1. PANCHAYATI RAJ SYSTEM IN INDIA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Even after thirty years of this seminal change, if we look at the status and the functioning of PRIs, the much touted three Fs — Functions, Functionaries and Finances — are still in varying stages of devolution in different Indian states.

Panchayati Raj System in India

• About: Panchayati raj is the system of local self-government in rural India, focused on villages, distinct from urban and suburban municipalities.
• Components: The system comprises Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), facilitating village self-government, with responsibilities including economic development, social justice, and implementing government schemes.
• Tenure: 5 Years
• Panchayat Election by: State Election Commission.

• Legal Provision:

oConstitutional Provision: Article 40 (Directive Principle for State Policy) - The state shall organise village panchayats.

o73rd Constitutional Amendments Act: Added 11th Schedule and a Part-IX to the Constitution and consists of provisions from Articles 243 to 243 O.

oNon-Applicability to Certain Areas

üThe act does not apply to Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram, as well as certain other areas. These areas include:

üThe scheduled areas and tribal areas in the states.

üThe hill areas of Manipur with district councils.

üThe Darjeeling district of West Bengal with the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council.

üExtension to Scheduled and Tribal Areas

üHowever, subject to the exceptions and modifications specified by the Parliament, the provisions of this Part may be extended to scheduled areas and tribal areas.

• Three-Tier Structure: In states or Union Territories with populations exceeding two million, PRIs operate across three levels: gram panchayats (village level), panchayat samiti (block level), and district council (district level).
• Functions: 11th Schedule contains 29 functional items of PRIs and the 12th Schedule to the Constitution contains 18 functional items of Municipalities.

Panchayat Empowerment & Accountability Incentive Scheme (PEAIS): To gauge the performance of states in empowering PRIs. 

oThe objective of PEAIS was to arrive at a Devolution Index (DI) to assess the extent of devolution of 29 subjects to PRIs on framework, functions, finances and functionaries.

oThe assessment under this scheme was carried out by reputed independent organisations like National Council for Applied Economic Research (NCAER) from 2006-07 to 2008-09, and the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) from 2009-10 to 2012-13. The DI of most states in all these assessments were not very encouraging.

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2. KAVLI PRIZE (Syllabus GS Paper 1 – Awards)

Context: The winners of the 2024 Kavli Prize were recently announced, honoring eight individuals for their groundbreaking contributions to astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience. 

Kavli Prize

• About: It is awarded in honour of Norwegian-American businessman and philanthropist Fred Kavli (1927-2013).
• Awarded in three areas: Astrophysics, nanoscience and neuroscience — the largest, the smallest, and the most complex.
• Prize: $1 million cash prize (per field), a scroll, and a medal.

oUS-based Kavli Foundation, the prize is given in partnership with the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, and the Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.

• Selection Criteria: Three independent selection committees review entries to present a unanimous recommendation to The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. 
• Each committee comprises five members, who are nominated by science institutes around the world.
• Campare with Nobel: Nobel Prize is only awarded for achievements made “during the preceding year”. But the Kavli Prize does not operate under such a restriction.
• Winners in 2024: Astrophysics - David Charbonneau. Nanoscience - Robert Langer and Chad Mirkin, Neuroscience - Nancy Kanwisher and Doris Tsao.

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3. RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Central Information Commission (CIC) recently upheld the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s response to an RTI query regarding instances where the former President of India returned decisions by the Prime Minister or Union Council of Ministers for reconsideration.

Right to Information Act

• About: The RTI Act, enacted by the Parliament of India, delineates the regulations and protocols governing citizens' access to information. 
• Replaced by: Freedom of Information Act, 2002.
• Features
• Time Limit for Providing Information: 30 days from the day of application.

o2 days for information concerning life or liberty of a person.

• Penalties: 250/day up to a maximum of 25000 for:

oNot accepting an application.

oDelaying information without reasonable cause.

oKnowingly giving incomplete, incorrect or misleading information.

oDestroying the requested information.

• Fundamental Right: RTI has been given the status of a fundamental right under Article 19(1) of the Constitution.
• Exemptions: The Act, although advocating transparency, incorporates exemptions to disclosure, encompassing categories such as data concerning national security, privacy of individuals, and information pertinent to ongoing investigations.
• Fees: Public authorities are entitled to levy fees for furnishing information, with the fee framework established by the government, contingent on the information's nature and the mode of access, be it paper-based or electronic.
• Power to impose penalty: The CIC and the State Information Commission.
• Name of bills: During his tenure as former President of India gave assent to some important Bills which included the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019; Triple Talaq Bill; amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019; Citizenship Amendment Bill; and three farm Bills among others.

Central Information Commission

• About: It is a statutory body constituted under Section 12 of the RTI Act, with effect from October 2005.
• Composition: It consists of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and such number of Commissioners not exceeding 10 as may be deemed necessary.
• Function: To receive and inquire into a complaint from any person regarding information requested under RTI, 2005. The Commission can order an inquiry into any matter if there are reasonable grounds (suo-moto power).

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4. WORLD WILDLIFE FUND (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: A 2022 report by the World Wildlife Fund revealed a staggering 83% decline in global freshwater vertebrate populations since 1970, a rate far exceeding that of any other habitat.

World Wildlife Fund

• About: It is an international non-governmental organization.
• Established: In 1961 
• Headquarter: In Gland, Switzerland.
• Previously known as the: World Wildlife Fund
• Mission: WWF's mission is to halt the degradation of the planet's natural environment and create a future in which humans coexist harmoniously with nature.
• Objective: To help local communities conserve the natural resources they depend upon; transform markets and policies toward sustainability; and protect and restore species and their habitats.
• Global Reach: The world's largest conservation organization, boasting over five million supporters across 100 countries.

WWF-India Intervention

• About: WWF-India has initiated several conservation projects to integrate conservation efforts with sustainable development.
• Tiger conservation: It has been working on tiger conservation in the Sundarbans since the launch of the Project Tiger in 1973.
• The Climate Witness Project: It was launched in the Sundarbans to document first-hand accounts of climate change from local residents, aiming to enhance understanding of climate impacts and support policy change and advocacy.
• The Climate Adaptation Programme: Initiated in 2011, is crucial for the people of Sundarbans to adapt to the evolving climatic conditions and their impacts to ensure survival in the region.

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5. NAGASTRA-1 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Indian Army is set to induct its first indigenous loiter munition, Nagastra-1.

Nagastra-1

• About: It is first indigenous man-portable suicide drones.
• Developed by: Solar Industries, Nagpur, the Army has placed a supply order for Economics Explosives Ltd (EEL),

oThe Nagastra-1 is entirely designed and developed in India, demonstrating a high indigenous content of over 75%.

• Key Features

oPrecision Strike Capability: The Nagastra-1 excels in "kamikaze mode," effectively neutralizing threats with GPS-enabled precision strikes, achieving an impressive accuracy of up to two meters.

oCompact and Lightweight Design: Weighing just 9 kg, the Nagastra-1 is a man-portable fixed-wing electric UAV designed for ease of deployment. Despite its size, it boasts an endurance of 30 minutes and can cover distances up to 15 km in man-in-loop control mode, extending to 30 km in autonomous operation.

oRecovery Mechanism: Equipped with a parachute recovery system for mission aborts, ensuring reusability and cost-effectiveness.

oOperational Specifications: Weighing 6 kg, it can remain airborne for up to 60 minutes, providing flexibility and endurance in tactical operations.

oLow Acoustic Signature: Featuring an electric propulsion system, the Nagastra-1 operates with a minimal acoustic footprint, rendering it nearly undetectable at altitudes exceeding 200 meters. This characteristic enhances its stealth capabilities significantly.

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6. Digital Agriculture Mission (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Agriculture)

Context: The indian government is set to announce big ticket initiatives as part of its first 100-day agenda, which include a Rs 2,800 crore Digital Agriculture Mission.

Digital Agriculture Mission

• About: It was launched in September 2021 by Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

oIt spanning 2021-2025 has been launched by the government to support projects leveraging new technologies.

• Technological Innovations: Technologies such as AI, blockchain, remote sensing, GIS, drones, and robots will be integrated to enhance agricultural practices.
• Ecosystem Transformation: Transforming the agricultural sector requires a holistic approach that embraces ecosystem thinking. 
• This involves integrating various stakeholders, both public and private, across the agriculture value chain—from crop selection and management to market logistics.
• Agriculture Value Chain: It encompasses activities from crop selection and management to marketing, involving both public and private sectors, including logistics.

• Digital Ecosystem Components:

oInteroperability

oData governance

oData quality

oData standards

oSecurity and privacy

oPromoting innovation

• Architectural Requirements:

oA decentralized, federated architecture is essential, ensuring:

oAutonomy for service providers and other stakeholders

oInteroperability across the ecosystem.

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7. GST COUNCIL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Goods and Services Tax Council is set to discuss a proposal to lower the upfront payment needed before filing a tax appeal from the current 10% to 7% of the disputed tax amount.

