Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   SHOULD EDUCATION BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE STATE LIST? Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Polity , Education Context: With controversies erupting over the conduct of exams by National Testing agency (NTA), the question of whether education should be brought back to state list has arisen again. Background:- The NEET-UG exam has been embroiled in controversies over the award of grace marks, allegation of paper leaks and other irregularities. The government also cancelled the UGC-NET exam after it was held, while the CSIR-NET and NEET-PG exams have been postponed. Key takeaways The Government of India Act, 1935 during the British rule created a federal structure for the first time in our polity. The legislative subjects were distributed between the federal legislature (present day Union) and provinces (present day States). Education which is an important public good was kept under the provincial list. After independence, this continued and education was part of the ‘State list’ under the distribution of powers. However, during the Emergency, the Congress party constituted the Swaran Singh Committee to provide recommendations for amendments to the Constitution. One of the recommendations of this committee was to place ‘education’ in the concurrent list in order to evolve all-India policies on the subject. This was implemented through the 42nd constitutional amendment (1976) by shifting ‘education’ from the State list to the concurrent list. There was no detailed rationale that was provided for this switch and the amendment was ratified by various States without adequate debate. The Janata Party government led by Morarji Desai that came to power after Emergency passed the 44th constitutional amendment (1978) to reverse many of the controversial changes made through the 42nd amendment. One of these amendments that was passed in the Lok Sabha but not in the Rajya Sabha was to bring back ‘education’ to the State list. What are international practices? In the U.S., State and local governments set the overall educational standards, mandate standardised tests and supervise colleges and universities. The federal education department’s functions primarily include policies for financial aid, focussing on key educational issues and ensuring equal access. In Canada, education is completely managed by the provinces. In Germany, the constitution vests legislative powers for education with landers (equivalent of States). In South Africa, on the other hand, education is governed by two national departments for school and higher education. The provinces of the country have their own education departments for implementing policies of the national departments and dealing with local issues. Way forward : The arguments in favour of ‘education’ in the concurrent list include a uniform education policy, improvement in standards and synergy between Centre and States. However, considering the vast diversity of the country, a ‘one size fits all’ approach is neither feasible nor desirable. Further, as per the report on ‘Analysis of Budgeted expenditure on Education’ prepared by the Ministry of Education in 2022, out of the total revenue expenditure by education departments in our country estimated at ₹6.25 lakh crore (2020-21), 15% is spent by the Centre while 85% is spent by the States. Even if expenditure by all other departments on education and training are considered, the share works out to 24% and 76% respectively. The arguments against restoring ‘education’ to State list include corruption coupled with lack of professionalism. The recent issues surrounding the NEET and NTA have however displayed that centralisation does not necessarily mean that these issues would vanish. Considering the need for autonomy in view of the lion’s share of the expenditure being borne by the States, there needs to be a productive discussion towards moving ‘education’ back to the State list. This would enable them to frame tailor-made policies for syllabus, testing and admissions for higher education including professional courses like medicine and engineering. Regulatory mechanisms for higher education can continue to be governed by central institutions like the National Medical Commission, University Grants Commission and All India Council for Technical Education. Source: Hindu LIBERALISED REMITTANCES SCHEME (LRS) Syllabus Prelims & Mains – ECONOMY Context: Spending money overseas through credit card does not come under the liberalised remittance scheme limit yet, but it may change in the near future. As per a media report published recently, bringing credit card spend under the LRS is now on the government’s radar. Background: For the uninitiated, the finance ministry in May 2023 had brought credit card spending under the LRS limit. However, it was announced on June 28 that overseas spending using credit cards will beput on hold in order to give time to the banks to streamline their requisite IT systems. About LIBERALISED REMITTANCES SCHEME (LRS) Under the RBI’s Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), all resident individuals are allowed to freely remit up to $2,50,000 in each financial year abroad for any permissible current or capital account transaction or a combination of both. This scheme was introduced on February 4, 2004, with a limit of $25,000. The LRS limit was later revised in stages consistent with prevailing macro and micro economic conditions. In case of remitter being a minor, the LRS declaration form must be countersigned by the minor’s natural guardian. The Scheme is not available to corporates, partnership firms, HUF, Trusts etc. The remittances can be made in any freely convertible foreign currency.Permanent Account Number (PAN) is mandatory for all transactions under LRS. If government includes credit card spending under the LRS, credit card usersmay have to cough up 20 percent tax collection at source (TCS). Tax collected at source is the sum collected by the seller from the buyer at the time of sale so that it can be deposited with the tax authorities. TheTCS for foreign remittances under LRS was raised to 20 percent in Budget 2023 from the earlier rate of 5 per cent. This included international travel, sending money overseas, and other remittances. This new tax ratecame into force on Oct 1, 2023 which removed the threshold of ₹7 lakh for triggering TCS on LRS. These changes, however, are not applicable in case of education and medical expenses. Additional Information The legal

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   ABHAYA MUDRA Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Art & Culture Context: In his first speech as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi on Monday invoked the abhaya mudra, the gesture of the raised open palm that is commonly understood as conveying reassurance and a freedom from fear. Background:- According to Buddhist legend, Devadatta, a cousin and a disciple of the Buddha, upon not being granted the special treatment he expected, plotted to harm the Buddha . He fed a wild elephant intoxicants and drove her on the Buddha’s path. As the disciples scattered before the charging animal, the Buddha raised his hand in the abhaya mudra. The elephant is said to have calmed down immediately, gone down on her knees, and bowed her head to the Buddha. Key takeaways In Sanskrit, the term mudra could mean a seal, mark, sign, or currency, but in the Buddhist context, it refers to “hand and arm gestures made during the course of ritual practice or depicted in images of buddhas, bodhisattvas, tantric deities, and other Buddhist images. Mudras are most commonly associated with visual depictions of the Buddha (or Buddharupa), with different gestures conveying different moods and meanings, signifying the subtle manifestations of the Buddha’s states of realisation. The earliest depictions of the Buddha in physical form date to roughly around the turn of the first millennium. Depictions started