From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bordering countries of North Korea
Mains level: Geopolitical Implications on the Indo-Pacific Region
Why in the news?
North Korea has announced that it has successfully tested a new tactical ballistic missile designed to carry a “super-large warhead”.
About the Recent Hwasongpho-11 Da-4.5 Test
North Korea announced the successful test of a new tactical ballistic missile, Hwasongpho-11 Da-4.5, capable of carrying a “super-large warhead.”The test was conducted with a simulated heavy warhead to verify flight stability and accuracy.
The test violates UN prohibitions on North Korea testing ballistic projectiles and is part of their ongoing efforts to advance nuclear capabilities. North Korea’s military plans another launch of the same missile type in July to test the “explosion power” of the super-large warhead.
South Korea’s Reaction
Dismissal as Deception: South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson, Colonel Lee Sung-jun, dismissed the test as likely “deception,” questioning the success of the inland test-fire.
Artillery Drills: South Korea’s military conducted artillery drills near the Military Demarcation Line in response.
Military Pact Suspension: These drills resumed following North Korea’s launch of balloons carrying garbage into South Korea, which led to the suspension of a military pact with Pyongyang.
Concerns Over Russia Ties: South Korea is increasingly worried about North Korea’s warming relations with Russia, suspecting North Korea of supplying ballistic missiles and artillery shells to Russia, despite both countries denying these allegations.
Geopolitical Implications on the Indo-Pacific Region
Increased Tensions: North Korea’s missile tests exacerbate tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, raising security concerns among neighbouring countries and global powers.
Regional Arms Race: The tests could prompt an arms race, with countries like South Korea and Japan potentially enhancing their military capabilities in response.
US and Allies’ Response: The United States and its allies in the region may increase military presence and conduct joint exercises to counter North Korea’s missile advancements.
Impact on Diplomacy: The tests complicate diplomatic efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and might lead to further sanctions and isolation of North Korea.
China’s Role: China’s influence in the region and its relationship with North Korea could be pivotal in addressing the security challenges posed by these missile tests.
Way forward ( What can India do?)
Strengthen Regional Alliances and Diplomatic Engagements: India should enhance its collaboration with key regional players like Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN countries to ensure collective security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Enhance National Defense Capabilities: India should focus on bolstering its own defense infrastructure and capabilities to prepare for any potential threats arising from the increased militarization in the region.
Mains PYQ:
Q The new tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength and impact of AUKUS in the present scenario. (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Reason behind the heavy rain
Mains level: Principal Reasons Behind Chronic Urban Flooding in Delhi
Why in the news?
Heavy rain brought Delhi and NCR to a standstill, causing severe water-logging, traffic snarls, power cuts, property damage, and 11 deaths from structural collapses and electrocution.
Climate change and rising temperatures have intensified the overflow of rivers and lakes, snowmelt, storm surges (such as hurricanes and cyclones), and abnormally heavy rains. This, coupled with locational vulnerabilities, has resulted in increased instances of urban flooding.
Principal Reasons Behind Chronic Urban Flooding in Delhi
Unchecked Urban Expansion: Rapid, ill-planned urban growth without considering natural topography and drainage patterns.
Inadequate Drainage Systems: Existing drainage systems are unable to handle high-intensity rainfall, leading to significant runoff.
Concrete Overdevelopment: Excessive construction on low-lying areas and flood plains, leaving little room for water absorption.
Destruction of Water Bodies: Reduction of water bodies that could manage floodwaters, with many converted into real estate.
Neglect of Water in Urban Planning: Lack of a comprehensive water masterplan that integrates water management into urban development.
Present Scenario of Rapid Urbanization in Delhi NCR
Fastest Urban Expansion: Delhi is one of the fastest-growing cities globally, with its geographic size almost doubling between 1991 and 2011.
Population Growth: Predicted to overtake Tokyo as the world’s most populous city by 2030, with an estimated population of 39 million.
Urban Sprawl: Expansion primarily on the peripheries, converting rural areas into urban zones, and rapid urbanization in NCR cities like Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Noida, and Gurugram.
Challenges and Limitations
Topographical Neglect: Building in low-lying areas and on flood plains, disrupting natural drainage and increasing flood risks.
Inadequate Infrastructure: Insufficient desilting of drains, inadequate stormwater management systems, and improper solid waste management.
Lack of a Water Masterplan: Absence of comprehensive planning for clean and wastewater flows, leading to issues like the flooding of new infrastructures like the Pragati Maidan Tunnel.
Reduction of green space and water bodies: Conversion of green spaces and water bodies into concrete developments, further aggravating flood situations.
Inconsistent Urban Planning: No systematic approach to integrating natural water flows and gradients into urban development plans.
Recommendations (Way Forward)
Integrated Urban Planning: Develop a water masterplan that prioritizes water management in urban development.
Protection of Water Bodies: Preserve and restore existing water bodies to manage floodwaters effectively.
Sustainable Development: Implement policies to prevent construction in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Infrastructure Improvement: Enhance drainage systems, desilting processes, and solid waste management to reduce water logging.
Public Awareness: Increase awareness about the importance of sustainable urban planning and the risks of unchecked urbanization.
Case study: Copenhagen, Denmark has an excellent “Five Finger Plan” that integrates urban infrastructure, transport, and green spaces. The city emphasizes sustainability, public life, and sensitive development. Indian Government can consider this plane.
Mains PYQ:
Q Account for the huge flooding of million cities in India including the smart ones like Hyderabad and Pune. Suggest lasting remedial measures. (UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bordering countries of France
Mains level: How France is India’s steadfast partner in achieving its sustainability goals?
Why in the news?
On July 14, 2023, in Paris, President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi elevated the ‘Partnership for the Planet’ to one of the three central pillars of the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap.
Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap are:
Strategic Partnership: Enhancing defense, security, and geopolitical ties.
Economic Partnership: Promoting trade, investments, and sustainable development.
Partnership for the Planet: Focusing on environmental sustainability and green technologies.
India- France Bilateral Ties
Strategic Partnership: India and France established a strategic partnership in 1998, which covers cooperation in defense, civil nuclear energy, space, and security. This partnership is considered a cornerstone of their bilateral ties.
High-Level Exchanges: There have been frequent high-level exchanges between the leaders of both countries, including state visits and participation in each other’s national events like the Republic Day parade. This demonstrates the close political ties.
Defense Cooperation: Defense is a major pillar of the India-France partnership. The two countries conduct joint military exercises, collaborate on defense equipment manufacturing, and have an “intelligence and information exchange” mechanism.
Space Cooperation: India and France have robust space cooperation, including co-development and launch of satellites, research on new launch technologies, and connecting startups. They recently launched a Strategic Space Dialogue to guide their space partnership.
Convergence on Indo-Pacific: Both countries share concerns over China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. They have agreed to intensify cooperation in the strategically important Southwest Indian Ocean and work with other like-minded countries to address regional security challenges.
How France is India’s steadfast partner to achieve its sustainability goals?
Financial Support: France, through the French Development Agency (AFD) and Proparco, has committed substantial financial resources to India. This includes over €4 billion since 2008 for nearly 100 projects, with a significant focus on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Strategic Focus Areas: Cooperation spans key sectors like energy transition, sustainable urban development, biodiversity conservation, resilience of territories, and reduction of inequalities. These efforts contribute directly to India’s sustainable development agenda.
Project Implementation: AFD’s involvement in projects such as metro systems in Pune and Nagpur, forest conservation in Rajasthan, and urban water management across 20 cities demonstrates tangible contributions to India’s environmental and social sustainability.
Partnership in Innovation: Collaborative initiatives underpinning innovation, including the Indo-French Year of Innovation in 2026, aimed at fostering solutions that integrate social inclusion with environmental sustainability.
Indo-Pacific Engagement: Strengthening bilateral ties with an Indo-Pacific dimension, focusing on initiatives like the Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership and joint funds for scaling up green technologies, showcasing France’s commitment to regional sustainability efforts.
Private sector-led projects
Investment in Agriculture: Proparco’s €11.2 million investment in Sahyadri, supports farmer-led initiatives to reduce farm losses, pesticide and fertilizer use, and enhance yields and produce quality.
Healthcare Investments: Proparco’s €33 million equity investment in Quadria, aimed at improving access to affordable quality healthcare in underserved regions of India and Southeast Asia.
Innovation and Sustainability: Emphasis on innovative solutions blending social inclusion with sustainability, such as through the Indo-French Year of Innovation in 2026 and joint efforts to scale up green technologies in the Indo-Pacific region.
Way forward:
Strengthen bilateral agreements to facilitate smoother cooperation and ensure compliance with international sustainability standards.
Foster deeper public-private partnerships to leverage expertise, funding, and innovation for sustainable development projects.
Promote continuous high-level dialogues and joint initiatives to address global challenges, enhance regional security, and drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Mains PYQ:
Q What were the events that led to the Suez Crisis in 1956? How did it deal a final blow to Britain’s self-image as a world power? (UPSC IAS/2014)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is Generative AI?
Mains level: Persistent and Contentious Issues in Internet Governance
Why in the news?
Generative AI’s transformative potential challenges existing legal frameworks and judicial precedents, which are inadequate for effectively governing this rapidly-evolving technology designed for a pre-AI world.
What is Generative AI?
Generative AI refers to artificial intelligence models that can generate original content like text, images, videos, and audio in response to prompts or requests.
These models learn patterns from large datasets and use that knowledge to create new content that resembles the training data.
Persistent and Contentious Issues in Internet Governance
Safe Harbour and Liability Fixation:
The Shreya Singhal judgment upholds Section 79 of the IT Act, granting intermediaries ‘safe harbour’ protection against liability for hosted content, contingent upon meeting due diligence requirements.
Challenges arise in applying these provisions to GAI tools, with debates on whether they should be classified as intermediaries, conduits, or active creators.
The Delhi High Court’s ruling in the Christian Louboutin Sas vs Nakul Bajaj and Ors (2018) case limited safe harbour protection to “passive” intermediaries.
The classification of GAI tools complicates the assignment of liability, especially in cases of user reposts.
Generative AI and Legal Conflicts:
GAI outputs have led to legal conflicts, such as a lawsuit in the U.S. against OpenAI for defamation by ChatGPT.
Ambiguities in classifying GAI tools complicate legal decisions regarding liability.
What Does the Indian Copyright Act 1957 Say?
Section 16 specifies that copyright protection is granted only under the provisions of the Act, with reluctance globally to extend protection to AI-generated works.
Critical questions include whether existing copyright laws should be revised for AI, the need for co-authorship with humans, and the responsibility for copyright infringement by AI tools.
The 161st Parliamentary Standing Committee Report highlights the inadequacy of the Copyright Act to facilitate AI authorship and ownership.
Current Indian law allows copyright owners to take legal action against infringement, but liability for AI-generated content remains unclear.
Steps to Pursue (Way forward)
Learning by Doing: Implement a sandbox approach, granting temporary immunity from liability to GAI platforms for responsible development and data gathering to inform future regulations.
Data Rights and Responsibilities: Overhaul the data acquisition process for GAI training, ensuring legal compliance, proper licensing, and compensation for intellectual property used in training models. Potential solutions include revenue-sharing or licensing agreements with data owners.
Simplify the Licensing: Licensing data for GAI is complex due to the lack of a centralized licensing body for web data. The creation of centralized platforms, similar to stock photo websites, can simplify licensing, streamline access to data, and ensure data integrity against bias and discrimination.
Government and Judicial Approach to maximize the benefits of GAI: A comprehensive re-evaluation of existing digital jurisprudence is needed, requiring a holistic, government-wide approach and judicious interpretations by constitutional courts. The aim is to maximize the benefits of GAI while safeguarding individual rights and protecting against unwelcome harm.
Mains PYQ:
Q The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) hasinitiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: What is a middle-mile network?
Mains level: What impedes rural connectivity?
Why in the news?
On June 6, IEEE endorsed a wireless network structure aimed at providing economical broadband access in rural areas, formulated at IIT Bombay.
About the latest Telecom Subscription Data
Urban Tele-density: Urban tele-density in India is 127%, indicating that on average, each urban user has more than one mobile connection.
Rural Tele-density: Rural tele-density is significantly lower at 58%, meaning only about one in two rural residents has a mobile connection.
Urban-Rural Digital Divide: The data highlights a stark contrast between urban and rural areas, with urban areas having much higher mobile connectivity compared to rural regions, reflecting a significant digital divide.
What are access and core networks?
Access Network (AN): The AN consists of base stations that provide wireless connectivity to mobile devices within a limited geographical area. It interfaces directly with mobile devices, facilitating communication and data transfer between devices and the wider network.
Core Network (CN): The CN comprises centralized network equipment that manages and directs data traffic between the access network, other networks (like the Internet), and service providers. It handles tasks such as routing, switching, and managing connectivity across the broader network infrastructure.
What impedes rural connectivity?
Affordability: Lower income levels in rural areas make mobile services relatively expensive, limiting access for many rural residents.
Cost of Infrastructure: Installing and maintaining network infrastructure like fibre optics in remote rural areas is costly and may not be economically viable for service providers.
Low Population Density: Rural areas often have sparse populations spread over large geographic areas, making it less profitable for network operators to invest in infrastructure deployment.
Geographical Barriers: Difficult terrains and remote locations further complicate the installation of base stations and backhaul infrastructure necessary for robust network coverage.
Urban Bias in Technology: Most advancements in cellular networks, such as 5G, prioritize high data rates and low latency suitable for urban environments, neglecting the unique challenges of rural areas.
Limited Research: There has been insufficient research focused on developing cost-effective solutions that can efficiently cover large rural areas with adequate connectivity.
What is the IEEE 2061-2024 standard? (Its working and architecture)
IEEE 2061-2024 aims to establish a standardized wireless network architecture for affordable broadband access in rural areas.
It defines a heterogeneous Access Network (AN) comprising macro base stations (Macro-BS) and Wi-Fi base stations, integrated with a flexible Core Network (CN) bypass capability.
Architecture:
Heterogeneous AN: Includes Macro-BS covering large areas with potentially lower data rates, complemented by Wi-Fi base stations deployed within villages for high-speed connectivity.
CN Bypass: Allows direct Internet access from the AN, bypassing the centralized Core Network for certain communications. This enhances efficiency and reduces latency, catering to stationary users common in rural settings.
Middle-Mile Connectivity: Utilizes multi-hop wireless networks (e.g., satellites, long-range Wi-Fi) to extend connectivity over long distances where optical fibre deployment is impractical or costly.
What is a middle-mile network?
A middle-mile network refers to the infrastructure that connects core network hubs to local access points, spanning intermediate distances. It uses technologies like fibre optics, microwave links, or satellites to transport data between central and regional locations, facilitating efficient connectivity over longer distances without the need for direct local access networks.
Conclude: To bridge the urban-rural digital divide in telecom, measures should focus on affordability through subsidized services, incentivizing infrastructure investment in rural areas, promoting research on rural-specific technologies, and ensuring equitable access to advanced wireless standards like IEEE 2061-2024.
Mains PYQ:
Q Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with a lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (UPSC IAS/2021)
Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: ICEA and its mandate
Why in the News?
The Indian Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), representing domestic electronics manufacturers, called for a reduction of import duties in the upcoming Union budget.
ICEA highlighted that the growth of the mobile phone sector now depends on demand in the global market rather than domestic demand, facilitated by supportive policies like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
AboutIndia Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA)
The ICEA is the apex industry body representing the interests of the mobile and electronics sector in India.
It was established in 2017.
It plays a crucial role in shaping policies and promoting the growth of the industry through advocacy, policy formulation, and strategic initiatives.
Membership:
ICEA comprises leading mobile handset manufacturers, electronics companies, and industry stakeholders.
This includes bothIndian and global companies operating in the electronics sector.
Collaborations:
ICEA works closely with government bodies, regulatory authorities, and other industry associations to align its initiatives with national economic goals.
ICEA’s Key Demands
Reduction of Import Duties: ICEA is calling for a reduction in import duties on manufacturing inputs for electronics, particularly in the mobile phone sector.
Current high tariffs are increasing manufacturing costs in India by 7-7.5% on the bill of materials.
Alignment with Global Standards: The demand includes aligning tariffs with those of countries like China and Vietnam, which have lower tariffs on fewer components.
Improvement of Customs Procedures: ICEA is urging for streamlined customs procedures to prevent delays in the shipment of key components.
Significance of ICEA’s Demands
Reducing import duties enhances competitiveness, boosts exports, stimulates investment and job creation, reduces trade deficit, and fosters long-term growth in India’s electronics and mobile phone manufacturing sectors.
Key Initiatives and Programs by ICEA
Electronics Manufacturing Clusters: ICEA promotes the development of electronics manufacturing clusters to create a robust supply chain and manufacturing base in India.
Skill Development: The association emphasizes the need for skill development in the electronics sector to ensure a skilled workforce capable of supporting industry growth.
R&D and Innovation: ICEA encourages research and development (R&D) and innovation within the sector to maintain competitiveness and technological advancement.
Boost in Mobile Phone Exports from India
ICEA Report: According to ICEA, mobile phone exports from India have doubled to surpass Rs 90,000 crore (about USD 11.12 billion) in FY 2022-23 from Rs 45,000 crore in FY22.
Government Targets: The government has set a target of USD 10 billion worth of mobile phone exports, with an ambitious goal of achieving USD 300 billion worth of electronics manufacturing by 2025-26, of which USD 120 billion is expected from exports.
Major Contributors to Export Growth:
Apple’s Contribution: Apple is estimated to have a 50% share of mobile phone exports from India, contributing USD 5.5 billion (about Rs 45,000 crore).
Samsung’s Contribution: Samsung accounts for approximately 40% of exports, worth Rs 36,000 crore.
Third-Party Exports: Third-party exports contributed around USD 1.1 billion to the total export, comprising phones of various brands made in India.
Future Projections:
Export Contribution: Mobile phones are anticipated to contribute more than USD 50 billion worth of exports by 2025-26.
Overall Contribution: Mobile phone exports now account for 46% of the overall electronic goods exports, according to ICEA.
PYQ:
[2016] Recently, India’s first ‘National Investment and Manufacturing Zone’ was proposed to be set up in:
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: FEMA, 1999
Why in the News?
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has proposed to rationalise regulations governing export and import transactions. The aim is to promote ease of doing business and empower banks to provide more efficient service to their foreign exchange customers.
RBI Proposal and Directions
The RBI issued ‘Regulation of Foreign Trade under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999 – Draft Regulations and Directions.’
Key propositions include:
Repatriation Timeline: The full export value of goods and services must be realised and repatriated to India within 9 months from the date of shipment for goods and the date of invoice for services.
Caution Listing: Exporters who fail to realise the full value within the specified time may be caution-listed by the authorised dealer.
Caution-Listed Exporters: Caution-listed exporters can undertake exports only against receipt of advance payment in full or an irrecoverable letter of credit, to the satisfaction of the authorised dealer.
Advance Remittance Restrictions: No advance remittance for the import of gold and silver is permitted unless specifically approved by the RBI.
Expected Benefits
Ease of Doing Business: The proposed regulations are intended to promote ease of doing business, especially for small exporters and importers.
Empowerment of Banks: The regulations aim to empower authorised dealer banks to provide quicker and more efficient service to their foreign exchange customers.
About Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999
The FEMA, 1999, regulates foreign exchange and trade in India.
FEMA replaced the older Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973.
How does FEMA regulate EXIM Transaction?
Regulation under FEMA
Resident Indian Criteria
Defined in Section 2(v) of FEMA;
A person residing in India for more than182 days during the course of the preceding financial year.
Current Account Transactions
Permitted freely for EXIM activities, including trade payments and remittances.
Capital Account Transactions
Regulated by RBI, includes FDI in export-oriented units and overseas investments by Indian entities.
Documentation and Declarations
Exporters and importers must furnish declarations to RBI to ensure compliance and monitor foreign exchange.
Export Declarations
Declare the value of goods/services exported, expected earnings, and timeframe for realization.
Import Declarations
Provide details of goods/services imported, and foreign exchange spent, and ensure payments through authorized channels.
Authorized Dealers
Only RBI-approved dealers (banks/financial institutions) can handle foreign exchange transactions for EXIM.
Import Payment Regulations
Payments must be made through authorized channels within prescribed time limits, complying with DGFT terms.
Foreign Currency Accounts
Entities can maintain foreign currency accounts for efficient handling of foreign exchange for EXIM activities.
Significance of FEMA in Regulating EXIM Transactions
Facilitates Trade: By providing a clear regulatory framework, FEMA facilitates smoother and more efficient EXIM transactions, contributing to the growth of international trade.
Economic Stability: Ensures that foreign exchange earnings and expenditures are monitored and regulated, maintaining economic stability and preventing illegal outflows.
Investor Confidence: A transparent and regulated foreign exchange environment boosts investor confidence, attracting more foreign investment.
Liberalization: Replaces the stringent controls of FERA with a more liberal approach, encouraging businesses to engage in global trade.
PYQ:
[2013] Which of the following constitutes Capital Account?
1. Foreign Loans
2. Foreign Direct Investment
3. Private Remittances
4. Portfolio Investment
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
A new metal oxide nanocomposite has been developed by The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) that can help photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants like dyes and pharmaceuticals and hence can be used as sustainable technologies for cleaning up the environment.
Understanding Photocatalysis and Metal Oxides
Photocatalysis is a process that uses light to accelerate chemical reactions, particularly useful for degrading harmful substances in water and air.
They facilitate this reaction without being consumed.
When exposed to light, these metal oxides generate electron-hole pairs.
These pairs are highly reactive and can break down pollutants into harmless by-products.
Work Efficiency: The overall efficiency of this process depends on several factors, including the choice of metal oxide, its crystal structure, light intensity, pollutant concentration, pH level, and the amount of catalyst used.
Optimisation: Optimizing these factors is crucial for maximising the degradation rates of pollutants. Adjustments in the type of metal oxide, light parameters, and other conditions can significantly enhance the photocatalytic efficiency.
Breakthrough by IASST: NiTF Composite
The team developed a nanocomposite called NiTF, which stands for Nickel-doped Titanium Dioxide on Fuller’s Earth.
This innovative material combines the photocatalytic properties of titanium dioxide with the adsorption capabilities of Fuller’s earth, a type of natural clay.
What is Fuller Earth?
Fuller’s earth is a term for various clays used as an absorbent, filter, or bleaching agent.
Products labeled fuller’s earth typically consist of palygorskite or bentonite.
Primary modern uses include as absorbents for oil, grease, and animal waste, and as a carrier for pesticides and fertilizers
Testing and Results
The NiTF nanocomposite was tested for its ability to decolorize methylene blue, a common dye.
Methylene blue is a persistent pollutant toxic to aquatic life, harmful to human health, and causes colour pollution in water bodies.
The results were impressive, with the composite achieving a 96.15% decolorization of the dye solution at a pH of 9.0 under visible light within 90 minutes.
Fuller’s earth enhanced the TiO2’s ability to adsorb pollutants, even in the absence of light.
This suggests that the NiTF nanocomposite could be a cost-effective solution for environmental photocatalysis, providing benefits even in low-light conditions.
Potential Applications
Catalysis: The nanocomposite can enhance the efficiency of various chemical reactions.
Energy Storage: It has the potential to improve systems for storing energy.
Sensors: The material can be used to develop highly sensitive detection devices.
Optoelectronics: The nanocomposite can advance technologies that use light for electronic devices.
Biomedical Fields: It can be applied in medical treatments and diagnostics.
Coatings: The material can be used to create protective and functional surfaces.
Renewable Energy: It can facilitate water splitting to produce renewable energy.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in the health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise MAITREE
Why in the News?
The Indian Army contingent departed for the 13th edition of the India-Thailand joint military Exercise MAITREE.
About Exercise Maitree
Maitree is an annual bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and the Royal Thai Army that has been conducted since 2006.
It is conducted alternatively in India and Thailand each year
The latest edition in 2019 took place in Umroi, Meghalaya
The exercise involves company-level joint training in jungle and urban scenarios
Objective: Enhancing combined capabilities in executing joint counter-insurgency and terrorist operations in jungle and urban environments under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
Training Focus:
It focuses on joint planning, tactical drills, physical fitness exercises, and sharing best practices.
Key activities include setting up joint operation centres, intelligence gathering, using drones, securing landing zones, and conducting special heliborne operations.
Significance:
Exercise Maitree is significant as both India and Thailand face security challenges from terrorism, especially in southern Thailand which is prone to attacks.
It is part of the growing defense cooperation between India and Thailand, which signed an MoU on defense cooperation in 2012.
India’s Defence Exercises with SE Asian Neighbours:
India has conducted several joint military exercises with its Southeast Asian neighbors in recent years to strengthen defense cooperation and interoperability:
Exercise Garuda Shakti: This is a bilateral exercise between the Indian and Indonesian Special Forces. The latest iteration was held in November 2022 at the Sangga Buana Training Area in Indonesia.
Exercise Mitra Shakti: This is a joint exercise between the Indian and Sri Lankan armies. The latest edition was conducted in 2022.
Exercise VINBAX: This is a joint military exercise between India and Vietnam. The 2022 edition was the 3rd iteration of this exercise.
IMBEX: This is a joint military exercise between India and Myanmar. The latest edition was held in 2017-18.
EKUVERIN: This is a joint military exercise between the Indian and Maldivian forces. The 11th edition was conducted in 2022.
CORPAT: India conducts Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) exercises with maritime neighbors like Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia to enhance maritime cooperation and security in the region.
AIME 2023: This was the first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise, held in May 2023 with the participation of navies from India, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operation was a goal of this operation.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm
Mains level: What are hurricanes and how do they form?
Why in the news?
Due to Hurricane Beryl sweeping through the Windward Islands, the Indian Men’s cricket team, victorious in the T20 World Cup, finds itself stranded in Barbados.
What do we know about Hurricane Beryl?
Early Category 4 Storm: Hurricane Beryl is the earliest category 4 storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, sustaining winds of at least 130 miles per hour (209 kilometres per hour).
Location and Impact: It is currently affecting the Windward Islands in the southern part of the Lesser Antilles, including Barbados, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Forecast: The National Hurricane Centre has issued warnings for life-threatening winds and storm surges in the affected islands, with the potential for violent winds and flash flooding.
Preparations: Local authorities in Barbados have suspended school classes and taken other precautions, such as shutting down the water supply, in anticipation of the hurricane’s impact.
Historical Context: Hurricane Beryl is noted as the strongest storm to impact the Windward Islands since Hurricane Ivan in September 2004.
What are hurricanes and how do they form?
Formation: Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters near the equator where warm, moist air rises from the ocean’s surface, creating low air pressure.
Fuel: They are fueled by the heat and moisture evaporating from the ocean, forming clouds and spinning due to the Earth’s rotation.
Eye Formation: As the storm system intensifies, an eye forms at its centre, with storms rotating counterclockwise north of the equator and clockwise south of it.
Impact of Warming World: Warmer sea surface temperatures due to climate change may lead to slower decay of hurricanes upon landfall, potentially increasing their severity.
Are hurricanes becoming more severe now?
Research Findings: Studies suggest that warmer sea surface temperatures contribute to the slower decay of hurricanes, potentially prolonging their destructive impacts inland.
Record-Breaking Seasons: The 2020 Atlantic Hurricane season has seen a record number of named storms, indicating a trend towards more frequent and intense hurricane activity.
What is the difference between a hurricane and a tropical storm?
No Fundamental Difference: Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones are all types of tropical cyclones, named differently based on their location:
Hurricanes: Form over the Atlantic Ocean and the eastern Pacific Ocean.
Typhoons: Form in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.
Cyclones: Form in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
Naming Conventions: The different names signify regional differences but refer to the same meteorological phenomenon of tropical cyclones.
Way forward:
Implementation of Advanced Forecasting Technologies: Invest in state-of-the-art meteorological tools and satellite technology to enhance the accuracy and lead time of hurricane forecasts.
Community Preparedness Programs: Establish comprehensive community outreach programs to educate residents about hurricane risks, evacuation procedures, and emergency shelter locations.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (UPSC IAS/2014)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Finance Commission
Mains level: Role of Finance Commission
Why in the news?
The 16th Finance Commission, under Article 280, focuses on devolving funds. Amendments like 73rd and 74th mandate it to bolster state funds for panchayats and municipalities.
About 16th Finance Commission
The 16th Finance Commission of India was constituted on December 31, 2023, with Dr. Arvind Panagariya as its Chairman.
The President of India appointed the Commission in pursuance of Article 280(1) of the Constitution
How do other countries devolve funds to their local governments?
International Comparison: Countries like South Africa, Mexico, the Philippines, and Brazil allocate significantly higher percentages of their GDP (1.6% to 5.1%) to urban local bodies compared to India’s 0.5%.
Importance of Intergovernmental Transfers (IGTs): IGTs make up about 40% of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) revenue in India but suffer from unpredictability, lack of earmarking for vulnerable groups, and horizontal equity.
Financial Health of ULBs: Despite efforts by multiple Finance Commissions, financial devolution to cities in India remains inadequate, affecting city productivity and quality of life.
Why is the Census significant?
Data Dependence: The absence of the 2021 Census data makes it challenging to accurately assess urban growth and demographic changes crucial for evidence-based fiscal devolution.
Urban Dynamics: India has approximately 4,000 statutory towns, an equal number of Census towns, and a large number of effectively urban villages, which need accurate enumeration for effective planning and resource allocation.
Migration Impact: The Census data is essential to capture the significant migration to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, impacting their infrastructure and service needs.
What about cities and the Taxation system?
Impact of GST: The introduction of GST has reduced ULBs’ tax revenue (excluding property tax) significantly, impacting their financial autonomy.
Low IGTs: Intergovernmental transfers from States to ULBs in India are minimal (around 0.5% of GDP), much lower than other developing nations, exacerbating fiscal challenges.
Constitutional Provisions: Despite the 74th constitutional amendment aimed at empowering ULBs, progress has been limited over three decades, hampering urban development.
Parallel Agencies: The growth of parallel agencies and schemes like MP/MLA Local Area Development Schemes distort the federal structure and weaken ULBs’ financial and operational autonomy.
Way forward:
Enhanced Intergovernmental Transfers (IGTs): Increase IGTs from States to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to at least 2% of GDP, ensuring predictability and earmarking for vulnerable groups.
Reform in Urban Governance and Fiscal Autonomy: Strengthen constitutional provisions to empower ULBs further, reducing dependence on parallel agencies like MP/MLA Local Area Development Schemes.
Mains PYQ:
Q How is the Finance Commission of India constituted? What do you know about the terms of reference of the recently constituted Finance Commission? Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Varying rights and status of LGBTQIA+ communities across the world
Why in the news?
Every June, Pride Month is celebrated globally to honour the contributions of LGBTQIA+ community members and to promote love, diversity, and acceptance.
Varying rights and status of LGBTQIA+ communities across the world:
Legalization and Criminalization of Same-Sex Acts: The legal status of same-sex acts varies significantly while 37 countries have fully legalized same-sex marriage, 59 countries still penalize any expression of queerness, with severe punishments in some regions.
Marriage Rights: Same-sex marriage is legal in 37 countries, banned in 79 countries, and in some places, same-sex couples can only opt for civil unions, leaving their status partially recognized.
Employee Protections: Legal protections for queer employees are inconsistent. While 27 countries offer legal aid based on sexual orientation, 90 countries lack any legal protections for queer employees. India and three other countries provide legal aid based on gender identity, including transgender persons.
Adoption Rights: Adoption rights for same-sex couples also vary. In 39 countries, same-sex parents can adopt children, while 45 countries ban this practice. In 100 countries, single parents can adopt under certain conditions, similar to India’s laws.
Social and Legal Challenges: Despite legal advancements in some areas, LGBTQIA+ individuals globally continue to face significant social and legal challenges, including discrimination, harassment, and exclusion, with varying levels of legal aid and recognition depending on the country.
Indian Scenario
Decriminalization of Homosexuality: In 2018, the Supreme Court of India partially struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, decriminalizing homosexuality. Same-sex couples have the right to cohabitation but not to legal marriage or unions.
Discrimination and Harassment: Queer individuals in India still face significant discrimination, harassment, and exclusion.
Legal Protections for Transgender and Intersex Individuals: The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, prohibits unfair treatment in employment, education, healthcare, public facilities, and residence. Legal recourse is available for discrimination based on gender identity but not sexual orientation.
Adoption Rights: Same-sex couples cannot be recognized as co-parents to an adopted child. Single prospective adoptive parents, regardless of marital status, are allowed to adopt under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
Way forward:
Expand Legal Recognition: Countries should work towards fully recognizing same-sex marriages and providing comprehensive legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Education and Awareness: Implement nationwide educational programs to raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues, combat stereotypes, and promote understanding and acceptance. This can involve incorporating LGBTQIA+ history and rights into school curriculums and conducting public awareness campaigns.
Economic Opportunities: Ensure equal opportunities in the workplace by promoting diversity and inclusion policies, providing sensitivity training for employers, and supporting LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs. Governments and organizations can offer grants, mentorship programs, and other resources to empower LGBTQIA+ individuals economically.
Mains PYQ:
Q ‘Women’s movement in India has not addressed the issues of women of lower social strata.’ Substantiate your view. (UPSC 2018)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project Nexus; Fast Payments Systems (FPSs);
Mains level: Significance of Fast Payments Systems (FPSs) via Project Nexus
Why in the news?
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has become a part of Project Nexus, a global initiative aimed at facilitating instant cross-border retail payments by connecting domestic Fast Payments Systems (FPSs).
What is Project Nexus?
Project Nexus is conceptualized by the Innovation Hub of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
It is the first BIS Innovation Hub project in the payments area moving towards live implementation.
Aim: To enhance cross-border payments by connecting multiple domestic instant payment systems (IPS) globally.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has joined Project Nexus, aiming to interlink India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the Fast Payments Systems (FPSs) of Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
The platform is designed to be extended to more countries in the future.
About Fast Payments Systems (FPSs):
Fast payment systems (FPSs) are real-time payment systems that enable the immediate transfer of funds between accounts. Some key points about FPSs:
FPSs allow for the fast, secure, and low-cost processing of retail transactions, ensuring funds are immediately available to the recipient.
FPSs are becoming increasingly popular globally, with over 100 jurisdictions now having access to fast payment systems. They foster competition among payment service providers and serve as a gateway to additional financial services.
The design of FPSs is important, as they have public good characteristics. Factors that contribute to greater adoption of FPSs include central bank involvement, inclusion of non-bank providers, more use cases, and more cross-border connections.
The Payment and Settlement Systems Act, of 2007 regulates and supervises payment systems in India. It designates the Reserve Bank of India has the authority for that purpose and all related matters.
What are the benefits of the platform?
Standardization: Project Nexus standardizes the way IPS connect to each other, simplifying the process.
Single Connection: Payment system operators can connect to the Nexus platform once, allowing them to reach all other countries on the network without building custom connections for each.
Instant Payments: Enables cross-border payments from sender to recipient within 60 seconds in most cases.
Cost Efficiency: Provides near-zero cost for sending and receiving payments.
Growth Acceleration: Significantly accelerates the growth of instant cross-border payments by leveraging existing instant payment systems.
Way forward:
Expand Membership: Actively encourage more countries to join Project Nexus, thereby increasing the global reach and impact of the platform. (Indonesia is joining in the near future)
Enhance Technological Infrastructure: Invest in robust and scalable technological infrastructure to support seamless integration and interoperability among different FPSs.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is Cryptocurrency? How does it affect global society? Has it been affecting Indian society also? (UPSC IAS/2021)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Megafauna, Archaeological evidence of Ostrichs in India
PC: India Today
Why in the News?
Archaeologists have discovered a 41,000-year-old ostrich nest in Prakasam, Andhra Pradesh.
Prehistoric Ostrich Nest: Details of the Discovery
The nest, identified as the world’s oldest known ostrich nest, measures 9-10 feet in width.
The nest was once home to 9-11 eggs but was capable of holding 30-40 eggs at a time.
Ostriches are mega omnivores, weighing between 90 and 140 kg and standing seven to nine feet tall.
What are Megafauna?
Megafauna generally refers to animals weighing more than 50 kg, though scientific definitions vary.
The term was first used by Alfred Russel Wallace in his 1876 book, “The Geographical Distribution of Animals.”
Megafauna can be classified into:
Megaherbivores (plant-eaters),
Megacarnivores (meat-eaters), and
Megaomnivores (who eat both plants and meat).
Historical Evidence of Megafauna
Early Documentation: Richard Lydekker in 1884 presented the earliest documented evidence of ostriches in the subcontinent, identifying the extinct Struthio asiaticus in the Dhok Pathan deposits in Upper Siwalik Hills, present-day Pakistan.
Discoveries in Maharashtra: Archaeologist S A Sali in 1989 reported ostrich eggshell beads and engraved pieces dating back to 50,000–40,000 years ago at Patne, Maharashtra.
CCMB Research in 2017: Researchers at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad established the presence of ostriches in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat 25,000 years ago.
Broader Implications and Studies
Biogeographical Dispersion: The presence of ostriches in India is attributed to bio-geographical dispersion from the continental drifting of Gondwanaland.
Late Quaternary Extinctions: The study, titled ‘Late Quaternary extinctions in the Indian Subcontinent,’ established that the disappearance of large animals began around 30,000 years ago, coinciding with the arrival of humans.
Co-Evolution Hypothesis: The study supports the hypothesis that fauna and their resilience to extinction resulted from coevolution with hominins, with geographic isolation and abiotic factors accelerating extinction.
PYQ:
[2018] The term “sixth mass extinction/sixth extinction” is often mentioned in the news in the context of the discussion of:
(a) Widespread monoculture practices in agriculture and large-scale commercial farming with indiscriminate use of chemicals in many parts of the world that may result in the loss of good native ecosystems.
(b) Fears of a possible collision of a meteorite with the Earth in the near future in the manner it happened 65 million years ago that caused the mass extinction of many species including those of dinosaurs.
(c) Large-scale cultivation of genetically modified crops in many parts of the world and promoting their cultivation in other parts of the world which may cause the disappearance of good native crop plants and the loss of food biodiversity.
(d) Mankind’s over-exploitation/misuse of natural resources, fragmentation/loss of natural habitats, destruction of ecosystems, pollution and global climate change.
India wants, South Korea to eliminate tariffs on items such as varieties of meat, milk, fruits, fish, stones, yarn, and petroleum products.
These items were previously exempted or protected against steep cuts in the India-Korea Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
What is CEPA?
Details
Definition
A CEPA is a broad trade agreement that encompasses trade in goods and services, investments, intellectual property rights, and economic cooperation.
Key Components
Trade in Goods: Reduction/elimination of tariffs and non-tariff barriers.
Trade in Services: Liberalization of service sectors.
Investment: Protection and promotion of investments.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Strengthening protection of IPR.
Economic Cooperation: Collaboration on economic and technical aspects.
Dispute Resolution: Mechanisms for resolving disputes.
Objectives
Enhance bilateral trade.
Promote investment.
Foster economic integration.
Encourage innovation and economic growth.
Examples
India-Japan CEPA: Signed in 2011, focuses on tariff reduction, service trade liberalization, and investment promotion.
India-Mauritius CECPA: Effective from April 2021, includes provisions on trade in goods, services, and investment.
India-UAE CEPA: Entered into force on May 1, 2022
Significance for India
Economic Growth: Provides new markets for Indian goods and services.
Job Creation: Increased trade and investment can create jobs.
Technological Advancements: Access to new technologies and best practices.
Strategic Partnerships: Strengthens economic and strategic ties.
Challenges
Implementation Issues: Requires robust legal and institutional frameworks.
Domestic Industry Impact: Concerns about increased competition.
Regulatory Harmonization: Differences in regulatory standards can pose challenges.
India-South Korea CEPA: A quick recap
The India-South Korea CEPA was signed in August 2009 and implemented in January 2010.
It covers trade in goods, investments, services, and bilateral cooperation.
Tariff Concessions:
India offered tariff elimination or concessions on 83.8% of tariff lines from South Korea.
While South Korea offered concessions on 93.2% of tariff lines.
Upcoming Negotiations
Trade Deficit Focus: Narrowing the trade deficit with South Korea is high on India’s agenda.
Stakeholder Involvement: Indian industry stakeholders have been provided with a draft request list and asked to suggest more items for tariff cuts or propose deletions if needed.
Standards and Technical Barriers: The Department of Commerce has requested the industry to share issues related to SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) and TBT (Technical Barriers to Trade) standards faced while exporting to South Korea.
Back2Basics:
Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures:
SPS measures are protocols implemented by countries to protect human, animal, and plant life from diseases, pests, and contaminants.
These measures are primarily focused on ensuring the safety of food products and preventing the spread of diseases and pests across borders.
SPS measures must be based onscientific evidence and risk assessments to ensure they are appropriate and effective.
Examples: quarantine requirements for imported plants and animals, limits on pesticide residues in food, and import bans from regions affected by specific diseases.
Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT):
TBT are regulations and standards related to product safety, quality, and environmental impact.
They aim to protect human health and safety, animal and plant life, the environment, and to prevent deceptive practices.
These measures should not create unnecessary obstacles to international trade and must be transparent and non-discriminatory.
Examples: Labeling requirements for food products, safety standards for electrical appliances, and environmental regulations for vehicle emissions.
Major Issue: Trade Deficit Concerns
Trade Deficit Focus: Reducing the trade deficit with South Korea is a key discussion point for India.
Before CEPA (2007-09), India’s average exports to South Korea were $3.4 billion, with imports at $7.3 billion, leading to an average trade deficit of $4 billion.
Trade Statistics: In 2023-24, India’s imports from South Korea were $21.13 billion, while exports were only $6.41 billion.
Post-CEPA Data: After CEPA (2022-24), average exports increased to $7.1 billion, and imports surged to $19.9 billion, resulting in an average trade deficit of $12.8 billion.
GTRI Analysis: The Global Trade and Research Initiative (GTRI) report indicates a 220% increase in the trade deficit from the pre-CEPA period to the post-CEPA period.
PYQ:
[2015] The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the:
(a) Food and Agriculture Organization
(b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Fauna of India Checklist Portal, ZSI
Why in the News?
The Union Minister of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has launched a portal documenting all animal species in India.
The Portal was launched on the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata.
Back2Basics: Zoological Survey of India
The ZSI was set up by British zoologist Thomas Nelson Annandale, in 1916.
It is the premier taxonomic research organisation in India based in Kolkata.
It was established to promote surveys, exploration and research leading to the advancement of our knowledge of various aspects of the exceptionally rich animal life of India.
The ZSI had its genesis as the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
Since its inception, the ZSI has been documenting the diversity and distribution of the fauna of India towards carrying out its mandate of conducting exploration-cum-taxonomic-research programmes.
The ZSI has published an extremely large amount of information on all animal taxa, from Protozoa to Mammalia.
About the Fauna of India Checklist Portal
The portal consists of records of more than 100,000 animal species, prepared by over 150 scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) over two years.
This checklist is the first comprehensive document on faunal species in India, covering 121 checklists of all known taxa across 36 phyla, including endemic, threatened, and scheduled species.
It is a compilation of all animal species recorded in India since the 1750s, including endemic, threatened, and scheduled species.
It provides essential data for conservation and management efforts, forming the basis for all biological sciences.
Significance of Portal:
With this, India has become the first country to prepare a checklist of its entire fauna, covering 104,561 species, positioning itself as a global leader in biodiversity conservation.
The comprehensive documentation of India’s fauna aligns with Mission LiFE by providing crucial data for biodiversity conservation.
Details from the ZSI Report
A 2023 ZSI report highlights that India is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse nations, hosting around 7-8% of the world’s documented species and containing four of the 34 globally recognised biodiversity hotspots.
The report lists 641 discoveries made by scientists and experts from India during 2023 with Kerala topping the list, followed by West Bengal.
It includes 442 new species globally and 199 newly recorded species in India.
Significant Discoveries in 2023
New Species: The 2023 findings include 112 hymenopterans, 86 arachnids, 47 new fishes, 20 reptiles, and two mammals.
New Mammals: An ibex species found in Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh, named Capra himalayensis, and a new bat species, Miniopterus srinii, was discovered in Kodagu district, Karnataka.
State Rankings: Kerala recorded the highest number of new discoveries with 101, followed by West Bengal with 72, Tamil Nadu with 62, and Arunachal Pradesh and Karnataka with 45 each.
About Mission LiFE
Mission LiFE, or Lifestyle for Environment, is a global mass movement initiated by India to encourage individual and community action towards environmental protection and preservation.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UCCN, Indian cities recognized by UCCN
Why in the News?
“Kozhikode” was awarded the title of ‘City of Literature’ at the 16th annual conference of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) in Braga, Portugal.
The theme of this year’s UCCN conference is ‘Bringing youth to the table for the next decade’.
About UNESCO Creative Cities Network
Purpose
To promote cooperation among cities for cultural and creative industry development
Initiation
Established by UNESCO in 2004
Seven Categories/Criteria
Sector-Specific Excellence: Prominence in one of the seven creative fields: Craft and Folk Art, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature, or Music.
Commitment to Creativity: Long-term dedication to creativity and culture as key drivers for urban development.
Supportive Infrastructure: Established cultural institutions, educational programs, and events promoting creativity.
Alignment with SDG 11: Initiatives supporting the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Inclusivity: Ensuring creative activities are inclusive and accessible to all societal segments.
Member Cities
Over 250 cities from around the world
Objectives
Foster innovation, cultural diversity, and sustainable urban development
Activities
Collaborative projects, cultural events, and initiatives
Selection Process
Cities apply and are designated by UNESCO based on criteria related to creativity
Network Coordination
UNESCO provides coordination and support
Impact
Enhances cities’ cultural identity, economy, and international visibility
Other Indian Cities in UCCN
Gwalior – Music Category (2023)
Srinagar– Crafts and Folk Arts (2022)
Jaipur– Crafts and Folk Arts (2015)
Varanasi– Creative City of Music (2015)
Chennai– Creative City of Music (2017)
Mumbai– Film (2019)
Hyderabad– Gastronomy/Food (2019)
Reasons for Kozhikode’s Selection
Rich Literary Tradition: Kozhikode has a deep and rich literary heritage that spans centuries, contributing significantly to the cultural and intellectual life of the region.
Prominent Literary Figures: The city has been home to many renowned authors, poets, and scholars who have significantly contributed to Malayalam literature.
Cultural Festivals and Events: Kozhikode hosts various literary festivals, book fairs, and cultural events that promote literature and reading among the community.
Educational Institutions: The presence of several prestigious educational institutions that emphasise literature and the arts played a crucial role in its selection.
Community Engagement: Active involvement of local communities in promoting and preserving literary culture through libraries, reading clubs, and literary societies.
Literary Infrastructure: Well-established libraries, publishing houses, and bookshops that support and nurture the scholarly ecosystem.
Historic Contributions of Kozhikode
Malayalam Literature: Kozhikode has been a centre for Malayalam literature and scholarly activities. It has produced notable literary figures and is a hub for literary festivals and cultural events.
Astronomy and Mathematics: The region, under the patronage of the Zamorins, was a centre for advancements in astronomy and mathematics, contributing significantly to the fields through scholars like the 14th-century mathematician and astronomer Madhava of Sangamagrama.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Funds released by the Centre for restoration work after natural disasters in the State
Why in the news?
At a June 22 meeting for Union Budget 2024-25, Tamil Nadu’s Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu requested ₹63,246 crore for Chennai Metro Rail Phase-2, ₹3,000 crore for disaster restoration, and increased unit costs for centrally sponsored schemes.
How are the funds for phase two of the Chennai Metro Rail distributed?
Funding Agencies and International Support: Chennai Metro Rail Phase-2 is financed by multiple international agencies, including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Asian Development Bank (ADB), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and New Development Bank (NDB).
State Government Contributions: Up to March 31, 2024, the Tamil Nadu government sanctioned ₹5,400 crore as share capital for the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) and ₹12,013.89 crore as subordinate debt, bearing the entire expenditure due to delays in approval from the Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
Is the Centre stalling the funds for the metro project?
Approval Status:
Public Investment Board: The Chennai Metro Rail Project’s Phase-2 was approved by the Public Investment Board (PIB) as a Central sector project under the equity sharing model in August 2021.
Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs: The project has been awaiting approval from the Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) since then.
State Government Actions:
Foundation Stone: Despite the pending approval, the foundation stone for the phase was laid by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in November 2020 when the AIADMK was in power.
Ongoing Expenditure: The Tamil Nadu government continues to fund the project independently, stressing its finances and urging the Centre to sanction the project under the 50:50 equity sharing model as was done for Phase 1.
What about funds released by the Centre for restoration work after natural disasters in the State?
Initial Request by Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu submitted detailed memoranda to the Union government, seeking approximately ₹37,906 crore for restoration works following two natural disaster spells in 2023.
Initial Central Release: The Union government initially released a sum of ₹276 crore for immediate restoration efforts.
Additional Approvals: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) later approved additional assistance of ₹285.54 crore and ₹397.13 crore for the two disaster spells.
Disbursed Amounts: From these approvals, a total of ₹115.49 crore and ₹160.61 crore were disbursed under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): The Union government’s order also mentioned ₹406.57 crore as the 50% available in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) account of Tamil Nadu as of April 1, 2023.
Way forward:
Metro Rail Project: The Union government should prioritize and expedite the approval process for significant infrastructure projects like the Chennai Metro Rail Phase-2. This can be achieved by setting stricter timelines for the Union Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) to finalize decisions.
Natural Disaster Restoration: The Centre should reassess the current disaster relief funding mechanism to ensure timely and adequate financial support for states hit by natural disasters.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC IAS/2020)
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Provisions of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) that replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC.)
Why in the news?
Despite objections from the Opposition-ruled States, three new criminal laws took effect nationwide. Union officials emphasized States’ autonomy to amend certain provisions of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS)
New Laws Introduced:
Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860.
Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
Procedural and Evidence Reforms:
Cognisable Offences: From July 1, cognisable offences will be registered under Section 173 of BNSS instead of Section 154 of CrPC.
Audio-Video Recording: Mandatory audio-video recording of search and seizure operations and compulsory forensic examinations for offences with punishments of seven years or more, with electronic submission of evidence to the court.
Some provisions of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) that replace the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.PC.)
Procedure for Arrest and Custody: BNSS prescribes new procedures and conditions for arrest, including bail provisions and custody arrangements.
Evidence Handling: Mandatory audio-video recording of search and seizure operations in all criminal cases, ensuring transparency and accountability. Compulsory forensic examinations in cases where the offence attracts a punishment of seven years or more.
Electronic Submission: All recordings and forensic evidence must be submitted electronically to the court without delay, enhancing efficiency and reducing paperwork.
About handholding and electronic evidence
Training and Support: The Union government has provided comprehensive training and hand-holding for all States to facilitate the transition to the new criminal justice system under BNSS, BNS, and BS.
Crime and Criminal Tracking Network Systems (CCTNS): Upgrades to CCTNS enable the filing of e-FIRs and zero FIRs, allowing for remote registration of complaints without the need to visit a police station. CCTNS software has been modified to support FIR registrations in languages other than English and Hindi, ensuring accessibility across linguistic barriers.
eSakshya Mobile Application: Under testing, the eSakshya app assists police in recording crime scenes, search operations, and gathering evidence. It facilitates the secure uploading of recorded data to a cloud-based platform hosted by the National Informatics Centre, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
State-Level Preparations: States like Delhi have developed specific applications, such as e-pramaan, to aid in the recording of crime scenes and the generation of digital certificates under the new laws. Some states have distributed necessary equipment like tablets and mobile devices to police stations to ensure compliance with recording and evidence collection requirements.
Forensic Capability Timeline: While the BNSS mandates forensic examinations for offences punishable by over seven years imprisonment, states have been given until June 2029 to enhance their forensic capabilities. This includes training police officials in proper evidence collection methods and the use of available resources until full upgrades are completed.
Way Forward:
Continued Collaboration and Feedback Mechanism: Establish a structured feedback mechanism between the Union government and States to address implementation challenges and refine the new criminal laws, ensuring effective collaboration.
Enhanced Public Awareness and Training: Conduct extensive public awareness campaigns and provide ongoing training sessions for law enforcement personnel on the use of new technologies and procedures introduced under BNSS, BNS, and BS.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bretton Woods Conference
Mains level: Functions of IMF and Recent Challenges Faced by Developing Countries
Why in the news?
Once again, mass protests in Kenya, where at least 30 people were fatally shot by police, highlight opposition to an IMF-supported finance Bill proposing essential goods tax hikes.
Bretton Woods Conference of 1944
The Bretton Woods Conference was held in 1944 in New Hampshire, USA. It established the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
The IMF was designed to aid economic development and promote monetary cooperation and stability globally.
Criticism: It has been criticized for reflecting and perpetuating power dynamics favouring Western financial interests, with voting rights disproportionately allocated based on financial contributions rather than equal representation.
Functions of IMF and Recent Challenges Faced by Developing Countries
Functions: The IMF aims to provide financial assistance and policy advice to member countries facing balance of payments problems.
Challenges:
Austerity Measures: IMF loans often come with conditions such as austerity measures (like tax hikes and spending cuts) that can be unpopular and detrimental to social services and economic stability.
Dependency: Many developing countries face criticism for being overly dependent on IMF loans, which come with stringent conditions that may not always align with local priorities.
Public Backlash: There is often a public and political backlash against IMF policies perceived as imposing Western economic ideologies without adequate consideration for local contexts.
SAP (Structural Adjustment Programs) and Its Impacts
Definition: SAPs are economic policies imposed by the IMF and World Bank on developing countries in exchange for loans.
Impacts:
Economic Restructuring: SAPs typically involve privatization, deregulation, and liberalization policies aimed at restructuring national economies towards export-led growth.
Social Consequences: They often lead to job losses, reduced public spending on health and education, and increased poverty and inequality.
Criticism of SAPs: SAPs have been criticized for exacerbating social inequalities and benefiting Western financial interests over local populations.
Way forward:
Policy Transparency: The IMF could enhance transparency in its loan conditions and negotiations, ensuring that the terms and impacts of loans are clearly communicated to the public and local stakeholders.
Local Consultation: Before implementing major policy changes or austerity measures, the IMF could mandate extensive consultation with local governments, civil society organizations, and affected communities to ensure that proposed measures align with local economic priorities and social needs.
Mains PYQ:
Q The World Bank and the IMF, collectively known as the Bretton Woods Institutions, are the two inter-governmental pillars supporting the structure of the world’s economic and financial order. Superficially, the World Bank and the IMF exhibit many common characteristics, yet their role, functions and mandates are distinctly different. Elucidate. (UPSC IAS/2013)
