1. IGNCA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and Culture)

Context: Recently, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)'s 'language atlas' has been unveiled to illuminate India's rich linguistic diversity.

Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts

• IGNCA's Autonomy: The IGNCA operates as an autonomous entity under the Union Culture Ministry, signifying its independence in cultural endeavors.
• Aim: To enumerate how many languages are spoken and in which States and regions, can provide the answer.
• Nodal Ministry: Culture Ministry
• India's Linguistic Diversity: India acknowledges 22 languages officially, listed in Schedule 8 of its Constitution, with 97% of the population conversant in at least one.

oCensus data identifies 99 non-scheduled languages, but excludes those with less than 10,000 speakers, leaving many tribal languages unaccounted for.

• 1961 Census: The 1961 Census of India stands out as the most comprehensive linguistic survey, even cataloging languages with solitary speakers.
• Call for a Comprehensive Survey: Professor advocates for a comprehensive linguistic survey to create a Language Atlas of India, akin to the 1961 Census.
• Survey Collaboration: The IGNCA's proposed survey involves collaboration with multiple ministries and institutions, aiming for inclusive linguistic representation.
• Survey Objectives and Phases: The survey targets understanding India's linguistic landscape, necessitating phased data collection at state and regional levels, alongside digital archiving of spoken languages.
• Historical Perspective - Linguistic Survey of India: The inaugural Linguistic Survey of India conducted by Sir George Abraham Grierson in 1928 provides a foundational understanding of India's linguistic diversity, encompassing historical and contemporary contexts.

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2. MUSLIM MARRIAGE ACT Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Social Issues)

Context: Assam has recently decided to repeal the Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935, as announced following a Cabinet meeting.

What is the background for the Assam Cabinet’s decision?

• Uttarakhand's UCC Implementation: Uttarakhand has implemented a Uniform Civil Code (UCC), distinguishing it from other states.

oMuslims constitute 13.95 per cent of Uttarakhand's population.

• Demographic Composition: In Assam, Muslims represent a significant proportion, accounting for approximately 34 per cent according to the 2011 Census.
• Background of Assam's Muslims: A majority of Assam's Muslim population is of Bengali-origin.
• Concerns Over Demographic Impact: One of the central concerns in Assam is the perceived impact of migration on its demographic makeup.

Assam Muslim Marriage and Divorce Registration Act of 1935

• About: The Act, established in 1935, outlines the procedures for registering Muslim marriages and divorces.
• Amendment of 2010: In 2010, an amendment to the Act substituted the term 'voluntary' with 'compulsory', mandating the registration of Muslim marriages and divorces in Assam.
• Licensing Authority: The Act authorizes the state to grant licenses to individuals who are Muslim, designating Muslim registrars as public servants to register marriages and divorces.
• Process for Marriage and Divorce Applications: The legislation delineates the procedures for submitting marriage and divorce applications to the registrar, along with the subsequent processes for their registration.
• Alignment with Muslim Personal Law: Crucially, the Act is designed to be consistent with Muslim personal law, governing matters related to marriage and divorce within the Muslim community.
• Assam Government's Rationale for Repealing: Assam Chief Minister justifies the repeal as a measure to combat child marriages, citing provisions in the Act that permit marriage registration even if the individuals involved are below the legal marriageable age.

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3. STUDY ON KAZIRANGA PARK (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: New research has developed a modern analogue for pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) of Kaziranga National Park that can help in the interpretation of the past vegetation and climate in a region.

Study in Kaziranga National Park 

• About: Kaziranga National Park serves as a critical reserve for tropical species and facilitates gene reservoirs during glacial periods.
• Dataset: Scientists at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) created a modern analogue dataset for pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) from Kaziranga National Park.
• Usage: Modern pollen analogue being a prerequisite in this high precipitation tropical region for deciphering the past and future climatic scenario, the palaeo-ecological data would assist in better understanding the sustainable future projections in and around the national park.
• Significance: The research is the first holistic approach towards developing modern pollen and NPP analogue that would be an accurate reference tool for the past herbivory and ecological studies in the tropical region of northeast India.
• Study findings: Climate change is a dynamic process for the periodic vegetation shifts in a region. The extreme and unpredictable weather, and an increase in the frequency and intensity of natural disasters, is one of the prime drivers for the biodiversity loss in National Parks.

Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve

• Location: Located at Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam.
• Flora: Tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests. 
• Fauna: One-horned rhinos; Elephant; Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic water buffalo. It is the home of the world's most one-horned rhinos and has the second-highest number of Rhinos after Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Assam.
• River: Located on the edge of Brahmaputra River and Diphlu River flows through the National Park.
• National Highway (NH): NH 37 passes through the National Park.
• Conservation Status Declared as:

oNational Park in 1974, UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, Tiger Reserve in 2007 and Recognized as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.

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4. EXERCISE DHARMA GUARDIAN (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: India and Japan recently kicked off a two-week military exercise in Rajasthan’s Mahajan field firing range to foster deeper cooperation in confronting common security challenges.

Exercise ‘DHARMA GUARDIAN

• About: It is an annual exercise and conducted alternatively in India and Japan.
• Japanese Contingent: Troops from the 34th Infantry Regiment.
• Indian Army Contingent: Battalion from the Rajputana Rifles.
• Aim: To foster Military Cooperation and enhance combined capabilities to execute joint operations in semi-urban environment under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter. 
• Focus: On high degree of physical fitness, joint planning, joint tactical drills and basics of special arms skills.

Significance

• Enhancing Tactical Operations: Exercise 'DHARMA GUARDIAN' promotes the sharing of best practices in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for conducting tactical operations.
• Building Inter-Operability: The exercise facilitates the development of inter-operability among troops from both sides, fostering better coordination and synergy.
• Fostering Camaraderie: Participation in the exercise cultivates bonhomie and camaraderie among the troops, strengthening bonds between the two nations.
• Boosting Defence Cooperation: The exercise contributes to enhancing the level of defence cooperation, further solidifying bilateral relations between the friendly nations.

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5. ELECTRICITY RULES 2020 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Government of India has approved amendments to the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020.

Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020

• About: Electricity is a Concurrent List or List-III (Seventh Schedule) subject and the central government has the authority and the power to make laws on it.
• Objective: To accelerate the installation of rooftop solar projects and empower consumers with provisions on connections in residential societies and solving complaints on meter readings

The major amendments made are as follows.

• Facilitating Easier and Faster Installation of Rooftop Solar Systems

oAmendments to facilitate faster installation and enhance ease of setting up Rooftop Solar PV systems.

oExemption for technical feasibility study for systems up to 10 kW capacity.

oReduced timeline for feasibility study completion.

oDistribution system strengthening for systems up to 5 kW capacity at the distributor's cost.

oReduced commissioning timeline for distribution licensees.

• Separate Connections for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

oConsumers can obtain separate electricity connections for EV charging.

oAligned with carbon emission reduction goals.

• New Connections and Changes in Existing Connections Obtained Faster

oReduced timeframes for new connections in different areas.

oException for rural hilly terrain.

• Additional Rights for Consumers in Residential Colonies and Flats

oEnhanced consumer choice and transparency in metering and billing.

oOptions for individual or single-point connections.

oSeparate metering, billing, and collection for different types of consumption.

• Mandatory Additional Meter in Cases of Complaints

oDistribution licensee required to install additional meters for complaints.

oVerification of consumption for a minimum of three months.

oFocus on consumer interests and standards set by the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020.

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6. ATTUKAL PONGALA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Ar and Culture)

Context: Smoke billowed from tens of thousands of cooking pots lining streets and public spaces here on Sunday as women celebrated the Attukal Pongala by making the ritual offering to the presiding deity of the Attukal Bhagavathy temple.

