The Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development 2023 has been jointly awarded to Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad. 

• Daniel Barenboim and Ali Abu Awwad have been jointly awarded Indira Gandhi Peace Prize 2023 for their efforts in bringing together the people of Israel and the Arab World for a non-violent resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
• Daniel Barenboim is an Argentine-born distinguished classical pianist, known for his relentless endeavor in using music to foster harmony in West Asia.
• Ali Awwad co-founded a local Palestinian-Israeli initiative called Roots promoting understanding, non-violence and transformation. 

Star Pacer Mohammed Shami has been nominated for this year's Arjuna Award after his spectacular run in the ODI World Cup.

• Shami was the leading wicket-taker in the World Cup, with 24 wickets in seven outings where India finished second best, losing to Australia in the final.
• In overall World Cups, Shami has now claimed 45 World Cup wickets in 14 innings - the most by an Indian bowler, surpassing seamers Javagal Srinath and Zaheer Khan on 44.
• As per the ministry's sources, a special request was made by the BCCI to the sports ministry to include Shami's name as originally he didn't feature in the list of the country's second-highest sporting honour.

• In the United States, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon was honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award at The Power of One Award 2023 ceremony, organised by the Diwali Foundation USA.
• The awards are granted to selfless individuals for their help to form a peaceful and secure world for all. They are hailed as the 'Oscars of diplomacy'. 
• Other awardees include former permanent representative of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, Ambassador Mirsada Colakovic; former permanent representative of South Korea to the UN Ambassador, Kim Sook; and 72nd UN General Assembly president and EU Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, Miroslav Lajcak. 

In a significant ceremony on November 27, 2023, in New Delhi, Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar was honored with the Karmaveer Chakra Medal and Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship. Presented by ICONGO in collaboration with the United Nations, these awards recognized Dr.Hemachandran Ravikumar’s exceptional contributions to Research & Development in Physical & Bio-Science and Microbiological Studies.

• The Rex Karamveer Chakra Medal, considered one of the most prestigious civilian honors, is reserved for individuals who have exhibited outstanding contributions globally towards the well-being of humanity.
• Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar’s exemplary work in advancing scientific knowledge and fostering the popularization of Biological Sciences has rightfully earned him this esteemed accolade.
• A prominent figure in the scientific community, Dr. Hemachandran Ravikumar holds the esteemed position of Ambassador & Elected Member of the Royal Society of Biology (MRSB) in London. His dedication to the field of Biology has been further acknowledged through the receipt of the Registered Scientist Award 2023 from the Science Council Of the United Kingdom.
• This award specifically recognizes his significant contributions to “The Study of Memory Activities of the Cells in the Homo sapiens” and the collaborative work on the “Summarised Facts, Managements, and Treatment Pattern for COVID-19,” co-authored with Co.sci.Mathunila Vissagan.

Javed Akhtar, the esteemed lyricist-screenwriter, is set to receive the prestigious Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award at the renowned Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival. 

• According to a press release, Akhtar, the talented co-writer behind iconic Hindi films like "Zanjeer", "Deewaar", "Sholay", "Don", "Kaala Patthar", and "Mr India", will receive recognition for his remarkable contributions to the Indian film industry.
• The prestigious award ceremony will be held on January 3, 2024, at the Rukmini Auditorium in the beautiful MGM University campus of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar during the opening day of the festival's ninth edition.
• The esteemed panel for the Padmapani Award selection comprised of acclaimed filmmaker Girish Kasarvalli, renowned Hindi poet Ashok Vajpeyi, esteemed film critic Latika Padgaonkar, as well as filmmakers Ashok Rane and Chandrakant Kulkarni.

Recently, a private ceremony overlooking the Gateway of India in Mumbai, international actor Kabir Bedi was awarded the “Order of Merit of the Italian Republic” (Merito della Repubblica Italiana), the most senior Italian civilian award.

• After the formal ceremony, there was a special live musical performance by Niccolo Fabi which set off the celebrations perfectly.
• “This is a very emotional award for me,” Kabir said. “Being presented the Order of Merit, Italy’s highest honour, is the fulfillment of my life’s work in Italy. It’s even higher than Cavaliere (Knight), which they made me twelve years ago.”
• “It gives me great joy to see Prime Minister Meloni and Indian PM Modi complimenting each other on the internet with #Melodi. Now it’s time for the great film industries of Italy and India to produce world-class films together.”
• Kabir gave a heartwarming speech thanking Italy and the Italian people for their enduring love over the years. He thanked his wife, children, and grandchildren for their presence and the joy they bring into his life. 

Noted Hindi writer Pushpa Bharati’s 2016 memoir, Yaadein, Yaadein aur Yaadein, has been selected for the 33rd Vyas Samman, 2023, the KK Birla Foundation has said in an official statement.

Instituted in 1991, the award is given to an outstanding Hindi literary work by an Indian citizen published during the last 10 years. It carries a cash prize of Rs. 4 lakh, a citation and a plaque.

About the award

• Instituted in 1991, the award is given to an outstanding Hindi literary work by an Indian citizen published during the last 10 years. It carries a cash prize of ?4 lakh, a citation and a plaque. 
• In the memoir Yaadein, Yaadein aur Yaadein, Bharti gives the readers a glimpse into her cherished memories and life lessons through captivating anecdotes as she reflects on the joys, challenges, and transformative moments that shape a life.
• A recipient of several awards, Bharati is celebrated in the literary circles for her unique writing style and use of language.

Former President Shri Ramnath Kovind graced the launch of 'Naye Bharat ka Samaveda,' a seminal collection spotlighting Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's impactful speeches, delving deep into the core essence and values embedded in our nation's Constitution.

• The event was honoured by the presence of Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi, Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs, while chaired by Shri Rambahdur Rai, President of IGNCA.
• Among the distinguished attendees were Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary of IGNCA.
• Prabhat Kumar from Prabhat Publication was also present during the book launch.
• The prestigious event took place at the 'Samvet' auditorium situated within the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. This significant launch celebrated the fusion of India's constitutional heritage and contemporary resonance, encapsulating the essence of the nation's ethos.

The Defence Ministry on Friday said a successful flight trial of an indigenous high-speed flying-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was carried out in Karnataka's Chitradurga that propelled India into an elite club of nations to have the technology to produce such a platform.

• The autonomous flying wing technology demonstrator has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• The successful flying demonstration of this autonomous stealth UAV is a testimony to maturity in the technology readiness levels in the country, it said.
• This UAV is designed and developed by DRDO's Aeronautical Development Establishment.

Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) has received an order of Rs 4,522 Crore from the Indian Army for the supply of fuses for various calibres.

• This contract has been signed on Friday, by Maj Gen Gurpreet Singh Choudhry, SM, VSM [JS (Army & TA)/DMA] and BEL CMD Bhanu Prakash Srivastava in the presence of Additional Secretary (DMA) Vice Admiral Atul Anand (AVSM, VSM). Indigenisation of critical technologies was the key requirement of the tender.  
• This project will have the participation of Indian Electronics and associated Industries, including MSMEs which are sub-vendors of BEL. 
• The equipment manufactured by BEL are part of the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ programme.
• The company has also received additional orders worth Rs 356 Crores since the last disclosure on 6th December 2023 and the said orders pertain to other products like EW (Electronic Warfare) Testers, Medical Systems (Exports), Consumables and Batteries for Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Night Vision Devices Spares and Services. 
• With the above, BEL has cumulatively received orders worth Rs.2,3176 Crores (excl. taxes) in the current financial year 2023-24.

The Defence Ministry has accepted a Rs 2,800 crore request for the purchase of about 6,400 rockets for Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher systems, which is a significant boost for the Indian Army.

• According to sources, the procurement of two variants of these rockets, called Area Denial Munition Type 2 and Type-3, was approved at a recent meeting of the Defence Procurement Council of the Ministry of Defence.
• The Indian Army would only purchase the rockets from domestic suppliers; the two primary bidders are the Economic Explosives Limited of Solar Industries and Munitions India Limited, one of the ammunition-producing businesses established through the corporatization of the former Ordnance Factories.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation of India is responsible for the development of the Pinaka weapon system, which is named after the Hindu god Shiva’s bow.

The Ministry of Defence has cleared a proposal to purchase 70,000 more semi-automatic assault rifles from US-based Sig Sauer for Indian Army which is already using them from 2019 onwards. The repeat order for acquisition of Sig Sauer is valued at Rs. 800 crore, said defence sources.

• The decision was taken at a high-level meeting of Ministry of Defence held recently to arm soldiers deployed in counter-insurgency duties and at borders with long range Sig Sauer rifles. 
• In May last year, there were reports, however, that India had cancelled the order for purchase same weapons from the US due to operations reasons. Later, the government went ahead with the deal due to its high calibre and longer range, said defence sources.
• The armed forces have recently acquired Russian AK-103 in significant numbers besides its expected deliveries of the AK-203 which are being manufactured at a Amethi faced after the two countries inked a joint venture.

As a part of on-going long-range deployment to Africa, Indian Naval Ship Sumedha arrived at Port Lamu, Kenya on 09 December 2023. The visit marks the maiden port call by any Indian Naval Ship at the recently developed Port in Kenya.

• During the port call, personnel from both navies will engage in a wide range of professional interactions, deck visits and sporting exchanges, aimed at enhancing cooperation and exchanging best practices.
• A joint Yoga session, deck reception, medical camp and a Maritime Partnership Exercise have been planned as part of the visit.
• INS Sumedha is the third of indigenously developed Saryu-class of Indian Navy. Commissioned on 07 March 2014, the ship is deployed for multiple roles independently and in support of fleet operations.
• The ship is equipped with an array of weapons and sensors and can carry multi-role helicopters. She is part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam and functions under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.
• Indian Naval ships are regularly deployed overseas as part of Indian Navy’s mission of building ‘bridges of friendship’ and strengthening international cooperation with friendly countries. The visit is in consonance with the Prime Minister’s vision of Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and seeks to further Indo-African ties.

The Indian Navy, along with other defence state and civil agencies completed a two-phased exercise ‘Prasthan’ in the Offshore Development Area, off the Mumbai coast, officials said .

• The exercise, which is conducted every six months, was held on the R12A (Ratna) Platform of Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) around 83 km away from Mumbai harbour.
• The ‘Prasthan’ is conducted to validate measures and procedures to address various contingencies that may arise in the oil production platforms and was held in two phases on Friday.
• The first phase saw security emergencies such as attack by terrorists and bomb threat from IEDs, and upon receiving the ‘threat’, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, Mumbai, who is also the Commander-in-Chief (Coastal Defence), West activated the requisite contingency plan.
• The Crisis Management Committee (CMC), comprising senior officials from various defence, State and civilian agencies, assembled at the Indian Navy’s Operation Centre to facilitate a coordinated response to all emergencies involved.

The Indian Armed Forces contingent comprising 45 personnel reached Hanoi, Vietnam to take part in the fourth edition of Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023. The exercise will be conducted at Hanoi, Vietnam from 11th to 21st December 2023. The Indian contingent comprises 39 personnel from an Engineer Regiment of Bengal Engineer Group and six personnel of Army Medical Corps. The Vietnam People’s Army contingent will also be represented by 45 personnel.

Exercise VINBAX was instituted in 2018 and the first edition was conducted at Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. It is an annual training event conducted alternatively in India and Vietnam. Last edition was conducted at Chandimandir Military Station in August 2022.

• Aim of the exercise is to foster collaborative partnership, promote inter- operability and share best practices between the two sides under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter on Peace Keeping Operations.
• The exercise will be conducted as a Command Post Exercise cum Field Training Exercise with focus on deployment and employment of an Engineer Company and a Medical Team.
• The joint exercise will encourage exchange of ideas and both contingents will jointly rehearse tactics, technique and procedures. Ideas will be exchanged on modern methods to construct roads, culverts, helipads, ammunition shelter and observation posts in operational areas. In addition, rehearsals will be carried out for drills related to combat engineering and combat medical tasks.

On December 13, the Parliament passed the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023 bill to establish a central tribal university in Telangana. The bill was passed by Rajya Sabha through a voice vote after it was cleared by Lok Sabha.

• The university will be built at a cost of Rs. 900 crore. The university is expected to be set up in Mulugu and is named after tribal goddesses Sammakka and Sarakka. 
• As per the state and objects of the Central Universities (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the Sammakka Sarakka Central Tribal University aims to fulfil regional aspirations by enhancing access and quality of higher education in Telangana.
• The new university is expected to promote higher education and research along with tribal art, culture, customs and technological advancements for the tribal population of India. 

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Madras has developed a technology called ‘AMRIT’ (Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology) for the removal of Arsenic and Metal ions from water.

• The technology uses nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide, which selectively removes arsenic when water is passed through it.
• This water purifier has been developed for both domestic as well as community levels. Also, the technology has been recommended by the erstwhile ‘Standing Committee’ of the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation for the examination of the best technologies concerning water and sanitation.
• According to the operational guidelines for the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission, a short-term measure has to be provided in habitations affected by water quality, including Arsenic, on priority until the piped water supply schemes based on alternative safe water sources are implemented.

The UK has been witnessing a steady increase in the number of norovirus in recent weeks. According to the BBC, nearly 1,500 people were confirmed to have the virus till the beginning of this month.

The number is 60 per cent higher than the cases reported around the same time last year. The Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland told the outlet that the virus increases the risk of staff sickness and absences, stretching resources at hospitals. Commonly known as the "winter vomiting bug", it also causes diarrhoea.

Health experts are worried about the number of people with norovirus and other winter illnesses ahead of Christmas. 

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. According to Cleveland Clinic, the symptoms may be similar to the stomach flu, but they have a different cause. Norovirus spreads easily if a person comes in contact with someone who is has already been diagnosed with the virus. There isn't a vaccine for norovirus.

The army celebrated the 52nd Vijay Diwas across northeastern states in which wreath laying ceremonies and various other events were organised at the war memorials in Agartala, Shillong, Imphal, Aizawl and other places.

• The Bangladesh Assistant High Commissions in Guwahati and Agartala also organised discussions, cultural programmes and a get-together on the occasion.
• In Aizawl, to commemorate the anniversary of the victory in the 1971 war, Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati unfurled the national flag on a 70-feet pole at the Assam Rifles state headquarters.
• The national flag atop 70-feet high mast is the first of its kind to have been installed in Mizoram.
• On this occasion, Mizoram witnessed incomparable participation of soldiers during the 1971 war where the fearless Mizos showed impeccable valour, an official statement said.
• The ceremony also aims to spread a feeling of nationalism and patriotism.

Every year on December 14, India observes National Energy Conservation Day to commemorate the country's achievements in energy efficiency and conservation.

It provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, organisations, institutions, and governments to consider their roles in contributing to energy conservation by implementing various energy-efficient practices.

History of National Energy Conservation Day

The National Energy Conservation prizes were established in 1991 by the Ministry of Power, Government of India, to recognise enterprises and establishments for their achievements in lowering energy use while maintaining production through prizes. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) organises the event every year. The first awards ceremony was held on December 14, 1991, to commemorate the designation of this day as Energy Conservation Day. Every year, these honours are presented by notable individuals at a special event held on the same date.

Eeach year, December 11 is marked as UNICEF Day to celebrate the founding of one of the world's largest aid organisations. In the last 76 years since its foundation, UNICEF has established its presence in 192 countries and territories around the world.

• It is considered to be one of the most recognizable charities in the world, with several celebrity ambassadors and a staff of over 13,000 people.
• UNICEF was first formed as the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund on December 11, 1946, to meet the needs of children affected by World War II. By the 1950s, UNICEF expanded its mandate and began addressing “the long-term needs of children and women in developing countries everywhere.”
• Theme: This year, the theme for UNICEF Day is “For every child, every right."

International Mountain Day is celebrated on December 11, 2023, it's a perfect occasion to take a virtual tour around some of the Earth's towering giants.

• Mountains not only shape the physical landscape, but also hold cultural, ecological, and spiritual significance.
• International Mountain Day 2023, with the theme "Restoring Mountain Ecosystems," aims to raise awareness about the importance of these ecosystems.
• It calls for nature-based solutions, best practices, and investments that can enhance resilience, reduce vulnerability, and enable mountains to adapt to daily threats and extreme climate events.

The 75th anniversary of Human Rights Day falls on December 10th, 2023, marking a momentous occasion to celebrate the progress made in human rights and reaffirm our commitment to these fundamental principles.

• This year's theme, "Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All," underscores the interconnectedness of these pillars and the importance of achieving them for everyone. 
• Every year on December 10th, the world observes Human Rights Day, commemorating the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948.
• This landmark document outlines the fundamental rights and freedoms that all human beings are entitled to, regardless of their race, religion, gender, nationality, or any other status.
• This year marks the 75th anniversary of the UDHR, making Human Rights Day 2023 a particularly significant milestone.

India’s exports declined by 2.83 per cent to USD 33.90 billion in November this year compared to USD 34.89 billion a year ago, government data released .

• Imports also declined to USD 54.48 billion in the month under consideration, as against USD 56.95 billion recorded in November 2022. 
• The country’s trade deficit in November stood at USD 20.58 billion. 
• During the April-November period of this fiscal year, exports contracted by 6.51 per cent to USD 278.8 billion.

A total of Rs 9,790 crore worth of loans have been disbursed so far to beneficiaries of the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) scheme, the government said in the Rajya Sabha on Monday(11-12-2023)

The scheme was launched during the COVID-19 outbreak as a micro-credit scheme for urban street vendors that aims to provide collateral-free working capital loans up to Rs 50,000.

