can apply for a Green
ergy, mining, engineering, Information Commu- Card (Lawful Permanent Residency) for themselves
nications Technology (ICT), AI, financial technol- and eligible family members, allowing a path to
ogy (FinTech), or agricultural technology longer-term residency.
(AgriTech).  Indian Participation in Employment: Computer-
• Eligible Institutions: Graduates from the top 100 uni- related occupations accounted for 65% of all H-1B
versities in India as per the NIRF 2024 ranking. visas in 2023, followed by architecture, engineer-
• Visa Process: The visa will be granted through a bal- ing, and surveying (9.5%) and education (6%)
lot system that randomly selects applicants. {GS2 – IR – India-US} Indian Firms on U.S. Black-
 MATES does not require sponsorship by an Austral- list
ian employer, making it accessible to more appli-
cants. ❖ The U.S. recently sanctioned around 400 entities, in-
Key Terms cluding 19 Indian firms, over alleged ties to Russia's
defense and technological sectors, primarily for sup-
• Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement plying dual-use technologies.
(MMPA): A bilateral framework agreement be- ❖ U.S. Executive Order (E.O. 14024) imposes sanctions
tween two countries to facilitate the legal move- targeting entities aiding Russia since 2021 targeting
ment of people and cooperation on migration is- hundreds of firms across 20+ countries to limit Rus-
sues. sia’s access to sensitive technologies.
• IELTS (International English Language Testing Sys-
{GS2 – IR – Israel-Palestine} Balfour Declaration
tem): A standardised test to measure English lan-
guage proficiency for non-native English speakers. ❖ The Balfour Declaration, announced 107 years ago in
{GS2 – IR – India-US} H-1B visa 1917 by the British government, supported a Jewish
national home in Palestine. It was a turning point in
❖ In the fiscal year 2023, Indians accounted for 72.3% the Zionist movement and the Israeli-Palestinian con-
of the total H-1B approvals. However, Chinese work- flict. Arthur James Balfour authored it.
ers were in second place, receiving 11.7%. {GS2 – IR – Middle East} India-UAE Bilateral In-
Overview of the H-1B Visa Program vestment Treaty (BIT)
• It allows American employers to hire non-immigrant
❖ The India-UAE BIT, signed in 2023 and effective from
workers for speciality occupations requiring ad-
August 31, 2024, replaces the 2013 treaty. It aligns
vanced skills enabling the temporary employment of with India's Model BIT while addressing emerging in-
foreign professionals (at least bachelor’s degree). vestment challenges.
• H-1B visas are typically capped each year and allo-  BIT: A reciprocal agreement between two nations
cated through a lottery system managed by the U.S. to promote and protect private investments in each
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). other's territories. It ensures a stable legal frame-
• Exemptions: Certain H-1B workers, such as those em- work, fair treatment under international law, and
ployed in higher education institutions, non-profits, protection against expropriation.
or government research organisations, are exempt
Features of India-UAE BIT
from the annual visa cap.
• Validity and Extensions: The visa is initially valid for • Mandatory Local Remedies: Must exhaust local rem-
three years, with a one-time extension option for an edies for three years before initiating arbitration.
additional three years, making six years the general • Balance of Interests: The framework balances sover-
maximum duration. eign regulatory powers with investor protection.
• Lifetime Limit: There is no limit on the total number • Investment Coverage: Includes direct and portfolio
of H-1B visas an individual can hold over their life- investments, simplifying jurisdiction by excluding the
time, as long as each visa term follows standard ap- "significance to host state development" clause.
plication and approval procedures. • Transparency and Compensation: Ensures protec-
• Job change: H-1B holders can change employers but tion against expropriation, transparent dealings and
must reapply for a new visa. If a transfer application compensation for losses.
is denied, the individual could become "out of sta- • Exclusions: No Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN) clause
tus," potentially facing a re-entry bar of three to ten to prevent misuse; taxation issues excluded to main-
years unless the previous employer rehires them. tain India's regulatory autonomy.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 10 November 2024 CA
• Anti-Fraud Safeguards: Bars third-party funding for • Monitoring: UN Peacekeepers, Lebanese Military &
arbitration and restricts Investor-State Dispute Settle- Multinational Committee ensure compliance.
ment (ISDS) in cases of proven investor misconduct. • Right to Retaliation: Israel reserves the right to strike
{GS2 – IR – Middle East} Israel- Lebanon Cease- if the agreement is breached.
fire Deal {GS2 – IR – SA} PM's Historic Visit to Guyana

❖ The Israel-Lebanon ceasefire builds on UNSC Resolu- ❖ PM visited Guyana, marking the first visit by an Indian
tion 1701, addressing hostilities between Israel and Prime Minister in 56 years.
Hezbollah since 2006 came into effect.  Guyana: Located in northeastern South America,
Key Aspects of UNSC Resolution 1701 and Israel- Guyana serves as a gateway for CARICOM nations.
Lebanon Ceasefire Borders key nations like Brazil, Venezuela, and Su-
riname.
Significance ✓ PM Modi conferred with Guyana's highest national
✓ Aims to create lasting peace and stability in the Is- award, The Order of Excellence.
rael-Lebanon region. ✓ Energy Security: Guyana’s emergence as an oil hub
✓ Provides a framework for international cooperation offers India opportunities for energy diversifica-
and conflict resolution. tion.Long-term agreements planned for oil imports
Role of UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Leb- and joint ventures.
anon) ✓ Regional Cooperation: PM Modi co-chaired the In-
• Deployment of up to 15,000 peacekeepers to moni- dia-CARICOM Summit, reinforcing India’s influence in
tor ceasefire and assist Lebanese troops. Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Ensures safe return of displaced persons and secures ✓ Symbolic planting of a sapling under the Ek Ped Ma
the buffer zone. Ke Naam initiative, reinforcing cultural ties.
Challenges {GS2 – IR – USA} Department of Government Ef-
➢ Implementation Gaps: Resolution 1701 has been ficiency (“DOGE”)
partially implemented since 2006.
❖ US President formed Department of Government Ef-
➢ Monitoring Difficulties: Compliance by Hezbollah
ficiency (DOGE) to reduce government bureaucracy
and other militant groups is complex.
& waste, with a mission completion target for Ameri-
➢ Political Resistance: Lebanese institutions struggle to
ca's 250th anniversary in July 2026.
assert control over all armed groups.
The Structure and Approach of DOGE
Key Provisions of the Ceasefire under Resolution
1701 • Advisory Role: DOGE will not be an official govern-
ment department but will provide advice and guid-
• Cessation of Hostilities: Both Israel and Hezbollah to
ance from outside the government. It will partner
halt military actions within 60 days.
with the White House and the Office of Management
• Buffer Zone: The Lebanese Army is designated as the
& Budget.
sole military presence in South Lebanon, between
the Blue Line and the Litani River. • Lead By: Elon Musk & Vivek Ramaswamy.
• Hezbollah Withdrawal: Hezbollah fighters to retreat • "Modern Manhattan Project": The US President has
at least 40 kilometres from the Israeli border. likened DOGE to a “Manhattan Project,” reflecting its
• Israeli Withdrawal: Israeli forces to vacate Lebanese ambition and intended transformative impact.
territories occupied since October 2023. Mission and Objectives
• Oversight Mechanism: Implementation supervised
• Dismantling Bureaucracy: DOGE's primary mission is
by the UN, United States, France, Israel, and Lebanon.
to dismantle government bureaucracy, cut excess
• Limited Disarmament: Does not require Hezbollah's
regulations, eliminate wasteful spending, and re-
complete disarmament north of the Litani River but
structure federal agencies.
restricts armed personnel in the buffer zone.
• Restructuring Government Departments: Musk and
• Arms Control: Prohibits arms supply to Lebanon
Ramaswamy will oversee the restructuring of various
without the Lebanese government's approval.
government departments to enhance efficiency and
• Landmine Maps: Israel required to provide maps of
reduce costs.
landmines in Lebanon.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 11 November 2024 CA
• Transparency and Public Involvement: DOGE's ac-  The Manhattan Project was a top-secret R&D pro-
tions will be posted online for maximum transpar- ject during World War II that aimed to develop the
ency, and the public will be encouraged to provide first nuclear weapons. Initiated by the United
feedback on government spending. States with support from the United Kingdom and
• Cutting Excessive Regulations: This department will Canada, it led to the creation of the atomic bombs
work on eliminating excessive government regula- dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
tions seen as barriers to business innovation and eco-  NOTE: Do not be confused with the term “Dodge-
nomic growth. Coin,” a cryptocurrency.
• Targeting Waste and Fraud: DOGE aims to identify Read More > India-US Relation.
and eliminate outdated or underperforming pro-
grams that target “massive waste and fraud” within
the federal government.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 12 November 2024 CA

 GS2 – Policies, Schemes, Initiatives & Laws by Various Ministries

{GS2 – MoF – Initiatives} National MSME Cluster Outreach Programme

❖ Finance Minister launched National MSME Cluster Outreach Programme. It aims to ensure access to Financial Services
and promote the growth of MSMEs nationwide.
• Organised By: Ministry of Finance, SIDBI and Department of Financial Services.
Tarun Plus category of Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojna (PMMY)
• It is a new loan category under the PMMY that allows entrepreneurs to access loans between ₹10 lakh and ₹20 lakh.
• “Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units” will provide guaranteed coverage for these loans.
• Purpose: It was introduced to promote entrepreneurship in the country by facilitating the growth and expansion of
emerging entrepreneurs.
• Eligibility: To be eligible for the Tarun Plus category, entrepreneurs must have previously availed and successfully
repaid loans under the Tarun category.

Source: PIB

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 13 November 2024 CA

 GS2 – Polity

{GS2 – Polity – Cooperatives} Revitalizing Coop- ❖ Donald Trump was elected as the 47th US president,
erative Societies in India defeating incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris.
• The US President is the head of state, head of the ex-
❖ Policy reforms emphasis role of cooperatives in In- ecutive branch and the head of government of the
dia's socio-economic growth. USA. In addition, S/he is the commander-in-chief of
 A co-operative is a member-owned association to the US Armed Forces.
meet common economic, social, and cultural needs • Eligibility for US President:
through democratically controlled enterprises (In- ❖ Natural-born citizen of the country
ternational Cooperative Alliance). ❖ 35 years of age or older
Evolution of Cooperatives in India ❖ Resident of the U.S. for 14 years
• Tenure of US President: Four Years. In the US, a per-
Pre-Independence Developments son can be the President for only two terms.
• Early Beginnings: Informal cooperative structures like US Presidential Elections
'Nidhis' (Madras) and similar rural associations ex-
isted before formal laws. • The two main parties (Democrats & Republicans)
• Cooperative Credit Societies Act (1904): Passed nominate a presidential candidate by holding a series
based on the Indian Famine Commission's recom- of votes called state primaries and caucuses. Inde-
mendations to address rural debt. pendent candidates, too, run for the post of Presi-
• Cooperative Societies Act (1912): Expanded cooper- dent.
ative scope, included federal societies, provided tax ❖ The Democrats are a liberal political party
exemptions. whose agenda is defined largely by its push for
• Maclagan Committee (1915): Suggested improve- civil rights, a broad social safety net, and
ments in transparency and member participation. measures to address climate change.
• Montague-Chelmsford Reforms (1919): Allowed ❖ The Republicans, known as the Grand Old Party,
provinces to govern cooperatives, boosting growth. is a conservative political party. It advocates for
• Great Depression Impact: Cooperatives weakened by lower taxes, shrinking the size of the government
high loan defaults. & tighter restrictions on immigration and abor-
• Gandhian Influence: Advocated for cooperative prin- tion.
ciples to empower rural India, modeled through the • US citizens who are aged 18 or over. Every state ex-
Phoenix Settlement and Tolstoy Farm. cept North Dakota requires people to register before
Post-Independence Era they can vote. U.S. votes for its President on the first
Tuesday of November, every four years.
• Five-Year Plans: First Plan emphasized cooperative
role in community development. Election Process
• Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act (2002) and Primaries and Caucuses
2022 Amendment improved election processes • Primaries are State-level elections in which political
within cooperative boards. parties select their presidential candidates. They are
• 97th Constitutional Amendment (2011): Granted usually held 6-9 months before the general election,
right to form cooperatives, added Article 43-B and and voters choose their candidates anonymously
Part IX-B for cooperative governance. through secret ballots.
Resurgence of Cooperatives and Policies Post-2021 • Caucuses are run by political parties. Here, party
• Ministry of Cooperation (2021): Established to focus members select the “best candidate” through voting.
on cooperative sector, policies, and governance.
National Conventions
• Key Policies: Digitalization initiatives for efficiency;
Multi-State Cooperative Society promotion; ‘Sahakar • National conventions are where parties select their
se Samriddhi’ scheme to benefit rural communities. presidential and vice-presidential candidates.
• State delegates confirm their choices through votes,
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Comparison} US Presidential
and the person who gets the majority becomes the
Elections party’s presidential candidate. In case no candidate

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 14 November 2024 CA

 gets the majority, convention delegates participate in • The chosen presidential candidate also announces
additional rounds of voting to choose a nominee. their running mate – the vice-presidential candidate
– at the national convention.

Credits: LM
General Election • Purpose: Introduced after independence to enhance
• Candidates of major political parties are listed on the parliamentary representation of SCs and STs.
ballot. • Structure: Seats were reserved for SCs and STs based
• Registered voters can participate in the general elec- on population in specific areas. Both general and re-
tion even if they did not vote in the primary elections. served category candidates (SC/ST) could contest in
They can also vote for any candidate, their registra- these constituencies.
tion with the party does not matter. • Voting Mechanism:
❖ Voters have multiple votes depending on the
Electoral College
number of available seats.
• The President is not elected through the votes cast by ❖ Example: If a constituency has a high population
citizens but through the electoral college process. of SCs, it can be a two-member constituency with
• It consists of electors from each state who officially each party fielding a general and SC candidate.
elect the President and Vice President. ❖ Voters have two votes; the election is conducted
• The number of electors from each state corresponds as per the first-past-the-post system.
to its congressional representation (Senators and ❖ The two candidates with the maximum votes
Representatives). A candidate must secure a majority win, sending two members to the Lok Sabha.
of electoral votes (270) to win the presidency.
Implementation of Multi-Member Constituencies
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Elections} Multi-Member
• The concept was first introduced during the general
Constituencies in India
election of 1951-52.
❖ The multi-member constituency system in India • Out of 489 LS seats, 72 were reserved for SCs, with 71
ended after the 1957 elections. structured as two-member constituencies.
• Multi-member constituencies are electoral districts • Additionally, 26 seats were reserved for STs: 10 were
with more than one representative elected. single-member constituencies, and 15 were two-
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 15 November 2024 CA
 member constituencies. North Bengal had a unique ➢ Impact on State’s Finances: The NBC severely limits
three-member constituency (one general candidate, Kerala's borrowing capacity, affecting essential ex-
one SC candidate, and one ST candidate). penditure like pensions and welfare schemes.
➢ State-owned Enterprises' Debt: KIIFB funds major in-
{GS2 – Polity – IC – Federalism} Net Borrowing
frastructure projects and its debt is now considered
Ceiling on States by Centre part of the state's borrowing limit.
❖ Kerala has challenged the Centre's imposition of a ➢ Fiscal Autonomy Violation: Kerala argues that includ-
ing public account balances (e.g., provident funds,
Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) in the Supreme Court,
small savings) under Article 266(2), in the NBC vio-
citing concerns about fiscal autonomy and state sov-
lates its constitutional rights.
ereignty.
➢ Kerala asserts that Parliament cannot legislate on
❖ SC will review if the Centre's borrowing limits infringe
‘public debt’ of States under Entry 43 of State List.
on federal principles and States' fiscal autonomy, also
➢ Constitutional Challenge: Kerala’s case revolves
examining any conflicts with the RBI's role as public
around the alleged encroachment on the state’s fiscal
debt manager.
autonomy guaranteed under Article 293, leading to a
Net Borrowing Ceiling legal interpretation of this provision.
• Purpose: Limits borrowings of States from all Justification by the Central Government
sources, including open market borrowings, loans
• Article 293(3) of IC: States need Centre’s consent to
from financial institutions, and liabilities from public
borrow if any part of previous loans from the Centre
accounts. remains outstanding.
• Extended Coverage: Includes debt by state-owned • 15th Finance Commission’s Recommendation: It em-
enterprises if serviced from the State’s budget. phasized fiscal discipline and warned against off-
• Imposition: The Centre enforces the NBC under Arti- budget transactions, recommending restraint on ad-
cle 293(3) of the IC. It has significant discretion over ditional borrowing.
whether States can raise loans and impose conditions • Transparency Aim: The Centre’s imposition of the
as deemed necessary. NBC is intended to ensure transparency in borrowing
Borrowing Powers under the Constitution and prevent hidden liabilities.
• Article 292 & 293: {GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} Aligarh Muslim Univer-
❖ Centre’s Power: Article 292 grants the Centre au- sity Case Verdict
thority to borrow upon the security of the Con-
solidated Fund of India. ❖ Recently, the Supreme Court overruled the S. Azeez
❖ State’s Power: Article 293 empowers States to Basha vs. Union of India (1967) verdict. It paved the
borrow on the security of Consolidated Fund of way for Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) to become
State, subject to conditions. a minority institution.
• Repayment Restrictions: States must obtain Centre’s Key Highlights of the SC Judgement
consent if they have outstanding loans or guarantees
• The SC majority (4:3) clarified that the minority char-
from the Centre.
acter of an institution depends on its origin—specif-
Kerala Case ically, who established the institution and the role of
• NBC on Kerala: The Centre imposed NBC on Kerala in the minority community in its foundation.
2023, limiting its borrowing to 3% of its projected • It ruled that an institution will not lose its minority
Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) for FY2023-24. status even if administered by non-minority mem-
• Coverage of NBC: Includes all borrowing avenues— bers.
open market loans, financial institution loans, and li- • It emphasised that a minority institution can be reg-
abilities from the State's public account. ulated by the government under Article 19(6) as long
• Extended Restrictions: To prevent States from by- as the regulation does not infringe upon the institu-
passing borrowing limits through state-owned enter- tion’s minority character.
prises (e.g., Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Background of the AMU Case
Board), the ceiling was extended to include borrow- • Administrative Reforms (1951 Amendment): Non-
ings by these entities. Muslims were allowed in AMU’s University Court; the
Kerala’s Concerns and Constitutional Issues President of India became the Visitor.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 16 November 2024 CA

• SC Verdict in 1967 Azeez Basha Case: SC denied • Non-Compliance with RPwD Act Intent: The Su-
AMU’s minority status, stating it was established preme Court noted that the RPwD Act created a man-
through the AMU Act, 1920. datory compliance mechanism, but the 2017 rules
• Parliamentary Intervention (1981 Amendment): The were implemented only as optional guidelines.
AMU (Amendment) Act, 1981, was amended to re- • Mandatory Standards Directive: The Court declared
store minority status, citing the university's cultural Rule 15(1) of the RPwD Rules ultra vires (beyond the
foundation. powers of) the Act, citing the lack of "non-negotia-
• Legal Setback through 2006 Allahabad HC Ruling: ble" standards. It instructed the Centre to issue com-
The amendment was struck down, and minority sta- pulsory, enforceable rules within three months of the
tus and 50% Muslim reservation were nullified. judgment.
• Renewed Legal Battle SC Challenge in 2019: AMU’s • Mandatory Rules: The SC directed the Union govern-
minority status issue returned to the Supreme Court ment to frame mandatory rules within three months
for reconsideration. and consult stakeholders and NALSAR's Centre for
• Judicial Reversal in 2024 SC Verdict: SC overturned Disability Studies.
the 1967 judgment, referring the matter to a regular • Implementation and Penalties: Once enforced, non-
bench for detailed examination. compliance could result in penalties, including with-
 The Sachar Committee, formed in 2005, examined holding completion certificates and imposing fines
Muslims' socio-economic and educational status in for inaccessible infrastructure.
India and highlighted their relative deprivation. {GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} Right to Privacy (RoP)
Constitutional Provisions for Minority Institution
❖ Justice KS Puttaswamy, a former judge of the Karna-
Status and its Benefit
taka HC and petitioner in the 'right to privacy case,'
• Article 30 of the IC ensures that linguistic and reli- passed away. He was also the part of Andhra Pradesh
gious minority communities have the right to estab- Backward Classes Commission.
lish and manage educational institutions to preserve • He challenged the constitutional validity of the
their cultural and educational values. Aadhaar, which led to the SC recognising the RoP un-
❖ The National Commission for Minority Educa- der the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of
tional Institutions (NCMEI) Act was enacted to IC.
protect the educational rights of minorities un- • Government argued that RoP is part of common law
der Article 30(1) of the Constitution. but not a fundamental right. SC overruled the judg-
Benefits of Minority Status for AMU ments in M P Sharma (1954) and Kharak Singh case
to confer fundamental right status to RoP.
• Exemption from SC/ST/OBC/EWS Quotas: Minority
• SC has not defined RoP in explicit terms. Experts ar-
status exempts AMU from Article 15(5), which man-
gue "Personal autonomy, freedom to make choices
dates reservations for SCs, STs, OBCs, and EWS in ed-
and the right to determine what happens with per-
ucational institutions.
sonal information" are three core elements of RoP.
• Muslim Reservation: AMU could reserve up to 50%
or more seats for Muslim students, which aligns with Legal implications of judgement
its mission to promote educational rights for the com- • Strengthened constitutional framework: SC has ex-
munity under Article 30(1). plored principles of autonomy, dignity, and identity
• Autonomy in Admissions: Minority status would in relation to privacy to strengthen the framework of
grant AMU the authority to implement a separate ad- constitutional rights.
missions process focused on its minority community. • Enhanced Immunity: Infusing a right with a constitu-
{GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} Fundamental Rights Un- tional element gives it “a sense of immunity from
der the RPwD Act popular opinion and from legislative annulment”,
which a common law right would not have.
❖ SC directed the Union govt to enforce mandatory ac- • Subsequent expansion of RoP
cessibility standards for public spaces and services, ❖ Navtej Singh Johar case (2018): Decriminalisation of
affirming accessibility as a fundamental right under all sexual relations between consenting adults.
the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act. ❖ Shakti Vahini case (2018): Personal choices related to
marriage are included within the ambit of privacy
Supreme Court's Observations and Ruling
and dignity of an individual.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 17 November 2024 CA
❖ Joseph Shine case (2018): Decriminalisation of ❖ Proportionality and Fairness: Any state acquisi-
adultery emphasising on sexual privacy. tion must balance public welfare benefits with
❖ Common Cause case (2018): Reaffirmed the right to the impact on private owners, justifying the ac-
die with dignity in context of end-of-life care. quisition.
{GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} SC Ruling on Property ❖ Economic Impact and Social Equity: Resources
Acquisition with a pronounced economic or societal impact
qualify, but general private property does not.
❖ SC's 9-judge Constitution Bench reinterpreted Art. {GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} SC Verdict on UP
39(b) to limit government’s power to acquire pri-
Madarsa Education Act, 2004
vately owned properties under the guise of ‘material
resources of the community’. ❖ SC upheld the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Edu-
❖ It clarifies the balance between individual property cation Act, 2004, reversing an Allahabad High Court
rights and state intervention for public welfare. decision that deemed it a violation of secularism.
Historical Context • The Act combines secular subjects with Islamic stud-
• Articles 19(1)(f) and 31: Originally, the right to prop- ies to provide a structured academic framework.
erty was guaranteed as a fundamental right. • It established the UP Board of Madarsa Education,
• 44th Amendment Act, 1978: Removed property as a primarily composed of Muslim community mem-
fundamental right, introducing Article 300A as a con- bers, to standardise curriculum, conduct examina-
stitutional right, stating that no one can be deprived tions, and confer certificates from Class 10 (Maulvi)
of property without lawful authority. to Master’s level (Fazil).
• Article 39(b): DPSP advocating for equitable distribu- • Madarsas are primarily funded by state govern-
tion of ‘material resources’ to serve common good. ments, and initiatives like the 2009 Scheme for
• Article 31C: Provides immunity to laws aligned with Providing Quality Education in Madrasas (SPQEM)
Articles 39(b) and 39(c), stating they cannot be chal- aim to integrate modern education.
lenged under Articles 14 (right to equality) or 19 Highlights from SC’s judgement
(right to freedom) if they promote public welfare.
• Partial Upholding of the Act: The SC upheld state reg-
Judicial Interpretation of Article 39(b) in Past
ulation of madrasa education but struck down mad-
Cases rasas' authority to confer higher degrees like Fazil
• State of Karnataka v. Shri Ranganatha Reddy (1977): and Kamil due to conflicts with the UGC Act.
Held that private resources should generally not fall • Balancing Minority Rights & Educational Standards:
under “material resources of the community.” How- The Court emphasised the need to balance minority
ever, Justice Krishna Iyer dissented, suggesting that rights with the need for secular education standards.
private resources could be included to promote so- • Article 28(3) Protection: Students in minority institu-
cialist redistributive justice. tions are protected from compulsory religious in-
• Sanjeev Coke Manufacturing v. Bharat Coking Coal struction, ensuring secular education alongside reli-
(1983): This case Supported Iyer’s view, allowing the gious learning.
nationalisation of coal mines as material resources • Secularism & Constitutional Validity: Secularism
for the community. must coexist with religious autonomy, and only direct
• Mafatlal Industries v. Union of India (1996): constitutional violations can invalidate an Act.
Expanded scope of Article 39(b), indicating it could • Religious Institutions' Autonomy: Under Article 30,
include private and public assets for material needs. madrasas can maintain their identity while complying
Recent Supreme Court Judgment with state-mandated secular standards.
• Religious Education: Allowed religious education but
• Key Ruling: The Court ruled that the state can acquire
private property only with clear, transparent justifi- prohibited compulsory religious instruction.
cation for public welfare, ensuring fairness to private • Balanced Regulation: State regulation can coexist
owners. with religious autonomy, ensuring a balance between
• Criteria for ‘Material Resources of the Community’: secular principles and religious identity.
❖ Purpose and Public Utility: Only properties es- {GS2 – Polity – IC} Constitution Day
sential for societal welfare — such as infrastruc-
ture, energy, and water resources, qualify as ma- • The Constitution Day is also known as National Law
terial resources for state acquisition. Day or Samvidhan Diwas.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 18 November 2024 CA
• Indian Constitution was adopted on 26 November Speaker, Doctrine of pleasure ten-
1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950. ure of civil servants.
Drafted under the guidance of Dr. BR Ambedkar. American Con- Judicial System, Fundamental
• In 2015, the Union Cabinet announced that Novem- stitution Rights
ber 26 would be considered Constitution Day to pro- Canadian Con- Federal System with a strong cen-
mote “constitutional values amongst citizens”. stitution tral authority, Residual powers,
• That year also marked the 125th birth anniversary of Centre-State Relation
BR Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Commit- Irish Constitu- Directive Principles, Election of the
tee of the Constitution. tion President of India
“Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman” Cam- Australian Con- Concurrent list, Freedom of Trade &
paign stitution Service within the country
Weimar Consti- Emergency Provision
• Launched by: Vice President of India tution
• Aim: To simplify constitution & spread awareness of Soviet Constitu- Five-Year Plans, Fundamental Du-
the Fundamental Rights & Duties among all citizens. tion ties
• Legal Accessibility: Initiatives like "Sabko Nyay" and Government of Office of the Governor, Powers of
"Har Ghar Nyay" focus on educating citizens about India Act, 1935 the federal jury
their legal rights and guiding them on how to seek South African Amendment of Constitution
justice effectively. Constitution
• Empowering Marginalised Communities: Through Japan Procedure Established by Law
the "Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyaan," the campaign endeav-
ours to uplift rural & marginalised communities by {GS2 – Polity – IC} Reflection on the Constitu-
tion of India
 Constitutional Silence: Intentional or inadvertent
gaps left by framers for adaptability; enables inter- ❖ India marks 75 years of its Constitution, reflecting on
pretation but risks misuse, undermining demo- its essence, strengths, and challenges of constitu-
cratic values and governance. tional silences in governance and democracy.
ensuring they can access the benefits of the GOI. Issues with Constitutional Silences
• Online Engagement Portal: The campaign has estab-
lished a dedicated online portal offering resources, Pocket Vetoes (Article 200)
quizzes, discussion forums, and interactive tools to ➢ Allows governors to grant, withhold, return, or re-
help citizens understand constitutional values. serve bills for President without a specified timeline.
Key Facts About the Constitution of India ➢ Misuse: Indefinite delays by governors, especially in
opposition-led states (e.g., Tamil Nadu Prohibition of
• Longest Written Constitution of any sovereign coun- Online Gambling Bill).
try in the world. ➢ Federal Concerns: Undermines the balance between
• Languages: It was handwritten and calligraphed in the Union and state governments.
both English and Hindi.
Ambiguity in Article 201
• Handwritten Artistry: Prem Behari Narain Raizada
handwritten the Constitution in calligraphy. Shantini- ➢ No timeline for the President to act on bills reserved
ketan artists decorated each page under the guidance for consideration.
of Nandalal Bose. ➢ Leads to indefinite stalling of state legislation.
• Foundation: Basic structure of the Indian Constitu- Article 356 and the Term “Otherwise”
tion is based on the Government of India Act, 1935. ➢ Allows President’s Rule based on vague recommen-
• Core Values: It declares India a sovereign, socialist, dations.
secular, and democratic republic, assuring its citizens ➢ History of misuse during the 1970s-80s to dissolve
justice, equality, liberty and promoting fraternity. opposition governments.
Indian Constitution Borrowed Features Judicial Interventions
Borrowed From Features • P. Nambudiri v. State of Kerala: Governors’ powers
British Constitu- Parliamentary form of Government, upheld but emphasised acting on ministers’ advice.
tion Rule of Law, Lawmaking procedure, • Shamsher Singh v. State of Punjab: Reaffirmed In-
Single Citizenship, Institution of dia’s Cabinet system of governance.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 19 November 2024 CA

