1. LOGISTIC PERFORMANCE INDEX (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Infrastructure)

Context: India's logistics performance has witnessed a remarkable upsurge, as per the latest findings of the latest Logistics Performance Index.

Logistics Performance Index Report (2023):

• About: The LPI is an interactive benchmarking tool created to help countries identify the challenges and opportunities they face in their performance on trade logistics and what they can do to improve their performance.
• Released by: World Bank.
• Performance: India has climbed to the 38th position out of 139 countries from its rank of 44 in 2018 and 54 in 2014, showcasing a positive trend in India's logistics competitiveness on the global stage.
• LPI is based on following Informations:

oA worldwide survey of international logistics operators on the ground (global freight forwarders and express carriers).

oGranular high frequency information on maritime shipping and container tracking, postal and air freight activities.

• Components:

oCustoms Clearance Process

oInfrastructure Quality

oEase of Arranging Shipments

oQuality of Logistics Services

oTracking and Tracing

oTimeliness

• Factors Contributing to Improvement: Launch of significant initiatives such as the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan for multimodal connectivity and the National Logistics Policy, aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing costs.

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2. CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security)

Context: Recently, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), delivered a compelling address at the Space Seminar and Exhibition held in New Delhi. In his speech, he stressed the critical need for establishing a resilient defence space ecosystem.

About Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)

• Background:

oRecommended by Group of Ministers (GoM) in 2001 following the Kargil Review Committee report.

oNaresh Chandra Committee (2012) proposed a Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee as a step towards CDS.

oPost of CDS created in 2019 based on recommendations of Lt General DB Shekatkar's committee.

• Roles and Responsibilities:

oTo head the Department of Military Affairs in Ministry of Defence and function as its Secretary.

oTo act as the Principal Military Advisor to Hon’ble Raksha Mantri on all Tri-Service matters.

oTo function as the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee

oTo administer the Tri-Service organizations/agencies/commands.

oTo be a member of Defence Acquisition Council chaired by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri.

oTo function as the Military Advisor to the Nuclear Command Authority.

oTo bring about jointness in operation, logistics, transport, training, support services, communications, repairs and maintenance, etc. of the three Services.

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3. PRITHVI SCHEME (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Science and tech)

Context:  In an effort to bolster the understanding of Earth's complex systems and to provide essential services for the nation, the Union Cabinet, on 5th January 2024, approved the comprehensive "PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)" scheme.

PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)" scheme:

• Approval In: January 2024.
• Objective: Holistically addresses all components of the Earth system - atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere.
• Purpose: To improve understanding of Earth System Sciences and provide reliable services for the country.
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Duration: 2021-2026.
• Total Cost: Rs. 4797 crores.
• Sub-schemes under PRITHVI:

oAtmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS): Focused on studying atmospheric dynamics, climate modeling, and enhancing observational systems to better understand weather patterns and climate change.

oOcean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART): Dedicated to oceanic research.

oPolar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER):Centered on polar regions and cryosphere.

oSeismology and Geosciences (SAGE):On seismic activity and geosciences, aiming to enhance earthquake monitoring, geological mapping, and disaster preparedness measures.

oResearch, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT): To foster research, education, and outreach activities.

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

Context: The Karnataka government organized a protest in Delhi under the banner of "My Tax My Right" to voice opposition against what it deems as financial injustices aimed to highlight grievances regarding the allocation of funds and other financial matters affecting the state.

Finance Commission:

• Article 280: It stipulates that the President of India shall constitute a Finance Commission at intervals of five years or earlier if deemed necessary. The Finance Commission's primary task is to determine the method and formula for the distribution of tax proceeds among the Centre and the states.

oComposition: The Finance Commission typically comprises a chairman and four other members appointed by the President.

oAbout 15th finance Commission:  N.K. Singh appointed as its chairman. Recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission cover a period of five years, from the fiscal year 2021-22 to 2025-26.

oCriteria for Allocation: Population (15%), Area (15%),Forest and Ecology (10%),Income Distance (45%), Demographic Performance (12.5%) and Tax Effort (2.5%).

Borrowing by States:

• Borrowing Limit on State: The Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) is a financial restriction imposed by the central government on the borrowing capacity of states in India.
• Limitation on Borrowings: The NBC sets a cap on the total amount of borrowing that states can undertake from all sources, including open market borrowings.
• According to Article 293(3) of the Constitution, the State has to obtain the consent of the Centre to raise ‘any loan’, if ‘any part of the previous loan’ extended by the Centre is outstanding. The imposition of the NBC is done by invoking the powers of the Centre under Article 293(3).
• Issues: Southern states like Karnataka is demanding more financial resources and autonomy in financial matters.

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5. WTO (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: World Trade Organization (WTO) Ministerial Conference which  is scheduled to take place in February 2024 in has drawn attention due to India's firm stance against linking issues such as environment, gender, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with trade.

World Trade Organization (WTO):

• Establishment: The WTO was established on January 1, 1995, succeeding the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).
• Objectives: Facilitate international trade by promoting free and fair trade practices.
• Agreements:

oThe WTO oversees agreements covering goods, services, and intellectual property rights.

oKey agreements include the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), and Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

• Ministerial Conferences: Held every two years, Ministerial Conferences are the highest decision-making body of the WTO.
• Recent MC: Abu Dhabi, UAE, the 13th Ministerial Conference
• Position Against Non-Trade Issues Mandate:

oIndia opposes any work program or negotiation mandate on non-trade issues such as environment, gender, and MSMEs at the WTO's upcoming Ministerial Conference.

oSpecifically, India objects to linking MSMEs and gender with trade and opposes any future negotiations mandate in these areas.