appearing in the Gandhara art from the northwestern edge of the Indian subcontinent. In the earliest depictions of Buddharupa, four mudras can be found: the abhaya mudra, or “gesture of fearlessness”; the bhumisparsha mudra, or “Earth-touching gesture”; the dharmachakra mudra, or “gesture of the wheel of dharma”; and the dhyana mudra, or “gesture of meditation”. Gesture of fearlessness The abhaya mudra is described as one typically formed with the palm of the right hand facing outward at shoulder height and the fingers pointing up. Occasionally, the index, second, or third finger touches the thumb, with the remaining fingers extended upward. In some cases, both hands may simultaneously be raised in this posture in a double abhayamudra. In Buddhist tradition, the abhaya mudra is associated with the Buddha immediately after he obtained Enlightenment, “portraying a sense of the security, serenity, and compassion that derive from enlightenment”. The gesture of fearlessness also identifies the moment when Shakyamuni (the Buddha) tamed the mad elephant, illustrating the Buddha’s ability to grant fearlessness to his followers. This is why the abhaya mudra is also seen as a “gesture of protection” or “gesture of granting refuge”. Over time, the abhaya mudra appeared in depictions of Hindu deities, and the Buddha himself was absorbed into the Hindu pantheon as the ninth avatar of the Puranic god Vishnu. As multiple traditions, practices, and cultural influences mingled in the great melting pot of the Hindu religion, manifestations were seen in art and visual depiction of gods. The abhaya mudra was seen in the depictions, most commonly of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Ganesha. Source: Indian Express CRITICAL MINERAL RECYCLING: GOVT PLANS PLI SCHEME TO BOOST CIRCULAR ECONOMY Syllabus Prelims & Mains – ECONOMY Context: The Ministry of Mines is in the initial stages of designing a Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to boost the recycling of critical minerals in India. Background: This move aims to foster a circular economy and bolster domestic supply chains, following a lacklustre response to recent auctions of critical mineral blocks. Critical Minerals Critical minerals are those minerals that areessential for economic development and national security, the lack of availability of these minerals or concentration of extraction or processing in a few geographical locations may lead to supply chain vulnerabilities. The Government India has identified 30 minerals as Critical Minerals. The30 critical minerals are Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium. They are elements that are the building blocks of essential modern-day technologies.These minerals are now used everywhere from making mobile phones, and computers to batteries, electric vehicles, and green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines. Based on their individual needs and strategic considerations, different countries create their own lists. Proposed PLI Scheme and its need The proposed PLI scheme aligns with policy recommendations from NITI Aayog and complements the Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR), 2022, which mandate phased recycling of used electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion batteries from 2026 onwards. The PLI scheme, while yet to be finalised, will target e-waste recycling– often referred to as “urban mining”– to recover critical minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt, graphite, chromium, and silicon. These minerals are crucial for clean energy technologies like solar PV modules, wind turbines, energy storage systems, and EVs, as well as consumer electronics. Some recyclers argue the scheme should benefit only those extracting high-purity critical minerals suitable for reuse as primary inputs. Others advocate for a wider scope that includes the production of black mass, which is shredded and processed e-waste rich in minerals including lithium, manganese, cobalt, and nickel, since most Indian recyclers currently lack capacities to extract battery-grade minerals from black mass. India’s e-waste generation is poised to surge, driven by rapid growth in solar and wind energy infrastructure and EV adoption. Industry estimates project solar PV module waste to jump from 100 kilotonnes (kt) in FY23 to 340 kt by 2030. Additionally, 500 kt of EV batteries are expected to reach recycling units in the coming years. Research indicates that recycling critical minerals can significantly reduce the need for virgin ores and new mines. The need to incentivise the growth of critical mineral recycling has become all the more urgent after most critical mineral blocks offered by the Mines Ministry failed to pass the technical bids stage, which requires at least three eligible bidders. This indicates a lack of investor interest in domestic mining of critical minerals. For Your Information: The new incentives will also build on the Battery Waste Management Rules (BWMR) notified in

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   NEED FOR AN INTERNAL SECURITY PLAN Syllabus Mains – GS 3 Context: As the 3rd NDA government has settled into seat firmly, it should now start focussing on multitude of internal security challenges. Background:- A country projects its strength at the international level in direct proportion to its internal cohesion, its ability to resolve the differences within and not have  any swamps where terrorists or extremists of any shade can breed. The government should have a well-orchestrated plan for the next five years. On internal security, the following nine points should merit serious attention: One, need of internal security doctrine: All major powers have a national security doctrine (NSD) which outlines the internal and external challenges facing the country and prescribe the policies for dealing with them. Lack of an NSD results in ad hoc responses to security challenges, especially during government transitions. Two, Internal Security Ministry: The Ministry of Home Affairs has become too large and unwieldy, causing internal security issues to be neglected. A dedicated minister for internal security within the MHA is urgently needed. Three, Jammu and Kashmir: The state is far from normal in spite of the Home Minister’s claim that terror incidents are down by 66 per cent since the abrogation of Article 370. The government must take early steps to reorganise the security grid, restore statehood to J&K and hold elections for the Assembly. Four, the Northeast: A Framework Agreement signed with the rebel Nagas in 2015 had raised hopes, but these remain unfulfilled because of the NSCN (IM)’s insistence on a separate flag and constitution. The government should meanwhile insist on rigorous implementation of the suspension of operations agreement and ensure that the rebels do not engage in extortion and forcible recruitments. Manipur has been a disaster. The Home Ministry’s formation of a multi-ethnic peace committee has not been productive;The problems of illegal migration, drug trafficking and arms smuggling would require a comprehensive approach. Five, the naxal problem: There is a consistent decline in violence and shrinkage of the geographical spread of left-wing extremism’s (LWE) influence. With Naxals on the backfoot, it is now time for the healing touch. The government should offer them the olive branch, persuade them to come to the negotiating table, address their genuine grievances, and try to mainstream them. Six, Intelligence Bureau/CBI: The two premier central police organisations, Intelligence Bureau and the CBI, require restructuring. The IB was set up through an administrative order on December 23, 1887. It is high time that it is given a statutory basis, with safeguards to prevent the misuse of intelligence to bolster the party in power. The CBI was set up through a resolution passed in 1963, and it derives the power to investigate from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. It is an anomalous arrangement and, as