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Case Studies

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1 Case Studies/Examples (April 2022-April 2023)

Case Studies - April 2023

General Studies-I
Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Whistling Village
• Kongthong village in Meghalaya is India’s only whistling village. Kongthong is located in the East Khasi
Hills in Meghalaya and is popular as the ‘whistling village’ due to its unique tradition of ‘Jingrwai
Lawbei’ (meaning the Song of the Clan’s First Woman) under which mothers create a tune for their
newborns. These tunes are often used as names.
• Kongthong people belong to the Seng Khasi Tribe and speak the Khasi language
Usage: This is one of the examples of unique dying traditions of India which need to be preserved. You can cite
it in the questions on the themes of Indian culture, and tribal traditions.

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India

Resolution condemning Hinduphobia
The Georgia Assembly (USA) passed a resolution condemning Hinduphobia, becoming the first state in the US
to do so. The legislation acknowledges the contributions of the American Hindu community and condemns
the “antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviours” towards Hindus that may manifest as
prejudice, fear or hatred.
What is Hinduphobia?
Hinduphobia is a term used to describe a set of attitudes and behaviours characterized by prejudice, fear,
hatred, or antagonism towards Hinduism and Hindus. It can manifest in many forms, such as discrimination,
stereotyping, and violence against individuals or communities of Hindu origin.

General Studies-II
Government Policies and Interventions for Development in
various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and
Implementation.
Odisha PVTG Nutritional Improvement Programme (OPNIP)
OPNIP is a programme to improve the nutritional status of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)
in Odisha.

Interventions:
• Community-based creches for children of age 6 months to 3 years
• Spot feeding centres for children aged 3-6 years
• Maternal spot feeding centres for pregnant & lactating mothers
• Prioritized the first 1,000 days of life when rapid growth and development take place

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Community support: Local PVTG self-help groups are entrusted with managing the OPNIP interventions, which
strengthens community ownership and empowers local PVTG women’s collectives in managing such nutrition
interventions in their community.

Himachal Pradesh Sukh Ashraya Bill 2023

Context: The Himachal Pradesh government is planning to introduce the Himachal Pradesh Sukh Ashraya
(Care, Protection and Self Reliance of Children) Bill, 2023 in the State Assembly.
Aim:
• Providing appropriate care, protection, development, and self-reliance to orphans, semi-orphans, and
specially-abled children in need.
• Provisions for clothing and festival allowance to children residing in child care and aftercare institutions,
intra or intra-state annual exposure visits for these children.
• Provide recurring deposit accounts for each child with contributions from the State government up to
the age of 27 years

Development Processes and the Development Industry —

the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations,
donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
ICCR plans to build its brand ambassador programme
• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) aims to promote India’s cultural and creative
heritage globally by using the experiences of over 48,000 foreign students studying in India as brand
ambassadors.
• ICCR will organize Exit Engagement Evenings (E-3) with foreign students in various Central and State
universities, institutes, and agricultural colleges of the country, three or four months before they finish
their courses.
• In April 2022, ICCR launched the India Alumni Portal, a platform to connect with foreign students
worldwide who have studied in India.
• Values shown: Cultural Diplomacy, Soft Diplomacy, Brand Ambassadorship, International Education,
Networking, and Alumni Engagement.
About ICCR:
• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (est. 1950; Under the Ministry of External Affairs), is an
autonomous organisation of the Government of India, involved in India’s global cultural relations,
through cultural exchange with other countries and their people.

People’s manifesto and Datajam

• Various civil society groups (The Civil Society Forum, Janaagraha and OpenCity.in) in Karnataka have
released a “people’s manifesto” in the hope that political parties will include the issues in their
manifestos for the upcoming assembly elections.
• Demands: Curbing corruption, urban governance, housing, slums, panchayat raj, agriculture, right to
food, health, education, labour issues, women’s rights, rights of the differently abled, environment,
denouncement and immediate action to halt hate politics, etc.
• Additionally, OpenCity.in, along with Janaagraha and WRI India, conducted a “datajam” to analyze
the data of Bengaluru constituencies in the context of gaps in areas such as medical facilities and

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sanitation in public schools, public transport access in certain constituencies, and voter participation.
The analysis can be useful for the MLAs who will be elected next month to know where the gaps are
that need to be addressed.

Goldman Environmental Prize

• Alessandra Korap, a Munduruku Indigenous woman from Brazil, has won the Goldman Environmental
Prize for her leadership in defending her community’s lands against illegal mining, hydroelectric dams,
and other environmental crimes.
• Korap is part of a group of Munduruku women who have taken up the responsibility of defending their
people and have overturned the traditionally all-male leadership. Munduruku is an indigenous people
of Brazil living in the Amazon River basin.
About the Prize
The Goldman Environmental Prize (est. 1989; by the Goldman Environmental Foundation) is a prize awarded
annually to grassroots environmental activists, one from each of the world’s six geographic regions: Africa,
Asia, Europe, Islands and Island Nations, North America, and South and Central America. The award is also
called the Green Nobel.

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by

the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes;
Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for
the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
Mahila Nidhi
Context: Rajasthan government has approved a proposal for giving an 8% interest subsidy on loans obtained by the
members of women’s self-help groups (SHGs) from Mahila Nidhi, the State’s first-ever women’s cooperative fund.
Formation: Mahila Nidhi was established in Jaipur in August 2022 and is operated entirely by women and acts
as a complementary body with the formal banking system.
It has been set up on the pattern of Telangana’s Stree Nidhi Credit Cooperative Federation
Fund: It disburses loans up to ₹40,000 within 48 hours and releases the credit of a higher amount within a
period of 15 days.
Success: It has significantly brought down the number of loan applications by women pending in the banks,
as they have been getting easy and adequate loans for their daily needs and self-employment from the fund.

Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social

Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human
Resources.
Himachal Pradesh Sukh Ashraya Bill 2023
Context: The Himachal Pradesh government is planning to introduce the Himachal Pradesh Sukh Ashraya
(Care, Protection and Self Reliance of Children) Bill, 2023 in the State Assembly.
Aim:
• Providing appropriate care, protection, development, and self-reliance to orphans, semi-orphans, and
specially-abled children in need.

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• Provisions for clothing and festival allowance to children residing in child care and aftercare institutions,
intra or intra-state annual exposure visits for these children.
• Provide recurring deposit accounts for each child with contributions from the State government up to
the age of 27 years

Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and

Accountability, E-governance- applications, models,
successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters,
Transparency & Accountability and institutional and other
measures.
‘Makkalai Thedi Mayor’
Chennai Mayor R. Priya will launch a new scheme called ‘Makkalai Thedi Mayor’ in the city on May 3. Under
this scheme, the Mayor will visit each of the 15 zones in the city every 15 days to meet with residents and
receive petitions relating to civic issues in the zone.
The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) already has a helpline, 1913, to resolve civic issues, and residents are
encouraged to use this helpline as well as the ‘Namma Chennai’ app to report civic issues.

‘Jana Raj Bhavan’ initiative

Kolkata Raj Bhavan, the residence of the West Bengal Governor, opened its doors to the public on the occasion
of Poila Baishak, the Bengali New Year’s Day.
The initiative taken: A heritage walk was inaugurated in collaboration with the Indian Museum, and a colourful
‘Peace Run’ was flagged off.
Usages: Similarly Rashtrapati Bhavan, home to the President of India was thrown open to the public for four
days a week in 2017. Such initiatives promote the values of openness; inspire youngsters into administration
and governance.

India and its Neighborhood- Relations.

New Delhi Declaration
Context: The two day Global Buddhist Summit 2023 concluded successfully in New Delhi today with the New
Delhi Declaration
Major outcomes of the New Delhi Declaration:
• It highlights the importance of peace, well-being, harmony, and compassion for universal peace
• The texts, doctrines and philosophy of Buddha Dhamma are the best guides for inter-faith dialogue,
harmony and universal peace.
• It calls upon all nations, organizations, and individuals to work towards creating a world free from
conflict, violence, and war, protecting the environment, promoting mindfulness and wisdom, and
preserving the sacred sites of Buddhism.
• It recommends a paradigm shift in human attitudes towards nature, with an emphasis on value
education and character building, particularly among youths.
It recognized the Buddhist pilgrimage as a living heritage that promotes spiritual growth, cultural understanding
and social harmony

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Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing

Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
ICCR plans to build its brand ambassador programme
• The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) aims to promote India’s cultural and creative
heritage globally by using the experiences of over 48,000 foreign students studying in India as brand
ambassadors.
• ICCR will organize Exit Engagement Evenings (E-3) with foreign students in various Central and State
universities, institutes, and agricultural colleges of the country, three or four months before they finish
their courses.
• In April 2022, ICCR launched the India Alumni Portal, a platform to connect with foreign students
worldwide who have studied in India.
Values shown: Cultural Diplomacy, Soft Diplomacy, Brand Ambassadorship, International Education,
Networking, and Alumni Engagement.
About ICCR:
The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (est. 1950; Under the Ministry of External Affairs), is an autonomous
organisation of the Government of India, involved in India’s global cultural relations, through cultural exchange
with other countries and their people.

General Studies-III
Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization
of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Flexible Working Hours in Tamil Nadu
The Tamil Nadu Assembly has passed the Factories (Tamil Nadu Amendment) Bill, 2023, which allows for 12-
hour working shifts for factory workers who opt for a four-day working week.
Benefits: Promoting industrial flexibility; flexibility for workers (esp. for women); Benefit industries (esp.
electronics manufacturers)
Concerns: Critics argue that 12 hours a day could lead to the exploitation of workers.

Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.

Beggars’ Corporation
Beggars’ Corporation, a Varanasi-based start-up, has received the Best Social Impact Award in the Innopreneurs
Global Startup Contest.
About Beggars’ Corporation
It is the only for-profit company in the world working towards making extremely poor people creators and
owners of wealth.
Aim: To make beggars self-sufficient by turning them into entrepreneurs through the conversion of donations
into social investments.
How does it work?
Indians donate around ₹34,242 crores annually to India’s 413,670 beggars. Beggars’ Corporation aims to use
this donated money to train beggars into employment generators and build their capacities for startups.

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Usage: This example can be used to show values of Empathy, Social Impact, Innovations, empowerment, social
responsibility etc

Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Safe City project
• Ministry of Home Affairs had in 2018 sanctioned Safe City Projects under the Nirbhaya Fund Scheme
in eight cities (including Bengaluru), which involves identifying hotspots for crime against women and
deploying infrastructure, technology, and capacity-building programs.
• Technologies deployed as part of the project: Audio-visual systems including drones, CCTV cameras
and emergency call boxes in “vulnerable” areas of the city.
Other measures: Setting up Pink Police Out-posts, Augmentation of existing Asha Jyoti Kendra, Improving
Street Lighting in Hot Spot areas; Setting up Pink Toilets; single Emergency number ‘112’; Gender sensitization
awareness campaigns.

Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications

and Effects in Everyday Life.
Barbie with Down syndrome
• Mattel, the toy company behind the iconic Barbie doll, has introduced its first Barbie representing a
person with Down syndrome. The company collaborated with the National Down Syndrome Society
(NDSS) to ensure that the doll accurately represents a person with Down syndrome.
• The company aims to increase diversity and inclusivity. Previous dolls line includes a Ken doll with a
prosthetic leg, a Barbie with hearing aids, and dolls with a skin condition called vitiligo.
Usage: The example shows respect for diversity, inclusivity, representation, and sensitivity towards people
with disabilities.

Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics,

Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to
Intellectual Property Rights.
Cellular agriculture
Context
It is a way of producing animal-based products, such as meat, milk, and eggs, without the need for raising and
slaughtering animals. Instead, these products are grown from cells in a laboratory using techniques such as
tissue engineering and fermentation.
Significance:
This technology has the potential to greatly reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture, such as
greenhouse gas emissions, land use, and water consumption.
Example:
Perfect Day, a start-up in California uses genetically-engineered fungi to produce milk proteins, such as whey
protein, without the need for cows. TurtleTree Labs in Singapore is the first company to use stem cells from
mammals to make milk in large bioreactors.

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Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation,

Environmental Impact Assessment.
Pollution Curbing Trees
Certain trees and crops that are native to India have been found to be effective in combatting air pollution,
according to a new study.
The level of Ascorbic acid in plants determines their tolerance against the adverse effect of oxidising pollutants
(the higher the ascorbic acid, the higher the tolerance)
Trees with high Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) (a tool used to assess the tolerance capacity of tree and
crop species against air pollution) value are pipal, neem, mango and crops like maise, pigeon pea and safflower.
Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) is involved in regulating photosynthesis, hormone biosynthesis, and regenerating
other antioxidants.

Kerala Adopts Water Budget

Context: Kerala became the first state to adopt a water budget, as a solution to water scarcity during summer
months to ensure equitable water distribution.
What is Water Budget?
A water budget is a tool used to manage water resources by estimating the total amount of water available in
a region and the amount of water used by different sectors.
Benefits:
• It helps in making informed decisions about water use
• Identifying areas of water scarcity
• Developing strategies for equitable water distribution.
• Create awareness about proper water use and avoiding wastage.
• Other initiatives of the Kerala government: It has revived over 15,000 kilometres of waterways in the
last few years, and local bodies are rejuvenating more ponds and streams.

City Nature Challenge

Over 30 Indian cities will participate in the City Nature Challenge, an app-based competition that encourages
people to record observations of nature. Participants can use the iNaturalist app to click and upload photos of
natural flora and fauna, and the app uses Artificial Intelligence to suggest the species name.
Significance: The event is an opportunity for citizens to use nature to reduce stress and calm anxiety, and the
data collected will be used by scientists and researchers to research different plant and animal species and
determine the biodiversity in a region.
Usage: Such examples can be used in governance and environment questions showing people’s participation
in documenting biodiversity (‘Citizen Science’); raising awareness about nature, reducing stress and promoting
a sense of well-being

India’s first environmental referendum

Ten years ago, on April 18, 2013, the Dongoria Kondhs, a vulnerable tribal group in India, won a landmark legal
battle in the Supreme Court against Vedanta Company’s plans to exploit the Niyamgiri Hill for bauxite.
What did the court say?
The court recognized the cultural, religious, and spiritual rights of the tribe on the hill and gave the Gram Sabha

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the authority to examine possible infringements on their rights due to the proposed project. The Supreme
Court ordered a referendum to be held amongst the affected Gram Sabhas to obtain consent on the project
from the community, which unanimously voted against it.
The referendum resulted in a rare registration of the Dongoria Kondhs’ claim for sovereignty, self-determination,
and territorial autonomy.
Indore-model waste treatment
The Indore-model waste treatment is a sustainable and cost-effective way of managing wet waste while
also producing clean energy. It involves the bio methanation of wet organic waste, which produces bio-
CNG (compressed natural gas) as a by-product. It has been recognized as one of the most effective waste
management models in the world and has inspired over 72 countries to replicate it.
Usage: It can also be used as an example of “Waste to Wealth”. This mitigates the issues of waste management
as well as energy security.

Materials from Plastics

Ashaya, a Pune-based firm, has created a process to extract materials from Multi-Layered Plastics (MLP) waste
and convert them into high-quality products, starting with sunglasses under the brand name Without.
Usage: It can be used as an example of “Waste to Wealth”. Also, the example values of Environmental
Responsibility, Social Responsibility and sustainability.
About Multi-Layered Plastics (MLP):
MLPs are composed of multiple layers of different materials such as plastic, aluminium, paper, and others,
which are fused together to create a barrier. They are used in various products such as food packaging, sachets,
wrappers, etc

Hikikomori
Hikikomori is a phenomenon in Japan where an estimated 1.5 million working-age people are living in isolation
and avoiding social contact. It is not recognized as a clinical diagnosis but rather a social phenomenon.
Causes: Several factors, including Japan’s highly competitive education system, extreme academic pressure,
and work culture, contribute to its high prevalence.
Treatment: Generally psychotherapeutic rather than drug-based, requiring family support, individual or group
therapy, and a healthcare practitioner, hosting social gatherings in the metaverse.

Human composting
Human composting, also known as natural organic reduction, is a process of transforming the human body into
nutrient-rich soil that has emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional burial or cremation.
Process: The process involves washing and dressing the body in a biodegradable gown, placing it in a closed
vessel along with selected materials, and leaving it to decompose for 30 days with the addition of oxygen to
speed up the process.
Advantages: The resulting soil can be used for gardening or spread in designated memorial grounds or forest
conservation areas. Human composting costs around $5,500, and is much less energy-intensive than cremation.
Opposition: The Catholic Church has been the biggest opponent of the process, calling it an “unfortunate
spiritual, emotional, and psychological distancing from the deceased.”

Mahila Nidhi
Context: Rajasthan government has approved a proposal for giving an 8% interest subsidy on loans obtained by

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the members of women’s self-help groups (SHGs) from Mahila Nidhi, the State’s first-ever women’s cooperative
fund.
Formation: Mahila Nidhi was established in Jaipur in August 2022 and is operated entirely by women and acts
as a complementary body with the formal banking system.
It has been set up on the pattern of Telangana’s Stree Nidhi Credit Cooperative Federation
Fund: It disburses loans up to ₹40,000 within 48 hours and releases the credit of a higher amount within a
period of 15 days.
Success: It has significantly brought down the number of loan applications by women pending in the banks,
as they have been getting easy and adequate loans for their daily needs and self-employment from the fund.

J&K: Give plastic, take gold

Context: Sadiwara, a village in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, has launched an innovative and eco-friendly
initiative called ‘Give Plastic and Take Gold’.
About: The schemes offer a gold coin as a reward to anyone who collects 20 quintals of plastic waste.
Impact: Within 15 days of starting the campaign, the village was declared plastic-free. The initiative has gained
popularity and has been adopted by other panchayats as well.
Values: The initiative is innovative, unique, environment-friendly, community-led and participative.

General Studies-IV
Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and
Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political
Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.
How can humans & animals exist more peacefully?
Example 1: Planting a “barrier” of crops that repel animals such as elephants. It will benefit both the animals
and local people and involve the communities concerned.
Example 2: Kenya: Tracking collars have been fitted to some elephants in a herd to inform locals about their
movements, leading to better management and fewer harmful incidents.
Example 3: India: WildSev (a mobile technology initiative) provides a user-friendly platform for farmers and
others to report wildlife conflict incidents. WildSeve responders on motorcycles provide immediate assistance.
Example 4: IUCN SSC Guidelines on Human-Wildlife Conflict and Coexistence provide a roadmap for managing
the conflict and inform the formulation of new policies and community-led action strategies for achieving
coexistence with wildlife in any context.

Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India

and World.
Life Lessons from Dalai Lama
Life Lesson Example
Practising compassion and forgiveness leads to inner peace Despite facing tremendous oppression and
violence from the Chinese government, Dalai Lama has always preached non-violence and compassion towards
his oppressors.
• Education and knowledge are powerful tools for personal growth and societal progress He himself

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is a voracious reader and has even established educational institutions in India to provide modern and
traditional education to Tibetan refugees.
• Building strong relationships and connections is essential for a fulfilling life He has formed deep
and meaningful relationships with people all over the world.
• Embracing change Dalai Lama has faced many challenges and changes in his life, including being
forced into exile, losing his country and people, and being constantly under threat. However, he has
always remained optimistic and adaptable, embracing change and looking for opportunities to grow
and progress.
• Dalai Lama believes that cultivating self-awareness and mindfulness can help us identify and overcome
negative emotions such as anger, fear, and anxiety.

Indian philosophy can guide the world

Tenet Explanation Example
• Spiritual Democracy: Rejects monopolistic approach to ways of worship and India was never a
theocratic state India’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion to all citizens
• Unity in Diversity: It has enabled India to accommodate and celebrate diversity. India’s multi-ethnic,
multi-lingual, and multi-religious society
• Confluence with Nature: Gratitude towards nature, not conquest India’s traditional practice of saluting
nature at the start of every day. India promotes sustainability
Antyodaya: Puts the last man first, considers the most deprived for distribution of the fruits of development
India’s policies and schemes for the welfare of marginalized and vulnerable communities
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: Imagines the entire world as one family, values mutual sharing and collectivism
India’s aid and assistance to countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, including vaccine diplomacy

Ram Rajya
• Perspective of Ram Rajya: Key Points
• Gandhi’s perspective: Ram Rajya means equal rights for all, including the weak and the meek. It meant
equal rights to “prince and pauper”.
• Ambedkar’s perspective: Ambedkar had a literal interpretation of Ram Rajya. He believed that Ram
upheld the Varnashrama system and killed a Dalit saint, which made Ram Rajya unjust and patriarchal.
Ambedkar was critical of Ram’s treatment of Sita
• Plato’s perspective: Plato’s panacea was ‘philosopher kings’. According to Plato, rule by a select class
of wise men is better than a democracy based on mass hysteria
• The common aspect of Gandhi’s and Ambedkar’s perspective Both Gandhi and Ambedkar argued from
a logical perspective, not from blind faith or hatred. Both highlighted the fact that a just system should
be one where the weak are protected and their voices heard.

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Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration:

Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in
Government and Private Institutions; Laws, Rules, Regulations
and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability
and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral
Values in Governance; Ethical Issues in International Relations
and Funding; Corporate Governance.
Victorian Morality
• In the ongoing case of the same-sex relationship as a marriage, Supreme Court has said that British
Victorian morality stifled the ancient all-inclusive culture of India, which accepted same-sex love. The
court corrected the government’s perspective and said that the impact of British Victorian morality
made India forsake much of its cultural ethos.
• British Victorian morality refers to a set of social and moral values that were prevalent in Britain during
the Victorian era (1837 to 1901). These values were characterized by a strict code of conduct that
emphasized sexual repression, traditional gender roles, and conservative social norms.
Hikikomori
Hikikomori is a phenomenon in Japan where an estimated 1.5 million working-age people are living in isolation
and avoiding social contact. It is not recognized as a clinical diagnosis but rather a social phenomenon.
• Causes: Several factors, including Japan’s highly competitive education system, extreme academic
pressure, and work culture, contribute to its high prevalence.
• Treatment: Generally psychotherapeutic rather than drug-based, requiring family support, individual
or group therapy, and a healthcare practitioner, hosting social gatherings in the metaverse.

Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical

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Embrace change: He left Citigroup due to the industry’s increasingly regulatory environment and lack of
innovation and has been an advocate for digital transformation at MasterCard and beyond.
Persistence pays off: Banga’s success at MasterCard was due in part to his persistence in pursuing financial
inclusion goals and new innovations. He managed to triple the company’s revenue and increase net income
six-fold during his tenure, despite facing challenges like economic downturns and industry disruption.
Swabhiman Anchal
• IAS officer R. Vineel Krishna, Special Secretary to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, recently visited
Swabhiman Anchal in Odisha’s Malkangiri district (once a bastion of left-wing extremists (LWEs)). This
was Mr Krishna’s first visit to the region after being abducted by armed cadres of the CPI (Maoist) in
February 2011.
• The region was “cut off” from three sides and was the centre of the CPI Maoist activities. However, a
slew of development projects such as:
• Gurupriya Bridge, ₹100 crores under the SETU scheme and,
• Confidence-building measures by officers like Vineel Krishna have now led to the region being completely
sanitized from Maoist influences and integration of the people into the State’s administration.

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Case Studies - March 2023

General Studies-I
Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Perumal Murugan’s novel ‘Pookkuzhi,’ or ‘Pyre’
Tamil writer Perumal Murugan’s novel ‘Pookkuzhi,’ or ‘Pyre’ in English translation, has been nominated for the
International Booker Prize 2023 longlist, making it the first Tamil novel to be nominated for the award.
Story of the Novel: The book tells the story of a young inter-caste couple who elope, exploring caste-based
violence in rural Tamil Nadu during the 1980s.
About his social work:
Murugan is a professor of Tamil literature, and his works primarily critique the caste system and its use of
oppression and violence.
Literature can be a powerful tool for change: The judges of the International Booker Prize have praised his work
for its examination of power and the rot of caste hatred and violence.
Murugan collaborated with Carnatic musician T M Krishna on a poem about manual scavengers
About IBP
The International Booker Prize (est. 2004; Presented by: Booker Prize Foundation) is awarded annually for
a novel or short story collection written in any language, translated into English and published in the UK or
Ireland.

The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important

contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Shaheed Diwas
Shaheed Diwas is observed on 23rd March every year to pay tribute to the sacrifice of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev,
and Rajguru who were executed by the British government in 1931 for mistakenly assassinating a British police
officer, John Saunders (although their target was British police superintendent, James Scott—who was involved
in the death of Lala Lajpat Rai)
The day is also known as Sarvodaya Day or Martyrs’ Day.
It is different from the Martyrs’ Day observed on 30th January, which commemorates the assassination of
Mahatma Gandhi.
• Ethical Lesson: Examples from Bhagat Singh’s Life
• Patriotism: Bhagat Singh believed in the idea of an independent, socialist India, and was willing to
sacrifice his life for the cause.
• Courage: He and his associates carried out a bombing of the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi to
protest against the repressive British regime, and then courted arrest by shouting slogans.
• Selflessness: Bhagat Singh refused to accept the offer of a job from a wealthy family in order to stay
true to his revolutionary ideals.
• Justice and Fairness: He went on a hunger strike in jail to protest the inhumane treatment of prisoners,

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and to draw attention to the cause of Indian independence.

• Integrity: When he was offered a deal by the British government to save his life in exchange for
renouncing his revolutionary ideals, he refused to accept it.

Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and

Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues,
Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
‘herSTART’
The government has launched a new platform called ‘herSTART’ to encourage and promote women
entrepreneurs.
Features:
herSTART Incubator: Startup incubator for women entrepreneurs and innovators
herSTART Accelerator: Accelerator programme for high-impact women-led startups.
A monthly allowance of up to ₹20,000 for one year for women-led start-ups.
Usage: This can be used as an example of the commitment of India to women’s entrepreneurship
‘Anmol Jeevan Abhiyan’: How a simple innovation tankas saves women’s lives in Rajasthan’s Barmer
• In Rajasthan’s Barmer district, there has been a surge in cases of women allegedly jumping to their
deaths with their children in tanks and wells following marital disputes.
• In response, the district administration, UNICEF, and Action Aid have launched the ‘Anmol Jeevan
Abhiyan’ (Precious Life Campaign), which encourages the addition of hand pumps and locked covers
to the large tanks or ‘tankas’ traditionally built for collecting rainwater in the rural areas.
• The hand pumps serve a dual purpose of preventing accidents and suicides while also providing water.
• The closure of the tankas with locked covers reduces the accessibility and prompts those with suicidal
tendencies to have second thoughts.
• A round-the-clock helpline has been established on the District Collectorate premises
• The ‘Har Din Hai Man Ka Din’ awareness programme has been introduced in schools.
• Impact: The campaign has already equipped 130 tankas in one panchayat area with hand pumps, and
the reports of suicides have gradually reduced.

Effects of Globalization on Indian society.

Global Feminist Movements
Movement: Impact
• Ni Una Menos (“Not One Woman Less”) (Argentina, 2015): It brought to light the issue of femicide
and gender violence in Argentina and other Latin American countries
• Me Too (US, 2017): It exposed the extent of sexual harassment and abuse in the entertainment industry.
It highlighted the power dynamics that allow sexual violence to continue and led to accountability for
perpetrators.
• International Women’s Strike (Global, 2017): It was a call to action for women to go on strike and
protest against the oppression of women and gender non-conforming people. It aimed to highlight the
value of women’s work and the need for gender equality in all aspects of life.
• Black Lives Matter (US, 2013): Although not exclusively a feminist movement, it addresses the
intersectional issues of racism, sexism, and violence against Black women. It highlights the need for

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racial and gender equality.

• Say Her Name (US, 2015): This movement focuses on the violence experienced by Black women,
including police brutality and sexual violence.
• Pinjra Tod (India, 2015) Pinjra Tod is a feminist collective formed by women students in Delhi in 2015
to fight against discriminatory hostel rules for women.
Impact: It had an impact on raising awareness about gender inequality and the need for systemic change.
They have also empowered women to speak out about their experiences and demand accountability for
perpetrators of violence.

General Studies-II
Government Policies and Interventions for Development in
various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and
Implementation.
Universal Basic Income scheme in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu government announced that 1 crore women, including street vendors, fisherwomen, construction
workers, and domestic helpers, will receive ₹1,000 per month as part of a Universal Basic Income scheme.
Aim of the scheme: To recognize women’s lifelong work and eradicate poverty by complementing their
livelihoods; To improve their self-respect and standard of living.
• UBI could reduce poverty by half and help women prioritize children’s education, nutrition, medical
expenses, and small businesses.
• Other countries: For a short period of time, Iran and Mongolia had universal basic income. Currently,
no countries in the world have a universal basic income.
• Values: UBI for women can promote a more just and equitable society by recognizing the value of
unpaid care work, promoting gender equality, upholding human dignity, promoting social justice, and
empowering women.
• Uttarakhand: QR code-based project to prevent littering
• The government of Uttarakhand in India is implementing a unique waste-disposal system to prevent
littering the Char Dham yatra route with plastic bottles and packets.
• Mechanism: Visitors will scan a QR code on each plastic bottle and multi-layer plastic bag and pay a
deposit over the maximum retail price, which they can claim back as a refund when they deposit the
waste at a point at the end of the yatra.
• Impact: Last year, the pilot project saved over 1.63 lakh single-use plastic bottles from entering the
fragile mountain ecosystem.
• Values shown: Environmental Responsibility; Sustainability; Social Responsibility; Respect for Culture
and Heritage; Responsible Tourism and use of technology

“Stories of Change”
• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) has launched a series called “Stories of Change,” which features 15
change-makers from the grassroots.
• Aim: To inspire people to become entrepreneurs and showcase the potential of Indian villages for
problem-solving capabilities.

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• AIM has established 15 Atal Community Innovation Centers in 9 states of India and plans to establish
50 such centres soon to serve unserved areas.

Parental leave
Spain became the first country in the world to give mothers and fathers the same parental leave: 16 weeks,
non-transferable and fully paid, in January 2021.
New research suggests that most men are taking their paternity leave, which could boost shared responsibility
for childcare.
Some companies are introducing measures to encourage male employees to take care of their children, such
as offering workshops on co-responsibility and changing business and family dynamics.
Development Processes and the Development Industry — the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and
associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Sahara— women self-help group (SHG)
Sahara, a women’s self-help group (SHG) in Amoda village, Jajangir Champa district, Chhattisgarh, has worked
for nearly 20 years to fight leprosy stigma and has now helped women become self-sufficient. The SHG has
enabled women to earn a livelihood, increased their representation in local governance, got a liquor distillery
closed down, spread awareness about their rights and invested in mushroom farming. Sahara has inspired the
formation of more than 20 other SHGs in Amoda village.

Step to make Lakhpati Didis

In a historic step to make Lakhpati Didis (Women with annual earnings of Rs. 1 lakh and more) from the Self-
Help Groups (SHGs), the Ministry of Rural Development has signed an MoU with the Ministry of Ayush to
provide training to rural youth and women in the Ayush healthcare system, aiming to empower them and
develop skilled personnel through the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY)
This step is part of the government’s efforts to empower rural women and achieve the target of having 10 crore
SHG members by 2024

Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social

Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human
Resources.
Phasing out the line, ‘math is not for a girl’
Direction: This example can be used in the essay/GS2 Social Justice/ Ethics – how to remove biases from
society.
Context: Various research has shown that the representation of females in Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics (STEM) or other math-intensive fields and careers remains far from ‘fair’ or desirable.
In recent research, a paper from the Annual Survey of Education Report (ASER) conducted across rural India
findings shows that boys outperform girls in mathematics significantly, which has been persistent over time.
The difference in reading scores, on the other hand, is negligible.
There is a considerable variation though; while in the north Indian States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya
Pradesh, boys outperform girls substantially, in south India, girls outperform boys in mathematics.

More social norms than ‘ability’

“science and maths are meant for boys and arts and humanities for girls” is reflective of the kind of stereotyping
that parents, relatives/neighbours, and even schoolteachers push.

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The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP), recognizes the existence of continued disparities across all social
groups and the need for developing interventions that enhance attendance and academic performance for
girls.
Targeted behavioural interventions can curb the gender stereotyping of “math is not for a girl” at the household,
societal, and school levels.
References to female mathematicians in textbooks, female names, and characters in word problems, and
providing exposure to female role models in STEM fields in the course curriculum are among other simple
tweaks that are worth trying and likely to be beneficial.

Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Bitumen from Husk
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that making bitumen (used for laying roads) from agricultural
waste like rice husk can save up to ₹30,000 crores annually in import bills.
Bitumen is a thick low-grade crude oil that is generally composed of asphaltene resin and is the main fossil fuel
component of oil sands. Bitumen is known for its waterproofing and adhesive properties.
Usage: The example shows the use of innovations, ways to reduce imports and less reliance on fossil fuel

Blended finance
Blended finance is a financing mechanism that combines public, private, and philanthropic funds to support
social and environmental projects.
Significance: Blended finance can help attract private capital to projects that are otherwise difficult to finance
(e.g., projects related to the fulfilment of SDGs), and help achieve social and environmental objectives while
generating financial returns for investors.
Example: Sustainable Access to Markets and Resources for Innovative Delivery of Healthcare (Samridh) is
a blended financing entity, that mobilized a capital pool of $300 million to offer grant and debt financing
provisions to healthcare enterprises and innovators during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The scheme was launched by the Indian government, USAID, The Rockefeller Foundation etc.
Usage: The example shows an innovative way to finance social and environmental projects.

GDPs Without Borders

Japanese farmers are hiring labour from India to cut and carry down Koyamaki (umbrella pines) from mountains,
due to its ageing populations.
Significance: This mutually beneficial agreement helps Japan with its worker shortages and India with its
overabundance of young farmers.
Usage: The example can be used to justify that—Creating barriers to immigration hurts both richer and poorer
countries. Facilitating a more immigrant workforce will benefit the global economy and create GDPs Without
Borders.

“Insights SECURE” SCO

‘S’ stands for Security for Citizens
‘E’ for Economic Development
‘C’ for Connectivity

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‘U’ for Unity

‘R’ for Respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Unity
‘E’ for Environment Protection.

General Studies-III
Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization
of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
GDPs Without Borders
Japanese farmers are hiring labour from India to cut and carry down Koyamaki (umbrella pines) from mountains,
due to its ageing populations.
Significance: This mutually beneficial agreement helps Japan with its worker shortages and India with its
overabundance of young farmers.
Usage: The example can be used to justify that—Creating barriers to immigration hurts both richer and poorer
countries. Facilitating a more immigrant workforce will benefit the global economy and create GDPs Without
Borders.

Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.

Book Bank initiatives for poor students
The Prime Minister has lauded the book bank initiative of Ranchi Lok Sabha MP, Shri Sanjay Seth.
Sanjay Seth, the MP of Ranchi, has opened a book bank for underprivileged students at his office in Argora in
the Jharkhand capital. The books were donated from various areas in and around Ranchi. The students can
take the books free of cost and return them after finishing their studies. Seth has also floated two landline
numbers and appealed to NGOs, academicians, writers, researchers, and even students to donate the books in
their possession at the nearest sansad samadhan kendras.
Values shown in the example: Education accessibility, Empathy and compassion, Community participation,
Volunteerism, Sustainable resource use, Responsibility and accountability

WHO India: Against hearing disability

Rizwana, a final year MBBS student at the Government Medical College Hospital, Kottayam, was born with a
hearing impairment.
However, her parents’ determination and grit made it possible for her to hear and speak normally, even though
she received cochlear implantation at the age of six.
Her story is being used by WHO India to promote early newborn screening and consistent interventions, which
can help save many hearing-impaired children from a lifetime of disability.

Major Crops - Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country,

- Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems; Storage,
Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues
and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
Inter-Village Tea Garden Cleanliness Competition
148 villages and 24 tea gardens in Assam’s Khumtai Assembly constituency are taking part in an “Inter-Village

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Tea Garden Cleanliness Competition.” ( an initiative by Local MLA)

Objective: Participating villages have to clear the plastic waste and improve cleanliness throughout the villages.
Reward: The winning gets a one-km concrete road and other cash prizes worth lakhs for developmental
activities from the MLA fund. CM of Assam will announce the winner.
The idea behind the competition is to promote rural tourism in the region, as tourist footfall is an essential part
of promoting economic growth in the area.
Usage: The example can be used to show incentives (nudging) can be a great motivator for community
improvement, cleanliness and sustainability.

Ornamental fish aquaculture to help Lakshadweep women

• The Lakshadweep islands are introducing community-based ornamental fish aquaculture to empower
women and generate income using local resources.
• Technical support from the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) helped train 77
women in ornamental fish aquaculture.
• Values that can be extracted from the example:
• Empowerment of women through community-based activities.
• Importance of sustainable economic activities in regions with limited resources.
• Use of environment-friendly techniques in aquaculture.
• Collaboration between government agencies and local communities for development.

Effects of Liberalization on the Economy, Changes in Industrial

Policy and their Effects on Industrial Growth.
Blended finance
Blended finance is a financing mechanism that combines public, private, and philanthropic funds to support
social and environmental projects.
Significance: Blended finance can help attract private capital to projects that are otherwise difficult to finance
(e.g., projects related to the fulfilment of SDGs), and help achieve social and environmental objectives while
generating financial returns for investors.
Example: Sustainable Access to Markets and Resources for Innovative Delivery of Healthcare (Samridh) is
a blended financing entity, that mobilized a capital pool of $300 million to offer grant and debt financing
provisions to healthcare enterprises and innovators during the COVID-19 pandemic.The scheme was launched
by the Indian government, USAID, The Rockefeller Foundation etc.

Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications

and Effects in Everyday Life.
Zero-dose children
Children, esp. in developing and poor countries, miss out on important vaccine shots, also known as zero-
dose (one in eight children was zero-dose — not received a vaccine of any kind )

Strategies to address this problem:

• Involving Communities in immunization and awareness: E.g. Using traditional systems such as

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community leaders, and local people from communities as immunisation vanguards and religious
structures.
• Using technology:g. Zipline, a service that uses drones to deliver vaccines in flooded and hard-to-reach
areas
• Mobile vaccination clinics: This strategy can help increase access to vaccines and reduce the burden
of travel on families.
• School-based vaccination programs: This strategy can be particularly useful for adolescents who may
be less likely to visit a healthcare provider regularly.
• Text message reminders: This strategy can help reduce missed appointments and increase vaccine
uptake.
• Social media campaigns: Social media campaigns can help reach a wide audience and engage parents
and caregivers in the vaccination process.
• Usage: The strategies can be used as solutions in questions related to Health, Low Immunization,
Vaccine resistance

Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics,

Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to
Intellectual Property Rights.
Hallucinations”: Limitations and challenges of AI chatbots
Example 1: A business Insider journalist asked ChatGPT to rewrite an article about a Jeep factory idling
production due to rising costs of electric vehicle production in the US, and ChatGPT produced a nearly perfect
piece with fake quotes from the CEO that sounded authentic.
Example 2: Chatbot Microsoft introduced to its Bing search engine was disseminating a variety of false
information about the Gap, Mexican nightlife, the musician, and Billie Eilis.
Example 3: Google introduced “Bard”. But its shares plummeted by more than $100 billion after Bard gave an
“incorrect” answer in a demonstration.
Example 4: In 2016, Microsoft apologised after a Twitter chatbot, Tay, began generating racist and sexist
messages
Example 5: Meta’s BlenderBot was telling journalists it had deleted its Facebook account after learning about
the company’s privacy scandals.
Reasons for AI chatbots giving wrong information: AI models are based on vast amounts of digital text
extracted from the internet, which can contain untruthful, biased, or outdated information.

Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation,

Environmental Impact Assessment.
Fight for Climate Justice
Definition: Climate justice means finding solutions to the climate crisis that not only reduce emissions or
protect the natural world, but that do so in a way that creates a fairer, more just and more equal world in the
process.
Example 1: The European Court of Human Rights held the first-ever public hearing addressing the duty of
states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including a case brought by the Swiss Senior Women for Climate

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Protection against Switzerland.

