1. SURROGACY (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Vulnerable section)

Context: The institution of marriage has to be protected and preserved in the country and cannot go on the lines of western countries where children being born outside of marriage is not uncommon, the Supreme Court said ,while expressing its reservation in permitting unmarried women to take the surrogacy route to become mothers.

Surrogacy:

• Meaning: Surrogacy as a practice where a woman gives birth to a child for an intending couple with the intention to hand it over to them after the birth.
• Surrogacy regulation in India:

oThe regulation prohibits commercial surrogacy in India

oIt is permitted only for altruistic purposes or for couples who suffer proven infertility or disease.

oThe couple is deemed ‘eligible’ if they have been married for five years, the wife is aged between 25-50 years and the husband is between 26-55 years.

oThe couple must not have any living child (biological, adopted or surrogate.) A child with mental or physical disabilities, or one suffering from a life-threatening disorder or illness has been exempted from the above criterion.

oThe couple can get an ‘essential’ certificate if suffering from proven infertility of either partner 

oA surrogate mother has to be a close relative of the couple, a married woman with a child of her own, aged between 25-35 years, who has been a surrogate only once in her life.

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2. BLACK-NECKED CRANE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3– Environment)

Context:   The Wildlife Institute of India and the Zoological Survey of India have been carrying out assessment of the black-necked cranes. 

About:

Scientific Name: Grus nigricollis.

Habitat:

• The cranes primarily breed in high-altitude wetlands of the Tibetan plateau, Sichuan (China), and eastern Ladakh (India), migrating to lower altitudes during winter.
• In Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh, they are seen only during winters, with specific areas in Tawang and West Kameng districts serving as their wintering grounds.
• As per the survey conducted by Wildlife Institute of India in 2016-2017 in Ladakh region, the population size of black necked crane was around 66-69 individuals. In Arunachal Pradesh, a small population of approximately 11 individuals arrives during winter months

Protection Status:

• The Black-necked Crane is listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, thereby according them the highest degree of protection.
• The species is also listed in Appendix I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora and the Convention on conservation of Migratory Species.

Conservation measures:

• The important habitats of Black-necked Crane have been notified as a Protected Areas, for example, Changthang Sanctuary, Ladakh.
• The Tso Kar Wetlands Complex, an important foraging and breeding ground for Black-necked Crane has been designated as a Ramsar Site.

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3. DEEP TECH FUND (Syllabus: GS Paper 3- Science)

Context: The interim union budget for FY25 announced the setting-up of a ₹1 trillion-corpus to fund deep-tech ventures.

Deep tech fund

• Objectives:

oFoster innovation and research in deep-tech sectors.

oReduce reliance on foreign technology by promoting indigenous development.

oPosition India as a global leader in deep-tech innovation and entrepreneurship.

oSupport startups and enterprises working on cutting-edge technologies.

• Size of Fund:

o₹1 trillion corpus allocated for deep-tech ventures.

oSignificant but smaller compared to global counterparts.

• Deep-Tech Fund Sectors of Focus:

oSemiconductors

oArtificial Intelligence (AI)

oQuantum Computing

oHigh-tech Manufacturing

oClimate-tech

oSpace Technology

• Need for Government Support: Deep-tech sectors require substantial funds due to long development phases and Government funding essential for fostering foundational industries.
• Sectoral Allocation: Initial focus on strategic sectors such as semiconductors and quantum communications and Other sectors to follow through proposal-based application framework.

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4. PURCHASING MANAGER’S INDEX (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: India's services PMI hits 6 month high in January.

Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI):

• Meaning: Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is an indicator of business activity, both in the manufacturing and services sectors.

oIt is a survey-based measures that asks the respondents about changes in their perception of some key business variables from the month before.

oIt is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors and then a composite index is constructed.

• Method of Formulation: The PMI is derived from a series of qualitative questions. Executives from a reasonably big sample, running into hundreds of firms, are asked whether key indicators.

oThe questions are related to 5 key variables. The variables with their weights in the index are: new orders (30%), output (25%), employment (20%), suppliers’ delivery times (15%) and stock of items purchased (10%).

• PMI Numbers: The indices vary between 0 and 100.

oA figure above 50 denotes expansion in business activity. Anything below 50 denotes contraction. The rate of expansion can also be judged by comparing the PMI with that of the previous month data.

• Frequency of its release: The PMI is released at the start of every month.
• Significance of the PMI:

oIt is released much before most of the official data on industrial output, manufacturing and GDP growth becomes available. It is, therefore, considered a good leading indicator of economic activity.

oCentral banks of many countries also use the index to help make decisions on interest rates.

oThe PMI also gives an indication of corporate earnings and is closely watched by investors as well as the bond markets. A good reading enhances the attractiveness of an economy vis-a- vis another competing economy.

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5. E-SAKSHI MOBILE APPLICATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity & Governance)

Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation recently informed the Parliament that MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application offers convenience and accessibility, allowing MPs to propose, track, and oversee the projects in real-time, which enhances decision-making processes, enabling swift responses to emerging needs or issues. 

MPLADS e-SAKSHI Mobile Application

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
• Objective: To bring forth a myriad of benefits, revolutionizing the way they engage with and manage development projects in their constituencies.
• It offers: Convenience and accessibility, allowing MPs to propose, track, and oversee the projects at their fingertips.
• Benefit: This real-time access enhances decision-making processes, enabling swift responses to emerging needs or issues.

oIt will streamline the communication between MPs and relevant authorities, facilitating a more efficient exchange of information.

oIt will promote transparency by providing MPs with instant updates on the status and progress of their proposed projects. 

oBudget management, ensuring MPs can monitor expenditures.

