1. SUSTAINABLE FINANCE FOR TIGER (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: Recently, the Bhutanese government hosted the Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference on Earth Day 2024, aiming to raise USD 1 billion over the next decade to conserve tigers and their habitats across Asia.

Sustainable Finance for Tiger Landscapes Conference

• About: The conference holds significance as it reviews progress towards the Global Tiger Recovery Programme and commitments to tiger conservation.
• Objective: It seeks to mobilise the amount of USD 1 billion over 10 years for the preservation of tiger landscapes.
• Aim: To raise huge funds will prove crucial to preserving tiger landscapes and ensuring the success of tiger and its stakeholders
• Participants: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand and Vietnam.
• New initiative Launched: Tthe Tiger Landscapes Investment Fund. This emerging financial mechanism aims to promote nature-positive businesses with positive impacts on tigers, biodiversity and local communities.

Key Points of Conference

• High-level Representation: Ten tiger range countries delivered statements on conserving tiger landscapes.
• Funding Sources: The Global Environment Facility has contributed over USD 197 million since 2010, with additional co-finance of USD 880 million for tiger conservation.
• Emphasis on Comprehensive Approach: Majority of countries stressed the need for a holistic approach to tiger conservation, involving indigenous and local communities sharing tiger territories.
• Growth in Tiger Population: Global tiger population increased from 3,200 in 2015 to around 4,500 in 2022, highlighting progress in conservation efforts.

Tiger in India

• India currently harbours almost 75% of the world’s wild tiger population.
• Trend of population in India: The number of tigers in India has increased from 2,967 in 2018 to 3,682 in 2022.
• Distribution in India: Madhya Pradesh has the maximum number (785) of tigers in the country, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444).
• Status of Tiger Reserve: The number of tigers “within the tiger reserve” is highest in Corbett (260), followed by Bandipur (150), Nagarhole (141), Bandhavgarh (135), Dudhwa (135),
• Tiger reserve India’s tigers are largely concentrated in 54 dedicated tiger reserves 
• Project tiger: The Government of India has taken a pioneering initiative for conserving its national animal, the tiger, by launching the “Project Tiger” in 1973. 

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2. ARTICLE 244 (A) (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: In Assam's tribal-majority Diphu Lok Sabha constituency, recently, candidates from all parties have pledged to implement Article 244(A) of the Constitution, aiming to establish an autonomous 'state within a state’.

Article 244 (A) of Indian Constitution

• About: It was introduced by The Constitution (Twenty-second Amendment) Act, 1969.
• Purpose: It allows Parliament to create an autonomous state within Assam, encompassing specified tribal areas, including Karbi Anglong.
• Features: The autonomous state established under Article 244(A) would possess its own Legislature and Council of Ministers, or both.
• Comparison with Sixth Schedule Provisions: Article 244(A) extends beyond the provisions of the Sixth Schedule, providing for more autonomy.

o Unlike autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule, the autonomous state has broader legislative powers and potential control over law and order.

Diphu

• Location and Population: Diphu is situated in the state of Assam, India, and stands as the most sparsely populated Lok Sabha constituency among Assam's 14, comprising approximately 8.9 lakh voters.
• Coverage Area: Encompassing six legislative Assembly segments, Diphu spans across three tribal-majority hill districts of Assam: Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao.
• Governance Framework: The administration of these districts falls under the provisions outlined in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, specifically addressing the administration of tribal areas in states like Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
• Autonomous Councils: Within this framework, Diphu and its surrounding areas operate under two autonomous councils: the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council.

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3. NATIONAL PANCHAYATI RAJ DAY (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Recently, on National Panchayati Raj Day, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj organized a one-day National Colloquium on Grassroots Governance.