Attukal Pongala

• About: Pongala is a ten-day-long festival celebrated at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple.
• Commencement Ceremony: The festival begins with the musical narration of the Goddess' story (Kannaki Charitam) during the "Kappu Kettu ceremony".
• Victory of Good Over Evil: Pongala commemorates the triumph of Good over Evil, symbolized by the slaying of the Pandyan King in the story.
• Dramatic Rituals: The Goddess' victory over the Pandyan King is marked by intense drumming and chanting, followed by the lighting of hearths for preparing offerings.
• Significance of Pongala: Pongala, meaning 'to boil over', involves women preparing sweet payasam as an offering to the Goddess.
• Attukal Bhagavathy Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy, this temple is renowned as "the Sabarimala of Women" due to its large female devotee base.
• Guinness Record Holder: Attukal Pongala entered the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest annual gathering of women in 1997 and 2009.
• Architectural Fusion: The temple showcases elements of both Kerala and Tamil architectural styles, reflecting cultural fusion.

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7. BHARAT TEX 24 (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Prime Minister of India inaugurate Bharat Tex 2024, one of the largest-ever global textile events to be organised in the country, on 26th February at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

BHARAT TEX 2024

• About: It is a global textile mega event organized by a consortium of 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils, supported by the Ministry of Textiles.
• It serves as a prominent international platform for the textile industry, featuring a wide array of activities including exhibitions, knowledge sessions, thematic discussions, and more.
• Stakeholder Engagement: The event aims to attract multiple stakeholders such as policymakers, global CEOs, international exhibitors, and buyers, fostering networking and collaboration opportunities.
• Key Activities:

oExhibitions and Demonstrations: Dedicated pavilions on sustainability, recycling, and fabric testing zones offer insights into the latest innovations and practices in the textile industry.

oThematic Discussions: Thematic discussions cover topics such as resilient global supply chains, digitization, and other pertinent industry trends.

oNational Technical Textiles Mission (NTTM): It will oversee the hackathon, which focuses on research, development, and innovation, along with education, skill development, and market promotion for technical textiles.

oThe hackathon will consist of three phases: Ideation, Development, and Presentation and Judging, covering ten thematic areas ranging from Smart Textiles to Sustainable Textiles.

oTop three winners may be eligible for funding under the Grant for Research and Entrepreneurship across Aspiring Innovators in Technical Textiles (GREAT), receiving up to INR 50 lakhs for a maximum of 18 months, subject to eligibility criteria.

• Celebrating Indian Textiles:

oRich Heritage: Bharat Tex 2024 highlights India's legendary textile heritage, showcasing its diverse range of textiles, techniques, and traditions dating back centuries.

oImage Strengthening: The event strengthens India's image as a custodian of tradition, innovation, and sustainability in the textile industry.

oManufacturing Hub: It celebrates India's reliability as a competitive, sustainable textile manufacturing hub, showcasing its expertise across the entire value chain, from raw materials to end products.

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8. LOK SABHA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: In his recently aired Mann ki Baat monthly radio programme, the Prime Minister of India hinted that the dates of the Lok Sabha elections may be announced soon and that there would be a three-month break before the next episode, citing the potential implementation of the Model Code of Conduct in March.

Lok Sabha

• Known as: Often referred to as the Lower House or the House of the People.
• Election: Members are directly elected through Universal Adult Franchise.
• Lok Sabha Structure(Article 81(1)): The Lok Sabha can have a maximum membership of 550, with 530 members directly elected from states and 20 members elected from Union Territories.
• Seat Distribution: Seats are distributed among states based on territorial representation and population proportion.
• Constituency Demarcation: States are subdivided into constituencies to ensure equal population representation.
• Qualifications for Lok Sabha Members:
• Eligibility Criteria: Minimum age requirement of 25 and adherence to the Constitution.
• Tenure: The standard term for Lok Sabha is five years, subject to dissolution under certain circumstances.
• Extension Provisions: Extensions may occur during National Emergencies but are limited in duration.
• Allocation of Seats to States:

oPopulation-based Allocation: Seats allocated to states are proportionate to their population, subject to a minimum threshold.

oApplicability: The provision applies if the state's population exceeds 60 lakhs.

