1. UNINCORPORATED ENTERPRISES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: India's informal sector, comprising SMEs and household enterprises, contributes nearly half of the country's GDP and over 75% of jobs. 

• The recent data from ASUSE reveals challenges, with many units closing and around 16.45 lakh jobs lost in the past seven years.

Unincorporated Enterprises

• About: It belong to the unorganised or informal sector, encompassing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), household units with hired workers, and own-account enterprises.
• Sector Coverage: Surveys are conducted for unincorporated non-agricultural establishments in three main sectors: manufacturing, trade, and "other services".
• Manufacturing Sector: Includes manufacturing units not covered under the Factories Act, 1948, and those outside the organised sector’s Annual Survey of Industries (ASI). This also encompasses informal establishments engaged in activities like cotton-ginning, cleaning, bailing, and manufacturing bidi and cigar.
• Electric Power Sector: Covers units involved in non-captive electric power generation, transmission, and distribution that are not registered with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA).

Recent Data of NSSO

• The informal sector saw a decline in employment despite an increase in the number of enterprises between 2015-16 and 2022-23.
• Own-account enterprises grew by nearly 4% over seven years, contrasting with a 3.2% decline in hired-worker enterprises.
• The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) shows a rise in agricultural workers and a decline in manufacturing jobs, particularly affecting women in agricultural roles.
• Despite expectations, there's no clear movement of surplus labour from informal sectors (e.g., agriculture, construction) to formal sectors (e.g., manufacturing, high-productivity services).
• In 2022-23, informal sector employment decreased by 1.5%, with a simultaneous increase in unincorporated enterprises by 16.56 lakh units.

Informal Sector

• About: Workers and enterprises operating outside government regulation constitute the informal sector.
• Social Security Benefits: Employees in the informal sector do not receive entitlements to social security benefits unlike their formal sector counterparts.
• Job Security and Fixed Hours: Workers in the informal sector face uncertainties regarding job security and work hours.

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2. QUEER COMMUNITY (Syllabus GS Paper 1 – Indian Society)

Context: The Union Government has written a letter to States and Union Territories and asked them to ensure that members of the queer community (LGBTQ+) get equal rights in prison.

Queer Community

• About: Queer" serves as an adjective encompassing sexual orientations beyond exclusively heterosexual or straight identities.
• Identity: It embraces individuals identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, nonbinary, gender-fluid, or gender-nonconforming.
• Reclamation and Controversy: Historically derogatory, "queer" has been reclaimed by some LGBTQIA+ individuals as a self-descriptor, yet it remains contentious within the community.

Background of the LGBTQIA+ Community

• Ancient Indian Cultural Perspective: Acceptance and celebration of all types of love, as well as a neutral view of homosexuality, were central to ancient Indian culture.
• Khajuraho Temple Depictions: The Khajuraho Temple in Madhya Pradesh illustrates the presence of sexual fluidity and acceptance among homosexuals in ancient Indian art.
• British Colonial Influence: In 1861, British colonial authorities introduced laws in India that considered homosexual practices as "against the order of nature," influencing legal and social attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ individuals.
• Shakuntala Devi's Contribution: In 1977, Shakuntala Devi published "The World of Homosexuals," a pioneering work that advocated for full acceptance of homosexuality in Indian society.
• Legal Recognition: LGBTQIA+ individuals were recognized as a third gender by law in 1994, following a Supreme Court judgment that affirmed their voting rights and recognition under law.
• Supreme Court Ruling (NALSA judgement): In 2014, the Supreme Court of India ruled that transgender individuals should be recognized as a third gender, marking a significant step towards equality and recognition in Indian society.
• Navtej Singh Johar case (2018): The court recognised rights of gay couples to engage in same-sex relationships.
• Supriyo Chakraborty V Union of India (2023): SC recently delivered a verdict, rejecting petitions to legalize same-sex marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954è No fundamental right to marry under the Constitutionè Queer couples do not have the right to adoptè Couples do not enjoy a right to a civil union.

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3. SRIJAN PORTAL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Security)

Context: Recently, the Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence, has released the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) comprising 346 items, which mandates procurement exclusively from the Indian industry following specified timelines for indigenisation listed on the Srijan portal.

Srijan Portal

• About: The portal is to partner the private sector in indigenisation efforts of Defence Public Sector Undertakings(DPSUs), DPSU's and the Armed Forces.
• Developed by: Department of Defence Production to promote indigenization in defence manufacturing.
• Nodal Agency: Ministry of Defence.
• Objective: Provides information on items suitable for indigenization by the private sector.
• Role of DPSUs/OFB/SHQs: To display items for potential indigenization by Indian industry, fostering joint ventures with OEMs.
• Industry Interaction: Facilitates interaction between Indian industry and DPSUs/OFB/SHQs based on specific item requirements and procedural guidelines.
• Features:

oActs as a comprehensive internet platform providing details, images, specifications, and import values of defence products.

oIncludes a user-friendly search function for easy access to indigenization opportunities.

oInitially focused on items with import values exceeding Rs 1 million, influencing import trends over subsequent fiscal years.

Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)

• Objective: Aims to stimulate domestic defence production and reduce dependency on imports.
• Supported by: Various policies to nurture a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem.
• Inclusion Criteria: Includes complex systems, sensors, weapons, and ammunition prioritized for indigenous procurement.

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4. ROHINI SATELLITE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: On this day, July 18, in 1980, India marked a milestone as it launched its first satellite, Rohini-1, into space.

Rohini

• Launch Date: Rohini Satellite RS-1 was launched on July 18, 1980, marking a significant milestone in India's space program.
• First Indian-made Launch Vehicle: RS-1 became the first satellite to be placed in orbit by an Indian-made launch vehicle, showcasing India's growing capabilities in space technology.
• Satellite Specifications: According to ISRO, RS-1 was an experimental spin-stabilized satellite with a weight of 35 kg and capable of generating 16 W of power.
• Launch Details: RS-1 was successfully launched aboard SLV-3 (Satellite Launch Vehicle-3) from the SHAR Centre. It was placed into an orbit with an inclination of 44.7° and an orbit of 305 x 919 kilometers, achieving its intended mission objectives.

Satellite Launch Vehicle-3 (SLV-3)

• About: It was India's inaugural experimental satellite launch vehicle, featuring an all-solid, four-stage design.
• Specifications: SLV-3 weighed 17 tonnes and stood at a height of 22 meters, capable of placing payloads up to 40 kg class into Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
• Flight Characteristics: SLV-3 utilized open loop guidance with a stored pitch program to control its trajectory during flight, ensuring it followed a predetermined path accurately.
• Legacy: The success of SLV-3 paved the way for more advanced Indian launch vehicle projects, including the Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV), Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)..

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5. ARTICLE 341 OF THE CONSTITUTION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India ruled that the states cannot make changes to the Scheduled Caste List published under Article 341 of the Constitution.

Article 341 of the Constitution

• About: Article 341 addresses the recognition and identification of Scheduled Castes (SCs), historically marginalized communities subject to social discrimination.
• Presidential Power to Specify SCs: Article 341(1) mandates the President, after consultation with the State Governor, to specify SCs through public notification.
• Parliamentary Oversight: Article 341(2) stipulates that any amendments to the SC list must be enacted through parliamentary law, reinforcing the separation of powers.
• Legislative Control Over SC List: Any changes to the SC list, including additions, deletions, or modifications, require parliamentary legislation and cannot be altered through executive orders.
• Amendment Power: The power to amend or alter the SC list specified under Article 341 rests exclusively with the Parliament, not with the central government or the President.
• State Authority and Limitations: The State government had no competence/authority/power to tinker with the lists of Scheduled Castes published under Article 341 of the Constitution.
• Judicial Interpretation: The State Backward Commission may recommend the inclusion of a caste or group into the SC category, but such recommendations do not grant states the authority to implement changes independently.

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6. SPECIAL COUNSEL (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 - IR)

• Context: A judge dismissed the criminal case against the former President of the USA, citing concerns over the special counsel's appointment.

Special Counsel

• About: A special counsel, previously known as a Special Prosecutor or Independent Counsel, investigates cases of suspected misconduct, particularly when regular prosecutorial agencies face conflicts of interest, ensuring impartiality.
• Function: They handle sensitive matters involving top government officials or significant issues, aiming to conduct unbiased investigations free from external influence.
• Historical Context: The role emerged prominently post-Watergate, exemplified by Archibald Cox's appointment, highlighting the need for independent scrutiny in high-profile cases.
• Legal Framework: Governed by statutes like the Appointments Clause and various federal laws, special counsels operate under a framework ensuring autonomy within defined limits, overseen by the Attorney General.

Forms the Basis of Special Counsels Powers

• Statutory Authority: Derived from federal laws such as the Civil Service Reform Act and the Whistleblower Protection Act, which safeguard federal employees and provide mechanisms for addressing misconduct.
• Constitutional Framework: Selection of special counsels adheres to the US Constitution’s Appointments Clause, allowing department heads like the Attorney General to appoint them as "junior officers" without Senate approval.
• Reporting: Special counsels conclude their investigations autonomously and submit confidential reports to the Attorney General, preserving the integrity and confidentiality of their findings.

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7. WOMEN REPRESENTATION IN PARLIAMENT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Party of India, led a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding 50% women’s reservation in Parliament and Assemblies.

Women's Political Representation in India

• Voting Rights for Women: India as a sovereign republic provided the right to vote for all its women right from the first general elections in 1952.
• Representation Gap in Legislatures: While the right to vote was provided to all women since the commencement of the Constitution, the representation of women in the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies has been far from satisfactory.
• Low Percentage of Women MPs: The % of women MPs in the Lok Sabha had been very low between 5% and 10% till 2004. It rose marginally to 12% in 2014 and currently stands at about 14% in the 18th Lok Sabha.
• Poor Representation in State Assemblies: The representation in State Legislative Assemblies is even poorer with the national average being around 9%.
• Reservation in Local Governance: The 73rd and 74th amendments of the Constitution in 1992/1993 provided for one-third reservation for women in panchayats and municipalities.
• India's Global Ranking in Women Representation: As of April 2024, India is ranked 143rd in the 'Monthly ranking of women in national parliaments,' according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union.

