1. SKILL INDIA CENTRE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues-Education)

Context: Union Minister for Education and Skill Development inaugurated India’s inaugural Skill India Centre (SIC) in Sambalpur, Odisha, affirming its role in enhancing the nation's workforce.

Skill India Centre

• Aim: To empower youth, bridge skill gaps, and drive socio-economic growth by preparing students for demand-driven industries.
• Designed to: Build the capabilities and knowledge of Yuva Shakti in trades that are high in demand such as Media & Entertainment, Leather, Tourism & Hospitality, and IT-ITeS.
• Democratizing Skill Development

oAccessible Education: The Sambalpur Skill India Centre offers affordable courses to over 1200 students, focusing on sectors like Media & Entertainment, Leather, Tourism & Hospitality, and IT-ITeS, thus democratizing skill development by making it accessible to all.

• A Curriculum for the Future

oPractical Learning: The curriculum at the Skill India Centre integrates classroom learning with real-world applications, ensuring students gain both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise crucial for success in their chosen fields.

oIndustry Collaboration: Through close ties with industry leaders and the support of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the centre fosters innovation and excellence in vocational training, enhancing employability prospects for students in Odisha.

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

• About: NSDC stands as the principal architect of the skill ecosystem in India.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India.
• Implementation Partner: NSDC acts as the strategic implementation partner to the Skill India Mission.
• Youth Empowerment: NSDC's goal is to empower India's youth through efficient vocational training initiatives.
• Futuristic Skill Development: NSDC focuses on offering opportunities in futuristic skills to the potential workforce.

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2. ARTICLE 142 OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: In overturning the results of the January 30 elections for the post of Mayor of the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation, the Supreme Court invoked the sweeping powers conferred on the court under Article 142 of the Constitution.

Article 142 of the Constitution

• About: Article 142 provides the Supreme Court with exceptional authority to ensure "complete justice" in situations where statutory laws may be insufficient to address a dispute adequately.
• Exercise of Powers: Over time, the Supreme Court has elucidated and defined the boundaries within which it can exercise its powers under Article 142 through various judgments.
• Prem Chand Garg Case: In the Prem Chand Garg case, the Supreme Court delineated the parameters for exercising its powers under Article 142(1). It emphasized that orders for complete justice must align with constitutional rights and statutory laws.
• Bhopal Gas Tragedy Case: The Bhopal gas tragedy case demonstrated the expansive interpretation of Article 142(1). The Supreme Court ordered compensation, showcasing the wide reach of its powers beyond ordinary laws.
• Constitutional Supremacy of Article 142: The Supreme Court underscored the supremacy of Article 142, emphasizing that it operates at a constitutional level, not bound by ordinary statutory limitations.
• Overriding Statutory Prohibitions: The court clarified that Article 142 powers are not subject to express statutory prohibitions, asserting that constitutional provisions hold primacy over ordinary laws.

Criticism of Article 142

• Ambiguity in Interpretation: The Supreme Court's attempt to elucidate the concept of 'complete justice' remains opaque.
• Confusion in Judgments: Decisions by the Apex Court have spawned confusion, particularly regarding the invocation of Article 142.
• Against Separation of Powers: Critics argue against Article 142 on the basis of the separation of powers doctrine, cautioning against judicial intrusion into legislative domains.
• Potential for Judicial Overreach: Article 142's application, particularly in cases of statutory silence, raises concerns about judicial overreach and its role in filling legal voids.

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3. INDUS-X (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The defence ministry said the 'INDUS-X' summit in Delhi marks a "significant milestone" in the collaborative efforts between the two countries.

U.S.-India Defense Accelerator Ecosystem (INDUS-X)

• Launch: INDUS X was launched in June 2023 during the state visit of the Prime Minister of India to the US.
• Objective: To expand strategic technology partnerships and defense industrial cooperation between governments, businesses, and academic institutions in India and the US.
• Components: INDUS X serves as a defense innovation bridge, encompassing Joint Challenges, Joint Innovation Fund, Academia engagement, Industry-startup connect, investment by private entities in defense projects, mentoring by experts, and niche technology projects.
• Focus: Advancing high-tech cooperation and fostering joint research, development, and production opportunities in the defense sector.
• Aim: To explore possibilities for co-producing jet engines, long-range artillery, and infantry vehicles.
• Leadership: India’s Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), US, are leading INDUS-X activities.

iDEX Initiative

• About: The Government announced a central sector scheme named as Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) for 5 years from 2021-22 to 2025-26.
• Launched Under: Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) under the Ministry of Defence
• Objective: To foster innovation and technology development and to provide financial support to nearly 300 Start-ups/MSMEs/individual innovators and about 20 Partner Incubators through Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).