Example 2: UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling upon the International Court of Justice to issue
an opinion on state legal responsibilities to protect the climate system.
Example 3: IPCC released the Sixth Synthesis Report, presenting a clear roadmap to a liveable future.
Example 4: Vanuatu (a small Island nation) secured the approval of the UN to ask the International Court of
Justice (the world’s highest court) if countries can be sued under international law for failing to slow down
climate change.

An Environment of Gender Equality

Supriya Sahu, the Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Department of Environment, Climate Change,
is leading Tamil Nadu’s fight against climate change.

Sahu chairs the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC), which has three missions:
• Increase forest and tree cover
• Address climate change
• Conserve wetlands
• She believes that women bring a certain sensitivity and understanding to climate change issues and
that climate actions must benefit women.

Tamil Nadu has launched several initiatives:

• Promoting climate literacy by creating educational videos and social media posts on climate change in
the Tamil language.
• The Green Fellowship program and the Meendum Manjappai program are initiatives that aim to
empower women and provide them with opportunities to work on environmental issues and earn a
decent income
• Encouraging the use of eco-friendly shopping bags

Waste to wealth
Indian Prime Minister praised Bengaluru-based senior cardiologist, Dr Deepak Krishnamurthy and his son for
their efforts in promoting recycling and the concept of ‘waste to wealth’. Dr Krishnamurthy had shared on
social media that his son collects used sheets of paper from his notebooks and the doctor gets them bound for
rough work and practice.
Usage: Such examples can be used in Ethics/Essays to show how small actions, such as reusing paper, can make
a significant impact on waste reduction. It also symbolises that recycling and waste management are important
concepts for sustainable living.

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General Studies-IV
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity,
Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to
Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance and Compassion towards
the weaker-sections.
Story on Happiness
A sage named Narada travels to find the happiest person in the world but fails to find one until he meets a poor
farmer who is always content and happy despite his poverty.
Narada asked him to teach him how to be happy like him. The farmer then gave Narada a small bag of rice and
told him to carry it on his back and walk around the village. Narada was confused but followed the farmer’s
instructions. But the more he walked, the heavier the bag of rice became. Narada soon realized that the bag
was becoming a burden, and he was starting to feel tired and unhappy. He went back to the farmer and told
him about his experience. The farmer smiled and said, “Happiness is not about what you have or what you do.
It’s about how you carry your burdens.”
Narada understood the lesson and realized that happiness is not something that can be found outside of oneself.
It comes from within, from having faith, gratitude, and contentment, no matter what one’s circumstances may
be.

Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration:

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Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical

Basis of Governance and Probity; Information Sharing and
Transparency in Government, Right to Information, Codes of
Ethics, Codes of Conduct, Citizen’s Charters, Work Culture,
Quality of Service Delivery, Utilization of Public Funds,
Challenges of Corruption.
Abel Prize
Luis Caffarelli, a 74-year-old mathematician from Argentina, has been awarded the 2023 Abel Prize for his
contributions to regularity theory for nonlinear partial differential equations, including free-boundary problems
and the Monge-Ampère equation.
Ethical lessons we can learn from Luis Caffarelli’s life:
Persistence and perseverance: Abel faced many challenges and obstacles throughout his life, including poverty,
illness, and a lack of recognition for his work.
Intellectual honesty: Abel was known for his honesty and integrity in his work. He never claimed credit for the
work of others and always acknowledged the contributions of his colleagues and predecessors.
Creativity and innovation: Abel was a pioneer in the field of mathematics, and his work laid the foundation for
many future developments in the field.
About the Abel Prize
It was first awarded in 2003 and recognizes pioneering achievements in mathematics, named after Norwegian
mathematician Niels Henrik Abel.
The prize includes a monetary award of roughly $720,000 and a glass plaque designed by Norwegian artist
Henrik Haugan.

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Case Studies - February 2023

General Studies-I
Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
Efforts against Child Marriage
Odisha in India has been successful in reducing child marriage rates through a long-term strategy that involves:
• Tracking the absence of girls in schools and villages
• Counseling by representatives of district administration
• Linking all schemes targeting girls on a platform called ‘Advika – Every Girl is Unique.’
• Monetary incentives to vulnerable tribal groups
• Child-friendly Policing and sensitization week
• Community efforts for behavioural changes: Representatives of the panchayat, parents, and children
conduct monthly meetings in the community to discuss dropping out from school and child marriages
Usage: This can be used in Ethics (Case Studies) or as an example in the Governance/Social Justice/ Society
Questions

Global Anti-Caste Efforts

Example 1: The City Council in Seattle (USA) will vote on a law, to ban caste discrimination in employment and
housing, retail, public accommodation, and transportation.
Example 2: Institutions of higher education across the USA have added caste to their non-discrimination
policies.
Example 3: A report in Spain has recommended Spanish Government the equal treatment and opportunities
for the Roma to build a better society and eradicate Anti-Gypsy sentiments. The position of the Roma in Europe
is similar to that of the Dalits in India.

Bottom of Form
Lessons from the above examples:
• Discrimination and marginalization based on caste or ethnicity are still prevalent in various parts of the
world, including the US and Europe.
• Grassroots movements and advocacy efforts can raise awareness and drive positive change to combat
discrimination and social injustice.
• Non-discrimination policies at the institutional level can help to create a more inclusive society.

General Studies-II
Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution,
Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic
Structure.
Knowledge Republic
What is a knowledge republic?
• A “Knowledge Republic” refers to a society or community that places a high value on knowledge and

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education, and prioritizes the acquisition, dissemination, and application of knowledge as a key aspect
of its functioning and growth.
• It is a vision of a society in which
• Knowledge is freely available and accessible to all
• Individuals are empowered to pursue their own intellectual and educational goals
• India’s civilizational heritage: Indian civilization always revered knowledge. E.g., India’s richness of
languages, the vastness of scriptures, and the ancient universities.

Benefits of India Pursuing ‘Knowledge Republic’:

• The pursuit of knowledge and education can lead to greater innovation, economic growth, and social
progress.
• India’s young demographic profile presents a huge potential for becoming a ‘Knowledge Republic’
• Knowledge Republic is important
• In maintaining trust
• Promoting equitable access to knowledge
• Ensuring that the acquisition and dissemination of knowledge is done in a responsible and sustainable
manner

What should be done to make India a “knowledge republic”?

• Make the domestic environment competitive for research and innovation
• Inculcate knowledge in governance: Indian society’s reverence for knowledge should be acknowledged
and leveraged in policymaking and nation-building.
• Quote: “In a Knowledge Republic, education is the currency, and knowledge is the wealth that fuels
progress.”
Related Philosopher: Greek philosopher Socrates believed that the pursuit of knowledge was the highest
calling of the individual, and that ignorance was the root of all evil.

Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act.

Data point: Electorates in India
• India has witnessed a nearly six-fold increase in the total number of voters since 1951 to over 94.50
crores this year
• In the last Lok Sabha polls voter turnout was over 67 percent – the highest ever, as well as the highest
ever participation by women voters
• Missing Voters (almost 33%): Mostly people from urban areas, youth, and migrants
• In 1951, India had 17.32 crore registered electors and nearly 45% had turned up to exercise their
franchise.

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Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by

the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes;
Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for
the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
Andhra’s Guaranteed Pension Scheme model
• The issue with the New Pension Scheme: Employees who joined service post January 2004, and are
part of the New Pension System have their contributions defined, but benefits depend on the market.
On the other hand, the old pension scheme is fiscally unsustainable
In the Andhra Pradesh model: This model is it combines the elements of both the OPS (defined benefit) and
the NPS (defined contribution). It gives two options to employees:
Option 1: Employees can get a guaranteed pension of 33 percent of their last drawn salary if they contribute
10 percent of their basic salary every month which is matched by a 10 percent contribution by the state
government.
Option 2: Employees can get a guaranteed pension of 40 percent of their last drawn salary if they are willing to
contribute a higher 14 percent of their salary every month, which will be matched by a 14 percent government
contribution.

Anubhuti Inclusive Park

• Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways laid the Foundation Stone of the world’s largest and
unique Divyang Park – Anubhuti Inclusive Park in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
• Features of the park: Facilities for all 21 types of disabilities, such as a touch and smell garden, hydrotherapy
unit, water therapy, and independent room for mentally challenged children, and mothers.
Vision: To build an inclusive society, with the aim of showing empathy instead of sympathy towards persons
with disabilities. to give the disabled the right to live with dignity.
Usage: The park aims to set an example of empathy, respect and dignity towards people with disabilities, while
also catering to the needs of the general public and different age groups.

Strawberry Farming
• Farmers belonging to the Chuktia Bhunjia tribe (a PVTG) in Sunabeda, Odisha (in the tropical
deciduous forest of the Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary) have successfully cultivated strawberries as
part of a government-sponsored program.
• Thanks to a climate similar to that of Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra, where 80% of India’s strawberries
are produced, farmers in Sunabeda have been able to cultivate strawberries that bear fruit continuously.
TRIFED is marketing tribal products in the Aadi Mahotsav through its outlet TRIBES India. Aadi Mahotsav is
a national tribal festival promoted by TRIFED (under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs)
Kutirs: Huts of knowledge
• The tribal villages in Nayagarh district, Odisha have set up kutirs or small huts at the edge of the
forested areas where women of the villages meet once a month to:
• Share their knowledge on how their families have benefited from the forest resources
• Discuss how to best protect the forest
• Educate the residents, particularly youth, on how to sustainably manage herbs, shrubs, and fuelwood.
• Impact: The five villages that set up kutirs applied for community rights and community forest resource
rights and three of them received both titles in November 2021.

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Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social

Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human
Resources.
Taanvi Arekapudi: “Uplift Teens Today”
• Taanvi Arekapudi, a 13-year-old girl from Andhra Pradesh, has penned a book sharing her own mental
health coping strategies from a teenager’s perspective. She faced emotional upheavals when her
family moved from Ireland to the United States.

Ethical lessons from her life:

• Importance of family support and open conversations in dealing with mental health issues: Taanvi’s
parents and sister were there for her when she needed them
• Value of empathy and understanding in helping people
• Taking action and making a positive difference in the world: Taanvi started a ‘Think Positive’ club in her
school and founded the Empowerment Club, providing a space for young people to talk and support
each other in coping with mental health issues
• Importance of resilience and overcoming challenges
Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and Accountability, E-governance- applications, models,
successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters, Transparency & Accountability and institutional and
other measures.

Jadui Pitara
• ‘Jadui Pitara’ -a play-based learning-teaching material tailored for children between the age group of
3-8 years
• Developed under the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (part of the
implementation of the New Education Policy 2020)
• Available in 13 Indian languages
• Includes playbooks, toys, puzzles, posters, flashcards, storybooks, and worksheets that reflect local
culture and social contexts.

Aim:
• Accommodate the diverse needs of learners and pique curiosity
• Making the learning-teaching environment more child-centric, lively, and joyful

Important International Institutions, agencies and fora - their

Structure, Mandate.
First Future Generations Commissioner in the world
Sophie Howe, the first Future Generations Commissioner in the world, has been tasked with protecting the
interests of future generations in Wales (UK), advising the government on long-term thinking and climate
change.
Her role:
She will represent those who will be born in the coming decades and centuries.
• Although there is no obligation to follow the commissioner’s recommendations, public bodies must

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respond and explain why they are not following them

• The wellbeing of future generations act passed by the Welsh government in 2015, requires all public
bodies to demonstrate how their decisions support sustainability, without compromising the needs of
future generations.
• The idea of having a future generations commissioner is spreading, and Gibraltar now has a similar
commissioner, with bills being developed in the UK, Irish and Scottish parliaments. The UN also plans
to appoint one.
• Usage: The fact can be used to show the need to take innovative steps for including sustainability in
our development and attain ‘Climate Justice’ for the future generation

General Studies-III
Major Crops - Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country,
- Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems; Storage,
Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues
and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
Integrated rice-fish farming
Context: The Apatanis (one of the major ethnic groups of the eastern Himalayas), practise integrated rice-fish
farming (rice and fish are grown together)
• These farmers have been practicing integrated rice-fish farming in their mountain terraces of Arunachal
Pradesh since the 1960s.
• This integrated rice-fish cultivation is a low-input and eco-friendly practice
• Azolla and Lemna are also grown in the field water as nitrogen fixers
• Fish enhances rice productivity (by 10-15 percent) by controlling the growth of algae, weeds, and
insects, providing nutrient input through fish excreta, and promoting tillering of the rice through the
movement of fish inside the field.
• Further, the mineralization of organic matter, puddling of mud, and soil aeration by other benthos
enhance rice yield here.
• Usage: It can be used to show traditional eco-friendly organic agriculture practices.

Related Information:
• Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh lives at Ziro, the headquarters of the lower Subansiri district
• They speak a local language called Taniand to worship the sun and the moon.
• They follow a sustainable social forestry system.
• The major festivals of Apatanis are the Myoko, Dree, Yapung and Murung.
• Apatani Plateau has a climate ranging from humid subtropical to temperate
• In 2021, the GI tag for the Arunachal Pradesh Apatani textile product was sought

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Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications

and Effects in Everyday Life.
Bendable Concrete
• Engineers are developing CO2-infused concrete that sequesters greenhouse gases and is stronger, and
even bendable.
• In the USA, states like New York and New Jersey are promoting policies for the use of such concretes.
• Issues with Concrete:
• Cement production accounts for 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
• Concrete is one of the most-used resources on Earth, with an estimated 26 billion tons produced
annually worldwide. It has a high carbon footprint.

What is Bendable Concrete?

• Unlike conventional concrete, bendable concrete can bend under pressure without rupturing.
• Bendable concrete makes infrastructure safer, extends its service life, and reduces maintenance costs
and resource use.

Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics,

Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to
Intellectual Property Rights.
Microsoft’s Project ELLORA
• It is an initiative to bring ‘rare’ Indian languages such as Gondi, and Mundari online. Under the project,
researchers are building digital resources of the languages, so as to preserve them.
• Microsoft launched Project ELLORA or Enabling Low Resource Languages in 2015.
• Researchers are taking the help of AI and the local community in the data collection process, researchers
hope to create a dataset that is both accurate and culturally relevant.

8R Ethical guidelines for use of Traditional Knowledge

A group of experts has proposed a set of ethical guidelines to guide practices on the use of traditional indigenous
medicines and knowledge.
Current Issues: Cultural appropriation, traditional indigenous medicine is not widely protected by law, there
is no mechanism to provide reparation and share benefits with indigenous communities, USA is not part of
CBD and ABS.
• 8R principles: Respectful, Reverence, Relevant, Regulation, Reparation, Reconciliation, Responsibility,
Restoration
• As of 2022, only the constitutions of Bolivia and Ecuador include regulations specific to Indigenous
traditional medicine
• CBD’s Nagoya Protocol on Access and benefit-sharing (ABS): It mentions indigenous rights to the use
and development of their traditional medicines and related practices
• Mnemonic to remember 8R “Respectful Reverence requires Relevant Regulation, Reparation, and
Reconciliation with Responsibility for Restoration.”

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Related News:
Recently, Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO) has been granted access to CSIR ‘s database on the Indian
traditional knowledge Digital Library (TKDL). TKDL was established in 2001. It prevents the misappropriation of
the country’s traditional medicinal knowledge through patenting (against bio-piracy).
Bio-Engineering to Fight Climate Change
• Living Carbon, a San Francisco-based biotech firm, has planted genetically modified (GM) poplar trees
that grow wood at a much faster rate and absorb more CO2 than normal trees.
• The company used a technique known as the gene gun method to insert foreign genes into the trees’
chromosomes.
• Threats: Critics have warned they could be a “growing threat” to forests biodiversity, and the
government has allowed the trees to evade regulation.
• To date, the only country where large numbers of GM trees have been planted in China
Usage: This example can be used to show innovative techniques to sequester carbon, but it can also be used
to show ethical, environmental, and regulatory issues with the bio-engineering of plants.

Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation,

Environmental Impact Assessment.
Saving Endangered Wildlife
• Australian Conservation biologist Matt Stephens invented the Hollowhog tool to create new homes for
Australia’s endangered wildlife in the forested Sun Valley (Australia).
• Australia’s fauna is losing habitat due to logging and bushfires, which affects hundreds of threatened
animal species that live in the hollows of trees.
• A hollow carved by the tungsten blade of a Hollowhog tool can create a hollow in less than an hour
that can last for hundreds of years.

Saving the Maldives from sea level rise

• Low-lying island countries like Maldives are threatened by sea level rise. A new study has shown that
raising the height of low-lying island countries, like the Maldives, to cope with sea-level rise is an
efficient approach to prevent the loss of culture, identity, integration, and livelihoods brought on by
relocation to other countries
• The use of simple engineering techniques, such as elevating islands threatened by submergence and
creating new islands where people can be moved, can help small island nations like the Maldives.
• The report suggests that the entire population of the Maldives could live on just two elevated islands
to withstand sea-level rise.
• Usage: It can be used as an innovative solution for saving the low-lying Island nation from being
submerged due to sea level rise.

Telangana government’s green initiatives

Telangana Ku Haritha Hāram (the green garland of Telangana): Telangana has replanted 9.65 lakh acres (in
2022), 13 lakh acres of forest have been “rejuvenated” and it has developed 109 urban forests.
Awards:
Hyderabad city won Arbor Day Foundation’s ‘Tree City of the World’
• Hyderabad won ‘World Green City’ by the International Association of Horticulture Producers (IAHP)
• Hyderabad city hosts the country’s largest Miyawaki forest

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Issues:
• Environmental advocates say they have seen the steady loss of tree cover. E.g. the cutting and
translocation of trees for the Hyderabad E-Prix have also illustrated the conflict between green
initiatives and so-called development.
• Encroachments into forest lands by the indigenous people
“Hyderabad City is demonstrating leadership in the management of its urban trees through efforts to plant,
nurture, and celebrate trees, development of urban and peri-urban forestry actions, and commitment to
building a healthy city now and for the future”- Arbor Foundation

Examples of Sustainability
Example 1: Mud Brick Home
• Jegatheesan A, a civil engineer from Tamil Nadu, India, built a mud brick home called ‘Thaimann Veedu’
which means mother earth in Tamil, to preserve traditional mud houses and showcase their strength
as a building material.
• He used recycled materials such as wood and metals for the construction of his sustainable home.
• The house is designed to keep it cooler in summer and warmer in winter, with breathable walls that
minimize the usage of ACs or fans.
• The house also has a 20,000-litre rainwater harvesting tank, a terrace garden, and an oxide floor.
• Maximum use of Natural light, hence reducing the cost of electricity bills to as low as Rs 20 or Rs 30
every two months.
• The 1,000 sqft two-storied house is made without cutting even a single tree, and all the window
frames, doors, etc are made from reused wood.
Example 2: Packaging
• Global beverage brand Pernod Ricard in India announced in May 2022, the removal of permanent
mono-cartons from their packaging.
• They have launched an environment-first campaign #OneForOurPlanet that is inspiring consumers to
make eco-conscious purchase decisions about Biodegradable packaging or no packaging
• Usage: Both examples can be used for sustainable living and recycling.

Water-Sensitive Cities Framework

Issues: There is a crisis of water supply, wastewater, and stormwater management in urban areas, especially in
the global south, due to inequity in urban settlements.
How to make our urban areas’ water secure in a just and inclusive way?
• Water conservation, groundwater recharge and decentralised non-sewered septage treatment systems
need to be prioritised in planned settlements in a city
• Cities commit to a “Just and Equitable Access, Use, Reuse” of water supply to sewerage/septage and
stormwater management.
• ‘Design thinking’: It assumes that cities need more green-blue infrastructure and not grey infrastructure,
coupled with smart urban design elements.
• Integration of water planning and city planningg., Building roads and drains as per hydrogeography of
a place
• Green places as recharge areasg., Parks, and open spaces.
• Reuse of adequately treated wastewater for irrigation purposes

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• Water Sensitive Urban Design and Planning (WSUDP): WSUDP aims at combining groundwater
recharge besides several accompanying measures that reduce runoff and increase infiltration.
• It integrates urban water cycle, water supply, wastewater, stormwater and groundwater management
with spatial and urban design.
Clean champions: This Himachal couple trains teachers and students to promote sustainable living practices
• Shruti and Abhishek Taneja founded EarthJust Ecosystems, a non-profit in Solan, Himachal Pradesh, to
promote sustainable living practices through workshops, seminars and other campaigns.
• Aim: They aim to create communities that do not contribute to landfills and treat waste generated
using simple techniques.
Work:
• They promote environment-friendly practices in schools.
• Training: EarthJust trained more than 110 teachers and over 350 students in sustainable practices
across Solan district in 2020
• They also hold “mushroom walks” (to help students learn about the environment) and have opened a
sustainability center in Ser Jaga’s village, Sirmaur district.

Disaster and Disaster Management.

Bendable Concrete
• Engineers are developing CO2-infused concrete that sequesters greenhouse gases and is stronger, and
even bendable.
• In the USA, states like New York and New Jersey are promoting policies for use of such concretes.
• Issues with Concrete:
• Cement production accounts for 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
• Concrete is one of the most-used resources on Earth, with an estimated 26 billion tons produced
annually worldwide. It has a high carbon footprint.

What is Bendable Concrete?

General Studies-IV
Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India
and World.
Quotes on Life:
• Gandhi- “ Life and death are but phases of the same thing, the reverse, and obverse of the same
coin. Death is necessary for man’s growth as life itself is. “
• Rabindra Nath Tagore: “ Let life be beautiful like summer flowers and death be like autumn leaves
Usage: The quotes can be used to show the continuum of life and death in a philosophical essay. Death is as
necessary as life is. It is said that ” Live life so completely that when death comes to you like a thief in the
night, there will be nothing left for him to steal. ”These are various perspectives about life and death

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Case Studies - January 2023

General Studies-I
Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth
century until the present- significant events, personalities,
issues.
205TH ANNIVERSAY OF BHIMA KOREGAON BATTLE
Police security was beefed up around the ‘Jaystambh’ and in the surrounding villages for maintaining law and
order, during the January 1 programme, marking the 205th anniversary of the Battle of Koregaon Bhima.
About the Battle of Koregaon Bhima
• The Battle of Bhima-Koregaon fought on 1st January, 1818, was one of the last battles of the Third
Anglo-Maratha War which culminated in the Peshwa’s defeat and marked an important phase of
Maratha history.
• As per the narrative of Ambedkarite Dalits, a British Army comprising 500 Mahar (Scheduled
community) soldiers defeated a 25,000 strong force of Peshwas (who were upper caste Brahmins) in
the Battle of Koregaon Bhima.
• The battle attained a legendary stature for Dalits and became a symbol of pride, as it became to be seen
as the “war for freedom” and victory against casteism and injustices perpetuated by the Brahminical
Peshwas.
• A pillar, known as Vijay Sthamb (victory pillar), was installed by the East India Company in memory of
those who fought for them in the battle.
• Dr Ambedkar visited the Vijay Stambh on January 1, 1927, as a part of the historic anti-British movement
against the ban on the recruitment of the then untouchables in the British Army.
• This resulted in initiation of an annual tradition to commemorate the occasion on January 1, where the
Dalits gather at Bhima Koregaon to pay their respect at the Vijay Sthamb.
• In 2018, incidents of violent clashes between Dalit and Maratha groups were registered during the
celebration of the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle. The bolstering of security is to
avoid any such clashes.

Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes,

Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features
and their location-changes in critical geographical features
(including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna
and the effects of such changes.
JOSHIMATH: THE SINKING LAND
Background:
• Joshimath, a Himalayan town in Uttarakhand is facing a crisis of subsidence of land leading to cracks in
houses and infrastructures. This has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of families in the region.
• A 2019 study, The Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment, by International Centre for Integrated Mountain

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Development (ICIMOD) has found tourism as a major reason for the current crisis in the Hindu-Kush
Himalayan (HKH) region.
How is tourism responsible for the HKH region crisis?
The report by ICIMOD considers the burgeoning Tourism as a major reason for poorly planned or unplanned
development such as
• Haphazard development of tourism infrastructure such as recreational facilities, guest houses, camping
sites, and restaurants negatively impact the mountain environment significantly.
• Unbridled footprint in the ecologically sensitive area
• Inadequate solid waste management
• Air pollution due to heavy influx of tourist vehicles
• Unsustainable use of water resources as seen in Ladakh, a water deficit area, where the locals consumed
75 litres of water per day witnessed tourists consuming 100 litres per day.
• What are the ethical issues involved in the Joshimath Tragedy?
• Environment versus Development debate where large hydroelectric plants are constructed jeopardising
the ecological stability of the region.
• Rights of residents of the region have been affected as they are forced to migrate out of their ancestral
habitat.
• Irresponsible tourist behaviour leading to over-exploitation and inequitable distribution of resources.

General Studies-II
Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and
the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government;
Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their
Role in the Polity.
Officials will face action for razing houses, Assam govt tells HC
Context: The Assam government assured the Gauhati high court that appropriate action will be taken against
officials involved in demolishing the houses of people accused of burning a police station in Nagaon district in
May last year.
Background:
• The high court had filed a Suo-motu public interest litigation (PIL) in connection with the razing of
houses of five people.
• These people allegedly set the Batadrava police station on fire on May 21 after the death of a person
in custody.
• The government assurance came after the high court pulled up the police in November last year for
taking “illegal action”.
• Similar incidents:
• Earlier, the Assam police razed three madrasas in August last year following arrests of people connected
to them for alleged jihadi activities.
• Reason given for these demolitions:

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• Official orders for the demolitions stated that the buildings were structurally vulnerable and not safe
for human habitation, and were constructed on government land without permission or had illegal
electricity connection.
• Issue involved:
• There is no criminal law that allows the police to uproot a person or use a bulldozer without a court
warrant in order to investigate a crime.
• The SP requires permission to dig up or bulldoze a house. Only because they head police department,
they can’t break anybody’s house.

Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social

Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human
Resources.
Kollam is India’s first Constitution literate district:
• Kollam district in the Indian state of Kerala has been declared as the first “constitution literate district”
in India.
• The declaration was made by the ‘Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority’ (KSLMA).
• The district has been declared “constitution literate” because of the high number of people who
participated in the “constitution literacy” program run by the KSLMA.
How it was done?
• A Constitution literacy campaign was jointly launched by the Kollam district panchayat, District Planning
Committee and Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA).
• As part of the campaign, the Preamble of the Constitution was distributed in all households and
installed at government, quasi-government and private institutions and schools.
• 7-month drive: During the seven-month campaign, the senators visited schools, offices, auto stands
and tribal councils to spread awareness.
• 2,200 trainees: As part of the ambitious campaign, around 16.3 lakh people in the district above
the age of 10 have been educated on various aspects of the Constitution and the strenuous process
involved 2,200 trainers called ‘senators’.
Significance:
• Constitutional values should be integrated with life and read through the lens of fraternity.
• Dissemination of Constitutional values is important for its smooth functioning.

Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and

Accountability, E-governance- applications, models,
successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters,
Transparency & Accountability and institutional and other
measures.
A step towards fighting corruption
The December 2022 Supreme Court judgment in the case of Neeraj Dutta v. State (Govt. of NCT of Delhi)
lowered the bar for the quantum of evidence required to convict persons charged with corruption in India.

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Impact of the judgment:

• The judgment has been hailed by those who desire probity in public administration and demand
deterrent penalties for criminal activities.
• The judgment debunks the myth that absolute proof of guilt alone can help convict an offender, and
sets the standard of “preponderance of probability” as the yardstick for determining guilt.
• The judgment also allows for the acceptance of circumstantial evidence as sufficient for conviction,
even if prosecution witnesses turn hostile or are not traceable.
Challenges to combating corruption:
• There are two aspects to the fight against corruption: The severity of the law and its application, and
the strength of public opinion that would help carry forward the campaign for a clean public life.
• There is often a demand for harsher penalties for criminal behavior, but this can lead to higher quantum
of proof required by courts to be convinced of guilt.
• There is also a nexus between offenders and victims, and the role of political corruption in facilitating
corruption among public servants.
Role of public opinion:
• Public opinions are important in the fight against corruption.
• There is a need for a concerted effort by the media, civil society, and individuals to create a culture of
intolerance towards corruption.
• The corrupt can be deterred only if the public is convinced that the corrupt will be punished, and this
can be achieved through a continuous campaign against corruption.
• Need for stronger laws and their implementation:
• There is a need for stronger laws to combat corruption, and for their effective implementation.
• Laws should be targeted at specific areas of corruption, such as electoral corruption, corruption in
public procurement, and corruption in the granting of licenses and approvals.
• There should be a greater focus on preventing corruption, rather than just punishing it after the fact.
• There is the need for creation of independent and empowered agencies to investigate and prosecute
corruption cases, and for the protection of whistle-blowers and witnesses.

Role of Civil Services in a Democracy.

REWARDING GOOD GOVERNANCE
Background
In the 1992 report entitled “Governance and Development”, the World Bank defined Good Governance as
“the manner in which power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources
for development”. Indian Express Excellence in Governance Award is presented to Civil servants for their
contribution to good governance at the grassroots level.
About
• The Excellence in Governance Award is given across categories such as Agriculture, Disaster
Management, E-Governance, Energy, Gender and Inclusion, Healthcare, etc.
• Excellence in governance in ‘Agriculture’:
• Vishal Singh was declared the best district magistrate.
• He successfully implemented a micro-irrigation project in six remote villages in Malkangiri district,

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affected by the Maoist menace.

• The project, benefitted more than 300 farmers who are now able to grow a second crop and increase
their household income by 60 percent.
• Excellence in governance in ‘Gender and Inclusion’:
• Chanchal Rana won the award for the best district magistrate.
• He successfully implemented the Sweekruti Scheme which aims to offer dignity, inclusion, and
livelihood to the transgender community and make all social security schemes accessible to them.
• Excellence in governance in ‘Healthcare’:
• Krishnanunni H, District Collector of Erode in Tamil Nadu, won the award
• He connected a remote tribal hamlet to the nearest healthcare facility using a 5 GHz wireless system.
He started a telehealth facility at a school in the hamlet using 100 Mbps uninterrupted WiFi.

General Studies-III
Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Multiple dimensions of risks and accidents on Indian roads
Context:
• The various aspects of hazards and accidents on Indian roads are highlighted by recent traffic accidents
in Delhi, Uttarakhand, and Tamil Nadu.
• 5 lakh people died as a result of one-third of the 4. 1 lakh road accidents that were recorded in 2021.
In another third of the collisions, there were serious injuries.
What actions are necessary to lower accidents on Indian roads?
Additional duty: Organizations like NHAI and state public works departments should be given the obligation
of maintaining not only major highways but also subpar conditions such as potholes, inadequate signage, and
poorly constructed roads.
Encourage Samaritan efforts: The government should provide incentives for people to quickly transport
patients to hospitals and pay hospitals for emergency trauma care.
Implementing electronic monitoring: The 2019 amendments to the Motor Vehicles Act gave state governments
the authority to monitor roads electronically using tools including speed cameras, CCTV cameras, speed guns,
body worn cameras, and more. investing in such technology.

Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications

and Effects in Everyday Life.
How bad is the problem of antibiotic resistance, and how to solve it?
Context:
Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem that poses a significant threat to public health. It occurs when
bacteria evolve to become resistant to the drugs that were once able to kill them. This means that infections
that were once easily treatable can now become life-threatening.
Background:
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria,
making it a pressing ethical issue.

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The Problem:
• Antibiotic resistance is a significant public health issue that can lead to increased morbidity and mortality.
It can also lead to longer hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and a decrease in the effectiveness
of medical procedures that rely on antibiotics, such as organ transplants and chemotherapy.
• Furthermore, the lack of new antibiotics being developed to replace those that have become ineffective
is a major concern, as it leaves healthcare professionals with fewer treatment options.
Ethical Implications:
• The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria,
which is a significant ethical issue. The ethical implications include:
• Access to healthcare: Antibiotic resistance can lead to increased morbidity and mortality, making it
difficult for individuals to access healthcare.
• Fair distribution of resources: The increased healthcare costs associated with antibiotic resistance can
put a strain on healthcare resources, leading to a fair distribution of those resources.
• Social justice: Antibiotic resistance can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as the
elderly, children, and people with compromised immune systems, leading to a lack of social justice.
Solutions:
• To address the problem of antibiotic resistance, a multi-faceted approach is needed. Some potential
solutions include:
• Reducing antibiotic use: This can be done by prescribing antibiotics only when necessary and for the
appropriate duration.
• Developing new antibiotics: Funding for research and development of new antibiotics needs to be
increased to combat antibiotic resistance.
• Improving infection control: Implementing infection control measures, such as hand hygiene and
infection prevention protocols, can help to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
• Education and awareness: Educating healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public about
the appropriate use of antibiotics can help to reduce their overuse and misuse.

Various Security Forces and Agencies and their Mandate.

The Use of Facial Recognition Technology by Law Enforcement Agencies:
Context:
• Police in Brazil want to use facial recognition technology to identify the rioters who attacked government
buildings, even though experts have warned of racial profiling risks.
• Facial recognition technology is a tool that uses algorithms to match facial features to a database of
images, with the goal of identifying a person.
Law enforcement agencies around the world have begun using facial recognition technology to assist in
investigations and to identify suspects in crimes.
The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies has raised ethical concerns, particularly
in relation to privacy, bias, and accuracy.
Issues:
• Privacy: The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies raises concerns about
privacy and civil liberties, as it allows law enforcement agencies to collect and store vast amounts of

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personal data on individuals.

• Bias: There have been concerns that facial recognition technology is biased, particularly against people
of color and women. This is due to the fact that the technology is often trained on data sets that are
not diverse, leading to inaccurate results.
• Accuracy: There have also been concerns about the accuracy of facial recognition technology, as it has
been known to produce false positives and false negatives.

Arguments for the use of Facial Recognition Technology:

• Law enforcement agencies argue that facial recognition technology is a valuable tool that can assist in
investigations and can help to identify suspects in crimes.
• They also argue that the use of facial recognition technology can help to increase public safety and
reduce crime.
• Arguments against the use of Facial Recognition Technology:
• Civil liberties and privacy advocates argue that the use of facial recognition technology by law
enforcement agencies is a violation of privacy and civil liberties.
• They also argue that the technology is biased and inaccurate, and that it is being used in a way that
disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
Ethical concerns:
• The use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies raises ethical concerns,
particularly in relation to privacy, bias, and accuracy.
• While law enforcement agencies argue that the technology is a valuable tool that can assist in
investigations and increase public safety, civil liberties and privacy advocates argue that the technology
is a violation of privacy and civil liberties, and that it is being used in a way that disproportionately
affects marginalized communities.

Need of the hour:

• It is important for policymakers and law enforcement agencies to consider these ethical concerns and
to ensure that the use of facial recognition technology is done in a responsible and ethical manner.

Over the borderline: On paying special attention to development of border villages

Recently, the union home minister said that borders could be permanently secured only when border villages
are populated by patriotic citizens who are concerned for the country. The Government of India is paying
special attention to the development of border villages, especially from a security perspective.
Scheme for border villages:
The Government has announced the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) in the 2022 Budget, to promote
development and communication in border villages.
Highlights of the scheme:
• The VVP envisages coverage of border villages on the Northern border having sparse population,
limited connectivity and infrastructure, which often get left out from the development gains.
• The scheme is for funding development of “border villages with sparse population, limited connectivity
and infrastructure (that) often get left out from the development gains.
• VVP includes building infrastructure such as housing, tourist centers, road connectivity, providing
decentralized renewable energy, direct-to-home access for Doordarshan and educational channels,

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and support for livelihood generation.

• The programme envisages coverage of border villages on the Northern border having sparse population,
limited connectivity and infrastructure, which often get left out from the development gains.
Current status of the programme:
• One year after it was announced, there is little clarity on the details of VVP, including on the question
of whether it will cover all border areas or only the northern border with China as mentioned in the
Budget.
• The MHA recently informed a Parliamentary Standing Committee that the budget provisions for the
programme have been sent to the Expenditure Finance Committee for its approval.
• Need for:
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the scheme signified the government’s “holistic approach” to
ensure that these villages have all facilities.
• Holding border areas close to the rest of the country is a dynamic challenge and requires a sensitive
approach.
• Borders divide people of shared ethnic and cultural heritage, who are unmoved by rivalries of nations
that animate strategists. They should not be challenged to be the vanguards of patriotism.

General Studies-IV
Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and
Consequences of Ethics in - Human Actions; Dimensions of
Ethics; Ethics - in Private and Public Relationships. Human
Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great
Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of Family Society
and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.
‘Unprofessional’: DGCA pulls up Air India over urination case, issues notices
Context:
India’s aviation regulator pulled up Air India, saying its handling of the incident where a passenger urinated
on a woman on-board a New York-Delhi flight appears to have been “unprofessional”, “devoid of empathy”,
reflected “systemic failures”, and smacked of “dereliction of duty”.
Background:
• After the incident, air India has constituted an internal committee to probe lapses on part of the
airline’s crew and “address the deficiencies that delayed quick redressal of the situation.”
Issues involved:
• The crew allegedly did not act promptly enough to make the situation comfortable for the latter.
• The conduct of the concerned airline appears to be unprofessional and has led to a systemic failure.
• Prima facie it lacks appreciation of regulatory obligations as described in applicable Aircraft Rules 1937,
Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) and is devoid of empathy.

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Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India

and World.
Major teachings of Swami Vivekananda
12th January:
• National Youth Day is also known as Rashtriya Yuva Diwas and is celebrated on the birth anniversary
of Swami Vivekananda.
• Swami Vivekananda was a great social reformer of the 19th century. He was a devote follower of
Vedanta.
Some teachings of Swami Vivekanand:
Tolerance: If humans are to thrive and prosper, they need to tolerate the diversified views and strive for the
prosperity of all.
Right Education: He redefined the concept of education which was not limited to exploring means of earning
only. For him education was a way to build one’s character, strength, intellect etc.
Strength: Whether it’s personal goals or professional goals, a person needs to be fearless and firm to achieve
them.
Compassion for Weaker Sections: It emphasizes the need to have empathy and compassion for the weaker
sections of the society.
Religion: He argued in favour of religious reforms. He stressed that rationality must be applied to root out evils
in religion. His meaning of religion had no place for superstitions, unending rituals and practices and religion
that was adrift of spiritual content.
Fraternity: Swami Vivekananda focuses on the values like Love, Patience, Perseverance in one’s life. This would
increase the brotherhood and fraternity among the people, reduce conflicts among them and would bind the
society as a whole.
Relevance today:
• Swami Vivekanand emphasized the importance of self-confidence and self-reliance in the youth.
• He promoted the idea of universal brotherhood and the belief that the world is one family.
• He believed that lack of education is the root of all problems in India, and advocated for education to
be accessible to all sections of society, not just the upper class.
• He believed that education should not be limited to career-oriented, but also focus on the overall
development of an individual.
• He advocated for women’s education and empowerment, and believed that it would lead to greater
development of society as a whole.
• He emphasized the importance of martial arts training for women, so that they could defend
themselves.
• His teachings are still relevant today in addressing issues such as sexual crimes against women and the
dropout rate of girls from school.