National Panchayati Raj Day

• About: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj in India designates April 24 annually as National Panchayati Raj Day.
• Roots in National Development Council: The idea of grassroots democratic governance was initially proposed by the National Development Council in the 1950s.
• Unofficial Formation: Despite the early recommendation, the formal establishment of Panchayati Raj remained unofficial until 1993.
• 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act: The Panchayat system was officially implemented in rural regions through the 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1993, marking a significant step towards decentralized governance.

Importance

• Inclusive Growth Imperative: With India's aspirations for inclusive growth and the need to tackle challenges like climate change and rural-to-urban migration, the significance of Panchayati Raj has grown.
• Local Administration Necessity: Effective local administration is crucial for addressing local demands and ensuring fair and feasible development.
• Strategic Role of PRIs: Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are strategically positioned to facilitate local-level development and respond to the unique needs of their respective areas.

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.
• Legal Provision: Part IX of the Indian Constitution delineates the framework for Panchayats, specifying their structure and roles within the governance system.
• 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).

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4. INHERITANCE TAX (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda's remarks on the US's inheritance tax have sparked a political whirlpool here in India amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

Inheritance Tax

• About: It is a type of tax levied on the income earned by an individual from his/her ancestral property.
• Transfer of Property: Upon an individual's death, their properties transfer to legal heirs, such as children, grandchildren, or wards.
• Historical Context: India previously implemented an inheritance tax called estate duty from 1953 to 1985, under the government of Rajiv Gandhi.
• Redistribution of Wealth: There's been widespread discussion on using inheritance tax to redistribute wealth and tackle income inequality.
• Abolishment of Related Taxes: India has abolished various related taxes over time, including wealth tax in 2015 and gift tax in 1998.

Ways to Tax Wealth

• Taxation on Income Flow: Taxes can be imposed on the continuous flow of income generated from wealth.
• One-Time Levy on Asset Value: Governments may enact a one-time levy on the stock of wealth, often tied to the value of owned assets.
• Capital Levy on Asset Ownership: Capital levies can be imposed on the ownership of assets, particularly on the income generated as capital gains.

Estate Duty in India

• About: Estate Duty Act, 1953 imposed inheritance tax with rates ranging from 5% to 40% on estates exceeding Rs 20 lakh, with a threshold of Rs 1 lakh.
• Amendments to the Estate Duty Act: The Act was amended in 1958 to redefine accountable persons, lower the threshold, and modify tax slabs, reflecting evolving economic conditions.
• Abolition of Estate Duty: Despite ongoing discussions, the Estate Duty Act was eventually abolished, eliminating inheritance tax from India's tax regime.

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5. CRYSTAL MAZE 2 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has successfully carried out a test firing of a new version of an air-launched medium-range ballistic missile that is capable of hitting targets at a distance exceeding 250 km.

Crystal Maze 2

• About: Also known as ROCKS, is an air-launched medium-range ballistic missile developed in Israel.
• Purpose: The missile is designed to target high-value stationary and relocatable assets, including long-range radars and air defense systems of potential adversaries.
• Features: Distinguished from its predecessor, Crystal Maze 1, Crystal Maze 2 offers extended stand-off range capabilities as an air-to-surface missile.
• Range and Warhead Options: With a range of over 250 kilometers, it can be equipped with either a penetration or blast fragmentation warhead, making it capable of destroying both above-ground and well-protected underground targets.
• Effectiveness in GPS-Denied Environments: Crystal Maze 2 is specifically effective in GPS-denied environments, making it versatile in various operational scenarios.
• Deployment Strategy: The deployment strategy involves releasing the missile well outside the surface-to-air defended area, followed by a high-velocity trajectory to minimize risks to aircraft and missiles.

Ballistic Missile (BM)

• About: It is a projectile weapon designed to deliver warheads over long distances by following a ballistic trajectory.
• Operation: Ballistic missiles primarily utilize the force of gravity and internal guidance systems to navigate towards their target.
• Characteristics: Unlike traditional powered flight, ballistic missiles are powered only during initial launch stages, with most of their flight occurring in an unpowered state.
• Classification by Range: Short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) typically operate within the Earth's atmosphere, while medium to intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) can traverse into space.