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4. GLOBAL RESOURCES OUTLOOK REPORT (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The 2024 edition of the Global Resources Outlook Report will be tabled at the 6th UN Environment Assembly which is to be held in Nairobi, Kenya.

Global Resources Outlook Report

• About: It represents a leading report from the International Resource Panel of UNEP.
• Launched in: 2019
• Published by:  International Resource Panel of UN.
• Aim: To offer consistent updates regarding the condition, effects, and future prospects of global resource utilization.

UNEP

• About: UNEP operates as a specialized agency within the United Nations system.
• Origin: UNEP was established following the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in 1972.
• Function: To facilitate and coordinate environmental efforts across the United Nations.

oUNEP bears overarching responsibility for addressing and managing environmental challenges within the United Nations' various agencies.

Highlights of the Report

• Global Consumption: Projected to surge by 60% by 2060, already four times higher than levels recorded in 1970.
• Technosphere: Comprising human-made products from airports to Zimmer frames, outweighing the biosphere since 2020.
• Equity over GDP: Emphasizing equity and human wellbeing metrics over sole GDP growth.
• Anti-Green Production: Advocates for reducing overall demand rather than solely increasing "green" production.
• Critical Mineral Demand: Relies on 'strategic and critical minerals,' demanding more energy for extraction. For instance, electric vehicles require nearly 10 times more critical raw materials than conventional cars.
• Net Zero Transport: Achieving zero transport emissions by 2050 necessitates a six-fold increase in critical mineral extraction within 15 years.
• Extractive Activities: Extractive activities like mining disrupt the planet's ecosystem balance.
• Decline in Urban Mining: Current economic structures favor cheaper and simpler extractive mining over urban mining, a process that retrieves waste from landfills for recycling and reuse, often requiring complex, state-enforced waste regulation.
• Extractive Mining Economics: Cheaper extraction due to inexpensive land in developing nations.

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5. DRAFT GUIDELINES FOR GREENWASHING (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Central Consumer Protection Authority has sought public comments on Draft Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Greenwashing.

Greenwashing

• About: It refers to the deceptive practice of making false or exaggerated claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or organization.
• Origin: Coined by environmentalist Jay Westerveld in 1986. 
• Tactics of Greenwashing: Employing environmental imagery, misleading labels, and concealing tradeoffs are common tactics in greenwashing, drawing parallels to the concept of "whitewashing."
• Effects on Consumers: Greenwashing erodes consumer trust, leading to skepticism about the authenticity of green claims and potential damage to a brand's reputation.

Guidelines of Greenwashing

• Ensure all environmental claims in ads or communications are fully disclosed, either directly or through technology like QR codes or web links.
• Avoid selectively presenting data to favorably highlight environmental claims while hiding unfavorable aspects.
• Clearly define the scope of environmental claims, specifying whether they relate to products, manufacturing processes, packaging, product usage, disposal, services, or service provision processes.
• Comparative environmental claims that compare one product or service to another must be based on verifiable and relevant data.
• Substantiate specific environmental claims with credible certification, reliable scientific evidence, and independent third-party verification for authenticity.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

• About: CCPA is a regulatory body established in 2020 based on the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• Establishment: In 2020
• Control by: Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
• Composition: Chief Commissioner as head, and only two other commissioners as members.
• Objective: To promote, protect and enforce the rights of consumers as a class.
• Powers of the Authority: Section 21 of the Act defines the powers given to the CCPA to crack down on false or misleading advertisements.

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6. NEW RULE OF SEZ (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Centre’s move to allow partial denotification of special economic zones (SEZs) into non-SEZs in IT and IT-enabled services parks has prompted developers and real estate investment trusts (REITs) to denotify SEZ spaces.