• SC interpreted “as soon as possible” in Article 200 to ✓ Constitution as a Living Document: Acknowledged
curb indefinite delays. evolving democratic needs, justifying the inclusion of
{GS2 – Polity – IC} SC Upholds ‘Secular, Socialist’ 'secular' and 'socialist' to reflect India's socio-politi-
cal progress.
in Preamble
✓ Criticized Delay in filing Petitions: Emphasized wide-
❖ SC dismissed petitions challenging the inclusion of spread acceptance of the terms.
'secular' and 'socialist' in the Preamble via the 42nd ✓ Interpretation of Key Terms by SC
Amendment, terming them essential to India's dem- ❖ Secularism: Articles 14, 15, 16 prohibit discrimi-
ocratic framework. nation based on religion, affirming neutrality of
State.
Highlights of the Judgment ❖ Socialism: Reflects commitment to being a wel-
✓ Upheld Retrospective Amendment: The Supreme fare state without mandating rigid economic pol-
Court upheld Parliament's authority under Article icies.
368 to amend the Preamble, rejecting objections to
retrospective applicability.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 20 November 2024 CA

 GS2 – Social Sector: Health, Education, Hunger, Poverty, Etc.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Education} PM- them manage their day-to-day expenses while
Vidyalaxmi Scheme they pursue higher education.
• Implemented By: The Department of Higher Edu-
❖ PM-Vidyalaxmi scheme, a central sector scheme was cation, Ministry of Education based on the results
approved recently. of the Higher Secondary/Class XII Board Examina-
Features of the Scheme tion.
• Allocation of Scholarships
• Eligibility: Students securing admission in Higher ed- ❖ The State Education Boards manage the distri-
ucational institutions ranked within the top 100 in bution of scholarships.
overall, category-specific, and domain-specific rank- ❖ 50% of the scholarships are reserved for girls.
ings in NIRF rankings. ❖ For the UTs of J&K and Ladakh, 3% of the
• Collateral-Free Loans: Students will have access to scholarships are reserved for Ladakh students.
collateral-free, guarantor-free education loans. ❖ Scholarships are divided among the Humani-
• Digital portal: The Department of Higher Education ties, Science, and Commerce streams in a
will administer the scheme through the unified "PM- 3:3:1 ratio.
Vidyalaxmi" portal. Also, Students can apply for edu- • Eligibility
cation loans and interest subvention through this por- ❖ Students in the top 80th percentile of their
tal, with payments made via E-voucher and Central class in the Class XII Board Examination or
Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets. equivalent.
• Credit Guarantee: For loans up to ₹ 7.5 lakhs, the ❖ Enrolled in regular degree courses (not corre-
Government of India will provide a 75% credit guar- spondence or distance learning).
antee to support banks in expanding coverage. ❖ Family income should not exceed ₹4.5 lakh per
• Additionally, for students having an annual family in- annum.
come of up to ₹ 8 lakhs, and not eligible for benefits
under any other government scholarship or interest {GS2 – Social Sector – Education} QS World Uni-
subvention schemes, 3 percent interest subvention versity Rankings: Asia (2025)
for loan up to ₹ 10 lakhs will also be provided during
moratorium period. ❖ In the QS World University Ranking: Asia (2025), Two
 PM Vidyalaxmi complements existing schemes Indian institutions made it to the top 50, and seven
such as the CSIS and the Credit Guarantee Fund are in the top 100. It evaluates 984 institutions across
Scheme for Education Loans (CGFSEL) under Eastern, Southern, South-Eastern, and Central Asia.
PMUSP. • India has the highest number of institutions in the
rankings, highlighting various emerging and well-es-
Central Sector Interest Subsidy (CSIS) Scheme
tablished universities. India has seven institutions in
• Provides interest subsidies to students from eco- the top ten universities in Southern Asia.
nomically weaker sections for higher education.
• Implemented By: Department of Higher Educa-
tion, Ministry of Education.
• Interest subsidy: The scheme provides a maximum
interest subsidy of ₹10 lakhs.
• For education loans up to ₹7.5 lakhs, no collateral
security or third-party guarantee is required.
• Subsidy for moratorium period: 12-month mora-
torium period after completing the course.
Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Protsahan
(PM-USP) Yojana
• It aims to offer financial support to students from Source: QS
economically disadvantaged families, helping India's Performance in the Top Tiers

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 21 November 2024 CA

• Top 50: IIT Delhi (44th) and IIT Bombay (48th) are in • Methanol in Alcoholic Beverages: Methanol poison-
the top 50. ing typically occurs when counterfeit or illicit alcohol
• Top 100: IIT Madras (56), IIT Kharagpur (60), Indian containing methanol is consumed instead of ethanol
Institute of Science (62), IIT Kanpur (67), and Univer- (the alcohol found in beverages).
sity of Delhi (81) are in the top 100. • Metabolism in the Body: Methanol is metabolised by
• Top 150: Other notable institutions include IIT Gu- the liver enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase into formal-
wahati, IIT Roorkee, Jawaharlal Nehru University, dehyde and formic acid, both toxic compounds.
Chandigarh University (120), UPES (148), and Vellore • Competition with Ethanol: Ethanol competes for the
Institute of Technology (150). same enzyme, acting as a temporary antidote by
slowing down methanol metabolism.
Noteworthy Achievements from India
Difference Between Liquor and Spurious Liquor
• University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES)
improved, climbing 70 spots to 148th. • Liquor is an alcoholic beverage produced through dis-
• University of Delhi improved from 94th to 81st, with tillation rather than fermentation. The alcohol con-
a high score of 96.4% in the International Research tent varies significantly: Beer is around 5%, Wine is
Network. Anna University achieved a perfect score of approx 12% & Distilled spirits roughly 40%.
100 in Papers per Faculty, emphasising its high re- • Primary alcohol present is ethanol (C₂H₅OH), a psy-
search output. choactive substance that, in low doses, reduces neu-
• North Eastern Hill University and the University of rotransmission in body, leading to intoxicating ef-
Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, attained a perfect fects.
score of 100 in the Faculty-Student indicator, demon- • Spurious liquor, conversely, refers to adulterated or
strating top-tier academic credibility. counterfeit alcoholic beverages. These may contain
harmful substances and impurities, posing serious
 The QS World University Rankings 2025 included
health risks to consumers.
46 Indian institutions, compared to just 11 in
2015—a 318% increase over the last 10 years Regulation of Methanol in India
among G20 nations. • The Food Safety and Standards (Alcoholic Bever-
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Global ages) Regulations 2018 stipulate the maximum per-
Tuberculosis Report-2024 missible quantity of methanol in different liquors.
• The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers has notified
❖ WHO 2024 Global TB Report reveals India had the the mandatory certification for methanol.
highest TB burden in 2023. • The Indian Standard (IS 517) applies to how the qual-
India's TB Statistics
ity of methanol is to be ascertained, and together
with the Tamil Nadu Denatured Spirit, Methyl Alco-
• Estimated TB Cases: India had approximately 27 lakh hol, and Varnish (French Polish) Rules 1959, what
TB cases in 2023. Of these, 25.1 lakh cases were diag- signage and methanol packaging should carry.
nosed and initiated on treatment.
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Orphan
• Treatment Coverage Improvement: Treatment cov-
erage in India rose to 89% in 2023, up from 72% in Drugs
2015, closing the gap of undiagnosed/missing cases. • Orphan drugs are pharmaceutical agents specifically
• Decline in TB Incidence: TB incidence in India re- developed to treat rare diseases.
duced from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to • These conditions, although impacting a small portion
195 cases per lakh in 2023, a 17.7% decline over the of the population, often lead to severe, life-threaten-
period. ing, or chronically debilitating conditions.
Also Refer TB for more details.
General Criteria for Orphan Drug Designation
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Methanol
• The disease must have a low prevalence.
Poisoning
• The condition must lack approved treatments, or the
• Methanol poisoning is a severe and potentially fatal drug must provide benefits over current options.
condition that occurs when methanol, a type of alco- • Developers must provide evidence of the drug's po-
hol used in industrial applications, is ingested, in- tential effectiveness at any stage of development.
haled, or absorbed through the skin. {GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Drug Compound-
Causes of Methanol Poisoning ing

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 22 November 2024 CA

❖ A Danish pharma company that manufactures • Delivery Mechanism: The FDA-approved version uses
weight-loss drugs containing semaglutide has asked sophisticated delivery methods, ensuring proper dos-
US FDA authorities to stop drug compounding these ing. Compounded versions often lack these methods,
products due to safety risks. increasing the risk of dosing errors.
About Semaglutide • Contamination and Stability: Compounding requires
specialised facilities to avoid contamination. Semag-
• It is used for weight loss in specific patients, and also lutide is temperature-sensitive, and improper storage
to lower blood sugar levels, and to reduce the risk of can compromise its stability.
major cardiovascular events such as heart attack or
stroke in certain patients. {GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Food Safety and
• Wegovy is the only semaglutide brand that is FDA Standards Regulations, 2024
brand approved for weight loss.
• Semaglutide is not for use in people with type 1 dia- ❖ FSSAI introduced the Food Safety and Standards
betes. (Contaminants, Toxins and Residues) Amendment
• It is not available as a generic medicine. Regulations, 2024, which will take effect in 2025.
• It will regulate the use of antibiotics in “food animal”
What is Drug Compounding? production to curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Drug compounding refers to preparing personalised Background and Context
medications by combining, mixing, or altering ingre-
dients to meet a patient's specific needs. • Previous Regulations: Food Safety and Standards
• Compounding is often done by a licensed pharmacist (Contaminants, Toxins, and Residues) Amendment
and physician. It can be used to create alternate dos- Regulations, 2018, provided an antibiotic tolerance
age forms or strengths, omit ingredients that a pa- limit.
tient is allergic to, and provide preservative-free ver- • Colistin Ban: The Union Ministry of Health and Family
sions of sterile products. Welfare (MoHFW) prohibited the use of colistin in all
food-producing animals.
Generic vs Compounded Drugs
❖ Colistin is a last-resort antibiotic used to treat
multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections.
• Draft Order on Streptomycin and Tetracycline: The
Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
(MoAFW) issued a draft order prohibiting the import,
manufacture, or formulation of streptomycin and
tetracycline for use in agriculture.
❖ It is used in agriculture to control bacterial dis-
eases in crops. However, their overuse can con-
tribute to developing antibiotic-resistant bacte-
ria, posing risks to plant and human health.
Key Provisions of the Amendment
• Prohibition of Antibiotics: The amendment prohibits
using antibiotics at any stage of the production of
milk and milk products, meat and meat products,
Source: IE poultry and eggs, and aquaculture and its products.
• Antibiotics Banned: Three classes of antibiotics (gly-
Concerns of Drug Compounding Over Semag- copeptides, nitrofurans, and nitroimidazoles) and five
lutide antibiotics (carbadox, chloramphenicol, colistin,
• Complex Formulation: Semaglutide's complex struc- streptomycin, and sulphamethoxazole) are banned.
ture, produced using yeast & recombinant DNA tech, • Revised Tolerance Limits: The amendment revises
is difficult to replicate accurately. Synthetic versions the list of antimicrobials and other veterinary drugs
may differ in purity, stability & effectiveness. for their tolerance limits in food. Six new antibiotics
• Bioavailability: Semaglutide has naturally low bioa- (amoxicillin, cephalexin, gentamicin, penicillin G, sul-
vailability. Compounded versions may not be ab- famethazine, and sulfadimethoxine) have been
sorbed properly, reducing effectiveness. added.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 23 November 2024 CA
  India has committed to reducing the usage of anti- • Nucleic Acid-Based Diagnostics: These diagnostics
microbials in animal production by 30-50% by are prone to false positives because general DNA
2030. probes do not distinguish between specific and non-
specific amplicons.
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Global Access to
Nutrition Report 2024 What are G-Quadruplexes (GQs)?
• GQs are four-stranded non-canonical DNA structures
❖ The Access to Nutrition Initiative (ATNi), a non-profit
formed by sequences rich in guanine. These struc-
global foundation, published the fifth edition of the
tures are known to exist in pathogenic genomes, such
Global Access to Nutrition report.
as HIV, and represent a specific target for novel mo-
• It reveals disparities in the healthiness of products lecular probes.
sold by leading food and beverage (F&B) companies
in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) com- The GQ-RCP Platform
pared to high-income countries (HICs). • Initial Use: Originally designed for detecting patho-
Report Findings gens like SARS-CoV-2.
• Adaptation for HIV: The platform was adapted for
• Health Star Rating System: The report analysed vari-
HIV diagnosis, showcasing its versatility.
ous products from major brands a health star rating
system. Products are ranked out of 5 on their health- How the GQ-RCP Platform Works?
iness, with 5 being the best. A score above 3.5 is con- • Reverse Transcription and Amplification: The
sidered a healthier choice. method involves reverse transcription and amplifica-
• Health Disparities: The report found that ‘portfolio tion of a 176-nucleotide-long segment of HIV DNA.
healthiness’ is lowest in LMICs, highlighting dispari- • pH-Mediated Transition: The study demonstrated a
ties in products offered across different markets. single-step quantitative transition of double-
❖ Healthiness score in LMICs: 1.8 stranded DNA (dsDNA) into the GQ conformation at
❖ Healthiness score in HICs: 2.3 specific pH levels.
• Affordability of Healthier Products: Only 30% of • Fluorometric Detection: The GQ structure is recog-
companies plan to price some of their healthier prod- nised by the fluorescent probe (TGS64), which emits
ucts for lower-income consumers affordably. a detectable signal.
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} HIV Genome De- Advantages of the GQ-RCP Platform
tection • High Specificity: Reduces the risk of false positives
caused by non-specific amplification.
❖ A new diagnostic platform called GQ-RCP (GQ Topol-
• Ease of Integration: It can be incorporated into exist-
ogy-Targeted Reliable Conformational Polymor-
ing diagnostic systems for broader applications.
phism) for the detection of HIV genome-derived G-
Quadruplex (GQ) structures was developed. • Versatility: Suitable for detecting various DNA/RNA-
• The platform offers an improvement in reducing based pathogens, including bacteria and viruses.
false-positive results compared to conventional diag- {GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Jeddah Commit-
nostic methods by targeting specific nucleic acid se- ments on AMR
quences.
• The innovation utilises a fluorometric test that recog- ❖ The Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference
nises unique GQ structures and a characteristic DNA on AMR took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with the
configuration, thereby enhancing reliability and accu- adoption of the Jeddah Commitments (Non-legally
racy in HIV detection. binding instrument).
Background on HIV and Diagnostic Challenges Key Initiatives in Jeddah Commitments
• HIV-1: It is a retrovirus causing AIDS and poses a • New Hubs: Introduction of the AMR 'One Health'
global health threat due to its persistent nature. Learning Hub and a regional Antimicrobial Access and
• Current Diagnostic Issues: Existing HIV diagnostics of- Logistics Hub in Saudi Arabia to improve access to es-
ten miss early infections and risk false positives due sential antimicrobials and diagnostics.
to cross-reactivity. • Independent Panel on AMR by 2025: Formation of
• Early Detection Limitations: Conventional methods an independent panel to avoid duplication of ongoing
have reduced sensitivity and long processing times. efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 24 November 2024 CA
• Biotech Bridge Initiative: Creation of a 'biotech • It is a not-for-profit Public Sector Enterprise estab-
bridge' to boost research, development, and innova- lished by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
tion in addressing global AMR threats. • It serves as an interface agency to strengthen and
• National AMR Coordinating Mechanism: Implemen- empower the emerging biotech enterprise in India.
tation of mechanisms to ensure sustainable financing • It aims to catalyse the transformation of the Indian
and monitoring of National Action Plans (NAPs) on bio-economy by supporting biotech startups and
AMR. enterprises.
• WHO's Global Action Plan: Emphasise the WHO's Programs and Initiatives
Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveil-
• Biotechnology Industry Partnership Program
lance System (GLASS) to tackle challenges such as
(BIPP): Supports public-private partnerships to ad-
limited diagnostic capacity, workforce shortages.
vance healthcare innovation.
• Support for Quadripartite Organisations (FAO, WHO,
• Small Business Innovation Research Initiative
WOAH, UNEP): Collaborative efforts to achieve the
(SBIRI): Provides early-stage, pre-proof-of-concept
2030 goals of the UN General Assembly's Political research and development funding.
Declaration on AMR.
• Promoting Academic Research Conversion to En-
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Nafithromycin – terprise (PACE): Aims to convert academic re-
India’s first Indigenous antibiotic search into viable commercial ventures.
• Biomanufacturing Hubs: Focuses on developing
❖ The Government announces India’s first indigenous biomanufacturing hubs to enhance the production
antibiotic, Nafithromycin, to tackle AMR. capabilities of biotech products.
• It is a collaborative effort supported by the Biotech-
{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Pork Consump-
nology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC)
tion in Northeast India
under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and
the Biotechnology Industry Partnership Program ❖ Pork (Pig Meat) is a staple source of accessible pro-
(BIPP) brought to market by Wockhardt under the tein for tribal communities in Northeast India. De-
trade name Miqnaf. spite the nutritional benefits it carries risk of zoonotic
• It is specifically developed to treat Community-Ac- diseases transmission.
quired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), a severe condi-
Public Health Risks Associated with Pork Con-
tion caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
sumption
• CABP disproportionately affects vulnerable groups
such as children, the elderly, and immune-compro- • Foodborne Trematodes: Paragonimus westermani,
mised individuals, including patients with diabetes Fasciola gigantica and Fasciolopsis buski are zoonotic
and cancer. parasites endemic in the region, transmitted to hu-
Key Features mans through consumption of inadequately cooked
meat and pork.
• Short Treatment Duration: A three-day regimen of- • Trichinella spiralis (Parasite): Reported in areas like
fers 10 times the efficacy of existing antibiotics. Romania, it remains a matter of concern owing to the
• Broad-Spectrum Action: Targets typical and atypical high health risks associated with ingesting under-pre-
pathogens, addressing gaps left by existing antibiotics pared pork.
like azithromycin. • Cysticercosis (Taenia solium): This type of tapeworm
• Improved Safety Profile: There are minimal gastroin- is responsible for the syndrome cysticercosis, an in-
testinal side effects, no significant drug interactions, fection of the muscles and nervous system that could
and it is unaffected by food consumption, ensuring be of neurological concern.
patient convenience. Read More > African Swine Fever.
• Global Innovation: Nafithromycin is the first new an- {GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Snakebite Enven-
tibiotic in its class globally in over 30 years.
oming
 Final approval of any drug in India gives the Central
Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for ❖ The Tamil Nadu government officially declared snake-
manufacturing and widespread public use. bite envenomation a notifiable disease under the
Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Tamil Nadu Public Health Act of 1939.
Council (BIRAC) About Snakebite Envenoming (SE)

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 25 November 2024 CA

• SE is a potentially life-threatening disease that typi- Diptheria, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Influenza, Leprosy,
cally results from the injection of a mixture of differ- Malaria, Measles, and Cerebrospinal fever.
ent toxins (venom) following the bite of a Venomous {GS2 – Social Sector – Poverty} Global Alliance
Snake.
Against Hunger and Poverty
• It can also be caused by having venom sprayed into
the eyes by certain species of snakes that can spit ❖ The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty ini-
venom as a defence measure. tiative was launched during the G20 summit in Rio de
• SE is classified by the WHO as a high-priority Ne- Janeiro, Brazil.
glected Tropical Disease (NTD). • Aim: To address setbacks in achieving the SDGs, es-
• Symptoms: Tissue damage, bleeding disorders, kid- pecially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, global
ney failure, paralysis. It can result in long-term com- conflicts, and climate change.
plications such as deformities, visual impairment, re- • Objective: To connect countries needing assistance
nal complications and psychological distress. with partners willing to offer expertise or financial
• According to the Central Bureau of Health Investiga- support to eradicate hunger and poverty.
tion (CBHI) reports (2016-2020), India witnesses an • Members: 81 countries (including India), 26 interna-
average of 3 lakh snakebite cases annually, resulting tional organisations, nine financial institutions, and
in approximately 2,000 deaths per year. 31 NGOs and philanthropic foundations.
• Around 90% of snake bites in India are caused by the • Funding: No exclusive fund; Operational costs ($2-3
'big four' among the crawlers - common krait, Indian million annually) relies on contributions from mem-
cobra, Russell's viper and saw-scaled viper. bers and institutions like FAO, UNICEF, and the World
What is a Notifiable Disease? Bank.
• Key Initiatives: School meals programs, Water access
• These are specific infectious diseases that, by law,
solutions, Support for smallholder & family farming,
must be reported to govt health authorities. This re-
Maternal & early childhood interventions, Cash trans-
porting enables public health agencies to monitor,
fers, Socio-economic inclusion initiatives.
prevent, and control the spread of these diseases.
• The list of notifiable diseases in India varies across
states, but common ones are Cholera, Dengue fever,

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 26 November 2024 CA

 GS2 – Vulnerable Sections of the Society

{GS2 – Vulnerable Section – Women} Femicides ❖ The ILO report ‘The Impact of Care Responsibilities
in 2023 on Women’s Labour Participation (WLP)’ highlights
barriers to women's workforce participation in India
❖ The Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate due to caregiving.
Partner/Family Member Femicides report was re-  Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) is the per-
leased on the International Day for the Elimination of centage of persons in the labour force (i.e. work-
Violence against Women. ing or seeking or available for work) in the popu-
• It was released by UN Women and the United Na- lation.
tions Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).  Women labour force participation (WLFP) refers
• Femicide is the intentional killing of women and girls to the percentage of women actively engaged in
because of their gender. Factors like discrimination, the labour market, including paid employment
unequal power relations, gender stereotypes, and and self-employment, reflecting their economic
harmful social norms drive it. contribution and involvement in workforce activi-
International Day for the Elimination of Vio- ties.
lence Against Women  As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey for 2023-
24, only 36.7% of women in India are engaged in
• To raise awareness against violence against
the labour force, highlighting the significant un-
women and girls (VAWG).
derutilisation of women's economic potential.
• Designated by the United Nations General Assem-
bly in 1999. {GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} The Jour-
• It honours the Mirabal Sisters of the Dominican ney of Beijing Declaration
Republic, symbols of resistance against Rafael Tru-
jillo's dictatorship and violence. On 25 November ❖ The 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
1960, Trujillo ordered the sisters assassinated. marked a key milestone in global gender equality af-
UN Women ter years of women's advocacy and activism.
Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action
• About: UN entity aiming to address global gender
inequality and empower women and girls. (1995)
• Creation: Established in 2010 by the United Na- • Fourth World Conference on Women (Beijing, 1995)
tions General Assembly as part of UN reform resulted in the Beijing Declaration and Platform for
agenda. Action, addressing critical issues for global gender
• Merged four existing UN entities: equality.
❖ Division for the Advancement of Women
Key Objectives of the Beijing Declaration
❖ International Research and Training Institute
for the Advancement of Women (INSTRAW) • Global Equality: Promote equality, development, and
❖ Office of the Special Adviser on Gender Issues peace for women worldwide.
and Advancement of Women (OSAGI) • Education Access: Ensure free, quality education for
❖ United Nations Development Fund for Women all women and girls.
(UNIFEM) • Eradicating Violence: Eliminate violence against
• Key Goals: women through awareness, policies and programs.
❖ Eliminate discrimination against women and • Leadership Representation: Increase women’s par-
girls. ticipation in leadership and decision-making roles.
❖ Empower women and achieve equality be- • Human Rights: Establish women’s and children’s
tween women and men. rights as integral to universal human rights.
❖ Promote gender equality in development, hu-
man rights, peace, and security. {GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} Women's
role in Constitution making
{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} ILO Re-
port on WLFP Key Contributions by Women Members

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 27 November 2024 CA

Participation in Committees • Hansa Mehta: Pushed for fundamental rights and a
• Hansa Mehta and Amrit Kaur served on the Funda- uniform civil code.
mental Rights and Minorities Sub-Committees. • Dakshayani Velayudhan: Opposed caste-based res-
• G. Durgabai was on the Steering and Rules Commit- ervations advocating for educational empowerment
tees. and societal transformation.
• Opposed discriminatory laws against women.
Shaping Key Articles • Notable dissent against allowing courts jurisdiction
• Amrit Kaur: Advocated for gender equality and op- over property compensation.
posed community-based reservations.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 28 November 2024 CA

 GS3 – Agriculture

{GS3 – Agri – Crops} De-branning of Millets • Data Collection: Information on household sizes, so-
cio-economic status, and fisherfolk engagement will
❖ A Nature Springer study warns that de-branning mil- be gathered to provide comprehensive insights.
lets reduces health benefits, highlighting the need to
National Plan of Action on Sharks
consume them as whole grains.
• Sustainable Shark Management: This plan, inspired
About Bran and Its Role
by the FAO's International Plan of Action for Sharks,
• Bran is the edible outer layer of cereal grains, rich in focuses on sustainable shark conservation and man-
dietary fiber and bioactive compounds. agement.
• It contributes to overall health by providing essential • Key Components: The plan includes improving data
nutrients and aiding digestion. collection, increasing resource allocation, enhancing
• Removing bran from millets (de-branning) lowers the inter-state coordination, and building capacity in spe-
nutritional profile, including the loss of minerals, fi- cies identification and habitat mapping.
ber and beneficial phytochemicals. • Traditional Knowledge (TK) Utilisation: Incorporates
Why Are Millets De-branned and Polished? the TK of fishermen to aid conservation efforts.