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Public/Civil Service Values and Ethics in Public Administration:

Status and Problems; Ethical Concerns and Dilemmas in
Government and Private Institutions; Laws, Rules, Regulations
and Conscience as Sources of Ethical Guidance; Accountability
and Ethical Governance; Strengthening of Ethical and Moral
Values in Governance; Ethical Issues in International Relations
and Funding; Corporate Governance.
Uttarakhand High Court directed the Railway and the local authorities to remove
encroachments after giving a week’s notice to the “occupants”
Context:
Thousands of people in Uttarakhand’s Haldwani have taken to the streets in a bid to protect their homes
after they were served eviction notices based on a high court order.
Background:
Recently, Uttarakhand High Court directed the Railway and the local authorities to remove encroachments
after giving a week’s notice to the “occupants”.
• Now, more than 4,000 families, of whom the majority are Muslims, face the threat of being removed
from their homes.
• After an eviction notice was served, thousands of people have taken to the streets in Uttarakhand’s
Haldwani in an effort to protect their homes.
• A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court against the high court order.
• Protesters’ Arguments:
They have been living in the area for 70 years. There is a mosque, temple, overhead water tank, a PHC, a sewer
line laid in 1970, two inter-colleges, and a primary school.
They have argued, How can it be an encroachment when there are three government inter-college in the area

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Case Studies - December 2022

General Studies-I
Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Bengal village basks in the glory of an ancient metalcraft
Background
West Bengal is reviving its traditional metal craft Dokra, with the support of social enterprises and local
artisans. Dokra has found its place in art maps, giving artisans in remote villages such as Lalbazaar, much-
needed financial stability.

About Dokra Metalcraft

• Dokra is an ancient craft of metal casting through the cire-Purdue method or lost wax technique which
is believed to be 5,000 years old.
• It is believed that the metal smiths of Dokra originally belonged to the Chota Nagpur plateau. But
today the art has spread out to neighbouring states like West Bengal, Telangana etc.
• Dokra art is difficult to make and each figure takes about a month to make. There are many processes
involved, for which seven or eight varieties of clay are required, apart from other raw materials.
• The entire process of making Dokra artefacts involves melting metal at very high temperatures in
furnaces.
• MoU signed between the state government and UNESCO in 2013 enabled the formation of rural craft
hubs, based on a UNESCO-endorsed model called ‘Art for Life’.
• Today with the support of various social enterprises artists are able to get exposure to the international
market and also sell their products abroad.
• Adilabad Dokra
• Adilabad Dokra, made by the Woj community native to the Adilabad district of Telangana, was given
a GI tag in 2018.
• They used the cire perdue method to create metal casting products such as idols of local deities,
dancing figures, bells, jewellery, statues, animals and birds, jewels and many other decorative items.

10 Gorgeous Art Forms That Won the GI Tag

Background
India has a rich heritage of traditional folk art forms that have been passed down from generation to generation.
These arts depict epic tales of gods and goddesses and some others portray the beauty of nature, but each is
unique and significant in its own way. Many of these arts have also obtained GI tag.

Folk arts of various states of India:

• Chowk Poorana art is native to Punjab. It is an art form used to decorate floors and walls of the house
during festivities and made by using flour and rice.
• Aipan is a GI-tagged art form which belongs to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. It is used to decorate
pieces of cloth, paper and the walls to adorn the god/goddess of the household.

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• Kangra is a pictorial art received a GI tag in 2012. Its central theme is around Sringara Rasa, which
depicts the stories of Radha and Krishna with picturesque imagery of nature and plants.
• Mughal miniature paintings are tiny-sized paintings which depict realistic scenes from legendary
stories, huntings and royal life.
• Madhubani is GI tagged art which originated from Janakpur, Bihar. It depicts flora and fauna, women,
gods and goddesses, geometrical patterns etc. Traditionally painted on canvas, it can now be found on
various products like stoles, scarfs, sarees, etc and is sold all over the world.
• Warli art is GI tagged art form native to Maharashtra and is one of the oldest art forms tracing back to
2500 BC. Theme of Warli painting is nature and its elements and also depicts everyday life. It creates
beautiful motifs by using simple lines, triangles, squares, circles and dots.
• Kalamkari painting is GI tagged art form, native to Andhra Pradesh and has two forms ie. Machilipatnam
and Srikalahasti. This art form can be seen on temples, chariots and fabrics depicting tales from Indian
epics like Mahabharat and Ramayana.
• Gond art is native to Madhya Pradesh and practiced by tribal community, Gonds. It is considered to be
1,400 years old. It uses vibrant colors like orange, green, yellow, red and blue and the main subject of
Gond paintings is nature.
• Rogan art was born in Kutch, Gujarat around 400 years ago. The art is made using a flat iron rod with
beautiful bright colours like orange, red and blue. It has geometrical patterns, birds and flowers, and is
usually painted on rugs, sarees, scarves, etc.
• Thanjavur paintings are GI-tagged classical art, which originated in the town of Thanjavur in Tamil
Nadu. It is unique because of its detailed work with an inlay of precious and semi-precious stones and
glittering gold foil.

Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and

Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues,
Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
First woman Indian Olympic Association chief: PT Usha
Background
Former Indian athlete PT Usha, also known as “The Payyoli Express”, became the new chief of Indian Olympic
Association (IOA), as well as its first woman president.

About P.T.Usha:
• She became the youngest sprinter (16 years) to represent India at the international stage for track and
field athletics in the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
• She ran 400m hurdles in LA Olympics and missed out on a bronze medal by one-hundredth of a second.
Overall, P T Usha won 23 medals, in the Asian track and field events from the 1980s, out of which 14
were gold.
• Later, she became active as a coach and member of sports administration. Drawing from her own
experiences and the challenges with the lack of facilities and exposure, she opened the Usha School
of Athletics.
• She was nominated as a Rajya Sabha MP in 2022 by the central government.
• What is the expectation from P.T.Usha as a new chief of IOA?

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• PT Usha, being the first Olympian and international medalist to head the IOA, is expected to revive IOA
which has been plagued with neglect, nepotism and corruption.
• She has been vocal about political interference in sporting bodies, including IOA, which has led to the
athletes’ issues taking the backseat.
• She routinely talked about the state of Indian sports administration, and how the lack of scouting,
grooming and talent management has led to India’s historically disappointing show at the Olympics.

Basanti Devi: Saviour of Kosi

Background
Basanti Devi, Padma Shri awardee of 2022, led women from 200 Villages to rejuvenate Kosi River. She led a
movement named ‘Save Kosi Movement’ to channelize the collective effort of the communities formed in each
village, eventually, leading to revival of forests and making the stream perennial.

About Save Kosi Movement:

• The Kosi is a non-glacial river and gets its life from rainwater. The river would die if the surrounding
forests of the catchment area are depleted.
• The region is plagued by deforestation, illegal sand mining and riverbed quarrying leading to a reduction
in the inflow of rainwater from the catchment area of the river.
• Basanti Devi educated village women not to cut trees for firewood, to save the 168 km long Kosi.
• She later formed 200 women’s groups called ‘Mahila Mangal Dal’ that pledged to save the river by
using only dead wood, planting lakhs of broad-leaved Oka trees, stopping hotels and resorts from
siphoning off the water, and preventing and putting out forest fires.
• Other rejuvenation efforts in India:
• Rajendra Singh, 2001 Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, led to the revival of about 3000 johads
scattered across more than 650 villages in Rajasthan’s Alwar district. He is called the “Waterman of
India”
• Simon Oraon, popularly known as ‘Jharkhand’s Waterman,’ led a massive tree plantation drive and
organized a well and pond digging initiative to store rainwater as well. He is a Padma Shri awardee.
• Chandrasekhar Kuppan, led to revival of the Naganadhi river in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu
with the help of local women of the villages
• Lingaraju Yale and his team revived Kumudvathi, a river in north Bangalore that was dry for the past
50 years.

Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world

(including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors
responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary
sector industries in various parts of the world (including
India).
The Thames went from being ‘biologically dead’ to one of the world’s cleanest rivers in
60 years.
Background
River Thames which is considered to be one of the world’s cleanest rivers running through a city had been

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declared “biologically dead” in several stretches, 60 years ago. This model could be imitated for the revival of
various rivers in India.

What were the causes of the pollution of the River Thames?

• Expanding numbers of city dwellers since medieval times was a major cause of its pollution.
• Dumping of waste, with leaking cesspits and dumped rubbish reduced many of its tributaries into
running sewers.
• Bombings across the city during the Second World War destroyed parts of the sewage network,
allowing raw sewage to enter the river.
• Sediments which settled at the river bed due to the widening and slowing down of the Thames
across London got contaminated by heavy metals from roads and industry, creating a toxic aquatic
environment
• The hot summer of 1858, referred to as the Great Stink, saw high levels of human and industrial waste
in the river driving people out of London.
• In the 1950s, dissolved oxygen levels in the Thames were at just 5% saturation which could only support
a few aquatic invertebrate species, thus it was declared biologically dead.
• What steps were taken for the revival of the Thames?
• Just after the episode of “The Great Stink”, a century of improvements to the sewage network, including
upgrading sewage treatment works and installing household toilets led to the revival of the Thames.
• Privatization of water companies under Margaret Thatcher also saw the establishment of the protective
National Rivers Authority in 1989, as well as the introduction of biotic monitoring.
• The installation of large oxygenators, or “bubblers”, to increase dissolved oxygen levels, which was
later replaced by a self-powered “Thames Bubbler” in 1988 was responsible for maintaining oxygen at
a level sufficient to support growing fish populations.

Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes,

Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features
and their location-changes in critical geographical features
(including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna
and the effects of such changes.
Landslide: Joshimath battles a sinking feeling
Background
• The spiritual getaway in the Himalayas, Joshimath is facing increased subsidence over the past two
years, leading to cracks in houses and lands. This has made the area inhabitable causing people to
relocate out of Joshimath.
• In 1976, Mishra Commission was mandated to find the cause of landslide and sinking, which had
warned of the high vulnerability of Joshimath to land subsidence.

What are the reasons for subsidence?

• High geological sensitivity of the region, categorically to land subsidence and landslide.
• Haphazard construction on fragile mountain terrains that have loose rock,
• Seepage of water subsurface, erosion of topsoil, and periodic seismic activities coupled with the

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absence of the assessment of the carrying capacity of the ground.

• Construction of a hydropower tunnel below the town using heavy machinery led to the puncturing of
the aquifer in 2009-10 and led to destabilizing of the fragile rocks
• Large boulders of gneisses and fragments of basic and schistose rocks are embedded in the area,
contributing significantly to the gradual sinking of the area.
• Expansion of channels or changing of courses of rivers as shown by satellite data has induced greater
slope instability.
• Merciless destruction of natural forest cover in the Joshimath area

What are the recommendations to arrest the subsidence?

• Prohibition to haphazard construction and the use of heavy machinery for rock cutting.
• Pavement and roads to be properly compacted and consolidated;
• Seepage from drains carrying stormwater as also household wastewater is to be minimized through
routine maintenance and repairs; and the planning and lining of the town’s drainage system.
• Afforestation drive to prevent soil erosion and hold soil compactly.

General Studies-II
Development Processes and the Development Industry —
the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations,
donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Temple Entry Movement
Background
India has historically seen several temple entry movements due to the presence of a discriminatory caste
system. Recently such an incident occurred at a temple in Salem, Tamil Nadu where caste Hindus tried to
prevent the entry of Dalits.

About Temple Entry Movements in India

India has seen several temple entry movements and efforts to annihilate the caste system throughout its
history.
• Aravipuram movement: It was a reaction against Brahmanical supremacy and the caste system by Sri.
Narayana Guru. He built a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva at Aruvippuram which was against the caste-
based restrictions of the time.
• Vaikom Satyagraha: It was a mass movement led by Ramaswamy Periyar that demanded lower caste
persons be given the right to use a public path in front of the famous Vaikom temple. It managed to
open the roads around the temple for their use.
• Satyagraha in Guruvayur: A Satyagraha by a mix of lowest caste Harijans to the highest caste Namboodiris
to allow entry of all castes into temples. Kelappan went fast until death to facilitate temple entry to all.
• Persistence of Caste-Based discrimination:
• Article 15 prohibits discrimination against citizens on the basis of race, religion, caste, sex and place of
birth to access spaces dedicated to the use of the general public.

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• Article 17 also prohibits untouchability. But discrimination in society persists.

• Lakshmi Ranganatha Swami temple in Karnataka is an example where Dalit households are exempted
when the idol of the presiding deity is taken out for a procession during the Utsava.
• The upper caste women protested the entry of women belonging to the Holeya community (SC) into
the local Hanuman temple in Yadgir, Karnataka.
• Similarly, it took policemen in Hassan, Karnataka for Dalits to enter the temple.

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by

the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes;
Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for
the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
Scotland votes to lower the age to legally change gender
Background
Scottish government has voted in favour of lowering the age for people to apply for legally changing their
gender from 18 to 16. This has been resented by the Westminster government in London which is weighing its
options to block the controversial law.

About the Gender Change law

• The Scottish Parliament voted 86 votes to 39 to pass the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill
and also to remove the need for a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria.
• The controversial self-identification system would make it easier for people to obtain a gender
recognition certification (GRC), which according to critics could put vulnerable people at risk.
• The UK government can technically prevent the legislation from becoming law by blocking Royal
Assent, which is essential to get a formal agreement from the British monarch and to become an Act
of the Scottish Parliament.
• British parliament could block Scottish laws on the grounds of violating UK-wide equalities legislation.
It could also look for the ramifications of the legislation over the 2010 Equality Act.
• Opponents of the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill also fear that the legislation could have a
potential impact on women and girls, in particular single-sex spaces, like toilets.
• What is the process for declaring one’s desired sex in India?
• In India, the rights of transgender persons are governed by the Transgender Persons (Protection of
Rights) Act, 2019 and the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2020.
• Under the Rules, an application to declare gender is to be made to the District Magistrate. Parents can
also make an application on behalf of their child.
The World’s First Cafe Run by Acid Attack Survivors
Background
Sheroes Hangout, a café close to the Taj Mahal, is the world’s first café run by female acid attack survivors.
Now attracting 80 customers on an average day—mostly tourists—the café is the first initiative of its kind to
reintegrate survivors back into mainstream Indian society.
It is the brainchild of the Stop Acid Attacks campaign and an NGO-Chhanv Foundation.

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About Acid Attacks in India.

• According to Acid Survivors International, there are an estimated 1,000 cases every year, although the
figure could be much higher considering many are reluctant to report it out of shame or fear.
• NCRB reported that there were 150 such cases recorded in 2019, 105 in 2020 and 102 in 2021.
• Family and land disputes, dowry demands and rejecting men’s advances are often seen as major
reasons behind the attacks.
• The survivors lose their aesthetic appeal, they are denied job opportunities and systematically
ostracized from the society. The attacker robs the victim of even opportunities of finding love.

What are the steps taken by the government to tackle acid attacks and ensure the
rehabilitation of victims?
• In 2013, the Supreme Court regulated the wholesale purchase of acid. Accordingly, MHA framed the
Model Poisons Possession and Sale Rules, 2013 under The Poisons Act, 1919 to regulate acid sales and
storage.
• Until 2013 acid attacks were not considered a separate crime. After the amendment, acid attacks were
put under a separate section (326A) of IPC and made punishable with a minimum imprisonment of 10
years, extendable to life along with a fine.
• The law also has provisions for punishment for denial of treatment to victims or police officers refusing
to register an FIR or record any piece of evidence.
• MHA has also directed states to provide compensation of at least Rs. 3 lakhs to the acid attack victim
for aftercare and rehabilitation cost.

The IIT-Madras invention that could put an end to manual scavenging in India
Background
IIT Madras has developed a robot named HomoSEP which stands for “homogenizer of septic tanks”, with an
aim to eliminate manual scavenging in India.

About HomoSep
• HomoSep is like an inverted umbrella that has a shaft attached to blades that can open when introduced
into a septic tank.
• It can homogenize the hard sludge in septic tanks through a custom-developed rotary blade mechanism
and pump the slurry using an integrated suction mechanism.
• The machine costs around Rs 20 lakh but has been made available to workers by non-profits. A total of
ten robots are planned to be deployed across Tamil Nadu.
• Earlier, other drainage cleaning human-controlled robot i.e. Bandicoot was developed by Genrobotics,
a Thiruvananthapuram-based start-up.

About Manual Scavenging:

• Manual scavenging is the practice of physically removing human excreta by hand from sewers or septic
tanks in the country. The work is tied to India’s caste structure, with so-called lower castes being
expected to do this work.
• Despite the practice being banned in India under the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers
and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013 (PEMSR), activist Bezwada Wilson from the SafaiKarmachariAndolan,
mentions that 472 deaths because of manual scavenging had been recorded from 2016 to 2020.

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NZ Laws on Smoking and Tobacco

Background
New Zealand has passed into law, a unique plan to phase out tobacco smoking by imposing a lifetime ban on
young people buying cigarettes.

About the legislation:

• Smoke-free Environments and Regulated Products (Smoked Tobacco) Amendment Bill bans the sale of
tobacco to anyone born after 2008.
• It also brings in other restrictions on tobacco products, such as limiting the number of shops allowed
to sell them and the amount of nicotine allowed in cigarettes and other consumables. It brings down
the number of shops selling smoked tobacco products in the country to 600 from the 6,000 at present
• The legislation will increase the legal age to buy tobacco products each year, with the aim of eventually
phasing out smoking altogether.
• Those found violating the provision will be fined up to NZ$150,000.

What are the concerns with the legislation?

• The legislation has been criticized for its various untested provisions and “nanny state” approach of
the government.
• Strict curbs on the sale of tobacco products would kill off small shops and force people into the black
market.
• Significant uncertainty in the outcomes exist since such laws haven’t been widely implemented
internationally.
• The legislation does not ban vaping which is prevalent in New Zealand.

Related information
• Bhutan banned cigarette sales outright in 2010, although it temporarily lifted the ban in 2020 to stop
black marketing during the COVID-19 border closure.
• The most prevalent form of tobacco use in India is smokeless tobacco and commonly used products
are khaini, gutkha, betel quid with tobacco and zarda.

World Bank’s new toolkit on making urban transport better for Indian women
Background
World Bank has launched a report “Toolkit on Enabling Gender Responsive Urban Mobility and Public Spaces
in India” with the aim of suggesting ways to make public transport in Indian cities more inclusive of women’s
travelling requirements.

What are the challenges faced by women in accessing urban mobility?

• Lack of viable urban transport, a dearth of good street lighting, and no reliable last-mile transport are
major impediments for women to access better employment opportunities.
• Unsafe transport leads to fewer women travelling out which in turn leads to fewer women out in
public spaces which actually makes these spaces even more unsafe.
• Since the burden of unpaid care work lies on women, they often need to plan their travel more
meticulously than men, having to juggle various responsibilities at home and work.
• Pink tax:

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• Women also face higher costs of travelling because they have to carry out trip chaining where women
stitch together various short commutes to fulfil their responsibilities.
• Women often also make decisions to use certain kinds of more expensive routes or forms of transport
on account of them being perceived to be safer.

What does the World Bank toolkit suggest?

• The World Bank suggests a four-pillared approach to help address prevailing issues for women.
• First, there has to be a greater effort made to understand the on-ground situation with a gender lens.
• Once prevailing issues are identified, policies and development plans must reflect the concerns of
women.
• The toolkit emphasizes on building gender sensitivity and awareness among service providers through
mandatory programmes and community action.
• Investment has to be made in better infrastructure and services with a focus on women-friendly design.
• Some concrete interventions that the toolkit suggests include the creation of wide obstruction-free
footpaths, street lighting, dedicated bicycle lanes, the introduction of short and circuitous bus routes,
and subsidizing public transport for women.

Important Aspects of Governance, Transparency and

Accountability, E-governance- applications, models,
successes, limitations, and potential; Citizens Charters,
Transparency & Accountability and institutional and other
measures.
Morality Policing
Background
Iran has scrapped its ‘morality police’ after more than two months of protests triggered by the arrest and
subsequent death of Mahsa Amini, for allegedly violating the country’s strict female dress code.

About Morality Policing:

• The morality police, formally known as the Gasht-e Ershad or “Guidance Patrol”, were established
under hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, to “spread the culture of modesty and hijab.
• Morality police are tasked to observe people in busy public places like shopping centres and subway
stations, after which they detain women for, among other dress code “violations,” not wearing hijabs
in a manner that they perceive to be “proper.” Even men are whisked away for western hairstyles.
• The morality police squads use a van and consist of men in green uniforms and women clad in black
chadors, garments that cover their heads and upper bodies.
• Other forms of Military Police in Iran are Basij and Jundallah who patrol the streets and colleges to
combat bad hijab”
• Impacts of morality policing:
• Morality policing by such agencies is against the basic human rights of liberty and freedom of women.
This instils a sense of fear and insecurity among the citizens.
• Morality policing acts against the social contract which emphasizes that people live together in society
in accordance with an agreement that establishes moral and political rules of behaviour.

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• Morality policing promotes conservatism, and gender biases, and increases intolerance in society
ultimately leading to cultural terrorism.
• A society committed to creating a system founded on justice and peace that protects individual human
rights and civil liberties needs to have eight parameters of good governance as suggested by the World
Bank.

General Studies-III
Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
Dharavi Slum Redevelopment
Background
Adani Realty has won the bid for the Dharavi Development project which aims to construct over 10 million
square feet, at a cost of over Rs 20,000 crores. Of this, around 30% area is meant for sale while the rest is for
rehabilitation of the slum dwellers.

About Dharavi Slums:

• Dharavi is considered the densest slum in the Asia-Pacific region. It is also a hub for several small-scale,
unorganized industries that manufacture medicines, leather, footwear, and clothes
• It came into existence in 1884 and was originally inhabited by fisher folk when the area was still creeks
and swamps. Later it became attractive to migrant workers from South Mumbai.
• As per the Slum Rehabilitation Authority scheme, 35% of Mumbai’s population live in slums and 24%
of Mumbai’s total area is occupied by slums.
• Slums play a transitory role in urban development. They are the basis of the economic sustenance of
villages and contribute a large share of informal labour. Slums are the most convenient escapes for
people escaping rural poverty, discrimination and atrocities.

About Dharavi Development Project:

• The Maharashtra government aims to complete the rehabilitation of slum dwellers where each
eligible slum-dwelling family would be given a 405-square-foot flat within seven years from the start
of construction.
• The entire project, including the sale component, would be completed, in 17 years. The sale component
is the portion the developer will sell in the market to recover his costs.
• Local residents and small businesses are concerned about being moved out of Dharavi. They demand
the engagement of locals and proper information dissemination to allay the fears of residents.

Major Crops - Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country,

- Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems; Storage,
Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues
and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
Regenerative Agriculture
Background
Farmers in Madhya Pradesh adopted regenerative farming methods which reduced the need for frequent
irrigation, and helped in conserving water and energy.

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About Regenerative Farming:

• Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to agriculture that focuses on the interconnection of
farming systems and the ecological system as a whole.
• The practices include the use of natural inputs, minimum-till, mulching, multi-cropping and sowing of
diverse and native varieties. Natural inputs help improve soil structure and its organic carbon content
while planting water-guzzling and water-efficient crops together or in alternating cycles reduces the
frequency and intensity of irrigation.
• This farming practice goes a step ahead of sustainable agriculture and aspires not only to maintain the
resources like soil and water but also to improve them.
• Zero-budget natural farming, organic farming like systematic rice intensification and climate-suitable
agricultural practices help in reducing the input cost of agriculture.
• In India, the government is promoting regenerative agriculture in states like Uttarakhand, Himachal
Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim and Gujara

What is the need for regenerative farming in India?

• Groundwater extraction: Green Revolution which pulled India from the brink of starvation and made it
capable to feed its population has also made India the world’s biggest extractor of groundwater.
• Food security: 39 million hectares of land in the country under wheat, rice and maize has not shown
improvement in the past decade posing risks to food security.
• Declining soil quality and productivity from the land due to increased use of chemicals and irrigation.
• High input cost of agriculture results in financial stress on farmers

Advantages of Regenerative Agriculture

• Water conservation is due to increased water-use efficiency.
• Better soil health and preservation of soil organic matter.
• Conservation of energy
• Sustainable agriculture ensures food security.

Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics,

Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to
Intellectual Property Rights.
Concerns associated with Commercial cultivation of GM crops
Background:
The genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee has cleared the environmental release of Dhara Mustard
Hybrid-11 (DMH-11), a genetically-engineered variant of mustard. But Supreme Court has expressed concerns
over the plight of women agricultural labourers, traditionally engaged in de-weeding since farmers will now
use herbicides instead of manual labour.

About DMH-11:
• DMH-11 is a hybrid variant of mustard developed at the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop
Plants, at the University of Delhi.
• It was created through transgenic technology, primarily involving the Bar, Barnase and Barstar gene
systems.

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• It is produced by crossing a popular Indian mustard variety ‘Varuna’ (the barnase line) with an East
European Early Heera-2 mutant (barstar).
• DMH-11 is claimed to have shown an average 28% yield increase over Varuna in contained field trials
carried out by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

What are the concerns associated with the commercial cultivation of DMH-11?
• DMH-11, herbicide-tolerant crops would encourage farmers to spray chemical weed-killers, leaving
toxic chemical residue in large amounts on the crops.
• India has 5,477 varieties of mustard, which would be at risk. Moreover, GM-Crops are suitable in the
western context where there are large farms.
• Commercial cultivation of GM Mustard would open the door for multinational corporations that would
manipulate seed costs.
• Concerns regarding safety have been expressed since the government had not placed the biosafety
dossier on the GM crop in the public domain.
• Ethical concerns have been raised as GM crop is the violation of natural organisms’ intrinsic values by
mixing among species.
• Allegedly testing of GM crops was “completely flawed” and there were no laboratories capable of
doing the bio-safety tests.

Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation,

Environmental Impact Assessment.
The Chauka System: An Innovative Method of Water Harvesting
Background
Lapodiya a small village of Rajasthan, has developed an ingenious rainwater harvesting system, the Chauka
that has regenerated degraded pastures. Since Lapodiya falls in an arid or semi-arid area of Rajasthan, it gets
all the rainfall during monsoons at once and the government built mud contours could not hold such rainwater.

About the Chauka System

• A chauka is a rectangular enclosure surrounded on three sides by earthen bunds or embankments
(dykes). The dykes are 1.5 metres high. Trees are planted on these dykes to give them additional
support to withstand rain.
• Series of rectangles are constructed in a checker-board pattern across a natural slope and connected
with shallow canals. The embankments intercept the runoff rainwater and collect it at the “down” end
of the bunded field.
• During heavy rainfall, the water moves gradually from one chauka to another, which gives it more time
to seep into the ground.
• The chaukas are built uphill from the village and its ponds and wells. The water collected in the chaukas
replenishes underground water aquifers, gradually feeding the ponds and wells. Any above-ground
overflow is directed to the village ponds via canals.

What are the benefits of Chauka System?

• Prevents soil erosion: Chauka system retains runoff water and reduces its velocity across a slope,
minimizing erosion.

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• Recharge Water Reservoir: The system makes it easy to direct excess water to ponds for storage.
• Regenerate vegetative cover: The system helps to maintain and regenerate natural vegetative cover.
Such lands act as pastures for agro-pastoralists of the area.
• Ensure water security during drought and effectively uses marginal areas.

Where does Chauka system prove effective?

• Arid or semi-arid plain areas with erratic or scanty rain patterns
• Soil types: sandy loam to loamy (moderate to good infiltration capacity)
• The slope of the area not exceeding 0.5-2%
• The land is moderately problematic (saline or sodic)

Sacred Grooves: Oran Land

Background
Villagers of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan marched 225 kilometres to protect community-conserved sacred spaces
known as ‘orans’, which are currently classified as wastelands.

About Orans:
• Orans are community-conserved sacred spaces, which are rich in biodiversity and usually include a
water body.
• Orans are also spaces where herders take their livestock for grazing and are places for communal
congregations, festivals, and other social events, the performance of which is linked to agrarian
rhythms and the continued commitment of the communities towards environmental conservation.
• They are among the last natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
• The locals consider Orans as scared groves, i.e. a piece of natural vegetation that is protected by a
certain community due to religious reasons. They are barred from cutting and felling trees due to
spiritual and religious connections to the orans.

What is the concern regarding Orans?

• The current categorization of Orans as wasteland is causing a loss of biodiversity and is affecting the
livelihood of the locals in the area, as huge chunks of land are being allotted for setting up solar plants.
• The open stretch of land, which receives long hours of sunlight and brisk winds, has become a hub of
green energy with windmills and solar photovoltaic dotting it.
• Animal husbandry has been the chief occupation of locals. Their pastures are located in these Oran
areas which are being allocated for solar projects, thus affecting their livelihood.

Decarbonising Transport: 150 years of Kolkata tram

Background
Kolkata will celebrate 150 years of its iconic tram through Tramjatra (tram’s journey), which is a moving tram
carnival that was started jointly by enthusiasts from Melbourne and Kolkata.

About Tramjatra:
• Tramjatra is an international collaboration of trammies, artists, environmentalists, and tram-loving
communities which seeks to educate people, particularly the younger generation, about climate
change, air pollution, and sustainable development objectives with a focus on green mobility and

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Kolkata’s tram legacy.

• The theme of 2023 Tramjatra will be Heritage, Clean Air and Green Mobility
• Trams would be painted on the theme of historical trams, dangers posed by climate change and
contemporary trams in a different regions of the world
• Trams are an emotional and sentimental heritage for the people of Kolkata.
• How can Trams contribute to decarbonizing transportation?
• Trams are an efficient, cost-effective and climate-conscious mode of transporting large numbers of
people in towns and cities.
• Trams decongest road traffic and reduce pressure on other conventional modes of public conveyance
such as buses, autos etc.
• Since trams run on electricity, they are three times more energy efficient than IC engine-based buses
and provide a comfortable, smooth ride.
• Trams are environmentally sustainable, non-fossil fuel modes of transport which could play an
important role in decarbonizing transportation along with electric vehicles.
• Trams are still used as a frequent mode of commutation in the cities like Lyon (France), Zürich
(Switzerland), Vienna (Austria), Melbourne (Australia) etc.
Solid Waste Management: Landfills
The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry’s dashboard was published recently, according to which five
states account for more than half of the 1,080 “legacy landfill sites” for which authorities are yet to propose
remediation plans under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0.

About Landfill and SWM

• Landfills are sites designed to store garbage, and Old waste at landfill sites that have remained dumped
for more than three months are considered “legacy” dump sites.
• The Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban has the target of creating “garbage-free cities” and 100% remediation
of all legacy landfills by the end of the mission’s five-year cycle.
• The following best practices can be adopted, as highlighted in NITI Aayog’s report Titled ‘Waste-wise
Cities: Best practices in municipal solid waste management.
• “Zero-landfill model” of development as adopted in Chhattisgarh’s Ambikapur, Maharashtra’s
Chandrapur and Kerala’s Taliparamba, which is based on resource recovery and principles of circular
economy, that are socially, environmentally, and economically sound.
• It is a holistic and multi-stakeholder approach that ensures that waste is segregated at the source itself,
recyclables are extracted and channelized to the recycling industries for various gainful applications,
and biodegradable waste is treated in a decentralised manner
• Transporting and processing the sanitary waste separately in the local Common Biomedical Waste
Treatment Facility (CBWTF), as done in city of Karad in Maharashtra.
• Cues could be taken from Bengaluru, which is using ‘Radio Frequency Identification’ for garbage
collection.

Safer roads for a greener, more sustainable environment

Background:
Road safety and environmental sustainability are closely intertwined concepts. Being cognizant of the latter
while working on the former is the need of the hour.

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About linkages between Road Safety and Environmental Sustainability:

• Road accidents adversely impact the environment since toxic metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium
or hexavalent chromium, along with fuel and fluid leaks are seen at crash sites.
• Severe road crashes lead to unusable end-of-life vehicles giving rise to scrappage. Unscientific
dismantling leads to the leakage of hazardous constituents such as oils, coolants and glass wool.
• Various initiatives to bring synergy between road safety and sustainability are:
• SaveLIFE Foundation’s Zero-Fatality Corridor (ZFC) solution for road safety focuses on reducing speeding
using technology. It was deployed on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway in 2016 and on Old Mumbai-Pune
Highway in 2018. It helped in bringing down road crash fatalities by 52% and 61% as of 2020
• Initiatives include guarding natural hard structures such as trees using crash barriers to prevent direct
collisions and installing retro-reflective signage on the trees to make them more visible to commuters.
• The government of India is building green corridors to go over forests and animal paths as opposed to
going through them to prevent animal-vehicle collisions.
• ZFC programme promotes long-lasting, high-quality, non-hazardous materials such as Aluminium
Composite Panels for signage instead of conventionally used asbestos materials which have an adverse
impact on the environment.
• The Netherlands has come up as a model for road safety measures which has also resulted in
environmental protection.
• Use of Alcoholmeter which is an electronic ankle bracelet that monitors alcohol intake during a period
of a temporary alcohol ban.
• In 2019, driving exams in the Netherlands were revised and the use of navigation systems and skill of
danger recognition has been added to the exam.
• Separate cycle tracks (not painted bike lanes) and other design changes that control the speed of
automobiles were implemented to provide safety to bicyclists and pedestrians on Dutch streets.

General Studies-IV

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Case Studies- November 2022

General Studies-I
Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth
century until the present- significant events, personalities,
issues.
Revolt against the British: Tipu Sultan
MYSORE TIGER: TIPU SULTAN
Background
Tipu Sultan was a ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore and the eldest son of Sultan Hyder Ali. He was an educated
ruler, having studied the Quran, Islamic jurisprudence, languages, philosophy and science. He was also adept
in the art of warfare.

What has been the reason for the political controversy surrounding Tipu Sultan?
• The historical legacy of Tipu Sultan has often been contested by a section of the political spectrum.
• Territorial Ambitions: Both Haider Ali and Tipu Sultan had strong territorial ambitions which resulted
in the invasion and annexation of territories outside Mysore.
• Forced Conversion: Tipu forced rebels or conspirators to convert to Islam. In historical records Tipu
has boasted about having forced “infidels” to convert to Islam, and of having destroyed their places
of worship.
• Destruction of Hindu temples: While annexing new territories, he often destroyed Hindu temples and
places of worship.
• What were the major reforms introduced by Tipu Sultan in the state of Mysore?

Economic Reforms:
• He established banking networks and cooperatives along with trading houses for Mysore products
worldwide.
• He introduced new coins, started a new land revenue system in Mysore and eliminated middlemen in
the collection of land revenue.
• He also introduced sericulture, which continues to employ many Kannadigas to date.
• He modernized agriculture, gave tax breaks for developing wasteland, built irrigation infrastructure
and repaired old dams

Art and Culture:

• He encouraged the Persians to come down to India to teach the artisans the art of making wooden
toys , now famous as Channapatna toys.
• Tipu patronized various temples and Hindu shrines, including Sri Ranganatha temple at Srirangapatna
and Math in Sringeri.
• Military and Technological Reforms:
• He introduced iron-cased rockets in warfare.
• He set up four innovation hubs in Bengaluru, Chitradurga, Srirangapatna & Bidanur and called them

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• He laid the foundations for the construction of the Krishnaraja Sagar dam in Mandya.

Medieval Indian History: Lachit Borphukan

Background
The 400th birth anniversary of Assam’s legendary war hero Lachit Borphukan will be celebrated as ‘Lachit
Divas’ across the state on 24th November.

About Lachit Borphukan:

• Lachit Borphukan was a commander in the erstwhile Ahom kingdom and is known for his leadership in
the 1671 Battle of Saraighat which thwarted an attempt by the Mughals to capture Assam.
• The Battle of Saraighat was fought on the banks of the Brahmaputra in Guwahati.
• During the last phase of the Battle of Saraighat, when the Mughals attacked the Assamese forces
through the river in Saraighat, many Assamese soldiers began losing their will to fight. It was Lachit’s
clarion call to all the soldiers that inspired them to fight till their last breath, ultimately resulting in the
defeat of the Mughals.
• The National Defence Academy (NDA), ever since 1999 has been conferring the best passing-out cadet
with the Lachit Borphukan gold medal.
• In memory of Borphukan, the Chief Minister announced that a 125-foot bronze statue will be built at
his memorial at Hollongapar in Jorhat district.

Attingal Revolt: Common Man’s First Open Revolt Against British Raj
Background
The first open and organized revolt against the unjust practices of the East India Company, the Attingal Revolt
took place in 1721 at the coastal town of Anchuthengu, Kerala.

Why did the Attingal Revolt take place?

• The head of the medieval kingdom of Kerala’s Venad Royal House, Rani of Attingal, Umayamma Rani
granted permission to Britishers to build a fort in Anchuthengu in 1694. She considered it a good idea
to put an end to the trade by the Dutch.
• The company soon annihilated agriculture in the region, leading to a drastic loss of livelihood for the
common man.
• Britishers even mocked the religious and cultural beliefs and practices prevalent among the locals.
They also exploited the farmers economically by buying cheap and selling costly.

How did the revolution pan out?

• The Nairs, Ezhavas and Muslims in the region came together to revolt against the British along with the
support of the Umayamma Rani. They tried to stop the construction of the fort, however, the locals
were defeated.
• The locals then approached Kudaman Pillai, one of the feudal lords of Pillai dynasty, which had their
own armies. He agreed to assist them in this revolt and trained the locals by Kalaripayattu experts.
• Kalarippayattu: It is a martial art based on the ancient knowledge of the human body which originated
in Kerala during 3nd century BC to the 2nd century AD. It is a Malayalam word that signifies a kind of
gymnasium. It is considered to be one of the oldest fighting systems in existence and as the father of
modern Kung - Fu.

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The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important

contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Social Reforms and Freedom Struggle: Sardar Vallabhai Patel
Background
The National Unity Day 2022 was recently observed to commemorate the 147th birth anniversary of Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel.

About Sardar Vallabhai Patel

• Vallabhbhai Patel was born on 31st October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat.
• Role in Nationalist Movement
• Initially, he wasn’t interested in politics, but his meeting with Gandhi in 1917 changed his views.
• Patel motivated the people of Borsad in 1917 to join Gandhi’s demand for independence.
• He led Kheda agitation of the farmers in 1917, which resulted in the British Government exempting
the taxes.
• He joined Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement in 1920.
• In 1923, while Gandhi was in prison, Patel led the Satyagraha Movement in Nagpur.
• The success of the Bardoli Satyagraha earned him the name Sardar or chief, in 1928.
• He was elected the President of the 46th session of the INC at Karachi, in 1931.
• Patel played an important role in raising funds and selecting candidates for the elections, as per
Government of India Act of 1935.
• Role in Post-Independent India
• He was the first Deputy Prime Minister and the first Home Minister of Independent India.
• With his tactful negotiation, he succeeded in integrating over 560 states to the Indian Union.
• He was the driving force behind creating the All India Services.
• He is known as the ‘Iron Man of India,’ and was posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna, in 1991.
• Also, to mark his contributions, the World’s tallest statue - Statue of Unity, was dedicated to him on
October 31, 2018.

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

Indian Society: Superstition in India
Background
In Kerala, two women were killed for ‘ritualistic human sacrifices’, as part of an occult for the economic well-
being of the accused couple.

About Superstition in India

• Superstition is a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or
chance, or a false conception of causation.
• As per the 2021 NCRB report, six deaths were linked to human sacrifices, while witchcraft was the
motive for 68 killings.
• Black magic means a type of magic which is believed to use the power of the devil in order to help or

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harm another person.

• Reasons for superstitions:
• People’s Cultural beliefs and religious practices.
• Unscientific practices such as faith healing, quackery, and misinformation regarding medical procedures.
• Patriarchal norms and attempts to deprive women of land and property and to take revenge when
women refuse sexual advances made on them.
Superstition-related crimes violate:
• Fundamental rights - Article 14, 15, and 21.
• International legislations - Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights 1966, and Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Womenm1979.
Laws related to Superstition in India:
• Indian Penal Code (IPC) prescribes punishment for related crimes like abduction and murder, but not
for harming others via furthering superstitious and outdated beliefs.
• But, there is no central law that exclusively deals with crimes related to witchcraft, superstition, or
occult-inspired activities.
• Provisions under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act of 1954 aims to tackle the debilitating impact of
various superstitious activities.
Way Forward:
• Setting up special courts for providing speedy trials in all cases.
• Efficient police administration.
• Social Reform and educating the masses to increase awareness through information campaigns.
• Unclog society by removing myths.
• Need for Central Legislation to reduce related crimes.
Quote
• “Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the
beginning of wisdom.” - Bertrand Russell

Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and

Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues,
Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Tackling Child Marriage in India
Background
India has made substantial progress in reducing the incidence of child marriage over the years, but the
economic hardship induced by the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to roll back the gains made so far. In Rajasthan,
rising incidences of child marriage and the sale of girls for marriage have become a matter of concern.