Special Economic Zone

• Definition: It is a territory within a country that is typically duty-free (Fiscal Concession) and has different business and commercial laws chiefly to encourage investment and create employment
• Origin: The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) policy in India first came into inception on April 1, 2000. 

oSEZs in India functioned from 2000 to 2006 under the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy and fiscal incentives were made effective through the provisions of relevant statutes.

• Objective: to enhance foreign investment and provide an internationally competitive and hassle free environment for exports. 
• SEZ act: The Special Economic Zones Act was passed in 2005 and came into force along with the SEZ Rules in 2006.
• Apex body: The Board of Approval is the apex body and is headed by the Secretary, Department of Commerce (Ministry of Commerce and Industry).
• Eligibility: Any private/public/joint sector or state government or its agencies can set up an SEZ.

oA foreign agency also can set up SEZs in India.

New SEZ Rules

• Special Economic Zones Act, 2005: The SEZ Act, 2005 aimed to boost exports by offering tax incentives to companies operating within SEZs.
• Changes Post 2020: Tax benefits under the SEZ Act ceased in 2020, leading to increased compliance requirements for firms within SEZs.
• Decline of IT/ITeS SEZs: The cessation of tax benefits led to a loss of appeal for IT/ITeS SEZs, resulting in a gradual departure of tenants.
• Amendments in 2023: On 6 December 2023, the Central government revised the SEZ Act, allowing for the demarcation of SEZ areas into non-SEZ areas after the repayment of availed tax benefits.
• Potential Benefits of Amendments: Demarcated areas within SEZs are anticipated to experience improved occupancy rates and higher rental income, aligning with the performance of existing non-SEZ spaces.

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7. MORODHARO (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: Archaeologists recently discovered a Harappan-era fortified settlement named Morodharo.

Morodharo

• Location: Kutch District, Gujarat
• Timeline: (2,600-1,900 BCE) to late (1,900-1,300 BCE) Harappan.
• Features

oFortification: The fortification of the settlement spans 102 meters from east to west and 58 meters from north to south, indicating substantial defensive measures.

oSturdy Wall Construction: The thickness of the wall averages 3.3 meters, highlighting the engineering sophistication of the Harappan civilization in defensive architecture.

oStrategic Platforms and Wells: Notably, there is a 10x10 meter platform situated on the south-west side, likely serving strategic or ceremonial purposes. Additionally, a well located on the north-east side underscores the settlement's focus on sustainable water management.

oPresence of Burial Cairns: Burial cairns, characteristic mounds of stones used to demarcate boundaries or burial sites, are discovered within the settlement, suggesting cultural practices and territorial delineations of the era.

Harappan Civilization

• About: The civilization is named Harappan because Dayaram Sahni first excavated its site in 1921.
• Main Crops: Two types of Wheat and Barley. Evidence of cultivation of rice in Lothal and Rangpur (Gujarat) only.
• Town Planning: Indus cities were well planned. The excavations at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro have shown a lot of evidence of this. The city had two parts, i.e., the citadel and the outer city. 
• Roads: The roads were wide and straight cutting each other at right angles.
• Great Bath: The Great Bath is one of the most remarkable structures discovered at the archaeological site of Mohenjo-Daro.

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8. ASEAN-INDIA TRADE AGREEMENT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The 3rd meeting of AITIGA Joint Committee for undertaking the review of ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) was hosted by India in Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi from 16-19 February 2024.

ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement

• About: The AITIGA was signed in 2009.
• In September 2022, both sides tasked the AITIGA Joint Committee to undertake the review.
• Formation of Sub-committees: Eight Sub-committees have been constituted under the AITIGA Joint Committee.

oThese sub-committees focus on different policy areas related to the Agreement.

• Focus Areas: For further deliberations were outlined, updating the work programme for the Review.
• Growth in India-ASEAN Trade: India-ASEAN trade reached USD 131.58 billion in 2022-23.

oAITIGA review aims to facilitate further expansion of trade in a balanced and sustainable manner.

• 4th meeting of AITIGA Joint Committee: May 2024 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) 

• About: AIFTA means the ASEAN-India Free Trade Area under the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation between the Republic of India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations;
• It consists of three agreements: The ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) and the ASEAN Comprehensive Investment Agreement (ACIA). 
• Objective: It eliminates tariffs for trade in goods, investments and services within the ASEAN region.