• Shelf Life: De-branning extends the shelf life of mil- Regional Plan of Action on IUU Fishing
lets by removing bran, which contains fats that can • Collaborative Effort: India, in collaboration with Sri
spoil more quickly. Lanka, Bangladesh, and Maldives, endorsed the Re-
• Cooking Convenience: Polished millets cook faster gional Plan of Action to combat Illegal, Unreported,
and are softer, reducing cooking time. and Unregulated (IUU) fishing in Bay of Bengal.
• Market Preferences: Highly polished millets are more • Objective: The plan aims to prevent IUU fishing
appealing due to their texture and appearance, but through coordinated regional efforts.
they are nutritionally inferior. GloLitter Partnership Project
Health Implications of De-branning Millets
• Marine Plastic Litter: The International Maritime Or-
➢ Nutrient Reduction: De-branning removes the bran, ganization-FAO GloLitter Partnership Project aims to
resulting in significant losses of protein, dietary fiber, combat marine plastic litter.
fat, minerals, and phytates. • Implementation: Standard Operating Procedures for
➢ Increased Glycemic Load: Removal of bran increases retrofitted LPG kits were introduced to promote en-
carbohydrates and amylose, leading to a higher gly- ergy-efficient, low-cost marine fishing fuels.
cemic index, making de-branned millets unsuitable Coastal Aquaculture Authority's New Single Win-
for diabetic individuals.
dow System
 Glycemic index is a rating system that shows how
quickly each food affects a person’s blood sugar • Online Registration: The new system enables the
(glucose) level when eaten on its own. online registration of coastal aquaculture farms,
streamlining the registration process.
{GS3 – Agri – Fisheries} Various Initiatives in In-
• Voluntary Carbon Market: An MoU was signed to im-
dia's Fisheries Sector plement a framework for the Voluntary Carbon Mar-
ket, focusing on carbon-sequestering practices in the
Marine Fisheries Census 2025
fisheries sector.
• Digital Implementation: The fifth Marine Fisheries Read More > Govt Initiatives Improve the Fisheries Sector.
Census will be entirely digital, utilising mobile apps {GS3 – Agri – Food Security} Hunger Hotspots:
and virtual servers for real-time data collection and
FAO-UNWFP
processing, increasing efficiency by 80%.
• Scope and Coverage: The census will cover India's ❖ A report by the FAO and the UN-WFP, “Hunger
coastline, from Lakhpat in Gujarat to North 24 Parga- Hotspots: FAO–WFP Early Warnings on Acute Food
nas in West Bengal and Bitra Island in Lakshadweep Insecurity”, reveals a grim projection for food insecu-
to Campbell Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. rity across 22 countries and regions.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 29 November 2024 CA
Key Findings • Purpose: Acts as the world’s main backup for seeds,
safeguarding global crop diversity against crises. It
• Sudan, Palestine, South Sudan, Haiti, and Mali are on
is known as the "doomsday" vault but is designed for
the highest alert for acute food insecurity.
both emergencies and routine conservation.
• New Additions to Hunger Hotspots List:
• It houses over 1 million plus varieties of food crops
❖ Kenya, Lesotho, Namibia, and Niger have been
from around 80 countries. It stores duplicate seeds
added to the list of hunger hotspots.
from gene banks worldwide, acting as a no-cost
❖ Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Malawi, Somalia, Zambia,
backup.
and Zimbabwe remain on the list.
• Ownership: Managed by the Nordic Genetic Re-
{GS3 – Agri – Food Security} Svalbard Global sources Centre under a U.N. treaty. Only depositors
Seed Vault can access their seeds, ensuring confidentiality and
control over each sample. Depositors remain the
❖ Ten thousand seeds arrived at the Svalbard seed owners of their seeds, using the vault as a secure
vault, marking the largest deposits in its 16-year his- backup without forfeiting rights.
tory. • International Support: Backed by a global network,
About Svalbard Global Seed Vault including the United Nations and organisations that
promoted the Green Revolution. It was awarded
• Location: Situated in Svalbard, an Arctic Archipelago
World Food Prize for its contribution to food security.
belonging to Norway.
Unique Features of the Vault

Source: Howitworks
• Storage: 0° Fahrenheit (-18°C) inside three rock  Permafrost is a layer of soil or rock that remains
chambers, which use natural freezing for stability. It frozen for at least two consecutive years. It’s
is over 100 meters inside a sandstone mountain to found in very cold regions like the Arctic, Siberia,
protect against extreme weather and sea-level rise Alaska, and parts of Canada.
risks.
{GS3 – Agri – Schemes} National Mission on
• Environmental Advantage: Svalbard's permafrost
and low temperatures offer cost-effective natural re-
Natural Farming (NMNF)
frigeration even in case of power loss. ❖ The Union Cabinet approved the launch of NMNF as
• Limited Access: Chambers are only opened three a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the
times a year to ensure minimal exposure. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 30 November 2024 CA
Key Components Kendras, Agricultural Universities, and farmers’ fields
for training and demonstration purposes.
• Cluster Approach: NMNF will be carried out in vari-
• Farmer Training: Farmers will be trained in preparing
ous clusters within Gram Panchayats that are ready
natural farming inputs and practices, with support
to participate. The mission aims to reach many farm-
from Krishi Sakhis/Conservation Reserve Program for
ers and cover a vast area of farmland.
awareness and handholding.
• Preference Areas: Priority will be given to areas with
• Certification System: Farmers can access a simple
a prevalence of natural farming practices and existing
certification system and dedicated branding to mar-
support structures like Primary Agricultural Credit So-
ket their natural farming produce.
cieties and Farmer Producer Organisations.
• Monitoring: An online portal will conduct real-time
• Bio-input Resource Centres: It will give farmers easy
geo-tagged monitoring of NMNF implementation.
access to ready-to-use natural farming inputs.
Read More > National Mission on Natural Farming.
• Model Demonstration Farms: Various NF Model
Demonstration Farms will be set up at Krishi Vigyan

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 31 November 2024 CA

 GS3 – Environment

{GS3 – Envi – Air Pollution} Causes of Smog in • Major Pollution Sources: Road dust, vehicular emis-
North India sions, and the industrial sector are identified as major
contributors to pollution in non-attainment cities.
Factors Leading to Early Smog in North India {GS3 – Envi – CC} Carbon Market Rules for Arti-
• Weak western disturbances brought moisture into cle 6.4
the plains, contributing to smog.
• Stubble burning: It significantly contributes to smog ❖ At COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, rules governing Article
in northern India. 6.4 of the carbon market were endorsed, allowing
• Seasonal Occurrence: Smog typically appears in the countries to trade carbon credits generated from
Northern plains by the end of November. emission reductions.
• Atmospheric Inversion: Winter brings lower temper-  Article 6.4 is a mechanism under the Paris Agree-
atures and weaker sunlight, leading to atmospheric ment allowing countries to trade carbon credits de-
inversion. In this phenomenon, a layer of warmer air rived from emission reductions.
traps cold air close to the ground, holding pollutants ❖ Article 6.4 is seen as a tool for climate finance, poten-
near the surface and preventing their dispersion. tially saving $250 billion annually for implementing
• Slow Wind Speed: Prolonged slow wind speed, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). How-
around one km per hour, at onset of winters after Di- ever, experts have raised concerns about the rushed
wali, led to accumulation of pollutants in air, result- adoption, which they argue sidelines critical debate
ing in poor air quality and early smog formation. and transparency.
• Limited Rainfall: Reduced rainfall led to less natural
Concerns Over the Rushed Adption of Rules
cleansing of the atmosphere, allowing pollutants to
remain suspended for longer durations. ➢ Early Endorsement sidelined Debate: The adoption
• Changing Weather Patterns: Climate change alters of rules on day 1 of COP29 led to lack of adequate
weather patterns, leading to unseasonable smog and discussion on the recommendations by the supervi-
prolonged pollution episodes. sory body of UNFCCC (overseen by CMA).
• Vehicular Emissions: Vehicle exhaust releases nitro- ➢ Set a Poor Precedent: Issuing a quick decision on
gen dioxide and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sig- such contentious issues during the opening plenary
nificantly contributing to smog. reduces time for critical discussions, raising concerns
• Industrial Emissions: Thermal power plants and fac- about trust in the UNFCCC processes.
tories emit a steady stream of pollutants, compound- Issues with Carbon Credit Methodologies and
ing the problem.
Carbon Removal
{GS3 – Envi – Air Pollution} Underutilisation of
 Carbon Credit represents one tonne of CO₂ reduced
NCAP Fund
or avoided. These credits come from activities that
❖ Delhi only used 32% of its funds under the National either reduce emissions (e.g., efficient cookstoves)
Clean Air Programme (NCAP). The NCAP aims to re- or remove CO₂ (e.g., tree planting).
duce PM10 by 40% by 2025-26 or to meet National ➢ Carbon Removal and Reversal Risks: Standards allow
Ambient Air Quality standards. CO₂ removal and storage in natural sinks or products
• Cities are using NCAP funds primarily for road dust (e.g., biochar), but stored carbon risks being re-re-
control through the procurement of anti-smog guns, leased, compromising long-term climate impact.
water sprinklers, road paving, and the development ➢ Inadequate Monitoring Period: Current standards
of green spaces. lack requirements for post-crediting monitoring
• Amritsar, Jhansi, Pune and Navi Mumbai utilised which is essential for ensuring long-term reliability
more than 90% of the allocated fund. Amritsar has and environmental integrity of carbon credits.
shown a 38% improvement in PM10, while ironically, ➢ Project developers may not always be required to
Navi Mumbai's PM10 levels have worsened by 11%. continue monitoring after crediting ends, potentially
• Faridabad has utilised 39%, Ghaziabad has used 89%, undermining the environmental integrity of the cred-
and Noida has the lowest fund utilisation at 11%. its.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 32 November 2024 CA
➢ There is ambiguity on how “negligible” reversal risk Carbon Footprint
will be defined and managed, with no guarantees on
• The carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse
rigorous future work to address this.
gases (GHGs), especially carbon dioxide (CO2), re-
➢ Unclear Standards on whether both nature-based
leased directly or indirectly into the atmosphere by
solutions (e.g., reforestation) and technological op-
an individual, organisation, event, or product.
tions (e.g., carbon capture) qualify, leading to con-
• This refers to the quantity of GHGs produced in our
tention & potential inconsistency.
daily lives due to the combustion of fossil fuels for
Expected Steps electricity, heating, transportation, and other activi-
✓ CMA Intervention: The CMA (the governing body of ties.
UNFCCC), which oversees the supervisory body, has Tools and Methods for Measuring Carbon Footprint
the authority to refine the rules and ensure that car- • Carbon Calculators: Online tools that allow individu-
bon markets maintain environmental integrity and do als and organisations to estimate their carbon foot-
not harm vulnerable communities. print by entering data on energy use, travel, and
{GS3 – Envi – CC} Climate Change Performance other activities.
Index (CCPI) 2025 • GHG Protocol: A widely used international account-
ing tool that provides standards and guidance for
• The Annual CCPI report for 2025 was released at companies and organisations to measure and man-
COP29 in Baku. It compares the climate performance age their GHG emissions.
of 63 countries and the EU, which account for over • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A methodological
90% of global GHG emissions. framework used to assess the environmental impacts
• Released by: Germanwatch, New Climate Institute & of all stages of a product's life, aiding in comprehen-
Climate Action Network. sive carbon footprint measurement.
• It assesses each country’s performance in four cate- Carbon Markets
gories: GHG Emissions (40%), Renewable Energy
• These are mechanisms designed to reduce green-
(20%), Energy Use (20%) and Climate Policy (20%).
house gas emissions by allowing the trade of carbon
• A country is rated in a category that includes Very
credits. They create financial incentives for entities to
High, High, Medium, Low, Very Low & Not Included.
lower emissions or improve energy efficiency.
Key Findings
How do Carbon Markets Work?
• The 1st three places remain empty followed by Den- • Earning Carbon Credits: Countries or industries can
mark (4th), Netherlands (5th) and UK (6th). earn carbon credits by reducing their greenhouse gas
• 63 countries, along with the European Union, are re- emissions beyond their set targets.
sponsible for 90% of global emissions. • Trading Carbon Credits: It can be sold to other enti-
• India ranks 10th in this year’s CCPI, dropping two ties that need them to meet their own emission re-
spots compared to last year. duction targets. The trade is usually conducted
• India and the U.K. are the only two G20 countries through a marketplace, where credits are sold to the
among the high performers in the CCPI. India's per highest bidder.
capita emissions stand at 2.9 tons of CO2 equivalent
Carbon Neutrality
(tCO2e), far below the global average of 6.6 tCO2e.
• The four lowest-ranked countries in the CCPI are Iran • Carbon neutrality, also known as net-zero, is a state
(67th), Saudi Arabia (66th), the United Arab Emirates where a country's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
(65th), and Russia (64th), all four among the world’s are balanced by absorbing and removing these gases
largest oil and gas producers. from the atmosphere.
• India has made considerable progress in renewable How is Carbon Neutrality Achieved?
energy policy, particularly with large-scale solar • It involves enhancing natural carbon sinks, such as
power projects and the launch of the Rooftop Solar forests, which absorb CO2 from the atmosphere—
Scheme. utilising advanced technologies like carbon capture
{GS3 – Envi – CC} Environmental Terms in News and storage to remove CO2 directly.
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
❖ The 29th edition of the Conference of the Parties (IPCC) has set 2050 as the target year for the world to
(COP) began in Baku, Azerbaijan. achieve net-zero emissions.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 33 November 2024 CA
{GS3 – Envi – CC} Global Carbon Budget (GCB) warming, accounting for a third of the global temper-
Report 2024 ature rise since the mid-19th century.
• Methane Alert and Response System (MARS):
❖ Global Carbon Budget (GCB) report predicts global Launched by the UNEP to detect methane leaks using
carbon emissions will rise by 0.8% in 2024 compared satellite data. Over 1,200 alerts have been issued
to the previous year. It declined from the 1.2% in- since its launch in 2023. Only 1% (12 alerts) received
crease recorded in 2023. substantive responses with actionable measures.
• In 2023, the largest absolute contributions to global • Voluntary Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Charter: Na-
fossil CO2 emissions were from China (31%), the US tional oil and gas companies, including Azerbaijan's
(13%), India (8%), and the EU 27 (7%). These four re- SOCAR, have committed to zero out methane this
gions account for 59% of global fossil CO2 emissions, decade.
while the rest of the world contributed 41%. • Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0: Roughly 140
companies have signed onto this U.N. effort, commit-
Atmospheric CO₂ Concentrations and Climate Im- ting to tackle unintentional methane outputs.
pact • Global Methane Pledge: The pledge aims to cut me-
• CO₂ Concentration in 2024: Expected to reach 422.5 thane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
ppm, a 52% increase from pre-industrial levels. However, the response to detected methane leaks
has been minimal.
• Temperature Projections: Jan 2024 recorded the
global temperature crossing the 1.5°C threshold Challenges in Addressing Methane Leaks
above pre-industrial levels over 12 months. ➢ Low Response Rates: Only 1% of alerts led to signifi-
• Remaining Carbon Budget: GCB reports a 50% cant action, indicating inadequate governmental and
chance of reaching the 1.5°C warming threshold if corporate commitment.
emission levels persist within approximately six years. ➢ Technical Limitations: Satellite detection can be hin-
The timeline underscores the urgency for accelerated dered by cloud cover, affecting the accuracy of data.
emissions reductions to avoid surpassing this target. ➢ Economic Barriers: Developing countries lack the
• Paris Agreement Goals: The core aim is to limit global funds and technology to plug leaks effectively.
warming to below 2°C, focusing on staying under Opportunities for Improvement
1.5°C above pre-industrial temperatures.
✓ Financial Viability: Capturing leaked methane can be
Initiatives to Reduce Emissions in India economically beneficial, as methane is a valuable
• Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) product. Leak prevention can save resources for oil
• International Solar Alliance and gas companies.
• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) ✓ Technology Adoption: Advanced satellite systems of-
fer precise leak detection. Countries and companies
• Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
can leverage this data to implement targeted mitiga-
• Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme
tion strategies.
Read More > Nationally Determined Contributions, Im- ✓ International Funding: Philanthropic initiatives
portance of Global Carbon Budget for India. pledged nearly $500 million in 2023 to help develop-
{GS3 – Envi – CC} U.N. International Methane ing nations address methane emissions. Nations can
Emissions Observatory Report use methane data to secure additional climate fi-
nance.
❖ Context (TH): The U.N. International Methane Emis- ✓ Policy Integration: Governments must enact stricter
sions Observatory (IMEO) report examines challenges methane regulations to ensure accountability. Com-
in addressing methane leaks and explores the steps panies need clear guidelines to utilise satellite data
required to meet global methane reduction targets. for compliance.
• UN IMEO is a key initiative under the United Nations Read More > Steps taken to mitigate Methane Emissions.
Environment Programme (UNEP) aimed at providing {GS3 – Envi – Conservation} BBNJ: The High
reliable and actionable data to reduce methane emis- Seas Treaty
sions.
❖ India recently signed the Biodiversity Beyond Na-
Key Findings of the Report
tional Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement to protect ma-
• Global Warming Contribution: Methane emissions rine ecosystems and promote sustainable use of re-
have driven about 0.5 degrees Celsius in global sources in international waters.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 34 November 2024 CA
Key Features of the BBNJ Treaty • Also known as a Consent for Establishment (CFE) or
No Objection Certificate (NOC), it is required before
• Conserving Marine Biodiversity: Protecting marine
establishing an industry or project that could pollute
ecosystems beyond national jurisdictions.
• Equitable Sharing of Benefits: Mandating fair distri- the environment.
bution of profits from marine genetic resources • The State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) or Pollution
through a global fund. Control Committee (PCC) issues the CTE.
• Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Requir- • Validity: CTEs are usually valid for 3–5 years but can
ing assessments to regulate harmful activities in in- be extended.
ternational waters. • Fees: Consent fees are charged on the basis of capital
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Creation of pro- investment.
tected zones on high seas to safeguard biodiversity.  As Per New Notification, Industries with EC will no
• Capacity-Building & Technology Transfers: Equitable longer require a separate CTE.
partnerships in maritime science & governance. {GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Harare Declaration
• Third UNCLOS Implementing Agreement: Comple-
ments treaties on deep-sea mining and fisheries. ❖ The inaugural Climate and Health Africa Conference
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Exemption from (CHAC 2024) ended in Zimbabwe with the adoption
dual approval of the Harare Declaration on Africa’s climate health.
• Objective: To combat the detrimental health effects
❖ MoEFCC has issued a notification on the requirement of climate change (CC) and improve the well-being of
to obtain dual approvals, Environmental Clearance African populations.
(EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE) for setting up Focus areas
new industries.
• Dual approval is the process by which industries must ❖ Prioritise climate change as a public emergency and
secure two key – EC and CTE — from State Pollution promote inclusive community dialogue.
Control Boards (SPCBs) by the Air Act, 1981, and the ❖ Invest in studies assessing the impacts of CC on
Water Act, 1974, before commencing operations. health in Africa and identify effective interventions.
❖ Improve early warning systems to track climate-re-
Key Changes
lated health risks, enabling effective, timely re-
• Exemption for Non-Polluting Industries: Non-pollut- sponses.
ing 'white category' 39 industries will no longer need ❖ Build climate-resilient health systems by enhancing
to obtain CTE or Consent to Operate (CTO). the capacity of health infrastructures to adapt to and
• Merging of Approvals: The EC and CTE approvals mitigate the impacts of climate change.
have been effectively merged, and a standard proce-
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Key Takeaways
dure has been issued for obtaining EC.
from COP-16
• Consultation with SPCBs: SPCBs will be consulted
during the EC process to ensure all aspects covered ❖ COP-16, the Sixteenth Conference of the Parties to
by CTE are addressed. the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), was
• CTE Fees: Industries will still need to pay CTE fees to held in Cali, Colombia.
ensure that states do not lose revenue.
• Originating from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the CBD
About Environmental Clearance (EC) aims to conserve biodiversity, use biological re-
• It is a comprehensive and prolonged process required sources sustainably, and ensure equitable sharing of
for projects that exceed a specific size threshold. benefits.
• It typically involves an Environmental Impact Assess- • Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
ment (EIA) of the potential project and may include (KMGBF), adopted at COP15 (2022) set 23 targets to
public hearings with local communities that could be be completed by 2030, including the '30-by-30'
impacted. agreement to protect 30% of land and water by 2030.
• This clearance is for compulsory projects, such as Highlights of COP-16
mining, hydropower, and thermal power, etc.
• Global Ecosystems Atlas (GEA): Launched as the first
• The process for obtaining EC is detailed in the EIA No-
comprehensive tool for mapping and monitoring
tification of 2006.
ecosystems, facilitating informed decision-making to
About Consent to Establish (CTE) address biodiversity loss and climate change.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 35 November 2024 CA
• Indigenous Representation: Established a subsidiary Updated National Biodiversity Targets
body to involve Indigenous communities in conserva-
✓ Conservation Areas: Target to conserve 30% of land
tion and biodiversity discussions.
and water areas.
• Digital Sequence Information (DSI): DSI (pertains to
digital genetic data used in commercial products) was ✓ Sustainable Consumption: Promote sustainable con-
discussed, yet still lacks consensus on establishing a sumption and reduce food waste by 50%.
multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism. ✓ Ensure Equitable Benefit Sharing from genetic re-
• Reiterated the need for Integrated policies linking cli- sources & traditional knowledge.
mate change and biodiversity loss. ✓ Invasive Species Management: Aim to reduce intro-
• Invasive Species Control: Strengthened efforts to duction & establishment of invasive species by 50%.
curb invasive species in line with KMGBF targets. ✓ Pollution Reduction: Halve nutrient loss and pesti-
• Technical Implementation Support: Adopted cide risk to minimise environmental pollution.
measures to enhance technical capabilities for effec- Governance and Implementation
tive KMGBF target achievement. • National Coordination: Led by MoEFCC with support
India’s Role and Contributions from 23 central ministries.
• Updated Biodiversity Plan: India presented a plan • State and Local Involvement: Engagement of State
with ₹81,664 crore allocated for FY 2025-30, up from Biodiversity Boards, UT Biodiversity Councils and Bi-
₹32,207 crore spent between 2018-22. odiversity Management Committees flowing
• Call for financial mobilisation: As laid down in target through the Biological Diversity Act in 2002.
19 of the KMGBF to support the implementation of • Financial Commitment: Rs 81,664 crore allocated for
the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan. biodiversity initiatives from 2025-2030, with interna-
• Achievements: tional finance and private sector involvement
❖ Ramsar Sites Expansion: Increased from 26 to 85 through mechanisms like Green Bonds etc.
since 2014, aiming for 100 soon. NBAP 2008
❖ Big Cat Conservation: The International Big Cat
Alliance was highlighted to protect big cat species. ✓ Conservation of Biodiversity: Protect and manage
critical biodiversity sites and habitats, ensuring the
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Updated NBSAP safety of endangered species.
2024-2030 ✓ Sustainable Use of Biological Resources: Integrate
sustainable biodiversity practices into agriculture,
❖ India launched its updated NBSAP (National Biodi-
forestry, fisheries, and other sectors.
versity Strategy and Action Plan) during COP 16 of the
✓ Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits: Ensure fair
CBD in Colombia, aligning with the Kunming-Mon-
distribution of benefits from genetic resources
treal Global Biodiversity Framework.
among stakeholders, especially local and indige-
• India had adopted the ‘Whole-of-Government’ &
nous communities.
‘Whole-of-Society’ approach in updating its NBSAP.
Evolution and Development of NBSAP {GS3 – Envi – Degradation} Greenwashing

