1. GI TAGS TO VARIOUS PRODUCTS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – IPR Policy)

Context: Recently, over 60 products from various regions of India have been granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Geographical Indications (GI)

• It means: A name or a sign given to certain products that relate to a specific geographical location or origins like a region, town, or country.
• Governed and directed by: World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
• Administered by: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999. 
• Issued by: The Geographical Indications Registry (Chennai) under the Department of Industry Promotion and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• First product with GI tag: Darjeeling tea in the year 2004-05.
• Validity: 10 years following which it can be renewed.
• GI is encompassed within the realm of intellectual property rights (IPRs) according to the provisions of the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property.
• The World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) also regulates Geographical Indications.

Recent GI Products:

• Assam: Asharikandi terracotta craft, Pani Meteka craft, Sarthebari metal craft, Jaapi (bamboo headgear of rural Assam), Mishing handloom products, Bihu dhol, Bodo Dokhona, Bodo Eri silk, Bodo Jwmgra (a traditional scarf), Bodo Gamsa (traditional dress of Bodo men), Bodo Thorkha (a musical instrument), and Bodo Sifung.
• Uttar Pradesh: Thandai, Banaras Tabla, Banaras Shehnai, Banaras Lal Bharwamirch and Banaras Lal Peda are among the products that walked away with GI tags in this region.
• Tripura region secured two tags: one for the Pachra-Rignai, which is a traditional dress worn on special occasions, and the other for the Matabari Peda, a sweet preparation.
• Meghalaya: Garo Textile’ weaving, which is linked to socio-cultural and religious rituals, and the ‘Meghalaya Lyrnai Pottery’ and ‘Meghalaya Chubitchi’.

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2. VAIKOM SATYAGRAHA Syllabus GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: Recently, commemorating the Vaikom Satyagraha, a century has passed since its occurrence.

Vaikom Satyagraha

• About: Originating in Travancore, now Kerala, the Vaikom Satyagraha stood as the pioneering anti-caste movement, challenging discriminatory practices.
• Background: At the AICC meeting in Kakinada 1923, a petition was submitted to the Travancore legislative council, advocating for the right to temple entry regardless of caste, creed, or community.
• Beginning of the Movement: Launched on March 30, 1924, the Satyagraha started with protests on public roads leading to the Shiva Shrine in Vaikom, where entry was restricted for marginalized and untouchable castes.
• Prominent Social Workers: Periyar E.V. Ramaswamy and Sree Narayana Guru lent their support, with Periyar being notably arrested twice, earning him the title "Vaikom Virar."
• Role of Gandhiji in the Movement: Gandhi strategized the involvement of Savarnas (forward castes) in support of the movement, leading to a procession to Trivandrum with a petition of 25,000 signatures for temple entry.
• Significance: Gandhi's intervention in 1925 led to a resolution between the government and the Satyagrahis, resulting in the nullification of prohibitory orders and the opening of temple pathways to the public, albeit with certain restrictions.

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3. CNEMASPIS VANGOGHI (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Scientists from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation in India recently discovered a new species of lizard named Cnemaspis vangoghi.

Cnemaspis Vangoghi

• About: It is a newly discovered lizard species found in the Southern Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.
• Origin of name: Named after Dutch painter Vincent Van Gogh, as the striking colouration of the new species is reminiscent of one of his most iconic paintings, The Starry Night,”.
• Size and Appearance: Classified as a small-sized gecko, with a maximum length of 3.4 cm, characterized by a yellow head and forebody adorned with light blue spots.
• Habitat: Prefers rocky environments but can occasionally be spotted on buildings and trees.

• Discovery of Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis: Another species, Cnemaspis sathuragiriensis, was also identified in the Sathuragiri Hills within the same region.
• Conservation: Srivilliputhur-Megamalai Tiger Reserve
• Diurnal Behavior: Active mainly during cooler hours, particularly early morning and evening, with a preference for rocky surfaces.
• Micro-Endemism: These species exemplify micro-endemism, showcasing restricted distribution within a small geographic area, contributing to the ecological intrigue of the region.

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4. CARACEL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: As the caracal continues on the path to extinction, individuals across India are recently trying to do what they can to save the iconic cat.