About Child Marriages in Rajasthan

• Rajasthan where the social malaise of child marriage is culturally endemic, the recent alleged sale of
girls on stamp paper to settle debts shows the vulnerability of girl children in families that see them as
a means to tide over their financial woes.
• COVID-induced financial distress over the past two years has resulted in child marriage rearing its ugly

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head in Rajasthan again.

• Rajasthan has witnessed 1,216 child marriages since 2018-19. Though there has been a decline in the
prevalence of the practice from 47.4% in 2005 to 23.3% in 2021, the United Nations Population Fund
has warned that pandemic-induced economic hardship could roll back the gains made so far.
• NFHS-5 (2019-21) show variations in child marriage in accordance with the household wealth index.
40% of girls from the lowest wealth quintile were married before 18 years compared with just 8% from
the highest quintile.

What are the various customs with wide social acceptance in Rajasthan?
• Chari, in which the groom’s family pays a bride’s price. If the bride’s family cancels the marriage, then
it has to pay a hefty fine to the groom. It gained momentum during the COVID crisis.
• Aata-Sata: Two families agree on giving their respective daughters in marriage. In other words, the
husband’s sister marries the wife’s brother. Ensures brides in skewed sex ratios and helps save wedding
costs.
• Be-mel or marriages between couples with a huge age difference, with mostly the girl being underage,
is also a common practice and involves payment of the bride price.
• Marrying off all daughters of a family to the sons of another family help save wedding costs and
sometimes even avoid dowry.

A vision for women’s empowerment: the story of Ela Bhatt’s SEWA

Background
SEWA, the Self Employed Women’s Association set up by Ela Bhatt in 1972, has created an effective employment
support programme for women who are among the country’s poorest and most marginalised, the achievement
of which are exemplary.
About
• Ela Bhatt (1933-2022) was an Indian lawyer and social worker who fought for self-employed women’s
labour rights for decades.
• After seeing the conditions suffered by poor self-employed women in the city and elsewhere in South
and Southeast Asia, she set up the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) in 1972.
• The institutions have been founded on the principle that “the poor do not need charity, they need an
enabling mechanism to strive and come out of the vicious circle of poverty and vulnerability”.
• Achievements of SEWA include:
• They have set up 71 cooperatives of various trade groups to share skills and expertise, to develop new
tools, designs and techniques and to engage in bulk buying and joint marketing.
• Establishment of banks have resulted in rescuing thousands of women from moneylenders and their
personal possessions from pawnbrokers, allowing them to accumulate land, small assets and means
of production.
• Over 50 years, SEWA has built more than four dozen institutions for the poor and by the poor, and to
empower poor women workers.
• The Unorganised Workers Social Security Act (2008), the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (2011),
and the Street Vendors Act (2014), are seen as successes of SEWA’s struggle.
• Ela Bhatt’s contributions have resulted in her receiving Padma Bhushan, the Ramon Magsaysay Award,
the Indira Gandhi Peace Prize and many other accolades.

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General Studies-II

Parliament and State Legislatures—Structure, Functioning,

Conduct of Business, Powers & Privileges and Issues Arising
out of these.
Democratic Decentralization: MP notifies PESA rules
Background
Madhya Pradesh has notified Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA Act) Rules on the occasion
of Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on 15th November 2022.

About PESA Act

• Article 243M(4)(b) of the Constitution empowered Parliament to enact “the Provisions of the PESA
Act, 1996” to extend Part IX of the Constitution, relating to Panchayats, to the Fifth Schedule areas,
with certain modifications and exceptions.
• State Legislatures have been empowered to frame all laws concerning the extension of the provisions
of Part IX of the Constitution relating to the Panchayats in Fifth Scheduled Areas.
• Presently, 10 States viz. Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana, have Fifth Schedule Areas in their respective
States.
• Except for Jharkhand and Odisha, the rest of the eight states have framed and notified their State PESA
Rules under their respective State Panchayati Raj Acts.

Significance of PESA rules in Madhya Pradesh

• It will empower the Gram Sabhas to take decisions on the rules and regulations with regard to all
natural resources in the forest area.
• It will give more constitutional rights to the tribal people to reap the benefits of natural resources from
the forest areas where they live.
• PESA allows gram panchayats to decide matters related to minor forest produce, land and small
water bodies along with implementation of government schemes and maintaining records of migrant
laborers for curbing bonded labour in these scheduled areas.

Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and

the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government;
Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their
Role in the Polity.
Article 142 of the Constitution: Discretionary Power of the Supreme Court
Background
The Supreme Court recently ordered the premature release of all remaining convicts, who were serving life
sentences in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case.

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About Supreme Court’s order

• The Supreme Court earlier in May this year, had invoked its extraordinary power under Article 142 of
the Constitution, to release a convict.
• The present bench, which has ordered the release of six convicts, said that the May 2022 judgement
of the top court was applicable to the others who were accused as well.
• Article 142 of the Constitution deals with the Supreme Court’s power to exercise its jurisdiction and
pass order for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it.
• It provides the apex court with a special and extraordinary power and is meant to provide justice to
litigants who have suffered traversed illegality or injustice in course of legal proceedings.
• Babri Masjid Case and Bhopal Gas Tragedy are other significant instances where Article 142 has been
invoked by the Supreme Court.

Criticism against Article 142

• The article itself does not have any inherent “safety valve” that can ensure its correct and just usage
• It is intended to be used only in cases that cannot or have not been tackled efficiently with existing
legal and policy provisions of the nation.
• But, the judiciary has relied heavily on the provision as a tool for judicial activism and judicial innovation.

Government Policies and Interventions for Development in

various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and
Implementation.
Har Ghar Gangajal project: Bihar
Background
Households in Bihar’s parched tourist sites of Rajgir, Gaya and Bodhgaya, will soon get piped drinking water,
under Har Ghar Gangajal project of state government.

About Har Ghar Ganga Jal Project:

• The project is part of ambitious Jal, Jeevan Hariyali scheme and it takes care of drinking water supply
round the year. The project is about converting flood water into drinking water.
• A Hyderabad-based company has been engaged to implement the project which will “lift, store, treat
and supply” the water.
• Mechanism of functioning:
• An intake pump house has been built at Hathidah near Patna to draw out the Ganga flood water via
pumps and transfer it to three storage reservoirs through a network of pipelines
• These three storage reservoirs are located at Rajgir , Tetar, and Gaya.
• Water will be pumped from these reservoirs to three water treatment plants in Rajgir Manpur, and
Gaya.
• A pipeline network with a length of 151 km was laid with different diameters. One railway over the
bridge and four bridges are also part of the project.
• The project addresses the twin problems of floods and drinking water shortage in areas with a lower
water table by using water lift technology.

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General Studies-III
Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization
of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Financial Inclusiveness: ‘Niveshak Didi’ initiative
Background
India Post Payments Bank (IPPB), conducted India’s First Floating Financial Literacy Camp with an initiative
called ‘Niveshak Didi’ to promote Financial Literacy ‘By the women, for the women, in Srinagar, J&K recently.

About Niveshak Didi

• ‘Niveshak Didi’ initiative is based on the ideology of women for women as rural area women feel more
comfortable sharing their queries with a female herself.
• It is launched by IPPB, in collaboration with the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority
(IEPFA)under the aegis of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA).
• As part of the launch of the initiative, India’s First Floating Financial Literacy Camp was conducted by
a newly appointed ‘Niveshak Didi’, who held the Financial Literacy session in local Kashmiri language.
• The session covered topics ranging from:
• banking and financial products
• importance of joining the mainstream financial services offered by regulated entities
• protection against various types of risks involved with investments and measures of fraud prevention.
• The initiative will address the challenges faced by rural masses in terms of language and their
understanding of financial products and services.

Major Crops - Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country,

- Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems; Storage,
Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues
and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
Sustainable Agriculture: DRR DHAN 60
Background
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR) have developed paddy varieties that require at least
30% lower phosphorous, at a time when the country is facing a huge challenge in meeting fertilizer demand.

About the low phosphorous soil tolerant varieties

• DRR Dhan 60 is the first rice variety in the country with low phosphorous tolerance. DRR Dhan 66, DRR
Dhan 65, and WGL-1487 are the other varieties which offer the same benefits.
• Scientists at the IIRR think that farmers in Eastern India may be able to use it as an alternative way to
grow crops. It can be grown in other rice-growing states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh,
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Odisha.
• Significance of phosphorus for plants
• Phosphorous is a key macronutrient responsible for the growth and yields of paddy as it plays a crucial
role in energy storage and transfer within cells.

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• Speeds up root development

• Facilitates greater Nitrogen uptake and results in higher grain protein yields.

Importance of development of such variety:

• An overwhelming majority of soils in the rice-producing areas in India are deficient in phosphorous and
unscientific methods of application leads to washing away of fertilizers, requiring repeated application.
• High import costs of fertilizers along with foreign currency outgo puts fiscal strain on the government.
• Increasing subsidy costs, as farmers pay below what it costs to import or manufacture using imported
inputs. Government covers the difference.
• Overuse of fertilizers also result in eutrophication of water bodies.
• Since these rice varieties were created using conventional breeding methods, no additional agronomic
advice is given to the farmers.

Land Reforms in India.

Land Reforms: Odisha’s Jaga Mission
Background
The Government of Odisha signed MoU with Tata Steel Foundation, for implementing the Jaga Mission across
five municipal corporations of Odisha.

About Jaga Mission

• Jaga Mission is the World’s Largest Slum Land Settlement Programme by the Government of Odisha
launched in 2018, which aims to transform Slums Into Liveable Habitats with all necessary civic
infrastructure and services at par with the better-off areas within the same urban local body.

Objectives of Jaga Mission include:

• Working towards slum upgradation by addressing the primary inequalities prevailing in urban areas to
integrate the informal settlements into the mainstream city fabric.
• Create the 4th tier of governance by strengthening SDAs (Slum Dweller Associations) community
organisations. Empower SDA to make decisions and take on the implementation of infrastructure
upgradation.
• Create conditions for reducing the growth of slums in urban areas in the future by addressing the core
issues of access to land, services, housing, and other necessities of urban life for the poor.
• Moving up the ladder of building resilience in urban areas and slum-proofing the city by progressing
from individual to community level to city level benefits, thereby ensuring increased urban stability.
• Also, Odisha won the ‘World Habitat Award’ for its Jaga Mission in 2019.

Land Reforms: SVAMITVA Scheme

Background
The Report of the Expert Committee on the SVAMITVA Scheme was released during the ‘National Conference
on SVAMITVA Scheme and Rural Planning.

About SWAMITVA
• SVAMITVA (Survey of villages and mapping with improvised technology in village areas) scheme is the
central sector scheme of the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

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• The scheme seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• Creation of accurate land records for rural planning and reducing property-related disputes.
• To bring financial stability to the citizens in rural India, by enabling them to use their property as a
financial asset for taking loans and other financial benefits.
• Determination of property tax, which would accrue to the Gram Panchayats directly in States where it
is devolved or else, adds to the State exchequer.
• Creation of survey infrastructure and GIS maps that can be leveraged by any department for their use.
• To support the preparation of a better-quality Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) by making
use of GIS maps.
• Also, under the scheme surveying, the land parcels in rural inhabited areas are being done using Drone
technology, in a phase-wise manner over the period 2020 -2025.

Various Stages in SVAMITVA Scheme & its Glimpses

Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Innovation: Tulip Turbines
Background
The Indian businessman Anand Mahindra on social media has suggested that Tulip Turbines would be more
suitable to Indian needs, considering cost, space consumption and utility in urban & rural settings.

About Tulip Turbines

• Tulip turbines are designed in the shape of the flower’s petals and are claimed to be highly efficient
while producing low noise & taking less space.
• These produce clean energy from any direction and hence can be installed almost anywhere the wind
exists, even at a lower speed.
• Tulip Turbines are a panacea in a densely populated country like India with low land availability for
conventional on-site wind turbines.
• In India, the assessment indicates a gross wind power potential of 302 GW at 100 metres and 695.50
GW at 120 metres above ground level.
• India has set a target of 140 GW wind energy capacity by 2030; the country currently has the fourth-
highest wind installed capacity in the world.
• Measures taken to capitalise on Wind Energy potential include:
• National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy
National Offshore Wind Energy Policy
• pollution, and greater need for energy sources.

Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation,

Environmental Impact Assessment.
Sustainable Energy: Rolls-Royce successfully tests hydrogen-powered jet engine
Background
British manufacturer Rolls-Royce has successfully tested an aircraft engine running on hydrogen. It is the first
major step by the aviation sector towards decarbonizing air travel.

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About Hydrogen Fuel:

• Rolls Royce and EasyJet modified an aero-engine to use hydrogen produced from wind and tidal power
to run an early concept engine.
• Hydrogen is one of the competing technologies that could help the aviation industry achieve its goal
of becoming net zero by 2050.
• Other technologies in the pipeline are electric engines, which would be initially suitable for short
flights, and the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
• But a switch to hydrogen-powered engines would require a complete redesign of airframes and
infrastructure at airports.
• Engines that are already in service can use a mixture of SAF and conventional fuels, but it is only
currently produced in minuscule amounts.

Different methods for the production of Hydrogen are:

• Hydrogen can be separated from hydrocarbons through the application of heat, a process known as
reforming.
• An electrical current can also be used to separate water into its components of oxygen and hydrogen
through the process of
• Some algae and bacteria, using sunlight as their energy source, even give off hydrogen under certain
conditions.

Advantages of Hydrogen fuel:

• Hydrogen has high energy content per unit mass, which is three times higher than gasoline.
• It has the potential to contribute towards decarbonized, sustainable, secure energy future.
• Hydrogen fuel releases no polluting by-products

India’s high growth plus controlled urban pollution renders a good position for G20
In News
India will be presiding over the G-20 summit from December 2022, after taking charge from incumbent
president Indonesia.

About the news:

• The unveiled logo of G-20 contains the message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — One Earth, One Family,
One Future’ which reflects the idea of universal brotherhood. The theme also spotlights LiFE (Lifestyle
for Environment), with its associated, environmentally sustainable and responsible choices
• But the poor air quality standards of Delhi, placing it as the most polluted capital of the world, raises
questions about the true resolve to the principles of environmentally sustainable and responsible
choices.
• Despite being among the top three biggest GHG emitters along with China and USA in 2019, India is in
a relatively better position in terms of GHG emissions on a per capita basis in 2021

What are the reasons for poor AQI in Delhi?

• Change in Wind Direction: October usually marks the withdrawal of monsoons in Northwest India
and during this time, the predominant direction of winds is northwesterly, which brings the dust from
northern Pakistan and Afghanistan.

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• Reduced Wind Speed: High wind speed in summer facilitates the faster movement of particulate
matter in the air. As the wind speed decreases in winter, the air is not able to draw the pollutant away
from a region.
• Landlocked Geography of Delhi obstructs the escape route of air which already carries pollutants from
the North-West.
• Vehicular Emissions: It is one of the biggest causes of dipping air quality in Delhi in winter and around
20% of PM2.5 in winter comes from it.
• Industrial chimney wastes: There are a number of industries which are sources of pollution. The chief
gases are SO2 and NO2. There are many food and fertilizers industries which emit acid vapours in the
air.
• Stubble burning in Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana is blamed for causing a thick blanket of smog in
Delhi during winters.
• Construction Activities and Open Waste Burning in Delhi-NCR is another culprit that is increasing dust
and pollution in the air.

What are the measures taken to tackle air pollution in Delhi?

• Graded response action plan: In pursuant to the Supreme Court’s order in the M. C. Mehta vs. Union of
India (2016) regarding air quality in the National Capital Region of Delhi, the Graded Response Action
Plan was notified by MoEFCC in 2017.
• The government has notified construction & demolition (C&D) waste management rules for all
generators of C&D waste. They must segregate it into four categories and then either deposit it at
collection centres set up by the local authority or hand it over to processing facilities.
• A new Tree policy with an aim to the preservation and transplantation of trees has been introduced by
the Delhi government.
• Smog Towers which are large-scale air purifiers usually fitted with multiple layers of air filters which
clean the air of pollutants as it passes through them.
• The introduction of BS-VI vehicles, push for electric vehicles (EVs), Odd-Even as an emergency measure
and construction of the Eastern and Western Peripheral Expressways to reduce vehicular pollution.

Climate literacy campaign: Kerala’s Meenangadi Panchayat

Background:
Meenangadi Village Panchayat of Kerala has come up as a role model for being declared a carbon-neutral
village.

About Meenangadi
• In 2016, the panchayat envisaged a project called ‘Carbon neutral Meenangadi’, with the aim of
transforming it into a state of carbon neutrality.
• Campaigns and awareness programme was conducted initially to educate people.
• A greenhouse gas emission inventory was prepared to find out that the panchayat was carbon positive.
• An action plan was prepared by organizing gram sabha meetings and carrying out socio-economic
surveys and energy-use mapping.
• Several multi-sector schemes were implemented to reduce emissions, increase carbon sequestration,
and preserve the ecology and biodiversity.
• ‘Tree banking’ was one of the landmark schemes introduced to aid carbon-neutral activities which

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encouraged the planting of more trees by extending interest-free loans.

• Local economic development was another thrust area where LED bulb manufacturing and related
micro-enterprises were initiated.
• The entire community was involved in the process, with school students, youth, and technical and
academic institutions given different assignments.
• Examples of other such Transformative villages:
• Palli panchayat in Jammu and Kashmir is India’s first carbon-neutral village.
• Odanthurai panchayat in Tamil Nadu which has its own windmill of 350KW
• Tikekarwadi panchayat in Maharashtra is known for its extensive use of biogas plants and green energy
production
• Chapparapadavu panchayat in Kerala has several green islands that have been nurtured by the
community
Environmental Pollution and Degradation: Waste to energy Programme
Background
The Centre has issued guidelines for rolling out its waste-to-energy programme, paving the way for companies
to produce biogas and bio-CNG, and electricity from urban, industrial and agricultural waste and residues.

About the program

• Waste-to-energy (WtE) or energy-from-waste (EfW) is the process of generating energy in the form of
electricity or heat, from the primary treatment of waste, or the processing of waste into a fuel source.
• The programme is part of an umbrella scheme, the National Bioenergy Programme.
• Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) will be the implementing agency for the
programme, under which government will offer financial assistance to project developers, while
implementing agencies, including inspection firms, will be paid service charges for commissioning the
waste-to-energy plants.
• The Centre will provide financial assistance of ₹75 lakh per MW for new biogas plants and ₹50 lakh
per MW for existing units.
• If the waste-to-energy plants are set up in special category states, the eligible CFA will be 20% higher.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has notified the National Bioenergy Programme.

Sub-Schemes:
• Waste to Energy Programme
• Biomass Programme: Scheme to Support the Manufacturing of Briquettes & Pellets and Promotion
of Biomass (non-bagasse) based cogeneration in Industries to support the setting up of pellets and
briquettes for use in power generation and non-bagasse-based power generation projects.
• Biogas Programme: To support the setting up of family and medium size Biogas in rural areas.

Net Zero Carbon Emission

• It is referred to as carbon neutrality, which does not mean that a country/state would bring down its
emissions to zero.
• It is a state in which a country’s emissions are compensated by the absorption and removal of GHGs
from the atmosphere.
• Further, absorption of the emissions can be increased by creating more carbon sinks such as forests.

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• While the removal of gases from the atmosphere requires futuristic technologies such as carbon
capture and storage.
• More than 70 countries have promised to become Net Zero by the middle of the century i.e., by 2050.
• India has promised to cut its emissions to net zero by 2070 at the CO0-26 summit.
Quote
• “NET-ZERO offers not only a solution to climate change and air pollution, but an opportunity to create
a cheaper, more resilient energy system, a more productive economy, and a better quality of life for
all” ― Mathew Hampshire-Waugh

Disaster and Disaster Management.

Infrastructure: Morbi Bridge Collapse
Background
A suspension bridge built during British rule collapsed recently in Morbi, Gujarat killing at least 134 people.

About the disaster

• A suspension bridge is a type in which the deck is hung below suspension cables on vertical suspenders.
• The design and balancing of the suspension bridge demand two preconditions: there must be no
overloading and no excessive swaying.
• The bridge, which had been reopened after renovation, reportedly was overcrowded when it collapsed
and was swaying preceding the disaster.
• The forensic report said the flooring of the bridge was replaced at the time of renovation but its cables
were not, and the old cables could not take the weight of the changed flooring.
• Holding contractors responsible, crowd regulation, periodic inspection of bridge quality, and setting
up regulations for clearance & maintenance of public Infrastructure, are some of the ways to mitigate
risks from such disasters.
• The collapse in Morbi happened across the Machchhu river.
• Machchhu is a small river that rises in the Madla Hills and flows 130 km into the Rann of Kutch.
• Morbi is a major hub of small and medium industries and India’s ceramics factory.
• Around 70% of India’s ceramics are produced in Morbi, and ceramic tiles manufactured here are
exported to countries in the Middle East, East Asia etc.

General Studies-IV
Attitude: Content, Structure, Function; its Influence and
Relation with Thought and Behaviour; Moral and Political
Attitudes; Social Influence and Persuasion.
#FaithNotForce campaign: Bournvita Forced Packs
Background
On Children’s Day, Cadbury Bournvita launched a new campaign ‘#FaithNotForce’, urging society to recognize
the true potential of children and not push them to be something they are not.

About the campaign

• Cadbury Bournvita turned their jar into items, like a toilet cleaner bottle, an egg carton, a tissue paper

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box, a glass cleaner spray, a ketchup bottle, a soap box, and a cooking oil bottle, to use this force-fit as
an analogy for parents forcing their kids into select professions than nourishing their potential.
• Consumers will find Rs 5 sachets of Cadbury Bournvita inside these forced packs.
• The items’ outer moulds resemble societal expectations of what profession a kid should pursue and
the little ones’ lack of agency.
• At the same time, the true potential of children and Cadbury Bournvita, which the consumer wishes to
buy, stay hidden inside, desperate to see the light of day.
• Such campaigns are effective in changing attitudes, as they persuade the audience to induce behavioural
changes.
• Cadbury Bournvita feels parents should let kids decide what they want to do; and the campaign conveys
the need to get away from the intense pressure parents create about winning, rather than focusing on
children’s potential and preferences.
Quote
• “The surest way to corrupt a youth is to instruct him to hold in higher esteem those who think alike
than those who think differently.” ― Friedrich Nietzsche

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Case Studies - October 2022

General Studies-I
Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Literature from ancient to modern times Promotion of
Regional Languages
Background:
The government has decided to set up centres across the country, that will prepare textual material and syllabi
for each of the 22 Scheduled languages mentioned in the Constitution.

Regional language promotion in India

• A regional language means a language that is used by the majority of people in the region as a mode
of communication in preference to other languages and is either the people’s native language or a
language with which they identify their sociolinguistic identity.
• The current aim of setting up centres is to promote understanding of regional languages and build
cultural bridges in various parts of India.
• The centres will prepare booklets of literature and manuscripts, enrich designated Indian languages
with modern science and social models, and develop courses at the college undergraduate level.
• These Bhasha Kendras have the potential to seed equality of opportunity and help build a more
egalitarian and progressive nation.
Quote
• “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own
language, that goes to his heart.” - Nelson Mandela

Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth

century until the present- significant events, personalities,
issues.

The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important

contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Shyamji Krishna Varma
The Indian Prime Minister recently paid tributes to revolutionary freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma on
his birth anniversary.

About Shyamji Krishna Varma

• Born in 1857 in modern-day Gujarat, Shyamji Krishna Varma completed his education in India, before
moving on to teach Sanskrit at the Oxford University.
• In 1876, he was deeply moved by the reformist teachings of the guru of the Vedas, Swami Dayananda
Saraswati and hence he adopted his principles and teachings.
• He returned to India from England in 1885 and started professional legal practice in the country, and

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was elected the Diwan of Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh.

• He served as a council member to the Maharaja of Udaipur and was also the Diwan of Junagadh in the
period between 1893 and 1897.
• However, an argument with a British agent forced him to resign from his administrative post, following
which he actively participated in the freedom struggle of India.
• Further, he was against the moderate policies adopted by the Congress in India and it is for this reason,
he considered it best to move out from India and settle in Britain in the year 1897 to realise his plans
to achieve India’s independence.
• In 1905, he started spreading his propaganda for India’s freedom struggle. His ideas were brought to
India with the publishing of ‘The Indian Sociologist’, a monthly magazine which spread his political,
social and religious reforms.
• Also, he established Home Rule Society in 1905 with the following objectives:
• achieving Home Rule for India
• to prepare an organised propaganda and spread the same in Britain making everybody aware of the
atrocities that India faced at the hands of the British and
• to unify the Indians and prepare them for freedom struggle.
• On July 1, 1905, he established the India House, a hostel for Indian students coming to England for
education to protect them from racism.
• Later, in 1907 he arrived in Paris to seek refuge in fear of his life following the allegations made against
him by the British government and breathed his last in 1930.

Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within

the country.
The Man of Peace: Lal Bahadur Shastri
Background:
On the occasion of Lal Bahadur Shastri’s birth anniversary, the Indian Prime Minister and President paid tributes
to the former PM at Vijay Ghat.

About Lal Bahadur Shastri

• Lal Bahadur Shastri, the 2nd Prime Minister of India was born on 2nd October in 1904, and this year
marks his 118th birth Anniversary.
• After completing his graduation, Lal was awarded the title of “Shastri” as a part of his bachelor’s degree
by Vidya Peeth.
• His participation before India’s Independence include:
• In the 1920s, Shastriji became an active member of the Indian Independence Movement, in which he
joined the non-cooperation movement.
• He was sent to jail by the British for his participation in the Salt Satyagraha (1930), and Quit India
Movement (1942).
• After India achieved independence Lal Bahadur Shastri’s exceptional worth was well acknowledged.
• He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in his home state of Uttar Pradesh in 1946, and he then
moved to New Delhi in 1951 and held several positions in the Union Cabinet.
• Later, Shastriji took office as India’s prime minister 1964, and his achievements include:
• He advocated for the White Revolution, and assisted the Amul milk cooperative in Gujarat and founded
the National Dairy Development Board.
• He supported the Green Revolution, which increased food grain productivity in states like Haryana,

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Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.

• He also gave the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisaan”.
• He signed the Tashkent Declaration in 1966 with Pakistan President, to end the 1965 war.
• Eventually, Lal Bahadur Shastri died due to a heart attack in 1966, but his legacy continues to thrive,
as a humble, tolerant leader with great inner strength who understood the language of the common
man.
• Also, he earned a reputation as a man of exceptional integrity and skill.
• After his passing, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1966, making him the first posthumous laureate
of this prestigious award.
Quote: “Discipline and united action are the real source of strength for the nation.” - Lal Bahadur Lal Bahadur
Shastri Jayanti 2022: Special things about the highly disciplined 2nd PM of India
Image source:

Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes,

Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features
and their location-changes in critical geographical features
(including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna
and the effects of such changes.
Avalanche strikes near Kedarnath shrine
Background:
An avalanche recently occurred in the Kedar Peak area, of the Chorabari glacial lake region, around 6-7 km
away from Kedarnath shrine in Rudraprayag.

About Avalanche
• Avalanches are masses of snow, ice, and rocks that fall rapidly down a mountainside.
• The causes of Avalanche include:
• Topographic factors
• Inclination of slope, Shape of slope, Location (ridge line or toe of slope), Orientation of slope
• Vegetation factors
• Vegetation cover and height of trees
• Vegetation cover and its thickness
• Weather factors
• Depth of snow cover, Depth of snowfall, Wind velocity, Atmospheric and snow temperatures
• Other factors
• Increase in weight of snow cover because of snow dropping from cornices or snow covers.
• Vibrations such as earthquake or the sound of gunfire
• The impacts of Avalanches include:
• An avalanche obstructs anything in its path.
• Roads and railways can be blocked.
• Power supplies can be cut off.
• A powerful avalanche can even destroy buildings and people can also be killed.
• Avalanche Mitigation

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• Non-structural methods include avoidance (through land use restrictions or temporary evacuation)
and artificial triggering.
• Structural measures include diversion structures, dams, retarding structures and starting zone
structures design to prevent avalanche initiation.

Avalanches Prone Areas in India include:

• Jammu and Kashmir: Higher reaches of Kashmir and Gurez valleys, Kargil and Ladakh and some of the
major roads
• Himachal Pradesh: Chamba, Kullu- Spiti and Kinnaur vulnerable areas
• West Uttar Pradesh: Parts of Tehri Garhwal and Chamoli districts are vulnerable areas.

General Studies-II
Government Policies and Interventions for Development in
various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and
Implementation.
Population Issues: Manipur Population Control measure
Background
Aiming apparently at population control, the Manipur Government has announced that government benefits
will not be provided to families having more than four children.

About the measure

• The Manipur Government approved the establishment of the Manipur State Population Commission
as an ordinance.
• At present, India accounts for18% of the world’s population with only 2.45% of the global surface area
and in 2023 will overtake China to become the world’s most populous nation.
• States like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have similar laws for population control.
• The current decision aimed at population control is at variance with the decade-old contest in Manipur
entailing cash awards for women with at least 10 children.
• The decision follows the ‘Population and Women Empowerment Policy of Assam’, which made people
with more than two children ineligible for government jobs and election to the panchayats and civic
bodies.
• Over Population
• Increases pressure on clothing & housing.
• Aggravates unemployment & disguised unemployment problem.
• Leads to eco-degradation.
• Pressure on infrastructure.
• However, it is said to result in
• Reduction in the working-age population.
• Dipping Total Fertility Rate (TFR).
• The desire for male children could lead to unsafe abortions and female feticide.
• Penalising vulnerable sections because of their inability to afford contraceptives or abortion.

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Development Processes and the Development Industry —

the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations,
donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Social Empowerment: Pay parity in cricket
Background:
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced a “pay equity policy”, saying that its
centrally-contracted men and women players would get the same match fees.
About:
• The step is a significant move towards bringing gender pay parity as, per the Global Gender Gap Index
2022, at the current rate of progress, it will take 132 years to reach full parity.
• The women players will now get Rs 15 lakh per Test match, Rs 6 lakh for aOne-Day International (ODI),
and Rs 3 lakh for a T20 International. Till now, they were paid Rs 1 lakh for a white-ball match, and Rs
4 lakh for a Test.
• India ranked 135, out of a total of 146 countries and its overall score has improved from 625 (in 2021)
to 0.629,which is its seventh-highest score in the last 16 years.
• In 2021, India was ranked 140 out of 156 countries.
• Economic Participation and Opportunity (Percentage of women in the labour force, Wage Equality for
similar work, Earned income):
• In 2021, India was pegged at 151 out of 156 countries.
• India’s score is much lower than the global average,and only Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan are behind
India on this metric.
• Indian Initiatives to reduce Gender Gap
(1) Economic Participation and Health and Survival:
(a) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
(b) Mahila Shakti Kendra
(c) Sukanya Samriddhi yojana
(2) Political reservation:
• The government has reserved 33% of the seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions for women.
• Capacity Building of Elected Women Representatives: It is conducted with a view to empowering
women to participate effectively in the governance processes.

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by

the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes;
Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for
the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
“Beti Bachao Beti Padao” programme
The mandate of the “Beti Bachao Beti Padao” programme has recently been expanded by the Women and
Child Development (MoW&CD) Mnistry to include skilling of girls in non-traditional livelihood (NTL) options.
Beyond News:
Non-Traditional Livelihoods (NTLs) includes occupation in sectors as construction workers, electricians,
carpenters, motor mechanics, veterinary doctors etc. where gender continues to hinder women’s participation
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Aim:
• Convergence between various departments for providing quality education to empower girls.
• To raise awareness about safe menstrual hygiene, besides promulgating elimination of child marriages.
• Previously, the scheme was revised to include components including target of ensuring 1% increment
in enrolment at the secondary level and skilling of girls and women every year.
• Major highlights:
• Gender equality: India ranks 135 out of 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2022 of the
World Economic Forum.
• Female-to-male labour: force participation rate is nearly at 80 as against the desired 50 per cent.
• Method: Ministries of Women and Child Development, Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and
Minority Affairs will sign MoU to facilitate the upskilling of girls in non-traditional occupations.
• Apex committee: will be set up to implement the scheme in districts, headed by the Secretary, Ministry
of Women and Child Development under Mission Shakti.
• Enrolment: Enrolment of girls in secondary education, particularly in STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Mathematics) subjects where women have been historically under-represented.

Importance:
• Streamlining: Help in convergence between Ministries and Departments to ensure adolescents
complete their education, build skills, and enter the workforce in a diverse range of professions.
• Empowerment: Help to overcome gender-based discrimination, child marriage, and financial hardships
to carve a niche for themselves with non-traditional skills.
• Self-reliance: Girls will be given skill training in non-traditional vocations, making them torchbearers of
a women-led Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social

Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human
Resources.
Indore’s 5-year ‘cleanest city’ streak, and it’s not rocket science
Background:
Indore has been declared the cleanest city in India for the sixth consecutive year in the Swachh Survekshan
2022, the central government’s annual cleanliness survey of urban areas under the Swachh Bharat Mission.

About Indore’s streak

• According to the Municipal Commissioner, it is the level of consciousness among residents and a high
degree of public involvement that is behind Indore being continually adjudged the cleanest city in the
country.
• The measures that have resulted in Indore bagging the top spot include:
• Indore’s municipal corporation (IMC) eliminated garbage dumps, ensuring 100% household-waste
segregation and converting waste to usable products, such as compost and fuel.
• Practising six-bin waste segregation at source for the household and commercial levels.
• Partnering with non-governmental organisations for an awareness campaign to change the behaviour
of its citizens
• Contracting private companies to run waste management operations
• Using technology, and improving municipal capacity to ensure the implementation of its waste
management plan.

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• Strict monitoring by municipal authorities coupled with strong action, which includes hefty penalties
and suspension for dereliction of duty.
• PPP (Public Private Partnership) model in the sanitation sector, to set up India’s biggest solid waste
management facility.
• The ranking is a result of attitudinal changes, which are evident as:
• litter & spitting in public places is a rarity, and people coming forward to flag or protest against such
incidents.
• There are no garbage dumps, while roads/footpaths remain spotless
• Also no stray animals roaming around.
• Hoardings are missing from the city’s walls.
• Safai Mitras committing to work in Night Shifts
• Other impacts of such performance by Indore include:
• Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter level has reduced
• Investors are being attracted, due to all-round social, cultural and economic development of the city.
• Thus, a combination of an incremental garbage reduction policy, insistence on waste segregation, and
a change in mindset have all pushed Indore to achieve what seems impossible, for other cities in India.
• Quote: Sanitation and cleanliness are among the humblest of the civic virtues, and it is easy to
underestimate their significance - Ram Nath Kovind

Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing

Countries on India’s interests, Indian Diaspora.
Annie Ernaux-Nobel Prize Literature 2022
The French author Annie Ernaux has been awarded ‘Nobel Prize in Literature 2022’, who is known for her
deceptively simple novels drawing on personal experience of class and gender.

About Annie Ernaux

• Ernaux was born in 1940 and brought up in the small town of Yvetot in Normandy, France.
• Later, she went on to study at the universities of Rouen and then Bordeaux from where she qualified
as a school teacher and gained a higher degree in modern literature.
• Her literary career started with the publication of her first book, Cleaned Out, in 1974.
• After publishing three novels (Cleaned Out, What they say goes, and The Frozen Woman), she turned
to autobiographical writing with her 1984 book, A Man’s Place.
• Some of the major themes in her work include the body and sexuality, intimate relationships, social
inequality and the experience of changing class through education, time and memory, and the
overarching question of how to write these life experiences.
• Also, she manifestly believes in the liberating force of writing, and her work is uncompromising and
written in plain language.
• Further, her acclaimed works enjoy a faithful readership and have been a part of various radio and
television interviews and programmes, apart from international academic literature.
• As a result, Ernaux was honoured with the Nobel Prize “for the courage and clinical acuity with which
she uncovers the roots, estrangements and collective restraints of personal memory”.
• Quote: “Maybe the true purpose of my life is for my body, my sensations and my thoughts to become
writing, in other words, something intelligible and universal, causing my existence to merge into the
lives and heads of other people.” ― Annie Ernaux

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Cuba holds unusual vote on law allowing same-sex marriage

Cuba, recently held a rare referendum on an unusually contentious law, a government-backed family law
code that would allow same-sex couples to marry and adopt, as well as outlining the rights of children and
grandparents.

About the referendum

• Referendums are the principle or practice of submitting to popular vote a measure, passed on or
proposed by a legislative body or by popular initiative.
• The measure, which contains more than 400 articles, was approved by 66.9% to 33.1%.
• The passed code allows surrogate pregnancies, broader rights for grandparents in regard to
grandchildren, protection of the elderly and measures against gender violence.
• However, the referendum has met a strong strain of social conservatism in Cuba and several religious
leaders have expressed concern or opposition to the law, worrying it could weaken nuclear families.
• The referendum marks a big moment for Cuba, which saw gay people persecuted and sent to work
camps in the 1960s and 70s.
• While Cuba was officially and often militantly an atheist for decades after the 1959 revolution led by
Fidel Castro, it has become more tolerant of religions over the past quarter century.
• This has resulted in opening of not only the once dominant Roman Catholic Church, but also to Afro-
Cuban religions, protestants and Muslims.

General Studies-III
Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization
of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Employment Issues: Moonlighting
Background
Wipro, an IT service firm in a toughening stand has sacked 300 employees for ‘moonlighting’.

About Moonlighting
• Moonlighting is the practice of taking up secondary jobs after work hours, without informing or taking
consent from the current employer.
• The reasons Moonlighting seems attractive include:
• Supplements income, with assignments outside work
• Working from Home culture, providing room for dual employment
• Absence of overtime pay and regulation of employment contracts
• Issues associated with Moonlighting
• Violation of Contract
• Working with rival companies impacts the competitiveness prospects.
• Integrity Violation
• Productivity loss of employees, from physical fatigue
• Data and confidentiality breaches
• Legality & Moonlighting
• There is no law that prevents dual employment

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• Moonlighting is not defined under any statute in Indian employment laws

• Ethical Dilemmas associated
• Integrity to employee vs Need to support a family with extra income
• Individual vs Organisational Obligations

Social Empowerment: MGNREGS made up for up to 80% income loss during pandemic
Background:
The ‘Employment Guarantee during Covid-19’ report that was recently released by Azim Premji University,
NREGA, highlighted that wages earned under MGNREGA helped compensating 20% to 80% of income loss
incurred because of Covid-19 lockdown.

About Report findings related to MGNREGS

• MGNREGA is a demand driven wage employment programme under Ministry of Rural Development.
• It provides at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural
household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
• MGNREGA is a right to work programme, that guarantees 100 days of employment to every rural
household that demands work, and is designed to absorb shocks such as the pandemic.

As per the report,

• 39% of households has reported to have not got a single day of work in 2020-21 owing to the pandemic.
• Only 36% of all households that worked in the COVID year got their wages within 15 days as laid down
in the Act.
• Unmet demand was 64 days among households that found some work. (Unmet demand is difference
between number of days desired and number of days of work received).
• To compensate wage loss, increasing MGNREGA wage rates to at least state minimum wage or Rs 375
per day as recommended by Anoop Satpathy Committee Also, every agency involved in payment of
MGNREGA wages must be brought within ambit of social audits.

Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics,

Nano-technology, Bio-technology and issues relating to
Intellectual Property Rights.
Science and Technology and its application in everyday life - CAR-T therapy in curing
Leukaemia
Background
An 8-year-old in India received the treatment for Leukaemia, as part of the safety trials for India’s first
indigenously made CAR-T cells.