recommended in the 24th report of the parliamentary committee, “the need of the hour is to strengthen the CBI in terms of legal mandate, infrastructure and resources”. Seven, state police: There is a need for transformation of the “Ruler’s Police” that we have inherited from the British into the “People’s Police”. Robert Peel, former British prime minister, is remembered to this day for having reformed the country’s police. Eight, Central Armed Police Forces. The CAPFs with an overall strength of more than a million are beset with serious internal problems of unplanned expansion, haphazard deployment, inadequate training, falling standards of discipline, vague criteria for the selection of top officers, friction between cadre and All India Service officers, etc. Nine, technology: There is enormous scope for technological inputs into the functioning of police in the country. These inputs would act as force multipliers. Source: Indian Express NATIONAL QUANTUM MISSION Syllabus Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: India have done the right thing by launching a Rs 6,000 crore-worth National Quantum Mission to develop some of the most sought-after technologies for the future, but it will have to overcome a significantly large gap that currently exists between its capabilities and those of other leading countries in these areas like the U S and China, a new assessment of India’s potential in quantum technologies has revealed. Background: The assessment by Itihaasa, a non-profit, shows that India was just one among 17 countries to have a dedicated government programme to back research in quantum technologies, and one of the 12 to have committed separate investments for the purpose. But several countries were much ahead of India, not just in terms of funding for research and development but also in their current capabilities. About NATIONAL QUANTUM MISSION The Union Cabinet, approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) on 19thApril 2023 at a total cost of Rs.6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31, aiming to seed, nurture and scale up scientific and industrial R&D and create a vibrant & innovative ecosystem in Quantum Technology (QT). The Mission objectives include developing intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits in 8 years, Satellite-based secure quantum communications between ground stations over a range of 2000 kilometers within India, long-distance secure quantum communications with other countries, inter-city quantum key distribution over 2000 km as well as multi-node Quantum networks with quantum memories The National Quantum Mission will also focus on: developing magnetometers with high sensitivity in atomic systems and Atomic Clocks for precision timing, communications, and navigation. It will also support the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials for the fabrication of quantum devices. Single photon sources/detectors, and entangled photon sources will also be developed for quantum communications, sensing, and metrological applications. Mission Implementation includes setting up of four Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and National R&D institutes in the domains: Quantum Computing Quantum Communication Quantum Sensing & Metrology Quantum Materials & Devices The hubs which will focus on generation of new knowledge through basic and applied research as well as promote R&D in areas that are mandated to them. The Mission would greatly benefit various sectors including communication, health, financial, energy with applications in

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   HOUSE RULES GOVERNING THE EXPUNCTION POWERS OF RAJYA SABHA CHAIRMAN, LOK SABHA SPEAKER Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Polity Context: The first special session of the 18th Lok Sabha witnessed heated discussions, with the Opposition clashing with the government. Rajya Sabha Chairman removed significant portions of Mallikarjun Kharge’s speech, Meanwhile, in the Lower House, parts of Rahul Gandhi’s remarks on the PM and the BJP were expunged from the records on the orders of Speaker. Background:- The practice of expunging remarks is a standard parliamentary procedure, but the ‘selective expunction’ by the presiding officers has become a flashpoint between the Opposition and the Centre. When are remarks expunged from parliamentary records? Parliament maintains a verbatim record of everything that is spoken and takes place during proceedings. While Article 105 of the Constitution confers certain privileges and freedom of speech in Parliament on MPs, it is subject to other provisions of the Constitution and the rules of the House. On the orders of the presiding officer, that is, the Chairman in the Upper House and the Speaker in the Lower House, words, phrases and expressions which are deemed “defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary or undignified” are deleted or expunged from records. There have been recorded instances where the scope of expunction has been broadened. The Speaker, at their discretion, has ordered the expunction of words deemed prejudicial to national interest or detrimental to maintaining friendly relations with a foreign State, derogatory to dignitaries, likely to offend national sentiments or affect the religious susceptibilities of a section of the community, likely to discredit the Army, and not in good taste or otherwise objectionable or likely to bring the House into ridicule or lower the dignity of the Chair, the House or the members. Members must withdraw objectionable remarks deemed irrelevant to the debate upon the Chair’s request and failure to comply may lead to expunction. Similarly, quoting from an unreferenced document or speaking after being asked to desist can result in an expunction. Continuous interruptions during speeches may also be expunged at the Speaker’s discretion. How do presiding officers expunge remarks? What do the rules say? The Chairman and Speaker are vested with the power to order the expunction of remarks under Rule 261, and Rule 380 and 381 of the Rules of Procedure of the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, respectively. Rule 261 states, “If the Chairman is of opinion that a word or words have or have been used in debate which is or are defamatory or indecent or unparliamentary or undignified, he may in his discretion, order that such word or words be expunged from the proceedings of the Council. The Lower House has a similar provision. Rule 380 says, “If the Speaker is of the opinion that words have been used in debate which are defamatory or indecent or unparliamentary or undignified, the Speaker may, while exercising discretion, order that such words be expunged from the proceedings of the House.” The expunged portions are marked by asterisks with an explanatory footnote stating ‘expunged as ordered by the Chair.’ If the Chair directs that nothing will go on record during a member’s speech or interruption, footnote ‘not recorded’ is inserted. A comprehensive list of words and phrases is circulated to media outlets at the end of the day’s proceedings. Once expunged, these words or phrases cease to exist on the official record. Anyone who publishes them thereafter is liable to face charges for breach of privilege of the House. However, the relevance of the practice of expunging remarks has lately come into question, in a digital age where expunged content remains accessible due to the live telecast of proceedings and wider circulation of screenshots and videos on social media. Source: Hindu INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND : A CRITICAL VIEW Syllabus Mains – GS 2 Context: Mass protests in Kenya, in which at least 30 people were shot and killed by police, against an IMF-backed finance Bill that sought to raise taxes on essentials bring into focus, once again, the conditions the multinational lender imposes on poor countries in return for loan assistance. Background: The IMF describes itself as being governed by and accountable to its member countries. But its history and management structure tell a different story — of an organisation that has served as a tool of western elitist policy. About the Kenyan crisis In 2021, Kenya signed a four-year loan agreement with the IMF for $2.34 billion, and with another deal signed in May 2023, its loan volume rose to $3.6 billion. But IMF money for developing countries comes in tranches, and with conditions. IMF periodically reviews the country’s progress in implementing its conditions, and only if it is convinced the country is on track, does it release the next tranche of funds. As part of the 2021 loan deal, the IMF forced a COVID-battered Kenya to agree to austerity measures that would raise its revenue collection to 25% of GDP. The lender’s demands included a combination of tax hikes and budget cuts, including elimination of subsidies on fuel and electricity and cuts in spending on education and health. Government cut subsidies on maize and fuel, with the latter sparking a surge in inflation. Massive protests ensued. Nonetheless, government stayed the course on other fiscal consolidation measures, and earlier this month, government reached a staff level agreement with the IMF. It was expected to open the tap on another $976 million, provided the finance Bill — projected to raise revenues of $2.68 billion — went through. But protest has forced Kenyan president to abandon it, and now the future flow of IMF funds is in doubt. None of this, however, is new. Kenya has been through this before, as have much of Africa, whose governments often find themselves caught between the interests of their people and that of private investors and Western commercial banks, fronted by the IMF. In 1944, when the IMF was created at a conference of 44 nations in Bretton Woods, U.S., the global supremacy of

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   RESPONSIBLE QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES’ MOVEMENT Syllabus Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: The UN recently said 2025 will be observed as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ). Background:- Given the possibility of dual use, like many other emerging technologies, researchers are calling for responsible development and use of quantum technologies. What is responsible quantum S&T? Quantum S&T are part of the ‘S&T plans’ of many governments and the subject of significant private sector investment. Among investments by countries, China leads with $10 billion in 2022, followed by the European Union and the U.S. India’s contribution is currently $730 million (Rs 6,100 crore). The value of quantum S&T is in transforming our abilities to transmit and make use of information across sectors. But they also carry the risk of misuse thanks to the technologies’ potential for dual use, like weakening digital security. Researchers and some governments have thus been calling for practising responsible quantum technologies to harness the value of quantum S&T while engendering public trust. For example, the U.K.’s ‘National Quantum Strategy’ states, “We will ensure that regulatory frameworks drive responsible innovation and the delivery of benefits for the UK, as well as protecting and growing the economy and the UK’s quantum capabilities.” What is quantum governance? The World Economic Forum (WEF) was one of the first organisations to discuss quantum computing governance. Its ‘Quantum Governance’ framework for this is based on the principles of transparency, inclusiveness, accessibility, non-maleficence, equitability, accountability, and the common good. Members of the framework include those from national government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector leaders (including in India). The WEF’s objective here is to accelerate the development of responsible quantum computing by building trust in the technology during its development to preempt and mitigate potential risks. The framework’s virtue is that it addresses responsible development up front rather than as an afterthought. A white paper published by the University of Oxford cautioned against inflated expectations and overestimating our understanding of ethical issues. In particular, it called out the gaps between countries in terms of quantum S&T capacities and reasoned that lack of access to talent and technologies could widen the gaps further. From another perspective, a group of academics from the U.S., Canada and Europe recently proposed another framework for responsible quantum technologies. Here, the group has suggested 10 principles to guide the applications of quantum S&T aim together with their RRI values. ‘RRI’ stands for ‘responsible research and information’, a concept and practice endorsed by the European Commission. Many institutions worldwide, including funding agencies, have adopted it; it emphasises ‘anticipation’, ‘reflection’, ‘diversity’, and ‘inclusion’ while foregrounding public engagement and ethical considerations. These frameworks and initiatives have emerged largely from among researchers and are united in their focus on and intention to maintain openness. National policies on the other hand have preferred frameworks that confer greater and stronger protections of intellectual property rights vis-à-vis quantum technologies. Similarly, it may be naïve to expect the private sector — with its large investments and desire for patents and profits — will favour sharing and openness in the name of responsible quantum technologies. There may be exceptional circumstances but they won’t be the norm. What we need is responsible national or international efforts driven by governments but with active support and collaboration from private sector. Source: Hindu TAXING THE ULTRA RICH Syllabus Mains – GS 2 & GS 3 Context: French economist Gabriel Zucman has in a recent report commissioned by Brazil’s G-20 presidency recommended an annual 2% tax on individuals holding wealth exceeding $1 billion, a suggestion intended to serve as the starting point for a global discussion on ensuring under-taxed billionaires are made to contribute more to reduce inequality worldwide. Background: Finance Ministers of the G-20 group are set to meet in Rio de Janeiro on July 25-26, and the proposal is expected to be discussed at the meeting. What exactly is the proposal? Zucman, an economist who has extensively researched the accumulation, distribution and taxation of global income and wealth, has proposed the adoption of an internationally coordinated minimum tax standard for ensuring effective taxation of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. At the minimum, he recommends that individuals possessing more than $1 billion in total wealth (assets, equity shares in both listed and unlisted companies, other ownership structures that enable participating in companies’ ownership, etc.) would be required to pay a minimum amount of tax annually that would be equal to 2% of their wealth. Such a minimum tax on billionaires could potentially raise $200-$250 billion a year globally from about 3,000 individuals, and were it to be extended to cover those with a net worth exceeding $100 million, would add $100-$140 billion annually in global tax revenue. What is the rationale for such a tax? As per a key finding of theGlobal Tax Evasion Report 2024, prepared by the EU Tax Observatory, global billionaires benefit from very low effective tax rates, which range between 0% and 0.5% of their wealth. When expressed as a fraction of income and considering all taxes paid at all levels of government (including corporate taxes, consumption taxes, payroll taxes, etc.), the effective tax rates of billionaires appear significantly lower than those of all other groups of the population. Zucman in his report posits that the wealth of the top 0.0001% households, expressed as a fraction of world GDP, has surged more than fourfold since the mid-1980s. In 1987, the top 0.0001% owned the equivalent of 3% of world GDP in wealth. This wealth gradually rose to 8% of world GDP on the eve of the global financial crisis of 2008-2009. It briefly fell during the crisis, and then rose fast to exceed 13% of world GDP in 2024.The average annual growth rate of this population group’s wealth is 7.1% net of inflation. In contrast, over the same almost four-decade period, the average income of an adult grew annually by 1.3% net of inflation, and average wealth increased by 3.2% a year. As long as ultra-high-net-worth individuals keep having higher net-of-tax returns