• India’s biodiversity conservation tradition predates ❖ The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)
global movements like the Convention on Biological under the Consumer Affairs Ministry has issued
Diversity, with formal biodiversity management start- guidelines for the 'Prevention and Regulation of
ing with the first NBSAP in 1999. Greenwashing and Misleading Environmental
• The NBSAP evolved through the GEF Project (2000- Claims'. This initiative is part of the government's
2003), leading to the National Biodiversity Action crackdown on misleading advertisements.
Plan (NBAP) in 2008, refined in 2014 to align with the • Greenwashing refers to the practice where compa-
Aichi Biodiversity Targets. nies, organisations, or even countries make question-
 Aichi Biodiversity Targets are 20 targets adopted able or unverifiable claims about their products, ser-
by the 10th COP to the UN Convention on Biologi- vices, or activities being environmentally friendly.
cal Diversity (CBD) in Nagoya, Japan. • It includes using misleading symbols, imagery, or lan-
• India’s commitment to biodiversity was demon- guage that highlights positive environmental aspects
strated through various reports and updates, includ- while concealing harmful ones.
ing a 2019 overview addressing status, threats, strat- • Examples of Greenwashing: Dieselgate by
egies, and governance frameworks. Volkswagen.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 36 November 2024 CA
Types of Greenwashing • It was started by UNGA in 2001 to raise awareness
about the environmental impacts of war.
• Greenhushing: Companies withhold information
about their sustainability goals and progress. Key Focus Areas
• Green-crowding: Hiding in a group to avoid scrutiny • Environmental Protection During Conflict: Highlights
of unsustainable practices. the importance of safeguarding ecosystems in war
• Greenshifting: Shifting the responsibility of adopting zones, underscoring that protecting the environment
sustainable measures onto consumers or individuals is as vital as saving human lives.
instead of taking meaningful corporate action. • Building Peace through Environmental Sustainabil-
• Greenlighting: Highlighting specific sustainability ini- ity: This approach emphasises peacebuilding efforts
tiatives to distract from harmful activities. that integrate environmental stewardship as a foun-
• Greenlabelling: Using labels that suggest products dation for sustainable post-conflict recovery.
are green or sustainable, which, upon closer exami- • Global Cooperation: Calls for international dialogue
nation, are misleading. and collaboration to create strategies that minimise
Key Points from the Greenwashing Guidelines environmental harm during armed conflicts.
• Strengthening Legal Protections: Advocates for en-
• These guidelines target manufacturers, service pro-
forcing international laws, such as the Geneva Con-
viders, traders, ad agencies, and endorsers, requiring
ventions, which restrict warfare tactics that cause se-
them to substantiate environmental claims.
vere environmental destruction.
• Sustainable Growth Claims: Terms like "eco-
friendly," "green," "sustainable," "natural," and oth- {GS3 – Envi – Issues} Pet Industry and Animal
ers must be backed by credible evidence. E.g., terms Abuse
like "100% eco-friendly" or "zero emissions" must be
qualified with precise information on the product or Animal Breeding
service. • Animal Breeding is mating “high quality” animals to
• Penalties for Misleading Claims: Companies found enhance productivity in subsequent generations.
violating these guidelines may face penalties for mis-
Mating Systems
leading advertising and unfair trade practices under
consumer protection laws. Types of Mating
• Technical Terms: To improve consumer understand- • Natural Mating: Animals mate through natural
ing, it is required to explain technical terms like means.
"greenhouse gas emissions" or "Environmental Im- • Artificial Insemination (AI): Semen is collected from
pact Assessments (EIA)" in user-friendly language. males and used to inseminate females, allowing su-
 One carbon credit equals one metric ton of CO2 or perior males to breed with multiple females.
equivalent GHGs removed from the atmosphere. Breeding Systems
Provisions related to Greenwashing in India • Inbreeding: Mating of related animals (e.g., siblings,
✓ Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Under this Act, parent-offspring).
greenwashing is designated as an unfair trade prac- ❖ It can be “Close breeding” (very closely related,
tice. It outlines penalties and remedies for consumers e.g., father-daughter) and “line breeding” (more
adversely affected by these practices. distantly related, e.g., cousins).
✓ SEBI Guidelines: SEBI issued guidelines for issuers of ❖ Leads to reduced reproductive efficiency and
green debt securities to ensure transparency. These health disorders; used for genetic uniformity in
aim to protect investors, promote market develop- labs.
ment, and regulate the securities market. • Outbreeding: Mating of unrelated animals.
✓ ASCI's Role: The Advertising Standards Council of In- ❖ Crossbreeding (different breeds for hybrid vig-
dia (ASCI) monitors advertising practices and holds our) and grading up (Indigenous with purebred
some jurisdiction over allegations of greenwashing. to improve traits).
❖ It enhances growth rate, reproduction, and over-
{GS3 – Envi – Degradation} International Day all production performance.
for PEEWAC
Genetic Mechanisms of Inbreeding
❖ November 6th is observed as International Day for • Transmission of Traits: Desired traits may be inher-
Preventing the Exploitation of Environment in War ited alongside harmful recessive genes, increasing
& Armed Conflict (PEEWAC). the risk of genetic health issues.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 37 November 2024 CA
• Gene Expression: Dominant genes manifest fre- Highlights of the Water Act 2024
quently, while recessive genes can remain hidden un-
• Initial Applicability: The Act initially applies to Hima-
til paired, potentially causing latent health problems.
chal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and union territories.
Coefficient of Inbreeding (COI) • Court Cognizance: The Central Pollution Control
• Definition: Mathematical measure of the probability Board (CPSB), State Pollution Control Boards (SPCB),
of inheriting identical alleles from both parents. Pollution Control Committees, and Integrated Re-
• Ideal COI: Below 5% is desirable; above 10% poses gional Offices of the Ministry of Environment, Forest
significant health risks. and Climate Change can, through their authorised Of-
• Tandem Selection: A traditional method, focuses ficers, or any other persons, may file a complaint.
on improving one trait at a time but is less effec- • Consent for establishing industries: Establishing and
tive. operating an industry without obtaining such con-
• Independent Culling Levels: Sets minimum stand- sent from the SPCB is punishable with imprisonment
ards for multiple traits, allowing selection based of up to six years.
on meeting these predefined thresholds. • Monitoring: It also penalises tampering with moni-
• Selection Index: Utilizes a comprehensive assess- toring devices to determine whether any industry or
ment of all traits, calculating an optimal score to treatment plant can be set up. The penalty will be be-
identify the most genetically favourable animals. tween Rs 10,000 and Rs 15 lakh.
• Penalty for other offences: An unspecified offence
Ban on Certain Dog Breeds in India under the Act currently carries a punishment of up to
❖ India has banned 23 dog breeds, following global three months' imprisonment, a fine up to Rs 10,000,
trends where countries like the U.S. have also pro- or both. The Bill removes imprisonment, instead im-
hibited breeds such as the Pit Bull. posing a penalty between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15 lakh.
❖ The following dog breeds are banned in India: Failure to pay this penalty will result in up to three
Tosa Inu, Fila Brasileiro, American Bulldog, Kangal, years' imprisonment or a fine up to twice the penalty
Caucasian Shepherd, Tornjak, Sarplaninac, Mas- amount.
tiffs, Terriers, Wolf Dogs, Akbash, Cane Corso, Pit- • Appeal: Appeals against penalty orders can be made
bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Dogo to the National Green Tribunal, which requires 10%
Argentino, Boerboel, Central Asian Shepherd Dog, of the penalty deposited for appeal. Collected penal-
South Russian Shepherd Dog, Japanese Tosa, ties go to the Environment Protection Fund.
Akita, Rottweiler, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Presa Ca- • Appointment of Adjudicating Officers: The central
nario, Moscow Guard Dog, and Bandog. government appoints adjudicating officers (minimum
 Note: Asking random species is favourite area of rank: Joint Secretary) to determine penalties.
UPSC and dogs remain in news, so just glance • Appoint SPCB Chairmen: Under the Act, the chair-
through the names, no need to mug up each. man of an SPCB is nominated by the state govern-
ment. The Bill adds that the central government will
Reasons for the Ban
prescribe the manner of nomination and the terms
• Rising dog-attack incidents, particularly in Maha- and conditions of service of the chairman.
rashtra and TN.
New Rules under the Water Act 2024
• Public Safety Concerns: The ban mitigates the risk
of dog attacks on humans. • Shift from Criminal to Civil Penalties: Decriminalisa-
• Curbing Animal Abuse: The ban aims to promote tion of Water Act violations; criminal charges are re-
animal welfare by discouraging breed- placed with monetary penalties.
ing aggressive and exotic dog breeds unsuitable • Exemptioms to ‘White’ category industries: Low or
for local conditions. non-polluting “White” industries are exempted from
requiring prior permission to operate under the Wa-
{GS3 – Envi – Laws} New Rules under the Water ter Act.
Act 2024 • Empowerment of Authorities: Authorised officers
from CPCB, SPCB, Pollution Control Committees, and
❖ The Union Environment Ministry notified new rules
Integrated Regional Offices can file complaints to ad-
for violations of the Water (Prevention and Control judicating officers for specific violations.
of Pollution) (Manner of Holding Inquiry and Imposi-
• Role of Adjudicating Officer: Adjudicating officers
tion of Penalty) Rules, 2024.
(minimum state government joint secretary rank)
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 38 November 2024 CA
 manage complaints, issue violation notices, and over- Need for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty
see inquiry processes. To ensure a timely resolution,
• Fossil Fuels as emitters: ContribThese are major to
the entire inquiry process must be completed within
global emissions, rising 8% since the Paris Agreement
six months of the notice's issuance.
(2015).
Read More > Water Related Pollution Laws.
• Inadequate Action: Fossil fuels remain unregulated
{GS3 – Envi – RE} Asia – Pacific Climate Report despite the Paris Agreement, with current policies
2024 risking a 3°C temperature rise by 2030.
• Rising Global Temperatures: 2024 has been the hot-
❖ Asian Development Bank's (ADB) Asia–Pacific Cli- test year, highlighting the urgency for action.
mate Report highlights India's strategic shift from • Inadequate Frameworks: The Paris Agreement lacks
heavy reliance on fossil fuel subsidies towards a focus explicit measures on fossil fuel reduction, necessitat-
on clean energy development. ing a focused treaty.
• The report tackles urgent issues such as rising heat-
waves, the socioeconomic impact of climate change, Core Features of the FF-NPT
and the need for financial resources to protect vul- • Non-Proliferation: Halting new exploration and pro-
nerable communities. duction of coal, oil, and gas globally.
Key Findings on India's Energy Transition • Fair Phase-Out: Equitable reduction strategies for na-
tions with historical responsibility for emissions.
• Reduction in Subsidies: India's "remove, target, and • Just Transition: Ensure renewable energy adoption
shift" strategy effectively reduced oil and gas sector and economic diversification, leaving no worker or
subsidies by 85% from 2014 to 2018. community behind.
• Strategic Tax Measures: Introduced taxes, like the
cess on coal production, redirected funds to renewa- {GS3 – Envi – RE} India's RE Capacity surpasses
ble energy projects, supporting India's transition to a 200GW
cleaner energy economy.
❖ India’s renewable energy electricity generation ca-
Role of Taxation in Supporting Clean Energy Initia- pacity has crossed 200 GW. This aligns with India’s
tives ambitious target of reaching 500 GW from non-fossil
• Allocation to Clean Energy: Approximately 30% of sources by 2030.
cess collections supported the National Clean Energy Overview of Renewable Energy Landscape in India
and Environment Fund, aiding key projects like the
Green Energy Corridor and the National Solar Mis- • India’s total electricity generation capacity is 452.69
sion. GW (as of October 2024).
• Impact on Ministry Budget: The cess boosted the • Renewable energy (RE) makes up 46.3% of India's to-
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy's budget, al- tal capacity, including nuclear energy (8,180 MW),
lowing it to lower utility-scale solar costs and support and non-fossil fuel-based power accounts for nearly
off-grid renewable solutions. half of India’s installed capacity.
• Transition to GST: Post-2017, the cess was subsumed Job Creation in the RE Sector
under GST compensation, shifting funds to state rev-
• According to the International Renewable Energy
enue compensation, which highlighted challenges in
Agency’s (IRENA) 2024 Annual Review, India created
India's clean energy financing framework.
around 1.02 million jobs in the renewable energy sec-
 Initiatives supporting clean energy include Na- tor in 2023.
tional Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM
• India ranks second globally, making it the largest em-
Scheme, PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, Produc-
ployer in the hydropower sector.
tion-Linked Incentives (PLIs) etc.
Leading States in RE Capacity
{GS3 – Envi – RE} Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferatioin-
creases • Rajasthan: Tops the chart with 29.98 GW, capitalising
on its vast lands and abundant sunlight.
❖ At COP29, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF- • Gujarat: Contributes 29.52 GW, driven by its solar
NPT) gained momentum, with activists and countries and wind energy focus.
urging regulation of fossil fuel production, inspired by • Tamil Nadu: Achieves 23.70 GW, leveraging favoura-
the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. ble wind conditions for renewable projects.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 39 November 2024 CA

• Karnataka: Adds 22.37 GW with a mix of solar and Agenda of COP 29
wind initiatives.
Setting New Climate Finance Goals
India’s Global Climate Commitments
• Climate Finance Target: Establishing a new collective
• India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions climate finance goal (NCQG) to replace the previous
(NDCs) align with Paris Agreement principles, pro- $100 billion baseline.
moting equity and CBDR-RC. • Proposed Target: Anticipated increase to $1 trillion
• India has committed to: annually to support developing nations.
❖ Reduce emissions intensity by 45% by 2030, rel- • Funding Sources: Contributions expected from
ative to 2005 levels. wealthy nations, potential participation from emerg-
❖ Achieve 50% cumulative electric power from ing economies like China and India.
non-fossil sources by 2030. • Paris Agreement Obligations: Discussions on updat-
❖ Support a sustainable lifestyle through the LIFE
ing climate action plans and achieving NCQG com-
movement (Lifestyle for Environment).
mitments by 2025.
Central Electricity Authority (CEA) Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF)
•The CEA is a statutory organisation under the Un- • Fund Source: Voluntary contributions from fossil
ion Ministry of Power that advises the govern- fuel producers and companies, with initial contribu-
ment on policy matters and formulates plans for tions from Azerbaijan.
electricity system development. • Revenue Allocation: 50% for climate projects in de-
• It plays an important role in promoting integrated veloping countries and 50% to support national cli-
operations of regional power and the national grid.
mate action plans.
• It was constituted under the Electricity Supply Act
• Operational Conditions: Requires commitments
1948 (now Electricity Act 2003).
from at least 10 shareholder countries for fund acti-
• Its responsibilities include prescribing standards
vation at $1 billion capitalization.
for electrical plants, electric lines, connectivity to
the grid, and safety and grid standards. Loss and Damage Fund
Read More > India’s Various Initiatives for RE • Objective: Assist vulnerable countries facing climate-
{GS3 – Envi – UNFCCC} Adoption of Article 6 at induced disasters like floods and droughts.
COP29 • Recent Development: Approximately $660 million
mobilized, headquartered in the Philippines.
❖ At COP29 in Baku, nations adopted Article 6 of the • Focus in Baku: Scaling up funds for loss and damage
Paris Agreement after nearly a decade of negotia- compensation and ensuring long-term support.
tions. Major Proposals and Contributions from Azerbai-
 Article 6 aims to establish frameworks for interna- jan
tional carbon markets to help countries meet their
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). ✓ Energy Storage and Green Hydrogen: Global Energy
 Components: Storage capacity to be increased sixfold by 2030 and
❖ Article 6.2: Decentralized, bilateral agree- Green Hydrogen Market to be promoted as an alter-
ments for carbon credit trading. native energy source.
❖ Article 6.4: Creation of a global carbon market ✓ Digital Carbon Footprint Reduction: Implement
supervised by the UN. measures to minimize carbon emissions from digiti-
Cowboy Carbon Markets: Unregulated or poorly zation and data centers.
governed carbon trading that lacks transparency,
{GS3 – Envi – Wetlands} Hokersar Wetland
accountability & environmental integrity, allowing low-
quality or fraudulent carbon credits to circulate. ❖ Rainfall deficiency impacts the arrival of migratory
{GS3 – Envi – UNFCCC} COP 29 Climate Summit: birds in Kashmir's Hokersar wetland.
A ‘Finance COP’ About Hokersar Wetland
❖ The Baku climate summit (COP 29) aims to establish • Location: Srinagar, J&K. Also known as the 'Queen
robust financial frameworks to support climate ac- Wetland of Kashmir'.
tion, focusing on climate finance for the first time in • It was first designated a conservation reserve under
over a decade. the J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1978.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 40 November 2024 CA
• In 2005, it was recognised as a wetland of interna- • It is the only site with remaining reedbeds of Kashmir
tional importance under the Ramsar Convention. It and a pathway for 68 waterfowl species, including lit-
also falls under India's National Wetlands Conserva- tle cormorants, common shelduck, large egrets and
tion Programme. great crested grebe.
• It is a natural perennial wetland contiguous to the  A reedbed is a natural habitat typically found in
Jhelum basin. It gets water from the Doodhganga wetlands. It also plays an important role in water
River (Tributary of Jhelum). It is also the largest bird purification and flood management by filtering
reserve in the Kashmir Valley. out pollutants and absorb excess water.
Read more < J&K National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries &
Ramsar Sites

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 41 November 2024 CA

 GS3 – Indian Economy

{GS3 – IE – Banking} Domestic Systemically Im- (CET1) capital surcharge in India. This surcharge is
portant Banks (D-SIBs) proportionate to India's bank’s Risk-Weighted Assets
(RWAs).
❖ RBI retained SBI, HDFC and ICICI as Domestic System- {GS3 – IE – Banking} RBI's Monetary Policy
ically Important Banks (D-SIBs).
Stances
About D-SIBs
❖ Newly reconstituted monetary policy committee
• D-SIBs are banks whose potential failure could se-
changing the policy stance from “withdrawal of ac-
verely disrupt the financial system due to their size,
commodation” to “neutral”.
cross-jurisdictional activities, complexity, lack of sub-
stitutability, and interconnectedness. The Importance of the Shift from “Withdrawal” to
• These banks are considered ‘Too Big to Fail (TBTF)’, “Neutral”
highlighting the critical impact their failure could • Reduced Inflationary Pressures: The RBI may see in-
have on the overall economy. flation pressures slowing down, which reduces the
• The framework for handling D-SIBs was established need to keep tightening financial conditions.
by the RBI in 2014 and implemented in 2015. • Supporting Economic Growth: A neutral stance gives
• RBI assesses these banks based on their Systemic Im- the RBI flexibility to support growth if needed, with-
portance Scores (SISs) and assigns them to specific out the limits of a "tightening" focus.
buckets. Based on that, a D-SIB must adhere to addi- • Focus on Data: A neutral approach means that the
tional common equity requirements. RBI will base its future decisions on actual economic
• If a foreign bank with branches in India is designated data rather than following a fixed plan.
as a Global Systemically Important Bank (G-SIB), it
Monetary Policy Stances
must maintain an additional Common Equity Tier 1
Stance Objective Policy Action Indicators
Accommoda- To support economic Keeps interest rates low, making Typically used during periods of low
tive growth. borrowing cheaper; encourages inflation and sluggish growth.
spending and investment.
Neutral To balance inflation Allows flexibility to raise or lower Adapts to changing economic scenarios
control and growth. interest rates based on economic without a strong bias.
conditions.
Hawkish To curb inflation. Raises interest rates, making bor- It is used when inflation rises, with the
rowing more expensive; helps cool risk of economic overheating.
down an overheated economy.
Dovish To stimulate economic May lower interest rates to reduce Applied during low inflation and eco-
activity. borrowing costs and encourage nomic downturns.
spending.
Importance of Stances • Supporting Growth: A neutral stance encourages
steady economic growth by avoiding unnecessary re-
For Borrowers and Investors strictions on spending and investment.
• Loan Interest Rates may become more stable & pre- {GS3 – IE – Industry} Advancing CPI and IIP Data
dictable, helping borrowers plan better.
Release Timings
• Investment Choices: Investors can make better deci-
sions, knowing what to expect from future monetary Consumer Price Index (CPI)
policy changes.
• Purpose: Tracks retail price changes in goods & ser-
For the Economy
vices, serving as a key indicator for inflation and cost
• Controlling Inflation: Helps keep inflation within the of living adjustments.
target range, protecting currency's buying power. • Types of CPI:

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 42 November 2024 CA

 ❖ CPI for Industrial Workers (IW): Compiled by the • Product Categories in IIP:
Labor Bureau under Ministry of Labor and Em- ❖ Primary Goods: Includes raw materials like min-
ployment (MoLE), with a base year of 2011; tar- ing products, fuels, electricity, and fertilisers.
gets price fluctuations affecting industrial work- ❖ Capital Goods: Machinery and other equipment
ers. used in production.
❖ CPI for Agricultural and Rural Laborers (AL and ❖ Intermediate Goods: Inputs like yarn, chemicals,
RL): Also compiled by MoLE, with a base year of and semi-finished products like steel.
1986-87, tracking price changes in rural and agri- ❖ Infrastructure Goods: Materials used in con-
cultural sectors. struction, including cement, cables, and rail ma-
❖ CPI (Rural, Urban, and Combined): Published by terials.
the Central Statistics Office, under MoSPI, with a ❖ Consumer Durables: Long-lasting consumer
base year of 2012; CPI Combined (Rural + Urban) items like vehicles, appliances, and electronics.
is the primary inflation measure for RBI. ❖ Consumer Non-Durables: Fast-moving goods, in-
❖ Weight Distribution in CPI Combined: Food & cluding food products, medicines, and toiletries.
Beverages (45.86%), Miscellaneous (28.32%), • Data Compilation and Release: IIP data is compiled
Housing (10.07%), Fuel & Light (6.84%), Clothing and published monthly by the CSO under MoSPI and
& Footwear (6.53%), Pan, Tobacco & Intoxicants is accessible on the Press Information Bureau (PIB)
(2.38%). website.
Key Differences Between CPI and Wholesale Price Evolution of Data Release Timings
Index (WPI)
• Pre-2013 Routine: Previously, CPI and IIP data were
Basis of WPI CPI released at 11–11:30 am on 12th of each month.
Distinction • 2013 Adjustment: Following data leaks, the timing
Scope Covers Focuses on retail was shifted to 5:30 pm to reduce trading volatility by
wholesale prices and final con- coinciding with forex and bond market closures.
prices and in- sumer goods • New Timing Protocol: CPI and IIP data will now re-
cludes interme- lease at 4 pm on the 12th of each month. If the 12th
diate goods is a holiday, CPI data releases the next working day
Objective Indicates overall Reflects consumer and IIP data the previous working day.
inflation in the purchasing power
{GS3 – IE – Industry} 'EV as a Service' Pro-
economy and cost of living ad-
justments gramme
Data Col- Data is often Data is actively col- ❖ Union Minster launched 'EV as a Service' programme
lection voluntarily re- lected by market in- of Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), a sub-
ported vestigators sidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).
Weighting Based on na- Derived from con- • It aims to target the deployment of 5,000 electric cars
tional accounts sumer expenditure in government ministries and public sector units over
and enterprise data the next two years. It aligns with India's goal of net
data
zero by 2070 & PM E-DRIVE Scheme.
Index of Industrial Production (IIP)
{GS3 – IE – Industry} Government Scheme for
• Purpose: Measures industrial production across sec- Tourism Development
tors on a monthly basis, providing a short-term indi-
cator for manufacturing and industrial trends. ❖ Govt. has approved interest-free loans for 50 years
• Usage: Used for economic planning and analysis, of- to various States to enhance tourism infrastructure.
fering insights into sector-wise growth rates. • This initiative aims to identify and develop 40 new
• Base Year: 2011-12, with a six-week lag for data re- tourism projects across 23 States. It also aims to mit-
lease. igate overcrowding at popular destinations by en-
• Key Sectors & Weight Distribution: Manufacturing couraging the development of alternative locations.
(77.63%), Mining (14.37%) and Electricity (7.9%). • The Department of Expenditure has issued opera-
• Eight Core Industries (representing 40.27% of IIP tional guidelines for Special Assistance to States for
weight): Refinery Products, Electricity, Steel, Coal, Capital Investment (SASCI), which aims to develop
Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Cement, and Fertilizers. iconic tourist centres.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 43 November 2024 CA
Objective and Scope of the Initiative case, unions might negotiate for a wage increase
higher than 2% to ensure that workers' wages grow
• Focus on Lesser-Known Destinations: Encourages
in real terms.
the development of lesser-known tourist destina-
• Wage inflation is important because it helps under-
tions such as Bateshwar (UP), Ponda (Goa), Gan-
stand the labour market dynamics.
dikota (Andhra Pradesh), and Porbandar (Gujarat).
• It shows how wage levels change and whether
• Branding and Marketing: The initiative also focuses
workers' earnings keep up with or outpacing general
on branding and marketing these tourist centres
inflation.
globally to attract international tourists.
Read More > CPI, WPI, GDP deflator, Types of Inflation.
• State Government's Role: States are responsible for
providing land for the projects and ensuring their im- {GS3 – IE – Institutions} Pharmexcil
plementation, operation, and management post-
completion. ❖ The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of
• Funding and Progress Monitoring: Funds will be re- India (Pharmexcil) has asked Indian drug makers to
leased directly to the concerned States (66% in the express their willingness to supply IV fluids to the U.S.
first instalment). The Ministry of Tourism will moni- (facing shortage).
tor the progress of these projects. About Pharmexcil
• Completion Timeline: States have been given a two- • It is the authorised agency of the GOI to promote
year deadline to complete the projects.
pharmaceutical exports from India.
{GS3 – IE – Inflation} Key Economy Terms • It was set up under the provisions of Foreign Trade
Policy by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Producer Price Index (PPI) • Products and services falling under Pharmexcil: Ac-
• The Producer Price Index (PPI) is an economic indica- tive Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), Finished Dos-
tor that measures the average price changes that pro- age Forms (FDF), Surgicals, Nutraceuticals, Clinical
ducers receive for their goods and services at various Trials & Consultancy, Regulatory Services
production stages. • Headquarter: Hyderabad.
• It focuses on the producer's price perspective, not  IV fluids are specially formulated liquids that are
the consumer's. It captures producers' prices before injected into a vein to prevent or treat dehydration.
additional costs like taxes, transportation, and retail {GS3 – IE – Securities} Market Correction
markups are added.
• The PPI excludes the taxes, transport, trade margins, ❖ India's stock market correction is linked to China's
and other charges imposed when those products economic stimulus measures, which made Chinese
reach consumers or are used as inputs to other pro- stocks more attractive to investors, leading to a sell-
ducers. In other words, it is the suppliers' price. off in Indian shares.
Why is PPI Important? What is a Market Correction (MC)?
• Helps understand inflation from the beginning of the • MC happens when price of an asset, like stocks/cur-
supply chain. rencies, drops by 10% or more from its recent high.
• Provides insights into cost pressures faced by produc- • It can happen to individual stocks, entire indices or
ers, which eventually is passed on to consumers. the whole market, lasting for days, weeks, or months.
• Economists and policymakers use PPI to analyse eco- • Generally, market corrections are short and last
nomic conditions and make informed decisions. around three to four months.
Wage Inflation
Why Do Market Corrections Happen?
• It refers to the rate at which workers' wages (com- • MC are a sign of a healthy market. If prices only go
pensation) increase over time. Unlike general infla-
up, it can lead to problems like high inflation.
tion, which measures the rise in prices of goods and
• Continuous rising stock prices may indicate economic
services, it specifically tracks the rise in wages.
growth, but too much can hurt low-income individu-
How is Wage Inflation Calculated? als due to inflation.
• Labour unions often base their wage increase negoti- • It prevents assets from becoming overpriced, stop-
ations on the expected rate of general inflation. For ping potential bubbles. Although it's unpredictable,
e.g., suppose the expected inflation rate is 2%. In that they encourage long-term investments.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 44 November 2024 CA