“This scheme is available pan-India in all urban local bodies,” Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said while replying to a supplementary question.

All street vendors in urban areas are eligible for benefits under the PM SVANidhi Scheme, irrespective of the date on which they started vending.

The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has launched the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme.This national forest certification scheme offers voluntary third-party certification designed to promote sustainable forest management and agroforestry in the country.

• The scheme includes forest management certification, tree outside forest management certification, and chain of custody certification.
• The Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme can provide market incentives to various entities that adhere to responsible forest management and agroforestry practices in their operations.
• This includes state forest departments, individual farmers, or Farmer Producer Organizations engaged in agroforestry and farm forestry, as well as other wood-based industries in the value chain.
• Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal will act as the scheme operating agency and will be responsible for overall management of the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme.

Tata Steel has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Imperial College London to set up a Centre for Innovation in Sustainable Design and Manufacturing in London.

The centre will enable the acceleration of technology development and deployment in strategic areas, attract talent and strengthen the industry-academia collaborative eco-system.

To pursue this goal, Tata Steel will invest £10 million (Rs.104 crore) over four years in this centre. 

Affordable housing finance firm Sitara, which is owned by Sewa Grih Rin, has secured Rs 120 crore in debt finance from UK's development finance institution British International Investment (BII).

• The firm will utilise the funds to grow its loan book and expand operations to new locations, the firm said in a media statement on December 14. 
• "Sitara will continue supporting women in realising their dream of homeownership through providing access to finance for home construction and home improvements," the statement said.  
• Founded in 2015, Sitara is a housing finance company registered with the National Housing Bank and regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.

• Tata Power EV Charging Solutions Limited has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to install more than 500 fast and ultra-fast electric vehicle (EV) charging points across India.
• These EV charging points will be installed in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Pune, and Kochi, as well as across major highways such as the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Salem-Kochi Highway, Guntur-Chennai Highway and the Golden Quadrilateral, the statement read.
• The primary focus of this collaboration is to build a reliable and expansive intercity charging network. This network aims to alleviate range anxiety for EV owners traveling between cities, ensuring a seamless charging experience.

The National Asset Reconstruction Company (NARCL) announced the successful acquisition of two SREI companies SREI Equipment Finance and SREI Infrastructure Finance under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

• This strategic move sets the stage for the resolution of a significant financial debt amounting to Rs 32,700 crore, NARCL said.
• The consolidated resolution plan, as part of the IBC process, promises approximately 50 percent upfront recovery for the lending consortium, with the potential for substantial upside beyond the committed payment in the resolution plan, a statement said. 
• N Sundar, MD & CEO of NARCL, expressed his delight at emerging as the successful resolution applicant, terming it one of the largest time-bound resolutions in recent years. 
• He outlined NARCL's commitment to reviving SREI's equipment lending business and working collaboratively with stakeholders to derive optimum value for both entities.

India's industrial production growth increased to a 16-month high of 11.7 per cent in October, mainly due to good show by manufacturing, mining and electricity sectors, according to the official data released.

• "India's IIP growth rate rises to a 16-month high of 11.7 per cent in October 2023," an official statement said.
• Factory output measured in terms of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) had contracted by 4.1 per cent in October 2022. 
• The data released by the National Statistical Office (NSO) showed that the manufacturing sector's output grew by 10.4 per cent in October 2023.
• Mining production rose 13.1 per cent during the month under review.

The Ministry of Textiles is set to host the nation's largest-ever 'One Bharat Sari Walkathon' in Mumbai, the financial capital of India, on Sunday, December 10th, 2023.

• The event aims to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of handloom saris, foster unity in diversity, and promote the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative, emphasizing the importance of traditional textiles.
• More than 5000 women, including professionals, Bollywood and television personalities, sports figures, businesswomen, designers, influencers, housewives, and representatives from the music industry, will grace the occasion adorned in their distinctive traditional attire.
• The 'One Bharat Sari Walkathon' is a testament to India's cultural diversity and empowerment, echoing the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' - One India, the Best India.

Iran has announced it was lifting visa requirements for citizens of 33 countries, including India and the Gulf States, fostering openness and engagement.

• The move, aimed at showcasing Iran's commitment to global interaction, brings the total number of nations exempt from visa requirements to 45.
• The decision is aimed at boosting tourism arrivals and attracting more visitors from countries around the world, said Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Ezzatollah Zarghami, reported Iran's IRNA news agency.
• “The unilateral cancellation of visas, in line with priorities set by the ministry, was ratified today in the government session,” Zarghami said.

India and the United States co-chaired the US-India Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Dialogue, and agreed to improve cooperation and information sharing.

• The Dialogue took place on Wednesday here in the national capital.
• It was co-chaired by US Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson and India’s Revenue Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Sanjay Malhotra. 
• The joint statement stated that the India-US AML/CFT Dialogue is an effective forum for both countries to share perspectives and best practises on how to strengthen the collective efforts of both countries to address illicit finance risk across our countries and the international financial systems.

Poland’s parliament has elected centrist party leader Donald Tusk as prime minister, paving the way for a new pro-EU government after eight years of national conservative rule.

• Tusk was elected prime minister nearly two months after a national election that was won by a coalition of parties ranging from left-wing to moderate conservative.
• The parties ran on separate tickets but promised to work together under Tusk’s leadership to restore democratic standards and improve ties with allies.
• The vote  was 248-201 in support of Tusk in the 460-seat lower house of parliament.

Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has reappointed Geraldo Martins as prime minister after dissolving his government last week, he said in a statement .

• Martins was first appointed PM in August after serving as finance minister in a previous government. He is a member of the former ruling PAIGC party which now leads an opposition coalition.
• The opposition coalition won a majority in legislative elections in June, but Embalo dissolved the parliament last week, accusing it of "passivity" in response to what he said was an attempted coup.
• A date for new elections has yet to be announced. Coups and unrest have been commonplace in Guinea-Bissau since it gained independence from Portugal in 1974.
• Under the current political system, the majority party or coalition appoints the government but the president has the power to dismiss it in certain circumstances, often leading to political deadlock.

India's exports to Oman could soon get duty concessions with the two sides having begun talks for a free trade agreement.

• Mineral fuels, inorganic chemicals, compounds of precious metals and iron and steel are India's top exports to Oman while oil, fertilisers and plastics are the top imports.
• Officials said that the negotiations will be fast tracked and the pact could be on similar lines as the one with the UAE. India's exports to Oman in April-September FY24 were $2 billion and imports were $2.1 billion.
• India could also push for fast tracking the approval for Indian pharma products that are already registered by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), UK drug regulator MHRA and European Medicines Agency, similar to a provision in its trade pact with the UAE.
• Both Oman and the UAE are part of the Gulf Cooperation Council with which India aims to ink a trade pact. Besides duty concessions, the commerce and industry ministry is also analysing non-tariff barriers and product-specific rules as part of the India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) negotiations.

Iran has unveiled advanced Karrar combat drones armed with air-to-air missiles, enhancing its air defence capabilities, according to state media.

Argentina's libertarian economist Javier Milei took office and warned in his maiden speech that he had no alternative to a sharp, painful fiscal shock to fix the country's worst economic crisis in decades, with inflation heading towards 200 per cent.

Milei, 53, a former TV pundit who shot to fame with expletive-ridden tirades against rivals, China, and the pope, is taking over from Peronist leader Alberto Fernandez, whose government was dogged by failures to rein in soaring prices.

Javier Milei warned there was no alternative to a fiscal "shock" in his maiden speech after being sworn into office on Sunday, saying his predecessors had left the country without funds and on a path to hyperinflation.

The United Nations mission in Mali has officially ended a 10-year deployment in the country, its spokesperson said, in a pullout ordered by Mali’s military government.

• The mission, known as the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), lowered the UN flag in its headquarters in the capital Bamako, its spokesperson Fatoumata Kaba told the AFP news agency on 11-12-2023.
• The symbolic ceremony marks the official end of the mission, she said, even though some of the elements of it are still there.
• A “liquidation phase” will take place after January 1, involving activities such as handing over any remaining equipment to the authorities.

The total enrolment under Atal Pension Yojana (APY) scheme has crossed 6 crore-mark, with enrolment of over 79 lakh in the current financial year.

• APY is a guaranteed pension scheme for Indians that focuses primarily on those working in the unorganised sector. 
• APY can be subscribed by any Indian citizen in the age group of 18-40 years having a bank account. Under this, an investor receives a minimum guaranteed pension of Rs. 1,000 to ?5,000 per month from the age of 60 years, depending upon his/her contribution.
• The same pension would be paid to the spouse of the subscriber after the demise of the subscriber and on the demise of both the subscriber and spouse, the pension wealth as accumulated till age 60 of the subscriber would be returned to the nominee.

State-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has become the fourth largest insurer in the world, ahead of US-based MetLife and Prudential Financial Inc.

• The LIC is only behind Germany's Allianz SE, China's China Life Insurance (CLI), and Japan's Nippon Life Insurance, according to a new ranking by capital market company S&P Global. 
• The state-run insurer, which got listed in May 2022, has $503.07 billion in reserves, while Allianz has $750.20 billion, CLI has $616.90 billion, and Nippon has $536.80. Allianz SE, CLI, and Nippon Life Insurance Co are the three largest life insurance companies in the world, according to the ranking.
• S&P Global recently came out with a list of the world's 50 largest life insurers. In the list, Asia accounts for 17 spots on the list of top global life insurers, making it the region with the second-highest number.
• China and Japan share the top spot in Asia with five companies headquartered there. Mumbai-headquartered LIC ranked at the fourth position in the ranking published on November 29.

Acclaimed Bengali singer Anup Ghoshal died on Friday, December 15, in Kolkata after suffering from age-related ailments, his family said. He was 77. 

• Ghoshal was popular for having sung the classic Bollywood song 'Tujhse Naraz Nahi Zindagi' from the 1983 release, Masoom.
• He was also known for having crooned several numbers in Satyajit Ray's musicals.
• According to reports, Anup Ghoshal had been hospitalised in a South Kolkata hospital due to age-related illness, and died due to multi-organ failure.

The Centre has appointed Parama Sen, Additional Secretary, Department of Expenditure in the Finance Ministry, as a part-time member in Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

All three part-time member posts in PFRDA board are now filled. 

Sen, a 1994 batch Indian Audit and Accounts Services (IAAS) officer, replaces Anne George Mathew, Additional Secretary in Finance Ministry, who demitted office this year.

PFRDA has a chairman besides three whole-time members and three part-time members. The post of Member (Law), which fell vacant in May last year, remains to be filled.

Renowned Chinese doctor and activist Gao Yaojie who exposed the AIDS virus epidemic in rural China in the 1990s died Sunday at the age of 95 at her home in the United States.

• Gao's outspokenness about the virus outbreak — which some gauged to have infected tens of thousands — embarrassed the Chinese government and drove her to live in self-exile for over a decade in Manhattan, New York.
• Columbia University professor Andrew J. Nathan, an expert in Chinese politics who had Gao's legal power of attorney and managed some of her affairs, confirmed her death.
• Gao became China’s most well-known AIDS activist after speaking out against blood-selling schemes that infected thousands with HIV, mainly in her home province of Henan in central China. Her contributions were ultimately acknowledged to a certain extent by the Chinese government, which was forced to grapple with the AIDS crisis well into the 2000s.
• Gao’s work received recognition from international organizations and officials. She moved to the U.S. in 2009, where she began holding talks and writing books about her experiences.

In recent news, Dr. Atul Shah, a renowned plastic surgeon in India, has received the prestigious "Game-Changing Innovator" award at the United Nations COP-28 Climate Conference.

• This recognition highlights his groundbreaking contribution to leprosy care, a disease that continues to affect millions globally.
• This blog aims to shed light on Dr. Shah's innovation, its impact, and its significance in the fight against leprosy.
• Dr. Shah developed a simple yet revolutionary surgical technique to address deformities caused by leprosy.
• This technique, known as "release and advancement," utilizes readily available materials and requires minimal equipment, making it accessible even in resource-limited settings.

Veteran Kannada actress Leelavathi passed away at a private hospital at Nelamangala, near Bengaluru, on Friday after a prolonged illness. She was 86. She was admitted to the hospital following respiratory complications. She is survived by her son, Vinod Raj, who is also an actor.

• Having acted in over 600 films, Leelavathi was also a part of several noted Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu projects. Following her stint in theatre, Leelavathi made her film debut in Bhakta Prahlada (1958). Her debut as a heroine in Kannada was Mangalya Yoga (1958).
• Ranadheera Kanteerava, a historical with Dr. Rajkumar in the lead role, was Leelavathi’s first noteworthy performance. She then forged a great on-screen chemistry with the Kannada thespian, acting in blockbusters such as Gaali Gopura, Kulavadhu, Veera Kesari, Bhagya Devathe and so on with him.
• Leelavathi was a recipient of Dr. Rajkumar Lifetime Achievement Award (in 2000) from the Karnataka government.

Joe Solomon, the former West Indies and Guyana batter, died on Friday at the age of 93.

• Solomon played 27 Tests for West Indies between 1958 and 1965, scoring 1326 runs at an average of 34.
• Though he was a late starter in first-class cricket, debuting at 26, he proved his credentials quickly, as his first three innings in first-class cricket were centuries: 114 not out against Jamaica, 108 against Barbados, and 121 against the touring Pakistanis.
• From there, he was drafted straight into the West Indies squad to tour India; in his fourth Test, he scored an unbeaten 100 in Delhi, and averaged 117 in the series.

Time magazine named Swift its person of the year, a week after Spotify announced she was the most-played artist on the streaming platform.

• Swift was picked from a group of nine finalists that included Barbie, King Charles III, and OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman, among others. 
• Her year included the wildly popular Eras Tour and concert movie, the release of her reimagined ‘1989’ album, and her closely watched relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. She’s even the subject of college courses.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was Time’s 2022 person of the year.

About Taylor Swift

Taylor Alison Swift is an American singer-songwriter. She has been recognized for her songwriting, musical versatility, artistic reinventions, and influence on popular culture and the music industry. Swift began professional songwriting at age 14 and signed with Big Machine Records in 2005 to become a country singer.

Aviation regulator DGCA issued the aerodrome license for the upcoming Ayodhya airport. The airport has been developed at a cost of around Rs 350 crore by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

• On Thursday, AAI said the airport has been granted an aerodrome license in public use category for all weather conditions.
• The Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport at Ayodhya has an extended runway suitable for A-321/B-737 type aircraft operations.
• AAI Chairman Sanjeev Kumar received the license from DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) chief Vikram Dev Dutt.
• On Wednesday, IndiGo said it will operate the inaugural flight from the national capital to Ayodhya airport on December 30 and the commercial services will commence from January 6.

Indian Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled the video of India’s first bullet train terminal built at Sabarmati Multimodal transport hub in Ahmedabad. The video, as shared by Ashwini Vaishnaw, showed a glimpse of modern-day architecture clubbed with cultural heritage. 

• Equipped with state-of-the-art and modern features, the terminal is set to serve passengers of India's inaugural bullet train, scheduled to operate between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. 
• The train project is being executed with technical and financial assistance of Government of Japan. The project is expected to connect the two big cities in about 2.07 hours with a maximum design speed of 350 km per hour.
• The project includes a doubeline of the length of 508 KMs with tunnel and underseas. The Government anticipated that the project would cost around Rs 1,08,000 Crore with 81% of the project cost to be taken by Japanese soft loan at 0.1% per annum with repayment period of 50-years including grace period of 15 years.
• The project was launched in 2017 after commencement function by Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe, the former PM of Japan.  

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has entered into a significant agreement with M/s. DC Multi Modal Park (Nagpur) Limited, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) of M/S. DeltaBulk Shipping India Pvt. Ltd., for the development of a Multi Modal Logistics Park (MMLP) in Nagpur.

• This project, estimated at Rs.673 crore, will be developed over 150 acres under the Public Private Partnership model, marking a pivotal milestone in the country’s development and aligning with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
• The MMLP, to be developed in three phases, is poised to become the first in Maharashtra under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. Phase-I, with an investment of Rs. 137 crore, is anticipated to be completed within two years.
• This initiative aligns with the country’s vision for infrastructural growth and will boost industrial zones in the catchment region, including Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, and Gondiya.

The Diamond City of India, Surat, has become the first in India to get a road that is made out of steel waste.

• Built by Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel India with CSIR India (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) & CRRI (Central Road Research Institute) along with the government think tank NITI Aayog, the steel slag road is a stellar example of sustainable development.
• Often considered as a waste material, steel slag has been a problem area for the steel industry.
• Laid in the Hazira Industrial Area, the road consists of 100% processed steel slag. The 6-lane 1-kilometre long road is an experimental project that may solve the waste material issue. Slag is a by-product of smelting ores and used metals.
• The disposal of metallurgical and metal-processing waste in landfills is particularly hazardous for the environment. Processed steel slag aggregate exhibits great potential as a replacement for natural construction material.

Barracuda India's fastest solar-electric boat, was launched on Wednesday(13 December 2023) at the yard of Navalt Solar and Electric Boats, located off Aroor in Alappuzha.

• Named after the swift, long fish, Barracuda was designed by Navalt and can be deployed even in the rough seas as a workboat to ferry up to 12 passengers and cargo.
• The 14-metre-long, 4.4-metre-wide vessel can attain a top speed of 12.5 knots (23 kmph) and has a range of seven hours on a single charge.
• It has twin 50 kW electric motors, a marine-grade LFP battery, and 6 kW solar power, epitomising efficient and clean energy usage, says a release issued by Navalt.