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   RIGHT TO REPAIR PORTAL Syllabus Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: The Centre asked the automobile companies to join the unified Right to Repair Portal India which has been launched by the Department of Consumer Affairs to provide consumers with an easy access to information for repairing their products and enabling them to reuse it. Background:- The portal will serve as a single platform to provide easy access to necessary information on repair and maintenance of products to consumers. What is right to repair ? The right to repair for consumer goods refers to the concept of allowing end users, consumers as well as businesses, to repair devices they own or service without any manufacturer or technical restrictions. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs (MCA) has set up a committee to come up with a Right to Repair framework. The framework is significant as it will give consumers a chance to repair their products at an optimal cost instead of buying new products altogether. Under this framework, it would be mandatory for manufacturers to share their product details with customers so that they can either repair them by self or by third parties, rather than only depending on original manufacturers. The framework also aims to help harmonize the trade between the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), third-party buyers and sellers – thus also creating new jobs. It will help reduce the vast mountain of electrical waste (e-waste) that piles up each year on the continent and boost business for small repair shops, which are an important part of local economies. It will save consumers’ money and contribute to circular economy objectives by improving the life span, maintenance, re-use, upgrade, recyclability, and waste handling of appliances. What is there in the right to repair portal? Customer care details across brands The portal has consolidated list of consumer care contact details of all major consumer products manufacturers for your quick viewing. Find warranty and post-sales service information Use website to search companies by name or consumer product name. All the public information related to their products service, warranty, terms and conditions, etc. are aggregated on this portal. Links to the service network of the brands Visit links to the authorized service network of the brands and third-party service providers. Also view the warranty and prices of genuine spares and consumables of respective brands. Source: Right to repare India VAQUITA Syllabus Prelims – ENVIRONMENT Context: The world’s most endangered marine mammal, the vaquita, is teetering on the edge of extinction. A recent survey revealed a devastating decline, with only 6-8 individuals spotted compared to 8-13 just a year ago. Background: Despite their elusive nature making precise population estimates difficult, absence of calves in recent surveys highlights their critical situation. About Vaquita The vaquita is a shy member of the porpoise family. Vaquitas are the most endangered of the world’s marine mammals. Vaquitas have the smallest range of any whale, dolphin, or porpoise.It only lives in the northern part of the Gulf of California in Mexico. It is currently listed asCritically Endangered by the IUCN Red List; the steep decline in abundance is primarily due to bycatch in gillnets from the illegal totoaba Totoaba, is a large fish that also only lives in the Gulf of California. Because totoaba and vaquita are similar in size, gillnets illegally set for totoaba are the deadliest for vaquitas. Fishermen illegally catch totoaba for its swim bladder (an air-filled sac in the totoaba’s body that helps it float), which they sell to China at high prices. In China, the swim bladders are used in soup with purported medicinal value. Scientists agree that for vaquitas to survive in the wild, gillnet fishing must end within vaquita habitat. Source: Hindu TRANSPOSONS Syllabus Prelims – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY Context: A recent paper by researchers at the University of California highlights the role of transposons in gene editing. Background: Transposons have been called “junk” DNA and “selfish” DNA. They are “selfish” because their only function seems to make more copies of themselves and “junk” because there is no obvious benefit to their host. About Transposons Transposable elements (TEs) or simply Transposons, also known as “jumping genes,” are DNA sequences that move from one location on the genome to another. These elements were first identified more than 50 years ago by geneticist Barbara McClintock of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory in New York. Biologists were initially skeptical of McClintock’s discovery. Barbara McClintock’s discovery of them earned her a Nobel Prize in 1983 Over the next several decades, however, it became apparent that not only do TEs “jump,” but they are also found in almost all organisms (both prokaryotes and eukaryotes) and typically in large numbers. For example, TEs make up approximately 50% of the human genome and up to 90% of the maize genome. Due to their mobility (or transposition), transposons facilitate horizontal gene transfer and foster the evolution of new molecular functions in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. As transposition can lead to detrimental genomic rearrangements, organisms have evolved a multitude of molecular strategies to control transposons. Apart from their biological impacts on genomes, DNA transposons have been leveraged as efficient gene insertion vectors in basic research, transgenesis and gene therapy. Source: Nature PANGONG LAKE Syllabus Prelims – GEOGRAPHY Context: According to recent satellite images, China’s military presence near Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh is escalating. Background: These images reveal extensive underground bunkers and hardened shelters at a crucial base. The base, located at Sirjap on the northern shore of Pangong Lake, serves as the headquarters for Chinese troops stationed around the lake. Key Takeaways Pangong Tso, also known as Pangong Lake, is a high-altitude lake situated in the Changthang region of eastern Ladakh. Pangong Tso spans both India and China. Approximately 50% of the lake lies within Tibet (administered by China), while 40% is in Indian-administered Ladakh. The remaining 10% is a disputed buffer zone between India and China. Disputed Territory: The Line of Actual Control (LAC), which separates boundary between India and China, passes through the lake. This geopolitical demarcation has been a