Caracel

• About: It is also called Persian lynx or African lynx, is a wild cat. Caracals are similar to lynxes, but are more related to the serval. Caracals are the fastest of the small cats.
• Scientific name: Caracal caracal.
• Habitat: Caracals predominantly inhabit rocky hills or grasslands.
• Geographical Range: These wild cats are native to various regions including Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and arid locales in Pakistan and northwestern India.
• Found in India: Kutch, and Ranthambhore.
• Species Diversity: The caracal is just one among a diverse group of over 30 species of small wild cats.
• Physical Characteristics: Medium-sized in stature, caracals possess a robust build, long legs, short faces, and distinctive long tufted ears.
• Caracals boast uniformly reddish tan or sandy coats with lighter ventral parts and small reddish markings, complemented by long canine teeth.
• Subspecies Variation: Within the caracal species, three distinct subspecies have been identified, indicating some regional differences in morphology or behavior.
• IUCN Status: Critically Endangered.

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5. BHARAT RATNA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Gov. Policies & Interventions)

Context: Recently, the President of India honored Bharatiya Janata Party veteran Lal Krishna Advani with the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, at Advani's residence in Delhi.

• Earlier, she also honoured this to Karpoori Thakur, Mankombu Sambasivan (MS) Swaminathan, Pamulaparthi Venkata (P. V.) Narasimha Rao, and Chaudhary Charan Singh. 

Bharat Ratna

• About: The Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, was instituted in 1954.
• Eligibility Criteria:

oAny individual, irrespective of race, occupation, position, or gender, is eligible for the award.

oIt is conferred in recognition of exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavour. 

• Recognition for Exceptional Service: The award is granted in recognition of exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field of human endeavor.
• Recommendations: Recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made directly by the Prime Minister to the President, and no formal recommendations are necessary.
• Annual Award Limit: The number of annual awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.
• Conferment Process: On conferment of the award, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.
• Monetary Grant: The award does not carry any monetary grant.
• Usage Restrictions: In accordance with Article 18(1) of the Constitution, the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient's name.
• Awardees 2024: L. K. Advani, Chaudhary Charan Singh, PV Narasimha Rao, Karpoori Thakur and agronomist MS Swaminathan.

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6. KATCHATHEEVU ISLAND (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Geography)

Context: Recently, the decades-old territorial and fishing rights dispute surrounding Katchatheevu Island has been reignited, as the Prime Minister of India has criticized the opposition for relinquishing the island to Sri Lanka, prompting a retaliatory response from the party.

Katchatheevu Island

• About: It is a 163-acre uninhabited island administered by Sri Lanka.
• Location: Between Neduntheevu, Sri Lanka and Rameswaram, India.
• Background: In June 1974, an agreement was signed by the then Prime Ministers of India and Sri Lanka.
• Issue: The main problem continues to grow as more fisherman move into the Sri Lankan sea area for illegal poaching. In 2010 the Sri Lankan government issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government saying the Indian court cannot nullify the 1974 agreement.

oThe agreement specifically delineated the boundary between the two nations in the historic waters spanning from Palk Strait to Adam's Bridge.

• A Colonial Indian Island: Katchatheevu was once part of the Ramnad Zamindari. 

oThe Ramanathapuram principality (or Ramnad) was established in 1605 by the Nayak dynasty of Madurai. 

oIt consisted of 69 coastal villages and 11 islets, including Katchatheevu.

• Importance of Kachatheevu: The island is important for fishing grounds used by fishers from both countries. 

oThe Indo-Sri Lankan agreement allows Indian fishermen to fish around Katchatheevu and to dry their nets on the island.

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7. BIMA SUGAM (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The insurance regulator recently approved the establishment of Bima Sugam, an online insurance marketplace.

Bima Sugam

• About: Bima Sugam will function as an online marketplace for insurance products, allowing insurance companies to sell their offerings while enabling customers to compare and purchase policies conveniently.
• Regulatory Backing: The platform will be supported by regulators, ensuring compliance and reliability for both insurers and customers.
• Coverage: It will host a wide range of insurance products, including life, general, and standalone health insurance, providing customers with diverse options to choose from.
• Accessibility: The platform aims to make insurance products accessible to underserved populations, promoting financial inclusion and security for all.
• Data Integration: Bima Sugam will be integrated with various government databases, insurance companies, and repositories, ensuring seamless data sharing and utilization for enhanced services and offerings.

Features of Bima Sugam:

• E-commerce Platform: Bima Sugam operates as an e-commerce platform facilitating insurance companies to showcase their products digitally, ensuring a seamless experience for customers.
• Paperless Policy Handling: It digitizes the policy issuance process, eliminating paperwork and enabling customers to access all their policies, including life, health, and non-life insurance, through a single application or window.
• Potential Cost Reduction: Bima Sugam aims to decrease commissions paid to intermediaries, potentially leading to more affordable insurance policies and lower premiums for policyholders.
• Unified Service Platform: It provides a centralized platform for policy issuance, claim settlement, and service requests, fostering transparency and cooperation within the insurance industry.