China and Egypt have successfully launched a satellite that was jointly developed and assembled by the two countries, marking a new milestone in their space cooperation.

• The satellite, named MisrSat-2, was sent into orbit from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, using the Long March-2C carrier rocket.
• It is the first Egyptian-made satellite, as it was assembled inside Egypt with Chinese support at a testing center funded by China in Cairo.
• The satellite project, which cost $72 million, was signed in 2019 between the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) and the China National Space Administration.
• It involved the collaboration of Chinese and Egyptian scientists and engineers in the design, assembly and testing of the satellite. Egypt became the first African country to have satellite assembly and testing capabilities with this project.

Armless archer Sheetal Devi continued her stunning form as she won a gold medal in the Open category of compound section at the inaugural Khelo India Para Games.

• Sheetal’s score of 141 was just enough to ward off a serious challenge from Uttar Pradesh’s Jyoti Baliyan, who won the silver with 138, at the JLN Stadium here.
• Sheetal, who won two medals, including a gold, at her maiden Asian Para Games in Hangzhou recently, did not have it easy.
• She had to dig deep into her skills and mental strength to pip Jyoti in a thrilling finish.
• Sarita from Haryana won bronze with a score of 137.
• KIPG 2023 will take place across three venues in New Delhi from December 10 to 17. The Games will bring together approximately 1,400 athletes.

India’s Antim Panghal was named the women’s Rising Star of the Year 2023 by United World Wrestling (UWW), the world governing body of the sport.

• The 19-year-old Indian wrestler, who competes in the 53kg weight category, has enjoyed a stellar season, overshadowing her senior counterpart Vinesh Phogat, who wrestles in the same category. 
• Antim Panghal started her season with a silver medal at the Asian Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. In the final, she lost to Japan’s Akari Fujinami, who is yet to lose a senior bout in her career.
• Antim is also the reigning U20 world champion, having successfully defended her title in Amman, Jordan this August. The wrestler from Haryana is the only two-time junior world champion from India.

The nail-biting final clashes of men's and women's teams of the 73rd National Basketball Championship 2023 took place at Guru Nanak Dev Indoor Stadium . 

With the courtesy of palpable efforts, Tamil Nadu became the tournament's champions in the men's category. They defeated Railways with a final scoreline of 72-67. Talented player Baladhaneswar kept everyone on the edge of their seats and played a pivotal role in Tamil Nadu's success. 

Baladhaneswar was the top-scorer with 17 points and also had the support of teammates Pranav Prince (11), Jeevanathan (11), and Aravind Kumar (10). The trio played a crucial role in Tamil Nadu's success against the Railways. Baladhaneswar was recognized as the 'Most Valuable Player' in the men's category.

As far as the women's final is concerned, Railway women were able to retain their National Basketball Championship title successfully.

The team gave a tough time to Kerala women with a notable and dominant 80-50 victory. Poonam Chaturvedi was the main force behind the team's success. She topped the points charts with an impressive tally of 23. Pushpa Senthilkumar, Gulabsha Ali, and Sruthi Aravind formed a cohesion with scores of 15, 11, and 10 respectively.

It is pertinent to mention that Poonam was named the 'Most Valuable Player' of the match in the women's category for her efforts.

Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Singh Thakur will inaugurate the Khelo India Para Games 2023 in New Delhi .

• More than 1400 players from 32 states and Union Territories and Services Sports Board are participating in these Games between December 10 and 17 at three venues in New Delhi.
• The opening ceremony will  be held at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall located at Indira Gandhi Sports Complex . The Delhi Police band will showcase a grand performance during the ceremony, followed by a peppy ensemble by dance artists of 'We Are One' group who will perform on 'Mitti Mein Mil Jawa' and 'Vande Mataram.'
• The Games anthem track will set the ball rolling at the opening ceremony while an LED dance performance on the theme ‘Evolution of Para Games’ is set to entice the audience. There will also be a special performance put together by SAI officials for the opening ceremony.
• The cultural program will conclude with the performance of ‘United by Sports’ and there will also be a special message from the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for all the participants.

Mohan Yadav, the former higher education minister and three time Ujjain MLA, was sworn in as Madhya Pradesh’s 19th Chief Minister, marking the end of the Shivraj Singh Chouhan era in the state. 

• After the sworn in ceremony, Yadav headed to Ujjain’s Mahakal Lok temple and rushed back to Bhopal to preside over his first Cabinet meeting.
• Hours after assuming charge, Yadav issued an order to ban loudspeakers/DJs at religious gatherings and public places at a volume exceeding the prescribed limits.
• The government has said that loudspeakers/DJ, etc. can be used only as per the prescribed norms at any type of religious place or in public places. The state government has also decided to form flying squads in all the districts to check noise pollution and illegal use of loudspeakers.

The 29th Kolkata International Film Festival, the biggest edition yet in terms of the number of venues (23), came to a close on Tuesday( 12, 12 ,2023) with a large crowd queuing up at Nandan to see the festival’s best films in competition minutes after they were announced at a ceremony at neighbouring Rabindra Sadan.

• Nandan I screened Children of Nobody, an Israeli film on the challenges faced by inmates of a shelter for at-risk youths that corrupt property developers are after.
• It was adjudged the best film in the international competition in innovation in moving images, with a cash prize of Rs 51 lakh.
• Nandan II showed Gorai Phakhri (Wild Swans), a Bodo film directed by Rajni Basumatary and produced by Jani Viswanath, on the travails of women in a patriarchal society recovering from decades of armed conflict between the state and separatists.
• The youngest awardee at the ceremony was possibly Kamil Saif, a fourth-semester student of the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute. Receiving his award from actors Dhritiman Chatterjee and Chapal Bhaduri for his short film Last Rehearsal, he said this was his first festival selection and first win.

BJP on Tuesday(12 -12 -2023) selected first-time MLA from Jaipur district’s Sanganer seat, Bhajan Lal Sharma, as the next Chief Minister of Rajasthan, ending days of speculation after the party’s victory in the recent State Assembly election.

• Mr. Sharma’s name was announced at a meeting of the BJP legislature party here in the presence of central observer and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
• Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, who was herself considered to be in the reckoning for the top post, proposed Mr. Sharma’s name, which was seconded by Sawai Madhopur MLA Kirodi Lal Meena and a few other senior leaders.
• Two other central observers, Rajya Sabha Member Saroj Pandey and BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde, were also in attendance.

UP team to attend World Economic Forum in Davos. The team will underline changes that have taken place in terms of economic and industrial development in the state in the past six and a half years. 

• A delegation of the UP government will travel to Davos, Switzerland, to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting there from January 15 to 19.
• It will brief delegates about efforts being made to make Uttar Pradesh a trillion-dollar economy and develop metropolitan towns as hubs of different sectors that include efforts to develop Lucknow as India’s first AI city, stated a press release. 
• The team comprises minister for industrial development Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’, minister for finance Suresh Kumar Khanna, infrastructure and industrial commissioner Manoj Kumar Singh and secretary to chief minister Amit Singh.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) finally announced the name of the chief minister-elect in Madhya Pradesh after the BJP observers met the newly elected BJP MLAs in the state.

• Mohan Yadav, who is an MLA from Ujjain South, is the Madhya Pradesh chief minister-elect. He was a minister in the Shivraj Singh Chouhan cabinet.
• Mohan Yadav's name comes as a surprise as the front runners for the top post were four-time MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Prahlad Patel, newly-elected Dimani MLA Narendra Tomar, Indore heavyweight Kailash Vijayvargiya, state unit chief VD Sharma and Union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retained power in Madhya Pradesh following the November 17 polls, winning 163 seats in the 230-member assembly, leaving the Congress a distant second with 66 seats. Stay with LiveMint for Madhya Pradesh CM announcement updates:

Vishnu Deo Sai was picked by the BJP central leadership on Sunday(10 December) as the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh.

• The announcement of Vishnu Deo Sai as Chhattisgarh Chief Minister came after a key meeting of the BJP’s newly-elected 54 MLAs in the state was held in Raipur. 
• After he was chosen as Chhattisgarh CM, Vishnu Seo Dai said he will fulfil the promises made by the BJP to the people of the state under "Modi ki guarantee".
• The Chhattisgarh government's first order of business will be to sanction 18 lakh houses to beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, he added.
• The BJP's poll manifesto released ahead of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections was titled 'Modi ki Guarantee 2023'.

India is set to host the Annual GPAI Summit from December 12-14, 2023. The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) aims to bridge the gap between AI theory and practice through research and applied activities.

• The summit will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. The event will bring together senior government delegations, multi-stakeholder experts, and global AI innovators. 
• As part of the summit, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) will organize the AI Gamechangers Award, recognizing and awarding innovative AI solutions in diverse fields.
• The AI Gamechangers Award is a prestigious event highlighting AI entrepreneurs and innovators. The call for applications, spanning from September 12th to November 15th, 2023, witnessed an overwhelming response from startups.
• A Review Committee, comprising government, civil society, academia, and industry members, selected the top 10 startups after evaluating their innovative solutions. These startups showcased advancements in safe and secure AI development across various sectors.

Invest India, the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India, and the current President of the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), under the aegis of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is set to host the 27th World Investment Conference (WIC) from December 11-14, 2023, at the India International Convention & Expo Centre - Yashobhoomi, New Delhi.

• This year’s conference is themed "Empowering Investors: IPAs Pioneering Future Growth".
• Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal on the main day of the conference on December 13, 2023, will deliver the keynote address on the Role of Trade and Investment in the Decade of Action. The Minister will also chair a closed-room roundtable of Private Equity.
• Shri Goyal will also launch the Experience India Centre (EIC), showcasing the best of India’s offerings across services, technology, and products through a variety of technologies, including virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive touch screens, and projection mapping.
• EIC will provide delegates and participants from around the world an opportunity to engage and interact with some of India’s leading startups, and learn about India's rich products, services and tourism offerings, experience its vibrant culture through an immersive experience like Touch/Feel, Taste, Smell, Vision, Sound, and other self-exploratory means.
• WIC, an annual flagship event of WAIPA, serves as a platform for global investment promotion and innovation stakeholders. This year, the conference brings together Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), international organisations, academia, and the private sector, including startups, to discuss investment policies and trends, providing a unique opportunity for collaboration, trade, investments and knowledge sharing.

Reliance Industries has tied up with DBS Bank India to set up a financing program for farmers and aggregators for the management of crop residue that will be used to produce compressed biogas (CBG).

• The conglomerate, which is aggresively pursuing opportunities in non-fossil fuels, is also working on the generation of CBG touted as an alternative to CNG and other fossil fuels. Farmers usually burn agriculture residue since they don’t have the means, the infrastructure and the logistics required to process them.
• DBS has been roped in as the finance partner for this.
• “Though the technology for CBG has evolved, commercialisation requires new infrastructure and value chain engagement involving farmers across the States,” a statement by DBS said.
• RIL has already started on a massive program to set up biogas facilities across the country starting with Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh.
• This plant is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 40,000 tonnes annually. The plan is to set up about 100 CBG plants across the country over the next five years. This would help in consuming more than 5.5 million tons of agricultural residue and organic waste, leading to 2 million tons reduction in carbon emissions annually.

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), which implements the government’s flagship Namami Gange programme, has launched the Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA).

• The GRCA was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai on Sunday( 12 December 2023).
• On December 6, the RCA had signed a Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP) with 124 member Mississippi River Towns and Cities Initiative of the US. “This is first of its kind alliance in the world,” the statement said.
• “The launch of GRCA signifies a momentous step in global efforts towards river conservation and sustainable water management. Following this, partner countries are poised to coordinate post-COP activities, shaping the architecture of GRCA for effective implementation,” it said.

Context: Recently, Google has launched a project “Gemini,” a new multimodal general artificial intelligence (AI) to exhibit human-like behavior.

Specialties of Google Gemini

• An expert helper or assistant. 

• It is also much more powerful than existing models. 

• Programming Language: Gemini can understand, explain and generate high-quality code in the world’s most popular programming languages, like Python, Java, C++ and Go.

• A Multimodal: It is not limited to the type of information it can process and can work, understand and operate across text, code, audio, image and video. 

• Gemini’s Ecosystem Integration: Gemini is deeply integrated into the Google ecosystem, making it a more product-oriented model.

Three Versions of Google Gemini

Google Gemini has been optimized for three versions:

• Gemini Nano: Optimal for mobile devices and will manage on-device tasks.

• Gemini Pro: Built for scaling across a wide range of tasks.

• Gemini Ultra: The largest and most capable model, undertaking highly complex tasks. It is the first model to outperform human experts on massive multitask language understanding (MMLU).

• MMLU uses a combination of 57 subjects such as math, physics, history, law, medicine and ethics to test world knowledge and problem-solving abilities.

Significance of Google Gemini 

• Quality with Latency Reduction: Google claimed that Gemini performed 40% reduction in latency in English in the U.S.  alongside improvements in quality”.

• On Safety: Google claimed that Gemini has “most comprehensive safety evaluations of any Google AI model to date, including for bias and toxicity”,

• It has conducted research into potential risk areas like cyber-offense, persuasion, and autonomy. 

• A diverse group of external experts are also working and identifying blindspots.

Google Gemini vs ChatGPT 4

• More Flexible: Currently, Gemini seems to be more flexible than GPT4 at the moment. 

• Work with Video: Gemini’s ability to work with video and on devices without Internet gives it an edge. 

• In contrast, ChatGPT cannot currently work on video, at least not natively.

• Free to Use: Gemini is now free while ChatGPT4 is only for paid users.

Context: This article is based on an Editorial “C Raja Mohan writes: Why India cannot afford to repeat its nuclear weapons mistakes with AI” Which was published in the Indian Express. India will host the prestigious GPAI Summit 2023 in New Delhi from December 12 to 14, 2023. 

• As India hosts the GPAI summit 2023, discussions are raised on the comparison of the nuclear revolution with advancement in Artificial Intelligence. 

About Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)

• An international Initiative: To guide the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence (AI)  in a manner that respects human rights and the shared democratic values of its members. 

• Formation: The Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) was formed on June 15, 2020, and currently comprises 28 members. 

• India had in 2020 joined the group as a founding member.

• Aim: GPAI is a multi-stakeholder initiative that aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting-edge research and applied activities on AI-related priorities.

• Collaboration and Cooperation: Built around a shared commitment to the OECD Recommendation on Artificial Intelligence, GPAI brings together engaged minds and experts from science, industry, civil society, governments, international organizations, and academia to foster international cooperation.

Why is there a Comparison between Nuclear and AI?

Destructive Potential: Both have enormous destructive power. 

• The nuclear revolution was revealed to the world by the use of atomic bombs against Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan in August 1945. 

• The AI revolution threatens even bigger as machines take over from humanity and enslave them. 

Geopolitical Impacts: These challenges include how to:

• Manage the impact of geopolitical rivalry.

• Differentiate between the use and abuse of these technologies.

• Create international norms and institutions to govern its use. 

Control and Regulation: Like in the nuclear era, there is growing interest in promoting “arms control” agreements between the great powers. 

• The US-China agreements on AI are seen as critical for the management of the AI revolution. However, both the US and China are developing the military uses of AI.

Demand of Ban: As in the nuclear age, many today demand a ban on military uses of AI.

• Or at least a “freeze” on research and development until there is a better assessment of the technology. 

Management by International Norms

• Proposal: Setting up of an “International Agency for Artificial Intelligence” (IAAI).

• Similar to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that was set up in 1957 to regulate the uses of nuclear energy. 

• Need: To manage the potential negative consequences of the AI revolution. 

• Consistency of Pace: Like nuclear, the concerns have not slowed the rapid advances in AI.

• Economic Promises: The nuclear technology failed in its promise of delivering cheap electricity. However, AI promises to transform the economy, society, and politics.

What can India learn from its nuclear history in dealing with the challenges of AI?

• Be Practical: Rather than following idealism this time, India needs to take pragmatic steps and gain a pace as soon as possible until it’s too late in the AI domain.

• Engagement and Partnership: India needs to build on the current momentum in the partnership with the US on AI and other critical and emerging technologies.

• India which was determined to befriend China missed the opportunity to become the first Asian country to possess nuclear weapons. US President John F Kennedy had sent a hand-written note in the early 1960s to help India build a nuclear weapon. 

• Application of Technology: India needs to come out with her traditional temptation to find a “third way” in technological development and proclaim India’s exceptionalism. 

• While the application of technology can be country-specific and context-dependent, science and technology are universal. 

The Path Ahead

• Develop and Boost Domestic Capabilities: India needs to build strong domestic capabilities in AI is critical to making the best out of international cooperation. 

• Participation of the Private Sector: The time has come for the involvement of the private sector. 

• If technological progress in the second half of the 20th century — especially in nuclear and space — were led by governments, it is the private sector that is leading AI research, development, and innovation in the West. 

• Need Reforms: The government’s recent efforts in the Science and Technology sectors are significant, however, they require reforms as per the current and required pace.

• Realistic Approach: AI holds significant and strategic importance, and India, at this time cannot afford to repeat its earlier idealistic nuclear weapons mistake with AI.

Conclusion

• In hosting the GPAI Summit 2023, India must learn from its nuclear history and approach AI realistically, emphasizing pragmatism, international collaboration, and private sector involvement to navigate the challenges effectively.