{GS3 – IE – Securities} New Framework for Re- Investment Equity capital, re- Stocks, bonds, and
classification of FPI to FDI Type invested earn- other financial in-
ings, and other struments
❖ RBI has introduced a new framework for reclassifying long-term capital
Foreign Portfolio Investments (FPI) into Foreign Direct Entry Barri- Higher due to Lower due to fewer
Investments (FDI) when equity holdings exceed the ers regulatory ap- regulations and re-
prescribed limit. provals and re- strictions
Key Details of New Framework strictions
Key Terms
• Prescribed Limit: FPIs are allowed to hold up to 10%
of an Indian company's total paid-up equity capital • Paid-up Equity Capital: The amount of money
on a fully diluted basis. shareholders have paid for their shares in a com-
• Reclassification Option: If an FPI exceeds this limit, it pany.
can either relieve the surplus shares or reclassify • Fully Diluted Basis: Considering all possible shares
them as FDI within five trading days from the date of that could be issued, including those from options,
settlement of the trades causing the breach. warrants, and convertible securities.
• Government Approvals: The FPI must obtain neces- • Sectoral Caps: Limits on percentage of ownership
sary approvals from the government, including ap- that foreign investors can hold in specific sectors.
provals required for investments from land-bordering • Custodian: A financial institution that holds cus-
countries. tomers' securities for safekeeping to minimise the
• Investee Company Concurrence: The FPI must also risk of their theft or loss.
obtain concurrence from the Indian investee com- {GS3 – IE – Urbanization} Challenges Faced by
pany to ensure compliance with sectoral caps, pro- Indian Cities
hibited sectors, and other FDI conditions.
• Sector Restrictions: Reclassification is not permitted ❖ World Cities Day 2024, themed Youth Climate
in sectors prohibited for FDI. Changemakers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban
• Reporting Requirements: Under the Foreign Ex- Sustainability, highlights the urgent need to address
change Management Regulations, 2019, the FPI urbanisation challenges.
must report the entire investment within the speci- Understanding Urbanization
fied timelines.
• Urbanisation refers to the shift from rural to urban
• Custodian Role: The FPI should approve and concur
areas, signifying the growth of cities and the transfor-
with its custodian, who will freeze the purchase mation of society, economy and infrastructure.
transactions in the Indian company's equity instru-
Key Terms Associated with Urbanization
ments until the reclassification is completed.
• Urban Agglomeration: A cluster of contiguous ur-
Difference between FDI and FPI ban areas, including suburban populations, like
Feature Foreign Direct In- Foreign Portfolio In- Greater Mumbai.
vestment (FDI) vestment (FPI) • Outgrowths: Areas like railway colonies that are
connected to urban centres.
Definition Investment in a Investment in for-
foreign country eign financial assets • Over Urbanization: When urban populations ex-
ceed expected levels.
with significant such as stocks and
control and influ- bonds without sig- • Suburbanization: The expansion of rural areas into
urban spaces due to population overflow.
ence over the nificant control
business • Counter Urbanization: Migration from urban to
rural areas, often due to quality-of-life concerns.
Nature of Long-term and Short-term and
Investment strategic speculative {GS3 – Infra – Initiatives} Tato-I Hydro Electric
Control High degree of No significant con- Project
and Influ- control and influ- trol or influence
ence ence over the over the entity ❖ The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs ap-
management and proved constructing the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project
operations of the (HEP) on the Yarjep River in Arunachal Pradesh.
entity • Installed Capacity: 186 MW, consisting of three units
of 62 MW each.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 45 November 2024 CA
• Implementation: Joint venture between the North • Key Corridors:
Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO), ❖ Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC):
the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Gov- 1,337 km long, from Sonnagar (Bihar) to
ernment of India. Sahnewal (Punjab), focusing on coal, steel, and
• Free Power: Arunachal Pradesh will receive 12% of agricultural products.
the power generated for free, and an additional 1% ❖ Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC):
will go towards the Local Area Development Fund 1,506 km long, from Mumbai to Dadri (UP), han-
(LADF). dling goods like textiles, chemicals, and industrial
{GS3 – Infra – Railways} DFCs boosting India's products.
• Foundation for EDFC and WDFC was laid in 2006. By
Economy
2024 three DFC stretches were inaugurated.
❖ Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are key to reduc- • Status: EDFC is operational, while WDFC is 93% com-
ing logistics costs, enhancing supply chain efficiency, plete, with full completion expected by December
and driving GDP growth, while transforming railway 2025. Over 325 freight trains operate daily on DFCs,
infrastructure & boosting revenue. marking a 60% increase compared to previous years.
• Freight Handling: DFCs have handled 232 billion
About DFCs
Gross Tonne Kilometres (GTKMs) and 122 billion Net
• Specialized Freight Routes: DFCs are railway tracks Ton Kilometres (NTKMs), making up over 10% of In-
exclusively designed for freight, featuring double- dian Railways’ freight traffic.
stack container and heavy-haul trains, enhancing ca- Also refer to the DFC.
pacity and speed.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 46 November 2024 CA

 GS3 – Science and Technology

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Biofilm Barriers • Research Support: Enhancing research in environ-
mental management, agricultural development, and
❖ Scientists at the IISc have developed a method to human health through comprehensive genome data.
break down 'biofilm barriers' by using cow's gut en- • Comprehensive Information: Providing detailed
zymes to aid the entry of drugs. graphical summaries, infographics, and genome as-
What Are Biofilms? sembly/annotation information for each genome se-
quenced.
• Biofilms are thick, protective layers bacteria produce • Public and Scientific Engagement: Encouraging pub-
to shield themselves from external threats. These lic and scientific community engagement to foster in-
structures are matrix-like and contain sugars, pro- novation and benefit society.
teins, fats, and DNA. Read More > Genome India Project.
• These barriers prevent drugs from reaching bacteria
{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} RNA Editing
effectively and contribute to bacterial resistance,
making infections harder to treat. • RNA editing refers to changing the sequence of RNA
• The biofilms produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. after transcription, either by adding nucleotides, tak-
pneumoniae) bacterium are particularly tough due to ing them away, or substituting one for another. It al-
polysaccharides. It is often found in hospitals, where lows scientists to fix mistakes in the mRNA after the
it causes infections. cell synthesises it but before it reads it to make the
Cow's Gut Enzymes proteins.
• Scientists use guide RNA (gRNA) to direct ADAR to
• The cow's gut, particularly its largest stomach com-
the specific part of the mRNA that needs editing, en-
partment called the rumen, contains microbial en- suring precise corrections.
zymes that break down complex polysaccharides like
 Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) is a
cellulose.
group of enzymes in which Adenosine is one of the
• The IISc team artificially synthesised the GH-B2 en- building blocks of RNA.
zyme in the lab. GH-B2 effectively degraded biofilms
in all strains, proving its potential to weaken bacterial Challenges of RNA Editing
defences across multiple serotypes. • Transient nature: RNA editing is transient, meaning
{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} 'One Day One Genome' individuals must be treated repeatedly to sustain the
Initiative therapy's effects.
• Limited carrying capacity: Current methods to de-
❖ The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotech- liver the gRNA-ADAR complex use lipid nanoparti-
nology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) intro- cles with limited carrying capacity. This means they
duced the 'One Day One Genome' initiative to har- can't transport large molecules very well.
ness India's microbial potential. • Specificity: ADARs can perform adenosine-inosine
• Aim: To highlight the unique bacterial species found changes in both targeted and non-targeted parts of
in India and emphasise their critical roles in the envi- mRNA or skip the targeted parts altogether.
ronment, agriculture, and human health. RNA v. DNA editing
• Coordinated by: BRIC-National Institute of Biomedi-
Basis RNA Editing DNA Editing
cal Genomics (NIBMG), an institute of the Depart-
Permanency Makes tempo- Makes permanent
ment of Biotechnology.
rary changes changes to ge-
Key Features of the 'One Day One Genome' Initiative nome.
• Daily Genome Sequencing: Conducting daily se- Technologies It relies on ADAR Require proteins
quencing of bacterial genomes to reveal and harness involved enzymes, which acquired from
the vast microbial potential within India. already occur in certain bacteria,
• Freely Accessible Data: Offering annotated bacterial the human body which can elicit
genome data that is freely accessible to the public. and thus present

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 47 November 2024 CA

 a lower risk of al- undesirable im- •It includes representatives from the Army, Navy,
lergic reactions. mune reactions. and Air Force, along with personnel from the Min-
Risk of irre- Effects of the ed- This can lead to ir- istry of External Affairs (MEA) and DRDO.
versible errors its to fade over reversible errors Read More < Indian Space Policy, 2023
time
{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Balloons: Utility & Limi-
{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Air-to-Air Refuelling tations
❖ Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Australian Air About Balloons
Force (RAAF) have formalised an air-to-air refuelling
arrangement to boost the operational capabilities of • Typically made of polyethylene and filled with helium
their air forces. gas, balloons can stay aloft for hours to months, de-
pending on their design and purpose.
Key Details of Agreement
• High-Altitude Balloons: Can ascend to 40-50 km, car-
• Multi-role Tanker Transport: The RAAF's KC-30A air- rying payloads of thousands of kilograms.
craft will be used to refuel Indian military planes. • Gondolas: Attached to the balloon, these carry in-
• P-8I Neptune Surveillance: The RAAF also engages in struments or personnel.
training and engagement activities with the Indian • Some balloons may include solar panels and onboard
Navy's P-8I Neptune surveillance aircraft. propulsion devices, enhancing their capabilities.
• Indo-Pacific Stability: The initiative is part of the • Balloon-based experiments have contributed to two
broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership be- Nobel prizes in Physics (1936 and 2006).
tween the two nations, focusing on practical cooper- Ballooning in India
ation to ensure stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
 Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR) is a process in modern • Used for scientific purposes in India since 1948, start-
military aviation that allows aircraft to extend their ing with cosmic ray research by Homi Bhabha.
range and endurance by transferring fuel from one • The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR)
aircraft to another during flight. initiated balloon fabrication in the 1950s, with a ma-
jor facility in Hyderabad that remains active today.
{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Antariksha Abhyas – • Current Applications: Balloons are used by ISRO and
2024 the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
• Research Contributions: Indian institutions have con-
❖ India's Defence Space Agency (DSA) initiated ducted over 500 balloon launches for various scien-
"Antariksha Abhyas – 2024", the country's first dedi- tific and space-related studies.
cated military exercise focused on space-based war-
fare and defence. Utility of Balloons
• It aims to integrate space capabilities into military op- • Historical Role: Scientific research, weather monitor-
erations, establishing space as a critical component of ing (before satellites).
India's defence apparatus. • Scientific Measurements: Measures temperature,
Defence Space Agency (DSA) pressure, wind speed & aerosol concentrations.
• Astrophysics: Balloons provide a unique vantage
• It is an integrated tri-services agency of the Indian
point for space observation, offering cost-effective
Armed Forces headquartered in Bengaluru.
alternatives to space-based research above aircraft
• The agency is tasked with operating India's space-
levels but below satellite orbits.
warfare and Satellite Intelligence assets.
• It will be under an Air Vice Marshal-rank officer {GS3 – S&T – Defence} Chemical Weapons Con-
and will gradually take over the space-related ca- vention (CWC)
pabilities of the three forces.
❖ Indian Chemical Council (ICC) wins 2024 Organisa-
Integrated Defence Staff
tion for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
• It was established in October 2001 under the Min- (OPCW)-The Hague Award.
istry of Defence, following the Kargil Operations, • It honours those who advance the objectives of the
also known as 'Operation Vijay.' Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) by promoting
• The primary objective is to promote synergy chemical safety, disarmament, and global security.
among the three armed services and align them • The OPCW won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its
with the Ministry of Defence. efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 48 November 2024 CA
About The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) • Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): These vehicles are
launched from a rocket. It can Glide towards their tar-
• Objective: Prohibits development, use & stockpiling
get after reaching the upper atmosphere.
of chemical weapons & mandates their destruction.
• Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: It is powered by air-
• Establishment: It came into effect in 1997. Presently,
breathing high-speed engines, known as scramjets.
193 States parties.
Achieve sustained hypersonic speeds during flight to
• Non-signatories: Egypt, North Korea, and South Su- their target.
dan have neither signed nor ratified the CWC.
• Implementing Body: The OPCW implements CWC, Advantages of Hypersonic Missiles
which is headquartered in The Hague, with a mission ✓ Responsive Long-Range Strike Capability: Hyper-
to achieve a world free of chemical weapons. sonic missiles can quickly and accurately strike dis-
• It conducts audits of chemical facilities globally. It is tant, defended, or time-critical targets, such as mo-
more comprehensive than the 1925 Geneva Protocol. bile missile launchers.
• Open Membership: Any nation can join the CWC if it ✓ Enhanced Penetration: Using only kinetic energy (the
fulfils the requirements. energy derived from their high-speed motion), they
can destroy unhardened targets and penetrate un-
Indian Chemical Council (ICC)
derground facilities.
• It is the premier national organisation under Ministry Indian Hypersonic Missile Programme
of Commerce & Industry, representing all sectors of
India’s chemical industry, including organic and inor- •Aimed at advancing hypersonic technologies, in-
ganic chemicals, plastics, and petrochemicals. cluding the development of scramjet engines.
• It represents over 80% of India’s $220 billion chemical • Dual Capable Missiles: Development of hyper-
industry. sonic cruise missiles that can carry both conven-
tional and nuclear warheads.
{GS3 – S&T – Defence} India’s First Long-Range Read More > India’s Missile Systems
Hypersonic Missile
{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Project Shaurya Gatha
❖ DRDO successfully conducted the flight trial of India’s
❖ The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) launches Project
first long-range hypersonic missile from Dr. A.P.J. Ab-
Shaurya Gatha.
dul Kalam Island, off the coast of Odisha.
• It is an initiative of the Department of Military Affairs
About the Long-Range Hypersonic Missile and the United Service Institution (USI) of India,
• It was designed to carry various payloads for ranges which aims to conserve and promote India's military
greater than 1,500 km for the Armed Forces. heritage through education and tourism.
• It was developed by Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Missile Indian Military Heritage Festival seeks to engage
Complex laboratories, Hyderabad, along with various global and Indian entities to deepen understanding of
other DRDO laboratories and industry partners. India's military traditions & strategy issues while also
promoting the Aatmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
What is Hypersonic Missile?
United Service Institution of India
• A hypersonic missile is an advanced weapon sys-
tem capable of travelling at speeds five times the • It is a national security and defence services think
speed of sound. Their range typically varies between tank based in New Delhi.
6,125 km/h (Mach 5) and about 24,140 km/h (Mach • It aims to further interest and knowledge in the de-
20). fence services' art, science and literature.
• Unlike ballistic missiles, hypersonic missiles are highly • Founder: Sir Charles MacGregor (Formed in 1870)
manoeuvrable, allowing them to change their flight Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) India
path and precisely target specific locations.
• In the Department of Defence, the CDS is the high-
• They can carry conventional or nuclear warheads, est-ranking officer and has the rank of Secretary.
making them versatile for different types of missions. His authority is limited solely to the revenue
• US, Russia, China and India are at the forefront of hy- budget.
personic missile development. Other countries like • CDS is described as the 'first among equals' among
France, Germany, Japan, & Australia also work on hy- the service chiefs. They are responsible for en-
personic weapons technology. hancing unity, coordination, and joint operations
Types of Hypersonic Weapons among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 49 November 2024 CA
 Background •
The CGPDTM also heads the following offices:
Trade Marks Registry, Geographical Indications
• In 2001, following the Kargil Review Committee Registry, Copyrights Office, Patent Information Sys-
(1999) report, a Group of Ministers (GoM) sug- tem (PIS), and Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of In-
gested creating the CDS position. tellectual Property Management (RGNIIPM).
• Officially established in January 2020, following Read More> Types of Intellectual Property, Patent
years of defence reform recommendations. (Amendment) Rules, 2020, National IPR Policy, 2016.
Role of CDS
{GS3 – S&T – ISRO} Aditya-L1's VELC Payload
• The CDS head of the Department of Military Af-
fairs. It will act as the Principal Military Adviser to ❖ Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru recently
the Defence Minister on tri-services matters. They reported the “first significant” results from the Visi-
will also be the military adviser to the Nuclear ble Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) payload
Command Authority (chaired by the Prime Minis- onboard the ADITYA-L1 Mission.
ter). • Launched by ISRO in 2023, Aditya-L1 is India’s first
• The CDS will be the permanent Chairman of the space-based solar observatory mission, with a pro-
Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC). jected five-year mission life.
• CDS will be a member of the Defence Acquisition Primary Research Goals of Aditya-L1
Council, which is chaired by the Minister of De-
fence, and the Defence Planning Committee, • Coronal Heating and Solar Wind Acceleration: Inves-
which is chaired by the National Security Advisor. tigating how the Sun's corona heats up and acceler-
• CDS has the authority to create theatre com- ates solar wind particles.
mands as and when needed. • CME and Flare Initiation: Understanding the origin of
CMEs and solar flares and their impact on space
{GS3 – S&T – IPR} World Intellectual Property weather near Earth.
Indicators (WIPI) Report 2024 • Solar Atmospheric Dynamics: Studying the interac-
tions within different layers of the Sun’s atmosphere.
❖ India has secured a spot in the top 10 countries • Solar Wind Distribution and Temperature Anisot-
worldwide for patents, trademarks, and industrial de- ropy: Examining the solar wind’s properties, including
signs, according to the World Intellectual Property temperature distribution across different directions.
Organization (WIPO) 2024 report. • Aditya-L1 has 7 Payloads (4 remote sensing and 3 in-
• Indian patent office granted 149.4% more patents in situ)
2023, a 15.7% increase compared to the last year.
Remote Sensing Payloads In-Situ Payloads
About WIPI Report 1. Visible Emission Line 1. Aditya Solar
• It is a biennial publication by the WIPO that provides Coronagraph (VELC): It Particle
a comprehensive analysis of global intellectual prop- can peek as close as Experiment
erty (IP) activity, drawing on data from national and 1.05 solar radii, a region (ASPEX): In-situ
regional IP offices and the WIPO itself. never imaged by any measurements of
• The report covers various IP categories, including pa- solar telescope. It can solar particles &
tents, trademarks, industrial designs, utility models, thus give us more ions.
microorganisms, plant variety protection, and geo- information about 2. Plasma Analyzer
graphical indications. CMEs. Package for Aditya
2. Solar Ultraviolet Im- (PAPA)
Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs,
aging Telescope (SUIT): 3. Advanced Tri-axial
and Trade Marks (CGPDTM)
It will observe UV High Resolution
• It is the head of the Indian government agency that radiations from dif- Digital
manages patents, designs, and trademarks. ferent zones of the solar Magnetometers
• It is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Indus- atmosphere. It will help • With ASPEX, PAPA,
try and has offices in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, us to better understand and ATHRDM
and New Delhi. the climate variation on scientists can
• It is responsible for administering the Patents Act earth. predict probable
of 1970, the Designs Act of 2000, and the Trade 3. Solar Low Energy X-Ray geomagnetic
Marks Act of 1999, and advising the government Spectrometer (SoLEXS) storms and better
on matters related to these acts.