About the Innovation

• Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cells are a new form of immunotherapy, which entails re-
engineering the body’s T immune cells with genetic material so that they selectively target cancer cells
for destruction.
• Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that utilises the body’s own immune system to fight cancer.
• CAR T therapy is used to treat patients with specific types of cancers of blood and lymph nodes.
• It is indigenously developed by IIT Bombay and Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai and is funded under
National Biopharma Mission (NBM) by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).
• Each kind of CAR T cell therapy is made to fight a specific kind of cancer antigen, hence CAR T made for

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one type of cancer won’t work against another type of cancer.

• Further, the made-in-India therapy’s price tag will be a 10th of its cost in the USA.

Benefits:
• While existing cancer treatments work towards increasing the life of patients by a few years or months,
CAR-T technology holds the promise of curing certain types of cancers.
• Unlike chemotherapy, CAR-T is administered only once to a patient.
• Short treatment time is needed and more rapid recovery

Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation,

Environmental Impact Assessment.
Modhera India’s first 24x7 solar-powered village
Background:
The Indian Prime Minister recently declared Modhera village in Gujarat as the country’s first 24x7 solar-
powered village.

About Modhera
• The Modhera village is located 25 km from the Mehsana district of Gujarat.
• Modhera is known for the Sun temple situated on the bank of the Pushpavati river. The temple was
built around 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Chalukya dynasty.
• Powering the village of Modhera with Solar powered panels was undertaken as a joint venture project
between the centre & the state government in 2019, and was completed in two phases in September
2022 at a cost of ₹80.66 crore.
• The village has a ground-mounted solar power plant, and over 1,300 rooftop solar systems with 1kW
capacity have been installed on houses to generate electricity. All of these solar systems are linked to
a battery energy storage system (BESS).
• During the day, solar panels power the village, while in the evening, BESS, India’s first grid-connected
megawatt hour scale battery energy storage system, power the houses.
• Also, the Gujarat government stated that the project will make Modhera the first village in India to
become a net renewable energy generator, demonstrating how renewable energy can empower
people at the grassroots level.
• Further, People in the village can save 60-100% on their electricity bills with this move.
Quote:
• One of the most exciting opportunities created by renewable energy technologies like solar is the
ability to help the world’s poorest develop faster - but more sustainably too - Ed Davey

General Studies-IV
Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India
and World.
Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh
Background:
The Prime Minister recently paid tributes to Bharat Ratna Nanaji Deshmukh on his birth anniversary.

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About Nanaji Deshmukh

• Nanaji Deshmukh was born on October 11, 1916.
• He was among those who joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at a very young age, devoting
their whole life in service to the nation.
• His contribution to the nation include:

A. Education:
• He is believed to have established Saraswati Shishu Mandir (SSM) in 1950, which runs a chain of private
schools in India and is an educational wing of RSS.
• He is also responsible for setting up India’s first rural university, Chitarkoot Gramodya Vishwavidyalaya.

B. Role in JP movement
• He played an important role in the JP Movement, against Emergency in
• The JP movement also known as Bihar Movement was a political movement initiated by students
in the Indian state of Bihar in 1974 and led by the veteran Gandhian socialist Jayaprakash Narayan,
popularly known as JP, against misrule and corruption in the state government.

C. Role in Politics
• He won from a Lok Sabha constituency of UP in 1977, after revocation of Emergency.
• He however refused to join the cabinet of Morarji Desai.
• Soon after he quit public life and started working as a social worker.
D. Rural Development
• Through the rural institute set up by him, he worked on alternative rural development models based
on traditional knowledge in remote areas of UP & MP.

F. Reformist
• He actively participated in the Bhoodan Movement started by Vinoba Bhave.
• He also played an important role in carrying out a social restructuring programme in over 500 villages
of MP & UP.
• His efforts also resulted in reforms in agriculture, cottage industry, rural health and rural education.
• He passed away on February 27, 2010, aged 95.
• Thus, Nanaji was social reformer and politician from India, who worked in the fields of Education,
health and rural self-reliance, and thus was awarded the Bharat Ratna by the Government of India
posthumously.

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Case Studies- September 2022

General Studies-I

Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and

Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Sittanavasal, a Jain heritage site in Tamil Nadu, battles the elements
Background:
The Archaeological Survey of India has undertaken conservation measures and also introduced digital checks
to track public access, as a result of the art in Sittanavasal either damaged or vandalised.

About Sittanavasal
• Sittanavasal is a small village in the Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu and was a major centre of Jain
influence for 1,000 years just before the Christian era.
• The village was inhabited during the megalithic period from the 1st century BC, and Jainism flourished
here from the 1st century BC to the 10th century AD.
• Sittanavasal, the hamlet and the hillock, houses the following:
• Arivar Kovil (temple of Arihats - Jains who conquered their senses)
• ‘Ezhadipattam’ (a cavern with 17 polished rock beds)
• Megalithic burial sites and
• The Navachunai tarn (small mountain lake) with a submerged shrine.
• The artwork on the ceiling of the sanctum and the Ardha mandapam of Arivar Kovil is an early example
of post-Ajanta cave paintings of the 4-6th centuries, done using the fresco-secco technique (a process
that dispenses with the preparation of the wall with wet plaster).
• Also, it is the only place in Tamil Nadu where we can see Pandya paintings.
• Unrestricted public access and general exposure to the elements have led to a gradual fading away of
the artworks at Sittanavasal.
• As Sittanavasal is the best-preserved example of a Jain cave temple in Tamil Nadu, the current laxity in
preservation efforts calls for better upkeep.
• Quote: Archaeology holds all the keys to understanding who we are and where we come from - Sarah
Parcak

Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth

century until the present- significant events, personalities,
issues.
Remembering Bhagat Singh for his Sacrifices and Courage
Background:
The Indian Prime Minister recently paid tribute to revolutionary Bhagat Singh on the occasion of his birth
anniversary.

About Bhagat Singh

• Bhagat Singh was born on 28 September 1907 in Punjab province, which is now in Pakistan.

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• He belonged to a family who were involved in the freedom struggle, which is the reason he was drawn
towards India’s movement for Independence at an early age.
• His contributions to Indian freedom struggle include:
• In his early days, Bhagat Singh was a follower of the ideals of non-violence popularised by Mahatma
Gandhi, and hence supported him in the Non-Cooperation Movement.
• He founded the Naujawan Bharat Sabha in the year 1926 to encourage the peasants and workers to
fight against British rule.
• In 1928, the Hindustan Socialist Association (HSRA) was also established by him, along with Sukhdev,
Chandrasekhar Azad and others.
• His acts of courage and sacrifice, that makes him remembered are:
• In 1928, Bhagat Singh, along with Sukhdev and Rajguru, planned to avenge the death of Indian
nationalist leader Lala Lajpat Rai and plotted to assassinate the Superintendent of Police James Scott
in Lahore; but in case of mistaken identity shot John Saunders.
• In 1929, Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt bombed the Central Assembly Hall in Delhi to scare British , and
shouted the slogan of “Inquilab Zindabad”.
• Eventually, Bhagat Singh and his revolutionary comrades Rajguru and Sukhdev were hanged by the
British in 1931, in the Lahore Conspiracy case.
• As a tribute to his legacy, it has been decided that the Chandigarh airport will now be named after
Shaheed Bhagat Singh.
Quote:
• “Revolution is an inalienable right of mankind. Freedom is an imperishable birth right of all.” – Shaheed
Bhagat Singh

Attingal Revolt: Common Man’s First Open Revolt Against British Raj
Background
The coastal town of Anchuthengu, Kerala was home to what is considered the first open and organised
revolt against the unjust practices of the East India Company and British Raj — the Attingal Revolt in the
year 1721.

About the revolt

• The British came to Attingal in 1680, hoping to make the most of an abundance of spices, especially
pepper, in the region.
• They wanted to construct inroads in the state and take control over the trade of spices, to gain an edge
over the Dutch and Portuguese.
• Consequently, in 1694, the Rani of Attingal granted permission for the fort to be built.
• The British then annihilated agriculture in the region, leading to a drastic loss of livelihood for the
common man.
• Also, they mocked the religious and cultural beliefs and practices prevalent among the locals
• This angered the natives to such an extent that both Hindus and Muslims came together under
Kudaman Pillai (Feudal Lord of the Pillai Dynasty) to take part in an uprising that later came to be
known as the Attingal Revolt.
• Sensing that they needed to change the strategy, the British decided to send an officer named William
Gyfford to the Rani.
• Gyfford and his men set sail to Attingal, and met new Rani to offer gifts, but eventually ended up
getting slayed by the protestors who entered the palace in the night.
• The British tried to underplay the incident as it would affect their international standing.
• However, a mural stands as an attempt to remind people of the ferocity of the first revolt against the

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British and to not have its legacy erased in time, along National Highway 66 in Thiruvananthapuram.

Madhav Rao as a statesman

In news
The Indian Prime Minister recently extolled the administrative qualities of Madhava Rao, a statesman from a
princely state.

About Madhav Rao

• He was born at Combaconum in Madras in 1828.
• Even though he was educated in the strictest tenets of his sacred caste, he readily imbibed the new
spirit of the age by studying mathematics, science, astronomy and English philosophy.
• As a tutor of the maharaja of Travancore, and then as a revenue officer in that state, he showed
firmness and ability and became diwan or prime minister of Travancore in 1857.
• He was a brilliant administrator and served three of India’s most politically important states -Travancore
(1857-1872), Indore (1873-1875) and Baroda(1875-1882).
• He transformed Travancore and Baroda, by fixing the revenues of these states, encouraging industry,
modernising their practices, creating new administrative cultures, and propelling them into an ambition
about learning and culture.
• Also, Madhava Rao’s treatise on governance offers a window into alternative modernity and alternative
genealogy of secularism.
• The aspects of Madhav Rao as a statesman, that find relevance today are:
• The need for professionalism in the context of administration and statecraft.
• Emphasis on teamwork and fair play, and after selecting officers for capacity “the minister should treat
them with confidence”.
• The ways to induce a non-representative, non-absolutist, impartial administration.
V.O. Chidambaranar
Background:
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister had recently paid tribute to the statue of the late freedom fighter V.O.
Chidambaranar remembering him on his 151 birth anniversary.

About V.O. Chidambaranar Pillai

• O.Chidambarampillai (VOC) was born on 5 September 1872 in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.
• The partition of Bengal in 1905, and the rise of militancy evidenced by the Swadeshi (boycott of foreign
goods) movement, saw him taking a direct interest in the political struggle.
• His other contributions to the freedom struggle include:
• He supported Bal Gangadhar Tilak and the militant wing of the Indian National Congress.
• He participated in the 1907 Surat Congress.
• He was one of the earliest to start the ‘Dharmasangha Nesavuchalai’ for hand-loom industry and the
‘Swadeshi Stores’ for the sale of India made things to the people.
• He played a lead role in many institutions, like the “National Godown,” “Madras Agro-Industrial Society
Ltd.,” and “The Desabimana Sangam”.
• Inspired by the Swadeshi movement, V.O.C. mobilised the support of local merchants, and launched
the first indigenous Indian shipping enterprise, the Swadeshi Steam Navigation Company, thus earning
for himself the name “Kappalottiya Tamilan’’.
• His efforts in the Swadeshi Movement, brought him into conflict with the British Raj, for which he was
arrested on charges of sedition, and later Court imposing a sentence of two life imprisonments.

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• In prison VOC continued to maintain a stream of petitions, until he stepped out of prison in 1912.
• VOC finished his major political work by 1908, but died in late 1936, with the passion for freedom still
raging in his mind till the last moment.
• On the whole, VOC was an erudite scholar in Tamil, a prolific writer, a fiery speaker, a trade union
leader of unique calibre and a dauntless freedom fighter. His life is a story of resistance, strife, struggle,
suffering and sacrifice for the cause to which he was committed.

The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important

contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.
Special event on Urdu poetry’s role in anti-apartheid movement organised in S Africa
Background:
A special event was held recently, in a bid to celebrate the role that Urdu poetry played in South Africa’s
freedom struggle.

About Urdu Poetry’s role in South Africa

• In South African anti-apartheid campaigns, the voice of Urdu poetry was always present on the agenda.
• This is evident in the way how the patriotic song ‘par na jhanda yeh neeche jhukana’ (never lower the
flag), which is believed to have been an anthem among the freedom fighters in India in the 1920s, had
already achieved cult status during meetings of the Indian Congress movement in South Africa.
• Also, in 1981, the song was revived and found new life among a new generation of activists.
• Further, in the resistance campaign of 1946, one of the biggest campaigns within the Indian community
after Mahatma Gandhi left South Africa, a number of Urdu poets gathered to write poems.
• In this perspective, two teams are now researching the history of Urdu poetry in South Africa, which
will come out with a book and documentary film in South Africa.
• Hence, Urdu poetry has been consistent in recording the struggle history of South Africa, from the
Defiance Campaign, the Rivonia Trial (that sent Nelson Mandela and others to prison for decades) and
up to Mandela’s ascent to the Presidency after his release, in a very prolific and profound way
Quote
• Language is the blood of the soul into which thoughts run and out of which they grow” - Oliver Wendell
Holmes.

Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within

the country.
Hyderabad Liberation Day
In news
The Central Government has decided to mark Hyderabad State Liberation Day on September 17, while
Telangana would be observing it as National Unity Day.

About the day

• When India gained independence in 1947 and Pakistan was formed, the British gave the remaining
princely states a choice to merge with either union or stay independent. One of the largest princely
states within the Indian union was Hyderabad, a Hindu-majority region ruled by a Muslim Nizam.
• The Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, was in a dilemma on whether he should join the Indian
union or stay independent. On the other hand, the Majlis-e-Itihadul Muslimeen (precursor of present-
day AIMIM) was adamant about the Nizam merging with Pakistan instead of being Independent.

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• Being no more than a puppet to the MIM, the Nizam agreed to keep Hyderabad independent of either
union.
• The state of Hyderabad under the Nizam included the whole of current day Telangana, the Marathwada
region in Maharashtra that included the districts of Aurangabad, Beed, Hingoli, Jalna, Latur, Nanded,
Osmanabad, Parbhaniand districts of Kalaburagi, Bellary Raichur, Yadgir, Koppal, Vijayanagara and
Bidar in current day Karnataka.
• The Nizam fearing an uprising by the majority-Hindu community sanctioned the creation of Razakars
which was to be a paramilitary wing of the MIM.
• Razakars were empowered by Nizam to suppress Hindu uprisings and movements by all means possible.
Following this, the ethnic genocide of Hindus in Rural Telangana began where mass conversions of
Hindus to Islam were done in an attempt to make Hyderabad a Muslim-majority province.
• The Razakars continued their barbaric campaign till the Indian army routed their forces with Operation
Polo in 1948, leading to the liberation of Hyderabad from Nizam’s control and accession to the Indian
Union.
• This was possible due to the swift and timely action of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

History of the World will include events from 18th century

such as Industrial Revolution, world wars, Redrawal of
National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political
philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.—
their forms and effect on the society.
Queen Elizabeth: The Monarch to survive the longest
Background
Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in British history, recently died at age 96, after she was placed
under medical supervision for failing health.

About Queen Elizabeth

• As head of state for the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, her 70-year reign
spanned more than a dozen U.S. presidents and nine popes.
• Currently, only three other monarchs have reigned for more than seven decades.
• Elizabeth Alexandra Mary was born in London in 1926, the eldest of two daughters to parents who
would later become King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
• In 1947, she married Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
• Following the death of her father King George VI in 1952, Elizabeth became queen at 25.
• Beginning in November 1953 the queen and the duke of Edinburgh made a six-month round-the-world
tour of the Commonwealth, which included the first visit to Australia and New Zealand by a reigning
British monarch.
• In 1961 she made the first royal British tour of the Indian subcontinent in 50 years, and she was also
the first reigning British monarch to visit South America (in 1968) and the Persian Gulf countries (in
1979).
• Her Achievements include:
• During World War 2, Elizabeth lifted up the spirits of children all across the nation. She periodically
made radio broadcasts during the war in a bid to bring joy to her people.
• In the wake of the coalition victory in the Gulf War, Queen Elizabeth II became the first British monarch
to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress on May 16, 1991.

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• Queen Elizabeth II dedicated her life to the welfare of Commonwealth nation She was instrumental in
bringing several socio-economic benefits to these countries.
• Further, from the early 1950s up to the 1990s, the Queen helped many of those countries in gaining
independence or some sort of autonomy.
• Queen Elizabeth II changed the long-standing royal succession law of “male primogenitor” which
favoured the succession of male heirs over females to the English crown, by ensuring the passing of
the Crown Act (2013), in the British Parliament.
• The Queen often broke royal rules and tradition, paving the way for modernity in the monarchy. She
made sure that the royal family stayed updated and relevant to the times.

Mikhail Gorbachev,
The former Soviet leader who brought the Cold War to a peaceful end, died recently at the age of 91.

About Mikhail Gorbachev

• Mikhail Gorbachev was a tragic figure who failed in the historic mission he had defined for his own
country.
• He took power in 1985 and introduced reforms, as well as opened up the Soviet Union to the world.
But he was unable to prevent the slow collapse of the union, and many Russians blamed him for the
years of turmoil that ensued.
• He was awarded the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending the Cold War.
• But at home, he was a drained and defeated man when forced to step down the following year,
reduced to the leader of a non-existent country as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics collapsed
into 15 separate states.
• He set out to revitalise the moribund Communist system and shape a new union based on a more equal
partnership, between the 15 republics, of which the two most powerful were Russia and Ukraine.
Despite his efforts, both Communism and the Union came crashing down.
• Further, he forged arms reduction deals with the United States and partnerships with Western
powers to remove the Iron Curtain that had divided Europe since World War Two and bring about the
reunification of Germany.
• But his internal reforms weakened the Soviet Union to the point where it fell apart, and has been
called the “greatest geopolitical catastrophe” of the twentieth century.
• On the whole, despite the role he played in the radical changes in East-West relations, Russians have
long been accustomed to viewing him as a weak leader who was duped by the West.
Quote:
• Without perestroika, the cold war simply would not have ended. But the world could not continue
developing as it had, with the stark menace of nuclear war ever present - Mikhail Gorbachev

Distribution of Key Natural Resources across the world

(including South Asia and the Indian sub-continent); factors
responsible for the location of primary, secondary, and tertiary
sector industries in various parts of the world (including
India).
Pakistan Floods: India talks on extends Aid
Background
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just the beginning and weather changes will be harsher and more extreme in the coming years.

About Pakistan Flood

• Monsoon rains have caused devastating floods in Pakistan, leaving millions homeless, destroying
buildings, bridges and roads and leaving vast swathes of the country under water.
• Flash floods and landslides along the Indus and Kabul rivers have left more than 1,000 dead and 1,600
injured.
• More than a third of the country has been completely submerged by the heaviest recorded monsoon
rains in a decade.
• Sindh region reported 1,288 millimetres of rain in August, compared with the monthly average of
46mm.

Factors that are attributed to Floods include:

• The scientists attribute intense heat waves during summer months to Climate Change, and the flash
floods now are a result of an overheating world that has a warmer atmosphere that holds more water.
• Also, Pakistan also has the largest number of glaciers outside of the polar regions and higher
temperatures have led to more water from melting ice in the Himalayas.
• Other factors include long-term deforestation and government failures to make adaptive changes
since the last major flooding event in 2010.
• The El Niño–Southern Oscillation (Enso) appears to be in its La Niña phase, as it was in 2010. “La Niña
is behaving very strongly in some metrics and is a significant factor for enhancing monsoonal rains,
according to Meteorologists.

Reasons for high causalities include:

• vulnerability of poor citizens
• steep mountainous slopes in some regions
• unexpected destruction of embankments and dams
• natural climate variation.
• The present condition has resulted in the cash-strapped Pakistan government appealing for aid to deal
with the crisis, which has displaced 33 million or one-seventh of the country’s population.

Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes,

Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features
and their location-changes in critical geographical features
(including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna
and the effects of such changes.
Bengaluru flood: A man-made disaster
Background:
Bengaluru has been recently experiencing traffic bottlenecks, power outages and flooded houses as a result of
additional rain during an unusually heavy monsoon season.

About Bengaluru Floods

• Every year, in September and October, Bengaluru is extremely susceptible to flooding.
• The possible reasons for flooding every year include:
• The city received 131.6 millimetres of rainfall between the mornings of September 4 and September

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5, 2022, which was the highest daily recorded rainfall for September since 2014.
• An active La Niña in its third year, however, could have also played its part.
• A trough, which is an extended low pressure region that causes rainfall between central parts of north
Andaman Sea and southern Tamil Nadu, could also be the reason.
• The flooded area’s infrastructure cannot support the rate of development, as it’s stormwater drains
are overworked as a result of the combination of precipitation and sewage.
• Other issues include inadequate infrastructure to handle unexpectedly severe rainfall, and Garbage
clogs in drains.
• Around 110 villages were merged with the city corporation in 2005, but the corporation hasn’t
bothered to connect the villages with the city’s sewage infrastructure.
• Also most of the infrastructure is built around lakes, but there is no proper planning to use lakes to
buffer extra water.
• Solution to mitigate Floods in Bengaluru:
• Storing or recharging of rainwater into a well, of every drop of rain that falls on the land.
• It is recommended that permeable surfaces, rather than full concrete be utilised in locations such
as parking lots, footpaths, walking and jogging lanes, common areas in apartments, companies, and
other large structures.
• Enforcement to demolish illegal structures on water pathways.

General Studies-II

Government Policies and Interventions for Development in

various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and
Implementation.
Odisha: A data-driven solution to child marriage
Background:
Nayagarh, a district in Odisha, has adopted a unique initiative by recording information on all adolescent
girls in the district, with the aim of eradicating child marriage.

About the solution

• Nayagarh, has a skewed sex ratio at 855, and Child marriages in isolated locations of the district are still
considered a part of their social life.
• Observing that child marriages are solemnised in the age group of 14-19 and dropouts among girls’
students continued to be high, the district administration launched the Aliva programme this year.
• Aliva is a register, which contains basic information of adolescent girls, relating to birth registration
date, Aadhaar number, address, education status, contact details and family details.
• Towards the end of the register, information about child marriage, educational progress, skill training
status and health issues of the adolescent girls, are also maintained.
• As per Odisha’s child marriage prevention strategy, the State aims to eradicate child marriage by 2030,
and hence Nayagarh district has decided to maintain the record for a period of 10 years from 2020 to
2030.

Utilities of register include:

For law enforcement agencies, to verify age, as parents attempt to lie about the age of their girls to escape
punishment.

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It has been very useful for tracking the health of girls, especially if they are anaemic.
As a result, in the past eight months, the district administration has managed to prevent 61 child marriages.
Assessing the impact of such an innovation, there is a need for other districts in the country to come up with
such comprehensive solutions to address social issues.

‘Dry’ Bihar to turn liquor bottles into glass bangles

Background:
In dry Bihar, the government has now decided to set up factories to make glass bangles out of seized liquor
bottles through its Rural Livelihoods Promotion Programme, which is locally known as JEEVIKA.

About the news

• In Bihar, liquor has been banned since 2016 and every month lakhs of illegal liquor bottles are seized
and crushed and treated as garbage.
• But, now these bottles will be given to JEEVIKA workers who are trained in making glass bangles.
• The State Excise and Prohibition department has allocated ₹1 crore to set up a glass-making factory in
Patna and send JEEVIKA women for training in bangle-making to other states.
• However, not everyone is enthusiastic about the idea because:
• There are established glass bangle factories in Faizabad, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, which constitute
about 80% of glass bangle-making products. So, competing with well-established industries by
innovation in Bihar might seem difficult.
• Along with Glass, soda and limestone are needed in making Bangles. But, there is no clarity as to who
would provide these additional products.
• Funded by the World Bank, JEEVIKA is a rural social and economic empowerment programme, which
has the following components:
• Community Institution Development will build and strengthen primary and federated social and
economic community institutions’
• Community Investment Fund involves the transfer of financial and technical resources to the Community
Based Organisations on a demand-driven basis for use as a catalyst to improve their livelihoods
• Technical Assistance Fund will improve the quantity and quality of service provision by the public,
cooperative, community and private service providers.
• Project Management will facilitate overall coordination, implementation, and financial management,
monitoring and learning of the project at state and district levels.
Quote:
• Unless we address our unserved broadband challenges in our urban, suburban, and rural areas, we
will not have equitable access for all and achieve the economic recovery that we need - Ned Lamont

Development Processes and the Development Industry —

the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations,
donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
In Water-Scarce District, Woman Led her Village to Revive 2 Lakes, Help 1000s of Homes
Background:
Asha S of Karnataka-based NGO Arohana has been working tirelessly for two decades, towards water
conservation and protection.
About NGO Arohana
• Asha S of Karnataka-based NGO Arohana, has been working in the Kolar district, where water scarcity

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is rampant, and has helped 1,350 households divert wastewater to agricultural fields, rejuvenated two
lakes, and enabled rainwater harvesting in three government schools.
• She notes that it is everyone’s duty to protect water and act responsibly, hence the need to educate
people on the importance and scarcity of water, and the imperative to act now to save our future
generations.
• Asha, along with the support of several other women from the village, also worked on cleaning and
desilting the feeder canals in the region.
• This, in turn, helped increase the water level in the lake.
• The groundwater table in the region also saw a significant increase in the level.
• With the support of local organisations, she has also participated in planting close to 1,700 saplings.
• Her aim is to install rainwater harvesting systems in every house, in the village and create awareness
of improving the groundwater recharge methods.
• Thus, given the crisis, India needs more volunteers like Asha, to create an impact at Ground level to
conserve the scarce yet essential

Water scarcity in India

• The country has 18% of the world’s population, but only 4% of its water resources, making it among
the most water-stressed in the world.
• As much as 71% of the earth’s surface is covered with water, still, in India, 25 million people lack access
to a commodity that is so essential for their survival.
• The report titled “Composite Water Management Index”, published by NITI Aayog in 2018, mentions
that India is undergoing the worst water crisis in its history and nearly 600 million people are facing
high to extreme water stress.
Quote:
• “The earth, the air, the land, and the water are not an inheritance from our forefathers but on loan
from our children. So we have to handover to them at least as it was handed over to us.” – Gandhi

‘Worse Than Prison’: How Journalists Helped Rescue 40 Bonded Labourers From Torture
Background
Video Volunteers, a community media and human rights organisation in India, has recently helped rescue 40
Bonded Labourers from Torture, in Chandrapur village of Bhadohi District in Uttar Pradesh.

About the rescue

• Around 10 people from Chandrapur were approached by a contractor from Karnataka, who offered
them Rs 10,000 each per month to work on a sugarcane plantation in Maharashtra recently.
• Though it was 1400 km away from home, their destitution and inability to find work in the lockdown
period made them take up the offer
• The contractor, before handing over them to the plantation owner, had given them Rs 500 each as an
advance and told them that they would be paid regularly every month.
• However, the contractor had sold them to work as bonded labourers. They were threatened that if
anyone tried to run away or contact their family members, they would be punished.
• Despite Bonded labour being considered a crime under Section 374 of the Indian Penal Code and
having ‘the Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act, 1976’ in place, it is estimated that 8 Million (80 Lakh)
Indians are victims of trafficking and most of them are compelled to work as ‘bonded labourers’.
• Further, the National Crime Records Bureau reports that in the Year 2020, 1714 people were trafficked
in the country.
• So, when a sister from Bhadohi Village got a call from one of the victims, she approached the Video

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Volunteers (VV) team.

• After failed attempts at the local Police station, the VV team then met the District Commissioner (DC)
and Superintendent of Police (SP) to detail to them the plight of workers, which they had come to
know through phone calls.
• Later, the Anti-Trafficking Cell of the Maharashtra Police arrested the contractor from Karnataka, and
police then rescued 10 people from Bonded Labour.
• Similarly, Video Volunteers has reported 85 cases of trafficking and migration, and 15 cases have been
resolved through intervention and collaborative action, resulting in the rescue of 40 people across
India.
Quote
• Human beings are not property. On the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, let us reaffirm
the inherent dignity of all men, women and children. And let us redouble our efforts so that the words
of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights — ‘no one shall be held in slavery or servitude’ -ring
true.” - Kofi Annan

General Studies-III
Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
Rajasthan to roll out urban employment guarantee scheme
Background
The Chief Minister of Rajasthan has recently announced in his budget speech, the launch of urban employment
guarantee scheme, and this will be India’s biggest scheme to give jobs to people residing in cities according to
officials.

About the scheme

• The “Indira Gandhi Urban Employment Scheme” has been rolled out in Rajasthan, with a budgetary
provision of ₹800 crores in 2022-23.
• More than 2.2 lakh families have been registered under the scheme, which is expected to provide
employment to the poor and needy people, including those affected by the pandemic.
• The scheme will provide 100 days of employment to families living in urban areas on the lines of the
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
• All family members, aged between 18 and 60, of a job card holder, will be eligible to get work under
the scheme.
• Further, the State government has appointed committees at various levels for effective implementation.
• The scheme will provide employment in the segments of environment and water conservation,
cleanliness and sanitation, stopping defacement of property, service-related works, convergence work
and heritage conservation.
• Also, the eligible people will be employed in tree plantations, cleaning ponds, collecting garbage and
catching stray animals.
• The cost of materials and the payment for the labour work of general nature will be in the ratio of
25:75; which will vary for special works with technical expertise.
• The State government’s Department of Local Bodies will be responsible for the scheme’s implementation.

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Major Crops - Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country,

- Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems; Storage,
Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues
and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
The Ancient Agricultural Method that Helps Farmers Fight Climate Change & Increase
Income:
Agroforestry to Combat Climate Change
Background

Several farmers in India have taken to Agroforestry, as a promising solution to the agricultural crisis and climate
change.

About the Agricultural methods against Climate Change

• The world’s food insecurity is exacerbated by agriculture’s acute sensitivity to climate change,
which is already having a detrimental impact, considering rising temperatures, increased weather
unpredictability, shifting agroecosystem boundaries, invasive crops and pests, and more frequent
extreme weather events.
• Further, Climate change is affecting agricultural yields, the nutrition quality of main grains, and livestock
output on farms.
• Thus, It has become imperative that Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), i.e. sustainable agriculture
techniques be implemented.
• Agroforestry is one such promising solution for India’s agriculture, which is the practice of integrating
trees and shrubs with crops and livestock.
• It is a long-term agricultural strategy that can help farmers by boosting production, restoring soil
balance, enhancing profitability, and giving other revenue streams. It can also assist in moderating
climate change by regulating the microclimate, protecting natural variety, sequestering carbon, holding
rainwater, and reducing soil erosion.
• Further, Agroforestry is thought to efficiently fulfil, 9 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
linked to poverty and hunger reduction, climate change, ecological balance, responsible consumption,
and enhancement of agricultural productivity.
• In this perspective, India established a National Agroforestry Policy in 2014 and later the Sub-Mission
on Agroforestry (SMAF), under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) in 2016-17.
• State Governments in Karnataka, Haryana, Odisha, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra have also
been slowly scaling up their agroforestry practice.

Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology;

Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.
Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya: His contribution to Engineering
Background:
Every year India celebrates National Engineer’s day on September 15 to recognise and honour the achievements
of the great engineer Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya. Along with India, Visvesvaraya’s great works are also
celebrated in Sri Lanka and Tanzania on September 15 as Engineer’s day.

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About Sir M.Visvesvaraya

• He was born on September 15, 1861, in the Muddenahalli village of Karnataka, and completed his
school education in his hometown and later on went to study Bachelor of Arts (BA) at the University
of Madras.
• He then switched to a different career path and pursued a diploma in civil engineering at the College
of Science in Pune.
• Popularly known as Sir MV, he undertook several complex projects and delivered remarkable
infrastructural results during his engineering career, of which the notable ones are as follows:
• He patented and installed an irrigation system with water floodgates at the Khadakvasla reservoir near
Pune to raise the food supply level and storage to the highest levels known as the ‘block system’ in
1903.
• The irrigation system was later installed at Gwalior’s Tigra Dam and Mysuru’s Krishnaraja Sagara (KRS)
dam, the latter of which created one of the largest reservoirs in Asia at the time.
• He was also called the “precursor of economic planning in India”.
• His works resulted in him being awarded knight in 1915 while serving as the Diwan of Mysore, and
Bharat Ratna in 1955.
• Further, In 2018, Google launched a Doodle on his birthday to celebrate his endeavours, which led to
the Tata Steel engineers inventing an armoured vehicle that was used in WWII.
• Thus, M Visvesvaraya is known as the first engineer of India for his vital contribution to the field of
engineering and education. He is considered among the greatest nation-builders who played a crucial
role in constructing dams, reservoirs and hydro-power projects of modern India.
• Eventually, Visvesvaraya passed away in 1962, but his legacy and spirit still lives on in the minds of
young engineers committed to nation-building.
Quote
To give real service, you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money - Sir M
Visvesvaraya

Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation,

Environmental Impact Assessment.
With micro forests, how a district in Punjab expands its green cover
Kuharianwali, a village in the Fazilka district of Punjab, has become a trendsetter in expanding forest cover,
with the idea of using an unused one-acre plot of land in the village to develop a “forest”.

About the Green Cover

• According to 2021 data, from the Forest Research Institute, the district had just 34 per cent forest
cover, one of the lowest in the state.
• The District Administration hence launched a pilot project called “My village, my forest” by applying
the so-called Miyawaki method.
• In less than a year, the efforts have borne fruit with the area now full of firm plants such as kachnar,
neem, arjun, ashok, jamun, guava and others.
• The success of the project in the village has resulted in close to 75 sarpanches getting approached to
replicate the process.
• The Miyawaki method, which was devised by Japanese botanist in the 1980s, is a technique to create
micro forests over small plots of land.
• Achieving this goal requires planting a wide variety of plants in a fairly dense manner so that the plot
of land has different layers of a forest such as shrubs and canopies and not just trees.

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• Plants initially require 8-9 months of care, before reaching a point where the micro forest becomes
self-sustaining.

Significance:
• Developing such forests in villages, results in the following advantages:
• As forests are being raised by villagers, it gives them a sense of belonging, and a desire to protect and
conserve them.
• They provide a rich source of oxygen, and the presence of a micro forest will also have a positive
impact on rainfall.
• Further, the process is resulting in large job generation under MGNREGA.
Quote
• “Between every two pines is a doorway to a new world.”― John Muir

Challenges to Internal Security through Communication

Networks, Role of Media and Social Networking Sites in
Internal Security Challenges, Basics of Cyber Security; Money-
Laundering and its prevention.
Buddha Pahad in Jharkhand: Free of Naxalism
Background:
The Government forces have finally freed Buddha Pahad in Jharkhand, after almost three decades of the
domination of the Naxals.

About the news

• Buddha Pahad, Jharkhand, and Bihar which were Naxal-dominated areas have been freed from Naxals.
• The Naxal or Maoist movement dates back to 1967 when armed peasants revolted in Naxalbari and
later the CPI (Maoist) led the agitation, claiming legitimate socio-economic rights for tribal and locals.

Causes of LWE include:

• Forest mismanagement, causes the traditional forest dwellers to fight for their aspirations against the
government through violence.
• Intraregional and Interregional differences.
• Poor infrastructure growth and unemployment in rural areas lead to the disparity.
• Poor implementation of Land Reforms, resulting in deprivation and exploitation.
• According to Home Ministry:
• The steadfast implementation of the National Policy and Action Plan to Address Left Wing Extremism
(LWE)- 2015 has resulted in a consistent decline in LWE violence.
• Also, the incidents of LWE violence have reduced by 77% from an all-time high of 2,258 in 2009 to 509 in 2021.
• The geographical spread of the violence has also reduced as only 46 districts reported LWE-related
violence in 2021, as compared to 96 districts in 2010.
• Measures taken to reduce LWE include:
• National Policy and Action Plan’ since 2015, envisages a multi-pronged strategy involving security and
development-related measures.
• The Centre provides funds for capacity building of the LWE-affected states under various programmes
like the Security Related Expenditure (SRE) Scheme and Special Infrastructure Scheme (SIS) to fight the
menace effectively.

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General Studies-IV

Ethics and Human Interface: Essence, Determinants and

Consequences of Ethics in - Human Actions; Dimensions of
Ethics; Ethics - in Private and Public Relationships. Human
Values - Lessons from the Lives and Teachings of Great
Leaders, Reformers and Administrators; Role of Family Society
and Educational Institutions in Inculcating Values.
Cognitive Dissonance
Background
Cognitive dissonance is a psychological theory that discusses how individuals or groups perceive and manage
inconsistencies among beliefs/thoughts and behaviour.

About Cognitive Dissonance

• The cognitive dissonance theory was one of the most influential theories in social psychology first
proposed by Leon Festinger in his book ‘A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance’ in 1957.
• The theory proposes that inconsistency between one’s thoughts and behaviours would lead to an
uncomfortable psychological or emotional tension (cognitive dissonance) among individuals/groups
which results in them either changing the inconsistent elements to reduce the dissonance or adding
consonant elements to restore harmony.
• Different ways in which individuals or groups resolved cognitive dissonance:
• One could change one’s thoughts.
• Change one’s behaviour to match one’s thoughts.
• Add a thought to justify the behaviour.
• Trivialise the inconsistency between thoughts and behaviour.
• Further, Cognitive dissonance theory explains how individuals or groups rationalise their support and
belief toward different religions, cults or political parties, partially blinding themselves to reduce the
contradictions between their thoughts and behaviour.

Contributions of Moral Thinkers and Philosophers from India

and World.
Just War Theory
Background
Just war theory is an ethical framework used to determine when it is permissible to go to war, which originated
with Catholic moral theologians like Augustine of Hippo and Thomas Aquinas.

About the theory

The just war theory is a largely Christian philosophy that attempts to reconcile three things:
• Taking human life is seriously wrong
• States have a duty to defend their citizens, and defend justice
• Protecting innocent human life and defending important moral values sometimes requires willingness
to use force and violence

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• The theory only applies to states, and not to individuals.

The elements of the theory include:

• Jus ad bellum: the conditions under which the use of military force is justified.
• This tests decision by applying principles related to just cause, right intention, legitimate authority,
proportionality.
• Jus in Bello: how to conduct a war in an ethical manner.
• The ethical principles here are related to Discrimination, Proportionality,

Purpose of the theory include:

• To provide a guide to the right way for states to act in potential conflict situations.
• To provide a useful framework for individuals and political groups to use for their discussions of
possible wars.
• Theory is not intended to justify wars but to prevent them, by showing that going to war except in
certain limited circumstances is
• It motivates states to find other ways of resolving conflicts.

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Case Studies - August 2022

General Studies-I
Indian Culture - Salient aspects of Art Forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times.
Ponniyin Selvan: Who Were the Cholas, One of the World’s Longest-Ruling Dynasties
In news
A movie teaser has been released recently, that is based on the historical novel Ponniyin Selvan, which is a
narrative that unfolds over a thousand years during the reign of the Chola Empire.

About Cholas
• The Chola dynasty was well established by the 3rd century BCE, a fact mentioned in one of the Ashokan
pillars. And, they continued to be in power till 1279 CE i.e for more than 1,500 years.
• Cholas had controlled land that was more than five times the size of Britain.
• The Chola territories stretched from the islands of the Maldives in the South to as far North as the
banks of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh.
• Under Rajaraja Chola I (Rajaraja the Great) and his son Rajendra Chola, the dynasty became a military,
economic and cultural power in Asia.
• Wielding their military prowess and wealth of agricultural settlements, they reigned supreme over the
trade routes and high seas of South Asia.
• They fuelled a Tamil cultural Renaissance, which saw the genesis of the Sangam age, a golden age of
Tamil literature and poetry, the legacy of which still thrives in south India.
• The Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram (built by Rajendra I) and the Airavatesvara Temple
at Darasuram (built by Rajaraja II), are testimony to the Chola Empire’s achievements in sculpture,
architecture, and bronze casting.
• The art of bronze casting reached its zenith during this time, which used the ancient lost-wax technique.
• However, the power of the Cholas declined around the twelfth century with the rise of the Pandyas
and the Hoysala, eventually coming to an end towards the end of the thirteenth century.
Quote:
• “Every man’s ability may be strengthened or increased by culture” by John Abbot.

Unique Tribal Hamlet in Mumbai

Background
The Aarey Milk Colony of Mumbai is home to nearly 8,000 tribal communities of Maharashtra, where people
from the Warli, Kokna, Mallar Koli, Katkari and several other indigenous tribes reside and strive to keep their
traditions, cuisine and culture alive, amid the encroaching urbanisation.

About the Hamlet

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• The Tribal Warli Art

• The people here are nature-worshippers, and Vagh Baras (which celebrates the power of tiger), and
Gaon Devi puja (the Goddess of villages) are some of their main festivities.

About Warli Painting

• The Warli folk painting is a form of tribal art mainly created by tribal people in the northern region of
the Sahyadri Range.
• The painting art form first originated in Maharashtra, and is believed to be one of the oldest kinds of
art forms in history.
• It basically consists of a set of basic geometric shapes: a circle, a triangle, and a square; which are
drawn in whites on rich dark walls, with clay huts as the backdrop, much like how ancient people
utilised their cave walls as canvases.
• This type of painting was mainly centred around the concept of mother nature and its elements, and
hence the painting patterns depicts flowers, hunting scenes, wedding rituals, and other daily activities.
• Warli paintings are traditionally practised on mud walls with white paste, which is rice, water, and gum
that acts as a critical catalyst, while bamboo sticks chewed at the end, act as a paintbrush.
• Presently, the art form has expanded to home decor industry as its seen on pots, vases, bedsheets and
curtain prints.
Quote:
• ‘’Nature doesn’t need knowledge, because nature is knowledge, knowledge manifest.” ― Martin
Pretchel

Modern Indian History from about the middle of the eighteenth

century until the present- significant events, personalities,
issues.
A Hero to Bhagat Singh, Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha sacrificed His Life for India’s
Freedom At 19
Background
Shaheed Kartar Singh Sarabha, was a Ghadarite and revolutionary, and was charged by authorities for his role
in the ‘Lahore Conspiracy Case’, and was hanged to death in 1915 after a judge pronounced him “the most
dangerous of all rebels”.

About Kartar Singh Sarabha

• Born in a village near Ludhiana, Punjab, he left for the United States in 1912 for further education and
eventually better job opportunities, at the age of 16.
• He truly believed in the principles of equality, justice, and freedom, and was willing to pay the ultimate
sacrifice at a young age.
• Very often, the image of an enslaved, shackled, insulted, helpless, impotent India would often flash in
front of his eyes. Thus, his The determination to liberate India from foreign rule got
• After the Ghadr Party was formed in 1913, Kartar Singh volunteered to work for the movement.
• He along with others played an important role in bringing out the news letter ‘Ghadar’, from the
Ghadar Party office.
• The newspaper highlighted the atrocities of the British and fuelled revolutionary ideas among overseas
Indians.
• In the Komagata Maru incident in 1914, while many of his compatriots were arrested upon arrival
across different port cities, Kartar Singh made his way through to Punjab, entered various cantonments

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in the province and attempted to radicalise the Indian soldiers stationed there.
• Internally, the Ghadarites had set the date for armed revolt, but the British acted upon the intelligence
they received and arrested many revolutionaries including Kartar
• Also, later Kartar and his fellow compatriots were tried in April 1915 for their role in the plot to
overthrow the British by fomenting armed rebellion
• Further, he was convicted and hanged on 16 November 1915.
• But his death didn’t go in vain, as his sacrifice would inspire the likes of Bhagat Singh to fight for the
cause of India’s freedom.
Quote
• “One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after is death, incarnate itself in a thousand
lives.” -Subhas Chandra Bose

First Odia to Get a Law Degree, This ‘Grand Old Man’ Helped Give Birth to Odisha
Background
Madhusudan Das, was a lawyer and social reformer, who did trailblazing work in the late 19th and early 20th
centuries, laying the foundations for the present state of Odisha.

About Madhusudan Das

• He was born into a Zamindar family and grew up with privilege as a member of the ‘Karana’ or writer
caste, but soon “made a clean break with tradition and changed his religion” to Christianity.
• As present-day Odisha’s first graduate and advocate, he founded an organisation called the ‘Utkal
Sammilani’ in 1903, through which he campaigned extensively for the creation of Orissa Province,
while also giving a strong impetus to the Odia linguistic movement struggle under the British.
• Besides this, Das also used his education and extensive training as a lawyer to highlight other issues
afflicting the region.
• Further, as the first person of Odia descent to enter both the provincial Legislative Council (Bihar and
Orissa Province) and Central Legislative Assembly, he used his platform to highlight the public health
situation in rural Odisha.
• Going further, he also used his platform as an elected leader to eradicate superstition in rural Odisha
and promote modern medicine and the genuine advancements made in public health work related to
dealing with epidemics.
• His Literary works like, “Utkal Santan”, “Jati Itihash” and “Jananira Ukti” stand out with the spirit of the
Odia linguistic movement and patriotism at the forefront of his writings.
• However, his standout contribution remains the creation of present-day Odisha carved along linguistic
lines, for which he even parted ways with the Indian National Congress.
• Sadly, he passed away just two years before the official creation of Odisha.
Quote
• Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world - Nelson Mandela

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History of the World will include events from 18th century

such as Industrial Revolution, world wars, Redrawal of
National Boundaries, Colonization, Decolonization, political
philosophies like Communism, Capitalism, Socialism etc.—
their forms and effect on the society.
Pandurang Khankhoje: A Ghadarite revolutionary and a hero of Mexico
Background:
Statues of Swami Vivekananda and Maharashtra-born freedom fighter and agriculturalist Pandurang Khankhoje
will be unveiled in Mexico.

About Pandurang Khankhoje

• He was born in Wardha, Maharashtra, in the late 19th century, and came in contact with other
revolutionaries early on.
• As a student, Khankhoje was an ardent admirer of the French Revolution and of the American War of
Independence.
• He was inspired by the spirit of reform and social change from the Arya Samaj movement, which made
him lead a young student group.
• After initially spending time with nationalists from Japan and China, Khankhoje eventually moved to
the US, where he enrolled in college as a student of agriculture, to later join the Mount Tamalpais
Military Academy in California.
• Further, Khankhoje was one of the founding members of the Ghadar Party, established by Indians
living abroad in 1914.
• Inspired by the Mexican Revolution of 1910 which had led to the overthrow of the dictatorial regime,
he set out to plan militant action in India, by reaching out to Bhikaji Cama in Paris & Vladimir Lenin in
Russia, thereby seeking support for the Indian cause.
• As he was facing possible deportation from Europe and could not go to India, he sought shelter in
Mexico, where he was appointed a professor at the National School of Agriculture. He became part of
efforts to bring in the Green Revolution in Mexico.
• Thus, Pandurang Khankhoje won Mexico and is revered as Hero for his contribution to India as well.
Quote:
• To be a revolutionary you have to be a human being. You have to care about people who have no
power - Jane Fonda

Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

Self-Respecting Wedding- EV Periyar
Background
Recently, a couple decided to do away with the usual customs of a traditional Hindu marriage to hold a self-
respecting wedding

About Self-Respect Wedding

• ‘Self-respect’ wedding ceremony, also called ‘Suyamariyathai’ in Tamil, are marriages typically between
inter-caste couples where the rituals are non-patriarchal in nature.
• Mangalsutra, kanyadan, etc. which are usually found in Hindu weddings, are not there in self-respecting

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marriages.
• Instead, marriage happens by an officiant in the presence of elders, family members, and friends.
• The whole idea is to do away with Brahmanical customs and traditions that are unequal, unfair and
unjust.
• The concept of Self-respect Wedding, was introduced by EV Ramasamy Naicker (Periyar), as part of
the ‘Self-Respect Movement’ that vouched for equality between men and women, and a caste-free
society.
• This wedding is legal in Tamil Nadu under the state amendment of Hindu Marriage Act.

Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and

Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues,
Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
The ‘Mother of PIL’ in India
Background
Kapila Hingorani, hailed as the ‘Mother of PIL’ made the Supreme Court accessible to India’s poorest, played a
vital role in establishing family courts and helped draft the law to ban sex determination tests.

About the Mother of PIL

Kapila Hingorani studied law in the United Kingdom, and was inspired by the ideals of Gandhi.
In 1961, she settled down in Delhi and began practising in the Supreme Court.
Her achievements include:
• Her actions led to release of Undertrial Prisoners on personal bond, without any monetary obligation.
As a consequence of this, the Supreme Court went on to read a Right to speedy trial as being implicit
in the right to life and personal liberty enshrined under Article 21 of the Constitution.
• In 1979, she filed a petition in regards to the condition of the prisoners detained in the Bihar jail. The
Hussainara Khatoon’s case (petition filed in name of prisoner) resulted in the release, though interim
orders, of about 40,000 undertrial prisoners out of the estimated 120,000 undertrials throughout the
country.
• In 1981, she filed a petition on behalf of 11 victims of dowry-related crimes, which resulted in the
Supreme Court setting up special police cells to investigate crimes against women.
• She also spearheaded the movement to establish Family Courts and even took the matter to then
Prime Minister, which led to the Parliament passing the Family Courts Act in 1984.
• Until her demise in 2013, she along with her husband, took up almost 100 PIL cases pro bono, providing
relief to millions of people.
• In 2017, Kapila Hingorani became the first woman lawyer to have her portrait unveiled in the Supreme
Court library.
• As a consequence of her actions, and with the emergence of PILs, the Supreme Court went much above
its remit resulting in “a self-conscious departure from the very fundamental principles of modern law’’.

Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism &

Secularism.
MP’s Mandla becomes the country’s first fully ‘functionally literate’ district
Background
Madhya Pradesh’s tribal-dominated Mandla district has become the first fully “functionally literate” district in

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the country.

About the District

• A person can be called functionally literate, when he or she is able to write his or her own name, count
and read and write in Hindi.
• The literacy rate in the district was 68% as per a survey in 2011.
• In pursuance of this aspect, the Government in the region launched a major campaign to make them
functionally literate from Independence Day 2020 by roping in the school education department,
women and child development department, Anganwadi and social workers to educate women and
senior citizens.
• Within two years, the people in the entire district were able to write their names, count and read,
making Mandla the first district in the country to achieve this distinction.
Quote:
• “Literacy is a bridge from misery to hope. It is a tool for daily life in modern society. It is a bulwark
against poverty and a building block of development” - Kofi Annan

Salient features of World’s Physical Geography.

Hunger stones revealed in Europe
Background:
Europe is suffering from the worst drought in half a millennium, as a result of which rivers have dried up so
much that ‘hunger stones’ have been revealed.

About Hunger stones

Hunger stones are a common hydrological marker in the region that dates back to the pre-instrumental era.
People occasionally preserved the memory of outstanding low water events by carving the year onto rocks
emerging from rivers and lakes.
• The inscription on this hunger stone expresses that drought had brought a bad harvest, lack of food,
high prices and hunger for poor people.
• The current drought has resulted in the drying up of major rivers in Europe such as the Rhine in
Germany, the Po in Italy, the Thames in the United Kingdom and the Loire in France.
• Further, the annual information on hunger stones is often cross-checked with contemporary narrative
information. It helps to reconstruct extreme droughts in the past in comparison with those in the
present time.

General Studies-II
Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and
the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government;
Pressure Groups and Formal/Informal Associations and their
Role in the Polity.
State of Prisons in India
In News:
The Supreme Court has directed the government to unclog the prisons and trial courts as a mark of celebrating
75 years of India’s independence.

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About Prisons’/’persons
• Prisons’/’persons detained therein’ is a State subject under Entry 4 of List II of the Seventh Schedule
to the Constitution of India.
• Administration and management of prisons is the responsibility of respective State Governments.
• However, the Ministry of Home Affairs provides regular guidance and advice to States and UTs on
various issues concerning prisons and prison inmates.
• The SC suggested that the first-time convicts of minor offences could be released on a bond of good
behaviour.
• Similarly, after having gone through one-third or more of a possible jail term, an under-trial should also
be released on bail.
• State of Prisons in India:
• The Prisons Statistics of India (PSI) 2020, released recently, provides a disappointing picture of the
prisons in India suffering from overcrowding, delays in trials and unavailability of proper medical
health facilities to the prison inmates.
• Between December 2019 and December 2020, prison occupancy reduced marginally from 120% to
118%.
• The pandemic year (2020) witnessed nearly 900,000 more arrests than in 2019.
• In absolute numbers, in December 2020, there were 7,124 more people in jail than in December 2019.
• The increase in the share of under-trials in prisons was at an all-time high. PSI 2020 puts the percentage
at 76% in December 2020: An increase from the earlier 69% in December 2019.
• The people who are undertrials are those yet to be found guilty of the crimes they have been accused
of.
• How a lack of effective criminal laws is affecting under-trial prisoners in India?
• According to the Prisons Act of 1894, prisons come under the exclusive responsibility of State
governments. Over the years, despite being upgraded to the status of correctional homes, these
prisons are facing the challenge of Congestion of Under Trial Prisoners (UTPs).
• According to the National Crime Records Bureau’s report for 2019 out of 4.5 lakh prisoners, 3.3 lakh
are ‘under-trial prisoners’, i.e., investigation or trial is supposed to be ‘in progress’.
• These UTPs are detained under Section 167 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) which provides
for “Procedure when investigation cannot be completed in 24 hours”.
• The original CrPC of 1898 specified the period of detention as 15 days. Later, through amendments,
it was extended to periods that can go up to 90 days and, in some exceptions, to an indefinite period.
• Out of 3 lakh, about 2.2 lakh are either not likely to be even charge-sheeted, or they are likely to be
acquitted.”
• This is a huge violation of the basic human rights of UTPs, who are already facing the issue of inadequate
healthcare facilities and torture by other rowdy prisoners.
• Moreover, it is a huge injustice to the families of the UTPs. For example, their children are denied a
normal childhood, proper education, and are exploited by a cruel section of the society and are forced
to take to the path of crime.
Way Forward
• Recommendations of Law Commission of India in its 268th report: The Commission recommended
that those detained for offences that come with a punishment of up to seven years of imprisonment
should be released on completing one-third of that period and for
What is Open Prison?
• Open prisons have relatively less stringent rules as compared to controlled jails.
• They go by many names like minimum-security prison, open-air camps or prison without bars.

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• The fundamental rule of an open prison is that the jail has minimum security and functions on the
self-discipline of the inmates
• The United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, popularly known as the
Nelson Mandela Rules, laid down the objectives of open prisons stating, that such prisons provide no
physical security against escape but rely on the self-discipline of the inmates, provide the conditions
most favourable to the rehabilitation of carefully selected prisoners.
• those charged with offences that attract a longer jail term after they complete half of that period.
• It also recommended that the police should avoid needless arrests, while magistrates should refrain
from mechanical remand orders.

Open prisons Concept: The All-India Committee on Jail Reform constituted in 1980
recommended the government to set up and develop open prisons in each state and UT
similar to the Sanganer open camp in Rajasthan
• It also recommended that life convicts who offer a good prognosis should be transferred to semi-open
& open prisons.
• Justice Amitava Roy Committee Recommendations:In 2018 The Supreme Court constituted a three-
member committee, to be headed by former apex court judge Amitava Roy, to look into the aspect of
jail reforms across the country and make recommendations on several aspects, including overcrowding
in prisons.it recommended
• In 1980, a Committee on Jail Reform, under the chairmanship of Justice AN. Mulla was constituted to
review the laws, rules and regulations keeping in view the overall objective of protecting society and
rehabilitating offenders.
• Lodging of undertrials in jail should be reduced to the bare minimum and they should be kept separate
from the convicted prisoners.
• Since under trials constitute a sizable portion of the prison population, their number can be reduced
by speedy trials and liberalization of bail provisions.

Government Policies and Interventions for Development in

various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and
Implementation.
Jal Jeevan mission: A Maharashtra village holds a lesson for the rest of India
Background
Pimpalghar-Ranjnoli, a village in Maharashtra has used funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) to ensure that
all 842 families in the village get tap water connection.
About Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)
• Jal Jeevan Mission, is envisioned to provide safe and adequate drinking water through individual
household tap connections by 2024 to all households in rural India.
• The programme will implement source sustainability measures as mandatory elements, such as
recharge and reuse through grey water management, water conservation, rain water harvesting.
• The Jal Jeevan Mission is based on a community approach to water and will include extensive
Information, Education and communication as a key component of the mission.
• Key objectives of mission are to provide functional tap connection to every rural household, Schools,
Anganwadi centres, GP buildings, Health centres, wellness centres and community buildings.

About the Model Village

• While Pimpalghar-Ranjnoli can stand out as a model for the rest of the country, the efforts by the state
government to implement JJM should be highlighted.

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• Of the planned schemes under JJM, Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for 84% of the schemes are ready.
• Works below Rs 5 crore were executed at Zilla Parishad (ZP) level, while those above were carried out
by Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaran (Water Supply and Sanitation Department, Maharashtra)
• Further, the state had appointed a project management consultant to execute schemes.
• Also, the decentralisation of the work involved various organisations and agencies at the district level
to prepare village-centric plans.
• The goal is to deliver 55 litres of water daily to each person of every household by 2024.

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by

the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes;
Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for
the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
A missing pot and the unmissable caste divide
Background
The death of a Dalit boy after being thrashed by his upper-caste school principal has brought to the fore, the
old normal of deep-seated discrimination in Rajasthan.

About the news

• Two days before India celebrated its 76th Independence Day, a nine-year-old Dalit boy from Rajasthan
died at a hospital, after allegedly being thrashed by his school principal.
• According to reports, the boy was punished for quenching his thirst from a water pot reserved for the
upper caste teacher.
• However, the villagers are denying any caste discrimination, and this has forced the victim’s father, to
move out of their house from the village.
• The village of the above incident has managed to do away with ill practices such as child marriage and
open defecation, but not caste discrimination.
• Further, in the same village, the Barbers from the OBC caste refuse to touch the heads of Dalits, for a
haircut, which is a sign of acute discrimination.
• Also, Dalits in Rajasthan have been killed for even sporting a moustache and received death threats for
wearing a Sherwani on their wedding day.
• Despite the state of Rajasthan having a massive presence of SC/ST population, it, however, ranks
fourth, after Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh in the country, in cases of atrocities against the
community.
• As per data from the National Crime Records Bureau, the State recorded over 7,000 cases of crimes
and atrocities against SC/ST community members in 2020.
• Such acts of discrimination have become extraordinarily normal in Rajasthan, as it has been largely a
feudal State, where the upper castes have control over economic resources.
• On the whole, it is evident that the domination by upper castes and the fear of victimisation by the
depressed classes, are driving them to collusion to not report any inhuman acts against them.
• Hence, in order to eradicate the caste system, the depressed classes need to be made aware of their
rights and should be made vigilant of the egalitarian model of the democratic system as well.
• Quote: Caste is not a physical object like a wall of bricks or a line of barbed wire which prevents the
Hindus from co-mingling and which has, therefore, to be pulled down. Caste is a notion; it is a state of
the mind - B. R. Ambedkar

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How Singapore is walking a tight rope decriminalising gay sex

Background
Singapore has recently decided to repeal colonial-era law to decriminalise gay sex, while not amending the
constitution to allow same-sex marriage.

About the news

• Section 377A is a law that was imposed during the colonial era by the British in Singapore, which
imposes imprisonment for up to two years for men who engage in “any act of gross indecency with
another male person”.
• The law does not apply to Singapore’s women.
• The Singapore government has now decided to repeal Section 377A, while keeping the policies on
family and marriage unchanged, in order to maintain the prevailing norms and social values of our
society.
• The Prime Minister has asserted that the constitution will be amended in order to define marriage as
only between a man and a woman.
• The Gay rights activists have been fighting hard to repeal the section, and many still contest that the
present approach isn’t enough to give complete rights to gay people.
• India repealed the similar law in 2018, while many Asian countries have been working towards doing
the same.
• Further, Taiwan is the only country across Asia that has legally recognised the right to marriage between
same-sex couples.

Unique Tribal Hamlet in Mumbai

About the Hamlet

• The tribes traditionally procure all their dietary ingredients from the forest.
• The walls, floors and ceilings of their household are adorned by intricate Warli paintings - which is one
of India’s primitive art forms.
• Art, craft, music, and cuisine in the Aarey Colony, stem from their traditional roots of wisdom that
flows from generation to generation.
The Tribal Warli Art
• The people here are nature-worshippers, and Vagh Baras (which celebrates the power of tiger), and
Gaon Devi puja (the Goddess of villages) are some of their main festivities.
• About Warli Painting
• The Warli folk painting is a form of tribal art mainly created by tribal people in the northern region of
the Sahyadri Range.
• The painting art form first originated in Maharashtra, and is believed to be one of the oldest kinds of
art forms in history.
• It basically consists of a set of basic geometric shapes: a circle, a triangle, and a square; which are
drawn in whites on rich dark walls, with clay huts as the backdrop, much like how ancient people
utilised their cave walls as canvases.
• This type of painting was mainly centred around the concept of mother nature and its elements, and
hence the painting patterns depicts flowers, hunting scenes, wedding rituals, and other daily activities.

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• Warli paintings are traditionally practised on mud walls with white paste, which is rice, water, and gum
that acts as a critical catalyst, while bamboo sticks chewed at the end, act as a paintbrush.
• Presently, the art form has expanded to home decor industry as its seen on pots, vases, bedsheets and
curtain prints.
Quote:
• ’Nature doesn’t need knowledge, because nature is knowledge, knowledge manifest.” ― Martin
Pretchel

How Bharuch covered 100% of beneficiaries under four welfare schemes

Background:
The Bharuch district administration and the Gujarat Government has recently covered 100% of beneficiaries in
the district under four national schemes that are for widows and senior citizens.
The district’s drive to enrol all beneficiaries was named “Utkarsh Pahel”.
Between January and May, Surat enrolled 13,431 beneficiaries under four schemes namely:
• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Vrudhhavasta Pension Yojana (IGRVPY)
• Niradhar Vrudh Sahay Yojana (NVSY)
• Ganga Swaroop Arthik Sahay Yojana (GSASY) and
• Rashtriya Kutumb Sahay Yojana (RKSY).
• The campaign saw the coming together of local leaders, the district administration and the Ankleshwar
Industries Association (AIA), a body of industries manufacturing chemicals, drugs, petroleum products,
etc.
• AIA played a major role by identifying 305 youths and paying an incentive of Rs 250 to

Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social

Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human
Resources.
Strengthening Primary Health Care in India: Learning from Kerala
Background
Over the last six decades, the Indian states have had varying levels of success in health outcomes. Among
these, Kerala has consistently been a prominent outlier with better health outcomes in a number of areas.

Learning from Kerala

• In 2011, Kerala attained the highest Human Development Index of all Indian states based on its
performance in key measures of Lower infant mortality rate, Lower maternal mortality ratio, and
Higher literacy among both males & Females.
• The health gains made in Kerala can be attributed to strong emphasis from the state government on
public health and primary health care (PHC), health infrastructure, decentralized governance, financial
planning, girls’ education, community participation and a willingness to improve systems in response
to identified gaps.
• Tracing the efforts, after it achieved statehood, Kerala invested in infrastructure to create a multi-
layered health system designed to provide first-contact access for basic services at the community
level and expanded integrated primary health care coverage to achieve access to a range of preventive
and curative services.
• Later, Kerala rapidly expanded the number of medical facilities, hospital beds, and doctors.
• This increase in the number of primary health care centres and doctors allowed for the provision of

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the right care in the right place, reduced patient care costs, and lowered the burden on secondary and
tertiary care facilities.
• Further, public health and social development initiatives began such as the push for safe drinking
water in the state’s capital, and primary education for men and women
• In 1996, recognizing the eroding trust in the public system, with expensive and often unaffordable
private facilities, Kerala underwent a major overhaul when the state government implemented the
People’s Campaign for Decentralized Planning movement.
• Within the campaign, a three-tier system of self-governance was established.
• The current PHC system consists of sub-centres, primary health centres that support five to six sub-
centres and serve a village, and community health centres.
• This decentralization resulted in physicians and community members working together and many
facilities undergoing significant renovations to address community priorities.
• Thus, other states should take a cue from Kerala, to make Primary Health care accessible, affordable,
and responsive.
• Quote: The goal of real healthcare reform must be high-quality, universal coverage in a cost-effective
way - Bernie Sanders

Noida’s Twin Towers: How A Group of Senior Citizens Led to India’s Biggest Demolition
Background:
The 32-storey Supertech twin towers in Noida came crashing recently, which is the result of the dogged pursuit
of justice by a group of majorly senior citizens.

About the pursuit by senior citizens

• This battle began in 2009 when four residents raised an alarm against Supertech’s violation of building
bye-laws by building the twin towers.
• After moving in, the residents felt cheated as they weren’t given what they were promised by the
builders, like the lack of material quality, lack of amenities, etc.
• When this group of residents did not get any satisfactory responses from police & builders, they
approached the Allahabad High Court in December 2012 and filed a PIL.
• Two years later, the high court ruled in favour of the association and ordered the towers to be razed.
The court also asked the builder to refund the buyers and slammed the Noida Authority.
• However, the woes of the residents weren’t over, as the builder and Noida Authority appealed against
the HC order in the Supreme Court.
• The legal battle involved over 30 hearings over a period of seven years in the Supreme Court.
• Eventually, it was in August 2021 that the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s 2014 order. Further,
the Supreme Court directed the entire amount of home buyers to be refunded with 12 per cent interest.
• Their 9-year legal battle finally came to an end, when the twin towers were demolished.
• Thus, the residents fought a head-on challenge, with persistence and collective effort.
• Quote: Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Nothing is more common than
unsuccessful men with talent. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent” - Calvin Coolidge.
Source:
Noida’s Twin Towers: How A Group of Senior Citizens Led to India’s Biggest Demolition
Image source:
Noida’s Twin Towers: How A Group of Senior Citizens Led to India’s Biggest Demolition

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Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements

involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
The Sans of Namibia
In news
The issues of marginality, inequality, and oppression can be learnt from the plight of the San people in Namibia.

About San people

Historical accounts indicate that the San people are the first indigenous people of Southern Africa.
• As hunter-gathers, they foraged the entire southern African region, living modestly and sustainably
with nature.
• Their issues include:
• 80% of the San people have been dispossessed of their ancestral lands and resources, and they are
now some of the country’s poorest and most marginalized peoples.
• The reasons for dispossession include: European colonisation and post-colonial nationalisation, and
arrival of other tribes from central Africa.
• They are being rendered to an ‘underclass’ status; high level of political, social, and economic exclusion;
and limited access to social services.
• Despite recognition of San as a ‘development priority’, by the Namibian government, the development
initiatives have yielded limited success.
• Going ahead, the struggle by Dalits in India and other oppressed classes across the globe to organise
around issues that affect them, should be instructive in fighting oppression and exclusion.

Shinzo Abe, India’s Friend was inspired by Swami Vivekananda’s Ties to Japan
Background
Shinzo Abe, who was shot recently in Japan, had earlier in 2007 at the Indian Parliament mentioned Swami
Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore and Netaji Bose to highlight the bond between the two nations.

About Japanese ties with India

Abe, in 2007 had highlighted the ‘’spirit of tolerance”, as India’s contribution to the world, quoting a reference
from Vivekananda’s 1893 speech in Chicago.
He also hailed Vivekananda as a great spiritual leader gifted by India to the world.
Earlier, Vivekananda had been greatly impressed by Japan when he visited the country while on his way to the
World Congress of Religions in 1893.
• In 1897, he shared that, “The world has never seen such a patriotic and artistic race as the Japanese’’,
and mentioned the love of the Japanese for their country.
• He said, ‘’If you catch the social morality and the political morality of the Japanese, you will be as great
as they are’’.
• Subhash Chandra Bose and Rabindranath Tagore, are also known in Japan for their contribution to the
nation’s freedom.
• Abe also shared that the Japanese people had rediscovered India as a partner that shares the same
values and interests, who would work alongside them to enrich the seas of freedom and prosperity,
abiding by the principles of openness and transparency.
• Further, in 2021, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour.
• Quote: Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the
oppression or persecution of others - John F.Kennedy

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General Studies-III
Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation,
Environmental Impact Assessment.
Going Electric: 5 Places To Hire E-Bikes For As Low As Rs 10/Hour in Delhi
Background
While it is not viable to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, with the increased availability of various
electric vehicles (EVs) in the market today, replacing ICE vehicles with e-bikes could potentially reduce pollution
levels.
E-Bikes in Delhi
• Generally speaking, e-bikes are bicycles with a battery-powered “assist” that comes via pedalling and,
in some cases, a throttle.
• Yulu, Zypp, Planet Green Bikes, and Green Ride are some of the companies offering rental e-bikes
services in Delhi.
• The environmental benefits of riding an electric Bike include:
• Zero emissions, as these do not use fossil fuels.
• As these are very light, they save the roads from damage.
• Offer a greener transportation option, not forgetting the freedom of movement without a schedule
restriction and the ability to travel alone if desired.
• As these require a lesser capacity to operate, their batteries last more, thereby reducing wastage and
increasing sustainability.
• The faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India (FAME II) scheme, came into
effect in 2019 to help hasten the transition to electric vehicles to curb air pollution and reduce India’s
dependence on oil imports.
• Recently, the government decided to increase subsidy on electric two-wheelers by 50% to ₹15,000 per
kWh under the scheme, to bring down the cost of e-bikes.
• Also, each state offers several policies that ensure that the prices of electric two-wheelers are reduced,
such as:
• Telangana: 100% exemption on registration and road tax for all categories of electric vehicles.
• Maharashtra: The state offers an incentive of Rs.5000/kWh for all vehicle categories.
• Gujarat: offers the highest subsidy of Rs.10,000/kWh among all the states
Quote
• We must shift our thinking away from short-term gain toward long-term investment and sustainability,
and always have the next generations in mind with every decision we make - Deb Haaland

Delhi’s first bamboo park to come up along Yamuna riverfront

In news
The foundation for the development of the Delhi’s first bamboo theme park ‘Baansera’, has been recently laid
on the Yamuna riverfront as part of the river’s ongoing rejuvenation project.

About the Park

• The park will be spread over 10 hectares on the western bank near the Delhi-Meerut Expressway, and
the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) will plant 20,000 bamboo saplings of 15 varieties.
• The plantation of bamboo on a large scale will help address the Capital’s air pollution problem

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significantly, because bamboo produces about 30% more oxygen, while consuming far less water and
enriching the soil.
• Further, with bamboo as a source for various economic activities such as furniture-making, incense
sticks etc, this can help create employment opportunities and augment incomes in Delhi.
• However, ecologists are of the opinion that the floodplains should be left alone to carry out their
natural process of regulating the flow of the river and even if plantation has to be done near the
floodplains, they should be species native to the Yamuna.
Quote
• “The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces, or at least not try to defy them.” - By Paul
Hawken

Stunning Sustainable Home in Bengaluru Harvests Sun & Rain, Stays 12 Degrees Cooler
Background
A Bengaluru-based couple’s house, that harvests solar energy and rainwater while staying much cooler, due to
its eco-friendly architecture, was in news recently.

About Sustainable Housing

• Sustainable homes, also known as ‘Green homes’, aim at economic, social and environmental
sustainability from planning to the implementation phase.
• The features that make housing sustainable include efficient use of energy, water and other resources,
use of renewable energy, such as solar energy, use of materials that are non-toxic, ethical and
sustainable, consideration of the environment in design, construction and operation, a design that
enables adaptation to a changing environment etc.
• Benefits of sustainable and climate-appropriate housing include:
• Environmental: They reduce or eliminate negative impacts on the environment, by using less water,
energy or natural resources.
• Economic: These include cost savings on utility bills for tenants or households, lower construction
costs and higher property value for building developers.
• Social: Improvement in Air quality, temperature and aesthetics can have an impact on cognitive
performance as well.
• Contribution towards SDGs: All this help achieve India’s SDG Target.
• Quote: ‘’Instead of controlling the environment for the benefit of the population, perhaps we should
control the population to ensure the survival of our environment” - David Attenborough

Traditional Water Harvesting Systems in India

Background
At a time of increasing Water Crisis every day, an array of eco-friendly and traditional methods of water
conservation would result in sustainable solutions to address the current challenges of Water Scarcity.

Highlights of Significant Water Conservation practices in India

Ahar Pynes:
• Prevalent in South Bihar, these consist of reservoirs that are made with embankments at the end of
diversion channels, which regulate the flow of water and store it for irrigation and other purposes.
• These diversion channels known as pynes are artificial rivulets that are extended from rivers to collect
water and channel it to the Ahars for irrigation during dry months.
Apatani:
• Practised by the Apatani tribes of Ziro, in Arunachal Pradesh, the system is used to harvest both ground

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and surface water for irrigation;

Baoli:
• Baolis were step-wells with intricately carved motifs and arches, with rooms on consecutive sides, and
were either built-in central points of villages or trade routes.
Cheo-ozihi:
• Prevalent in parts of Nagaland, Cheo-ozihi is a long channel made out of bamboo, which is constructed
and connected to several sub-channels that navigate the water’s flow from the river into the terraces
where the cultivation is done.
Eri:
• Prevalent in South India, these are tanks that are fed by channels to divert river water, or are entirely
fed by rain.
• These tanks are all interconnected and enable access to water to the farthest of villages, thus
maintaining a balance in the water level, in case of excess supply through floods.
• This system also prevents soil erosion and runoff water wastage, especially during heavy rainfall

General Studies-IV

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Case Studies - July 22

General Studies-I
Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and
Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues,
Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Bhagwani Deswal
Background
Dadi Bhagwani Deswal, a 90-year-old athlete has won three gold medals at the ongoing National Masters
Athletics Championships being held in Chennai.

About Bhagwani Deswal

• With this win, she has qualified to represent India at the World Masters Athletics Championships set
to take place on June 29 in Finland.
• ‘Dadi’ Bhagwani Devi had earlier won three gold medals at the Delhi State Athletics Championship in
a 100m race, shot put, and javelin throw.
• She is not only an inspiration for the world, but has been so even for her family. International para-
athlete and Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardee Vikas Dagar is the grandson of Bhagwani Deswal.

Reeta Kaushik
Background:
Being born in a Dalit community in India comes with a baggage of discrimination, poverty and illiteracy.
Reeta Kaushik, from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, has fought casteism at every turn and even helped others
overcome these problems.

About the initiative of Reeta Kaushik

• Born to a rickshaw puller, she has always been a staunch believer of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar’s vision that
only education can lead to the true emancipation of Dalits.
• She has spent her life battling social norms (even to get basic education), her relatives (who forced her
to be a child bride) and casteism at every turn.
• She is the first woman in her family to get a formal education and the founder of Samudayik Kalyan
Evam Vikas Sansthan (SKVS), which has reached girls in 112 Gram Panchayats across 126 communities
in Kushinagar and Gorakhpur.
• Her initiatives—like promoting mainstream education, providing bridge courses for dropouts and skill
training—have impacted 25,026 children and youth in the Musahar, Dalit and Muslim communities.
• Additionally, SKVS has helped develop women leaders, addressed hunger, malnutrition, health and
sanitation issues in communities.

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General Studies-II
Development Processes and the Development Industry —
the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations,
donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Stitching Livelihood
Background
Covid-19 pandemic took away the livelihood options of the vulnerable sections of the society, especially the
ones living in the lowlands known as Chars in Assam.

How Women are Stitching Livelihood on the Char?

• The women of the Rupakuchi island on the Beki River of Assam are working towards making a livelihood
through stitching khetas.
• Khetas or patchwork quilt is a centuries old Bengali Handicraft where old cloth are used and stitched
into quilt.
• The people on this island lived a sedentary life with meagre resources, and lack of socio-political
• NGO Amrapari came forward to help the women of Char to earn a livelihood with the handicraft. But,
the Ngo provided the women new cloth for stitching to get a better value.
• The NGO helps in selling off the products online for better market availability and also on their their
own website.
Quote:
• “Culture does not make people. People make culture. If it is true that the full humanity of women is
not our culture, then we can and must make it our culture.” - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Source:
• Locked out of their livelihoods, these women stitched a new path to success:

It Takes a Village to Keep Girls in School

Background
Education for girls is a difficult subject in India. This became more problematic during the epidemic, when
adolescent girls made up 40% of the estimated 30 million out-of-school
Initiatives such as Educate Girls address the impact of poverty and patriarchy on girls’ access to education,
school, and opportunity.

How It Takes a Village to Keep Girls in School:

• Organizations such as Pratham Foundation and Educate Girls have conducted extensive surveys and
sensitization campaigns in rural communities in order to establish a strong team of local change agents.
• Since its inception in 2007, Educate Girls has enrolled over 5 lakh girls in school in over 20,000 villages
across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.
• It has assisted over 3 lakh adolescent females in receiving life skills training, allowing them to develop
decision-making agency and gain greater control over their lives.
• This impact is the result of the 14-year efforts of 15,000-strong armies of village-based Team Balika
volunteers. These volunteers have accomplished a great deal, from going door to door to locate out-of-
school girls to convincing all stakeholders, including their parents, of the necessity of girls’ education.
• When a community comes together to take ownership and responsibility for empowering its girls and
women, half of the battle is won since the community plays a critical part in assisting a girl to receive

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an education and stay in school.

Quote:
• Women, like men, must be educated with a view to action, or their studies cannot be called education.–
Harriet Martineau

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by

the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes;
Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for
the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi
Background
• One of India’s Greatest Architects, 94-YO has built 6500 Sustainable Homes for the Poor.
• Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi—the first Indian to win the Pritzker Prize—has found the ways to find
symphony and sustainability in architecture.
• About Balkrishna Vithaldas Doshi’s work
• From his experiences of his childhood, he was prompted to plan the acclaimed — Aranya, a low-cost
housing project in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
• Built for economically weaker sections (EVS), each house was planned with the possibility of finding
new alternatives for a growing family in the allotted space for comfortable living.
• This project won the Aga Khan Architecture Award in 1995 and was mentioned in the UK government’s
latest award.
• One of his works is Amdavad ni Gufa. It is an underground egg-shaped art gallery in Ahmedabad and is
considered a marvel in the world of architecture.
● The design comprises circles and ellipses. Illumination is through snouts created on the outside walls,
so sunlight comes in, forming spots of light which move around as the day progresses.
● Doshi believes in a sustainable and economical approach while planning a project and, most of the
time, uses only locally sourced materials. Maximum usage of natural light is planned, and the cavity
walls help trap and minimise heat.
● Doshi advises to look around every object around us, nature itself, the lights, sky, water, and the stone.
Everything is in symphony. And this symphony is what architecture is all about.

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About Taware’s initiative

• Agritourism, as a concept, has been prevalent in Europe for a long time and has many takers as well.
• Pandurang saw potential in establishing a similar concept in India as well and in 2002 he moved to his
village to find ways of starting agritourism. He is also known as the ‘Father of Agritourism Concept in
India.’
• Before formally launching the agritourism concept in Maharashtra, Pandurang spent in a market
sample survey and that data helped in structuring the entire concept.
• Armed with this data, in 2005, Agri Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) was launched from
Maharashtra.
• The idea behind the venture was not just to host urban dwellers but to make sure that they experienced
the life of a farmer. Along with this, the fresh produce from the farm is also available for purchase and
this also boosts the income of the farmers.
• Pandurang was also instrumental in drafting the policy on agritourism in Maharashtra and this policy
mandates schools to ensure that students from Class 5 to Class 10 spend time visiting a farm for one
compulsory educational trip every year.
• The introduction of agritourism claims to have helped over 628 farmers earn Rs 58 crore in the last
financial year (pre-COVID).
Quote:
• “India is not Calcutta and Bombay; India lives in her seven hundred thousand villages.” – M.K. Gandhi

Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Carbon Negative Bricks
Background
The Process of creation of cement leads to high level of CO2 Emissions.
Visakhapatnam based social enterprise, GreenJams, is creating carbon-negative building material from
agriculture biomass and hemp blocks.