Context: The oldest evidence of yak domestication by humans has been discovered in Bangga, a settlement in the Shannan prefecture of the Tibetan Autonomous Region in China, near the Brahmaputra River and the Indian border.

Key highlights

• Around 2,500 years ago, inhabitants of Bangga, situated along the Yarlung-Tsangpo (known as the Brahmaputra in Tibet), domesticated taurine cattle alongside yaks.

• Most European and temperate Asian cattle breeds are taurine, distinct from the humped Zebu breeds native to the Indian subcontinent.

• The residents of Bangga also practiced hybridization by crossing yaks and cattle, both categorized under the genus Bos.

• The settlement, located at an altitude of approximately 3,750 meters, is one of the earliest agro-pastoral sites in the southern Tibetan Plateau, yielding abundant animal fossils in recent excavations.

• The researchers, including archaeologists from Washington University, analyzed over 10,000 mammal bone fragments from Bangga, identifying 193 belonging to the genus Bos.

• Genetic analysis revealed that four well-preserved bones came from female taurine cattle, and one from a male yak. The presence of taurine cattle near the Indian subcontinent surprised researchers, suggesting their migration to central and eastern Tibet possibly via the Silk Route and northern Tibet from Anatolia (modern-day Turkey).

• Today, domestic yaks number around 14 to 15 million in the highlands of Asia, with wild yaks listed as "vulnerable" by conservation organizations.

• Communities in the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau also utilize hybrids like Dzo and Dzomo, produced by crossing cattle and yaks.

• The researchers found evidence of hybrid offspring produced by crossing yaks and cattle.

• Genetic analysis of bones indicated the presence of male yaks and female taurine cattle.

• The surprising proximity of taurine cattle to the Indian subcontinent suggests they may have reached central and eastern Tibet via the Silk Route.

Context: As part of an animal exchange programme recently executed by the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) with Kakatiya Zoological Park in Warangal, IGZP has received two new species, Mouse Deer and Chousingha.

About Chousingha

• The four-horned antelope, or chousingha, is a small antelope found in India and Nepal.

• Scientific Name: Tetracerus quadricornis 

Distribution

• It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent.

• They are found in woodland areas throughout India.

Features

• They are the smallest antelopes found in Asia.

• As the name suggests, Chousingha can be identified by the four horns, as against other bovids, which have two horns.

• They are usually diurnal and solitary by nature; however they can be spotted in loose groups of three to four.

• Animals are sedentary, inhabiting more-or-less the same region throughout their lives.

• They have a yellowish-brown to reddish coat and are slender, with small legs and a short tail.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Key Facts about Indian Mouse Deer

• The Indian Mouse Deer or Spotted Chevrotain is the smallest deer in India and is highly nocturnal.

• Scientific Name: Moschiola indica

Distribution

• It is endemic to the Indian Subcontinent.

• It is mainly found in peninsular India, with some old records from Nepal.

• Sri Lanka has a separate species called the spotted chevrotain (Moschiola meminna).

• Within India, it is commonly encountered in a number of forest areas along the Western Ghats, in the Eastern Ghats up to Orissa, and in the forests of central India.

Features

• It is small, 25-30 cm at shoulder height, and weighs from two to four kg. 

• The fur color of the Indian spotted chevrotain is dark brown with white underparts.

• There are four or five light rows of white spots on the back. Males of this species have tusk-like upper canines.

• A unique feature of this group is that instead of a four-chambered stomach like in other ruminants, they have a three-chambered stomach.

Conservation Status

• IUCN: Least Concern

Context: The IUCN Red List was updated recently at COP28 revealing climate change impacts on species, including 25% of freshwater fish facing extinction.

Change in status of key species

About IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

• It was established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in 1964.

• It is the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global extinction risk status of animal, fungus, and plant species.

• Red List is a critical indicator of global biodiversity health and a powerful tool to inform and catalyze action for biodiversity conservation and policy change.

• Information about range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats, and actions important for conservation decisions are provided.

• Structure: IUCN Biodiversity Assessment and Knowledge Team, partner organizations and experts in the IUCN Species Survival Commission, and networks for compilation.

Three Categories in the Red List

Key Changes in the IUCN Red List

• This update highlights the strong links between the climate and biodiversity crises, which must be tackled by joint action.

• The IUCN Red List now includes 157,190 species, of which 44,016 are threatened with extinction.

• It includes the first global freshwater fish assessment and highlights the impact of illegal logging and trade on mahogany.

• Species decline reflects the destructive impact of climate change, a crisis to be mitigated with immediate, bold efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

• The critical role of well-managed freshwater ecosystems for food security, livelihoods, and economies in a climate-resilient world is essential against biodiversity loss.

• Conservation efforts have successfully brought two antelope species back from the brink of extinction, but changing climatic conditions could undermine their future.

• Positive outcomes: There is progress in assessing Ethiopia's endemic plant species, including endangered ones, emphasizing the role of museums and taxonomists.

• Reintroduction of scimitar-horned oryx in Chad showcases the impact of international conservation efforts and community support.

State of the world’s freshwater fish species

• Freshwater fishes make up more than half of the world’s known fish species, but freshwater ecosystems comprise only 1% of aquatic habitat.

• About 25% of freshwater fish (3,086 out of 14,898 assessed species) are at risk of extinction, and at least 17% of threatened freshwater fish species are affected by climate change.

• This is due to decreasing water levels, rising sea levels causing seawater to move up rivers, and shifting seasons.

• Threats putting freshwater fish species at risk of extinction include Pollution (57%), dams and water extraction (45%), overfishing (25%), and invasive species and disease harm 33%.

• To prevent species decline and ensure resilience to climate change, freshwater ecosystems need effective management, sufficient water flow, and quality.

Context: The scientists have recently retrieved ancient mitochondrial DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) from a mummified baboon found at the Gabbanat el-Qurud site of Egypt, which will help discover its origin.

Key highlights of the study

• The baboons belonged to the ancient city of Adulis in present-day coastal Eritrea, a trade center between the 1st and 7th centuries AD.

• The lost city of Punt can be one of the potential locations of its origin.

• The city of Punt was a vital trading partner with Egypt for luxury goods and live animals between 332 BC and 395 AD.

• The city of Punt was mentioned in accounts of Greco-Roman historians, and was associated with the trade of leopard skin, gold, and live exotic animals.

• There can be a "geographical continuity" between Punt and Adulis, suggesting they may be different names for the same trading center separated years ago.

Discovery of mummified baboons

• In 1905, Egyptologists Louis Lortet and Claude Gaillard had discovered mummified baboons in Gabbanat el-Qurud.

• Gabbanat el-Qurud is also known as the 'Valley of the Monkeys'.

Significance of discovery

• The baboons were not native to Egypt, and yet they were found in the Egypt.

• The study aligns with historical accounts, drawing attention to the significance of the Red Sea in trade relationships between India, Egypt, and Europe.

Context: The Saiga, the odd-faced antelope that have roamed the earth since the last Ice Age, can hope to continue gamboling across the vast Eurasian Steppe. That is because on December 11, 2023, the species’ (Saiga tatarica) category was changed from Critically Endangered to Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

About Saiga antelope

• The Saiga has two sub-species: Saiga tatarica tatarica (found in most of the range) and Saiga tatarica mongolica (found only in Mongolia). 

• The antelope were once found throughout the Eurasian Steppe, the great band of grassland that stretches from Hungary in Europe to Manchuria in Asia.

• The Saiga is known for its distinctive bulbous nose.

• Today, the animal is found in fragmented populations within Kazakhstan, Mongolia, the Russian Federation and Uzbekistan, according to the Saiga Conservation Alliance (SCA), a network of researchers and conservationists working to protect the Saiga.

• There were an estimated one million saigas in Russia and Central Asia in the early 1990s, but by 2003 their numbers had plummeted, with only six per cent of the population remaining,”

• Kazakhstan is home to a majority of the world's Saiga.

Conservation Efforts

• The IUCN update credited “effective national and international conservation efforts” for turning the tide in favour of the Saiga.

• “This substantial positive change in global Red List status — a rarity in conservation — reflects the remarkable recovery of Saiga populations in Kazakhstan, which have recovered from a perilously low estimate of just 48,000 in 2005 to now over 1.9 million,”.

• The Government of Kazakhstan has demonstrated highly commendable leadership in species recovery, investing heavily in a suite of impactful actions including anti-poaching initiatives, robust law enforcement and border control measures, and establishment of a series of major new State Protected Areas.

• But, current population numbers for Saiga in Russia are 38,000, up from 4,500 in 2016, while Uzbekistan hosts an estimated 500 Saiga, c.200 of which were first discovered in the Aral Sea Region in 2021 whilst the remaining 300 are isolated by human-made barriers to migration.

• The Mongolian subspecies numbers 15,540 individuals, according to a November 2023 census. There have been no instances of poaching since 2018, when the population level was 3,391.

Threats to Saiga

• The threat of poaching is fuelled by the demand for the Saiga's horn in traditional Chinese medicine.

• Climate change and the expansion of human activity through farming and infrastructure projects are other threats to the Saiga.

Road Ahead

• The species will only be fully recovered if it regains its role in the ecosystem across its entire range, with ongoing poaching, illegal trade, disease, climate change, disturbance and infrastructure development all posing a threat to Saiga.

Context: Six new countries and a United Nations agency have joined the ENACT Partnership, a global initiative aimed at coordinating efforts to address climate change, land and ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss through Nature-based Solutions.

About ENACT Partnership

• It is an ambitious initiative to coordinate global efforts to address climate change, land and ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss through Nature-based Solutions (Nbs).

• ENACT (Enhancing Nature-based Solutions for an Accelerated Climate Transformation) was launched at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt in December 2022.

• Aim: To protect at least 1 billion vulnerable people, secure 2.4 billion hectares of ecosystems, and boost global mitigation efforts for restoring carbon-rich ecosystems.

• Role: To emphasize NbS as complementary to fossil fuel phase-out.

• Launched by: Germany and Egypt, along with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

• Founding members: Canada, European Union, Spain, Malawi, Norway, South Korea, Japan and Slovenia.

• New partners: France, U.S.A; Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland, Pakistan, and the UN Environment Programme, including its World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

• Nbs involve working with and for, rather than against nature, to deliver the climate, biodiversity, and land restoration action necessary to steward human well-being for all.

ENACT’s push for Nature-based Solutions during COP 28

• Actions to limit warming to 1.5°C: By phasing out all fossil fuels, including oil and gas, and embracing just transition to minimise climate-related losses and damage to people and nature.

• Increased funding and investment: For local communities and accommodating an integrated approach to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and human well-being,

• International collaboration and commitments: For rapid reduction of fossil fuel emissions and a commitment to the implementation of Nature-based Solutions.

• Robust data and monitoring systems: For tracking progress and outcomes based on transparent reporting and accountability mechanisms.

Context: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has recently developed a technology ‘AMRIT’ (Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology) for the removal of Arsenic and Metal ions from water.

Note: Drinking water is a state subject.

About AMRIT Technology

• “AMRIT” is used for the removal of Arsenic and Metal ions from water.

• The technology uses nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide, which selectively removes arsenic when water is passed through it.

• It achieves Iron and turbidity removal by physical filtration and Arsenic removal by adsorption.

• This water purifier has been developed for both domestic as well as community levels.

• AMRIT composition is composed of nanoscale iron oxyhydroxide, prepared with a particle size less than 3 nm.

• Nanotechnology helps these compounds pick up a lot of arsenic due to their small size.

• Smaller particles have more surface atoms, which means they can capture more arsenic.

• It can handle arsenic levels up to 5 ppm and reduce it to less than 1 ppb, which is very low.

• It is 5-6 times more efficient than other adsorbents available.

• This reduces treatment costs, makes filtration units smaller, and makes them easy to operate and maintain.

About Arsenic Toxicity

• Arsenic (As) is toxic as a solute, as well as in a gaseous form.

• Arsenic as a solute is nearly tasteless and can present in contaminated drinking water.

• It is documented as a method of intentional homicide and suicide.

• The first signs of arsenic toxicity are large amounts of "rice water" diarrhoea that may be bloody, along with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

• Arsenic gas is a non-irritating, colorless, and nearly tasteless gas that may be a byproduct of the mining process.

• It is used in the production of semiconductors.

• It is lethal at low doses, and affected individuals may not notice the toxicity until hours after exposure.

• Arsine gas toxicity symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, "port wine" hued urine, and jaundice.

About Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

• JJM was launched by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2019.

• Aim: To ensure a 100% functional tap water supply in rural areas by 2024.

• The government of India has restructured and subsumed the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) into the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

• It is based on a community approach to water and includes extensive Information, Education, and communication as a key component of the mission.

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change has introduced the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme to encourage sustainable forest management and agroforestry practices in India.

What is sustainable forest management and agroforestry?

• Sustainable Forest management involves the responsible and balanced use of forest resources to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

• Agroforestry is a land-use system that integrates trees or shrubs with crops or livestock on the same piece of land. It combines agricultural and forestry practices to achieve environmental, economic, and social benefits.

About the Scheme

• It is an initiative of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.

• Aim: It aims to provide market incentives for entities, including state forest departments, farmers, and wood-based industries, adhering to responsible forest and agroforestry practices.

• The Forest Management certification is based on the Indian Forest Management Standard.

• The Indian Forest Management Standard consists of 8 criteria, 69 indicators and 254 verifiers, which is an integral part of the National Working Plan Code 2023.

This national certification scheme comprises three types of certifications:

1. Forest management certification

2. Tree Outside Forest Management Certification

3. Chain of custody certification (to trace forest products)

• Purpose: This national certification scheme promotes sustainable forest management and agroforestry in India through voluntary third-party certification.

• Supervised by: Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council (Act as a multistakeholder advisory body)

The Council is represented by members from eminent institutions that includes

• Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education,

• Forest Survey of India and Quality Council of India,

• Indian Institute of Forest Management,

• State Forest Departments and Forest Development Corporations and

• Representatives from wood-based industries.

Implementing agency: Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal (Responsible for overall management of the Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme).

• The National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies under the Quality Council of India will accredit the certification bodies.

• The certification bodies will carry out independent audits and assess adherence of various entities on the standards prescribed under the scheme.

Key features of the scheme

• Market incentives: This Scheme offers market incentives to various entities such as state forest departments, individual farmers, FPOs, and wood-based industries, that practice responsible forest management and agroforestry.

• The scheme comprises forest management certification, tree outside forest management certification, and chain of custody certification.

• A distinct Trees Outside Forests Standard is introduced in the newly launched Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme.

Context: A nine-country ‘Global River Cities Alliance’ (GRCA) inspired by India’s River Cities Alliance was launched at the Indian Pavilion, Dubai on the sidelines of the ongoing COP28.

Background

• National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG): It is responsible for implementing India's NamamiGange program, has taken a significant stride in river conservation and sustainable water management.

• Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA): This was achieved through the launch of the Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA) at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai.

Expanding Reach of River Cities Alliance

• River Cities Alliance: The GRCA builds upon the existing River Cities Alliance formed by NMCG in collaboration with the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA), which includes 142 Indian River cities as members.

• Inclusion of river cities: The global expansion of this alliance saw the inclusion of river cities such as Den Haag from the Netherlands, Adelaide from Australia, and Szolnok from Hungary.

International Collaboration:

• Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP): In a groundbreaking move, the River Cities Alliance (RCA) had previously signed a Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP) with 124 member cities of the Mississippi River Towns and Cities Initiative in the United States.

• This collaboration marks the first-of-its-kind alliance in the world, underlining the shared commitment to global river conservation.

NMCG's Statement

• Significance of the GRCA: The NMCG, in a statement, highlighted the significance of the GRCA launch as a momentous step in global efforts towards river conservation and sustainable water management.

Quoting PM Narendra Modi's Vision

• New river planning: G Asok Kumar, Director General of NMCG, quoted Prime Minister NarendraModi's call for new river planning.

• Rivers in urban planning: Stressing the importance of mainstreaming rivers in urban planning without a regulatory mindset, Kumar emphasized the need for a holistic approach to ensure the sustainability of river ecosystems.

Global River Cities Alliance's Role

• Global commitment: The launch of GRCA signifies a global commitment to coordinate efforts for the conservation and sustainable management of rivers.

• Crucial Roles: As an alliance with international representation, it will play a crucial role in developing strategies, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration among cities facing similar challenges related to river ecosystems.

Focus area of work

• It focuses on capacity building and knowledge exchange in integrated river management to address climate change impacts on the ecosystem. 

• The collaboration includes a comprehensive water monitoring program, sharing best practices for renaturing urban areas, and restoring aquatic ecosystems for sustainable urban development.

• Initiatives extend to restoring urban forests and lakes connected to rivers, emphasizing the importance of green spaces. 

• The proposed collaboration emphasizes collective action for safeguarding environmental flows and acknowledges the role of floods in maintaining river ecosystem health, showcasing a commitment to proactive environmental stewardship and innovative solutions for sustainable river management.

First-of-its-Kind Initiative

• Varied Continents: The inclusion of cities from different continents in the GRCA, coupled with the MoCP signed with the Mississippi River Townsand Cities Initiative, underscores the uniqueness of this initiative.

• Bringing together cities across the globe: By bringing together cities across the globe, the GRCA aims to create a platform for collective action and knowledge exchange in the pursuit of common goals related to river conservation.

Road Ahead

• Global pursuit of river conservation: The launch of the Global River Cities Alliance by the National Mission for Clean Ganga marks a historic moment in the global pursuit of river conservation.