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 4. High Energy L1 Orbiting understand space Energy (DAE). By 1972, the Government of India
X-Ray Spectrometer weather dynamics. formalised space research by establishing the
(HEL1OS) Space Commission and the Department of Space
VELC Payload (DoS).
• Role: ISRO acts as India's national space agency
• Primary Instrument: Developed by the Indian Insti- and serves as the primary R&D arm of the DoS.
tute of Astrophysics (IIA).
Launch Vehicles
• Purpose: Collects data on coronal temperature,
plasma velocity, and density, along with monitoring • PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): A four-stage
CMEs and solar wind behavior for Corona Imaging. third-generation launch vehicle, notable for mis-
• Capabilities: Simultaneous imaging, spectroscopy sions like Chandrayaan-1 (2008) and the Mars Or-
and spectro-polarimetry close to the solar limb. biter Mission (2013).
• Design Features: An internally occulted coronagraph • SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle): A cost-effec-
with integrated spectrograph, polarimetry module, tive, flexible three-stage launch vehicle.
detectors, and auxiliary optics for advanced solar ob- • GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle):
servation. Used for launching communication satellites into
 Coronagraphs use a mask to block the Sun’s core geo-transfer orbits.
light & reveal the outer corona enabling solar re- Facilities
search. • Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (Thiruvananthapu-
First Significant Observation of a CME by VELC ram): Development hub for SLV, ASLV, PSLV, GSLV.
• As the Sun nears its solar maximum, more frequent • Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (Thiruvanan-
CMEs are expected during this 11-year cycle peak. thapuram): Handles liquid propulsion control
• Continuous monitoring by VELC during this active packages and engines for launch vehicles and sat-
phase provides crucial data to track solar patterns ellites.
and improve understanding of their impact. • National Atmospheric Research Laboratory
• VELC observed a CME with the precise timing of CME (Tirupati): Research in atmospheric & space sci-
initiation during its onset phase providing infor- ences.
mation on coronal conditions during such events and • Space Applications Centre (Ahmedabad): Focuses
enhancing our understanding of solar dynamics. on the practical application of space technology.
• VELC observations will enhance solar behavior mod- • North-Eastern Space Applications Centre (Shil-
els and support global space weather forecasting ef- long): Supports North East India with remote sens-
forts to mitigate solar disturbances. ing, GIS, and satellite communication projects.
{GS3 – S&T – ISRO} Implementation Agreement • Physical Research Laboratory (Ahmedabad): Re-
search in planetary physics, astronomy, plasma
(IA)
physics, and more.
❖ ISRO signs IA with the Australian Space Agency for Construction & Launching Facilities
the Gaganyaan mission.
• U R Rao Satellite Centre (Bengaluru): Key base for
About Implementation Agreement (IA) satellite technology and implementation.
• It is a legal document that outlines the detailed steps • Satish Dhawan Space Centre (Sriharikota): Launch
and specifics required to carry out a larger contract or site for India's satellites, housing major testing and
project. It acts as a roadmap for implementing the evaluation complexes.
agreed-upon terms, including timelines, responsibili- • Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (Benga-
ties, and technical specifications for each party in- luru): Develops altitude sensors and high-preci-
volved. sion optics for ISRO satellites.
• Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station
ISRO: Origins and Evolution (Thiruvananthapuram): Used for launching sound-
• Foundation: ISRO began in 1962 as the Indian Na- ing rockets.
tional Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) {GS3 – S&T – Space} GSAT-N2 Satellite
under Dr. Vikram Sarabhai's leadership.
• Transition: In 1969, INCOSPAR was restructured as ❖ India's first collaboration with SpaceX's GSAT-N2 sat-
ISRO, operating under the Department of Atomic ellite was launched into orbit.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 51 November 2024 CA
About GSAT-N2 Satellite PSLV-C59 Mission
• It is a Ka-band high-throughput communication sat- • Event: ISRO's PSLV-C59 mission will launch the Euro-
ellite of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commer- pean Proba-3 mission.
cial arm of the ISRO. It is the second demand-driven • Configuration: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
satellite of NSIL. (PSLV) will fly in its extended-length configuration
• It will enhance broadband services and in-flight con- (XL), last used for the Aditya-L1 launch.
nectivity across the Indian region. The satellite offers • Payload: The mission will launch a twin Proba space-
pan-India coverage, including Andaman and Nicobar craft to study the Sun.
and Lakshadweep islands. Training for Human Spaceflight
• The satellite carries a Sun Sensor, Earth Sensor, Iner-
tial Reference Unit (IRU), and Star Sensor. It has a mis- • India’s astronaut-designate is training at the Euro-
sion life of 14 years. pean Space Agency’s European Astronaut Centre.
• It focuses on familiarising astronauts with European
About SpaceX Falcon 9 International Space Station (ISS) modules. This initi-
• It is a reusable rocket that can transport payloads and ative is part of India’s ambitious human spaceflight
crews into Earth's orbit and beyond. program 2025.
• It is the world's first orbital-class reusable rocket. Re- Private Sector Developments
usability allows SpaceX to refly the most expensive
parts of the rocket, which lowers the cost of space ac- • Pixxel's 'Fireflies' Satellite: Pixxel, an Indian-Ameri-
cess. can company, unveiled ‘Fireflies’, and its six hyper-
• The Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket: spectral satellites are expected to be launched. These
satellites can provide data that can help detect crop
❖ First stage: Also known as the booster stage, this
diseases, water-stressed areas, real-time deforesta-
stage has nine Merlin engines of liquid oxygen. It can
tion, and ocean pollution early.
re-enter the atmosphere and land vertically after
separating from the second stage. • GalaxEye Space's Tech Demo: "It’s not a Satellite, It’s
❖ Second stage: This stage has a single Merlin engine. Just a Tech Demo" to fly onboard the PSLV’s Orbital
Experimental Module (POEM) platform. It is a test
• Starlink and Crew Dragon are the notable missions of
subsystem of a synthetic aperture radar (SAR).
Falcon 9.
• PierSight Space's 'Varuna': Mission onboard a PSLV
Read More > Indian Space Policy, 2023
POEM to demonstrate a deployable reflectarray an-
{GS3 – S&T – Space} India in Space: Six-Decade tenna and test SAR and aeronautical information ser-
Journey & Current Developments vice avionics in orbit.
• HEX20's 'Nila' Satellite: Scheduled for SpaceX’s Trans-
❖ November 2024 marked the 61st anniversary of In- porter 13 mission, 5-kg CubeSat capable of hosting
dia’s space program. different payloads and providing data-processing ser-
• Nike Apache was India's first rocket launch from the vices with ground station in Thiruvananthapuram.
TERLS (Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station) • Catalyx Space’s SR-0 Satellite: It Re-entered Earth's
in Kerala, which helped ISRO master solid propellant atmosphere, completing all mission objectives within
technology. its three-month lifespan.
• In parallel, this anniversary coincides with India • AAKA Space Studio's Analog Mission: India’s first
launching its first satellite, GSAT-N2, via a SpaceX Space Analog Mission was launched in Leh, Ladakh,
rocket and the emergence of multiple private sector in collaboration with ISRO Human Spaceflight Centre,
companies gearing up for their space missions. IIT-Bombay, and the University of Ladakh. It tests hab-
About Nike-Apache Rocket itat sustainability, life-support systems, and the hu-
man experience of isolation.
• Also known as Argo B-13, was a two-stage sounding
rocket developed by Aerolab, later Atlantic Research. Advances in Space Science
The first launch of Nike-Apache was conducted by the • SatSure's Collaboration: SatSure is working with the
US Air Force. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
• It was used to carry various payloads and study a wide on automated image feature extraction models for
range of topics, including radio astronomy, meteorol- various villages. It maps rural property using drones
ogy, aeronomy, atmospheric conditions, plasma phys- under the 'Svamvita' programme to capture high-res-
ics, and solar physics. olution images.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 52 November 2024 CA
• Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO): India About Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile
celebrated its full membership in the SKAO, an effort (LRLACM)
to build the world's most advanced radio telescope.
India will provide cash and advanced electronics and • Adaptability: The missile was launched from both
engineering for telescope components. mobile ground-based systems and frontline ships.
• Bharatiya Antariksh Station: Departments of Space • Waypoint Navigation: The missile followed a pre-de-
and Biotechnology signed agreements to conduct bi- termined path using waypoint navigation, which ena-
ological experiments on the Bharatiya Antariksh Sta- bles it to alter its course mid-flight and adjust to mis-
tion. sion requirements.
• Manoeuvrability: It demonstrated the capability to
{GS3 – S&T – Space} India’s first analogue space perform complex manoeuvres while maintaining sta-
mission bility across different altitudes and speeds.
• Advanced Avionics and Software: Equipped with so-
❖ India’s first Mars and Moon analogue mission at Leh
phisticated avionics and software, LRLACM offers en-
in Ladakh has been inaugurated.
hanced reliability and performance accuracy, allow-
• Organisations involved: ISRO, AAKA Space Studio,
ing for precise target engagement.
University of Ladakh, IIT Bombay, and Ladakh Auton-
omous Hill Development Council. Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
• Objective: To simulate life in an interplanetary habi- • DAC is the highest decision-making body in the De-
tat. For the next 21 days, an analogue astronaut will fence Ministry headed by the Defence Minister,
reside within the habitat. It is part of ISRO’s Gagan- who decides on new policies and capital acquisi-
yaan program. tions for the three services – Army, Navy and Air
 Analogue missions are field tests in locations sim- Force, and the Indian Coast Guard.
ilar to extreme space environments. And astro-
The functions of DAC
nauts participating are referred to as analogue as-
tronauts. •Accord approval for AoN (Acceptance of Necessity)
for Capital Acquisition Proposals.
Why Ladakh was chosen?
• Categorisation of Acquisition Proposals:
• The mission site was chosen as it closely resembles ❖ 'Buy' Projects: Direct purchase of equipment
Martian and lunar surfaces, offering a natural labor- and systems.
atory for testing habitat sustainability, life support ❖ 'Buy & Make' Projects: Procurement followed
systems, and the human experience of isolation. by licensed production & indigenous develop-
• The Diurnal shifts from 15°C to -10°C, which simulate ment.
the thermal challenges of extraterrestrial environ- ❖ 'Make' Projects: Emphasis on Indigenous Pro-
ments, enabling testing of the habitat’s thermal insu- duction and Research & Development (R&D)
lation.  Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) is a formal ap-
• Ladakh’s oxygen levels are only 40% of sea level, al- proval in the Indian defence procurement process.
lowing researchers to test life support systems for It indicates that the requirement for a specific
low-pressure conditions similar to Mars. equipment or system has been officially recognised
{GS3 – S&T – Space} Long Range Land Attack and deemed essential by the authorities. This step
Cruise Missile allows the acquisition process to proceed to the
subsequent stages of tendering and procurement,
❖ The Defence Research and Development Organisa- ensuring alignment with the strategic needs of the
tion (DRDO) successfully conducted the first flight- defence forces.
test of the Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile Read More > India's Missile Systems.
(LRLACM). {GS3 – S&T – Space} Proba-3 Mission
• LRLACM is a Defense Acquisition Council-approved
project developed under the "Acceptance of Neces- ❖ ISRO will launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA)
sity" (AoN) guidelines. It is developed by Aeronauti- Proba-3 mission from Sriharikota.
cal Development Establishment, Bengaluru, with • This mission, utilising ISRO’s PSLV rocket, aims to
DRDO laboratories and Indian industries. study the solar corona, the Sun's outermost and hot-
• Production Partners: Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) test part, and will attempt the first-ever "precision
and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL). formation flying" in space.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 53 November 2024 CA
Significance of Proba-3 Mission • Cloud computing distributes computer services such
as servers, storage, databases, networking, software,
• It involves two satellites, the Occulter Spacecraft and
analytics, and intelligence through the Internet ("the
the Coronagraph Spacecraft, that will launch to-
cloud") to enable quicker innovation, more flexible
gether, separate, & fly in tandem to create an artificial
resource allocation, and cost savings.
solar eclipse.
• It eliminates the need for individuals and businesses
• By blocking the Sun's bright light, these satellites will
to self-manage physical resources themselves, and
allow scientists to study the Sun's surrounding atmos-
only pay for what they use.
phere and other objects in space.
• Solar Corona: Due to the corona’s high temperatures
(up to 2 million degrees Fahrenheit), it is difficult for
instruments to observe closely. The corona is im-
portant for understanding space weather phenom-
ena like solar storms and winds.
• Extended Observation: Natural solar eclipses allow
about 10 minutes of corona observation per event.
Proba-3 will provide six hours of continuous observa-
tion, equivalent to 50 such events annually.
Instruments Onboard on Proba-3 Mission
• Association of Spacecraft for Polarimetric and Imag-
ing Investigation of the Corona of the Sun (ASPIICS):
This coronagraph has a field of view between the
Sun's outer and inner corona and includes an occult-
ing disk to block sunlight.
• Digital Absolute Radiometer (DARA): It continuously Source: Spiceworks
measures the Sun’s total energy output . Types of Cloud Computing
• 3D Energetic Electron Spectrometer (3DEES): It
measures electron fluxes through Earth’s radiation • Categories: Deployment Models and Cloud Compu-
belts, aiding space weather studies. ting Services.
Benefits for India Deployment Models
• Public Cloud: Services are delivered over the Internet
✓ ISRO's Technological Collaboration: Proba-3, labelled
and accessible to authorised users. The cloud pro-
ESA’s technology demonstration mission, highlights
vider manages all hardware and software compo-
ISRO’s reliable and cost-effective launch capabilities.
nents. Examples include Amazon Web Services
✓ Scientific Collaboration: Indian solar physicists may
(AWS) and Microsoft Azure.
gain exclusive access to Proba-3 data and have been
involved in setting the mission’s scientific goals. • Private Cloud: Exclusively used by a single organisa-
✓ Collaboration with Aditya L1: Post-launch, India tion and runs on a private network. Access is limited
plans to collaborate with ESA’s Proba-3 team to use to internal users and can be on-premises or hosted
data from Proba-3 and India’s first solar mission, Ad- by third-party providers. E.g, VMware Cloud.
itya L1, fostering advancements in solar research. • Hybrid Cloud: Combines elements of both public and
private clouds, allowing for on-premises storage of
{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Cloud Computing - Types, sensitive data while utilising the public cloud for less
Applications & Challenges sensitive information.
• Multi-Cloud: Involves using services from multiple
❖ RBI is planning a pilot programme in 2025 offering af- cloud providers within one architecture, offering var-
fordable local cloud data storage to financial firms. ious features and functions from different vendors.
Cloud Computing Cloud Computing Services
Service Model Description Applications Examples
Infrastructure as a Ser- Provides on-demand access Web hosting, big data analysis, Amazon EC2 Services,
vice (IaaS) to IT infrastructure services high-performance computing, MeghRaj Initiative (GoI
such as storage, networking, cloud)

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 54 November 2024 CA

 and virtualisation. Offers e-commerce platforms, mobile
highest control over IT re- app backends
sources, similar to traditional
on-premises IT resources.
Platform as a Service Offers hardware and Application development, busi- Microsoft Azure App
(PaaS) software resources needed ness process management Service, AWS Elastic
for cloud application de- (BPM), business analytics and Beanstalk, Aadhaar au-
velopment, allowing intelligence, automated backup thentication services
companies to focus on and disaster recovery
application development
without managing infra-
structure.
Software as a Service Delivers a full application Customer relationship man- Microsoft Office 365,
(SaaS) stack as a service, including agement (CRM), enterprise Dropbox, Google Work-
infrastructure, maintenance, resource planning (ERP), email space, GSTN, DigiLocker,
and updates, typically for and communication, content AEPS, BHIM
end-user applications management systems (CMS)
managed by the service pro-
vider.
Applications of Cloud Computing • CAT II and CAT III: These offer lower minimums for
visibility and decision height, with CAT III allowing for
✓ Media Streaming: Platforms like Netflix and Spotify almost zero visibility landings in some cases.
host streaming services for video and music.
About Instrument Landing System (ILS)
✓ Virtual Meetings: Services like Microsoft Teams host
virtual meetings and conferences. • Purpose of ILS: The ILS is a specific ground-based ra-
✓ Secure Storage: Cloud services like Dropbox and dio navigation system that provides pilots with accu-
Google Drive offer secure and easily accessible data rate information about their aircraft's glide path and
storage from anywhere. alignment with the runway.
✓ Telemedicine: Cloud-based apps, like Teladoc, facili- • Azimuth Guidance: ILS provides horizontal guidance
tate remote medical consultations and services. (azimuth) to pilots. Azimuth refers to the horizontal
✓ Online Marketplaces: E-commerce platforms use angle between a reference direction (the runway)
cloud computing to host and manage online stores. and a line to the aircraft.
✓ Public Records Management: Secure cloud data- • Vertical Descent Profile: ILS also provides the correct
bases, such as those used by the National Archives vertical descent profile, informing pilots whether the
and Records Administration (NARA) in the US, man- aircraft is too high or too low relative to the runway.
age public records.
✓ Device Management: Platforms like IBM Watson,
manage and analyse IoT device data and operations.
{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Instrument Landing System
(ILS)

❖ Dense smog disrupted flight operations at several air-

ports in India due to poor visibility, highlighting gaps
in pilot training for Category III Instrument Landing
Systems (ILS).
Understanding CAT I/II/III Approaches in Aviation
• It represents different levels of precision instrument
approaches based on visibility & decision height.
• CAT I: The basic form of ILS, requiring a decision
height of at least 200 feet and a runway visual range Source: ScienceDirect
of 550 meters or more. Components of the ILS

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 55 November 2024 CA

• Localiser (LOC): The LOC antennae, typically located with soil and water systems, and preserving soil
at the far end of the runway, transmit two narrow in- health.
tersecting beams that guide the aircraft horizontally ✓ Life Cycle Assessment: The biodegradable nature of
to the runway centerline. the coating ensures that no harmful residues are left
• Glideslope (GS): The GS antennae, usually located in the soil.
along the middle of the runway, transmit intersecting ✓ Cost-Effective Solution: Reducing fertiliser doses di-
beams that provide the optimum vertical descent po- rectly benefits farmers by lowering input costs.
sition. Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST)
{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Nanomaterial Coating • It is an autonomous institution established in 2013
under the Department of Science and Technology.
❖ Scientists have developed a biodegradable, hydro-
• It was established under the umbrella of Nano
phobic nanocoating material that can slow the re-
Mission to boost research and development in the
lease of chemical fertilisers, boosting their efficiency
field of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in India.
and promoting sustainable agriculture.
• This innovation aims to improve nutrient use effi- {GS3 – S&T – Tech} Silicon-Carbon Batteries
ciency, reduce fertiliser doses, and mitigate environ-
mental impacts associated with excessive chemical • Silicon-carbon batteries are an advanced type of bat-
fertiliser use. tery technology that uses a silicon-carbon composite
for the anode instead of the traditional graphite used
• Developed by the Institute of Nano Science and
in lithium-ion batteries.
Technology (INST), Mohali.
• This allows for higher energy storage capacity and
Mechanism of the Nanocoating improved performance.
• Hydrophobic Properties: By adjusting the hydropho- Difference Between Silicon and Lithium-Ion Bat-
bicity of the coating, researchers can control the re- teries
lease rate of nutrients to match the specific growth
phases of crops. Feature Silicon-Carbon Lithium-Ion
• Stable Coordination Bonds: The coating employs an- Batteries Batteries
ionic clay as a reinforcement, forming stable coordi- Anode Material Silicon-carbon Graphite
nation bonds that enhance mechanical stability and composite
prevent premature nutrient release. Energy Density Higher energy Lower energy
• 3D Nanostructure Advantage: The 3D structure of density density
the natural polymers in the coating, including self-as- Charging Speed Faster charging Standard charg-
sembling amyloid fibrils, provides durability, biodeg- capabilities ing speed
radability, and efficient nutrient encapsulation. Battery Life Potential for re- Generally stable
duced battery battery life
life due to sili-
con swelling
Manufacturing Higher Lower manufac-
Cost manufacturing turing costs
costs
Environmental More sustaina- Less sustainable
Source: PIB Impact ble (silicon is (limited re-
abundant) sources for lith-
Key Benefits of the Nanocoated Fertiliser ium and cobalt)
✓ Reduced Fertiliser Doses: The controlled-release sys- {GS3 – S&T – Tech} X-Rays
tem reduces the amount of fertiliser required without
compromising crop yield. ❖ Wilhelm Rontgen's accidental discovery of X-rays in
✓ Yield Enhancement: Studies show that the nano- 1895 revolutionised radiology and earned him the
coated fertiliser improves the yield of staple crops like first Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901.
rice and wheat, providing higher output from lower About X-Rays
input.
✓ Environmental Benefits: This technology reduces • X-rays, also known as “Röntgen radiation,” are a type
pollution by minimising fertiliser leaching, interacting of radiation called electromagnetic waves. It creates
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 56 November 2024 CA
 pictures of the inside of the body, showing the parts • Art Restoration: X-rays can reveal hidden layers in
in different shades of black and white. paintings, assisting in the restoration and preserva-
• Röntgen named these rays "X-radiation," inspired by tion of artwork.
the use of "X" to denote the “unknown” in maths. • Forensics: Examine evidence in criminal investiga-
• The wavelength of X-rays is longer than the Gamma tions, such as gunshot residues or hidden objects.
rays and shorter than Ultraviolet rays. Difference Between Laser and X-Rays
• X-Rays require high voltage to produce. They are dif-
ficult to reflect. They always travel in a straight line Aspect Laser X-ray
and do not carry any electric charge. also, they are Nature Light waves Electromagnetic
capable of travelling in a vacuum. radiation
How Do X-Rays work? Wavelength Visible or near-in- Short wavelength
frared light(Low (high energy)
• X-rays are produced when high-velocity electrons hit Energy)
a metal plate, releasing energy as X-rays while the
Uses Medical (surgery, Medical imaging
electrons themselves are absorbed.
eye treatment), (CT scans), security
• The X-ray beam passes through the air and encoun-
communication, screening, and ma-
ters body tissues, creating an image on a metal film.
cutting materials terial analysis.
• Interaction with Tissues
Penetration Limited penetra- High penetration
❖ Soft Tissues (like organs and skin): Allow X-rays
tion, mostly sur- can pass through
to pass through due to low density, appearing
face applications. the body and other
darker on images.
materials.
❖ Dense Materials (like bones): Absorb the radia-
tion, making them appear lighter on images. Safety Generally safe It can be hazard-
with proper pre- ous, and safety
cautions. measures must be
taken to minimise
exposure.
Generation Produced by Produced by accel-
stimulating erating electrons
emissions from and hitting a metal
at- target.
oms/molecules.
 The X-Ray discovery inspired other imaging modal-
ities like MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, and echocar-
diography, which today form the foundation of di-
Source: verywellhealth agnostic tools in healthcare.
Uses CT Scans
• Medical Use: X-rays are widely used to diagnose bone • A CT scan (computed tomography scan) uses X-
fractures and other conditions by providing clear im- rays and computer technology to create detailed
ages of the skeletal structure. cross-sectional images of the body. . CT scans are
• Security: X-ray scanners inspect luggage at airports, non-invasive and can be performed quickly.
rail terminals, and secure facilities, helping detect • It's useful for detecting diseases, injuries, and ab-
concealed objects without requiring manual normalities in bones, organs, and tissues.
searches. Ultrasound sonography (USG)
• Material Research: Analyse crystal structures and
material properties using X-ray crystallography. • USG uses high-frequency sound waves to produce
real-time images of the body's internal structures.
• Astronomy: Many celestial objects emit X-rays, which
scientists study to understand distant cosmic environ- • It is commonly used during pregnancy to monitor
ments and phenomena. the fetus, but it's also helpful for diagnosing condi-
• Industrial Use: X-rays are valuable in detecting de- tions in organs like the liver, kidneys, and heart. Ul-
fects in metal welds, which helps ensure the integrity trasounds are non-invasive and do not use radia-
of structures in construction and manufacturing. tion.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 57 November 2024 CA

 Echocardiography (ECG) • It provides detailed images of the heart's structure
and function, helping diagnose heart conditions,
• Echocardiography is a specific type of ultrasound
monitor heart disease, and guide treatment deci-
focused on the heart. It is a non-invasive proce-
sions.
dure that uses sound waves to create images of
the heart.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 58 November 2024 CA

 Prelims Specific Topics

{Prelims – Awards} Ballon d’Or Award 2024 • The Army Chief presents the President's Colours
Award. It is the highest honour that can be awarded
• Annual football award presented by France Football to any military unit, military training establishment,
magazine since 1956. or state/UT Police Force in India.
• Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon • This prestigious accolade is bestowed upon a unit to
d'Or awards, having won it eight times. recognise exceptional service rendered to the nation
{Prelims – Awards} Booker Prize 2024 in peace and war. It is also known as "Rashtrapati ka
Nishaan" in Hindi.
❖ British author Samantha Harvey is awarded the History
Booker Prize 2024 for her novel "Orbital."
• Harvey is the first woman to win the Booker Prize • Post-Independence Transition: In 1950, the 'king's
since Margaret Atwood, who won in 2019. colour' of erstwhile British Indian regiments was re-
• "Orbital" is the first space-themed book ever to win tired in Chetwode Hall, Dehradun, paving the way for
the Booker Prize. "Orbital" is the second-shortest 'colours' of the President of the Republic of India.
novel to win the Booker Prize, following "Offshore" • First Recipient: The Indian Navy was the first branch
by Penelope Fitzgerald. of the Indian Armed Forces to receive the President's
Colour, awarded by Dr. Rajendra Prasad on in 1951.
{Prelims – Awards} Green World Awards
Award Details
❖ Coal India Ltd (CIL) received the Green World Awards
• Type of Honour: The President's Colours is a special
2024 in London in the Corporate Social Responsibility
flag, also known as 'Nishaan', awarded to a military
(CSR) category and the distinguished title of Green
unit in an organised ceremony.
World Ambassador.
• Design: The flag features a golden border and the in-
• This award has been given to CIL for exemplary work
signia of the respective military unit, training estab-
in the field of CSR, i.e. Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna for
lishment, or police force in the centre.
permanent curative treatment of more than 600 Tha-
• Ceremonial Importance: During ceremonial parades,
lassemia patients through stem cell transplant, also
the President's Colour is placed in a special position,
known as Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT).
and soldiers often march with it on dates such as their
About Green World Awards establishment anniversary.
• Launch Year: 1994 | Organiser: The Green Organisa- {Prelims – Awards} Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva
tion Puruskar
• Purpose: To recognise and reward environmental
best practices and CSR efforts. ❖ 82 Young Artists Conferred Ustad Bismillah Khan
• Green World Champion: The highest scorer in each Yuva Puruskar for 2022 & 2023.
category is declared a Green World Champion. • It was instituted by Sangeet Natak Akademi in the
• Champion of Champions: The overall highest scorer name of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan for
is declared the Green World Champion of Champions young performing art practitioners upto the age of 40
and gets the honour of hosting the next year's awards years in 2006.
in their country at no cost. • It is given annually to artists in the fields of music,
• Eligibility: Open to companies, organisations, govern- dance, drama, folk & tribal arts and puppetry.
ments, ministries, departments, agencies, and indi- • It carries a purse money of Rs 25,000, a plaque and
viduals who have significantly contributed to the en- an angavastram.
vironment.
Ustad Bismillah Khan
• Entry Process: Entries are invited from anyone work-
ing within commerce, industry, national, regional, or • He was India's one of the finest classical musicians
local government. Multiple entries can be submitted and played Shehnai.
in different categories. • After M S Subbalakshmi and Ravi Shankar, Bismillah
{Prelims – Awards} President's Colours Award Khan is the only third classical musician who re-
ceived the Bharat Ratna.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 59 November 2024 CA
• He received all three Padma awards (Padma Shri, it has reproduced, as well as when it is injured, starv-
Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. ing, or dying. The regeneration process is called
“transdifferentiation”, and it occurs when the jelly-
{Prelims – Envi – Species} “Kenyan Lesser Meal-
fish’s cells convert to an immature polyp state.
worm”: Plastic Eating Insect