ASEAN

• Established: In 1967, by the Bangkok Declaration.
• Type:  A political and economic union of 10 member statesin Southeast Asia.
• Members: Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
• Objective: It promotes inter-governmental cooperation and facilitates economic, political, security, military, educational, and socio-cultural integration between its members and countries in the Asia-Pacific.
• Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia.

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9. SECTION 125 OF CRPC (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Governance)

Context: The Supreme Court has decided to examine if a divorced Muslim woman is entitled to a claim of maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) against her former husband  reigniting the debate on whether secular laws should be given precedence over distinct personal laws.

Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)

• Scope of Maintenance: Maintenance encompasses the support provided to wives, children, and parents who are unable to sustain themselves financially.
• Codification and Stipulations: Section 125 of the CrPC governs maintenance for destitute wives, children, and parents.
• Claimants Eligibility:

oWife: A wife, especially if divorced and not remarried, can claim maintenance if she is incapable of supporting herself.

oChildren: Both legitimate and illegitimate children, below a certain age or disabled, have the right to claim maintenance from their parents.

oParents: Both biological and adoptive parents can claim maintenance from their children if they are unable to support themselves, subject to certain conditions.

• Duration and Enforcement: Maintenance can be temporary or permanent, and the court specifies the duration and mode of payment.

oNon-compliance with maintenance orders can lead to legal consequences for the defaulter.

• Exceptions for Wife's Entitlement: A wife is not entitled to maintenance if she is living in adultery, refuses to live with her husband without sufficient cause, or lives separately by mutual consent.
• Regional Amendments: States have made amendments to limit maintenance amounts.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986

• Background and Purpose: Introduced as a religion-specific law to address maintenance during divorce for Muslim women.
• Response to Shah Bano Begum Case: A response to a controversial Supreme Court decision perceived to challenge religious personal laws.
• Provisions of the 1986 Act

oMaintenance during Iddat: Section 3 ensures maintenance during the iddat period.

oProcedure Post Iddat: After iddat, a woman can seek maintenance from a first-class magistrate if she hasn't remarried.

Legal Interpretations and Court Rulings

• Danial Latifi v. Union Of India (2001): Constitutional validity upheld with a limitation on maintenance till remarriage or iddat completion.
• 2009 Supreme Court Ruling: Affirms the right of a divorced Muslim woman to claim maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC.
• 2019 Patna High Court Decision: Highlights the option for Muslim women to seek maintenance under both CrPC and the 1986 Act.

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10. IBSA FUND (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: India recently contributed 1 million US Dollars to the Poverty and Hunger Alleviation Fund established by India, Brazil, and South Africa, IBSA.

IBSA Facility for Poverty and Hunger Alleviation (IBSA Fund)

• About: It stands as a testament to collaborative efforts aimed at eradicating poverty and hunger, fostering sustainable development, and achieving the SDGs by 2030.
• Established in: 2004, operational since 2006.
• Founding Members: India, Brazil, and South Africa, collectively known as IBSA countries.
• Objective: Aimed at identifying replicable and scalable projects to combat poverty and hunger.
• Southern-Led Initiatives: Supports Southern-led, demand-driven projects that aim for transformation in developing countries.
• Fund Management: Managed by the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC).
• Financial Contributions: Each IBSA country contributes 1 million USD annually.

oIndia's total contribution exceeds 18 million USD.

• Project Support: Collaborates with local governments, national institutions, and implementing partners.

oProjects encompass various areas such as food security, HIV/AIDS prevention, and safe drinking water access.

IBSA

• About: IBSA stands for India, Brazil, and South Africa, a unique forum uniting three major democracies and economies from distinct continents. It serves as a platform for these countries, which encounter similar challenges despite their diverse backgrounds.
• Participating Countries: India, Brazil, and South Africa are all developing nations characterized by pluralism, multiculturalism, multi-ethnicity, multilinguality, and multireligiosity.
• Formation of the IBSA: The IBSA Dialogue Forum was formalized following a meeting of the Foreign Ministers from India, Brazil, and South Africa in Brasilia on June 6, 2003.

oThe Brasilia Declaration, issued during this meeting, established the framework and objectives of the IBSA Dialogue Forum.

• India's Role as the Current IBSA Chair: India holds the position of the current Chair of the IBSA Forum, reflecting its commitment and leadership within the trilateral partnership.

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