• Venues for innovative solutions: As cities from diverse regions unite under this alliance, it opens avenues for innovative solutions, collaborative initiatives, and the exchange of expertise to address the challenges faced by river ecosystems worldwide.

• Sustainable water management: The GRCA is poised to become a catalyst for positive change and sustainable water management on a global scale.

Context: According to a Global Status of Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems 2023 report from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction and the World Meteorological Organisation, half of the countries lack appropriate multi-hazard early warning systems.

Background

• The report ‘Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems 2023’ focuses on the continued efforts made by governments in developing national and local disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies, aligning them to the Sendai Framework, and fostering integration between DRR, climate change, and sustainable development.

• It confirms the Sendai Framework’s principle that Target E is the foundation for achieving other targets and has triggered concrete DRR implementation.

• The Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems 2023 report outlines the progress that has been made under the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.

Key Findings of the report

• The ‘Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems 2023‘ report analyses the latest data one year into the Early Warnings for All Initiative.

• The Early Warnings For All Initiative (EW4All) was formally launched at the COP27 in 2022 meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh.

• It seeks to highlight good practices through case studies and examples of both global and regional initiatives which are contributing to the achievement of the goal set by the UN Secretary-General.

• It is a groundbreaking initiative to ensure that everyone on Earth is protected from hazardous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027.

• It reveals that 101 countries now have multi-hazard early warning systems, which is based on more complete data from the Sendai Framework Monitor.

• The report calls for investments of US$ 3.1 billion over five years – just 50 cents per person per year – to strengthen disaster risk knowledge and management, observation and forecasting, dissemination and communication of warnings, and preparedness and response capabilities.

• It aligns with the priorities of the Paris Agreement and supports key provisions of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, particularly Target G on availability and accessibility of multi-hazard early warning systems.

• It also contributes to delivering the targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development on poverty, hunger, health, water, clean energy, climate action and sustainable cities.

• Dramatic improvement has been witnessed in Africa and in the Asia and Pacific region.

• Two-thirds of WMO members report having fully operational warning and alerting services and more than half incorporate hazard, exposure, and vulnerability information in their warning products.

• Advances in science and technology, together with the increase in available observations have led to improvements in forecasts, especially lead times.

• With ninety-five percent of the world’s population able to access a mobile broadband network, there are significant opportunities to leverage mobile networks and internet connectivity, especially in the context of hazards that can only be forecast on very short timescales (e.g., tsunamis).

But significant gaps remain

Issue with Low Developed Countries (LDCs)

• Low coverage in the Americas and the Caribbean and despite progress, persistent gaps in Africa. Coverage remains especially low (less than 50%) in LDCs.

• Lack of affordability continues to be a barrier to internet access, particularly in low-income economies.

Lack of effective Plans and Policies to act on early warnings

• Less than one-third of countries reporting on Indicator G4 (Percentage of local governments having a plan to act on early warnings) indicated ‘substantial progress’ towards achieving MHEWS.

• The report also revealed that compared to last year, six more countries have reported having an early warning system, taking the total number of such countries to 101. The number has doubled since 2015.

Indian Scenario

• In India, disaster risk knowledge and management, warning, dissemination, and communication are not adequate.

• But preparedness, response capabilities, and detection, monitoring, and forecasting capabilities are available.

• The report praised the improved forecasting and activation of the Early Action Protocol taken by India during the cyclone Amphan in West Bengal.

Recommendations to meet the 2027 Early Warnings for All goal

• Design EWS for scale: Best practice is to start small – on the priority hazards identified locally – and to develop, test, iterate, and expand the EWS over time.

• Share data and knowledge: Data sharing –  about hazards, vulnerability, exposure, risk or related information, such as local traditions and languages that affect the dissemination and understanding of warnings – is the foundation for any EWS.

• Ensure local ownership and an ‘all of society’ approach: local actors must be placed at the heart of EWS design, development, implementation, evaluation, improvement, and operation.

• Leverage flagship programs and existing initiatives: Every opportunity should be sought to align and leverage these activities and to ensure that time and resources are not wasted through duplication.

• Maximise innovations in science and technology: this includes social science– EWS can only be effective if warnings result in appropriate action.

• Harness sustainable, complementary funding: Current and potential funders (governments, donors, philanthropists, etc.) must be brought in, into the EW community and its conversations to ensure shared understanding, urgency, and action.

Significance of multi-hazard Early Warning Systems

• These are an important component of disaster risk management strategies, and are designed to issue warnings when a disaster is imminent or already occurring.

• These are cost-effective tools that save lives, reduce economic losses, and provide a nearly tenfold return on investment.

• Early warning systems have helped decrease the number of deaths and have reduced losses and damages resulting from hazardous weather, water or climate events.

• The Global Status Report (2022) reveals that countries with substantive-to-comprehensive early warnings coverage have disaster mortality eight times lower than countries with limited coverage.

• According to the Global Commission on Adaptation, giving just 24 hours’ notice of an impending hazardous event can reduce damage by 30%.

• Investing just US$800 million in such systems in developing countries would prevent losses of $3 to $16 billion annually.

Challenges

• Inadequate installed systems: Despite the urgent need, only half of the countries worldwide report having adequate multi-hazard early warning systems. And even fewer have regulatory frameworks that connect early warnings to emergency and response plans.

• Climate Vulnerability: Climate, weather and water-related extremes have led to 15 times more deadly hazards for people in Africa, South Asia, South and Central America, and small island states.

• Vulnerable, least-developed countries that have not contributed significantly to the climate crisis are bearing the brunt.

• Over the last 50 years, nearly 70% of all deaths from climate-related disasters have occurred in the 46 poorest countries.

Solutions

• Using Technology: With 95% of the world’s population having access to mobile broadband networks and nearly 75% owning a mobile phone, mobile networks have become powerful communication channels that can effectively target those in at-risk areas.

• Coordination and Collaboration: The Early Warnings for All initiative brings together the broader UN system, governments, civil society and development partners across the public and private sectors to enhance collaboration and accelerated action to address gaps and deliver people-centred, end-to-end multi-hazard early warning systems that leave no one behind.

Context: Recently, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)’s Generation Unlimited in collaboration with India's Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change unveiled the "Green Rising" initiative at COP28 in Dubai.

About Green Rising Initiative

• This initiative focuses on engaging youth for impactful environmental actions at the grassroots level, aligning with the global effort to address the severe impacts of climate change.

• The global "Green Rising" initiative and the "Green Rising India Alliance" marks a collaborative effort involving UNICEF, Generation Unlimited, and a diverse network of public, private, and youth partners.

• The main goal is to mobilize millions of young people worldwide, encouraging their active participation in green initiatives addressing and adapting to the severe impacts of climate change on their communities.

• Through the YuWaah campaign in India, the focus is on engaging youth to drive impactful environmental actions at the grassroots level.

Youth Engagement in COP28

• In collaboration with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited India (YuWaah), the Government of India facilitated the participation of four promising youth leaders in COP28.

• The minister congratulated UNICEF and Generation Unlimited’s Green Rising Global Initiative, aspiring to create pathways for at least 10 million children and youth in developing countries.

Key Significance

• Over the next three years (2023-2025), the initiative aims to create pathways for at least 10 million children and youth in developing countries, mobilizing them for grassroots action, green skills building, jobs, and entrepreneurship.

• These young champions collectively hold the potential to deliver concrete environmental impact and catalyze systems-level change.

• Under, the Green Skills Development Programme, government aims to cultivate a proficient workforce within the environment and forest sectors, contributing to sustainability and green job creation.

Key points about the UNICEF

• The United Nations Children's Fund was originally founded as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

• It was founded by the UN General Assembly on 11 December 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children and mothers in countries that had been devastated by World War II.

• It is a leading source of information on the situation of children around the world.

• It relies entirely on contributions from governments and private donors.

• The Executive Board is made up of 36 Member States, elected to three-year terms by the Economic and Social Council, with the following regional allocation: Africa (8 seats), Asia (7), Eastern Europe (4), Latin America and Caribbean (5) and Western Europe and Others (12).

• Headquarters: New York City.

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Tourism (MoT) in collaboration with Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched an Alternative Livelihood Programme under the Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme-2023  in Sultanpur National Park, a Ramsar Site in Haryana.

Background

• Amrit Dharohar initiative, part of the 2023-24 budget announcement, was launched by MoEF&CC during June 2023 to promote the unique conservation values of the Ramsar Sites in the country while generating employment opportunities and supporting local livelihoods. 

• This initiative is to be implemented in convergence with various Central Government ministries and agencies, State Wetland Authorities, and a network of formal and informal institutions and individuals.

Key Points

• Under this initiative, IITTM, an autonomous body under MoT, in collaboration with MoEFCC will build the capacity of local community members around different Ramsar sites in order to strengthen nature tourism at these sites and provide alternative livelihood to the local community. 

• With the help of State Forest Deptt., a total of 30 participants have been identified from the local communities located around Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary to impart this training and subsequently certify them as nature-guides.

• The ‘Nature-tourism and Wetcomponent of this initiative is being implemented jointly by MoT and MoEFCC with an aim to enhance livelihood opportunities for local communities through harnessing the nature-tourism potential of the Ramsar Sites across the country. 

• Sultanpur is one of the five priority Ramsar Sites besides Bhitarkanika and Chilika in Odisha and Yashwant Sagar and Sirpur in Madhya Pradesh identified in first phase by MoT and MoEFCC for taking up training programmes for local communities under the Alternative Livelihood Programme (ALP).

Key Importance of Amrit Dharohar Scheme

• To increase the optimal use of wetlands in the cities and to improve their biodiversity the government launched the Amrit Dharohar Scheme.

• The scheme aims to achieve sustainable ecosystem development with the help of local communities.

• It falls under 'Green Growth', one of the seven priorities of the budget.

• The scheme is to be implemented in the next three years.

• The scheme will increase eco-tourism, and carbon stock, and also will help the local communities in their income generations.

Context: Recently, the Koya tribe rode the eco-friendly wave to help conserve the Indian Bison of Eastern Ghats.

Background

• In a move to conserve the Indian Bison in their forests, the indigenous Koya tribe inhabiting the Papikonda hill range in Andhra Pradesh have made an exemplary transition by shedding the use of bison horns to make their traditional flute, Permakore, and replacing it with an instrument made of eco-friendly palm leaf.

Permakore

• In recent times the Koya tribe have moved on from using traditional Indian Bison horns to palm leaves as a gesture of conservation of the Indian Bison to craft their traditional flute, Permakore.

• Permakore is traditional flute that is made from the Indian Bison horn.

• It is used by the indigenous Koya tribe inhabiting the Papikonda hill range in Andhra Pradesh.

• Another name for the Papikondalu hill range is the’ Bison hill range,’ which is derived from the fact that it is home to the Indian Bison.

• In the Koya language, ‘Permam’ stands for Indian Bison or Guar, and ‘Kore’ stands for ‘horn’ and thus, the flute made of Bison horn is called Permakore.

• Permakore is played at a designated time and place to give a call to the entire village to go hunting in the forest.

• This bond between the palm tree and Koyas can be dubbed as a new chapter in the tribe’s culture.

• The Koyas believe that a player could make the best Permakore with the palm leaf as he understands the intricacies of the craft.

• The palm-leaf instrument has a gentle curve like the Bison horn.

• The flute made of the leaf is sustainable for a few years but the one that is made of Bison horn can be used for generations if preserved.

About Indian Bison

• Indian Bison are one of the largest extant bovines. (Wildlife Institute of India (WII))

• It is one of the largest species among the wild cattle, reaching a shoulder height of up to 220 cm.

• The Indian gaur, a reclusive beast that lives in the wild.

• They are found on the forested hills and grassy areas of south to southeast Asia.

• In India, they are found in Nagarhole, Bandipur, Masinagudi National Parks and BR Hills.

Threats

• Food Scarcity

• Poaching

• Habitat Loss due to deforestation and commercial plantations.

• Human-Animal Conflict

Conservation status

• Wild Life Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.

• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List: Vulnerable.

About Koya tribe

• The Koya population is primarily found in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

• Most Koya speak either Gondi or Telugu, in addition to Koyi.

• They speak the Koya language, which belongs to the Dravidian language family.

• They practice Podu form of shifting cultivation, as practiced by various tribal groups in forest areas has for long been an economic survival versus environmental sustenance issue.

• The held ST status in Chattisgarh but they were not granted ST status in their migrated states such as Telangana.

• Koyas popularly call themselves as Dorala Sattam (Lords group) and Putta Dora (original lords).

• The Godavari and Sabari rivers which flow through their area of habitation exercise profound influence on Koyas’ economic, social and cultural life.

Context: Researchers have discovered a stable “highway” over India where large-scale extreme rainfall events occur simultaneously during monsoons.

Key Findings of the study related to Indian Monsoon

• Global warming has affected various aspects of the Indian monsoon leading to a decreasing trend in total seasonal rainfall over several decades.

• This change has resulted in longer but lower intensity of dry spells, more intense wet spells and alterations in the dynamics of the monsoon.

• Despite these changing monsoon patterns due to global warming, a stable “highway” exists where extreme rainfall events occur simultaneously. 

• This highway extends from parts of West Bengal and Odisha to parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan. This corridor has remained unchanged from 1901 to 2019.

• Capturing Complex Rainfall Relationships: Traditional statistical methods tend to miss the complex relations between multiple nodes of rainfall centers.

• Nodes are the Centre points of concentrated rainfall over a period of time considered for the study purpose. 

• Unpredictability of the Indian Monsoon: Stationary elements no longer exist in climate systems because of global warming. 

• Yet the Indian monsoon continues to produce surprises in the way it is able to synchronize heavy rain events as well as stick to the ‘highway’ for such a long time.

Key significance of this study

• Challenges existing beliefs about climate change: This study contradicts the notion that stationary elements no longer exist in climate systems due to global warming. This finding also suggests that the Indian monsoon may be more resilient to climate change than previously thought.

• Improved understanding of monsoon dynamics: This study can help researchers understand the underlying mechanisms of extreme rainfall and potentially improve forecasting models.

• Benefit to various sectors: The ability to better predict extreme rainfall events can help mitigate risks in various sectors like agriculture, water management, energy, transportation, and health.

Forecasting Implications

• The findings challenge the notion that stationary elements no longer exist in climate systems due to global warming. The monsoon’s ability to synchronise heavy rain events and adhere to the ‘highway’ suggests a unique stability.

• The geographic trapping of synchronised extreme rainfall is likely linked to the mountain ranges along the west coast and across Central India. This hypothesis, when tested in models, could enhance forecast accuracy without necessitating increased model resolution and computational costs.

• The potential to reduce risks associated with large-scale extreme rainfall events, affecting agriculture, water, energy, transportation, and health, is significant. India, with robust modelling capacity and computational resources, is well-positioned to exploit this potential for improved forecasts and risk reduction.

About Indian Monsoon

• Definition: Indian Monsoon is a seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing, or strongest, winds of a region. 

• India gets southwest monsoon winds in the summers (formation of an intense low-pressure system over the Tibetan Plateau) and northeast monsoons during the winters (due to the high-pressure cells that are formed over the Siberian and Tibetan plateaus.)

Features

Onset( may- june): factors affecting arrival of monsoon

• Intense low-pressure formation over the Tibetan Plateau due to intense heating of landmass during summers

• The permanent high-pressure cell in the South of the Indian Ocean near madagascar

Subtropical jet stream

African Easterly jet (Tropical easterly jet)

• low-pressure systems (or monsoon depressions), presence of ITCZ (InterTropical Convergence Zone)

• Inter Tropical Convergence Zone: It  is a belt of low pressure zone which circles the Earth generally near the equator where the trade winds of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres come together.

Conclusion

• Amidst the dynamic changes in the Indian monsoon due to global warming, a recent study uncovers a consistent ‘highway’ hosting synchronised extreme rainfall events, offering potential improvements in understanding and forecasting.

Context: The government's recent decision to ban the use of sugarcane juice and sugar syrup for ethanol production comes a week after the industry requested a reversal of the decision.

Key Highlights

• Policy Reversal: The government has reversed its decision to ban the use of sugarcane juice for ethanol production, allowing its utilization along with B-heavy molasses. However, sugar diversion for ethanol is capped at 17 lakh tonnes.

• Temporary Capping: The cap on sugar diversion will be applicable for the 2023-24 supply year, ending in October next year. The decision follows a week of industry protests against the initial ban on cane juice and sugar syrup for ethanol.

• Flexibility for Sugar Mills: Sugar mills are now granted flexibility in using both sugarcane juice and B-heavy molasses within the 17 lakh tonnes cap for ethanol production in the ongoing supply year.

• Modalities Under Consideration: Officials are working on determining the proportion of cane juice and molasses for ethanol production. Some ethanol has already been produced using cane juice in the current supply year.

• Industry Representation: The reversal comes after representations from the sugar industry to review the earlier ban, emphasizing its impact on ethanol production and financial strain on mills.

• Concerns and Challenges: The government's decision is prompted by concerns over low cane production, exacerbated by recent drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka.

• Ethanol Blending Target: Despite challenges, officials express confidence in achieving the 15% ethanol blending target with petrol in the 2023-24 supply year.

• Review of Sugarcane Juice Ban: Acknowledging industry distress, officials assure a review of the ban on sugarcane juice, emphasizing its temporary nature and the need for national interest.