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8. FINANCE COMMISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Public debt management is getting wider attention in Centre-State financial relations, against the backdrop of recently constituted Sixteenth Union Finance Commission.

Finance Commission

• About: Article 280 of the Constitution of India provides for a Finance Commission as a quasi judicial body. 
• Constituted by: President of India every fifth year or at such earlier time as he considers necessary.
• Composition: Chairman and four other members to be appointed by the president.
• Tenure: They hold office for such period as specified by the president in his order.
• Recommendation of Commission: The recommendations made by the Finance Commission are only of advisory nature, not binding on the government.
• Fifteenth Finance Commission was constituted: On November 27, 2017
• Function:

oNet proceeds of taxes: The distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or may be, divided between them and the allocation between the States of the respective shares of such proceeds. 

oGrants-in-aid: The principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India.

oConsolidated Fund of a State: The measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats in the State on the basis of the recommendations made by the Finance Commission of the State.

oSupplement to municipalities: The measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Municipalities in the State on the basis of the recommendations made by the Finance Commission of the State.

oPresident reference: Any other matter referred to the Commission by the President in the interests of sound finance.

Public Finance

• About: It encompasses the examination of the government's involvement in the economy, including its revenue generation and expenditure allocation.
• Revenue and Expenditure Assessment: It involves evaluating government revenue and expenditure to achieve favorable outcomes and mitigate unfavorable ones.
• The purview of public finance is:

oThe efficient allocation of available resources;

oThe distribution of income among citizens; and

oThe stability of the economy.

 

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9. CHINA PLUS ONE STRATEGY (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: According to top former Indian diplomats, India must recently prioritize following its own path to becoming a developed economy instead of opting for fast-track development through a China-plus strategy.

China Plus One Strategy

• About: It promotes diversification of business operations beyond China while retaining a presence in the country.
• Western Investment in China: Over the past three decades, Western businesses have heavily invested in China due to its low labor and manufacturing costs and expanding consumer market.
• Risks of Over-Reliance on China: Heavy reliance on China for business interests poses risks amid geopolitical tensions and unforeseen disruptions.
• Origin: 2013, 
• Aim: To mitigate risks by investing in additional countries and diversifying supply chains.

India benefit from China Plus One strategy

• Cost Advantage and Skilled Labor Pool: India offers competitive wages and a vast pool of skilled labor, making it an attractive alternative to China for multinational corporations seeking to reduce costs.
• Government Incentives and Local Production: India's PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) initiative incentivizes local production and technology localization, thereby enhancing India's manufacturing capabilities.
• Progress in Corporate Accessibility: India has made significant progress in enhancing corporate accessibility, simplifying operations for businesses looking to invest in the country.
• Learning from China's Successes and Challenges: Indian businesses can learn from China's successes while addressing challenges such as supply chain disruptions and uncertainty to effectively capitalize on the "China Plus One" strategy.
  
  
  

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10. DIGITAL INDIA TRUST AGENCY (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: As part of its efforts to curb growing cyber fraud, the Reserve Bank is considering establishing a Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA) to stop the mushrooming of illegal lending apps.

Digital India Trust Agency (DIGITA)

• About: It would be considered unauthorised for law enforcement purposes, serving as a crucial checkpoint in combating financial crimes in the digital domain.
• Aim:  To tackle issues of fraud and unethical practices prevalent in India's digital lending sector.
• Rise in Fraudulent Activities: Recent years have seen a surge in fraudulent activities within the digital lending sector in India.
• Task of DIGITA: Once established, DIGITA would be tasked with vetting digital lending apps to ensure compliance.
• Maintaining a Public Register: The proposed agency would aim to verify digital lending apps and maintain a public register of verified apps.
• Promoting Transparency: A thorough verification process is expected to promote transparency and accountability in the digital lending sector, which has seen a rise in fraudulent activities and unethical practices.
• Whitelisting Efforts: Google has collaborated with the RBI and the IT Ministry to whitelist legitimate apps, removing unauthorized ones from the Play Store.
• Current Status: As of March 2024, DIGITA remains a proposed initiative, awaiting official announcement from the RBI.

Functions of DIGITA

• Verification of Apps: DIGITA will vet digital lending apps to ensure compliance with RBI regulations.
• Public Register Maintenance: The agency will maintain a public register of verified apps, aiding consumers in identifying legitimate options.
• Combatting Financial Crimes: DIGITA's verification mark will serve as a crucial checkpoint in combating financial crimes in the digital domain.

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