❖ Scientists have discovered that "Kenyan lesser meal-

worm" larvae can consume polystyrene, a type of
plastic commonly known as styrofoam.
What is Polystyrene?
• Polystyrene is a widely used plastic in food, elec-
tronic, and industrial packaging due to its durability Source: ABC
and difficulty breaking down. • It is the only jellyfish species that does not remain in
• Traditional recycling methods are expensive and pol- the last stage (Medusa stage) until death.
luting, necessitating exploring biological solutions. • The only way it can die is by being eaten, being re-
Kenyan Lesser Mealworm moved from the water, or contracting diseases.
• If it starves or gets sick in its immature state when it’s
• The lesser mealworm, the larval form of the called a polyp, it cannot regenerate and will die.
Alphitobius darkling beetle, has a larval period of 8 to
10 weeks and thrives in warm environments such as {Prelims – Envi – Species} Black-footed ferret
poultry-rearing houses. Originating in Africa, these (Mustela nigripes)
mealworms can be found globally, but the specific
sub-species are identified in this region. ❖ Successful birthing by the cloned black-footed ferret.
• Belongs to the weasel family and is the only ferret
• Trials over a month showed that mealworms fed a
that is native to North America.
combination of polystyrene and bran survived at
higher rates and consumed polystyrene more effi-
ciently than those on a polystyrene-only diet.
• A balanced diet is crucial for insects to efficiently de-
grade plastic, indicating that polystyrene provides an
energy source due to its carbon and hydrogen com-
position. Credits: Nature
• Behaviour: Except for during the breeding season,
Key Terms
the black-footed ferret is a solitary animal. It is
• Larval Period: Stage in the life cycle of an insect mostly nocturnal and spends most of its time under-
following hatching and before becoming a pupa, ground.
during which growth and development occur. • Diet: Carnivores; Eats prairie dogs, mice, ground
• Proteobacteria and Firmicutes: Bacterial phyla are squirrels, or other small animals.
known for their adaptability and ability to break • Conservation Status: IUCN: Endangered | CITES: Ap-
down complex substances, often involved in de- pendix I
composition.
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Cicadas
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Benjamin Button Jel-
lyfish • Triple emergence of Periodical cicadas in North
America for the first time in the last 1,547 years. It's
❖ Adult comb jellies can reverse their development the first time since dual emergence in 1803.
and become larvae again when stressed by starva- • Periodical cicadas have multiple life cyles. Triple
tion, similar to the "immortal jellyfish." emergence if three types of these emerge at once,
• The immortal jellyfish, also called the Benjamin But- dual emergence if two types emerge together.
ton jellyfish, is one of the only known animals that About Cicadas
possess full regenerative capabilities and is the only
species of jellyfish with an indefinite lifespan. • Cicadas belong to the order Hemiptera and the super-
• First documented in 1883 in the Mediterranean Sea. family Cicadoidea. They are known as true bugs, fea-
It regularly reverts to a sexually immature stage after turing mouthparts designed for piercing and sucking,
along with two pairs of wings.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 60 November 2024 CA
 Characteristics of Dicliptera polymorpha
• Fire-resilient: Pyrophytic habit (a woody plant with
unusual fire resistance due to a thick bark).
• Dual-blooming: It blooms twice a year, first post-
monsoon (early November) and then to March or
April, while the second flowering phase is in May and
Source: National Wildlife Federation June is triggered by grassland fires.
• Life Cycle: Cicadas spend the majority of their lives • It has a taxonomically unique spicate inflorescence
underground, where they develop and feed on plant (complete flower head) structure (only known Indian
sap. Their underground phase can last for many species with such features). Survives extreme climatic
years. conditions like summer droughts and frequent fires.
• Habitat: Most cicadas are canopy dwellers found in
natural forests with large trees. {Prelims – Envi – Species} Dunlin Bird (Calidris
• Geographic Distribution: Cicadas are present on alpina)
every continent except Antarctica. India and Bangla-
❖ The Dunlin bird was spotted during the Kerala Bird
desh exhibit the highest genetic diversity of cicadas,
Race.
followed by China.
• Physical appearance: Distinctive droopy bill & rufous
• Emergence: Cicadas have intricate life cycles involv-
back during breeding season.
ing prolonged underground development and brief
• Breeding: They breed on the Arctic tundra and spend
adult emergence. Three species emerge every 17
the winter on coastlines in the Northern Hemisphere,
years, and three species that emerge every 13 years.
usually not found far from the coast.
• Characteristics:
• Migration: It migrates late in the fall & stays longer at
❖ Cicadas don't bite or sting, nor do they carry any
higher latitudes than most other small shorebirds.
diseases.
• IUCN Status: Near Threatened
❖ The bugs are beneficial to the environment, act-
ing as natural tree gardeners.
❖ The holes they leave behind when they emerge
from the ground help aerate the soil, allow rain-
water to get underground, and nourish tree roots
in summer.
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Comb Jellies
Source: ebird
❖ A newly discovered marine invertebrate species, Kerala Bird Race
comb jellies (ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi) can re-
vert to younger versions of itself, breaking the tradi- • It is an annual event held in November to commem-
tional cycle of birth, ageing, and death. orate the birthday of Salim Ali, the first Indian to sys-
• It is also known as Ctenophora or sea walnut. The tematically survey birds in India.
study revealed that adult comb jellies can regress and • Coordinated by: World Wildlife Forum of India, Co-
reach a larval stage when subjected to extreme chin Natural History Society, etc.
stress. {Prelims – Envi – Species} Eurasian Wryneck
• Comb jellies are not the only species capable of re- (Jynx torquilla)
verse ageing. Immortal jellyfish has also been ob-
served to undergo reverse biological development. ❖ Eurasian Wryneck spotted at Nanjarayan Tank, a Ram-
• Its thin skin stretches over a body that's more than sar site in Tamilnadu.
95% water (no bones or shells to weigh it down). • Eurasian Wryneck, also known as the northern wry-
• Bioluminescence (the property of a living organism neck (Jynx torquilla), belongs to the woodpecker
to emit light) is well-marked in Comb jelles. family. These birds inhabit open countryside, wood-
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Dicliptera polymor- land, and orchards.
• They primarily breed in temperate regions of Europe
pha
and Asia. Most populations are migratory, wintering
❖ A new species named Dicliptera polymorpha has in tropical Africa and southern Asia, from Iran to the
been discovered in the Western Ghats. Indian subcontinent.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 61 November 2024 CA
• They have shorter and less dagger-like bills than • It is the only marten species native to India.
those of other woodpeckers. It can turn their heads • Native: Endemic to the Western Ghats. Found across
nearly 180 degrees, which is the origin of their Eng- Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka in Brahmagiri, Nilgiris,
lish name. Anamalai, Cardamom & Agasthyamalai hills.
• Their primary prey consists of ants and other insects • Habitat: Shola ecosystems and Pampadum Shola Na-
found in decaying wood or on the ground. tional Park (Kerala). It typically prefers evergreen and
• When disturbed at the nest, they exhibit a snake-like semi-evergreen forests. Mostly occurs in tea, acacia,
head twisting and hissing as a threat display. This un- coffee, cardamom, and wattle plantations.
usual behaviour historically associated them with • Features: It looks almost like a civet or a mongoose
witchcraft, giving rise to the term "jinx." — a small mustelid with chocolate-coloured fur and a
• IUCN Status: Least Concern. canary yellow throat.
• IUCN Status: Vulnerable | WPA, 1972: Schedule II
 Tamil Nadu Government conserve Nilgiri Marten
under its new fund, “TN Endangered Species Con-
servation Fund”. This is India's first fund for en-
dangered species that aims to save, protect, and
recover lesser-known species facing extinction
threats.
Source: Birds of the world
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Okinawicius tekdi
{Prelims – Envi – Species} New Genus fish -
'Koima' ❖ New spider species, Okinawicius tekdi (tekdi=Hill in
Marathi), was discovered in Pune.
❖ Scientists have recently described a new genus of
freshwater fish, 'Koima', from India's Western Ghats' Characteristics of Spiders
Cauvery basin. • Eight Legs: One of the most defining characteristics.
• Diverse Hunting Techniques: While many spin webs,
some hunt actively without webs.
• Global Presence: Found on every continent except
Antarctica.
• Medical Relevance: Certain species can be venomous
Source: DTE to humans, but most are harmless and beneficial for
• Reclassification of Species: The fish species Meso- controlling insect populations.
noemacheilus remadevii and Nemacheilus monilis • Their Silk can be used for webs, egg sacs, nests & even
have been reclassified under the new genus, now as a means of transportation through ballooning.
named Koima remadevii and Koima monilis.
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Red-breasted Fly-
• Characteristics: Small, bottom-dwelling freshwater
fish utilised for dietary & ornamental purposes. catcher (Ficedula parva)
• Unique Feature: Its unique colour pattern distin- ❖ Red-breasted Flycatcher migrates from Eastern Eu-
guishes it, comprising a yellowish-brown ground col- rope to Hyderabad’s Ameenpur lake.
our and a single row of black spots along the lateral
line.
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Nilgiri marten (Martes
gwatkinsii)

Source: TH
• Once, Ameenpur Lake was famous for attracting mi-
gratory birds like flamingos. The lake's environment
deteriorated due to various factors, disappointing
Source: thekidsworld birdwatchers.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 62 November 2024 CA
• The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protect- • They are adept runners, able to move quickly on the
ing Agency (HYDRAA) is revitalising the lake, attract- ground to approach prey.
ing migratory birds again. • IUCN Status: Least Concern
About Red-breasted Flycatcher
• Habitat: Breeds in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
migrate to South Asia for winter.
• Diet: Insects, caterpillars, and berries.
• Similar species: The Taiga flycatcher is very similar
but has a more limited orange throat in breeding
males and is more common in eastern and northeast- Credits: Natgeo,IUCN
ern India. Unique Behavioural aspects
• IUCN Status: Least Concern.
• Reciprocity and Tracking: Bats track who has shared
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Red-Headed Vulture food with them in the past, reciprocating with those
(Sarcogyps calvus) who have been helpful previously.
• Testing Relationships: New relationships begin with
• A Rare Red-Headed Vulture was spotted in Kasara- low-cost actions, like allogrooming (cleaning and
god, Kerala. It is one of the nine species of Vulture maintaining another's fur) and small food-sharing
found in India. It is also called the Asian King vulture acts, mirroring how humans initiate friendships.
or Pondicherry Vulture.
• Passive Social Distancing: Sick bats often exhibit re-
• Uttar Pradesh established the world's first conserva- duced social behaviours, such as decreased grooming
tion and breeding centre named Jatayu Conservation and time spent with others. These behaviours are
and Breeding Centre for Red-Headed Vulture. part of a broader immune response.
• Habitat: Found in Central India, Nepal, Myanmar,
Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of Southern India, in- {Prelims – In News} “Spade” Platform
cluding Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
❖ "Spade" was launched at the Indian Space Conclave
• Reasons for Decline: Habitat loss, food scarcity, and
2024 (organised by the ISpA).
the use of diclofenac.
• It was developed by an Indian space start-up called
• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Suhora Technologies. It is a platform that aggregates
earth observation images produced by satellites, and
makes them available for fee-based use.
• India currently has ten earth observation satellites in
orbit.
 Indian Space Association (ISpA) is an apex non-
profit industry body set up exclusively for the col-
laborative development of the Private Space In-
Source: Wikipedia dustry. It is a bridge between the govt & the Pri-
Read More > Efforts to Conserve Vulture in India. vate Industry.
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Vampire Bats {Prelims – In News} 4B Movement
❖ Context (TH): Vampire bats rely on social relation-
❖ Social media saw the rise of the '4B' movement,
ships to support their unique blood diets.
where women swear off sex & marriage with men to
About Vampire Bats protest patriarchal & often misogynist institutions &
• Vampire bats are the only mammals known to sur- practices after the US presidential election.
vive solely on a blood diet. They are native to the What is the 4B movement?
warmer humid tropical and subtropical regions of • Origins and Meaning: The 4B movement began in
Latin America, including Central & South America. South Korea around 2016 and gets its name from the
• Specialized heat sensors in their snouts allow them Korean language. "4B," representing the four "no's"-
to locate the best spot for their prey to feed. Their bihon (no marriage), bichulsan (no childbirth), biyeo-
saliva contains an anticoagulant to keep the blood nae (no romance), and bisekseu (no sexual relation-
flowing while they feed. ships).
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 63 November 2024 CA
• Ideology: This radical feminist movement believes (JCES)/HQ Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), was also
that heterosexual relationships usually serve to rein- released during the event. This document outlines
force systems of oppression against women. It advo- future technologies with the potential to revolu-
cates that women break away from the norm of these tionise modern warfare. It is made by All three Ser-
traditional roles for variances of independence and vices.
happiness.
{Prelims – In News} Aphantasia
{Prelims – In News} 58th Meeting of National
Mission for Clean Ganga • Aphantasia is a phenomenon where individuals can-
not form or use mental images during their thinking
❖ The 58th Executive Committee meeting of the Na- or imagination processes. It is not categorised as a
tional Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) was held to medical condition, disorder, or disability but rather a
discuss and approve projects to conserve the Ganga characteristic similar to being right or left-handed.
River and its aquatic life.
Key Projects Approved
• Environmental Flow (EF) Assessment: Assess the EF
of the Chambal, Son, Damodar, and Tons rivers.
• Ganges River Dolphin Conservation: Advancing Res-
cue System for Protection of Stranded Ganges River
Dolphins. Development of a rescue vehicle, 'Dolphin
Ambulance,' to assist dolphins in distress.
• Turtle Conservation: It was approved to rehabilitate
endangered turtles and reintroduce threatened spe-
cies in the Ganga basin in UP.
• "Rag-Rag Mein Ganga - Ek Jeevan Dhara": It is a Trav-
elogue Series on Doordarshan and showcases the
conservation journey of the Ganga River.
{Prelims – In News} AI-Enabled e-Tarang Sys-
tem

❖ AI-enabled e-Tarang System was launched by the

Joint Electromagnetic Board (JEMB).
About AI-Enabled e-Tarang System
• It was launched to automate and enhance the plan-
ning and management of Defence Spectrum.
• Developed in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya Na-
tional Institute for Space Applications and Geo-in-
formatics (BISAG-N).
• It aims to support the development of newer technol-
ogies in higher frequency bands and ensure interfer-
ence-free operation of defence equipment during
both wartime and peacetime.
Joint Electromagnetic Board (JEMB)
• It is a subcommittee of the Chiefs of Staff Committee
(COSC) in the Indian Armed Forces.
Source: clevelandclinic
• Its primary focus is coordinating and integrating elec-
• Imagination involves the brain simulating experi-
tronic warfare, emerging technologies, and spectrum
ences based on knowledge or past events. This can
management efforts across the three services.
involve seeing, hearing, tasting, and more.
 The Technical News Letter (TNL), published by
• In Aphantasia, the mind's eye doesn't visualise
Dept of Joint Communications and Electronics Staff
things, so the imagination functions differently.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 64 November 2024 CA
• Aphantasia isn't a medical or mental health condi- • It is among the 18 digital clocks installed at various
tion, so it doesn't need treatment. Population Research Centres nationwide by MoHFW.
Forms of Aphantasia • Objective: To create public awareness of population
dynamics and aid research with precise data.
• Congenital Aphantasia: Since birth, one may not re- • It can function independently and has a satellite con-
alise their lack of mental imagery is uncommon. nection for precise timekeeping.
• Acquired Aphantasia: Develops later in life, often
due to injury, illness, or a mental health condition. {Prelims – In News} E-Daakhil Portal
Causes of Aphantasia ❖ The Department of Consumer Affairs has success-
• Possible genetic link, as it tends to run in families. fully launched the E-Daakhil portal.
• It might be a form of neurodiversity, where the brain • It was first launched in 2020 during the COVID pan-
functions differently from the norm. Neurodiversity demic by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal
includes conditions like autism spectrum disorder, Commission, offering an inexpensive and speedy
which has genetic ties and overlaps with aphantasia. mechanism for complaint resolution.
• It can result from brain injuries, strokes, or drug use. • The E-Daakhil portal is an online platform designed
to streamline the filing of consumer complaints.
{Prelims – In News} AroTrack: Water-Pollutant • It ensures a paperless & transparent process, ena-
Detector Device bling users to track the status of their complaints
online.
❖ IIT Bombay scientists have developed AroTrack, a
 Building on the success of the E-Daakhil portal, the
portable device for detecting harmful pollutants in
government of India is now moving toward the
water like phenol, benzene, and xylenols, addressing
launch of the e-Jagriti portal. It aims to streamline
water pollution concerns.
further the process of case filing, tracking, and
Features management, offering consumers and other stake-
• Biosensor Technology: AroTrack utilises proteins holders a seamless and efficient experience.
from bacteria that thrive in polluted environments to Read More > Consumer Protection Act, 2019, Initiatives
identify aromatic pollutants. for Consumer Protection
• Chemical Reaction Mechanism: The protein in the bi- {Prelims – In News} First Asian Buddhist Sum-
osensor undergoes ATP hydrolysis when aromatic mit
compounds are present, resulting in a colour change
detectable by the device. ❖ Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Inter-
• MopR Biosensing Module: Developed from the Aci- national Buddhist Confederation (IBC), is organising
netobacter calcoaceticus bacteria, MopR is a sensi- the First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) on 5th - 6th
tive sensor for detecting phenol. Modified MopR de- November 2024 in New Delhi.
tects other benzene and xylenol pollutants. • Theme: Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening
• Detection Range and Efficiency: AroTrack detects ar- Asia.
omatic pollutants in concentrations as low as 10-200 • It will bring together Buddhist ‘Sangha’ leaders, schol-
parts per billion, matching the accuracy of modern ars, experts, and practitioners from various traditions
spectrophotometers. across Asia to foster dialogue and promote under-
 ATP Hydrolysis is A chemical reaction where the standing.
energy from ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is re- • The Summit is a manifestation of India’s Act East Pol-
leased by breaking the bonds, which is crucial for icy, which is principled on the collective, inclusive and
various cellular processes. spiritual development of Asia with Dhamma as the
{Prelims – In News} Digital Population Clock guiding light.
{Prelims – In News} Indian Ocean Experiment
• Bengaluru launches digital population clock at Insti- (INDOEX)
tute for Social and Economic Change. It is a collabora-
tion between ISEC and the Ministry of Health and ❖ Indian Ocean Experiment (INDOEX) study high-
Family Welfare. It would update the figures of the lighted the impacts of air pollution.
state’s population for every 1.10 minute and the • A 1999 study measured air pollution transportation
country’s population at every two seconds. from Southeast Asia into the Indian Ocean.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 65 November 2024 CA
• Discoveries: Identified the Indian Ocean Brown • Managed by: IIT Tirupati Navavishkar I-Hub Founda-
Cloud, created by burning biomass and fossil fuels. tion (IITTNiF).
• Goals: To improve our understanding of the aerosols, • Implementing Agency: Geospatial Innovation Cell,
clouds, and chemistry-climate interactions; Department of Science and Technology.
 Indian Ocean Brown Cloud: A large brown cloud Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface
consisting of aerosol particles extending over much (GDI)
of the Indian Subcontinent and the Indian Ocean.
• It is a cutting-edge platform designed to facilitate the
{Prelims – In News} Janjatiya Gaurav Divas seamless sharing and access of spatial data.
❖ Birsa Munda 'Maati Ke Veer' Padayatra (foot march) Applications
will be celebrated during Janjatiya Gaurav Divas. • Urban Planning: Helps city planners access spatial
About Janjaitya Gaurav Diwas data to design & manage urban spaces effectively.
• Disaster Management: Provides accurate geospatial
• The day is celebrated every year on Birsa Munda's data for disaster preparedness.
birth anniversary (15th November) to recognise • Environmental Conservation: Provides detailed geo-
tribal efforts to preserve cultural heritage and pro- spatial information and supports initiatives to pre-
mote Indian values. serve natural resources.
• They held several tribal movements across different
regions of India against British colonial rule. These National Geospatial Policy 2022
tribal communities include Tamars, Santhals, Khasis, Vision
Bhils, Mizos, and Kols.
• Establish India as a global leader in the geospatial
 The PM inaugurated a tribal freedom fighter mu- sector.
seum in 2021 at Ranchi. • Develop a robust national framework for geospa-
Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) Platform tial data management and usage.
• Facilitate the easy availability and accessibility of
• Launched by: Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
valuable geospatial data to various stakeholders.
• It is a 'Phygital Platform' (physical + digital) compris-
ing physical activity and an opportunity to connect Institutional Framework
digitally. It allows young people to create profiles • Geospatial Data Promotion and Development
showcasing their skills and activities. Committee (GDPDC): The apex body oversees the
• The platform provides equal access to opportunities geospatial sector, ensuring strategic direction and
for youth to achieve their dreams and contribute to implementation.
building an Amrit Bharat by 2047 through experien- • Survey of India (SoI): Serves as the overarching
tial learning programs. nodal agency responsible for geospatial data,
Also, read Schemes for the betterment of Tribals. standards, and infrastructure, which is important
{Prelims – In News} Operation Dronagiri in coordinating efforts across the sector.
• National Digital Twin Strategy: Aims to create dig-
❖ The Ministry of Science and Technology launched Op- ital replicas of physical entities to enhance plan-
eration Dronagiri and Integrated Geospatial Data ning, monitoring, and management through real-
Sharing Interface (GDI). time geospatial data integration.
• Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure (GKI): Fo-
About Operation Dronagiri
cuses on building a comprehensive knowledge
• It was launched under the National Geospatial Policy ecosystem that leverages geospatial data, technol-
2022 and is a pilot project aimed at showcasing the ogies, and expertise to drive innovation and in-
potential of geospatial technologies to enhance qual- formed decision-making.
ity of life and ease of doing business.
{Prelims – In News} PAN 2.0 Project
• Objective: Demonstrate geospatial innovations in ag-
riculture, livelihoods, logistics, and transport. ❖ Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) ap-
• Phase 1: UP, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and proved Income Tax Department's PAN 2.0 Project.
Maharashtra on pilot basis. • It is an e-Governance project for re-engineering the
• Technological Backbone: Integrated GDI for seamless business processes of taxpayer registration services
spatial data access. through technology-driven transformation of
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 66 November 2024 CA
 PAN/TAN services to enhance taxpayers' digital expe- {Prelims – In News} Peak Oil
rience.
• This will upgrade the current PAN/TAN 1.0 eco-sys- • Peak oil refers to the point in time when global crude
tem, consolidating the core and non-core PAN/TAN oil production reaches its maximum point and sub-
activities and the PAN validation service. sequently begins an irreversible decline. This occurs
• This project aligns with the government's vision of when readily accessible oil reserves are depleted,
Digital India by promoting using PAN as a common forcing us to rely on more challenging and expensive
identifier across various digital systems used by spec- extraction methods.
ified government agencies. • The concept is derived from geophysicist Marion King
Permanent Account Number (PAN) Hubbert's "peak theory," which states that oil pro-
duction follows a bell-shaped curve.
• It is a unique ten-digit alphanumeric identifier issued
by the Income Tax Department of India to individuals,
companies, and other entities.
• Tax Purposes: It is primarily used for various tax-re-
lated transactions such as filing income tax returns,
making tax payments, and receiving tax refunds.
• Financial Transactions: It is also required for certain
high-value financial transactions, including the pur-
chase or sale of immovable properties, large bank de-
posits, and investments in securities.
• Lifetime Validity: Once issued, a PAN is valid for the Credits: Wikipedia
holder's lifetime.
{Prelims – In News} PM-JAY-ABHA CARD
Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number
(TAN) ❖ Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card, a dig-
• It is a unique ten-digit alphanumeric identifier issued ital health ID for seamless access to medical records,
to entities responsible for deducting or collecting tax and its role in the AB-PMJAY scheme.
at source in India. What is an ABHA Card?
• Purpose: TAN is required by businesses, organisa-
• It is not a health insurance card. Instead, it is a tool
tions, and individuals who need to deduct or collect
introduced by the Centre to provide patients with an
tax on behalf of the Income Tax Department. This is
easy way to access their medical records and consol-
commonly seen in salary payments, contractor pay-
idate important health information in one place.
ments, rent, and other transactions where tax is de-
• Health ID Number: Every Indian citizen, regardless of
ducted at the source.
income level, is allotted a 14-digit health ID.
• Legal Requirement: TAN must be quoted in all TDS
(Tax Deducted at Source) or TCS (Tax Collected at • ABHA Address: Citizens will also receive a dedicated
Source) returns, payments, and other related com- email address, or ‘ABHA address’.
munications with the Income Tax Department. {Prelims – In News} Price Monitoring Cell
Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA)
❖ The All India Modal (average) retail price, as re-
• It is the cabinet committee that makes decisions ported by the Price Monitoring Cell (PMC), showed a
on the government's economic matters. rise in onion prices.
• Chaired by: Prime Minister of India (Cabinet min- About Price Monitoring Cell
isters from various ministries are also included).
• It is a unit of the Department of Consumer Affairs in
Key Functions
the Government of India that monitors the prices of
• Directing and coordinating government activities essential commodities.
in the economic sector. • Responsibilities: The PMC monitors the prices of es-
• To consider issues related to disinvestment, etc. sential commodities on a daily basis, both at the retail
• To review the economic trends in the country. and wholesale levels.
• To review activities related to rural development. • Commodities monitored: It monitors the prices of
• Industrial licensing for setting up joint sector un- various 22 essential commodities, including food
dertakings. grains, pulses, edible oils, vegetables, and other
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 67 November 2024 CA
 items. The quality and variety of items monitored  Tiger Reserves are notified by State govt. under the
may vary from centre to centre. Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 on advice of NTCA.
• Process: These prices are collected for 49 centres
spread all over the country through the Civil Supplies
Department of States/UT Governments.
 Price monitoring is the process of tracking, analys-
ing, and responding to price changes in the market.
{Prelims – In News} UP new rules for DGP Ap-
pointment