• Industry's Financial Strain: The Indian Sugar Mills Association urges the government to revise ethanol prices from B-heavy and C-heavy molasses to support millers financially.

• Price Revision Demands: Industry demands include raising ethanol prices from B-heavy molasses to Rs 64 per litre and from C-heavy molasses to Rs 58-59 per litre.

Ethanol

• Ethanol, also known as ethyl alcohol, is a biofuel produced from various sources such as sugarcane, corn, rice, wheat, and biomass.

• The production process involves the fermentation of sugars by yeasts or via petrochemical processes such as ethylene hydration.

• Ethanol is 99.9% pure alcohol that can be blended with petrol to create a cleaner fuel alternative.

• Apart from being a fuel additive, ethanol production yields valuable byproducts like Distillers’ Dried Grain with Solubles, and Potash from Incineration Boiler Ash that find applications across various industries.

Ethanol production in India

• Ethanol production in India was mainly based on ‘C-heavy’ molasses, with a sugar content of 40-45%, yielding 220–225 liters of ethanol per tonne.

• India explored direct sugarcane juice for ethanol production, increasing yield and efficiency.

• The country diversified its feedstocks by including rice, damaged grains, maize, jowar, bajra, and millets.

• Ethanol yields from grains are higher compared to molasses, with rice producing 450-480 liters and other grains 380-460 liters per tonne.

• Sugar mills diversified to use rice, damaged grains, maize, and millet as feedstocks.

• Leading sugar companies installed distilleries that can operate on multiple feedstocks throughout the year.

Types of Molasses

• A Molasses (First Molasses): An intermediate by-product from initial sugar crystal extraction, containing 80-85% dry matter (DM). Should be inverted to prevent crystallization if stored.

• B Molasses (Second Molasses): Similar DM content as A molasses but with less sugar and no spontaneous crystallization.

• C Molasses (Final Molasses, Blackstrap Molasses, Treacle): The end by-product of sugar processing, containing significant amounts of sucrose (about 32 to 42%). It does not crystallize and is used as a commercial feed ingredient in liquid or dried form.

Government Initiatives to Promote Ethanol Blending in India

• National Policy on Biofuels 2018

• E100 Pilot project

• Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana 2019

• Repurpose Used Cooking Oil (RUCO)

Context: Climate experts and activists are concerned that if the phrase 'unabated fossil fuels' is mentioned in the COP28 meeting's final declaration, it would allow countries and companies to continue to burn fossil fuels. Here is a look at why it might happen.

What are ‘unabated’ fossil fuels?

• When it comes to fossil fuels, “unabated” means doing nothing to reduce the carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases that are released from the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas.

• Conversely, “abated” refers to the attempts to decrease the release of polluting substances to an acceptable level. However, there isn’t any clarity on what this level is and how to get there. Moreover, there is no international or agreed-upon definition of the two phrases.

• In the footnote of last year’s benchmark report of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scientific advisory body. It says unabated fossil fuels are those “without interventions that substantially reduce” greenhouse gas emissions.

Implications of Definitions

• A broad definition could lead to insignificant emission reductions, risking surpassing the critical 1.5C warming limit.

• A stricter definition could contribute to maintaining the possibility of the 1.5C target by imposing strict emission limits.

• The phrase is inextricably tied to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies — a hotly debated subject between oil and gas producers, and climate experts. Here is a look at the issue.

Diverse Positions of Nations

• Nations are divided on the issue, with some calling for the complete phase-out of fossil fuel production and use.

• Fossil fuel-producing countries and those reliant on coal, like Saudi Arabia, Russia, the UAE, India, and China, prefer less specific language.

• The G7 and the U.S. advocate for phasing out unabated fossil fuels with support for carbon capture and storage (CCS).

• The EU aims for an energy sector predominantly free from fossil fuels by 2050, though “predominantly” lacks precision.

Seeking a Clear Definition

• A footnote in a 2023 IPCC report suggests that “abated” should mean a substantial reduction in emissions, like capturing 90% or more CO2 from power plants.

• Researchers propose that “abated” should be used only when emissions reductions are between 90-95%, and methane leaks are near zero.

• While Oil and gas-producing companies and countries see carbon capture as a key component in plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions, climate activists and experts suggest that its role is limited. 

• In July, the European Union and 17 nations including Germany, France, Chile, New Zealand and climate-vulnerable island states, in a statement, said carbon capture technologies are no substitute for a drastic cut in fossil fuels and they shouldn’t be overused.

The Urgency for Standards

• Scientists stress the need for clear standards, especially for new coal plants and industrial facilities, as they will likely operate beyond 2050.

• There’s a pressing need for these facilities to adopt the latest technologies to ensure they meet future emission standards.

How beneficial are carbon capture and storage technologies?

• In its report, Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said power and industrial plants that are equipped with modern CCS technologies capture around 90% of the CO2.

• However, a 2022 study by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) — a global think tank that examines issues related to energy markets, trends, and policies — found that most of the 13 flagship CCS projects worldwide that it analysed have either underperformed or failed entirely.

• Another analysis by Climate Analytics, a Germany-based climate science and policy institute, revealed that reliance on CCS could release an extra 86 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere between 2020 and 2050.

• “If carbon capture rates only reach 50% rather than 95%, and upstream methane emissions are not reduced to low levels, this would pump 86 billion tonnes of GHG (greenhouse gases) into the atmosphere – equivalent to more than double the global CO2 emissions in 2023,” the study said.

• It added that discussions around fossil fuels abatement are creating the false impression that CCS would help limit average global temperature below 1.5 degree Celsius even when there is an expansion of fossil fuel projects.

• “However, scenarios that achieve the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C limit in a sustainable manner show a near complete phase-out of fossil fuels by around 2050 with only a tiny amount of fossil CCS".

• CCS technologies are also very expensive. It’s cheaper to shut down a coal plant and replace it with some combination of wind, solar and batteries in comparison to attaching a carbon capture device to the plant.

Road Ahead

• There is a chance that the COP28 meeting’s final declaration might mention phase out or phase down of unabated fossil fuels. If this happens, many are concerned that it would allow countries and fossil fuel companies to continue to burn fossil fuels as long as they capture the emissions and store it underground.

• According to Claire Fyson, CEO of Climate Analytics, “The false promises of ‘abated’ fossil fuels risks climate finance being funnelled to fossil projects, particularly oil and gas, and will greenwash the ‘unabatable’ emissions from their final use, which account for 90% of fossil oil and gas emissions”.

Context: The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations released a report indicating that over 74% of Indians could not afford a healthy diet in 2021, a slight improvement from 2020 when the percentage was 76.2.

• The report, titled “Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023: Statistics and Trends,” highlights the impact of rising food costs on the population’s ability to access a nutritious diet.

Asia Pacific Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition 2023 Report

• Released by: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

• Aim: To inform stakeholders on progress towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improving nutrition.

• The report is a glimpse of the progress in meeting Sustainable Development Goals and World Health Assembly (WHA) Global Nutrition Targets 2025.

Regional Context

• In comparison, in Pakistan, 82.2% of the population faced difficulties in affording healthy food, while in Bangladesh, the figure was 66.1%.

• The report noted that if the increase in food costs is not accompanied by rising incomes, more people will struggle to afford a healthy diet.

Global Targets and Sustainable Development Goals

• The FAO report serves as an assessment of progress in meeting Sustainable Development Goals and World Health Assembly global nutrition targets.

• The report indicates that the Asia-Pacific region, even after confronting the “5Fs” crisis (food, feed, fuel, fertiliser, and finance) amid the pandemic, still contends with issues of undernourishment and food insecurity.

Key Statistics and Challenges in India

• The report notes that 16.6% of India’s population is undernourished, leading to broader economic and social costs.

• Child malnutrition remains a significant concern, with 31.7% of children in India under the age of five experiencing stunted growth.

Child Nutrition Indicators

• India records the highest rate of wasting (low weight for height) in the region, with 18.7% of children under five facing this health issue.

• Other concerns include 2.8% of children below five being overweight, 53% of women aged 15 to 49 experiencing anaemia, and 1.6% of adults in the country being obese.

Breastfeeding and Low Birth Weight

• India demonstrates improvement in exclusive breastfeeding, with a prevalence of 63.7%, higher than the global prevalence.

• However, India also has the highest prevalence of low birth weight in the region (27.4%).

Context: Recently, the Indian Prime Minister announced an initiative- “NAMO Drone Didi”, during interaction with beneficiaries in the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra.

Why is there a need for the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme?

• For Women Empowerment: The scheme is required to empower women, which is the key to building a strong and developed nation. This is especially the case when women flourish economically and contribute to rural prosperity. 

What is the aim of the Namo Drone Didi Scheme?

• To supply drones to 15,000 women Self Help Groups (SHGs) to rent to farmers for agriculture purposes. 

Self-help Groups (SHGs)

• These are informal associations of people, who come together to find ways to improve their living conditions. 

NAMO Drone Didi Scheme: Significance

Empowerment of Rural Women: The NAMO Drone Didi Scheme will help in harnessing technological innovation to empower rural women. It makes women the backbone of the rural economy.

• It is putting drone technology in the hands of women pilots from SHGs.

Modernize Agricultural Practices: The  NAMO Drone Didi Scheme effectively addresses the need to modernize agricultural practices.

• To increase agricultural productivity by providing cutting-edge technology to rural women. 

• It is a step towards the new agricultural revolution. 

Job Opportunities: It will help by providing new opportunities in the emerging field of drone aeronautics (having a huge untapped potential).

• This new field will also create opportunities for rural women pilots, mechanics, and spare-part dealers.

• Development of an Efficient Fertigation System: It is due to the emergence of innovative new liquid fertilisers like Nano Urea and Nano DAP with the foliar application. (Learn more about Nano Fertilizers, here).

• ‘Fertigation’ is the technique of supplying dissolved fertilisers to crops through an irrigation system. 

• Time-Efficient System: The automation of the spraying system by means of agri-drones provides a time-saving and efficient application system. 

• Equitable System: It will help in making the agrarian family culture more equitable and strong.

• Reduced Physical Hardship for Farmers: The use of drones for agricultural tasks alleviates the physical strain traditionally associated with farming activities.

India’s Fertiliser Challenge and Steps Taken to Counter Them

• High Importer of Fertilisers: Though India is the second-largest producer of fertilisers, it is also the second-largest importer due to inadequate availability of natural resources like gas, phosphatic and potassic minerals, etc. 

• To overcome this dependence on imports, the government focused on the revival of several closed-down fertiliser units and encouraged the setting up of new units to protect Indian farmers from the price volatility of fertilisers in the international markets. 

• Geopolitical Situations: The Covid-19 pandemic and the recent global geopolitical situation posed tough challenges as the price of fertilisers soared very high. 

• To counter this challenge, the government encouraged indigenous research for the development of alternate fertilisers such as liquid nano fertiliser. 

• Efficient Fertigation System: To develop an efficient fertigation system is another challenge. 

• This challenge can be effectively countered by the emerging drone technology.

Conclusion

• The NAMO Drone Didi scheme will be a game-changer by effectively addressing multiple issues by providing an opportunity for rural women to be empowered, which will prove to be a harbinger of modern-day agricultural revolution and prosperity in India.

• To ensure the success of the NAMO Drone Didi Scheme, continuous training for women in drone technology is crucial. Strengthening rural infrastructure and providing financial support to SHGs will also be key. Furthermore, fostering partnerships with tech companies can enhance the scheme’s technological aspect.

Context: Recently, the Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation was launched at the COP 28 to transform food systems to deliver better outcomes for people, nature and the climate.

About Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation (ACF)

• The 5 alliance member countries includes Brazil, Cambodia, Norway, Sierra Leone and Rwanda.

• Note: India is not part of Alliance of Champions for Food Systems Transformation.

• It was co-chaired by Brazil, Norway and Sierra Leone, alongside founding members Cambodia and Rwanda. 

• A new coalition was aimed at helping reorient policies, practices and investment priorities to deliver better food systems outcomes for people, nature and climate.

• They have committed to deliver better outcomes on food across adaptation and resilience, climate mitigation, food and nutrition security, equity and livelihoods, and nature and biodiversity. 

• Each country is pledging to strengthen national actions to transform food systems, consistent with science-based targets. 

• They are seeking to develop a “gold standard” approach to food systems transformation, addressing the food systems in their entirety, from production, processing, distribution and consumption to waste.

• The alliance members must agree to update their NDCs and national climate adaptation and biodiversity strategies to integrate these food system efforts by 2025.

• The alliance countries should report annually on progress towards their goals.

• It focuses on delivering universal access to affordable, nutritious and sustainable diets.

• It is independent from formal multilateral processes, but will work in support of the COP28 Presidency objectives around food systems transformation.

• The Alliance members are committed to driving systemic change, taking a ‘whole of government’ approach and inspiring others to go further, faster to deliver better outcomes for people, nature and climate.

Context: The Reserve Bank of India’s report on the fiscal position of State governments from 2021-22 to 2023-24 has tried to highlight the positives such as reduction in consolidated fiscal deficit, elimination of revenue deficit and vast improvement in capital expenditure in FY23 and FY24. 

• Yet, as the report acknowledges, the aggregate numbers conceal the poor fiscal management and accumulation of huge debt by many of the larger States. 

• The suggestions in the report on ways to increase States’ own tax and non-tax revenue are well-intentioned, but absence of political will could hold up implementation of these ideas.

Key Findings of The Report

Fiscal Performance of States

• Consolidated Gross Fiscal Deficit (GFD): States maintained a combined GFD at 2.8% of GDP in 2022-23, continuing the improvement seen in the previous fiscal year and staying below the Budget Estimates.

• Revenue and Capital Outlays: The reduction in deficit primarily resulted from a decrease in the revenue deficit while maintaining robust capital outlays.

• Tax Buoyancy: Implementation of GST contributed to increased tax buoyancy, with States' GST showing robust growth.

Debt and Liabilities

• Reduction in Outstanding Liabilities: Budgeted to fall to 27.6% of GDP in 2023-24, down from the peak of 31% in 2020-21.

• Varied Fiscal Health Across States: Despite the overall reduction, many states may see their outstanding liabilities exceeding 30% of GSDP.

• Disparity in Fiscal Management: 19 states and Union Territories set a GFD to GSDP ratio exceeding the FRL limit of 3%.

• This expansion in fiscal deficit is increasing the outstanding debt. Though consolidated debt of States, as percentage of GDP, is down to 27.6 per cent in FY24, from the pandemic highs of 31 per cent, it is still above the 25 per cent limit prescribed by the FRBM Act. 

• Moreover, 25 States and Union Territories are expected to breach the limit this fiscal year. Growing debt can prove troublesome amidst increasing interest rates.

Revenue and Expenditure Trends

• Slower Growth in Revenues: Both tax and non-tax revenues showed decelerated growth, with a significant contraction in grants from the Centre.

• Increase in Capital Expenditure: A 52.6% surge in capital outlay during the first half of the current financial year, supported by the Centre’s schemes.

• Favorable Fiscal Outlook: Despite challenges, there is an expectation of improved tax revenue in the second half of FY 2023-24.

Challenges

• Debt Accumulation: Despite an overall reduction, the growing debt remains a concern, especially with some states exceeding the FRBM Act limits.

• Optimistic Revenue Projections: Actual revenue growth has been slower than projected, suggesting a need for states to reassess their tax buoyancy assumptions.

• Non-Tax Revenue Generation: States are not sufficiently increasing non-tax revenues, with disparities in revenue generation across different states.

• Fiscal Prudence Variance: While some states exhibit fiscal prudence, others like Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab have recorded fiscal deficits far above mandated levels.

Context: Recently, the Ministry of Electronics and IT has said that the program- 'YUVAi- Youth for Unnati and Vikas with AI’ will be featured at the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit.

About YUVA-i

• It is a collaborative initiative of the National e-Governance Division – Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Intel India.

• It is designed to equip the youth with essential AI skills and commitment to enabling a future-ready workforce.

Features of the scheme

• Launch year: 2020

Aims

• Skills: Bridging skills gap, 

• Digital literacy: build digital readiness among the next-generation, and

• Inclusivity: continue the momentum of the inclusive and collaborative AI Skilling program.

‘YUVAi’ will help in fostering a deeper understanding of AI, to equip school students from classes 8th to 12th across the nation with AI skills, and empower them to become human-centric designers and users of AI. 

Objectives of the scheme

The objectives of YUVAi are to

• Foster a deeper understanding of AI-tech and social skills

• Enable youth to develop AI-enabled solutions as a sign of achievement

• Empower youth to become human-centric designers and users of AI

Various thematic areas

Students will be encouraged to submit ideas (individually or in teams of 2) through a 120-second video explaining a proposed AI enabled solution for any one of the eight core themes:

• Krishi – AI in Agriculture

• Aarogya – AI in Healthcare

• Shiksha – AI in Education

• Paryavaran – AI in environment & clean energy

• Parivahan – AI in transportation

• Grameen Vikas – AI for Rural Development

• AI for Smart Cities

• Vidhi aur Nyaay – AI in Law & Justice

Key Updates and Features of YUVAi Programme

• Progressing in three phases, the YUVAi programme is being implemented in multiple cohorts to ensure that maximum students stand a chance to become future-ready. It introduces students to several social themes to direct their AI knowledge towards solving real-world problems.

• In the first Cohort, more than 8,500 students registered, post which, they attended online orientation sessions to learn fundamental concepts of AI. Teachers also enrolled into the program and underwent orientation sessions. Students then submitted innovative AI-based ideas under one of the eight core themes of the programme.