About :
• Carbon-negative bricks called Agrocrete, the product is made of upcycled material and can reduce
construction costs by 50%, increase thermal insulation by 50%, and cut down the time required for
constructing buildings.
• The product is made from the residue from farmers, which is then mixed with our innovative product
BINDR, a 100% up-cycled low carbon replacement of Portland cement made from industrial by-
products of steel, paper and power industries.
• The product has the strength equivalent to that of a conventional red brick from the kiln, but has
better thermal conductivity, less water absorption tendency, captures tonnes of carbon emissions and
has a life duration of at least 75 years.
• The blocks are 30% lighter, making it convenient for masons to work on. They’re also bigger, which
reduces the construction time and cost of labour.

Eco-Friendly Home
Background
Popular Malayalam writer Echmukutty and her architect husband Padmakumar built an eco-friendly home in
Kerala. Made of recycled bricks, stones, mud, recycled frames and glass, the house has a slice of nature in every
corner.

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About the House

• There are three major sustainability principles followed by the architect in its construction:
• First, the advantage of designing and building for disassembly. Whenever it occurs that the structure
has to be dismantled, almost 95 percent of the materials can be salvaged and reused.
• Second is the use of second-hand materials. Almost all the items used to construct the house are
reusable materials.
• The third is the fact that not even a sack of cement was used for the construction. Instead, lime and
mud did the job.
• The House also has a rainwater harvesting system and a pond that collects the rainwater falling into
the plot.
• Padmakumar’s inspiration came from his work with Laurie Baker, a British-born Indian architect,
renowned for his initiatives in cost and energy-efficient architecture as well as designs that maximise
space, ventilation, and light.
Quote:
• “There must be a better way to make the things we want, a way that doesn’t spoil the sky, or the rain
or the land” - Paul McCartney

Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology;

Indigenization of Technology and Developing New Technology.
Wealth From Waste
Background
• Reports estimate that over 3.3 million metric tonnes of plastic wound up in landfills across India.
• To reduce the burden on the environment, Aditya Banger (17) a resident of Bhilwara, Rajasthan has
started recycling plastic bottles, wrappers, and covers to make fabric.

About the Initiative

• Aditya Banger, a resident of Bhilwara, Rajasthan, launched Trash to Treasure which recycles plastic
bottles, wrappers and covers into fabric for clothes.
• The process takes one or two days but the fabric produced is stronger than regular cotton and is more
durable.
• His company, Trash to Treasure, was launched in January 2021 and every day they recycle up to 10
tonnes of plastic to make fabric.
• To date, Aditya claims to have recycled 10 tonnes of plastic every day.

Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation,

Environmental Impact Assessment.
Vegan Leather
Background
• The tanning processes in Leather industries emit thick black smoke into the atmosphere and toxic
wastewater is released into freshwater bodies.
• A Kerala startup has come up with a vegan, eco-friendly alternative that looks and feels like leather but
is made using coconut water.

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About the Initiative

• Malai Biomaterials, founded in 2018, was motivated by the idea to develop a material that is circular
in nature, doesn’t harm the environment, and can be used in the realm of fashion and product design.
• Vegan leather is developed through two processes. First is the fermentation where coconut water is
fed to a particular type of bacteria.
• Once this ferments, the sugar extract is converted into cellulose and can be used to make sheets or any
three-dimensional shape.
• This PETA-approved organisation is currently working alongside the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-
Hyderabad to improve their material and make it affordable as well.

Sustainable Water Purifier

Background
Over 50% of the population does not have access to safe water for consumption.
Two brothers from Suraj, Gujarat, have launched a unique solution to solve this crisis through their startup,
Sustainable Livelihood Initiative India (SLII)

About Sustainable Livelihood Initiative India (SLII)

• SLII has created a water purifier that makes polluted water drinkable within minutes and has no
movable parts, thus saving on maintenance and replacement.
• The system is named Vardan, and cleans water at 8 paise per liter, claiming to be the cheapest in India.
• The idea came to the brothers after studying existing water purifiers available in the market. Most of
them required electricity and maintenance costs, which are limitations in rural areas.
• The product costs Rs 5,000 and can purify 1,00,000 liters of water in its lifetime, without replacing any
parts. The water requires no pump and flows with the help of gravity.
• The product, to be used in rural areas, will benefit the environment by saving tonnes of carbon
emissions.

Plastic Waste as School Fees

Background
• Burning plastic is common in winter among poverty-stricken people.
• But these people are unaware of the hazards they are exposing their children to.

About an initiative that takes Plastic waste as fees

• To solve the problems of illiteracy and plastic pollution, a couple started a school that accepts plastic
waste as fees.
• This unusual school— Akshar, is tucked away in the pristine woods of Pamohi, Assam, where students
bring polythene bags full of plastic waste as the only form of fee that the school accepts.
• unlike traditional schools, Akshar does not have age-specific standards or grades; instead, it’s based
entirely on the knowledge level of students.
• The student will then have to perform well to climb up the levels. This is to ensure that the quality of
education is continually improving.
• Thus, the school provides an education that is socially, economically, and environmentally relevant for
these children.

Forest Caretaker
Background
• A small plantation area christened Sarojini Vana (Sarojini Forest) in Odisha’s Bonai Forest Division has

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been named after Sarojini Mohanta, as a tribute to her.

• Sarojini has gone beyond the call of duty to create a forest on a denuded patch of land in just two
years.

About Sarojini’s work

• Bonai is a mining-affected region in the State. The Forest Division received funds under the District
Mineral Foundation program to raise a small forest on the denuded patch.
• Mohanta was deployed to look after the plantation area.
• The land had murrum soil (a type of laterite soil). Trees hardly grow in these types of soil. She actively
participated in digging pits for each sapling and filled them up with vermicompost. She made sure that
all saplings were watered regularly.
• Mohanta would know which plant would die if it wasn’t watered immediately.
• The dedication made all the difference. In a span of two years, over 3,000 fruit-bearing and forest
species of trees have begun thriving on the land she tends.
Quote:
• “Genius is one percent inspiration, ninety-nine percent perspiration.” ― Thomas A. Edison

General Studies-IV
Aptitude and Foundational Values for Civil Service, Integrity,
Impartiality and Non-partisanship, Objectivity, Dedication to
Public Service, Empathy, Tolerance, and Compassion towards
the weaker sections.
Doctor WHO Treats Patients for Free
Background
• Over the years, the reports of doctors cheating patients or charging exorbitant fees for medical care
have increased.
• However, a Bihar-based doctor gives us hope to revive the image of the fraternity that is deteriorating
in recent times.

About the Doctor

• For the past 35 years, Dr Ramanand Singh from Barbigha village in Bihar has been treating his patients
for just Rs 50. He even waives off his fees in cases where the patients cannot afford medical treatment.
At times, he even pays for their medicines.
• The doctor graduated in 1986 and set up a small clinic offering treatment as a general physician for Rs
5. During his visits, Dr Ramanand often came across patients who could not afford medical treatment.
• Slowly, the locals learned about his philanthropic ways, and the patient flow increased.
• Today, Dr Ramanand treats about 300 patients a day, including people from neighbouring districts like
Alava, Navada, Patna, Nalanda, Jamui, Lakhsaria and others.
• He does not earn profits from the fees and survives on the income sourced from my 5-acre ancestral
farm.

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Probity in Governance: Concept of Public Service; Philosophical

About the initiative by Sandeep

• Travelling on a bicycle allows him to understand the realities of lived experiences better and helps him
get a clearer grasp of the place.
• Besides having his ear to the ground, Sandeep also births initiatives to tackle long-standing issues in
the country.
• One such idea is the planting of a fruit forest to help with the concept of food security.
• Besides food security, Sandeep is also concerned about issues like women’s safety and cleanliness.
• A place that’s well-lit automatically ensures lesser criminal activity and discourages garbage dumping.
So, he’s been spearheading the initiative of installing LED lights throughout the city of Jabalpur.
• A passionate problem-solver, he has also devised solutions to problems of cleanliness and road safety.
By ensuring garbage vehicles follow a route on time, he’s reduced the city’s garbage vulnerable points
(GVPs).

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Case Studies - June 22

General Studies-I

General Studies-II
Government Policies and Interventions for Development in
various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and
Implementation.
The Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D)
In News
The Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) for 2019-20 shows that schools across India performed
poorly under the category of digital learning, which threw up the lowest scores compared to the other
parameters which were considered while creating the index.

About PGI-D
• The Department of School Education and Literacy, and Ministry of Education (MoE) has released the
Performance Grading Index for Districts (PGI-D) for 2018-19 and 2019-20 that grades the States and
UTs into grades like Daksh, Utkarsh, Ati-Uttam, Uttam etc according to percentage scores.
• The Performance Grading Index is a tool to provide insights on the status of school education in States
and UTs including key levers that drive their performance and critical areas for improvement.
• The purpose of the PGI therefore is to help the States and UTs to pinpoint the gaps and accordingly
prioritize areas for intervention to ensure that the school education system is robust at every level.
• The PGI-D structure comprises of total weightage of 600 points across 83 indicators, which are grouped
under 6 categories viz., Outcomes, Effective Classroom Transaction, Infrastructure Facilities & Student’s
Entitlements, School Safety & Child Protection, Digital Learning and Governance Process.
Findings of the Report
• Overall, 8 districts have improved their PGI score by more than 20 % or upward shift of two grades in
2019-20 over 2018-19.
• In the index, as many as 180 districts scored less than 10 per cent on digital learning, 146 districts
scored 11 to 20 per cent, while 125 districts had scores between 21 and 30 per cent.
• Rural Urban Divide was seen in digital learning. For e.g., while districts in cities like Chandigarh and
Delhi scored between 25 and 35 out of 50, places like Bihar’s Araria and Kishanganj scored as low as 2.
• The domain of Digital learning was considered in PGI-D since the Covid 19 pandemic has highlighted
the changes required in our existing system in terms of the adoption of digital learning as part of
mainstream learning to continue education at home.
• In terms of learning outcomes, no district scored below 10 per cent, 12 scored between 11 and 20 per
cent, while as many as 309 scored between 51 and 60 per cent.
• Effective Classroom Transactions saw 510 districts making improvement in scores while 478 districts
made improvements in Infrastructure, Facilities, Student Entitlements from 2018-19 to 2019-2020.
• Under School Safety and Child Protection, 50 districts made score improvement of over 20 % in 2019-
20 as compared to 2018-19, another 75 districts made more than 10 % improvement in score resulting
into grade level improvement.

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Development Processes and the Development Industry —

the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and Associations,
donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
TVS group’s Srinivasan Services Trust (SST)
• Tiruvannamalai is considered to be one of Tamil Nadu’s hottest and water-stressed districts. The
reasons are primarily sinking levels of groundwater, the lack of proper supply channels to irrigate the
fields, and the drying ponds and lakes.
• TVS, a lead two- and three-wheeler maker is transforming villages in five states and inspiring local
communities to be partners in change.

About the Initiative of TVS

• TVS group’s Srinivasan Services Trust (SST) inspected the curious case of drying Tamarai lake and found
that some of the villagers had engaged in obstructive construction blocking the three inlet channels
to the lake.
• SST volunteers cleared the encroachments and rebuild the supply channels to the lake and the nearby
wells.
• SST spent ₹7.75 lakh, laid pipes and walk-over slabs, to streamline the rainwater straight to the lake.
• After three decades, the Tamarai lake holds rainwater again and groundwater gurgles up at 8 feet.
• What’s unique about SST’s projects are that they are all small-scale, nature-based, and require
community involvement in execution.
• Similar water conservation efforts are scattered across Padavedu such as check dams, percolation
ponds, and watershed projects.
Quote:
• “The only way forward, if we are going to improve the quality of the environment, is to get everybody
involved.” – Richard Rogers

Odisha’s Mo Bus
Mo Bus, the bus service of Odisha’s Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) authority, has been recognised by
the United Nations as one of 10 global recipients of its annual Public Service Awards for 2022.
The Mo Bus service was launched in the year 2018 to ensure transformation of the urban public transport
scenario in the city and its hinterland through use of smart technology, service benchmarking and customer
satisfaction.

About the Bus service

• The public transport service has been recognised for its role in promoting gender-responsive public
services to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals).
• Recognising the need for improvement in public transport, the Odisha government reorganized the
public transit services in the city to provide an integrated, reliable and inclusive public bus service
system.
• Mo Bus has incorporated real-time technologies like live tracking, travel planner and e-ticketing and an
e-rickshaw system called ‘Mo E-Ride’ has been introduced as a last-mile feeder service.
• The impact is that 57 per cent of the city’s commuters now use the Mo Bus. Mo E-Ride is estimated
to reduce pollution by 30-50 per cent. 40 per cent of Mo Bus conductors are women and 100 percent
of Mo E-Ride drivers are women, transgender people, and people from disadvantaged communities.
Quote:
• “ Inclusivity means not ‘just we’re allowed to be there,’ but we are valued”

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WEF’s Helping Hand

Background
The world is experiencing a growing mental health crisis among young people, exasperated by the COVID-19
pandemic and a mounting global refugee
With the aim of preventing mental health disorders in adolescents, World Economic Forum has developed the
learning simulation “Helping Hand”.

About the Initiative

• The Helping Hand provides young people with accessible and engaging support to develop social and
emotional skills.
• The solution combines evidence based, cognitive behavioral techniques with groundbreaking learning
technology.
• The Helping Hand is designed as playable simulations that provide a safe environment to prepare for
challenges in a series of life-like scenarios.
• The game-playing element is popular and suitable for young people and provides a familiar arena
to work through issues, as well as facilitating dialogues about topics that typically are avoided, but
important to address.
• The solution is also exceptionally scalable in that the content is universal, accessible on any mobile
device, and can be distributed digitally at a minimal additional cost per user.
• It works great as a standalone solution and is great tool for teachers and psychosocial staff.
• The Helping Hand solution is tested and ready to be scaled to reach more young people.
Quote:
• “ If technology can create mental health problems, it can also remedy it”

Night School changed the Life at 52

Background
• Proper educationimproves people’s understanding of the world, making them less susceptible to the
bad influence.
• Kalpana Achyut Koletkar, recently cleared her 10th board exams, 37 years after she had first started.

About Kalpana Achyut Koletkar

• Kalpana was at the age 16 years, when her father died and the financial crisis followed. To ensure that
her siblings continue their education, she had to quit the education and start working.
• Recently, she started pursuing the dream of completing her education through night schooling free
provision of Maharashtra government.
• The night schooling helped her to re-gain the enthusiasm for studies and went on with her studies
despite her daily chores.
• With her strong determination, she has cleared her exams with good marks..
Quote:
• A human being is not attaining his full heights until he is educated. – Horace Mann

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Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by

About her journey

• Supriti Kachhap was just an infant when her father Ramsewak Oraon, was killed by Naxals in Burhu
village, in Gumla district of Jharkhand. Her mother Balmati Devi raised her with 4 siblings with the
support of a government job at the Block Development Office.
• Supriti was always good at running. It was during an inter-school competition that she was spotted by
coach Prabhat Ranjan Tiwari, who took her under his wings at the Jharkhand Sports Training Centre in
Gumla in 2015.
• Running long distance came naturally to her and she could graduate from small distance to long
distance running, like 3000m, within a very short interval of training.
• She has won many medals in different competitions across the country with her dedication and
hardwork.
Quote:
• A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. -Colin
Powell

Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social

Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human
Resources.
Women lead fight for drug-free community
Background
• A survey on substance abuse conducted by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment had
identified the Chanlang district of Arunachal Pradesh as among the 272 most vulnerable in the country,
and thus, a focus area of the Centre’s “Nasha Mukt Bharat” campaign.
• The women in Changlang were determined to make their homes addiction- free.
About the Women’s initiative
• Men in this village have been addicted to ‘kaani’ — as opium is colloquially referred to in Arunachal
Pradesh’s Changlang district.
• Since March 2021, the district administration had been trying to find a solution through a model drug
de-addiction programme, one village at a time.
• The district administration formulated a de-addiction programme which would be “bottom up, and in
collaboration with the village”.
• The administration directed the women to activate their Self Help Group (SHG) network, and hold a
gram sabha meeting, presided by village elders, where the issue was discussed, a list of addicts drawn
up, and the idea of de-addiction suggested.
• The initiative, titled “Nasha Mukt Changlang”, targeted entire villages, instead of single individuals

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• The crux of the project lay in understanding that the problem was social, not criminal.
Quote:
• “The question that needs to be answered is why one gets addicted.”

Anganwadi Development by German Lady

Background
After visiting a dilapidated Anganwadi in Kerala, Maria Kasselmann started Positive Power for Children e.V, an
NGO that works to renovate decaying government schools.

About her Initiative

• The state government’s Anganwadi centres frequently lacked bathrooms, drinking water, and had
leaking roofs, making it difficult for children to attend school.
• Maria Kasselmann, a former primary school teacher from Germany who visited India, was taken aback
by the absence of basic amenities.
• Maria started a donation campaign in Germany, in 2008, seeking financial help from the residents. All
the funds collected through her initiative helped the school transform into an ideal institute equipped
with the facilities.
• So far, her initiative has aided in the transformation of 22 government schools, with an average of 40
students learning in each school.
Quote:
• “You cannot make people learn. You can only provide the right conditions for learning to happen.”-
Vince Gowmon

General Studies-III
Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
Believing in ‘self-sufficiency’
Background
Successive lockdowns and clampdowns in the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir in the last three years
have given a severe blow to the private sector, soaring the unemployment rate.
Zamruda Bano, from Kulgam district in Jammu and Kashmir, has created a livelihood not only for herself but
for others.

About the initiative of Zamruda Bano

• During the pandemic, Zamruda extended her knowledge of crewel embroidery to women of the valley
who all earn a livelihood because of her.
• She had started the first centre in her village and over the years, Zamruda has established more than
100 centres, in scores of villages in Kulgam and Anantnag districts.
• She faced several problems initially, from financial constraints to marketing of products.
• In these centres, women are engaged in crewel embroidery and earn up to 5,000 orders a monthly.
• Zamruda believes in being self-sufficient and aims to provide jobs to underprivileged women who
were not fortunate enough to receive a proper education.
• Today, products from these centres are sent to Srinagar and several other parts of the country such as
New Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Bengaluru.

Empowering girls through education

Background

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Taking inspiration from Maharshi Karve, Jameendar Babasaheb Keshav Narayanrao Deshmukh set up the
Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal (SSM), to start the first-ever residential school in Sagroli, Maharashtra committed
to empowering girls through education.

About the Initiative

• Babasaheb Keshav Narayanrao Deshmukh managed to study only till Class 10.
• Being the sole custodian of land, after his father’s death, he sacrificed his education and even his
daughter could not study beyond Class 4 due to the unavailability of schools.
• To remedy the education situation, Babasaheb, inspired by the words of Maharshi Karve, donated 100
acres of his land to set up a school.
• In 1959, he set up Sanskriti Samvardhan Mandal (SSM), an NGO, to start the first-ever residential
school in the region committed to empowering girls through education. It was named Shri Chhatrapati
Shivaji high school.
• The institute focussed mainly on educational facilities for deprived communities, including scheduled
caste and scheduled tribes.
• He aimed to narrow the urban-rural divide with better infrastructure, recruiting good teachers and
providing the staff with on-campus accommodation so that the teachers served the cause more
devotedly.
• The initiative of opening schools to girls entailed another advantage in curbing child marriages.
• He always considered sports to be an integral part of the development of a child’s capacities.

Transgender Bodybuilder Champion

Background
Shunned for coming out as a transman, Praveen Nath fought his way to becoming Kerala’s first transgender
bodybuilder— and went on to win the title of Mr. Kerala.

About Praveen’s Journey

• Praveen Nath is Kerala’s first transgender bodybuilder and went on to win Mr Kerala in 2021.
• For over 15 years, Praveen Nath of Palakkad, Kerala, had to conceal his identify as a transman. Even so,
when he exposed his identity, he was expelled from college and forced to leave his home.
• After fleeing his home, he sought refuge at Sahayathrika, a Kerala-based organisation dedicated to
the welfare of transgender people. Praveen worked hard with their encouragement and eventually
became a bodybuilding champion.
• His journey to the title has been very challenging, especially as the bodybuilding association was
reluctant initially to carve a new category for transgender persons.
• However, his trainer, Vinu Mohan, went beyond of his way to encourage Praveen and Mr Kerala
organisations to add a third category for trans individuals.
Quote:
• I don’t think we should be discriminating against anyone. Transgender people are people and deserve
the best we can do for them.-Orrin Hatch

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Major Crops - Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country,

- Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems; Storage,
Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues
and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
Krishi Network
Background
Correct information at critical phases of farming can help extensively from pest control to high yield.
A platform Krishi Network is working in this regard focussing on the development of farmers.

About the Platform

• Founded by IIT-Kharagpur alumni Ashish Mishra and Siddhant Bhomia, this platform aims to make
essential information more accessible to farmers, allowing them to generate larger income.
• Providing a mix of online and offline support, the platform has also on-boarded agri-brands, agri-input
merchants, and other stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain.
• Facilitating all this work online is the Krishi Network app, currently available in Hindi, Marathi, Punjabi,
and English.
• Currently, the platform is linked to 30 lakh farmers. It gives professional advice for making crucial farm
decisions through experienced and trusted farmers in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and
Maharashtra.
• Unlike other firms that sell inputs, sell outputs, or provide finance, it provides immediate and correct
answers to all types of agri-related technical inquiries a farmer may have.
• The Krishi Network mobile application information has helped reduce crop loss by controlling pests.
• Quote:
• The key lies in empowering the millions of smallholder producers and landless workers who form
the backbone of rural economy in most developing countries to row their incomes and improve their
livelihoods by raising agricultural productivity and engaging in markets.- James Dargie

Electric Bull
Background
Indian farmers struggle to reap better yields due to lack or little mechanization. The community continues to
depend on cattle and labour for farm work.
An engineer couple vowed to resolve their village’s farming woes with an ‘Electric Bull’.

About the Electric Bull

• The Engineer couple, Tukaram Sonawane and Sonali Veljali, recognized the vicious cycle of poverty
and poor yield. The processes of ploughing, tilling, sowing, and spraying insecticides usually take place
manually, with the help of labourers.
• Moreover, there is a constant shortage of bullocks as they are expensive to maintain, and farmers tend
to share resources. A delay in any of the processes by even a week directly affects the harvest time,
resulting in poor sales. If they sell their produce a week later, they do not fetch good profits.
• As a solution to this problem, the couple has built an innovative ‘Electric Bull’, which holds big promises
to help farmers, especially those with fewer land holdings. It performs all the processes at 1/10th of
the cost.
• There are some procedures that only a bull can perform, as the tractor is too big for the task. For
example, bulls can serve the purpose of sowing seeds, as the distance between the plantations can be

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minimised. But using a tractor reduces the sowing area.

• Once fully charged, the vehicle functions for four hours.

Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.

Bio-Bricks building
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Hyderabad recently inaugurated India’s first building made of bio-
bricks from agro-waste.
It is a perfect illustration of ‘Wealth from Waste’.

About the Bio-Brick

Under this initiative agricultural waste is converted into sustainable materials which, in turn, can be used to
build eco-friendly, cost-effective structures.
According to the researchers, the material exhibits excellent thermal insulation and fire-retardant properties.
• When used in roofing and wall panelling, it can effectively reduce heat gain by 5 – 6 degrees. Regular
bricks lead to the loss of fertile topsoil and more air pollution.
• Bio-bricks are economical and are found to be 1/8 and 1/10 of weight for similar volume compared to
burnt clay bricks and concrete blocks, respectively. Compared to burnt clay bricks, Bio-bricks will cost
about Rs 2-3 when mass-produced.
• Farmers can make this material at the site and further reduce labour costs. Manufacturing bio-bricks
can add to the marginal farmers’ income and create a new employment opportunity during off-seasons.

Sustainable Architecture
Background
Architecture has the power to convert a space either into a concrete jungle or a sustainable space.
Sustainable architecture company Compartments S4, is one such initiative which has led projects to promote
eco-friendly architecture in rural India.

About the Company

• The idea of S4 was conceived by few college students who got inspired from the traditional rural
architecture and construction methods from a village in Ahmedabad.
• The company designs not just houses, but also eco-friendly and sustainable spaces, using eco-friendly
materials such as clay, locally available limestone, earthquake-resistant structures, etc.
• They even conduct workshop modules to impart knowledge and methodological experience for
disseminating concepts and ideas.
• Among CS4’s clients are the Nainital Tourism Department, the Surat Forest Department, the ISCON
Group, Shankar Ice Cream, Midas Hospitality Group, and UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
(WASH) programme.
Quote:
• “Our biggest challenge in this new century is to take an idea that seems abstract – sustainable
development – and turn it into a reality for all the world’s people” By Kofi Annan

Waste Solar Panels to Sustainable homes

Background
By 2030, the Government of India believes that solar energy will contribute almost 300 gigawatts (GW) to its
renewable energy target of 450 GW.
• However, India does not yet have a coherent policy on retrieving and managing waste that results from
used solar panels or from the manufacturing process.

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• All that is available in India is a blueprint issued by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
• A solution to the problem of waste Solar panels
• Some estimates suggest that by 2030, India will have more than 200,000 tonnes of solar waste. These
solar cells contain lead, cadmium and other toxic materials that are carcinogenic. When they are
dumped in landfills without processing, various studies have shown that they leach out into the soil,
cause soil degradation, enter the groundwater, harm the fauna around it and cause adverse health
problems.
• A team of researchers at the Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST), operating out of the Indian
Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru, is exploring whether old discarded solar panels can be upcycled
as a building material.
• One of the motivations for researchers at CST in examining decommissioned solar panels as a building
material is because they comprise materials that are inherently very durable.
• The main quality of these solar panels as a building material is that they use toughened glass on one
side. These are designed to withstand wind loads, and hail and by and large, they are very durable.
• Quote: “There must be a better way to make the things we want, a way that doesn’t spoil the sky, or
the rain or the land” - By Paul McCartney

Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications

and Effects in Everyday Life.
Biodegradable Solutions
More than half of the world’s plastic and paper is used for single-use product. These products also lead to an
annual cutting of 7 billion trees.
Such harsh realities prompted 11-year-old Adithyaa Tenith to create ‘Banana Leaf Technology’ in 2010.

About the Initiative

• Apart from the ecological concerns, Adithyaa was motivated to make the tradition of using biodegradable
banana leaves a global habit.
• With trial and error, Adithyaa was finally able to realize his dream of enhancing the shelf life of banana
leaves without any addition of chemicals. This earned him his first international award at the Global
Invention Fair in Texas in 2014.
• The technology preserves banana leaves for over three years without the use of any chemicals. It also
increases its durability.
• Preserved leaves can resist extreme temperatures and hold more weight than the original
• The manufacturing cost of these plates, cups and gift boxes is very low and they can also be used as
manure or fodder at the end.
• Today, Adithyaa is using this technology to replace single-use plastic, one banana leaf at a time.
Quote:
• “Environment is no one’s property to destroy; it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect.”

Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation,

Environmental Impact Assessment.
Afforestation Drive
Background
Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change; it has an impact on the entire ecosystem.
Vishal Shrivastava of Madhya Pradesh is using the Miyawaki technique to address the problem.

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About Vishal’s Initiative

• Vishal Srivastava, who was born into a lower-middle-class family, was always aware of life’s difficulties.
He struggled with water and electricity, and he even ran behind tanks to collect drinking water.
• His circumstances compelled him to read about water scarcity and other environmental issues. He
joined the NGO Prayas, which works in afforestation using the Miyawaki technique.
• Later, he went around government offices explaining the importance of afforestation and the
techniques available.
• He and other NGO members planted 50,000-60,000 tree saplings in Gwalior, 20,000 in Jabalpur, and
10,000-12,000 in Katni.
• Quote: God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand
tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools. - John Muir

Rice Husk Furniture

Background
Paddy cultivation, which was a part of art and culture in earlier days, is now purely a business.
In Chennai, B.L. Bengani started a furniture company based on rice husk as main raw material for same.

About The Company:

• Bengani started working in a furniture company at a very young age and eventually became a billionaire.
• But later he realized that the cost of success was the death of million of trees and made researches to
replace wood with something more sustainable.
• He found out that rice husk to be the better alternative when mixed some minerals and resin which is
pest-proof, weather-proof and halts the spread of fire.
• Lighter and larger than the actual rice grain it protects, the husk is a yellowish cover which is usually
separated as part of the milling process, after which the rice is polished.
• This wood is used to make furniture which is more sustainable and causes lesser degradation of the
nature.
Quote:
• “Sustainability is no longer about doing less harm. It’s about doing more good.” — Jochen Zeitz,
President and CEO of Harley-Davidson.

Young Sarpanch Driver of Change

Background
The role of leaders in the Panchayati Raj structure is critical for development at the grassroot level.
One such leader is Priyanka Tiwari, who in a single year, the Sarpanch of Rajpur Gram Panchayat in Uttar
Pradesh.

About the Sarpanch and her drive:

• The issues in village like improper waste management, damaged drains, and a lack of crematoriums
made it difficult to live there.
• As a first step, the panchayat gave cloth bags to businesses, roadside sellers, and residents. Second,
they fined them – Rs 500 for first-timers, Rs 1000 for second-timers – and threatened to cancel the
shop’s licence if they did it again.
• Recognizing that children contribute to plastic garbage in the form of snack packs and chocolate
wrappers, they were encouraged to collect it and receive Rs 2 per kg. In addition, awareness sessions
were held in schools and colleges. As a result, 70-75 percent of plastic usage was reduced.
• For greywater management, community soak pits were introduced in each of the village’s four corners.

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It is currently used for groundwater recharge.

• The Panchayat has also built a proper crematorium and a library in the neighbourhood to make better
use of the available space.
• Quote: When the panchayat raj is established, public opinion will do what violence can never do. —
Mahatma Gandhi

Disaster and Disaster Management.

Recovery From Disaster
Cyclones cause lead to loss of lives and livelihoods, and the magnitude of such disaster increases when systems
and infrastructure to deal with such disasters were ill-prepared.
This gap was taken care of by founders of SEEDS (Sustainable Ecological & Environmental Development Society).

About the work of SEEDS (Sustainable Ecological & Environmental Development Society)
• The scale of devastation due to 1998 tropical cyclone that hit the coast of Kandla in Gujarat prompted
SEEDS to innovate disaster-proof solutions.
• It was on-the-ground insights that opened their minds to look at the architecture and construction
practices deployed in such vulnerable areas.
• In the aftermath of the Kandla cyclone, the team realised that a simple J-hook, if used, could have
saved the roofs of the houses from flying off, and close to 800 workers at the salt pan could have saved
their homes.
• SEEDS not only looks at disaster management but also the focuses on prevention and preparedness to
deal with the disasters.
• SEEDS work with children, community volunteers, local leaders, construction workers, and duty bearers
to help them understand the risks they face in their local context and plan to reduce avoidable risks.
• Avoidance of disasters begins with risk awareness and small local investments in preparedness. In
most of the projects, the team at SEEDS is looking at local solutions.
• SEEDS also began to develop programmes that brought financial platforms and communities together
to enable communities to access finance for various productive uses in a sustainable manner. The
Bihar Sustainable Livelihood Development (BSLD) project is one such.
• Quote: “Trusting our intuition often saves us from disaster.” – Anne Wilson Schaef

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About the Journey

• Samrat Mukhopadhyay, a professor at the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER)
in Mohali, Punjab, could reach his interview despite postal delay.
• In the year 1997, Samrat was awaiting his Interview letter for admission in IISc, Bangalore. But, due to
a postal delay, he received the letter on the day of the interview.
• In the year 1997, one had to be concerned not just with performing well in an interview but also with
arriving on time.
• To his relief, the interview was rescheduled to two days further. But, his journey was a tough one with
trains delays and heavy rainfall.
• Despite all the hurdles, he reached the interview and performed his best to make it to the IISc.
• Quote: It takes determination to see a dream come to pass. The question is not will you start, but will
you finish. - Joel Osteen

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Case Studies - MAY 22

General Studies-I
Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within
the country.
Lost Heer Project
Background
• The partition of India in 1947 and the ensuing mass exodus resulted in a genocide that no one could
have predicted.
• ‘The Lost Heer Project,’ a 2018 Instagram collective, is currently striving to rediscover the origins of an
era and the stories of its strong women that appear to be long forgotten.

About the Lost Heer Project

• While researching the historic event and interviewing witnesses, Harleen Singh, a social historian and
the man behind The Lost Heer Project, realised that the stories of women were particularly compelling,
but lacked representation.
• He saw that there was little mention of female characters even in Punjabi history and therefore, he
decided to shift the narrative.
• Because women’s history in Punjab has not been written down, he considers the wisdom passed down
from generation to generation to be the only thing on which he can rely. As a result, he is attempting
to document this feminist genealogy.
• Singh’s collection encompasses civilizations, iconic figures from that era, art, daily life, holidays, family
anecdotes, and snippets from yellowing archives.
• Along with the photographs and paintings Singh was able to obtain from archives and museums, there
is also documentary evidence of crucial events in the women’s lives that have now frayed with time
but remain significant.
• Quote: “Social media is not a media. The key is to listen, engage, and build relationships.”-David Alston

Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and

Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues,
Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Sensitisation against Child Marriage
Background
• Koyel Sarkar, 19, is the leader of an all-girls club in Siliguri that fights to eradicate child marriage in her
village, and they have prevented eight child marriages in the last two years alone.

About Koyel’s Journey:

• Koyel is the leader of her village’s 25-member “Girl Power Group, a community-led effort backed by
the NGO World Vision India. This programme includes almost 1,500 females from 65 villages spread
over three Darjeeling blocks.
• The girls are responsible for educating their peers as well as other citizens about topics such as child
rights, human trafficking, and child marriage.
• Her job entails making public statements in the local market to raise awareness about child marriages,

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performing street plays, and speaking with members of her community to gather information about
an upcoming child marriage.
• Quote: “Most people simply don’t know the extent of the problem. An estimated 25000 child marriages
occur every day. That’s mind-boggling, so much so that to many people it becomes abstract, unreal.”-
Gavin Weston

Tribal Development
Background
• These ethnic communities in Aaray villages of Mumbai live a self-sufficient life in small hamlets
scattered throughout the forest, breeding chickens for a living and growing crops.
• For the past six years, Cassandra has worked with a team of three to assist families from Aarey villages
and Madh Island ,primarily Adivasi Warli women, in becoming self-sufficient.

About the Efforts of Cassandra

• Cassandra observed that in comparison to the Mumbai’s progress, tribal area development has lagged.
This fuelled the desire to work for the betterment of the tribes.
• Apart from raising awareness, she also fosters Mumbaikars’ involvement with different ethnicities,
resulting in cultural fusion and a give and take on both sides.
• They have an ongoing programme called #TRibalLunch in which they entice Mumbaikars to visit Aarey
Forest — the world’s only natural Urban Forest.
• #TRibalTAdka is a revenue-generating income model in which women earn money by selling food,
organic vegetables, and handicrafts, and Mumbaikars may have a first-hand taste of real Maharashtrian
cuisine in one of the village homes.
• Another improvement brought about by the group is the installation of bio-toilets in eight settlements
in Aarey Forest and Madh Island.
• With the help of crowdfunding and government support, the group was able to obtain 23 zig-zag sewing
machines, each costing Rs 8,000, smokeless stoves for over 2,500 people, and 350 menstruation cups
through the #SurekhaMenstrualCupProject.
• Quote: Civilization is the progress toward a society of privacy. The savage’s whole existence is public,
ruled by the laws of his tribe. Civilization is the process of setting man free from men.- Ayn Rand

Kisan Chachi
Background
• Rajkumari Devi of Anandpur, Muzzafarpur district, Bihar achieved unimaginable success through her
learnings and spreading the same to others.
• Kisan Chachi, a social worker, was awarded the Padma Shri for her work in health and education, child
marriage abolition, and widow rights and

About Kisan Chachi

• Rajkumari Devi wished to impart farming skills to women labourers.
• Initially, she assisted her spouse in tobacco farming and tried to cultivate farming skills. Later, she
separated her plots into parts and began cultivating a variety of fruits and vegetables, which proved
profitable.
• She learned contemporary farming practises from Rajendra Agricultural University.
• Rajkumari experimented with pickle and murabba production after mastering agriculture. The company
began with a minimal investment of 150. She used to cycle to other villages to sell her products.
• She has organised over 300 women into tiny self-help groups. She has established a Non-Profit
Organization that not only collects fresh produce from farms run by women from various self-help

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groups, but also employs women to develop agro-based products.

• In 2007, she got awarded the “Kisan Shri” award by the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar. She was
invited by Amitabh Bachchan on “Kaun Banega Crorepati’’ also.
• She gained recognition from the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi. He uploaded the
design of her food processing model on the official website and invited her to the vibrant Gujarat-2013
summit.
Quote:
• “Women will get empowered only when they themselves break the age-old chains of biased traditions
and build a path for themselves.’’-Rajkumari Devi.

General Studies-II
Development Processes and the Development Industry —
the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations,
donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Agro-Tourism and Sustainable Agriculture
Background
• Green World Foundation, an agro-tourism company in Rajasthan is promoting agro-tourism and
sustainable farming through their work.

About the Foundation

• Indra Raj Jat and Seema Saini of Jaipur, Rajasthan, began their enterprise by applying integrated
agriculture and agro-tourism after finishing their studies.
• They began sustainable farming as well as animal husbandry on a rented piece of land. The farm also
promotes agro-tourism and hosts guests in mud homes inspired by traditional Rajasthani villages.
• They have trained thousands of farmers in organic and integrated farming, as well as encouraging
them to engage in agro-tourism.
• They have assisted farmers by training them to adopt sustainable agricultural methods such as organic
farming, integrated farming, and agro-tourism.
• Quote: “With wrong farming methods, we turn fertile land into desert. Unless we go back to organic
farming and save the soil, there is no future.”-Jaggi Vasudev

Beej Swaraj
Background
• Tribal women in southern Rajasthan’s Banswara region have used traditional wisdom to preserve
indigenous seed varieties that are on the verge of extinction, re-establishing the link between
agricultural diversity and climate resilience.

About Beej Swaraj

• A women’s organisation known as “Saksham Samooh” has taken up seed preservation as a mission in
the form of Beej Swaraj, or seed sovereignty, assisting tribal tribes with training and assistance.
• Saksham Samooh, based in Sangela village in Banswara district’s Garhi tehsil, has used traditional ways
to fill sacks with seeds, seal them, and store them in the granary for the next agricultural season.
• To obtain vegetable seeds, women let the veggies to ripen and then allow them to dry before separating
the seeds and storing them.
• Vaagdhara, a tribal livelihood organisation located in Banswara, has raised awareness among tribal

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people about the importance of indigenous seeds.

• The Beej Swaraj philosophy, which is based on agricultural management with indigenous resources,
would be successful in maintaining an appropriate health status for the tribal population.
• In addition to adopting seed-saving techniques, tribal women have been holding seed swapping events
to meet the need for climate-resilient seeds and to prepare farmers for an emergency situation.
Quote:
• “A reasonable agriculture would do its best to emulate nature. Rather than change the earth to suit a
crop it would diversify its crops to suit the earth.”- Verlyn Klinkenborg.

It Takes a Village to Keep Girls in School

Background
• Education for girls is a difficult subject in India. This became more problematic during the epidemic,
when adolescent girls made up 40% of the estimated 30 million out-of-school
• Initiatives such as Educate Girls address the impact of poverty and patriarchy on girls’ access to
education, school, and opportunity.