Power and Functions

• Decisions in Joint Sitting: Ordinary laws require approval from both Houses, Disagreements between Houses lead to joint sessions, Lok Sabha's larger strength often decides outcomes.
• Power in Money Matters: Lok Sabha holds more authority in financial affairs.

oOnce Lok Sabha approves budgets or money-related laws, Rajya Sabha cannot reject.

oRajya Sabha can only delay or suggest changes, which Lok Sabha may accept or reject.

• Lok Sabha controls the Council of Ministers. 'No confidence' vote by Lok Sabha members requires Ministers, including Prime Minister, to resign. Rajya Sabha lacks this authority.

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9. SMALL FINANCE BANKS (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) licensed 10 small finance banks (SFBs) to bolster financial inclusion. The Report on Trend and Progress of Banking in India (FY23) notes that some microfinance institutions among SFBs earlier retained their business models.

Small Finance Banks (SFBs):

• About: SFBs are banks that have limited financial resources and are regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.
• Purpose of SFBs: SFBs aim to provide financial inclusion to low-income individuals and underserved communities who are often excluded from traditional banking systems.
• Financial Services Offered by SFBs: SFBs facilitate access to financial products such as small loans, savings, insurance, and basic banking services for their target segments.
• Regulatory Framework for SFBs: These are registered as public limited companies under the Companies Act, 2013, and are governed by various statutes including the Banking Regulations Act, 1949, and RBI Act, 1934.
• RBI Guidelines:

oSFBs are granted scheduled bank status under section 42 of the RBI Act, 1934, after becoming operational.

oThey must primarily focus on providing financial services to the unbanked and underbanked.

oSFBs must maintain a minimum CRAR of 15% and extend 75% of their net bank credit to Priority Sector Lending.

oThey are mandated to open 25% of branches in unbanked rural areas and have a minimum paid-up capital of Rs. 200 crore.

• Loan Portfolio and Compliance: SFBs are required to maintain at least 50% of their loan portfolio as microfinance and advances up to Rs. 25,00,000.
• They must adhere to prudential norms and regulations regarding income recognition, asset classification, and provisioning.
• Technology Adoption: SFBs are encouraged to leverage technology to enhance operational efficiency and expand their reach to target segments.

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10. POVERTY ESTIMATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: Recently, the statistics office released the latest survey of household consumption expenditure in New Delhi, indicating that rural consumption has remained robust, narrowing the gap with urban areas, potentially leading to a sharp reduction in the country's poverty levels, stated the Niti Aayog CEO.

Key Point of Survey

• Declining Share of Food Expenditure: Rural India has experienced a significant milestone as food expenditure fell below 50%, while urban India witnessed a decline below 40%, marking a remarkable transformation in spending habits.
• Evolution of Food Consumption Patterns:  In rural India, the share of food expenditure has transitioned from 59.4% in 1999-2000 to 46.38% in 2022-23, indicating a noteworthy decline over the years. Similarly, urban households have seen a shift from 48.06% to 39.17% in the average monthly per capita consumption expenditure on food.
• Reviewing the Inflation Basket: Inflation is calculated based on changes in price levels of items in a large basket reflecting consumption patterns.
• The Consumer Price Index (CPI) relies on a 2012 basket, but the latest Household Consumption Expenditure (HCE) Survey 2022-23 suggests significant changes.
• Imputed and Non-Imputed Average MPCE Data:

oThe HCE Survey 2022-23 includes imputed values for items received free via social welfare programs.

oThese items range from food staples to electronic devices and clothing.

oMPCE data are segmented into fractile classes to analyze population distribution.

• Disparity in MPCE Among Population Segments: The bottom 5% of India's rural population, based on MPCE ranking, had an average MPCE of ₹1,373, while it was ₹2,001 for the same urban population segment. 

oConversely, the top 5% in rural and urban areas had significantly higher average MPCE of ₹10,501 and ₹20,824, respectively.

NITI Ayog

• About: It is the premier policy ‘Think Tank’ of the Union Government, providing both directional and policy inputs.
• Establishment: In 2015 via an executive resolution by replacing the Planning Commission of India
• Objective: To develop a common vision for both the Central and State governments, recognizing that robust states are the foundation of a robust nation.

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