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   NEED TO RELOOK NEET Syllabus Mains – GS 2 Context: Since its inception about a decade ago, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has been a politically contentious issue in Tamil Nadu. The recent turn of events has made it a national issue. Background:- NEET was originally conceptualised to ensure merit-based selection to medical schools and standardise the medical entrance process. It was seen as a solution to the problem of high capitation fees being charged by private medical institutions. Key takeaways:  This year, more than 24 lakh candidates sat for the NEET after paying application fees ranging between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,700. The application charges alone give a revenue of about Rs 337 crore to the testing agency. The application charges alone give a revenue of about Rs 337 crore to the testing agency. Moreover an individual candidate spends a few lakhs at coaching centres to prepare for the test. The initial eligibility for qualification, 50 percentile, was diluted to 30 percentile in 2020 and further to zero percentile in 2023. The reason cited was that several seats are vacant in private medical colleges. However, after the 60,000 seats in government medical colleges are filled up, people’s paying capacity plays a big role in filling up the remaining 50,000 seats in private colleges. This makes the MBBS dream virtually unattainable for students of the economically weak strata, despite scoring high marks in NEET. Nearly half of the MBBS seats become a virtual preserve of the wealthy, making a mockery of the objective of rewarding merit. Exams like the UCAT in the UK and MCAT in the US allow only students with excellent grades in higher secondary education to take the exams. In contrast, a NEET applicant only requires to pass the higher secondary school. This low entry requirement can undermine the importance of excelling in high school. This, in turn, lowers the standard of school education. The state government and their education ministries do not have any say in the selection process of future doctors in their states. Tamil Nadu has conducted several experiments in the entrance system to professional courses, starting from an interview system in the 1970s to the entrance examinations in 1983 along with 2/3rd weightage to marks in concerned subjects in the higher secondary education exam. Following recommendations from the Anandakrishnan Committee, the state abolished entrance exams and conducted admissions to medical and engineering colleges solely on the basis of higher secondary marks. Even after the introduction of NEET, the government ensured social equality and inclusivity, to an extent, by providing reservation to government school students as per the recommendations of P Kalaiyarasan and AK Rajan committees. Tamil Nadu’s experiences over five decades demonstrate that factors such as infrastructure, faculty numbers, and the extent of patient care services determine the quality of young doctors. NEET needs to be reevaluated. Public health is a state subject and education is part of the concurrent list. All states need to be taken into confidence, before framing the admissions processes, especially in institutions controlled by the state government. The debate on NEET touches on broader issues such as educational equity and federalism. If NEET is riddled with problems, what are the alternatives? Instead of a single cross-sectional assessment, a summative assessment over two to three years of performance in school education along with a general aptitude test might improve the selection process. The primary objective of refining the medical entrance process is to ensure that students with high average marks gain admission not only to government-run medical colleges. The goal should be to ensure that people from disadvantaged sections are adequately represented in the medical field and they can contribute to making healthcare accessible to their communities. For Your Information: Tamil Nadu has always been opposed to the NEET exam as it was against their perfectly functioning state policy of linking medical college admissions to high school performance. In 2021, Tamil Nadu constituted an Expert Committee headed by Justice A K Rajan. The Rajan Committee brought out startling evidence, showing how rural students from Tamil medium schools lost out heavily in clearing the NEET — between 2017-21, from an average of 15 per cent admissions of Tamil-medium students, the number had fallen to 1.6-3.2 per cent. Clearly, NEET disadvantaged rural and poorer students. Tamil Nadu was particularly affected as its sound public health system rested on students from rural backgrounds willing to work in primary health centres without ambitions of migrating abroad. Source: Indian Express CLIMATE CHANGE FUELLED HURRICANE BERYL’S RECORD EARLY INTENSIFICATION Syllabus Prelims & Mains – ENVIRONMENT Context: Hurricane Beryl became the earliest storm on record during the Atlantic hurricane season to have reached the highest Category 5 classification. Background: The storm, which tore through the Caribbean islands earlier this month, killed at least 11 people after triggering intense floods and dangerous winds in Jamaica, Grenada, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and northern Venezuela. How are hurricanes formed? Hurricanes, or tropical storms, form over warm ocean waters near the equator. When the warm, moist air from the ocean surface rises upward, a lower air pressure area is formed below. Air from surrounding areas with higher air pressure rushes into this low pressure area, eventually rising, after it also becomes warm and moist. As warm, moist air rises, it cools down, and the water in the air forms clouds and thunderstorms. This whole system of clouds and winds gains strength and momentum using the ocean’s heat, and the water that evaporates from its surface. Storm systems with wind speeds of 119 kmph and above are classified as hurricanes. Hurricanes are classified using the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale into five categories (Category 1 to Category 5) based on their sustained wind speeds. While Category 1 hurricanes bring winds of 119 to 153 kmph, Category 5 hurricanes, which are the strongest, have winds of 252 kmph or higher. Storms that reach Category 3 and higher are considered major hurricanes due to their potential to

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   MOIDAMS – THE MOUND-BURIAL SYSTEM OF THE AHOM DYNASTY Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Art & Culture Context: Ahom era ‘Moidams’ in Assam have been recommended for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List by its international advisory body International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOSO). Background:- The Moidams situated in Charaideo are the burial grounds of Ahom kings and queens. These are comparable to the pyramids of Egypt and substances of wonder seen through the brilliant architecture and expertise of the artsmen and masons of Assam of the medieval era. The story of Ahoms:  The Tai-Ahom clan upon their migration from China established their capital in different parts of the Brahmaputra River Valley between 12th to 18th CE. Usurping the Barahi tribe, Chau-lung Siu-ka-pha established the first capital of the Ahoms at the foothill of Patkai hills and named it Che-rai-doi or Che-tam-doi, meaning “a dazzling city above the mountain”. While the clan moved from city to city, the landscape of Che-Rai-Doi or Choraideo continued to retain its position as most sacred where the departed soul of the Royals could transcend into the after-life. Believing that their Kings were Gods on earth, the Tai Ahoms chose to bury the deceased Royals in Choraideo, the most sacred core of their Kingdom. The unique system of vaulted mounds, which persisted for over 600 years until many Tai-Ahoms converted to Buddhism or adopted Hindu cremation, created an undulating landscape reminiscent of the mountains of heaven, reflecting their beliefs in life, death, spirit, and the ‘other world’. The Moidams of Choraideu remains the only area where the largest concentration of these vaulted-mound burial chamber exist together, demonstrating a grand royal burial landscape unique to the Tai Ahoms. About Moidams Moidams are vaulted chamber (chow-chali), often double storied entered through an arched passage. Atop the hemispherical mud-mound layers of bricks and earth is laid, where the base of the mound is reinforced by a polygonal toe-wall and an arched gateway on the west. Eventually the mound would be covered by a layer of vegetation, reminiscent of a group of hillocks, transforming the area into an undulating landscape. Excavation shows that each vaulted chamber has a centrally raised platform where the body was laid. Several objects used by the deceased during his life, like royal insignia, objects