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6. GISEC 2024 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Cyber Security)

Context: Recently, at the Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference (GISEC) 2024 in Dubai, India's cybersecurity industry, represented by 22 companies curated by the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), demonstrated its burgeoning prowess in the field.

Gulf Information Security Expo & Conference (GISEC)

• About: It stands as the foremost platform for cybersecurity professionals worldwide.
• Converge: Top global cybersecurity firms, CISOs of major corporations spanning the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, government officials, and cyber thought leaders assemble.
• Collaboration for Cybersecurity: The event fosters collaborative efforts to spearhead cybersecurity advancements across various industries and nations.
• Extensive Showcase: Over 750 leading cybersecurity brands will exhibit their latest innovations at the event.
• Global Reach: With an expected attendance of over 20,000 from more than 130 countries, the event reflects its global significance and reach.

Data Security Council of India

• About: It is a not-for-profit industry body focused on data protection in India.
• Formation: DSCI was set up by NASSCOM with a commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and trustworthiness of cyberspace.
• Objective: 

o Commitment to Cybersecurity and Privacy: DSCI aims to establish best practices, standards, and initiatives in cybersecurity and privacy to achieve its objectives.

o Engagement with Stakeholders; DSCI actively engages with governments, regulatory bodies, industry sectors, associations, and think tanks for policy advocacy and capacity building.

o Capacity Building Initiatives: DSCI conducts training and certification programs for professionals and law enforcement agencies in security, privacy, and cyber forensics.

o Activities: DSCI engages stakeholders through various outreach initiatives, including events, awards, chapters, consultations, and membership programs.

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7. Section 33 OF RP Act (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The ruling party’s candidate from the Surat Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat has been declared elected unopposed when the opposition’s nomination was rejected.

Nomination Requirements (Section 33 of RP Act)

• About: It contains the requirements for a valid nomination.
• Eligibility Criteria: An elector above 25 years of age can contest Lok Sabha election from any constituency in India.
• Proposer's Requirement: The proposer(s) must be elector(s) from the respective constituency where the nomination is filed.

o A candidate from a recognized party (national or State) needs only one proposer.

o Candidates from unrecognised parties and independents require ten proposers.

• Multiple Nominations: A candidate can file up to four nomination papers with different sets of proposers to ensure acceptance even if one set is in order.
• The issue: In absence of any fair nomination of the opposition, left the ruling party’s nominee as the sole candidate in the race and was declared winner.

Nomination Scrutiny (Section 36 RP Act)

• Scrutiny Procedure: Section 36 outlines the process for scrutiny of nomination papers by the Returning Officer (RO).
• Rejection Criteria: The RO cannot reject nominations for non-substantial defects but can reject if the signature of the candidate or proposer is found not genuine.

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8. ARTICLE 39 (B) OF INDIAN CONSTITUTION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: The Supreme Court recently announced its departure from Justice V R Krishna Iyer's 1977 Marxian interpretation of Article 39(b) of the Constitution, which included private properties for redistribution to serve the common good.

Article 39 (b) and (c) of Social and Economic Justice

• Distribution of Material Resources: Article 39 (b) emphasizes the importance of distributing the ownership and control of material resources in a community in a manner that serves the common good.
• Common Good Subserving Principle: This principle suggests that the arrangement of ownership and control should benefit society as a whole rather than a select few.
• Preventing Wealth Concentration: Article 39 (c) focuses on preventing the concentration of wealth and means of production, ensuring that economic systems operate in a way that benefits everyone and avoids common detriment.
• Charter of Social and Economic Justice: Together, these provisions form what is sometimes referred to as the charter of social and economic justice, highlighting their crucial role in creating fair and equitable societies.

