1. WORLD OCEANS DAY 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The director general of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), urged countries worldwide “to strive for a fully functional High Seas Biodiversity Treaty” on World Oceans Day 2024.

World Oceans Day 2024

• Background: It was first proposed during the Earth Summit held in Rio De Janeiro in 1992.
• Recognized Date: The United Nations has officially recognized 8 June since 2008.
• Powered by: Youth Advisory Council
• Theme 2024: Awaken New Depths
• Action Theme 2024: Catalyzing Action for Our Ocean & Climate.
• Global Engagement: It works with its global network of youth leaders and over 2,000 organizations in 150+ countries.
• Mission: World Ocean Day catalyzes collective action for a healthy ocean and a stable climate.

High Seas Biodiversity Treaty

• About: In June 2023, the United Nations adopted a new treaty known as the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (‘BBNJ’).
• Commonly referred to as: The High Seas Biodiversity Treaty.
• Signatories: More than 70 nations including nine ACAP Parties have signed the Agreement.
• Ratified: So far, 88 countries are signatories to the treaty. Only two Chile and Palau have ratified it so far. 
• Scope The High Seas Treaty is designed to govern areas beyond national jurisdiction, encompassing the high seas and the seabed beyond the limits defined under UNCLOS. 

oNotably, it does not extend to Australian waters.

• Objectives: To promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in these areas, addressing gaps in existing international law.

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2. HCES 2024 (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, an HCES analysis revealed that, bucking the national trend, consumption inequality in rural areas of 11 states increased as the Gini coefficient rose between 2011-12 and 2022-23.

The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES)

• About: It is designed to collect information on consumption of goods and services by the households.

oThe survey also collects some auxiliary information on household characteristics and demographic particulars of the households.

• Consumption Patterns: Information collected in HCES is useful for understanding the consumption and expenditure pattern, standard of living, and well-being of the households.
• Consumer Price Indices: The data of HCES provides budget shares of different commodity groups that is used for preparation of the weighting diagram for compilation of official Consumer Price Indices (CPIs).

oThe data collected in HCES is also utilized for deriving various other macroeconomic indicators.

• Categories of Consumption Items: Food items, Consumables and Services items and Durable goods.

Key Findings

• Rural Areas Gini Coefficient Trends: Gini coefficient in rural areas has increased in 11 states: Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
• Increases in Specific States: The sharpest rises occurred in Nagaland, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, and Chhattisgarh, with notable increases ranging from 0.192 to 0.291.
• Urban Areas Gini Coefficient Trends: Gini coefficient for consumption expenditure has risen in urban areas of Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, and Manipur.
• National Gini Coefficient Trends: At the national level, the Gini coefficient decreased in rural areas from 0.283 to 0.266 between 2011-12 and 2022-23.

oSimilarly, in urban areas, it decreased from 0.363 to 0.314 during the same period.

• Gini Coefficient Decline: The decline in the national Gini coefficient reflects a reduction in spending inequality across the country.

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3. SUBANSIRI LOWER HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) has been signed for the implementation of a comprehensive Fisheries Management Plan at the 2000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydro Electric Project (SLP) located in Assam.

Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project

• About: This is a gravity dam under construction on the Subansiri River, situated along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border.
• Location: Subansiri River in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
• The dam is nearly 90% complete and is expected to be commissioned in 2023.
• The dam has a power generation capacity of 2000 MW, making it the largest hydroelectric project in India.
• The dam is a run-of-river project, which means that it does not store water behind the dam.
• Developed by:  National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited.

Subansiri River

• About: The river's origin is in the Tibet Plateau, and it holds the distinction of being the primary and largest tributary that feeds into the Brahmaputra River.
• Gravity Dam: It is a substantial dam structure constructed using materials like concrete or stone masonry.

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4. INDUS WATERS TREATY (IWT) (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: India may host a Pakistan delegation this month for a meeting of the Permanent Indus Commis- sion (PIC) that looks to resolve bilateral issues through dialogue under the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

• Background: The IWT, brokered by the World Bank and signed in 1960, divides the Indus river system between India and Pakistan.
• Water control division: India was given control over the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers, while Pakistan received control over the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers.
• Signatories: Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, President of Pakistan, Ayub Khan, former Vice President of the World Bank, W.A.B. Iliff.
• Major Provisions of the treaty: 
• Partition and negotiations: The treaty became necessary after the partition of India in 1947 to divide the Indus river system.
• Sharing formula: The sharing formula allocated 80.52% of the aggregate water flows in the Indus system to Pakistan, demonstrating India's generosity as an upper riparian.
• Financial support: India provided Rs 83 crore in pounds sterling to Pakistan for building replacement canals from the western rivers.
• It also required both the countries to establish a Permanent Indus Commission constituted by permanent commissioners on both sides. 
• India is allowed to have a minimum storage level on the western rivers, meaning it can store up to 3.75 MAF of water for conservation and flood storage purposes.
• The IWT provides a three-step dispute resolution mechanism: 

oFirst resolution: Starts at the Permanent Commission.

oSecond stage resolution: In case of unresolved questions or “differences”, either side can approach the World Bank to appoint a Neutral Expert (NE) to come to a decision. 

oThird stage resolution: If either party is not satisfied with the NE’s decision or in case of “disputes” in the interpretation and extent of the treaty, matters can be referred to a Court of Arbitration.

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5. GLOBAL CAPABILITY CENTER (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Indian Global capability center have evolved from the 'captives' of the 1990s to recently becoming 'digital twins' of their global HQs, mirroring and enhancing their parent organisations' work.

Global Capability Center

• About: GCCs are offshore establishments established by companies to provide various services to their parent entities, operating internally within the global corporate framework.
• Capabilities: These centres offer specialized capabilities including IT services, research and development, customer support, and other vital business functions.
• Role: GCCs play a crucial role in capitalizing on cost efficiencies by leveraging factors like lower labor costs and operational expenses in offshore locations.
• Utilizing Talent Reservoirs: They tap into talent reservoirs, enabling companies to access skilled professionals and expertise from diverse geographical locations.
• Collaboration: GCCs foster collaboration between parent enterprises and their offshore counterparts, facilitating seamless coordination and communication across global operations.
• Advantages of Special Economic Zones: SEZs provide favourable conditions for GCCs to thrive, offering advantages such as tax breaks, simplified regulations, and streamlined bureaucracy.
• Current Landscape in India: There are 1,580 established GCCs housing over 1.66 million professionals, indicating a significant presence and contribution to the economy.

oBengaluru and Hyderabad have solidified their presence in GCCs with 30% and 19%, respectively followed by Delhi 15%, Mumbai 12%, Pune 10%, and Chennai 9%.

• Market Size and Growth: The market size of GCCs in India is $46 billion, witnessing a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.4%, showcasing substantial growth and opportunities in the sector.

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6. LABEO CATLA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Catla (Labeo catla) was one of the top 10 species of aquatic animals harvested by humans in 2022, according to a new report released by the United Nations.

Labeo Catla

• About: It the second most important species after rohu (mrigal is third), is used as the surface feeder component in Indian major carp polyculture systems. I
• Geographic Distribution: The species is endemic to the riverine system in northern India, the Indus plain, and adjoining hills of Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar. It has been introduced into various riverine systems, reservoirs, and tanks across India.
• Traditional Farming Origins: Catla used to be traditionally farmed in the ponds of eastern Indian states and later spread across the country during the second half of the 20th century.

• Importance: Catla, along with Rohu and Mrigal, are among the most farmed fish in India's inland fisheries.
• Top Aquatic Animal Species Produced in 2022: Whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) led with 6.8 million tonnes, followed by various species including catla.
• Diverse Species Following Catla: Cupped oysters nei, grass carp, Nile tilapia, silver carp, and anchoveta were among the top species produced, with catla following Japanese carpet shell.

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7. APRA 2014 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2– Polity)

Context: Recent political analyses highlight the TDP's long-standing efforts to secure Special Category Status for Andhra Pradesh to offset revenue losses post-2014 bifurcation, while Telangana's Chief Minister Revanth Reddy urges resolution of lingering issues from the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 2: Parliament may by law admit new States into the Union or establish new States on terms and conditions it deems appropriate.
• Article 3: A new State can be formed by separating territory from an existing State, uniting two or more States or parts of States, or adding territory to a part of any State.
• Increase in State Area
• Diminution of State Area
• Alteration of State Boundaries
• Change of State Names

Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014 (APRA)

• About: The act provides for the reorganisation of the state of Andhra Pradesh.  It carves out a separate state called Telangana comprising 10 districts of the existing state of Andhra Pradesh.
• Formation of Telangana: To create the new state of Telangana by carving it out of the existing state of Andhra Pradesh. Telangana officially came into existence on June 2, 2014.
• Common Capital: The act designated Hyderabad as the common capital of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for a period of ten years, during which time Telangana was required to establish a new capital city.
• Role of Governor: The Governor of the existing state of Andhra Pradesh shall be the common Governor for both states for a period determined by the President.
• Special Provisions: The act contained special provisions to safeguard the interests of various groups, including the allocation of seats in educational institutions and government jobs for people from different regions.
• Division of Assets and Liabilities: It outlined the division of assets, liabilities, and resources between the two states, including the allocation of river waters and the division of government employees.
• Representation in Parliament: After the bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh will have 11 seats in Rajya Sabha, and Telangana will have 7.  In Lok Sabha, Andhra Pradesh will have 25 seats and Telangana will have 17 seats.
• Revenue Distribution: The resources allocated by the 13th Finance Commission to the existing state of Andhra Pradesh will be apportioned between the two successor states on the basis of population ratio and other parameters.  The centre may make grants to the successor state of Andhra Pradesh.

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8. NATURAFRICA INITIATIVE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Eco and Env)

Context: The European Commission (EC) has removed Tanzania from the list of countries eligible for its 18 million Euro conservation grant to be launched in East Africa as part of its NaturAfrica initiative.

NaturAfrica Initiative

• About: It adopts a forward-thinking strategy that emphasizes the involvement of local communities and stakeholders in biodiversity conservation efforts.
• Focus: It focuses on identifying crucial landscapes for conservation and development, ensuring targeted efforts to preserve biodiversity while fostering economic growth.
• Aim: To safeguard ecosystems and wildlife, recognizing their intrinsic value and importance to both present and future generations.
• Implementation and Collaboration:  EU delegations collaborate closely with various stakeholders, including government entities, local communities, civil society, and the private sector, to design and implement NaturAfrica programmes.
• Two Pillars: 

oShort-Term Actions: Prioritizing actions in key landscapes, NaturAfrica leverages the positive impacts of protected areas on society and the economy, fostering networks and knowledge-sharing.

oMedium-Term Strategy: Extending support beyond key landscapes, NaturAfrica addresses underlying causes of biodiversity loss and environmental degradation, integrating these concerns across various sectors through "mainstreaming biodiversity."

European Union (EU)

• About: EU is a supranational political and economic union of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe.
• Number of Countries: 27 Countries
• Objective: EU promotes democratic values in its member nations and is one of the world's most powerful trade blocs.
• Headquarters: Brussels (Belgium)
• Values: Value, Freedom, Democracy, Equality, Rule of Law, Human Rights and Human Dignity.

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9. PUMP AND DUMP SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Securities Exchange Board of India’s (Sebi) slapped a fine of Rs 7.75 crore on 11 individuals for allegedly operating a ‘pump and dump’ scheme in the scrip of Svarnim Trade Udyog.

Pump and Dump Scheme

• About: It is a type of manipulation activity that involves artificially inflating the price of a stock through false and misleading information, only to sell the stock at the inflated price and leave investors with significant losses.
• Mechanics of Pump and Dump

oAcquisition of a significant amount of stock in a thinly traded company, often penny stocks.

oAggressive promotion through various channels to create buzz and attract investors.

oIncreased demand drives up the stock price rapidly, creating the illusion of a valuable investment.

oSell-off at inflated prices, causing the stock price to plummet and resulting in losses for investors.

• Regulations around pump and dump

oSebi's Ban: Pump and dump schemes are completely banned under the Securities and Exchange Board of India's (Sebi) guidelines.

oCrackdown on YouTube Operation: Sebi's crackdown on a YouTube-run share pump-and-dump operation indicates impending regulations on financial influencers (finfluencers) who disseminate investment advice without qualifications.

oAction Against Influencers: Recent actions by Sebi against influencers like Bollywood actor Arshad Warsi and his wife highlight regulatory efforts to curb pump and dump activities facilitated by influential figures.

Impact on investors and the market

• Investor Losses: Those who bought at inflated prices face substantial losses when the stock price crashes.
• Market Confidence: Pump and dump schemes undermine confidence in financial markets, making legitimate investors wary of potential fraud.
• Legal Penalties: Participants in such schemes can face severe legal penalties, including fines, disgorgement of profits, and imprisonment.

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10. AGNIPATH SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt Policies)

Context: Bihar's regional parties JD(U) and LJPRV have urged a review of the Agnipath scheme while poised to become significant allies for the ruling party in the upcoming Lok Sabha.

Agnipath Scheme

• About: A central government scheme for youth to give entry into the Indian army. 
• Period: To serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years.
• Agniveer: Under this scheme, the youth joining the army called them Agniveer.
• Age group: Candidates between the age group of 17.5 to 21 years are eligible to apply for the scheme.
• Completion Benefits: Upon completing their service, recruits will receive between Rs. 11 lakh and Rs. 12 lakh, including interest and contributions, under the tax-exempt "Seva Nidhi" package. Recruits must contribute 30% of their monthly salary to Seva Nidhi, with a matching contribution from the government.
• Maximum limit: Every year 45,000 to 50,000 soldiers will be recruited annually, and most will leave the service in just four years. Out of that only 25% will continue for 15 years.

Objective: 

• Youthful profile: To enhance youthful profile of the Armed Forces so that they are at their fighting best at all times with increased risk-taking ability.
• Effective use modern technology: To attract young talent from the society to effectively exploit, adopt and use emerging modern technologies with enhanced technical thresholds of intake while leveraging Technical Institutions of the country.
• Opportunity: To provide an opportunity to the youth who may be keen to serve the Nation in uniform albeit for a short period of time.
• Qualities: To provide abilities and qualities such as discipline, dynamism, motivation and work-skills so that the youth remain an asset.

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