made in wood or ivory or iron, gold pendants, ceramic ware, weapons, clothes to the extent of human beings (only from the Luk-kha-khun clan) were buried with their king. There is a great variety in materials and systems of construction used in building a moidam. From the period between 13th CE to 17th CE, wood was used as the primary material for construction whereas 18th CE onwards stone and burnt bricks of various sizes were used for the inner chambers. Source: Hindu ZAROWAR Syllabus Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: India has unveiled its ‘Zorawar’ light battle tank. Background: As part of developmental trials, over the next six months, the tank will be tested in various conditions. About Zarowar Zarowar is a joint effort between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T). The air-transportable 25-tonne tank has been designed for rapid deployment largely along the frontier with China. Named after the 19th-century Dogra General Zorawar Singh, who led military operations in Ladakh and Western Tibet, Zorawar is the first tank to be designed and ready for trials in such a short timeframe. Its amphibious capabilities enable it to traverse steep climbs in mountainous terrain and cross rivers and other water bodies more easily than heavier predecessors like the T-72 and T-90 tanks. The Zorawar tanks are designed with an active protection system to shield combat vehicles from anti-tank guided missiles and projectiles. The tank is currently powered by a Cummins engine and DRDO has taken up a project to develop a new engine domestically. What led to the development of Zarowar ? At the height of the ongoing standoff in Eastern Ladakh, following the confrontation on the Kailash range on the south bank of Pangong Tso in August 2020, India and China had deployed tanks on the mountain peaks. China has deployed the third-generation modern light tank ZTQ 15 (Type 15), latest ZTL-11 wheeled Armoured Personnel Carriers and a series of assault vehicles along the Line of Actual Control in Eastern Ladakh during the standoff. The Chinese light tanks could move through steep climb along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) much more easily than the Indian Army’s heavy-weight T-72 and T-90 tanks of Russian origin. It was during the standoff that the Army felt the need for a light tank to operate at 15,000 feet for easy deployment and manoeuvrability. Officials said the Zarowar tank will be able to fire at high angles of elevation and perform the role of limited artillery and is an agile weapon platform thus providing enhanced tactical and operational mobility. Source: Firstpost ZOMBIE STARTUPS Syllabus Prelims & Mains – Economy Context: Koo, the Indian social media platform that aimed to rival Twitter has shut down.This has brought the topic of zombie startups into limelight once again. Background: Tech startups once blessed with huge fundings are transforming into “zombies”. Key takeaways Startups that raised a huge amount of money over the boom cycle but aren’t producing nearly enough revenue to justify the valuation are called ‘Zombie startups’. Or to define it another way, Zombie startups, also known as “walking dead” companies, are businesses that continue to operate despite being unprofitable or stagnant. A company might turn into a zombie because of multiple reasons: Lack of Funding: Zombie startups may have received initial funding but failed to secure follow-up investments. As a result, they struggle to grow and remain in a state of limbo. Ineffective Business Models: Some startups have flawed business models that prevent them from achieving sustainable growth. They may not address market needs or fail to adapt to changing conditions. Management Challenges: Poor leadership, mismanagement, or lack of strategic vision can turn a promising startup into a

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   मोईदाम (MOIDAMS) – अहोम राजवंश की टीले में दफ़नाने की प्रणाली पाठ्यक्रम प्रारंभिक एवं मुख्य परीक्षा – कला एवं संस्कृति संदर्भ: असम में अहोम युग के ‘मोईदाम’ को यूनेस्को की विश्व धरोहर सूची में शामिल करने के लिए इसकी अंतरराष्ट्रीय सलाहकार संस्था इंटरनेशनल काउंसिल ऑन मॉन्यूमेंट्स एंड साइट्स (ICOMOSO) द्वारा सिफारिश की गई है। पृष्ठभूमि:- चराइदेव में स्थित मोइदाम अहोम राजाओं और रानियों के दफन स्थल हैं। ये मिस्र के पिरामिडों से मिलते जुलते हैं और मध्ययुगीन युग के असम के कलाकारों और राजमिस्त्रियों की शानदार वास्तुकला और विशेषज्ञता के माध्यम से देखे जाने वाले आश्चर्य के तत्व हैं। अहोम राजवंश की कहानी: चीन से प्रवास के बाद ताई-अहोम वंश ने 12वीं से 18वीं शताब्दी के बीच ब्रह्मपुत्र नदी घाटी के विभिन्न भागों में अपनी राजधानियाँ स्थापित कीं। बाराही जनजाति (Barahi tribe) को हटाकर, चौ-लुंग सिउ-का-फा ने पटकाई पहाड़ियों की तलहटी में अहोमों की पहली राजधानी स्थापित की और इसका नाम चे-राय-दोई या चे-ताम-दोई रखा, जिसका अर्थ “पर्वत के ऊपर एक चमकदार शहर” है। जबकि यह कबीला बाद में एक शहर से दूसरे शहर में चला गया, चे-राय-दोई या चोरादेओ का परिदृश्य सबसे पवित्र के रूप में अपना स्थान बनाए रखा, जहां राजपरिवार की दिवंगत आत्माएं परलोक में जा सकती थीं। यह विश्वास करते हुए कि उनके राजा पृथ्वी पर भगवान थे, ताई अहोम ने मृत राजपरिवार को अपने राज्य के सबसे पवित्र स्थान चोराइदेओ में दफनाने का निर्णय लिया। गुंबददार टीलों की यह अनूठी प्रणाली 600 वर्षों से अधिक समय तक बनी रही, जब तक कि कई ताई-अहोम बौद्ध धर्म में परिवर्तित नहीं हो गए या हिंदू दाह संस्कार नहीं अपना लिया, जिससे एक ऐसा भू-परिदृश्य निर्मित हुआ जो स्वर्ग के पर्वतों की याद दिलाता है, तथा जीवन, मृत्यु, आत्मा और ‘दूसरी दुनिया’ में उनके विश्वासों को दर्शाता है। चोराइदेउ का मोइदाम एकमात्र ऐसा क्षेत्र है, जहां गुंबददार टीले वाले दफन कक्षों का सबसे बड़ा संकेन्द्रण एक साथ मौजूद है, जो ताई अहोमों के लिए अद्वितीय भव्य शाही दफनगाह भू- परिदृश्य को प्रदर्शित करता है। मोइदाम के बारे में मोइदाम गुंबददार कक्ष (चौ-चाली/ chow-chali) होते हैं, जो अक्सर दो मंजिला होते हैं और इनमें मेहराबदार मार्ग से प्रवेश करते हैं। अर्धगोलाकार मिट्टी के टीले के ऊपर ईंटों और मिट्टी की परतें बिछाई जाती हैं। अंततः यह टीला वनस्पति की एक परत से ढक गया, जो पहाड़ियों के एक समूह की याद दिलाता है, तथा क्षेत्र को एक लहरदार परिदृश्य में बदल देता है। उत्खनन से पता चलता है कि प्रत्येक गुंबददार कक्ष में एक केन्द्रीय मंच है, जहां शव रखा गया था। मृतक द्वारा अपने जीवनकाल में उपयोग की गई अनेक वस्तुएं, जैसे शाही प्रतीक चिह्न, लकड़ी, हाथी दांत या लोहे से बनी वस्तुएं, सोने के पेंडेंट, चीनी मिट्टी के बर्तन, हथियार, मानव वस्त्र (केवल लुक-खा-खुन वंश से) को उसके राजा के साथ दफनाया जाता था। मोइदाम के निर्माण में प्रयुक्त सामग्री और निर्माण प्रणालियों में बहुत विविधता होती है। 13वीं ई. से 17वीं ई. के बीच की अवधि में निर्माण के लिए लकड़ी का उपयोग प्राथमिक सामग्री के रूप में किया गया, जबकि 18वीं ई. के बाद से आंतरिक कक्षों के लिए विभिन्न आकारों के पत्थर और पकी हुई ईंटों का उपयोग किया जाने लगा। स्रोत: Hindu ज़ोरावर (ZORAWAR) पाठ्यक्रम प्रारंभिक परीक्षा – CURRENT EVENT संदर्भ: भारत ने अपने हल्के युद्धक टैंक ‘ज़ोरावर’ का अनावरण किया है। पृष्ठभूमि: विकासात्मक परीक्षणों के भाग के रूप में, अगले छह महीनों में, टैंक का विभिन्न परिस्थितियों में परीक्षण किया जाएगा। ज़ारोवार के बारे में ज़ारोवर रक्षा अनुसंधान एवं विकास संगठन (डीआरडीओ) और लार्सन एंड टूब्रो (एलएंडटी) का एक संयुक्त प्रयास है। हवा के माध्यम से परिवहन योग्य 25 टन वजनी इस टैंक को मुख्य रूप से चीन के साथ सीमा पर तेजी से तैनाती के लिए डिजाइन किया गया है। 19वीं सदी के डोगरा जनरल जोरावर सिंह, जिन्होंने लद्दाख और पश्चिमी तिब्बत में सैन्य अभियानों का नेतृत्व किया था, के नाम पर रखा गया जोरावर टैंक इतने कम समय में डिजाइन किया गया और परीक्षण के लिए तैयार होने वाला पहला टैंक है। इसकी उभयचर क्षमताएं (जल-थल दोनों) इसे टी-72 और टी-90 टैंकों जैसे भारी पूर्ववर्तियों की तुलना में पहाड़ी इलाकों में खड़ी चढ़ाई तथा नदियों और अन्य जल निकायों को अधिक आसानी से पार करने में सक्षम बनाती हैं। ज़ोरावर टैंकों को सक्रिय सुरक्षा प्रणाली के साथ डिजाइन किया गया है, ताकि लड़ाकू वाहनों को टैंक रोधी निर्देशित मिसाइलों और प्रक्षेपास्त्रों से बचाया जा सके। यह टैंक वर्तमान में कमिंस इंजन द्वारा संचालित है और डीआरडीओ ने घरेलू स्तर पर एक नया इंजन विकसित करने के लिए एक परियोजना शुरू की है। ज़ारोवर का विकास किस कारण से हुआ? अगस्त 2020 में पैंगोंग त्सो के दक्षिणी तट पर कैलाश रेंज पर टकराव के बाद पूर्वी लद्दाख में चल रहे गतिरोध के चरम पर, भारत और चीन ने पर्वत चोटियों पर टैंक तैनात किए थे। चीन ने गतिरोध के दौरान पूर्वी लद्दाख में वास्तविक नियंत्रण रेखा पर तीसरी पीढ़ी के आधुनिक हल्के टैंक जेडटीक्यू 15 (टाइप 15), नवीनतम जेडटीएल-11 पहिए वाले बख्तरबंद कार्मिक वाहक और हमलावर वाहनों की एक श्रृंखला तैनात की है। चीनी हल्के टैंक, भारतीय सेना के रूसी मूल के भारी वजन वाले टी-72 और टी-90 टैंकों की तुलना में वास्तविक नियंत्रण रेखा (एलएसी) पर खड़ी चढ़ाई को अधिक आसानी से पार कर सकते हैं। गतिरोध के दौरान ही सेना को आसान तैनाती और गतिशीलता के लिए 15,000 फीट की ऊंचाई पर संचालित होने वाले एक हल्के टैंक की आवश्यकता महसूस हुई। अधिकारियों ने कहा कि जारोवार टैंक ऊंचाई के उच्च कोणों पर फायर करने में सक्षम होगा और सीमित तोपखाने की भूमिका निभाएगा तथा यह एक ऐसा हथियार है, जिससे बढ़ी हुई सामरिक और परिचालन गतिशीलता मिलेगी। स्रोत: Firstpost ज़ोंबी स्टार्टअप (ZOMBIE STARTUPS) पाठ्यक्रम प्रारंभिक एवं मुख्य परीक्षा – अर्थशास्त्र प्रसंग: ट्विटर को टक्कर देने वाला भारतीय सोशल मीडिया प्लेटफॉर्म Koo बंद हो गया है। इससे जॉम्बी स्टार्टअप का विषय एक बार फिर सुर्खियों में आ गया है। पृष्ठभूमि : एक समय भारी फंडिंग से संपन्न टेक स्टार्टअप अब “ज़ॉम्बी” में तब्दील हो रहे हैं। प्रमुख बिंदु- ऐसे स्टार्टअप जो तेजी के चक्र (boom cycle) के दौरान भारी मात्रा में धन