106th Constitutional Amendment

• About: It provided for one-third reservation of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies. 
• Objective: This reservation aims to ensure fair representation, enhance gender sensitivity in legislative processes, and potentially increase the number of women Ministers at both the Centre and State levels.

Global Scenario

• United Kingdom: In the recent U.K. general elections, a record 263 women MPs (40%) were elected to the House of Commons.
• South Africa: African National Assembly boasts around 45% women representation.
• U.S.A: The U.S. House of Representatives has 29% women representation.
• Milestones in Universal Suffrage: Universal suffrage was achieved through prolonged political movements, with New Zealand granting women the right to vote in 1893, the U.S. in 1920, and the U.K. in 1928.

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8. BIMETALLIC NIFE SYSTEMS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: A new study claims that a bimetallic Nickel-Iron layered double hydroxide system is the most efficient for oxygen production through water splitting.

Bimetallic NiFe Systems

• Introduction: A bimetallic Nickel Iron layered double hydroxide (NiFe LDH) system has been identified as highly efficient for O2 production via water splitting.
• Composition: NiFe LDHs integrate nickel (Ni) and iron (Fe) at a molecular level, featuring positively charged metal hydroxide layers interspersed with anions and water molecules.
• Catalytic Properties: These systems exhibit robust catalytic activity for the OER, critical for efficient water splitting due to their high surface area and catalytic sites.
• Applications: Widely utilized in electrochemical cells for producing hydrogen and oxygen, NiFe systems also find applications in batteries, supercapacitors, and other energy conversion devices.
• Advantages: Cost-effective compared to precious metal catalysts like platinum and iridium, NiFe systems leverage abundant and inexpensive metals, enhancing sustainability in catalysis and energy technologies.

Research

• Conducted by: The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) under the auspices of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• Key Finding:

oNiFe LDH efficiently produces O2 through water splitting, negating the need for trimetallic solutions to enhance productivity.

oWater splitting is an eco-friendly method to generate pure H2 and O2 at scale without ecological harm.

oScientists have targeted the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) to boost water splitting efficiency.

oNiFe Layered Double Hydroxide (LDH), they synthesized two other trimetallic systems ZnNiFe layered double hydroxide and CoNiFe LDH, and investigated its electrocatalytic activity in 1M KOH.

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9. FACTORS BEHIND THE HEAVY RAIN (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: Recently, at least 80% of India received rainfall, with heavy to very heavy spells lashing Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra's coast, Karnataka, Kerala, and Lakshadweep.

Monsoon Climate of India

• About: India's climate is characterized as 'monsoon' type, predominantly found in South and Southeast Asia.
• Seasonal Divisions: India's climate has four seasonal divisions, with two dedicated to the monsoon period.
• Southwest Monsoon Season: The southwest monsoon brings seasonal rainfall from June to September.
• Retreating Monsoon Season: The retreating monsoons occur during October and November.

Factors Behind the Heavy Rain

• Westerly Winds: Continuous influx of moisture-laden westerly winds from the Arabian Sea has significantly contributed to the enhanced rainfall.
• Monsoon Trough Position: The monsoon trough's southward shift has increased rainfall in central, eastern, and peninsular India.
• Northward Trough Shift: When the monsoon trough shifts northward, the Himalayan foothills receive more rainfall, while the rest of India experiences less.
• Additional Weather Systems: Other weather systems have also played a role in the widespread rainfall, excluding extreme northern India.

oThe persistence of an off-shore trough (a shallow trough of low pressure, which develops along India’s coast during the monsoon) between south Gujarat and north Kerala for more than a week now.

oThe intermittent development of a wind shear zone where winds move with different velocities and directions along latitudes 20 ° N between central and peninsular India.

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10. JERDON’S COURSER (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Jerdon's Courser is exclusively endemic to Andhra Pradesh, specifically within the Sri Lankamalleswara wildlife sanctuary in Kadapa. However, this elusive bird has not been visually spotted in over a decade.

Jerdon’s Courser

• About: It is a nocturnal cursorial bird endemic to the Eastern Ghats of India.
• Scientific Name: Rhinoptilus bitorquatus
• Historical Significance: It was considered extinct from the early 20th century until its rediscovery in 1986.
• Habitat: It inhabits open patches within scrub-forests.
• Distribution: Found exclusively in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
• Physical Features:

oDelicate lapwing-like bird with a large eye and a short, bicolored bill.

oUpper plumage grey-brown, chin and throat whitish, fore-neck rufous, with a white band separating it from brown breast.

oCall is a short series of two-noted whistles “tuick-tuoo.”

• Conservation Status: IUCN Red List - Critically Endangered

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