• In phase 2, Top 200 AI-based ideas were shortlisted. Shortlisted students attended online deep dive AI training and mentorship sessions with certified Intel AI coaches and experts – helping students enhance their solutions. Students then submitted their AI projects to be evaluated for Phase 3.

• In Phase 3, top 50 students were shortlisted and they were invited to attend a four-day face-to-face rapid modeling workshop – receiving one-on-one mentorship, apprenticeship and guidance from industry experts to fine-tune their projects and develop them into prototypes.

• An on-spot project presentation was conducted by a multiple jury panel to shortlist Top 10 students.

Context: Recently Norway’s Minister of Trade and Industry has visited India with an aim to enhance collaboration between European free trade partners and India.

About The European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

• The Stockholm Convention created it as an intergovernmental organization in 1960.

Objective

• Promotes free trade and economic cooperation among its members in Europe and around the world.

Member Countries

• Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are the current members of EFTA.

The 4 EFTA States are competitive in global economy and score among the highest in the world in competitiveness, wealth creation per inhabitant, life expectancy and quality of life.

• All EFTA members are open, competitive economies dedicated to progressive trade liberalization in the global arena as well as through free trade agreements. 

• In contrast to the European Union (EU), EFTA is not a customs union. This means that the individual EFTA States are free to set their own customs tariffs and arrange other foreign trade measures vis-à-vis the non-EFTA States.

• Unlike the European Union (EU), EFTA does not have a customs union. This means that individual EFTA countries are allowed to set their own tariffs and other foreign trade measures in relation to non-EFTA countries.

• The EFTA Council is the highest governing body of EFTA.

• The Council usually meets 8 times a year at the ambassadorial level (heads of permanent delegations to EFTA) and twice a year at Ministerial level.

• The EFTA Parliamentary Committee (PC) and the EFTA Consultative Committee (CC) are two important advisory bodies to the EFTA Council.

• The PC is a forum for parliamentarians in the four member states while the CC is comprised with representatives from trade unions and employers’ organisations.

The association is in charge of the following:

• Free commerce among EFTA members; EFTA's membership in the European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the European Union and three EFTA members (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, but not Switzerland);

• EFTA's international network of free trade agreements.

• The EFTA countries have one of the most extensive networks of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). These FTAs cover approximately 60 countries and territories, including the European Union.

Context: India and the European Union on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding on semiconductors that will help in building a “robust supply chain” and support innovation.

Key Objectives of the MoU

• Comprehensive Information Exchange: The MoU facilitates detailed information exchange between India and the EU, focusing on their semiconductor ecosystems, fostering collaborative insights, and knowledge-sharing for mutual development.

• Emphasis on Research, Development, and Innovation: Prioritizing collaboration in critical areas like research, development, and innovation, the agreement involves active participation from universities, research bodies, and businesses in both regions.

• Addressing Semiconductors as a Strategic Commodity: Acknowledging the strategic importance of semiconductors, the MoU aims to address their significance, especially in diversifying global supply chains and reducing dependence on key players like China.

Current State of Semiconductor Production in India

• Investing in Semiconductor Fabrication: India has strategically invested substantial funds in semiconductor fabrication, recognizing its pivotal role across industries through the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.

• Underutilized Funds and Strategic Concerns: Despite the financial backing, concerns arise due to the underutilization of these funds, prompting a critical evaluation of the strategy's effectiveness.

• Strength in Design, Gaps in Manufacturing: India boasts excellence in semiconductor design however, attention is warranted to bridge the gaps in the manufacturing ecosystem. Strengthening this aspect is crucial for a comprehensive and successful semiconductor strategy in the country.

India Semiconductor Mission and PLI Schemes

• Strategic Mission for Semiconductor Ecosystem: The India Semiconductor Mission (ISM) stands as a pivotal initiative. Despite its significant allocation of funds, the mission faces challenges that need careful consideration.

• PLI Schemes' Limited Impact: Existing Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, despite their substantial funding, demonstrate limited promise concerning employment generation and value addition. The need for a more comprehensive approach becomes evident as the impact falls short of expectations.

• Challenges with Large Manufacturing Emphasis: The emphasis on incentivizing large manufacturing plants raises concerns about the limited scope of these incentives. Multinational chipmakers exhibit hesitancy in making substantial commitments, highlighting the need for a nuanced and adaptable strategy.

Context: Recently, the Prime Minister addressed the nation in the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047: Voice of Youth workshop and urged citizens to pledge, ‘Whatever I do, should be for a developed India.’ 

PM launches 'Viksit Bharat @2047: Voice of Youth'

• He also stressed on Jan Bhagidari (citizen Participation) as a mantra to accomplish the dream of a developed nation within the Amritkal period ahead of us. 

• Integration of Youngster: Viksit Bharat @2047: The Voice of Youth initiative aims to integrate our youngsters towards building a developed India.

• It will provide a platform for the country’s youth to contribute ideas to the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

• Other Initiatives under Viksit Bharat: the ‘Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra’, which aims to generate awareness and saturation of the flagship government schemes. 

About Viksit Bharat @2047

• Vision of Developed Nation: Viksit Bharat @2047 is the vision to make India a developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of independence. 

• The vision encompasses various aspects of development, including economic growth, social progress, environmental sustainability, and good governance.

• Task Group: The Sectoral Group of Secretaries (GoS) has been tasked to prepare a vision document for respective sectors after extensive stakeholders consulted with the “whole of the government” and “whole of the country” approach.

• The vision document of Viksit Bharat 2047 is expected to be released by the end of the year 2023 or the beginning of the next year. 

What are the targets for Developed India?

• The proposed measures should boost India’s gross domestic product (GDP) to $6.69 trillion in 2030, $16.13 trillion by 2040, and $29.02 trillion by 2047.

• The projections for per capita income at current prices, based on the blueprint, are $4,418 by 2030, $10,021 by 2040, and $17,590 by 2047.

• That means, the present per capita income of about Rs 2 lakhs, will become about Rs 14.9 Lakhs by 2047. 

• Exports targets are $1.58 trillion by value in 2030, $4.56 trillion by 2040, and $8.67 trillion by 2047.

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is working on establishing a cloud facility for the financial sector in India as it looks to enhance the security, integrity and privacy of financial sector data. 

• The cloud facility aims to enhance privacy, scalability, and business continuity.

• The service, which will be developed by a subsidiary of the central bank, will directly compete with similar services offered by American companies like Amazon, Google and Microsoft.

Central Bank's New Venture

• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is set to enter the domain of cloud services, positioning itself in direct competition with global giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft.

• This ambitious move aims to leverage the growing volume of data held by banks and financial entities.

• Cloud services refer to the delivery of computing resources, such as storage, processing power, and applications, over the internet. Users can access and utilize these servicesremotely, eliminating the need for physical infrastructure and on-site management.

Strategic Rationale

• The RBI's initiative aligns with the government's strategy of establishing 'digital public infrastructure' (DPI).

• Following this approach, the central bank subsidiary will develop the underlying technology, subsequently outsourcing its application development to the private sector.

• This mirrors successful implementations like Aadhaar and United Payments Interface (UPI).

Enhancing Financial Data Security

• The proposed cloud facility for the financial sector seeks to address the escalating volume of data maintained by banks.

• The RBI emphasizes that this initiative will not only enhance data security but also uphold integrity and privacy standards crucial for the financial sector.

Application of Cloud Services in Financial World

Cloud services find extensive applicability in the finance sector due to several advantages:

• Cost Efficiency: Cloud services allow financial institutions to avoid heavy upfront investments in IT infrastructure, reducing capital expenses. They can scale resources up or down based on demand, optimizing costs.

• Flexibility and Scalability: Financial organizations often experience fluctuating workloads. Cloud services provide the flexibility to scale resources dynamically, ensuring optimal performance during peak times and efficiency during lulls.

• Data Security: Reputable cloud service providers implement robust security measures, often surpassing what individual firms can achieve. This enhances data protection, crucial for sensitive financial information.

• Collaboration and Remote Access: Cloud services facilitate seamless collaboration among teams, enabling remote work capabilities. This is especially important in the financial sector, where accessibility and collaboration are paramount.

• Innovation and Time-to-Market: Cloud services offer tools and platforms for innovation, allowing financial institutions to quickly deploy new services, products, and applications, reducing time-to-market.

• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Cloud providers typically have redundant data centers and robust disaster recovery mechanisms. This ensures that financial organizations can recover data swiftly and maintain operations even in the face of unexpected events.

• Regulatory Compliance: Many cloud service providers adhere to stringent security and compliance standards. Leveraging such services can assist financial institutions in meeting regulatory requirements effectively.

• Analytics and Big Data: Cloud services provide powerful analytics tools and storage capabilities, enabling financial organizations to process and analyze large volumes of data efficiently. This is crucial for deriving valuable insights from financial data.

• Customer Experience: Cloud-based applications contribute to a smoother customer experience by ensuring accessibility and responsiveness, enhancing customer satisfaction in the digital era.

Context: The Gram Manchitra initiative aims to empower Gram Panchayats for effective spatial planning at the grassroots level, as announced by the Union Minister of State for Panchayati Raj in Lok Sabha.

Gram Manchitra Application

• The primary goal of the Gram Manchitra application is to empower Gram Panchayats with a robust platform for spatial planning, leveraging geospatial technology.

Functionalities

• Unified Geo-Spatial Platform: The application serves as a centralized platform for Gram Panchayats to visualize and plan developmental works across multiple sectors. This includes infrastructure development, natural resource management, sanitation, agriculture, and more.

• Decision Support System: Gram Manchitra provides various planning tools that utilize GIS technology. These tools aid Gram Panchayat officials in devising practical and achievable development plans. Some of these tools include:

• Identification of Potential Sites: By utilizing geographic data, the application helps in identifying optimal locations for new development projects.

• Asset Tracking: The application facilitates tracking and management of assets through geo-tagging, ensuring transparency and effective utilization of resources.

• Cost Estimation: Tools are available to estimate the costs associated with different projects, aiding in budgeting and resource allocation.

• Impact Assessment: Allows assessment of the potential impact of proposed projects on the local community and environment.

mActionSoft Mobile-Based Solution

• Complementing Gram Manchitra, mActionSoft is a mobile-based solution designed to capture photos with geo-tags (GPS Coordinates) specifically for works where assets are created as outputs.

Geo-Tagging Process

• Three-Stage Geo-Tagging: The mobile application enables the geo-tagging of assets at three crucial stages of development projects: before the commencement of work, during the work progress, and upon completion of the work.

• Asset Repository: This initiative helps create a comprehensive repository of information related to various developmental works, such as natural resource management, water harvesting, sanitation, agriculture, etc. It ensures a detailed record of assets and their development stages.

Integration with Gram Manchitra

• The assets geo-tagged using mActionSoft are seamlessly integrated into the Gram Manchitra application. This integration enhances the visual representation and mapping of various developmental works within Gram Panchayats.

Geo-Tagging Finance Commission Funded Assets

• Assets created under the finance commission funds are geo-tagged using photographs by the respective Panchayats.

• The GIS data of these geotagged assets can be visualized on the map of the Panchayat within the Gram Manchitra application.

Conclusion

• The initiatives collectively aim to leverage modern technology to empower local governance bodies. They enable efficient planning, monitoring, and decision-making for development projects at the grassroots level. The use of GIS technology and geo-tagging ensures transparency, effective asset management, and informed decision-making, crucial for sustainable rural development.

Context: By focusing more on the particular concept of sovereignty ‘which requires no subordination to another body’, the Court ends up refusing to recognize the shared sovereignty model of Article 370.

The Concept of Constitutional Monism

• In a parliamentary federal democracy, constitutional monism is a concept that pertains to the relationship between law at the centre and law enacted by states within a particular legal system.

• It is a perspective that emphasises the unity of the legal order, asserting that both law at the centre and states’ law form a single, integrated legal system.

• In constitutional monism, there is a hierarchy of norms, with the constitution (or a constitutional document) at the apex.

• According to this perspective, law passed by the parliament is considered an integral part of the domestic legal system and is automatically incorporated at the level of states without the need for specific legislation.

• And, if there is a conflict between law passed by the parliament and any law enacted by a state of the union, the former prevails, as it is an inherent part of the national legal order.

Constitutional Monism and Federalism

• Constitutional Monism Eroding Federal Powers: The Supreme Court's unanimous decision on Article 370 reflects constitutional monism, undermining the federal distribution of powers.

• Neglect of J&K's Shared Sovereignty Model: Article 370's shared sovereignty model, as envisioned by J&K's Constituent Assembly, is neglected in favor of Union-centric sovereignty.

• Binary View of Sovereignty: The Court's binary view of sovereignty oversimplifies the complex federal dynamics, setting a concerning precedent for federalism in India.

Contingency of Presidential Power under Article 370

• Dismissing Permanence: The Court's monist approach is evident in its interpretation of Clause 3 of Article 370, rejecting the idea of its permanence.

• Unbridled Presidential Power: By asserting unbridled power for the President, the Court overlooks the contingent nature of Clause 3 on the Constituent Assembly's recommendation.

• Erosion of Checks and Balances: This interpretation weakens the checks and balances inherent in constitutional democracy, challenging the essence of federalism.

The Verdict Has Potential Impact on Federalism

• The adoption of a monist interpretation poses a significant risk to federalism in India.

• By neglecting the nuanced distribution of powers envisaged by Article 370, there is a potential erosion of State powers, undermining the delicate balance between the Union and State governments.

• This erosion could lead to a concentration of authority at the central level, altering the federal fabric envisioned by the framers of the Constitution.

The Verdict Also Challenges the Constitutional Sovereignty

• The monist view does not just impact federalism; it also challenges the constitutional sovereignty.

• When the courts favour a monist perspective, it harms the deliberate framework set by the J&K Constituent Assembly for state sovereignty.

• This change has wider effects on the constitutional system and the independence of states in the Indian Union.

The Court Neglected State's Views on its Future

• The Court's view, which places Parliament as the ultimate authority representing the entire nation, neglects the significance of a state's views on its future.

• Even if a state's views may not be binding on Parliament, the respect for a state's popular sovereignty should not be dismissed.

• The Court's stance is seen as worrying where historical thresholds for reorganisation were higher.

• The monist reading not only upholds the abrogation of Article 370 but also diminishes the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, raising concerns about the impact on federalism.

Popular Sovereignty

• State Views on Reorganization:The judgment diminishes the significance of an individual state's views on reorganization, favoring Parliament's authority.

• The Court's monist perspective subordinates the popular sovereignty of J&K's people to the broader national sovereignty, eroding state autonomy.

• Alarming Shift:This shift in dynamics is particularly alarming for J&K, where historically, the threshold for reorganization was higher than in other states.

Conclusion

• There are certain concerns such as potential threats to federalism, the erosion of state powers, and the implications for constitutional democracy, arising from the Court's monist reading of the Constitution.

• A monist approach, when applied to a complex federal structure like India's, can have far-reaching consequences, not only in legal terms but also in shaping the political and democratic landscape of the nation.

Context: The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH) has completed 10 years of implementation.

What is the POSH Act?

• Objective: To provide protection against sexual harassment of women in their workplace, public or private, to ensure gender equality, right to dignity and a favourable working environment.

• It gave legislative backing to Vishaka Guidelines.  

Key Features of the PoSH Act

• Clear Definition of Sexual Harassment: The Act defines sexual harassment to include unwelcome acts such as physical contact and sexual advances, a demand or request for sexual favours, making sexually coloured remarks, showing pornography, and any other unwelcome physical, verbal, or non-verbal conduct of a sexual nature. 

• Applicability: The Act is applicable to all workplaces, including the organized and unorganized sectors, the public and private sectors, and government and non-government organizations.

• Employee: All women employees, whether employed regularly, temporarily, contractually, on an ad hoc or daily wage basis, as apprentices or interns or even employed without the knowledge of the principal employer, can seek redressal to sexual harassment in the workplace.

• Constitution of Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): Employers are required to constitute an ICC at each office or branch with 10 or more employees.

• It has to be headed by a woman, have at least two women employees, another employee, and a third party such as an NGO worker with five years of experience. 

• Local Committee (LC): It mandates every district in the country to create a local committee (LC) to receive complaints from women working in firms with less than 10 employees.

• Procedure for Filing Complaints: Woman can file a written complaint within three to six months of the sexual harassment incident.

• There are two ways to resolve the issue by the committee- through conciliation between the complainant and the respondent (which cannot be a financial settlement), or committees could initiate an inquiry, taking appropriate action based on what it finds.

• Annual Audit Report: The employer has to file an annual audit report with the district officer about the number of sexual harassment complaints filed and actions taken at the end of the year. 

• Penalty: If the employer fails to constitute an ICC or does not abide by any other provision, they must pay a fine of up to Rs 50,000, which increases for a repeat offence.

Significance of the Act

• Quicker and more efficient resolution of cases

• Promotion of a Safe Work Environment.

• The existence of a legal framework with penalties for non-compliance serves as a deterrent against sexual harassment at the workplace. 

• The  wide applicability ensures that protections against sexual harassment are extended to a diverse range of workplaces.

• The Act emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality during the inquiry process which encourages victims to come forward and report incidents.

Challenges in the Implementation of the PoSH Act

• Lack of Awareness: Many individuals may not be fully aware of their rights and responsibilities under the law, leading to underreporting of incidents and inadequate preventive measures.