GST Council

• 101st Amendment Act of 2016: It also referred to as the 122nd Amendment Bill, laid the groundwork for the introduction of GST.
• Article 279-A: The GST Council functions as a collaborative platform involving both the Central and state governments.

oIt grants the President the power to establish the GST Council through an executive order.

• Composition: The GST Council's membership includes key figures like the Union Finance Minister (serving as the chairperson) and the Union Minister of State (Finance), representing various states.
• Function: To provide recommendations to both the Union and the states on crucial GST-related matters, encompassing the taxation of goods and services, exemptions, and the formulation of model GST Laws.
• Decision of the Council: The GST Council takes decisions through a consensus-based approach.

-Every decision of the GST Council shall be taken by a majority of not less than three-fourths (75%) of the weighted votes of the members present and voting.

-The weightage of one-third of the total votes cast to the Centre and a weightage of two-thirds of the total votes cast to the States, promoting the spirit of the co-operative federalism

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8. OLYMPUS MONS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Scientists recently discovered frost on Mars' tallest volcano, Olympus Mons, revealing an active water cycle on the Red Planet.

Olympus Mons

• About: It is a shield volcano situated on Mars’ western hemisphere.
• Size and Height: It is the highest point on Mars and holds the title of the largest known volcano in the solar system.

oStanding at 16 miles (24 kilometers) tall, it dwarfs Mt. Everest by a factor of three.

• Coverage: The volcano spans a width of 340 miles (550 kilometers), covering an area larger than the entire Hawaiian Islands chain.
• Comparison with Earth’s Volcanoes: In contrast to Earth's Mauna Loa, which rises 6.3 miles (10 km) above the ocean floor and is relatively shorter above sea level,

oOlympus Mons boasts a volume about a hundred times greater than Mauna Loa, with enough space to fit the entire Hawaiian island chain inside it.

• Age and Formation: Olympus Mons is approximately 3.5 billion years old, forming early in Mars’ history.
• Summit and Caldera: The summit of Olympus Mons is marked by a caldera, an expansive depression spanning 50 miles (80 kilometers) wide, formed by successive volcanic activities.
• Complex Caldera Formation: Unlike most Earth-based volcanoes with simpler calderas, Olympus Mons' summit caldera consists of several overlapping pits, each created during different eruptive phases, highlighting its complex volcanic history.

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9. NEW COLLECTIVE QUANTITATIVE GOAL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: A recent climate meeting in Bonn, Germany, made little progress on defining the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for post-2025 climate finance. The NCQG, a major focus for this year's climate agenda, must be finalized at COP29.

New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG)

• About: It is a global climate finance goal to be set by the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA). 
• Purpose: The goal is designed to strengthen the global response to climate change threats within the framework of sustainable development and poverty eradication. 

oIt aims to ensure finance flows are aligned with pathways towards low greenhouse gas emissions and climate-resilient development.

oThe NCQG aims to hold the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

• Contribution to Paris Agreement: In 2021, Parties agreed that the NCQG should help achieve Article 2 of the Paris Agreement. This includes:

oHolding the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

oPursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

• Adaptation and Resilience: The NCQG aims to:

oIncrease the ability to adapt to adverse impacts of climate change.

oFoster climate resilience and low greenhouse gas emission development without threatening food production.

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10. LIPULEKH PASS (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: Indian traders involved in border trade with China through the Lipulekh pass have requested the central government to take up the issue of resumption of border trade through this route.

Lipulekh Pass

• Location: Lipulekh Pass is situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China.
• International Connectivity: It serves as a crucial link between the Indian state of Uttarakhand and the Tibet region of China.
• Altitude: The pass is located at an altitude of approximately 5,334 meters (17,500 feet) above sea level.
• Terrain and Landscape: Known for its challenging terrain, Lipulekh Pass features steep ascents and rugged landscapes.
• Strategic Importance: Due to its elevation and strategic location, the pass acts as a gateway to the higher reaches of the Himalayas.
• Ancient Trade Route: Lipulekh Pass has served as an important trade route for centuries, facilitating commerce between the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan plateau.
• Religious Significance: Apart from its role in trade and strategic positioning, Lipulekh Pass holds deep religious significance. It forms an integral part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus.
• Opening for Trade:

oLipulekh Pass made history by becoming the first Indian border post to be opened for trade with China in 1992.

oSubsequently, other passes like Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh (1994) and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim (2006) were also opened, marking significant steps in India-China trade relations.

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