❖ UP govt framed new rules for appointing the state’s

Director General under Indian Police Act of 1861.
• The new rules are in reaction to a contempt notice
from the SC following multiple petitions challenging
the appointment of temporary police chiefs and hon-
ouring the Prakash Singh case directions. Credits: Competex
• As per new rules, UP’s DGP would be appointed by • It is the fourth tiger reserve in Chhattisgarh after
selection committee headed by a retired HC judge. Achanakmar, Indravati, and Udanti Sitanadi. It is nes-
• Eligible candidates must have six months of service tled in the Chota Nagpur plateau and partly in
remaining on the date of creation of the vacancy. Baghelkhand plateau.
• The rules reduce the role of the Centre in the DGP’s • It’s the 3rd largest Tiger Reserve after Nagarjunasa-
appointment in the state. gar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and
• It has fixed the minimum tenure of the DGP office at Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam.
two years. • It is spread across four districts, Manendragarh-
Read in detail about the Appointment of State Director Chirmiri-Bharatpur (MCB), Korea, Surajpur, and
General of Police. Balrampur in the northern tribal Sarguja region of
Chhattisgarh.
{Prelims – In News} VISION Portal • It is connected to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in
❖ Union Minster launched the "Viksit Bharat Initiative Madhya Pradesh to the West and Palamau Tiger Re-
for Student Innovation and Outreach Network" (VI- serve in Jharkhand to the East. It is contagious to San-
SION) Portal. jay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.
• Aim: It empowers underprivileged children with ac- {Prelims – PIN India} Hindon River
cess to education, skill development & innovation re-
sources. It seeks to bridge gap between remote areas ❖ The Hindon River has become highly polluted due to
& India’s mainstream entrepreneurial ecosystem. industrial effluents and inadequate sewage treat-
ment facilities, making its water toxic and impacting
{Prelims – PIN – Middle East} Al-Jawf Region the health of local communities in UP.
❖ The Al-Jawf region in Saudi Arabia witnessed a his- About Hindon River
toric winter phenomenon, with snowfall blanketing • The Hindon River is a tributary of the Yamuna River
the desert for the first time in recorded history. and primarily relies on rainfall.
• It is one of the most fertile regions in Saudi Arabia. • Source: Originates from the lower Shivalik ranges in
Human presence here dates to the Stone Age. Saharanpur District, Uttar Pradesh.
• The region is renowned for its olive cultivation, • Flow: Travels across the industrial belt of Western Ut-
boasting the world's largest modern olive farm, a rec- tar Pradesh for approximately 400 kilometres before
ord noted in the Guinness Book. The region is one of merging with the Yamuna River in Noida.
the coldest regions in Saudi Arabia during winter. • Main Tributaries: Kali (West) River and the Krishni
{Prelims – PIN India} Guru Ghasidas-Tamor River.
Pingla Tiger Reserve • Pollution Issue: Urban, agricultural, and industrial
wastes are released into the river without adequate
❖ The Chhattisgarh government notified Guru treatment. It is one of the most polluted sections of
Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla as India’s 56th tiger reserve. the Ganga basin.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 68 November 2024 CA
• 2015 CPCB Report: The Central Pollution Control • Economy: Fisheries, timber, and exports such as
Board declared the Hindon a 'dead river' in 2015 due copra and palm oil. Mining, especially of gold and
to its severe pollution levels, rendering it 'unfit' even nickel, contributes more to the economy.
for bathing in several sections.
Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)
• It is a statutory body established under the Water
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
• It was later empowered with responsibilities under
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
• CPCB provides technical services to the Ministry of
Environment and Forests in line with the Environ-
ment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Principal Functions
• Water Pollution: Promotes the cleanliness of streams
and wells across various states by preventing, control-
ling, and reducing water pollution.
• Air Pollution: Enhances air quality and works towards
preventing, controlling, and reducing air pollution.
• Advisory Role: Advises the Central govt on air and • Culture and Society: Rich in diverse cultures with
water pollution control and abatement matters. over 70 distinct languages spoken (English is the offi-
{Prelims – PIN World – Asia} Mt. Lewotobi Laki cial Language). Predominantly Melanesian popula-
Laki tion with Polynesian and Micronesian minorities.
• Political Structure: It is a constitutional monarchy
❖ The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indone- with a parliamentary system.
sia set off earthquakes, leading to fatalities, extensive {Prelims – PIN World – NA} Puerto Rico
property destruction, and mass evacuations in the af-
fected region. • Unincorporated territory of the US, the US acquired
• Twin Peaks: Part of the Lewotobi twin volcanic com- it in 1898 due to the Spanish-American War.
plex, including Lewotobi Laki-Laki (Male) and • People of Puerto Rico have been granted U.S. cit-
Lewotobi Perempuan (Female) stratovolcanoes. izenship but do not have right to vote in presidential
• Geological Importance: Positioned within the "Ring elections or to be represented in the U.S. Congress.
of Fire," an area of vigorous tectonic activity. • It could become a state with the approval of the U.S.
• Historical Names: Historically known as Lobetabi, Congress and the people of Puerto Rico.
Lovotivo, and Loby Toby.
{Prelims – PIN World – Asia} Solomon Islands

❖ scientists discovered the world's largest coral colony

in the Solomon Islands, around 300 years old.
About Solomon Islands
• It is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, form-
ing two parallel chains of volcanic islands and coral
atolls. Predominantly mountainous terrain with ex-
tensive forests, along with some large plains.
• Nearest neighbours: Vanuatu to the southeast and
Papua New Guinea to the west.
• Comprises nearly 1,000 islands: Six main large is-
lands and over 900 smaller islands.
• Independence: It was a British protectorate until in-
dependence as a republic in 1978.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 69 November 2024 CA
{Prelims – PIN World – SA} Chancay Port, Peru • Location: Located in western South America, entirely
in the Southern Hemisphere.
❖ China is growing its trade power in South America by • Borders: Shares borders with Ecuador and Colombia
building a new port in Chancay, Peru. to the north, Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the south-
About Chancay Port east, Chile to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the
west and south.
• Objective: To transform Peru into a major commercial
• Economy: Peru is the world's second-largest copper
and port hub, connecting South America and Asia. producer and also produces gold, zinc.
• Ownership: Primarily owned by the Chinese state- • Main import goods: Petroleum oils, transmitter
owned company Cosco Shipping, which holds a 60%
equipment, automobiles.
stake. This marks China's first control of a port in
• Main import partners: China (23.3%), United States
South America.
(21.3%), Brazil (5.6%).
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): It is a Part of China's
investments in Latin America under the BRI Initiative. {Prelims – PIN} Saint Francis Xavier
Significance of the Project ❖ The exposition of Saint Francis Xavier's sacred relics
• Resource Access for China: Provides direct access to in Goa is a 45-day spiritual event starting in Novem-
South America's resource-rich region. China has be- ber, attracting pilgrims and tourists for veneration,
come South America's leading trade partner, surpas- marked by a religious ceremony.
sing the U.S. About Saint Francis Xavier
• Regional Export Hub: Chancay will become an im-
portant hub for exporting copper from Peru and soy • Francis Xavier, venerated as Saint Francis Xavier, was
from western Brazil, streamlining routes that cur- a Catholic missionary and saint who was a co-founder
rently pass through the Panama Canal or the Atlantic. of the Society of Jesus.
• Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Enhances trade re- • He was born in Javier, Kingdom of Navarre (in pre-
lations between Peru and China, with China holding a sent-day Spain); he was one of the first seven Jesuits.
bilateral trade lead of over $10 billion. • Arrival in Goa: Saint Francis Xavier arrived in Goa in
1542 to restore Christianity among Portuguese set-
About Peru tlers. Also referred to as “Goencho Saib” (Lord of
Goa).
• Journey: His body was exhumed and transported to
Malacca, then to Goa in 1554. Now, the relics are
placed in the Basilica in 1624.
 Body of St. Xavier is considered miraculous as it
did not decompose despite being buried multiple
times.
{Prelims – S&T – Defence} Induction of 25T Bol-
lard Pull Tugs Bhishm & Bahubali

❖ 25T Bollard Pull Tugs Bhishm & Bahubali were in-

ducted at Andaman & Nicobar Navy Command.
 Tugs are small boats that help larger ships by tow-
ing, pushing, and guiding them. They are essential
for docks and ports and are used for many pur-
poses, including Docking and undocking, Turning,
Counteracting forces, Stopping, and Towing
barges.
• Constructed by: Titagarh Rail Systems Limited (TRSL),
Kolkata.
• Regulatory Compliance: Built as per Naval Rules and
Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping. They
represent the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bha-
rat’ initiatives by the GOI.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 70 November 2024 CA
• Functional Capabilities: They will provide afloat fire- • First Use: Deployed in combat for the first time in
fighting support to ships both alongside and at an- 2024 during the Russo-Ukrainian War.
chorage. It also can conduct limited Search and Res- • Based on: The RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballis-
cue (SAR) operations. tic missile (ICBM).
{Prelims – S&T – Defence} Pinaka Multi-Barrel • Manoeuvrability: Hypersonic speeds and mid-flight
Rocket Launcher System manoeuvrability make it difficult to intercept.
 Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) are de-
❖ DRDO has successfully completed the Guided Pinaka signed to deliver nuclear or conventional war-
Weapon System Flight Tests as part of Provisional heads over distances exceeding 5,500 kilometres,
Staff Qualitative Requirements (PSQR) Validation Tri- enabling them to strike targets across continents.
als. In contrast, Intermediate-Range Ballistic Missiles
About Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher Sys- (IRBMs) have ranges between 3,000 and 5,500 kil-
tem ometres, making them suitable for regional deter-
rence and theatre-level operations.
• Developed by: Armament Research and Develop-
Read More > ATACMS
ment Establishment (ARDE), a laboratory of the
DRDO. {Prelims – S&T – Defence} ToxicPanda
• Maximum range of 45 km (Mark-I Enhanced) | 90 km
(Mark-II ER version). It can fire 12 rockets per ❖ Cybersecurity researchers discovered a new Android
launcher in 44 seconds. Pinaka was also used during malware (ToxicPanda) that aims to steal money from
the Kargil War. bank accounts. It targeted users in Southeast Asia.
• It is a financial-focused trojan derived from an earlier
{Prelims – S&T – Defence} Storm Shadow and
malware family known as TgToxic.
Oreshnik Missiles • It bypasses the bank’s security measures by enforcing
❖ In the recent Ukraine-Russia war, Ukraine used Storm “identity verification and authentication, combined
Shadow missiles against Russia, prompting Russia to with behavioural detection techniques applied by
retaliate with its Oreshnik hypersonic missile. banks to identify suspicious money transfers.”

About Storm Shadow Missile {Prelims – S&T – Defence} WOH G64 Star
• Naming: Known as 'Storm Shadow' in the UK and • Scientists have captured a zoomed-in image of a star
‘SCALP-EG’ in France. WOH G64 outside our galaxy for the first time. It is
• Type: Low-observable, long-range, air-launched located in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a small
cruise missile. satellite galaxy of the Milky Way.
• Development: Jointly developed by the UK and • The image was captured using the Very Large Tele-
France. Range: More than 250 kilometers. scope Interferometer (VLTI) of the European South-
• Target: Designed to strike high-value stationary tar- ern Observatory (ESO) in Chile. It consists of four 8-
gets such as airbases, radar installations, communica- metre diameter telescopes.
tion hubs, and port facilities. • The VLTI incorporates an advanced interferometer
• Guidance Systems: Uses inertial navigation, GPS, and called GRAVITY, which combines light from the tele-
terrain referencing for low flight. scopes, achieving the resolution equivalent to a much
• Targeting: Equipped with an infrared camera to larger telescope.
match the target with a stored image. • Size: It’s diameter is approximately 2,000 times that
• Operated by: Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale, Mirage of the Sun.
2000 and Tornado.
• Features: The star appears surrounded by an egg-
• Service: Used by the air forces of Egypt, India, Italy,
shaped cocoon of gas and dust. This cocoon was likely
Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE.
formed when WOH G64 expelled its outer layers in
About Oreshnik Missiles recent years.
• Type: Intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM). • Current Stage: The star is in the final stages of its
• Developed by: Russia. Payload: Can carry both nu- lifecycle, as indicated by the newly captured image.
clear and conventional warheads. {Prelims – S&T – Space} Black Hole Triple Sys-
• Range: Estimated to have a range of around 5,500 kil- tem
ometres.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 71 November 2024 CA
❖ Scientists have identified a unique black hole triple {Prelims – S&T – Space} Transit of Venus
system in space for the first time. The black hole,
named V404 Cygni, was detected while analysing a • The Transit of Venus is a rare event where Venus
collection of celestial observations. moves directly between the Earth and the Sun.
• Situated in the constellation Cygnus, V404 Cygni has When this happens, Venus looks like a small black dot
a mass about nine times that of our Sun. moving across the Sun's bright face.
• It may have formed through the “direct collapse” • It is much bigger than the moon, appears as a dot,
process, where the star caves in after expending all and doesn’t cause an eclipse like the moon, as it is
its fuel but does not explode. much farther away from Earth.
About the Black Hole Triple System
• It comprises a black hole at its centre, currently con-
suming a small star spiralling very close to it. There is
also a second star, which appears to be circling the
black hole but is actually far away.
• Many black holes discovered until now have been
part of binary systems, consisting of a black hole and
a secondary object (such as a star or another black Source:TH
hole).
• Observations of the Transit of Venus have been his-
• But the black hole triple not only has one star which
torically important for measuring the astronomical
orbits the black hole about every 6.5 days, but also a unit (AU), which is the distance between the Earth
more far-off star which orbits it every 70,000 years. and the Sun. In the 18th century, expeditions were
Read More > Black Holes.
organised worldwide to observe the transit and im-
{Prelims – S&T – Space} Proba-3 Mission prove our understanding of the solar system's scale.
• It happens in pairs, eight years apart, and then
❖ India will launch the EU's Solar Observatory Satellite doesn't happen again for over 100 years. The last
Proba-3. It will be India’s third such launch for the EU, ones were in 2004 and 2012. The next will be in 2117
with previous missions supporting the Proba-1 and and 2125.
Proba-2 satellites. • It helps scientists better understand our neighbour-
• World's first mission for precise formation flying in ing planet's atmosphere and learn more about the
space. It uses two satellites to act like a single big elements that layer above its surface.
structure in space. It will be launched with India's  An Astronomical Unit (AU) is the average distance
PSLV-XL rocket by ISRO. between Earth and the Sun, about 150 million km.
• It will create a 144-meter solar coronagraph offering
a continuous and clear view of the Sun's corona (the {Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Equine Piroplas-
Sun's outer layer), which is typically hard to observe. mosis
 Formation flying in space means coordinating
❖ The Indian Council of Agricultural Research - National
multiple satellites to move together precisely, al-
Research Centre on Equines (ICAR-NRC Equine) in
most like how birds fly in a formation.
Haryana has achieved the status of a World Organi-
{Prelims – S&T – Space} Sputnik 2 Mission sation for Animal Health (WOAH) Reference Labora-
tory for Equine Piroplasmosis.
❖ 67 Years Completed for the Sputnik 2 mission. It was • The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
launched by the Soviet Union in 1957, just a month (DAHD), part of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Hus-
after the successful launch of Sputnik 1, the world's bandry, and Dairying, has facilitated this designation.
first artificial satellite.
What are Equine Animals?
• Beyond proving that a living organism could survive
in space, the mission aimed to study the impact of • "Equine" refers to animals in the horse family, scien-
space travel on living organisms and gather data on tifically known as Equidae. This group includes
the Earth's radiation belts and solar wind. Horses, Donkeys, Mules (hybrids of horses and don-
• Laika, the Space Dog: Dog Laika from Russia became keys), and Zebras.
the first living creature to orbit the Earth, highlight- • In India, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Har-
ing the possibilities of human spaceflight. yana have the highest equine populations.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 72 November 2024 CA
About Equine Piroplasmosis Disease • Neurological problems cause weakness or numbness.
• It is a tick-borne disease caused by protozoan para- {Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Thai Sacbrood
sites Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. Virus
• Transmission and Spread: The disease is spread by
bites of infected ticks, which become infected when ❖ The Thai sacbrood virus is among the greatest
they ingest blood from an infected animal. It can also threats facing the Asiatic honey bee.
be spread through contaminated blood. About Thai Sacbrood Virus (TSBV)
Indian Council for Agricultural Research • It is a variant of sacbrood virus (SBV), a viral disease
• It is an autonomous organisation established in affecting honey bee colonies.
1929 under the Department of Agricultural Re- • First observed in Thailand in 1976. In 1991-92, it de-
search and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agricul- stroyed more than 90% of the then-existing bee colo-
ture and Farmers Welfare. nies in south India and reemerged in 2021 in Tel-
• Headquarter: New Delhi angana. Also reported in China and Vietnam.
• It is an apex body for coordinating, guiding and • It kills bees when they are larvae, thereby reducing
managing research and education in agriculture in- the population of bee colonies. It causes an uneven
cluding horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences brood pattern with discoloured, sunken or perfo-
in the entire country. rated cappings scattered throughout it.
• Union Minister of Agriculture is the ex-officio About Asian Honeybee (Apis cerana)
President of the ICAR Society. • It is primarily found in South Asia, including India, Sri
{Prelims – Sci – Bio – Diseases} Sjögren's Syn- Lanka, Nepal, and Southeast Asia, encompassing
drome Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
• It is one of the region's most domesticated bee spe-
• Sjögren's Syndrome is an autoimmune disease cies. Known for its resilience and adaptability, it plays
where the immune system damages the glands that an important role in agriculture.
produce moisture. It is pronounced "SHOW-gren's • They are known for their docile nature and effective
syndrome." colony defence mechanisms, including the ability to
• Affected Areas: Long-term dryness on Eyes (Tears), thermoregulate their hives by fanning their wings.
Mouth (Saliva), Nose, Throat, Vagina. • It produces highly valued honey for its medicinal
• Symptoms: Dry or itchy eyes, Dry mouth, sores, or properties and nutritional benefits.
thick saliva, Vaginal dryness, Dry skin, Dry nose and  India hosts over 700 bee species, including four in-
frequent nosebleeds, Dry throat and frequent cough- digenous honeybees: Asiatic honey bee (Apis
ing. cerana indica), giant rock bee (Apis dorsata), dwarf
• Causes: Exact cause is unknown. It can develop inde- honey bee (Apis florea), and stingless bee (sp. Trig-
pendently or be triggered by other health conditions. ona).
• Symptomatic treatment: Treatment focuses on alle- Government Initiatives for Honey Bees Conser-
viating symptoms, as there is no cure. vation
Risk Factors
National Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM)
• Certain groups are more likely to develop Sjögren's • Objective: Promote holistic growth of the bee-
Syndrome: keeping industry for income and employment gen-
❖ Women and those assigned female at birth eration, enhance agricultural/horticultural produc-
(more than 90% of cases). tion, and develop infrastructural facilities.
❖ People with other autoimmune diseases. • Key Components: Setting up Integrated Beekeep-
❖ People aged between 45 and 55. ing Development Centres (IBDCs), honey testing
❖ Those with a biological relative who has Sjögren's labs, bee disease diagnostic labs, custom hiring
Syndrome. centres, Api-therapy centres, nucleus stock devel-
Complications opment, and empowerment of women through
• Increased risk of oral and eye infections. beekeeping.
• Abnormal liver or kidney function. Madhukranti Portal
• Lymphomas (cancer in lymph nodes). • Objective: Facilitate online registration and sup-
• Lung issues that resemble pneumonia. port for beekeepers.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 73 November 2024 CA
 • Features: Provides a platform for beekeepers to  Autoimmune Diabetes is type 1.5 diabetes
register, access resources, and receive support for that occurs when the body's immune system mis-
beekeeping activities. takenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing
Honey FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) cells in the pancreas.
Read More > Diabetes.
• Objective: Support the enhancement of beekeep-
ers' collective marketing and production capabili- {Prelims – Sci – Bio} Ingestible Jet-Powered
ties. Capsules
• Benefits: Helps beekeepers access better markets,
improve production techniques, and increase in- ❖ New ingestible capsules release drugs directly inside
come. the stomach or other parts of the digestive system.
These pills can be used instead of injections to give
{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Candidatus Phytoplasma:
medicines like insulin.
Microbe Affecting Sesame Fields • Injections can cause infections, skin irritation, and
other adverse effects. They may cause discomfort,
❖ Researchers identified a new microbe Candidatus
making oral alternatives highly desirable.
Phytoplasma, responsible for a peculiar disease af-
fecting the sesame fields of Midnapore in West Ben- About New Ingestible Capsules
gal. Development and Inspiration
• The disease causes sesame plants to revert from their
flowering and fruiting stage to their vegetative state, • Natural Inspiration: Researchers drew inspiration
with white flowers turning green. from cephalopods like squids and cuttlefish, which
use jet propulsion to move and release ink.
Characteristics of Candidatus Phytoplasma • Adaptation: Jetting principle was adapted to deliver
• It is a cell wall-lacking bacteria produced in plants' drugs in gastrointestinal tract, ensuring more
nutrient-rich phloem and sieve cells. medication is absorbed before body breaks it down.
• Transmitted primarily through phloem feeder insects Mechanism of Action
(leafhoppers, plant-hoppers, psyllids, and dodders). • Jet Propulsion Mechanics: Capsules utilise com-
• They infect many commercially valuable crops pressed carbon dioxide or tightly coiled springs to
like Catharanthus, tobacco, maise, and grapevine, create the necessary force to eject liquid drugs.
causing disfigurement and virescence of floral parts. • Trigger System: A carbohydrate trigger keeps the gas
Importance and Historical Background of Sesame or spring compressed. This trigger dissolves upon ex-
posure to stomach humidity or acidity, allowing the
• Sesame, often called the Queen of Oil, is one of the
gas or spring to expand and propel the drug out.
oldest oilseed crops, with remnants in Harappa and
Mohenjodaro. Advantages of the Capsules
• It is highly valued for its medicinal properties, con- ✓ High Bioavailability: They offer a more efficient
taining antioxidants that benefit heart health. method for delivering macromolecule drugs orally, as
• It is not commonly used as a principal edible oil in they have high bioavailability (the degree to which a
India. drug is absorbed and utilised by the body).
{Prelims – Sci – Bio} IL-35-Immunotherapy ✓ Patient-Friendly: They offer a less invasive and more
comfortable alternative to traditional injections, po-
• IL-35 (a protein), a new immunotherapy treatment tentially improving patient compliance and overall
that could help manage Type 1 and autoimmune dia- treatment outcomes.
betes, was discovered. IL-35 works by:  Macromolecule drugs are large, complex mole-
❖ Regulating immune cells called macrophages, T- cules like proteins, peptides, and antibodies used
cells, and regulatory B-cells play a role in control- to treat various diseases. Due to their size, they are
ling immune responses. often administered via injections as the digestive
❖ Preventing immune cells from attacking pancre- system can't easily absorb them.
atic beta cells is important for insulin production. {Prelims – Sci – Bio} Kodo Millet
❖ Lowering certain immune cells that produce in-
flammatory chemicals reduces inflammation in ❖ 10 wild elephants died in MP’s Bandhavgarh Tiger
the pancreas — a major factor in type 1 and au- Reserve. The deaths were suspected to be caused by
toimmune diabetes. mycotoxins associated with Kodo millet.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 74 November 2024 CA
What is Kodo Millet? Source: sciencefriday
• It is also known as Kodra and Varagu and is a staple About the Lucy
food for many tribals. • Lucy is the collection of several hundred pieces of
• It is grown in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indone- bone fossils representing 40 % of the skeleton of a
sia, Vietnam, Thailand, and West Africa. female hominin species Australopithecus afarensis.
• Major producer states: Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, • Discovered in 1974 in Ethiopia, Lucy is one of the old-
Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Tamil Nadu. est and most complete fossil skeletons of any adult,
• Hardiest crops: Drought-tolerant with high yield po- erect-walking human ancestor.
tential and excellent storage properties. • Lucy stood about 4 feet tall, and her small brain size
• Nutritional benefits: Rich in vitamins and minerals, was similar to that of a chimpanzee, but she walked
gluten-free, easy to digest, and a great source of an- upright on two legs, a key characteristic of human an-
tioxidants. It might have anti-carcinogenic properties cestors.
and beneficial dietary fibre. • Lucy’s discovery is important as her bones show a mix
Why Do Kodo Millets Become Poisonous? of human-like walking & ape-like features. Her
nearly complete skeleton helps scientists learn about
• Environmental conditions: Spring and summer con- the look and behaviour of our early ancestors.
ditions can lead to fungal infections.
• Fungal infection: Ergot, a parasitic fungal endophyte, Stages of species in Human Evolution
grows in the ear heads of Kodo millet. Mycotoxin cy- Stage Key Characteristics Locations
clopiazonic acid (CPA) is one of the mycotoxins asso- Found
ciated with kodo millet seeds. Dryopithecus Ancestors of China, Af-
 Mycotoxins are toxic substances produced by cer- humans and apes; rica, Eu-
tain types of fungi (moulds) that grow on crops lived in dense rope, India
and foodstuffs under specific conditions. forests; likely
Impact of Toxic Grain on Animals herbivores.
Ramapithecus Thick tooth Shivalik
• Nervous and cardiovascular systems: Symptoms in- enamel, strong (Punjab),
clude vomiting, giddiness, unconsciousness, small jaws, shorter Africa,
and rapid pulse, cold extremities, shaking limbs, and canines; used Saudi
tremors. hands for food and Arabia
• Liver dysfunction: Degeneration, necrosis, and le- defence; lived in
sions of the myocardium. grasslands.
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Inflammation and dam- Australopithecus Lived on the South Af-
age to the gastrointestinal tract. ground; used rica
{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Lucy – Oldest Human Fossil stones as weapons;
walked upright; 4
feet tall.
Homo Erectus Large brain Java, China
capacity; used
quartz tools;
possibly used fire;
lived in
communities and
caves.
Homo Sapiens Evolved from Europe
Neanderthalensis Homo Erectus; two
sub-species;
hunted large an-
imals like
mammoths.
Homo Sapiens Smaller jaws, pro- Europe
Sapiens nounced chin,
PMF IAS – Learn Smart 75 November 2024 CA
 rounded skull; • It produces high-resolution 3D models of ground ele-
brain capacity vation with vertical accuracy of up to 10 cm, offering
~1350 cc; started a precise representation of terrain features.
creating art.
{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Richard Cash

❖ Richard Cash, the American physician behind Oral

Rehydration Therapy, died recently.
• Richard lived in Bangladesh and India for extended
periods, where his work saved millions of lives.
• First clinical trials of ORT in cholera patients were
Credits: rvslandsurveyors
held in Bangladesh in the late 1960s. In 2006, the
Royal Thai Government awarded him the Prince Ma- How Does LiDAR Work?
hidol Award. • Core Components: LiDAR instrumentation typically
Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) consists of a laser, a scanner, and a GPS receiver,
working together to capture the terrain's topography.
• This treatment uses a standardised formula (Oral re-
• Data Collection Process:
hydration solution) to provide water, sodium, chlo-
❖ The system emits rapid pulses of light that travel
ride, potassium, bicarbonate (or citrate), and glucose
to the ground and reflect off various surfaces, in-
to dehydrated people, including children.
cluding vegetation, buildings, and natural fea-
• This low-cost dehydration treatment can be given to
tures.
dehydrated children at home without any help.
❖ The LiDAR sensor records the reflected light, cal-
• It does not stop diarrhoea but addresses only the de- culating the travel time to estimate the distance
hydration issue. between the sensor and each surface point. The
 The WHO recommends using ORS in combination data is then combined with GPS and Inertial
with zinc to treat diarrhoea. Zinc can reduce the Measurement System (IMS) information to cre-
duration and severity of diarrhoea and reduce the ate an elevation map.
risk of recurrence. • Point Cloud Data: Initially, LiDAR data appears as a
{Prelims – Sci – Physics} LiDAR (Light Detection "point cloud," showing all individual points where
and Ranging) Technology light is reflected off objects, including trees, buildings,
and ground features.
❖ Scientists have detected a lost Mayan city named Va- • Refinement of Data: The data can be processed to
leriana using LiDAR. produce a "bare earth" Digital Elevation Model
What is LiDAR? (DEM), removing structures and vegetation to reveal
only the ground beneath. This is crucial for archaeo-
• It is a remote sensing technology that uses light in the logical exploration in dense, forested regions where
form of pulsed laser beams to measure distances trees often obscure structures.
from the sensor, often mounted on an aircraft, to the
Earth's surface.

PMF IAS – Learn Smart 76 November 2024 CA