• Inadequate Training: Lack of training can result in improper handling of complaints, potential biases, and a failure to create a supportive and responsive environment.

• Non-compliance: Some employers may not fully comply with the requirements of the PoSH Act, such as the constitution of ICCs, conducting awareness programs, and implementing preventive measures. 

• Informal Workplaces: Challenges in addressing sexual harassment in informal or unorganized workplaces where there may be a lack of clear reporting structures, established policies, and awareness about the legal framework.

• Inadequate Penalties: The Act does not specify stringent penalties for non-compliance, which may reduce the deterrent effect. 

• Cross-Border Challenges: Multinational organizations may face challenges in implementing the POSH Act across different jurisdictions with varying legal frameworks. 

Justice Verma Committee on Sexual Harassment at Workplace

• Recommended setting up an employment tribunal instead of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). 

• To ensure speedy disposal, the committee may choose its own procedure to deal with each complaint. 

• Domestic Workers should be included in the purview of the Act. 

• The panel has recommended removing the provision penalizing women for false complaints, as it can potentially nullify the objective of the law. 

Road Ahead

• Stronger penalties and enforcement mechanisms could contribute to better compliance with the provisions of the law.

• Adapting the PoSH Act to address the challenges posed by changes, such as virtual harassment and decentralized work environments, is crucial.

• Regular awareness campaigns, comprehensive training programs, and continuous evaluation and updates to the legal framework can contribute to the effective implementation of the PoSH Act.

Context: Recently, a five-member Constitution bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, unanimously upheld the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, noting that Article 370 was a temporary provision and that the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir had no internal sovereignty.

Background

• Over the years, there were debates about the special status; with some arguing it impeded the state's integration with the rest of India.

• The Pulwama terror attack in February 2019, which resulted in the death of Indian security personnel, heightened security concerns in the region.

• There were calls for a stronger response to address security challenges.

• As an action taken in favour to this, On August 5, 2019, the Indian government, through a Presidential order, abrogated Article 370, effectively revoking the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

• The state was also reorganized into two separate Union Territories –“Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.”

What was all Article 370 about?

• Article 370 of the Indian Constitution granted special autonomy to the region of Jammu and Kashmir.

• The article allowed the state to have its constitution, and its residents enjoyed certain privileges, including exclusive rights over land and property.

• Article 35A: Article 35A, inserted through a Presidential order in 1954, granted special rights and privileges to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.

• It allowed the state's legislature to define permanent residents and provided them with exclusive rights over jobs and property.

Why there was a need for such an Action?

• The government argued that the move aimed at integrating Jammu and Kashmir fully into the Indian Union and promoting development in the region.

Arguments and Questionnaire around Abrogation of Article 370

Legality and Constitutional Validity

• Was the revocation of Article 370 constitutional?

• Did the government have the authority to make such a significant change through Presidential orders?

Democratic Process

• Was the decision in line with democratic norms, considering the absence of an elected government in Jammu and Kashmir?

• Should such a major decision be made without the consent of the people or their elected representatives?

Federalism and State Autonomy

• Did the revocation undermine the principles of federalism?

• How did the move impact the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir in legislative matters?

Historical Context

• Was there sufficient consideration of the historical context and the special status granted to Jammu and Kashmir?

• Did the decision respect the agreements made during the state's accession to India?

About the Recent Verdict

• On federalism and Sovereignty: In the apex court’s view, following the Instrument of Accession and the issuance of the Proclamation dated November 25, 1949, by which the Constitution of India was adopted, the State of Jammu and Kashmir did not retain any element of sovereignty.

• Article 370 was a feature of asymmetric federalism and not sovereignty.

• The Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on upholding Article 370 by the President and mentioned that, the President has power to abrogate Article 370 if “special circumstances warrant a special solution”.

• The Supreme Court also proclaimed that the concurrence of the State government was not required to apply the Indian Constitution to the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

• On President’s decision to abrogate Article 370, using the Article itself: It is pertinent to mention that when Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was revoked by a Presidential Order in August 2019, the erstwhile State was under President’s rule, and it has since been a source of debate whether irreversible decisions could be made in the absence of an elected Legislative Assembly.

• The President in exercise of power under Article 370(3) can unilaterally issue a notification that Article 370 ceases to exist.

• So, concluding thoughts have highlighted that,”Every decision taken by the Centre on behalf of the state during Presidential rule can’t be challenged.”

Arguments/Answersgiven for ‘Abrogation of Article 370’

President’s sole authority

• The President did not have to secure the concurrence of the Government of the State or Union Government acting on behalf of the State Government under the second proviso to Article 370(1)(d) while applying all the provisions of the Constitution to Jammu and Kashmir because such an exercise of power has the same effect as an exercise of power under Article 370(3) for which the concurrence or collaboration with the State Government was not required.

Declared as a ‘Temporary Provision’

• The court held that Article 370 was only a “temporary provision” to ease the accession of the then princely State to the Union at a time of internal strife and war.

• The power of the Parliament or the President to abrogate Article 370 did not cease to exist with the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir in 1957.

Power to abrogate Article 370 is not present for J & K Assembly

• Only the power of the J&K Constituent Assembly to recommend abrogation of Article 370 ceased to exist with its dissolution.

• Also, the power of the President under Article 370 (3) to abrogate Article 370 had continued to prevail. As, when the Constituent Assembly dissolved, only the transitional power recognised in the proviso of Article 370(3), which empowered the Constituent Assembly to make its recommendations, ceased to exist. It did not affect the power held by the President under Article 370 (3).

Arguments in favour of Article 370

• Geographical Differences: Views may differ between regions such as Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, with each having distinct demographic and cultural characteristics.

• Ethnic and Religious Diversity: The opinions of different ethnic and religious communities, including Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists, may vary based on their historical experiences and perceptions.

• Political Affiliations: People's political affiliations, whether aligned with mainstream political parties or separatist groups, strongly influence their stance on the abrogation.

• It's important to recognize that opinions within Jammu and Kashmir are diverse, and there is no single, unified solution for the issue in the region. The region has a long history of complex geopolitical and socio-cultural dynamics, contributing to a multiplicity of viewpoints.

Road Ahead

• A 10-year strategy for 3Es (education, employment and employability) should be deployed for uplifting Kashmir.

• The plan for a ‘zero-terror incident’ in J&K has been in force since 2020 and will be successful by 2026.

• The Gandhian path of non-violence and peace should be adopted to solve the legitimacy crisis in Kashmir.

• The government can mitigate the challenges emanating out of Action on article 370 by launching a comprehensive outreach programme to all Kashmiris.

• In this context, Atal Bihari Vajpayee's version of Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat, and Jamhooriyat (inclusivity culture of Kashmir, humanitarianism and democracy) for Kashmir solution, should become a cornerstone of the forces of reconciliation in the State.

Context: Holding that the rule of reservation need not be followed in the appointment of law officers, the Madras High Court said merit must be the sole criterion for such appointments as the government is duty-bound to engage only the most proficient, competent and capable lawyers to represent it before the courts of law.

Key Points of the Verdict

• The verdict was delivered while dismissing a public interest litigation petition filed in 2017 insisting upon transparency and adequate representation for women, the Scheduled Caste, the Scheduled Tribe and the minorities in the appointment of law officers.

• The petitioner highlighted that the Appointment of Law Officers of the High Court of Madras had failed to provide vertical as well as horizontal reservation.

• The Division Bench has stated that the relationship between an advocate and their client is one of active confidence and trust and is governed by the doctrine of uberrima fides.

• The relationship between the government and the law officer is purely professional and not that of a master and a servant.

• The law officers are not appointed to a civil post nor are they employees of the government. Therefore, it cannot be held that reservation needs to be provided while appointing law officers by the government.

• The court suggested that the invitation for applications should be inclusive, allowing the government to select highly competent and meritorious lawyers as law officers.

Doctrine of Uberrima Fides

• The doctrine of Uberrima Fides is a Latin phrase that translates to “utmost good faith”. It requires the advocate to act in the best interests of the client.

What are the Rules/Judgements Related to Reservation in Public Employment?

• According to Office Memorandum issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) in 2021 the rule of reservation must be applied even to contractual as well as temporary appointments barring those that were to last for less than 45 days.

• The Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney’s case, 1992 ruled that providing reservations for certain services and positions might not be advisable for the performance of duties.

• The post of a law officer was one such position that must be exempt from the rule of reservation.

• In 2022, Justices Nageswara Rao, Sanjiv Khanna, and B.R. Gavai issued a ruling emphasizing that state governments must provide measurable data to justify reservation policies for the promotion of candidates belonging to SC and STs.

• The court upheld the requirement for state authorities to support their decisions on promoting SC/ST candidates with concrete and measurable evidence.

Constitutional Provisions Governing Reservation in India

• Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution enabled the State and Central Governments to reserve seats in government services for the members of the SC and ST.

• Constitutional 81st Amendment Act, 2000 inserted Article 16 (4B) which enables the state to fill the unfilled vacancies of a year which are reserved for SCs/STs in the succeeding year, thereby nullifying the ceiling of 50% reservation on the total number of vacancies of that year.

• Article 335 of the constitution says that the claims of STs and STs shall be taken into consideration consistently with the maintenance of efficacy of the administration.

Advocate General

• Under Article 165 of the Constitution of India the Governor of each State shall appoint a person who is qualified to be appointed as a Judge of a High Court to be Advocate General for the State.

• The Advocate General is the Highest legal officer in the state in India.

• He possesses the complete authority to present himself in any court within the state.

• He lacks voting privileges in the proceedings of the state legislature or any committees initiated by the state legislature. However, he does retain the right to speak and participate in these proceedings.

Context: Recently, the Lok Sabha passed the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, introduced by the Ministry of Law and Justice.

• The bill aims to amend the Advocates Act of 1961, which consolidates legislation related to legal professionals, establishes Bar Councils, and forms the All-India Bar.

Key Features of the Bill

Aims of the Bill

• This legislative move aims to eradicate the presence of 'touts' in the legal system.

• The Bill involves the repeal of the colonial-era Legal Practitioners Act, 1879, and amendments to the Advocates Act, 1961.

Repeal of Outdated Legislation

• The Bill marks the end of the Legal Practitioners Act, 1879, a colonial-era law deemed obsolete.

• The repeal is part of the government's broader strategy to eliminate outdated laws and streamline the legal framework.

Reduction of Superfluous Enactments

• The primary objective of the Advocates Amendment Bill is to reduce the number of redundant laws in the statute book.

• By amending the Advocates Act, 1961, the government aims to create a more contemporary and efficient legal framework.

Response to Societal Asymmetry

• MPs acknowledged the importance of the Bill in addressing societal imbalances.

• The complexity of the legal system often leaves individuals without proper guidance, leading to the exploitation of people by 'touts.'

• The Bill seeks to rectify this issue by eliminating such exploitation.

Touts

• Touts are individuals who actively seek to persuade others to hire a particular lawyer and receive payment for providing this service.

• They commonly operate around places like courts or government offices, offering their services to connect people with lawyers in exchange for monetary compensation.

The Legal Practitioners Act, 1879

• Inception and Scope: Enacted in 1880, it aimed to consolidate the law relating to legal practitioners in certain Indian provinces.

• Definition of Legal Practitioner: The Act defined legal practitioners as advocates, vakils, or attorneys of any High Court.

• Introduction of ‘Tout’: A significant aspect was the definition of ‘tout’, referring to individuals who procure clients for legal practitioners for remuneration.

The Advocates Act, 1961

• Consolidation of Legal Practice Laws: This Act was enacted to unify and amend laws relating to legal practitioners and establish Bar Councils and an All-India Bar.

• Pre-1961 Legal Framework: Previously, legal practitioners were governed by multiple acts, including the 1879 Act.

• Law Commission and All-India Bar Committee Recommendations: Post-independence, reforms were suggested by the Law Commission and the All-India Bar Committee, leading to the 1961 Act.

The Advocates Amendment Bill, 2023

• New Provisions: The Bill introduces a new section (Section 45A) in the 1961 Act, focusing on illegal practice and the regulation of touts.

• This section empowers High Courts and district judges to frame and publish lists of 'touts' after providing them with an opportunity to contest their inclusion.

• Punishment for Illegal Practice: It prescribes imprisonment for persons illegally practicing in courts and other authorities.

Legal Safeguards

• The new provision ensures that no individual's name is included in the 'touts' list without affording them an opportunity to present their case.

• Authorities can send suspected 'touts' to subordinate courts for inquiry, and only proven cases will be included in the published list.

• Regulation of Touts: The Bill empowers High Courts and district judges to frame and publish lists of touts, ensuring due process before inclusion.

• Penalties for Touts: It includes provisions for punishing individuals acting as touts with imprisonment, fines, or both.

Rationale and Implications

• Streamlining Legal Enactments: The Bill aims to reduce superfluous laws and repeal those that have become obsolete.

• Government’s Policy on Obsolete Laws: In line with the government’s policy to repeal outdated pre-independence Acts, the Bill seeks to modernize legal practice regulations.

• Consultation with Bar Council of India: The amendments were made in consultation with the Bar Council of India, reflecting a collaborative approach to legal reform.

Road Ahead

• Addressing Legal System Complexities: The Bill addresses long-standing issues in the legal system, particularly the exploitation of legal complexities by touts.

• Balancing Tradition and Modern Needs: By repealing outdated laws and amending existing ones, the Bill balances the need to respect legal traditions with the demands of contemporary legal practice.

• Future Outlook: These changes are expected to enhance the integrity and efficiency of legal practice in India, contributing to a more transparent and accessible legal system.

Context: The Supreme Court of India released a video in 10 Indian languages, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Kesavananda Bharati judgment delivered on April 24, 1973.

• The Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala case is a cornerstone in Indian constitutional law, redefining the relationship between Parliament and the Constitution.

Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)

• Basic Structure Doctrine: The judgment introduced the basic structure doctrine, asserting that the Constitution has an inherent framework that cannot be altered by parliamentary amendments.

• 7-6 Decision: The Supreme Court, in a narrow decision, established its authority to invalidate constitutional amendments violating this basic structure.

Key Outcomes

• Limitation on Parliamentary Power: The doctrine restricts Parliament’s ability to amend key constitutional features like the separation of powers.

• Judicial Review Reinforcement: It built upon the Golaknath v. State of Punjab case, allowing for the review of amendments affecting the Constitution’s basic structure.

• Article 31-C and Judicial Review: The Court upheld the constitutionality of Article 31-C’s first provision, stating that amendments implementing Directive Principles, which do not disturb the basic structure, are not subject to judicial review.

Criticism of the Basic Structure Doctrine

• Dilution of Parliamentary Powers: Critics argue that the doctrine undermines parliamentary sovereignty and disrupts the separation of powers.

• Ambiguity Concerns: The doctrine’s perceived vagueness and subjectivity in judicial review have also been points of contention.

Landmark Cases Involving the Doctrine

• Indira Gandhi v Raj Narain (1975): The Court applied the Kesavananda doctrine to strike down the 39th Amendment, which sought to immunize the elections of top officials from judicial scrutiny.

• Minerva Mills Ltd vs. Union of India (1980): The Court invalidated a clause in Article 368, asserting that Parliament’s constituent power had no limitations.

• P Sambamurthy v State of Andhra Pradesh (1986): The Court struck down part of the 32nd Amendment related to the establishment of an Administrative Tribunal in Andhra Pradesh.

• L Chandra Kumar v Union of India (1997): The Court nullified a portion of the 42nd Amendment that established administrative tribunals and excluded High Court judicial review.

Significance of the Judgment and the Doctrine

• Empowerment of Judicial Review: The doctrine underpins the judiciary’s authority to review and potentially override constitutional amendments by Parliament.

• Clarification of Article 368: It distinguishes Article 368 as a procedural mechanism for amendment, not a power to alter the Constitution’s core or basic structure.

• Proponents of the basic structure doctrine consider it to be a safety valve against majoritarian authoritarianism. 

• It is plausible that the 1975 Emergency could have had far more deleterious effects on the health of Indian democracy if the basic structure doctrine was not there.

• Harmony with Legislative Authority: Justice Shastri emphasized that judicial review is a constitutional duty, not an attempt to undermine legislative power.

• Checks and Balances System: The Kesavananda Bharati verdict underscored that judicial review serves as a check and balance, ensuring constitutional functionaries remain within their prescribed limits.

• The significance of the case lies in the fact that the verdict has stood sentinel to the basic features of the Constitution such as secularism, religious freedom and federalism for 50 long years.

Criticisms

• Vague and uncertain: The judgment does not provide a clear definition of what constitutes the basic structure of the Constitution, which has led to a great deal of debate about which amendments are valid and which are not.

• Dilutes Parliamentary Sovereignty: The judgment gave the Supreme Court the power to strike down amendments passed by Parliament, which has been seen by many as a violation of the principle of parliamentary sovereignty.

• Judicial overreach: The doctrine amounts to judicial overreach over the legislature, which is itself undemocratic.

• Government has time and again criticized the orders of the judiciary. For instance, the Supreme Court declaring the NJAC Act unconstitutional.

• Promotes rigidity: The doctrine of basic structure has been seen as a barrier to necessary reforms of the Constitution. For example, changes the collegium system of judiciary.

Road Ahead

• Despite criticisms, the case has thus had far-reaching consequences for the constitutional development of India, making it one of the most significant cases in Indian constitutional law.

• The judgment has helped to protect the fundamental rights of citizens and the democratic character of the Indian Constitution.