MPLAD Scheme

• About: The Local Area Development Scheme known as MPLADS is a government scheme launched on 23rd December 1993.  The scheme, Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) was started by late Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. 

oUnder the scheme, each MP has the choice to suggest to the District Collector for works to the tune of Rs.5 Crores per annum to be taken up in his/her constituency.

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Statistics and Implementation.
• Objectives: This central sector scheme was developed as an initiative to enable the parliament members to recommend developmental work in their constituencies based on locally felt needs.

oThese developmental works mainly focused on the areas of national priorities such as drinking water, education, public health, sanitation, roads, etc.

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6. CENTRAL DRUGS STANDARD CONTROL ORGANISATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health)

Context:Central Drug Regulatory Authority (CDSCO) has advised post-marketing surveillance to generate safety and efficacy data  on a third FDC that belongs to a class of painkillers called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO)

• About: CDSCO establishes standards and measures to ensure the safety, effectiveness, and quality of drugs, cosmetics, diagnostics, and medical devices within the country.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• 6 Zonal Offices of CDSCO: Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ghaziabad, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.
• Ministry: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
• Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act:

oCDSCO is tasked with the approval of drugs, conduct of clinical trials, and establishment of standards for drugs.

oThis coordination aims to ensure uniform enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, contributing to a standardized and regulated pharmaceutical landscape in the country.

• Export Regulation:

oCDSCO plays a role in regulating the export of drugs from India.

oManufacturers with CDSCO certification can export drugs to other countries, expanding India's pharmaceutical presence internationally.

• Function:

oApproval of new drugs and clinical trials.

oImport Registration and licensing.

oBanning of drugs and cosmetics.

oTesting of new drugs.

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7. FAME INDIA SCHEMES (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Govt schemes)

Context:The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has stated that the total utilization of the FAME-II subsidy fund electric vehicles (EVs) till January 31 for FY24 was ~1,980.83 crore, which is only 38 per cent of its total allocation.

Fame India schemes

• About:The FAME India Scheme is a government subsidy scheme under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP). FAME stands for Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India . 
• Objectives:To encourage the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by offering upfront incentives on purchase.
• Nodal ministry: The Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Salient Features of the FAME Scheme – 2

• This scheme is the expanded version of the present scheme titled ‘FAME India-1 which was launched on 1st April 2015, with a total outlay of Rs. 895 crores.
• The target is to support 10 Lakhs e-2Wheeler, 5 Lakhs e-3 Wheelers, 55000 4 Wheelers, and 7000 Buses.
• Under the scheme of FAME-II, the demand incentive for e-2W has been increased to Rs. 15,000/KWh from Rs. 10,000/KWh with an increase in cap from 20% to almost 40% of the cost of the vehicle to increase the adoption of e-2W.
• The phase II of the FAME-India Scheme has been extended for a period of two years after 31st March 2022.

Benefits: The scheme will help in addressing the issue of environmental pollution and fuel security.

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8. QUAD (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Leaders of the Quad nations may not be able to meet for a summit in India before the U.S. elections, U.S. Ambassador said.

Quad:

• About: It is also known as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or simply the Quad, is an Informal strategic forum.
• History: It was initially proposed by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2007. Nevertheless, the initiative faced obstacles as Australia withdrew from it, seemingly influenced by Chinese pressure, which hindered its progress.
• Established: 2007 (1st time); lasted until 2008, 2017 (re-established).
• Members: United States, Japan, India, and Australia.
• Aim: To promote regional security and economic cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Quad Plus: A first Quad Plus meeting that included representatives from South Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam.

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9. SNOW LEOPARD (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context:The Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) has estimated a population of 718 in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. Carried out between 2019 and 2023, this study is a major leap in our understanding of the keystone species .

Snow leopard:

• About: Commonly known as the ounce, is a species of large cat in the genus Panthera of the family Felidae.
• Keystone species: Snow leopard which has a large, disproportionate impact on its environment and holds its ecosystem together.
• Habitat: High mountains.
• Global Distribution: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
• In India: Parts of the Himalayas such as Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Conservation Status:

oIUCN: Vulnerable.

oCITES: Appendix I.

oIndian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule-I.

• Threat: Largely threatened because of the loss of natural prey species, retaliatory killing due to conflict with humans and illegal trade of its fur and bones.

Initiatives to protect Snow Leopard

• Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Programme (GSLEP)
• The SECURE Himalaya project
• Project Snow Leopard (PSL)

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10. AISHE REPORT (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social justice)

Context:The report of the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE) 2021–22, found that 4.33 crore students are currently enrolled in a higher educational institute — up from 4.14 crore in 2020-21.

AISHE REPORT:

• About: It is a report, to portray the status of higher education in the country.
• Released by: Ministry of Education.
• Survey covers: The survey covers all the Institutions in the country engaged in imparting of higher education.
• Parameters: Data is being collected on several parameters such as teachers, student enrolment, programmers, examination results, education finance, infrastructure.
• Indicators: Indicators of educational development such as Institution Density, Gross Enrolment Ratio, Pupil-teacher ratio, Gender Parity Index, Per Student Expenditure will also be calculated from the data collected through AISHE.
• Help government: These are useful in making informed policy decisions and research for development of education sector.
• Five takeaways:

oIncrease in enrolment: A 4.58% increase in higher education enrollment and a steady improvement in female admission

oThe Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) saw a hike from  27.3 in 2020-21, to 28.4 in 2021-22.

oArt over sciences: The Bachelor of arts (BA) programme had the highest enrolment ,with 1.13 crore students out of the total of 3.41 crores who enrolled in UG programmes.

oPrimacy of government institution: Students Prefer government educational institution. As many as 73.7% of all students attend government universities.

o Demographics: In the 2021-2022 academic year, 1.07 crore students were estimated to have  graduated from UG, graduate,, masters, and others diploma/ Certificate programmes.

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