Affirmation of Justice Iyer's Opinion by SC

• About: The Supreme Court affirmed Justice Iyer's interpretation of Article 39(b).
• Reference to Sanjeev Coke Manufacturing Case (1983): In this case, a five-judge Bench upheld central legislation nationalizing coal mines and coke oven plants, relying on Justice Iyer's ruling.
• Scope of Article 39(b): The SC held that Article 39(b) encompasses the transformation of wealth from private to public ownership, not just what is already publicly owned.
• Absence of Minority Mention: The judgment did not explicitly state that Justice Iyer's opinion was in the minority.
• Influence on Subsequent Cases: nine-judge Bench case’s opinion in Mafatlal Industries Ltd v Union of India (1996) also relied on Justice Iyer's interpretation, extending the scope of "material resources" beyond public possessions to include all sources meeting material needs.

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9. VOYAGER 1 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: NASA recently announced that the Voyager 1 probe is returning usable information to ground control.

Voyager 1

• About: It is a space probe launched by NASA on September 5, 1977, along with its twin Voyager 2, with the aim of exploring the outer Solar System and beyond.
• Record Distance from Earth: Currently, Voyager 1 holds the record for being the most distant human-made object from Earth.
• Boundary Crossing: Voyager 1 marked a historic milestone by becoming the first spacecraft to cross the heliosphere, the boundary where the influence of our solar system ends and that of interstellar space begins.
• Discoveries at Jupiter and Saturn: At Jupiter, Voyager 1 discovered a thin ring and two new moons, Thebe and Metis. At Saturn, it found five new moons and a new ring named the G-ring.
• Golden Record: Voyager 1 carries a golden record containing sounds and images representing the diversity of life and culture on Earth, intended for potential encounters with extraterrestrial life.

Voyager 2

• About: It is  a space probe, was launched by NASA on August 20, 1977, as part of the Voyager program, which includes Voyager 1.
• Objective: To study the outer planets of our solar system along with their moons, followed by an interstellar journey.
• Interstellar Achievement: Voyager 2 holds the distinction of being the second spacecraft to venture into interstellar space, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

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10. NATIONAL CLEAN AIR PROGRAMME (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: The Indian government's National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aimed to reduce atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) concentration by 20-30% by 2024, initially, and later revised to 40% by 2026.

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

• About: This marks the inaugural attempt in the nation to establish a national framework for managing air quality, complete with a time-bound reduction objective.
• Aim: To improve air quality in 131 cities (non-attainment cities and Million Plus Cities) in 24 States/UTs by engaging all stakeholders.
• Launched: January 2019
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Target: To achieve 20% to 30% reduction in concentrations of PM10(particulate matter of diameter between 10 and 2.5 micrometer) and PM2.
• Implementation of NCAP: The CPCB will execute a nationwide program to prevent, control, and reduce air pollution in accordance with the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, specifically Section 16(2)(b), within the framework of the NCAP.
• Objective

o Ensuring the rigorous enforcement of measures to prevent, control, and reduce air pollution.

o Strengthening and improving the effectiveness of the nationwide ambient air quality monitoring network to establish a comprehensive and dependable database.

• Lack of Standard Operating Procedures: Standard operating procedures for implementation are lacking, causing confusion and inefficiency.
• Time-Consuming Tasks: Implementing control measures involves time-consuming tasks, contributing to delays in the process.
• Need for a Systemic Approach: Overcoming hesitation requires a systemic approach, incorporating Emissions Inventory (EI), Air Quality (AQ) modeling, and Source Apportionment (SA).

Scientific Tool 

• Emissions Inventory (EI): It is a listing, by source, of the amounts of pollutants actually emitted to the atmosphere over a period of time.
• Air Quality (AQ) modelling: It refers to the use of mathematics and computer programs to estimate concentrations of pollutants in the air.
• Source Apportionment (SA): It is the practice of deriving information about pollution sources and the amount they contribute to ambient air pollution levels.

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