How It Takes a Village to Keep Girls in School:

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by

the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes;
Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for
the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
Project Pragati
Background
• Menstruation is being de-stigmatized, and the taboos around it are being lifted, through an initiative
called Project Pragati.
• Project Pragati is a 15-year-old programme incubated under the 1M1B Future Leaders Program.

About the Project:

Project Pragati is committed to ending the cycle of illiteracy and poverty by increasing menstrual hygiene
awareness and education, as well as providing funds and access to basic menstrual hygiene

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• The programme started in November 2020, with a focus on Gujarat.

• As the period education materials are created a in regional languages for awareness programmes.
• The Programme has impacted over 900 lives to date, with 30,000 pads supplied spanning 6 schools,
saltpans, and fisheries, as 23 million girls in India are forced to leave out of school every year when
they get their period.
Quote:
• “Consider a very natural process, menstruation, and how the association has been created in which
this process is dirty, degrading.” — Frederick Lenz

Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social

Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human
Resources.
Circles of Safety
Background
In India, the societal fabric is shredded by child sexual assault. According to a government research done in
2007, only 3% of the 53% of children who are sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday confess this abuse
to a parent or adult.

Fight against Child Abuse:

• Anuja Amin, 37, launched Circles of Safety in 2015 in an effort to educate the community and be a
voice for sexually abused children.
• She delivers workshops in schools through the platform, assisting parents and employees in embracing
personal safety discussions.
• As part of the National India Toy Fair, she and her team designed two games for children aged 5-18. The
idea was for adults and children to communicate important safety messages while being approachable.
• These activities are designed for children aged 4-8 and include activity sheets and worksheets to assist
children in developing gross motor skills and identifying their adult safety network.
• Quote: “What distresses me at times is that I meet a lot of people in their 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, who still say
they’re a victim of child abuse.”-Dave Pelzer

PARI: Diarrhoea Doll

Background
• PARI, also known as Diarrhoea Doll, is an educational tool developed by BBC Media Action that is used
at Village Health and Sanitation Days (VHSNDs) in Bihar.
• The Diarrhoea Doll, an educational instrument that teaches mothers in rural India about diarrhoea,
was launched in 100 Bihar Village Health & Nutrition Centres and has since been scaled up to 600
Primary Health Centres.

About PARI The Doll that Solves Diarrhoeal Woes

• Under the Ananya Initiative, financed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, BBC Media Action is
executing a five-year behaviour change communication campaign to promote mother and child health.
• Mothers are hesitant to provide fluids/ORS to their children because they believe in the ‘leaky bucket’
theory, which can be catastrophic for infants who suffer from dehydration and mineral loss.
• PARI is an inflatable doll that can expand and compress when filled or released with fluids. The health
worker fills Pari with water from the top inlet to illustrate how it works. The doll expands to resemble
a healthy child.

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• PARI’s doll house includes the Diarrhoea Kit, which comprises of a 1 litre bottle, a glass, a spoon, and
ORS and zinc sachets.
• Quote: “You’ve probably been asked to care about things like HIV/AIDS or T.B. or measles, but
diarrhoea kills more children than all those three things put together. It’s a very potent weapon of
mass destruction.”-Rose George

ASHA Didi in Forbes

Background
• Matilda Kullu, an Odisha tribal ASHA worker, has been listed in the Forbes India W-Power 2021 list for
her humanitarian
• The Forbes India W-Power 2021 list is notable for women who have overcome adversity and strived to
make a difference.
About Matilda Kullu
• Matilda Kullu, from Odisha, has been a recognised social health campaigner for the past 15 years.
• Known as Asha didi, she has played a key role in raising awareness about Covid-19 treatments,
precautions and vaccination. She has also been involved in Covid-19 testing.
• She was instrumental in altering the thinking of the villagers by raising information about the treatments
and medicines needed to cure any sickness. Instead of going to the tantrik for therapy, the villagers
now go to a doctor.
• Every day, she rides her bicycle across the village, making door-to-door visits to gather health-related
information from the residents.
• Women are provided advise on newborn and teenage girl immunisation, prenatal check-ups, delivery
preparation, nutritious eating for pregnant women, and so on.
• Quote: “Real education should educate us out of self into something far finer; into a selflessness which
links us with all humanity.”- Nancy Astor.

The Success Story of Harshada Garud

Background
Harshada Garud ,who is just 18, won the gold medal in the women’s 45kg category with a total effort of 153kg
(70kg + 83kg), opening India’s account on Day 1 of the competition in Heraklion, Greece.

About Harshada’s Success Story

• Harshada from Wadgaon , outside Pune, began weightlifting as a 12-year-old at the behest of her
father, Sharad Garud, who was a state-level weightlifter himself.
• Harshada went on to learn the Chinese Clean & Jerk technique, which requires exceptional back power
and the capacity to withstand tremendous pressure on the spine, and was then urged to take up the
‘Split’ approach in Patiala
• Wadgaon is also one of Maharashtra’s weightlifting hubs, apart from Manmad, Sangli and Kolhapur,
led by 73-year-old fitness enthusiast Biharilal Dubey who set up basic gymnasiums here in 1972.
• Dubey has been coaching in Wadgaon for 50 years, and would insist that girls get trained in athletics
and weightlifting since 1980.
• Quote: “There is always going to be a reason why you can’t do something; your job is to constantly
look for the reasons why you can achieve your dreams.” – Shannon Miller

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Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.

POSHAN PHERE
Background
Over 100 couples were married lately in Chhattisgarh under the Mukhya Mantri Kanaya Vivah Yojna (MKVY), a
state-sponsored communal wedding event, with POSHAN Phere being the centrepiece of the occasion.

About Poshan Phere

• The couples married under this programme take an additional oath under which they promise health
and well-being of their future kid by taking care of their own health, particularly women’s health.
• It is commonly understood that an undernourished mother would always give birth to an undernourished
child, sustaining an intergenerational cycle of malnutrition.
• Typically, family health messaging is aimed at women, but Poshan Phere includes both men and
women.
• Men are key players in ensuring women’s health is prioritised in the family, and when they take an oath
with this in mind, mother and child health becomes everyone’s responsibility.
• This is supported by the municipal and state governments, lending extra legitimacy to the matter. It
works because it takes advantage of social norms and delivers the message to the appropriate people
at the right time.
• Quote: “Communities and countries and ultimately the world are only as strong as the health of their
women.” – Michelle Obama

General Studies-III
Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
A Teacher Beyond Curriculum
Background
• When a child is born with a disability, people begin to treat them differently, with sympathy or pity,
rather than inspiring them to join the mainstream.
• Lata Nayak, founder principal of Rotary Sanskardham Academy for Children with Special Needs (RSA),
has been working to provide such special needs pupils.

About Lata Nayak and her School:

• After obtaining her Ed. (Deaf) in Mumbai in 1987, Lata travelled to the United States on a Rotary
scholarship to pursue her master’s degree.
• She founded the school with the Parents & Teachers Association in a shed in Mumbai, in 1995, with
24 kids.
• RSA is now a full-fledged academy housed in a four-storey structure that includes a junior college,
vocational training centre, audiology and speech therapy unit, gymnasium, computer lab, science lab,
library, and other amenities.
• Using a combination of signs and symbols in innovative teaching approaches has resulted in better
delivery and results for students.
• RSA also teaches gymnastics, sports, and cultural activities to students, such as cricket, football, karate,
Mallakhamba, painting, dancing, and drama.
• In collaboration with corporations, professionals, and volunteers, RSA is also focusing on self-
employment and teaching students in IT, ITES, retail, tailoring, drawing/painting, dance, theatre,
culinary, and other fields.

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• Lata’s accomplishments and dedication to the cause earned her numerous prizes, including the
National Award for Best Teacher (2006) and Best Individual Working for Disability (2011).
• Quote: “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.”- Henry Brooks Adams

Major Crops - Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country,

- Different Types of Irrigation and Irrigation Systems; Storage,
Transport and Marketing of Agricultural Produce and Issues
and Related Constraints; E-technology in the aid of farmers.
Tea Sector in India
The Government is in the process of introducing ‘The draft Tea (Promotion and Development) Bill, 2022’ to
replace the 68-year-old Tea Act, 1953.

About the News

• The current move of the Government is an attempt to try and drag the ailing sector from the nineteenth
to the twenty-first century.
• A glimpse of the outdated provision are as follows:
• At present, anybody wishing to start growing tea needs the government’s permission to plant tea
• Manufacturing tea requires a separate licence.
• Exports are controlled and there are quotas and allotments.
• Thus, although growing tea is technically agriculture, which is a state subject, the Central Tea Board
Act, passed shortly after independence in 1949, resulted in tight reins on the sector by the Central
Government.

About Tea Sector in India

• India is the second-largest producer of tea globally, after China.
• However, Indian tea is one of the finest in the world due to strong geographical indications, heavy
investment in tea processing units, continuous innovation, augmented product mix, and strategic
market expansion.
• India is also among the top tea-consuming countries in the world with 80% of the tea produced in the
country being consumed by the domestic population.
• The northern part of India is the biggest producer at about 77% of the total country’s annual tea
production; with the majority of the production coming from Assam followed by West Bengal.
• The southern part of India produces about 18% of the country’s total production with the major
producing states being Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
• India is among the top five tea exporters in the world contributing about 10% of the total exports.
• Indian Assam, Darjeeling and Nilgiri tea are considered one of the finest in the world.
• Majority of the tea exported out of India is black tea which makes up about 96% of the total exports.

How is Tea production regulated in India?

• The Tea Board of India was set up in 1953 for the development of tea industry in India.
• Being the regulatory body, the Board exerts control over the producers, manufacturers, exporters, tea
brokers, auction organizers and warehouse keepers through various control orders notified under Tea Act.
• The responsibilities of the board are increasing production and productivity, improving the quality of
tea, market promotion, and welfare measures for plantation workers and supporting Research and
Development.

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Government Initiatives w.r.t. Tea Sector

• A Special Tea Term Loan (STTL) for the tea sector was announced by the Indian government in 2004, to
provide for restructuring of Working Capital
• Darjeeling Tea also has its Geographical Indication (GI) registered in India in 2004, that provides for its
recognition.
• To help Indian exporters for marketing teas of Indian origin in overseas markets on a sustained basis,
the Tea Board of India started a scheme: Promotion for packaged Tea of Indian origin, during the 12th
Five Year Period
• The scheme provides assistance in promotional campaigns - up to 25% of the cost reimbursement,
display in International Departmental Stores, product literature and website development, and
inspection charges reimbursement of up to 25% of the charges.

Issues/Challenges faced by the Tea Sector

• Declining Prices: Across the world, tea’s auction price has declined in the recent past. Also, no proper
steps were taken to improvise the quality of tea being produced in India to raise the price margins
• Stagnant production: Production has been stagnant for years, while there has been a sharp fall in the
quality of tea produced as well. This is due to chronic under-investment in plantations, which has led
to a steady decline in plant and leaf quality.
• High cost of production: The wage component constitutes over 60% of the total cost of production.
Wage costs have quadrupled over the past decade, according to a study (Tea Industry at the Crossroads)
carried out by ASSOCHAM
• Escalating input costs of electricity, fuel, pesticides and agro-chemicals and irrigation, etc. make Indian
tea - in international market.
• Climatic change and Seasonal effect: Rainfall, low or no rainfall in crop season, prolonged dry spell,
sometime flood like situations, increasing temperature, etc. are major challenges in almost all tea
gardens.
• Pest and disease: The practices of integrated pest management (IPM) are not followed in most of the
gardens.
• Sometimes, overdose of pesticides pose a risk of higher pesticide residues, as well as environmental
contamination, disturbance of ecological balance.
• Also, there is poor monitoring over the pesticide dose and the interval between the spray and the
plucking.
• Inadequate Government effort: Apart from the colonial era policy hangover, Labour unions, on the
other hand, point out that the proposed draft Bill will only formalise the existing reality.
• It is alleged that lakhs of hectares have been planted without permission, and to the rise of stand-alone
‘bought tea’ factories, which source leaf from small growers, who escape the regulatory provisions of
the Plantation Act and the Tea Act.

Way forward
• Improvement through Training: Farmers/Labourers should be made aware of the certifications and
training being offered by certification bodies, to train them on farmers Code of Conduct and supply
chain management guides
• Quality Enhancement: Only quality tea production paves the way to preserve and significantly increase
the export prices. Moreover this also will increase the demand for Indian tea among international
products in the global arena and thereby increasing the profit margins as well.
• Climate smart tea production: To counteract with the climate change, the industry has to react smartly
by adopting Irrigation and drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, drought and flood-resistant planting
materials. Efforts should be done restore the environment by better resource management.

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• Use of ICT: ICT tools are a quick medium to share information, market intelligence, government
schemes, weather updates, latest development in world, etc
• Adequate technical support can be made available to the small and medium size producers by using
ICT tools.
• Need for Organized Business: Indian tea industry is still unorganized and even though Government
is controlling this industry with Tea Board, it’s not that effective as expected. Hence, the need of
structural reforms.

Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation,

Environmental Impact Assessment.
Sustainable Boiler
Background
Subhash Ola, the CEO and founder of Geniusenergy Critical Innovation Pvt Ltd, invented a boiler that won the
‘Startup of the Year’ India award from the ‘Amazon Possible Entrepreneurship Challenge.’

About the Invention

• Subhash Ola, a science enthusiast and innovator, a resident of Alwar, Rajasthan who is a school dropout
once invented a DC thermal power plant for his no-electricity He began his trials when he was 13 years
old.
• The GCI boiler uses the same waste, recycles it, and reuses it. The entire procedure saves a lot of
firewood and reduces pollution. These boilers reduce the firewood consumption from 100 kg to 20 kg.
• The system is a closed circuit, so waste steam is never wasted and is recycled. More than 50% of LPG
waste can be recycled using the same technology.
Quote:
• “There must be a better way to make the things we want, a way that doesn’t spoil the sky, or the rain
or the land”-Paul McCartney

Tortoise Conservation as Devotion

Background
• While World Tortoise Day was recently commemorated to highlight the need of saving turtles and
tortoises and their vanishing habitats, a temple in Kasaragod has been protecting and maintaining
several tortoise species for decades.

About the noble practice

• Devotees of the Thoroth Addukath Bhagavathi Temple in Molothumkavu, Bedadukka panchayat,
believe that giving tortoises rice (nivedya chor) can cleanse them of their sins and heal them of skin
diseases.
• The tortoises are preserved and kept in a naturally created pond (aamakulam), which is stretched
across two acres of temple land.
• At the sound of a clap, tortoises emerge from the depths of the pool and consume the rice offering
kept on the steps of the mandapam.
• The temple authorities and locals serve as caretakers for the tortoises, some of which are thought to
be over 100 years old.
Quote:
• “Humankind must learn to understand that the life of an animal is in no way less precious than our
own.”― Paul Oxton

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Eco Warrior of Odisha’s Astaranga Beach

Background
Rahul Maharana of Odisha spends his Sunday mornings collecting waste from the Devi estuary near Astaranga
beach and the adjoining mangrove plantation in order to contribute to the fight against climate change.

About Rahul’s Journey

• Rahul Maharana, a security guard for a private enterprise in Odisha, was in Class 12 when he first
learnt about climate change and the catastrophic impacts of plastic waste on the earth.
• Rahul decided to delve into the cause and began collecting waste from locations such as the Olive
Ridley turtle nesting sites in Rushikulya, Pir Jahania beach, and others, accumulating 500 bags of waste.
• He opted to focus his clean-up efforts on Astaranga Beach, which also has the district’s sole mangrove
plantation. He has now recovered nearly a tonne of plastic waste on his own.
• He has spent every Sunday morning since January 2022 marching towards a solitary mission carrying
a jute sack and collecting all forms of litter scattered in the vicinity.
Quote:
• “It cannot be right to manufacture billions of objects that are used for a matter of minutes, and then
are with us for centuries.”– Roz Savage

BUTTRUSH: Cigarette Buds in Recycle Bin

Background
• Cigarette butts are a familiar sight by the side of the road, and Nirit Datta felt compelled to take action,
establishing Buttrush after leaving his IT job.
About The Initiative
• This is the first environmental movement against cigarette butt pollution, which began in Kolkata with
great success.
• They ran campaigns in Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, collecting cigarette butts, recycling them, and
spreading awareness.
• Cigarette butts are made of cellulose acetate, which is environmentally damaging. It also contains
7,000 hazardous compounds that are harmful to both aquatic and terrestrial creatures.
• Buttrush now has 288 volunteers from nine states who have travelled over 3000 kilometres. They have
gathered approximately 3,00,200 cigarette butts so far.
• Rather than simply collecting the waste, Buttrush plans to travel across India to collect data, conduct
research, and develop a sustainable methodology to combat pollution at its source.
• They also intend to develop a blueprint that governments might use to address this issue.
• Quote: “Cigarette butts are the most discarded waste item worldwide & are also the most common
plastic litter on beaches, making marine ecosystems more susceptible to microplastic leakages.”- UNEP

Water Champion of Gujarat

Background
Conservation and effective water management initiatives in the tribal hinterlands of Dang, Narmada, and
Bharuch—three of Gujarat’s six economically disadvantaged districts—have resulted in scores of water-
stressed communities becoming ‘water champion’ as a result of Neeta Patel’s 12-year-long work.

How Neeta became the Water Champion?

• Neeta reaches out to distant Adivasi padas where she mobilises thousands of women, raises
water-related concerns with Panchayats, erects water harvesting structures, and establishes water
committees.

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• Every day, Neeta travels from village to village on a two-wheeler, covering 80km to 90km at times.
• With the help of locals, she has been able to construct dozens of check dams, group wells, trenches,
check walls, and boribundhs (sand-filled bags) on the Purna, Khapri, Ambika, Gira, and Dhodhad rivers
in Dang
• Patel’s efforts have resulted in the establishment of ‘Pani Samitis’ operated by women in various
villages that work in collaboration with the Panchayat to tackle the communities’ water challenges.
• Her work on water conservation and women’s empowerment has influenced the lives of nearly 30,000
people scattered across 51 villages in these districts and others in hundreds of villages throughout
Gujarat’s southern region.
Quote:
• “All the water that will ever be is, right now.” – National Geographic

Practical use of old masks

Background
• Disposable masks can linger in the environment for decades if they are not reused, posing a threat to
the ecosystem.
• Researchers have proven the notion of integrating used masks into a cement mixture to make stronger,
more durable concrete, with single-use masks posing an environmental hazard.

From environmental concern to practical use

• According to a press release from Washington State University, researchers found that the cement
mixture made with mask materials was 47 percent stronger than regularly used cement after a month
of curing.
• Cement production is a carbon-intensive process that accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions.
Concrete reinforced with microfibres has the potential to lower the quantity of cement required for a
project or to extend the life of the concrete, saving both carbon emissions and money.
• The researchers devised a method for fabricating microscopic mask fibres with lengths ranging from 5
to 30 mm, which they then mixed into cement concrete to strengthen it and prevent it from cracking.
• Quote: “There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away it must go somewhere.”–
Annie Leonard

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April 2022 - Case Studies and Examples

for Mains 2023
General Studies- 1
Role of Women and Women’s Organization, Population and
Associated Issues, Poverty and Developmental issues,
Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Super Teacher
Background
Kanchan Sharma, a Jammu-based retired teacher, has made it her mission to empower disadvantaged children
by offering them free education through her open school.

About Super Teacher Kanchan Sharma

• Kanchan Sharma, 61, is a retired lecturer in Jammu who provides free education to children from slums
in the Maratha Basti. She is known as the ‘Super Teacher.’
• Since 2009, she has been educating poor children in her improvised open school, ‘Sangarh Vidya
Kendra,’ by holding a two-hour lesson once a week.
• She founded the school with her own money and persuaded the parents of the students to enroll their
children.
• Kanchan continues to pay for teacher salaries as well as costs such as stationery and uniforms out of
her own pocket.
• According to her, “If we give these children clothes, they will tear them, and if we give them food,
they will become hungry once more. Education is the only way these children can buy their clothes
and live a respectable life in society,”
Quote:
• Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. –
Malcolm X

Bridging the Gender Divide

Background
In the past, it has been shown that adolescent girls are more likely to drop out when schools are closed in crisis
situations. As a result, the gender divide in education, early and forced marriages, early pregnancy, and other
social outcomes widen.

How SwaTaleem is bridging the gap?

• Swa Taleem ensures that girls in Haryana, particularly those from under-represented communities,
have access to education.
• SwaTaleem is a word that means “own your education.” The name is a combination of the Sanskrit Swa
(which means “your own”) and the Urdu Taleem (which means “your own”) (education).
• Since 2018, the organisation has been working to educate girls and is a recipient of the org Impact
Challenge for Women and Girls 2021.
• SwaTaleem, founded by Ashoka Young India Fellows Ananya Tiwari and Vaibhav Kumar, uses an
Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS) to help bridge the gender divide in education, particularly

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among under-represented communities in Haryana.

• During the pandemic, more than half of the parents confirmed that their daughters remained engaged
in their education.
• Quote: “Achieving gender equality requires the engagement of women and men, girls and boys. It is
everyone’s responsibility.”- Ban Ki-Moon.

Bank Sakhi
Background
• In rural India, finance for women is still restricted to self-help groups, many of which have disbanded
over the years due to negligence and a lack of substantial efforts to engage women in microfinance.
• To remedy that and engage women in finance, neo-bank BharatATM launched a programme in March,
called ‘Bank Sakhi’ (sakhi means female friend).

About Bank Sakhi

• BharatATM, launched in 2020, is a financial platform that enables Kiranas and neighborhood retail
businesses to provide banking services to their consumers.
• The start-up’s new ‘bank sakhi’ project, which aims to ‘financially empower women,’ has already
assisted 11,230 women in earning an average of Rs 8K per month.
• It essentially identifies women in small towns and villages, partners with them, and onboards them
on the BharatATM platform so they can start offering its services, such as withdrawal/deposits, bill
payments etc, from either their kirana stores, if they have one, or at people’s doorsteps.
• Across India, the company has enrolled over 11,230 women in the programme. The idea was piloted
in Odisha, with roughly 230 women engaged in the programme.
Quote:
• “Give a man a fish, you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime”.

General Studies -II

Development Processes and the Development Industry —
the Role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations,
donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.
Free Education under the Bridge
Background
• Access to free education is still a dream for the poor, especially the children of illiterate parents, who
are unaware of government policies and programmes for education.
• An initiative, Under Bridge School, is showing the way to such students.
About the Under Bridge School
• Every day, roughly 150 students from the Yamuna Khadar region of Delhi attend a makeshift school.
This school provides free education, and students no longer have to worry about being unable to
enroll in online programmes.
• The school is operated by Naresh Pal, a UPSC aspirant from Uttar Pradesh, who aims to provide free
education to impoverished students in the neighbourhood.
• As a child, he saw how his parents, both farmers, were unable to provide him with a proper education
due to their limited financial resources. Even when he was in college, he had to take up private tuition
to pay for his education.

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• While Naresh has been teaching students on the banks of the Yamuna River for the past ten years, the
‘Free School Under The Bridge’ was born as a result of the educational burden imposed by COVID-19
lockdowns.
• There is no roof, no walls, and no tables and chairs in the school. It does, however, have stationery and
bathrooms owing to gifts from generous strangers and well-wishers.
Quote:
• Change is the end result of all true learning. – Leo Buscaglia

Desi Food Addressing Malnutrition

Background
• According to the World Health Organization, malnutrition is defined as deficiencies, excesses, or
imbalances in a person’s energy and/or nutrient consumption (WHO).

How Desi Food is Addressing Malnutrition?

• In the fight against malnutrition, Gadchiroli, a tribal-dominated area in Maharashtra, has set a national
example.
• Since last October, when the district implemented a special nutrition programme for malnourished
children aged six months to six years, 3,794 malnourished children (out of a total of 7,111) have
recovered in the district.
• In Maharashtra, a diet plan was designed for the first time in any district to promote children’s health,
the same diet can be enforced across the state.
• The scheme was suspended during the Covid-19 epidemic, and the Women and Child Development
(WCD) department began offering Take Home Ration (THR).
• The ration was frequently consumed by the entire household, not just the youngster who was afflicted.
As a result, a new menu has been created in consultation with nutritionists.
• Vegetable khichdi, sprouts cutlet, peanut cutlet, tiranga paratha, a dry chutney made with curry
leaves, Mutthe, groundnut, jaggery, and sesame laddu, and kadi patta shankarpali were among the
eight nutrient-dense Maharashtrian meals to aid the children’s recuperation.
• The majority of the vegetables for the event were grown in the Anganwadi mini kitchen by the Anganwadi
personnel. Each underweight child in the programme is also given Rs 100 by the department.
• Gram panchayats are funding the entire project.
Quote:
• “Malnutrition can be as common in poverty as in wealth, one for the lack of food, the other for the lack
of knowledge of food.”― T.K. Naliaka

Library on Wheels
Background:
People, particularly teenagers, are losing their book-reading habits. If at all, they are more interested in the
digital version than the physical copy of the book.

About the Dumka Mobile Library

• The vintage Library on Wheels, the brainchild of incumbent Dumka Deputy Commissioner Ravishankar
Shukla, is being renovated for display during the two-day literature festival in this Dumka, Jharkhand.
• The vintage bookmobile was established in 1956. It was built on a US-made Fargo truck that was
provided to the local state library in 1958.
• The mobile library was also fitted with a trolley behind it to carry bicycles so that books and other
reading materials could be made available to places where it could otherwise not reach.

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• The goal of presenting the historic bookmobile at the event (literary festival) is to familiarise residents
of the district and participants from other states with the state library’s glorious past.
Quote:
• “A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life.”- Henry Ward Beecher

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the Population by

the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes;
Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions, and Bodies constituted for
the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
Pickled with Love
Background
• Covid 19 pandemic had an enormous impact on the lives of people, from losing their dear ones to the
disease to being financially handicapped.
• One such victim of the pandemic is Usha Gupta. But she braved through the tough times with sheer
determination and willingness.
About Pickled with Love
• The 88-year-old, Delhi-based Usha Gupta started her pickle initiative named Pickled with Love with the
help of her granddaughter.
• During the second wave of the pandemic, Usha and her husband tested positive to Covid-19 and were
hospitalised. Later, her husband died due to the illness.
• She was determined not to give up after the loss of her companion of 63 years and moved ahead with
sheer courage.
• Alarmed at what people had to go through amid the pandemic, the 88-year-old decided to work in
order to alleviate the struggles of the sufferers.
• She started her pickle business where she sells homemade pickles and chutneys for raising funds for
the ones in need.
Quote:
• “It’s when you’re acting selflessly that you are at your bravest.” Veronica Roth

Issues Relating to the Development and Management of Social

Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, and Human
Resources.
Helipad Hockey
Background
Overcoming odds, nine tribal young girls from the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Hockey Academy have
come to the lofty Hockey India Sub-Junior and Junior National Trial Camp, Chhattisgarh.

About the Helipad Training Ground

• The ITBP organized the training of these girls on the local helipad, which is the only accessible open
space in the extremist region.
• The selected girls were provided with basic gear and equipment. In 2016, these girls were not even
aware of how to hold a hockey stick or how to play while wearing sports shoes.
• These girls have access to minimum resources but the best possible training under the ITBP Head

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Constable Surya Smit.

• The young girls, studying at the nearby school Mardapal Kanya Ashram, have become an identity of
women empowerment in the Bastar region.
Quote:
• “We have to fight the entire time, we can’t start at the end when it’s getting down to crunch time.
We can’t leave anything on the floor.” – Kerri Walsh, Volleyball Player

BOLO App
Background:
As per the annual ASER Report of 2018, only about half of the students enrolled in grade 5 in rural India can
confidently read a grade 2 level textbook.

About BOLO App

• Google has launched a new app BOLO to help students in India read in Hindi and English and act like
a tutor.
• The app came out after a pilot project was carried out by Google in over 200 villages in Uttar Pradesh
with the help of ASER centers.
• The use of artificial intelligence in the form of an Assistant named Diya would encourage children with
the readings and would prompt “Shabash”e., very good in the case of correct reading.
• Currently, the app is limited to only Hindi and English, which will be expanded later. The App relies on
speech recognition and text-to-speech technology of Google.
• The app operates without any data, is ad-free and even when the phone is offline which makes it user
friendly and non-diverting while the lessons are going on.
• One app can be used by multiple students and their progress will be recorded separately, and the
difficulty level will be adjusted accordingly.
Quote:
• Education is an ornament in prosperity and refuge in adversity.- Aristotle

Breaking the gender stereotype

Background
The work of a crematorium worker is tough and it comes with a heavy stigma around it, especially when you
are a woman.
Selina took up this job to support her family.

About Selina Michael: The female crematorium worker.

• Selina Michael, a resident of Kochi has been working as a crematorium worker for a decade now.
• She recalls the hardships that she has faced, starting with a difficult childhood and then an abusive and
failed marriage.
• As she was the sole breadwinner of the family of two daughters, she had to do odd jobs like daily
wage workers, but later got a job in the crematorium.
• She is often questioned about the job that she took up. But her need for survival is the answer to all
these questions.
• Through this job, she earns a good income for her family to live a fairly decent life.
• Quote: “Achieving gender equality requires the engagement of women and men, girls and boys. It is
everyone’s responsibility.”- Ban Ki-Moon

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Rescuing Child Labourers

Background:
Access to education is the fundamental right of any child. But, this right is compromised for many due to
financial constraints, poverty, social norms, etc.

Arogya Kunji
Background
• Health is one of the major components of human development. But it is not accessible to a majority
of the people due to weak infrastructure and delivery mechanisms.
• Chatra district of Jharkhand, which falls under the 115 backward districts also faced the same fate,
until the District Administration started an innovative initiative i.e., Arogya Kunji.

About Arogya Kunji aka Sahiya Upchar Kit

• As the name suggests, Arogya Kunji is a small bag consisting of medicines and essential health utilities.
• The bag generally consists of contraceptives, sanitary pads and general medicines for common health
ailments for children as well as elders.
• The frontline health workers especially the Sahiyase., ASHA workers play a major role in the distribution
of these kits at the village level.
• This initiative is implemented by the District Administration with the continued support of Aspirational
District Fellow under the Convergence
• The price of each kit is 1870, and till now about 1609 such kits have been distributed in the Chaitra
district alone.
Quote:
• “Give people what they need: food, medicine, clean air, pure water, trees and grass, pleasant homes
to live in, some hours of work, more hours of leisure. Don’t ask who deserves it. Every human being
deserves it.”― Howard Zinn

How Child Labour is rescued in the Cotton fields?

• When the company Bayer entered into business of cottonseeds in 2002, it witnessed that the
production process of hybrid cottonseed was complex, tedious and labour-intensive. There was also
prevalence of child labour in the supply chain operations.
• To aid them in their work, most farmers hired children as extra labourers in these fields, which was a
direct violation of the company’s No Child Labour Policy.
• Bayer launched a programme Child Care Program (CCP) in the cotton farms that are associated with
the company in five States i.e., Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
• From spreading awareness and sensitizing farmers, monitoring fields for rescue, initiating a contractual
ban on child labour, incentivising those who refrained from it to implementing penalties upon violation,
CCP began to zero down on this problem with a multi-layered approach.
• After their relentless efforts, the incidence rates of child labour in Bayer’s cottonseed production have
substantially dropped to a virtual level of zero.
Quote:
• Child labour and poverty are inevitably bound together and if you continue to use the labour of children
as the treatment for the social disease of poverty, you will have both poverty and child labour to the
end of time.- Grace Abbott

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Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.

Kerala Farmer Daughter
Background:
Kerala residents Haripriya and Sivapriya grow seasonal vegetables on 80 cents of land. Organic farming came
to their rescue when they decided to help their parents make ends meet.

About the Kerala Farmer Daughter

• Haripriya and Sivapriya, students at a school in Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram, bring books, a lunchbox,
and a bag full of freshly gathered veggies from their farm to sell to the teachers.
• Their family has incurred heavy debts due to their poor financial conditions. Their efforts have lifted
them out of poverty and made them role models in the community.
• These girls began planting vegetables in gunny bags outside their home. After seeing their efforts,
three neighbours banded together to assist them and gave them free land for cultivation.
• As they lacked the financial means to buy fertilisers and other inputs from stores, they obtained seeds
from government organisations and used traditional methods and manure.
• Their financial situation has improved as the production began to increase and was purchased by the
girls’ teachers and neighbours.
Quote:
• Maturity is having the courage to use one’s own intelligence.”- Immanuel Kant.

General Studies-III
Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications
and Effects in Everyday Life.
Helping Amputees Walk Comfortably
Background
Researchers at IIT-Madras have launched India’s first indigenous Polycentric Prosthetic Knee, which aims to
improve the quality of life for thousands of above-knee amputees.

About the indigenous Polycentric Prosthetic Knee

• On 8 April 2022, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras launched India’s first
indigenously developed Polycentric Prosthetic Knee called ‘Kadam’ (meaning ‘step’ in Hindi).
• To improve the quality of life for thousands of above-knee amputees, this ‘Made-in-India’ polycentric
knee for Above Knee Prosthesis was developed by the TTK Center for Rehabilitation Research and
Device Development (R2D2) at IIT-Madras in association with the Society for Biomedical Technology
(SBMT) and Mobility India.
• SBMT, which supported the development process, was set up under Defence Research and Development
Organisation (DRDO) by former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam to enable indigenous medical device
development.
• Kadam has advantages over a hinge joint because of the multiple axes of rotation and is specifically
optimized to provide the user greater control over the prosthesis while walking, and a maximum knee
flexion of 160 degrees to make it easy to sit in cramped spaces like buses and autos. It is designed for
durability with high strength stainless steel and aluminium alloy along with hard chrome plated EN8
pins and high fatigue life polymer bushings.
• What Kadam does is help above-knee amputees to walk with a comfortable gait. It’s not just merely

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about mobility, but also about improving the users’ quality of life through greater participation in their
local communities, access to education, livelihood opportunities, etc.
Quote:
• “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” -Helen Keller.

Sustainable Building Blocks

Background
• Climate change is all pervasive and hence required an all-round solution.
• Hence, finding alternatives for day-to-day activities is is the way forward to various innovations to
combat climate change.
About the Sustainable Building Blocks
• Dr Shivdarshan Malik, from Haryana, has developed Vedic Plaster and Gocrete Bricks by reviving
traditional mode of construction.
• He was disturbed with the adverse changes that were visible around his neighbourhood since his
childhood.
• He prepared Vedic Plaster in 2006 after some research on its durability and eco-friendly This plaster
keeps the house cooler as it does not absorb external heat.
• Then taking inspiration from USA’s hempcrete, he went on to develop Gocrete using cow dung, which
can prevent about 70 per cent heat from entering the house.
• The composition of Gocrete has to be customised as per the region depending upon its climate and
other physical attributes.
Quote:
• “On climate change, we often don’t fully appreciate that it is a problem. We think it is a problem
waiting to happen.” - Kofi Annan
Prof Innovates Cow Dung Plaster & Bricks With Neem To Keep Homes 7 Degrees Cooler:

Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation,

Environmental Impact Assessment.
Plastic Bottles turned into Urinals
Background:
• In India, people urinating in public places has become a common sight. Ashwani Aggarwal of Delhi has
devised a practical and cost-effective solution to this problem.

About the Initiative

• Ashwani Aggarwal founded BasicShit in 2014, which started as a college experiment. But, it has grown
into an outstanding and sustainable solution to a public health concern, using plastic trash to produce
urinals, spitting bowls, toilets, and other items.
• PeePee is a brand of public urinals created by the company. Nearly 9,000 plastic bottles are recycled
to build one PeePee toilet.
• BasicShit urinals, unlike standard ones, include unique cartridges that treat urine before it reaches the
sewage system, minimising odour.
Quote:
• We humans have become dependent on plastic for a range of uses, from packaging to products.
Reducing our use of plastic bags is an easy place to start getting our addiction under control.- David
Suzuki

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Sewage to Clean Drinking Water

Background:
• When it comes to India’s water condition, two images stand out: the vast amount of sewage water
generated every day and the paucity of clean and pure water.
• To solve both the above problems in one go, Absolute Water Private Limited converts sewage water to
clean drinking water.

Treating sewage water:

• Absolute Waters manufactures sustainable plants that filter domestic, drain, industrial sewage, spray
pond water and kitchen wastewater to produce 1 lakh litres of clean water per day. The treated water
can be used for drinking and cooking..
• The solar-powered plant consumes very little electricity and generates no sludge.
• It costs one-fifth of an average sewage treatment plant and is now used in many institutions like
hospitals, schools, universities and hotels.
Quote:
• “There is no excuse-and we should call a spade a spade-for chemical companies and oil refineries using
our major rivers as pipelines for toxic waste. There is no excuse for communities to use other people’s
rivers as a dump for their raw sewage.”-Lyndon B. Johnson

Jungle Ki Sherni
Background
Kandoni Soren of Jharkhand organised 40 women from her tribe to safeguard their forest and natural resources
from illegal tree cutters.

About Jungle Ki Sherni’ & Her Team

• Every morning, armed with sticks and bow arrows, a group of indigenous women from Sarkaghat leave
their homes. They march together to the Jharkhand forest that borders their village, then disperse into
the deeper areas.
• They keep an eye out for persons who enter the forest for the purpose of unlawful tree felling and
prevent them from stealing their valuable resources.
• Kandoni, a Jamshedpur Police house guard, is the driving force behind this programme, which she
started in 2011.
• Many outsiders enter the forest to make use of its resources. However, they frequently go too far and
exploit the land. They are gangs and mafias with a long history of criminal activity.
• According to Kandoni, many rural people had already begun to experience the effects of environmental
degradation and had begun migrating to other cities in search of alternative means of income.
• The organisation has grown to 40 members throughout the years. They patrol the forest 24 hours a day
and defend their natural resources.
• They planned shifts and marked out the forest’s boundaries. Some high-risk zones or isolated places
require extra care, thus they are divided into four teams and shifts are scheduled accordingly.
• This initiative has resulted in an 80-90 percent reduction in unlawful tree felling.
• Quote: “Conservation is a positive exercise of skill and insight, not merely a negative exercise of
abstinence and caution.”- Aldo Leopold

Accidental Environmentalists
Background
• Dr Medha Tadpatrikar and Shirish Phadtare are residents of Pune who accidentally became

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environmentalist after having encountered a dead deer, which had died due to consumption of plastic.

How the journey began?

• Tadpatrikar and Mr. Phadtare found out that a deer had died in a wildlife sanctuary due plastic
consumption.
• They started to look for ideas through which plastic waste can be channelised or repurposed to
something useful and plastic pollution could be stopped.
• They started experimenting the processes of plastic conversion in their kitchen itself. They failed
initially and later took help from experts.
• The Experts came up with the Thermolytic Deep Polymerization Process, wherein shredded plastic is
converted into fuel and the by-products can be utilised as well.
• The technology converts 25 lakh tonnes of plastic waste into poly fuel.
• The poly fuel obtained is much cheaper than the alternatives found in the market and can be used in
cooking stoves, generators, and running tractors, etc.
Quote:
• The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” -Robert Swan

Plastic Road of Goalpara

Background
• Plastic pollution is a major concern affecting the health of the environment and humans to a great
extent.
• According to a report published by World Economic Forum, plastic can make roads more durable
against extreme weathers like floods and extreme heat.

About the Plastic Road of Goalpara

• Goalpara district of Assam was facing a severe scarcity of road construction materials as a bridge,
which connected the district to other regions, was destroyed due to floods.
• This scarcity of resource has been resolved by utilising 37,260 kg of plastic waste to construct a stretch
of 45 km of road in Goalpara.
• In 2015 the central Government had directed all the road developers in the country to make use of
waste plastic in road construction for its durability and other eco-friendly factors.
• Plastic waste is a component of green technology for road construction that can resist the adversities
of natural calamities.
• The district is known for using various other green technology for completing the construction of road
such as cell-filled concrete technology, cold mix technology, interlocking concrete pavement, etc.
Quote:
• “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”– Albert
Einstein

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