• Stand on Labor and Environment:

oIndia maintains that labor and environment are non-trade issues and should not be discussed within the WTO framework.

oIt argues that erecting trade barriers under the guise of sustainable development is not acceptable.

oIndia suggests that non-trade issues be addressed in specialized forums such as the United Nations, rather than at the WTO.

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6. JUVENILE JUSTICE BOARD (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context: Juvenile Justice Board has agreed to Delhi Police’s request to try a 17-year-old boy, accused of murder.

Juvenile Justice Board (JJB)

• About: Indian quasi-judicial bodies that decide whether juveniles accused of a crime should be tried as an adult.
• Formed by: Juvenile Justice Boards were formed by State Governments.
• Statutory Status: Set up under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
• Members: Each Juvenile Justice Board consists of one first-class judicial magistrate and two social workers at least one of whom is a woman.
• Tenure :Terms last two years for those of ages 35–65 .
• Nodal ministry: Ministry of Women and Child Development .
• Function:

oTo be informed of the details on the presence of children and their parents/guardians during the proceedings before the board.

oEnsure protection of children's rights during the course of legal proceedings.

oProvide a translator or interpreter if he/she is unable to understand the language used in legal proceedings.

oEnsure that proceedings are followed in accordance with section 14 of the Juvenile Justice Act.

oAny other functions assigned to the board as per the Juvenile Justice Act.

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7. ENFORCEMENT DIRECTORATE (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Polity)

Context:The Directorate of Enforcement told a special court that former Chief Minister Hemant Soren allegedly had several incriminating chats on WhatsApp with a close aide about transfer postings, exchanged confidential information about several properties, and shared government records .

Enforcement Directorate (Ed)

• About: The Directorate of Enforcement is a multi-disciplinary organization mandated with investigation of offence of money laundering and violations of foreign exchange laws.
• Origin:
• The origins of this Directorate can be traced back to May 1, 1956, when the Department of Economic Affairs established an ‘Enforcement Unit' to handle Exchange Control Laws violations under the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1947.
• Nodal minister: Department of Revenue of the Ministry of Finance.
• Appointment of ED director:

oThe ED director is appointed as per provisions of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003.

oThe Centre appoints the director on recommendation of a committee, with the Central Vigilance Commissioner as chairperson.

o Other committee members are secretaries in the Finance (Revenue), Home and Personnel & Training ministries.

• Tenure: The Director holds a fixed tenure of 2 years, with the possibility of a maximum of 3 annual extensions.

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8. NATIONAL GREEN TRIBUNAL (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco)

Context: The Supreme Court has pulled up the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for its “recurrent engagement” in “unilateral decision making”.

National Green Tribunal:

• About:The NGT was established by an Act of the Parliament i.e., National Green Tribunal, Act, 2010.
• Objective: NGT was established for the effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
• Inspired From:

oThe United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held at Stockholm in 1972.

oThe United Nations Conference on Environment and Development held at Rio de Janeiro in 1992.

o The Constitution of India under Article 21.

• Features:

oThe Tribunal shall not be bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, or the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

oIt shall be guided by principles of natural justice.

o the Tribunal is vested with the powers of a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure for discharging its functions.

oIt has both original and appellate jurisdiction

o Disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.

oThe Tribunal’s orders are binding and it can also grant relief in the form of compensation and damages to affected persons.

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9. GRAMMY AWARDS (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Art and culture)

Context:At Grammy Awards 2024, Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain's Shakti band won the Best Global Music Album for the album This Moment .

Grammy Awards

• About: The Grammy Award is an annual recognition presented by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize outstanding achievements in the music industry.
• Started: 1957
• Awarded in: To honour Musical artists, composition, and albums.
• India's performances in 2024 awards:

oShakti, comprising Zakir Hussain, Shankar Mahadevan, John McLaughlin, Ganesh Rajagopalan, and Selvaganesh  Vinayakram, won the 2024 Grammy for their album "This Moment.“

oZakir Hussain clinches an additional pair of victories, securing two more Grammys at the ceremony.

Zakir Hussain

• About: He is an Indian tabla player, composer, percussionist, music producer and film actor.
• He is awarded with: Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002, and the Padma Vibhushan in 2023, by the Government of India.

oAlso awarded: Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1990, Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship, Ratna Sadsya in 2018.

üIn 1999, he was awarded the United States National Endowment for the Arts' National Heritage Fellowship, the highest award given to traditional artists and musicians.

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10. FCRA (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Justices)

Context:The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case of alleged

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) violation against human rights activist Harsh Mander and his NGO Centre for Equity Studies (CES). .

Foreign Contribution (Regulation)Act (FCRA):

• About: Regulates the receiving and use of foreign contributions by individuals and corporations established in India.
• Established in: The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 has come into effect from 2011.
• Objectives: The law sought to regulate foreign donations to individuals and associations so that they functioned “in a manner consistent with the values of a sovereign democratic republic.
• Apply to:

oCitizens of India outside India.

oAssociate branches or subsidiaries, outside India, of companies or bodies corporate, registered or incorporated in India.

• FCRA requires every person or NGO seeking to receive foreign donations:

oRegistered under the Act.

oTo open a bank account for the receipt of the foreign funds in State Bank of India, Delhi.

oTo utilize those funds only for the purpose for which they have been received and as stipulated in the Act.

oThey are also required to file annual returns.

oThey must not transfer the funds to another NGO.

• The Act prohibits the receipt of foreign funds:

oBy candidates for elections.

oJournalists or newspaper and media broadcast companies.

oJudges and government servants.

oMembers of legislature and political parties or their office-bearers.

 

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