Archives (PRELIMS & MAINS Focus)   EUROPEAN FREE TRADE ASSOCIATION (EFTA) Syllabus Prelims & Mains – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Context: Commerce & Industry minister Piyush Goyal will visit Switzerland to take forward a $ 100 billion investment commitment for India made by the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) under a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). Background:- In the FTA that India signed in March with EFTA – India secured the investment pledge from EFTA over next 15 years in return for tariff concessions to the members of the grouping. About European Free Trade Association (EFTA) :  The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is a regional trade organization and free trade area consisting of four European states: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The organization operates in parallel with the European Union (EU), and all four member states participate in the European Single Market. They are not, however, party to the European Union Customs Union. EFTA was historically one of the two dominant western European trade blocs, but is now much smaller and closely associated with its historical competitor, the European Union. It was established in 1960 to serve as an alternative trade bloc for those European states that were unable or unwilling to join the then European Economic Community (EEC), the main predecessor of the EU. The Stockholm Convention (1960), to establish the EFTA, was signed on 4 January 1960 in the Swedish capital by seven countries (known as the “outer seven”: Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom). After 1995 only two founding members remained, namely Norway and Switzerland. The other five, Austria, Denmark, Portugal, Sweden and the United Kingdom, had joined the EU at some point in the intervening years. The initial Stockholm Convention was superseded by the Vaduz Convention, which aimed to provide a successful framework for continuing the expansion and liberalization of trade, both among the organization’s member states and with the rest of the world. While the EFTA is not a customs union and member states have full rights to enter into bilateral third-country trade arrangements, it does have a coordinated trade policy. As a result, its member states have jointly concluded free trade agreements with the EU and a number of other countries. To participate in the EU’s single market, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway are parties to the Agreement on a European Economic Area (EEA), with compliances regulated by the EFTA Surveillance Authority and the EFTA Court. Switzerland has a set of multilateral agreements with the EU and its member states instead. How is EFTA different from the EU? EFTA and the EU are two distinct entities with different objectives and different Member States. EFTA focuses primarily on promoting free trade and economic cooperation among its Member States, and with the EU and third countries through agreements that reduce trade barriers and enhance economic relations. Decision making in EFTA involves consensus among its Member States. The EU consists of 27 Member States and emphasises broader political, economic and social integration objectives. Decision making in the EU is more complex and involves institutions such as the European Commission, European Parliament and European Council, with laws and regulations that are binding on all Member States. Source: Financial Express UPPER SIANG HYDROPOWER PROJECT Syllabus Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT Context: Locals are protesting against the Upper Siang hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh. Background: Authorities are in the process of launching a massive public outreach campaign to drum up support for the project. About Upper Siang project The Upper Siang project is a proposed 11,000 megawatt hydropower project on the Siang river in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The Siang originates near Mount Kailash in Tibet, where it goes by the name of Tsangpo. It traverses more than 1,000 km eastward, before forming a horseshoe bend around the towering Namcha Barwa peak, and enters Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang. Further downstream, in Assam, the river becomes the mighty Brahmaputra. In 2017, the government proposed to replace the planned 5,500 MW Siang Upper Stage-I and 3,750 MW Siang Upper Stage-II hydel projects with a single, multi-purpose project of higher capacity — the aforementioned Upper Siang project. Set to be built by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), the project would entail the construction of a 300-metre high dam, the largest in the subcontinent, when completed. According to a 2022 report by the Central Electrical Authority, there are 29 hydroelectric projects (installed capacity of over 25 MW) in the Siang river basin, with a combined installed capacity of 18,326 MW. The proposed Upper Siang project’s installed capacity is roughly 60% of this figure. More than its hydropower potential, the dam is being projected as a strategic imperative to counter China’s hydel projects on the Tsangpo. China plans for a 60,000 MW ‘super dam’ in Tibet, right on the border with Arunachal Pradesh. The super dam’s installed capacity is almost three times that of the largest hydropower station on the planet — the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze river in China’s Hubei province. It will be used to divert water to China’s water-scarce northern regions. Upper Siang project will act as a reservoir to counter the effects of a potentially-reduced flow if Chinas dam project materialises. Environmental & social concerns Activists are concerned that the proposed dam project will displace over 300 villages belonging to the Adi tribe, threatening their way of life and cultural heritage. Activists are particularly concerned by a provision of last year’s Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act which exempts from clearance the diversion of forest land for strategic projects within 100 km from India’s borders. The Upper Siang district administration has called multiple meetings to lay the ground for a pre-feasibility survey in the area, a preliminary analysis to assess the probable cost of a project and its feasibility in a given area. The NHPC has chosen three sites along the Siang — Ugeng, Dite Dime and Parong — for its feasibility study. The NHPC has sanctioned a Rs 325 crore CSR package which will be used for the implementation of livelihood schemes, as well as the development of health, education, and sports infrastructure. Source: Indian Express HANNIBAL DIRECTIVE Syllabus Prelims – CURRENT EVENT Context: On October 7 last year, as Hamas raided southern Israel, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF)