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TABLE OF CONTENTS

MAY 2023 TO JAN 2024

SECURITY.............................................................................................. 1 Ministry of Culture............................................................................. 22
Missiles......................................................................................................1 Ministry of Defence............................................................................ 23
Ballistic Missiles......................................................................................1 Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation................................. 24
Surface to air Missiles...........................................................................2 Ministry of Earth Sciences................................................................ 24
Air-to-Air Missiles...................................................................................3 Ministry of Environment & Forests................................................ 25
Other Missiles.........................................................................................3 Ministry of External Affairs.............................................................. 25
Missile Defence Systems of World....................................................3 Ministry of Finance............................................................................. 26
Submarines and Aircraft Carriers......................................................4 Ministry of Food Processing Industries....................................... 26
India’s Aircraft Carriers.........................................................................5 Ministry of Heavy Industry & Public Enterprises...................... 27
INS KIRPAN...............................................................................................5 Ministry of Housing & Urban Poverty Alleviation.................... 27
SWAVLAMBAN 2.0.................................................................................6 Ministry of Education (MoE)............................................................ 28
Military Exercises...................................................................................6 Ministry of Law & Justice.................................................................. 28
OTHER RELATED NEWS.................................................................. 7 Ministry of Minority Affairs.............................................................. 29
Assam Rifles.............................................................................................7 Ministry of Panchayati Raj............................................................... 29
SU-30 MKI.................................................................................................8 Ministry of Power................................................................................ 30
Peace Committee In Manipur............................................................8 Ministry of Rural Development...................................................... 30
ZERO FIR...................................................................................................8 Ministry of Science and Technology............................................. 31
MQ-9B.......................................................................................................9 Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas....................................... 31
91st Interpol General Assembly........................................................9 Ministry of Textiles............................................................................. 32
CYBERSECURITY............................................................................. 10 AWARDS............................................................................................32
C-DOT’S TRINETRA.............................................................................. 10 Bharat Ratna......................................................................................... 32
National Cyber Security Policy....................................................... 11 Sports Awards...................................................................................... 35
International Efforts........................................................................... 12 Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awards..................................... 35
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023................................ 14 Arjuna Award in 2023........................................................................ 36
Drone Rules 2021................................................................................ 15 Dronacharya Award in 2023............................................................ 36
Indrajaal................................................................................................. 17 Major Dhyan Chand Award in 2023.............................................. 36
D4 Drone System................................................................................ 17 MAKA trophy winner in 2023.......................................................... 36
SCHEMES............................................................................................18 Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar In 2023................................ 37
Ministry of Agriculture and farmer welfare................................ 18 Laureus World Sports Awards......................................................... 37
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers........................................... 19 Notable Laureates:............................................................................. 37
Ministry of Civil Aviation.................................................................. 19 INDEXES............................................................................................ 38
Ministry of Commerce and Industry............................................. 20 POLITY
Ministry of Communications & Information Technology....... 20 SOCIETY
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution... 21 ECONOMY
Ministry of Corporate Affairs........................................................... 22 ENVIRONMENT

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FEBRUARY 2024 TO APRIL 2024

Punjab Challenges BSF’s Increased Operational Jurisdiction......49 INS SANDHAYAK.........................................................................................56
Drishti 10 Starliner Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).......................50 GO Home and Re-Unite (GHAR) PORTAL............................................56
Operation Sarvashakti..............................................................................50 Digital Detox................................................................................................57
AKASH-NG (New Generation) Missile..................................................51 Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)...........................................................57
Project Akashdeep.....................................................................................51 National Ayush Mission............................................................................57
Agni-Prime Ballistic Missile.....................................................................52 Payments Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) Scheme......58
Doxxing.........................................................................................................52 Solar Power Scheme for PVTGs Habitations......................................58
Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Mplads E-Sakshi Mobile Application....................................................59
Evaluation.....................................................................................................53 Social Audit Advisory Body (SAAB).......................................................59
National Security Guard (NSG)...............................................................53 Disaster Relief Funds.................................................................................59
National Cadet Corps (NCC)....................................................................53 Nuclear Safety Concerns over Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power
DURGA-2 (Directionally Unrestricted Ray Gun Array)....................53 Station...........................................................................................................60
Crystal Maze 2.............................................................................................54 Sela tunnel....................................................................................................61
Exercises in News.......................................................................................54 Rangpo..........................................................................................................61
ABHYAS - High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT)...............56 Gevra Mine in Chhattisgarh....................................................................61

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 Current Affairs CAP VOLUME-7/7 | MISCELLANEOUS
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CAP Volume-7/7
MISCELLANEOUS

May 2023
to
Jan 2024

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SECURITY ƒ Examples: China's DF-17, Russia's Avangard.

India is currently demonstrating HGV
technology.
MISSILES • Cruise Missiles: Fly within the atmosphere at a constant
• Define: A missile is indeed a type of guided airborne speed to hit terrestrial or naval targets.
ranged weapon that can propel itself through the air. Š Examples: U.S. BGM-109 Tomahawk, Indian
It is designed to deliver a warhead with precision to a Nirbhay.
specific target, which can be either stationary or mobile.
Š Supersonic Cruise Missiles: Cruise missiles
• Missile Components: achieving supersonic speeds.
Š Guidance System: Directs the missile's path.
ƒ Example: Indo-Russian BrahMos, near Mach 3
Š Targeting System: Identifies and locks onto the speed.
target.
Š Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: Utilize scramjet
Š Flight System: Controls the missile's trajectory. engines to exceed Mach 5 speeds.
Š Engine: Propels the missile, either by a jet engine ƒ Examples: Russia's 3M22 Zircon over Mach 8,
or rocket motor. and the planned Indian BrahMos-II aiming for
Š Warhead: The explosive or operational part of the speeds above Mach 8.
missile.
• Missile Speed Classifications:
BALLISTIC MISSILES
Š Subsonic Missiles: Travel slower than the speed
of sound.
ƒ Examples: U.S. Harpoon, Indian Prithvi.
Š Supersonic Missiles: Travel faster than the speed
of sound (Mach 1) but slower than Mach 5.
ƒ Examples: Russian Iskander, Indian BrahMos.
Š Hypersonic Missiles: Travel at speeds exceeding
Mach 5.
ƒ Examples: China's DF-ZF, Russia's Avangard.
• Types of Missiles:
Š Ballistic Missiles: Follow a ballistic trajectory;
examples include India's Agni and Prithvi series.
• Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs): Ballistic missiles
reaching hypersonic speeds in the re-entry phase.

MISSILE NAME TYPE MAXIMUM RANGE WARHEAD TYPE

Prithvi-III Surface-to-surface SRBM 350 to 600 km Conventional/Nuclear
Dhanush Surface-to-surface ASBM 350 to 750 km Conventional/Nuclear
Agni-V Surface-to-surface ICBM 5,500 to 8,000 km Conventional/Nuclear
Prahaar Surface-to-surface tactical 150 km Conventional/Nuclear
ballistic missile
Pragati Surface-to-surface tactical 170 km Conventional
ballistic missile
Pranash Surface-to-surface tactical 200 km Conventional
ballistic missile
Pralay Surface-to-surface SRBM 500 km Conventional

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THE INTEGRATED GUIDED MISSILE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (IGMDP)

• It was an Indian Ministry of Defence programme for the research and development of a comprehensive range
of missiles, including medium-range surface-to-air missiles, short-range surface-to-air missiles, an anti-tank
missile, and a range of ballistic missiles.
• It includes: Agni series,Prithvi series,Akash, Nag, Trishul Missiles.

Cruise Missiles
MISSILE NAME TYPE MAXIMUM RANGE WARHEAD TYPE
BrahMos Block I Supersonic Ship-launched anti-ship / land-attack 290 km Conventional/Nuclear
BrahMos Block II Supersonic Land-launched land-attack 290 km Conventional/Nuclear
BrahMos Block III Supersonic Land-launched land-attack 290 km Conventional/Nuclear
BrahMos-A Supersonic Air-launched land-attack / anti-ship 400 km Conventional/Nuclear
Submarine- Supersonic Submarine-launched anti-ship / land- 290 km Conventional/Nuclear
launched BrahMos attack
BrahMos ER Multi-platform multirole supersonic cruise missile 600 km Conventional/Nuclear
(Extended Range)
BrahMos NG (Next Multi-platform multirole supersonic cruise missile 290 km Conventional/Nuclear
Generation)
BrahMos-II Hypersonic cruise missile 600–1,000 km Conventional/Nuclear
Nirbhay Subsonic land-attack cruise missile 1,000–1,500 km Conventional/Nuclear

SURFACE TO AIR MISSILES

MISSILE NAME MAXIMUM RANGE WARHEAD TYPE
Akash Mk I 30 km High-explosive, pre-fragmented

Akash Mk II 40 km High-explosive, pre-fragmented

Akash-NG 70 km High-explosive, pre-fragmented

Maitri (Missile) 30 km -

QRSAM 30 km -

VL-SRSAM 50 km High-explosive, pre-fragmented

SAMAR Air Defence System 12–40 km High-explosive, pre-fragmented

Barak 8 70 km Proximity sensor-based

LRSAM 100 km Proximity sensor-based

ER-SAM 250 km High explosive

XR-SAM 350 km High explosive

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AIR-TO-AIR MISSILES
MISSILE NAME MAXIMUM RANGE WARHEAD TYPE
Astra Mk1 110 km (68 mi) High-explosive pre-fragmented

Astra Mk2 160 km (99 mi) High-explosive pre-fragmented

Astra Mk3 350 km (220 mi) High-explosive pre-fragmented

Novator KS-172 200 to 300 km (120 to 190 mi) High-explosive fragmentation directional

OTHER MISSILES
MISSILE NAME TYPE OF MISSILE MAXIMUM RANGE WARHEAD TYPE
Nag (Missile) - Prospina Third-generation land-attack ATGM 4 km Tandem-charge high-
explosive anti-tank

HeliNa/Dhruvastra Air-launched ATGM 10 km TBD

Shaurya (Missile) Hypersonic Surface-to-Surface 700 km Conventional or nuclear

Tactical Missile

Hypersonic Technology Testbed for Development of - -

Demonstrator Vehicle Hypersonic Systems

Pinaka Mk I Multiple Rocket Launcher 40 km Various

K-15 (Sagarika) Short-range submarine-launched 750 km Conventional or nuclear

ballistic missile

K-4 Medium-range submarine-launched 3,500 km Conventional or nuclear

ballistic missile

SPIKE NON-LINE OF SIGHT (NLOS) ANTI TANK GUIDED MISSILE

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has received Israeli Spike NLOS anti-tank guided missiles with a 30 km range.
• About: These missiles will be integrated into Russian Mi-17V5 helicopters. They are effective against hidden
enemy targets behind mountains or hills.
• Key Features: Available in various launch methods, fire-and-forget with self-guidance, and "Fire, Observe, and
Update" mode for extended range versions.
Š Air-launched NLOS ATGMs can strike ground targets from standoff distances, causing significant damage
to enemy tank regiments and halting their advances

MISSILE DEFENCE SYSTEMS OF WORLD

MISSILE/SYSTEM TYPE MAXIMUM INTERCEPTION SPEED WARHEAD INTRODUCTION
NAME RANGE ALTITUDE TYPE YEAR
Prithvi Air Defence Exo-atmospheric Anti- 300 km - 50 km - 180 Mach 5+ Proximity 2006
(India) ballistic Missile 2,000 km km fuze
Advanced Air Endo-atmospheric 150 km 15 km - 40 km Mach 4.5 Hit-to-kill 2007
Defence(India) Anti-ballistic Missile

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Iron Dome (Israel) Mobile all-weather air Up to 70 km - - Tamir 2011

defense system interceptor
S-400(Russia) Anti-aircraft weapon Up to 400 Up to 30 km - Various 2007
system km
THAAD (Terminal Anti-ballistic missile 200 km Up to 150 km Mach 8.24 Hit-to-kill 2008
High Altitude Area system
Defense) (USA)
Dongfeng 41 Intercontinental 12,000 15,000 km Mach 25 Hit-to-kill 2019
(China) Ballistic Missile
(ICBM)

SCALP MISSILES
• France will join Britain in supplying long-range SCALP missiles to Ukraine.
• About:
Š It is an air-launched British-French missile known to UK forces as the "Storm Shadow", manufactured by
MBDA and used by France, Italy and the United Kingdom.
Š It is a fire and forget missile, programmed before launch.
Š Once launched, the missile cannot be controlled, its target information changed or self-destructed.
Š The missile follows a path semi-autonomously, on a low flight path guided by GPS and terrain matching to
the area of the target.
Š The missile uses inertial navigation, GPS and terrain referencing to chart a low-altitude course to its target
to avoid detection.
HWASONG-18
• The General Missile Bureau of North Korea conducted the test fire of the Hwasong – 18, an Intercontinental
Ballistic Missile (ICBM).
• About:
Š The Hwasong – 18 is a solid-fuelled ICBM, which is believed to have a range of 15,000 km or more, and could
potentially carry three or four warheads, rather than only one.
Š ICBMs are particularly worrying because of their long range, including the mainland of the United States.

SUBMARINES AND AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

• Project 15B: Guided-Missile Destroyers
Š Developed as an enhanced version of Kolkata-class destroyers.
Š Construction by Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL) for the Indian Navy.
Š Fleet includes:
ƒ INS Visakhapatnam (commissioned)
ƒ INS Mormugao (preparing for trials)
ƒ INS Imphal (in advanced outfitting stage)
ƒ INS Surat (expected launch in 2022).
• Project 75: Kalvari-Class Submarines
Š Acquisition plan for six diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indian Navy.
Š Based on Scorpene-class submarines, designed by Naval Group (France) with Navantia (Spain).
Š Construction at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders, Mumbai, with technology from Naval Group.

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• Project 75I (India): Diesel-Electric Submarines

Š Next phase following P-75, focusing on indigenous submarine construction.
Š Envisioned features include:
ƒ Air-independent propulsion (AIP) system.
ƒ Special Operations Forces (SOF) compatibility.
ƒ Enhanced Anti-ship, Anti-submarine, Anti-surface warfare capabilities.
ƒ Land-attack capabilities.
Š Plan to build six advanced diesel-electric attack submarines for the Indian Navy.

ORIGIN CLASS TYPE BOATS

India Arihant class Ballistic missile INS Arihant
submarine (SSBN)
West Germany Shishumar class Attack submarine INS Shishumar , INS Shankush , INS Shalki , INS Shankul
France Kalvari class Attack submarine INS Kalvari , INS Khanderi , INS Karanj ,INS Vela, INS Vagir,
(Under Project 75) INS Vagsheer
Soviet Union Sindhughosh Attack submarine INS Sindhughosh, INS Sindhudhvaj, INS Sindhuraj, INS
class Sindhuratna, INS Sindhukesari INS Sindhukirti, INS
Sindhuvijay, INS Sindhurashtra

INDIA’S AIRCRAFT CARRIERS Š INS Viraat’s first major operation was ‘Operation
The Defence Procurement Board (DPB) is considering the Jupiter’ in July 1989 as part of Peacekeeping
Indian Navy’s proposal for acquiring a second Vikrant-like Operations in Sri Lanka, following the breakdown
aircraft carrier. of the Indo- Sri Lankan Accord of 1986.
Š It also played a pivotal role in Operation Parakram,
India’s Aircraft Carriers: which was carried out in the wake of the 2013
• INS Vikrant: terrorist attack on the Indian Parliament.
Š INS Vikrant is designed by the Indian Navy's Š By establishing a blockade against Pakistan
in-house Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and during the 1999 Kargil War, the INS Viraat also
built by Cochin Shipyard Limited, a Public Sector played a crucial part in Operation Vijay.
Shipyard under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & • INS Vikramaditya:
Waterways. Š Indian Navy’s largest ship: Russia’s refurbished
Š It has been built with state-of-the-art automation Admiral Gorshkov and commissioned it into the
features and is the largest ship ever built in Indian Navy as INS Vikramaditya at Severodvinsk,
maritime history of India. It was launched into Russia on November 16, 2013.
water in 2013 and commissioned in 2022.
Š It is a state-of-the-art ship, capable of operating
Š The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier is named after a versatile range of high-performance aircrafts,
her illustrious predecessor, India’s first Aircraft
such as the MiG 29K fighters, KM 31 AEW
Carrier which had played a vital role in the 1971
helicopters, multi-role Seakings and utility
war.
Chetaks.
• INS Viraat:
Š INS Viraat was originally commissioned by the
British Royal Navy as HMS Hermes on November
INS KIRPAN
18, 1959. The INS Kirpan was decommissioned from the Indian
Š INS Viraat was finally commissioned by the Indian Navy and handed over to Vietnam People’s Navy with a
Navy on 12 May 1987. complete weapon complement.

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About: with domestic Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

• INS Kirpan is the third indigenously built Khukri (MSME) and startups.
class missile corvette. The Khukri class corvettes are • These technologies and products are built at world-
equipped with Diesel Engines assembled in India, class standard but at a much more economical cost
under license by Kirloskar Group. It is equipped with as they are built in India.
an array of weapons and sensors.
• Since the NIIO was set up, naval officers have filed
• It has been an integral part of the Indian Navy’s
for over 50 patents. Over 150 products are being
Eastern Fleet since its commissioning in 1991 and has
developed through partnerships.
participated in various operational and humanitarian
assistance operations over the last 32 years. NAVAL INNOVATION AND INDIGENISATION
ORGANISATION (NIIO)
• The NIIO was launched in August 2020 in line with
SWAVLAMBAN 2.0
‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ vision.
The Indian Navy is in the process to release its updated
• NIIO has established a special structure that allows
indigenisation roadmap, named ‘Swavlamban 2.0’.
end users to interact with academia and industry
to boost innovation and indigenisation to achieve
About:
national defense self-reliance.
• The roadmap will provide an update on the
achievement of the Navy and the way forward. • The NIIO and the Defence Innovation Organisation
(DIO) are working together on a project called
• The Swavlamban roadmap also aims to collaborate,
SPRINT (Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through
coordinate, and develop new technologies in
partnership with other stakeholders. iDEX, NIIO and TDAC) with the goal of introducing
at least 75 new indigenous technology and products
• The Navy has surpassed its target set last year to
into the Indian Navy.
develop 75 futuristic technologies in partnership

MILITARY EXERCISES
PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES ARMY/NAVY/AIR FORCE EXERCISE NAME
Army AUSTRA HIND
India and Australia
Navy AUSINDEX
Air Force Table Top Ex
India and Bangladesh Army SAMPRITI
Navy IN-BN CORPAT
India and China Army HAND IN HAND
Air Force GARUDA
India and France Army SHAKTI
Navy VARUNA
Army GARUDA SHAKTI
India and Indonesia Navy IND-INDO CORPAT
Navy SAMUDRA SHAKTI
Army DHARMA GUARDIAN
India and Japan
Navy JIMEX
India and Kazakhstan Army PRABAL DOSTYK
India and Kyrgyzstan Army KHANJAR
India and Maldives Army EKUVERIN
India and Mongolia Army NOMADIC ELEPHANT

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Army IMBEX
India and Myanmar
Navy IMCOR
India and Nepal Army SURYA KIRAN
Air Force EASTERN BRIDGE-IV
India and Oman Army AL NAGAH
Navy Naseem-al-Bahr
Air Force INDRA
India and Russia Army INDRA
Navy INDRA NAVY
India and Seychelles Army LAMITIYE
Army MITRA SHAKTI
India and Sri Lanka
Navy SLINEX
Air Force SIAM BHARAT
India and Thailand Army MAITREE
Navy INDO-THAI CORPAT
Air Force RED FLAG 16-1
Air Force Exercise COPE India 23.
India and USA
Army YUDHABHAYAS & VAJRA PRAHAR
Navy MALABAR (Multilateral)
Air Force INDRADHANUSH-IV
India and United Kingdom Army AJEYA WARRIOR
Navy KONKAN
India and Vietnam Army VINBAX

OTHER RELATED NEWS About:

• The AR is one of the seven Central Armed Police
ASSAM RIFLES Forces (CAPFs) under the administrative control of
the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Tasked with manning “buffer zones” between Meitei- and
Kuki-Zomi-dominated territories in Manipur, some are • The AR is tasked with maintaining law and order in the
demanding its removal from the state. Northeast along with the Indian Army. It also guards
the IndoMyanmar border.
Historical Context:
• The AR have a sanctioned strength of more than
• The AR was raised as the Cachar Levy, a militia that
63,000 personnel, organized in 46 battalions, apart
would protect tea estates and British settlements
against raids by the tribal peoples of the Northeast. from administrative and training staff.

• The force was subsequently reorganized as the • The AR is unique with respect to being the only
Assam Frontier Force, and its role was expanded to paramilitary force with a dual control structure.
conduct punitive operations. Š While the administrative control of the force is
• It is India’s oldest paramilitary force raised in 1835. It has with the Ministry of Home Affairs, its operational
since fought in the two World Wars and the Sino-Indian control is with the Indian Army, which is under the
war of 1962, and has been used as an anti-insurgency Ministry of Defence (MoD).
force against militant groups in the Northeast.

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FORCE YEAR CREATED MANDATE

Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) 1963 Guarding India's borders with Bhutan and Nepal.
Guarding India's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh. Also involved
Border Security Force (BSF) 1965 in Anti-Naxal operations, United Nations Peacekeeping operations,
disaster management, and Border Area development programmes.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) 1962 Guarding India-China borders.
Protecting the Indo-Myanmar border. While administrative control
1835 (Renamed
Assam Rifles (AR) lies with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), operational control is
in 1917)
under the Ministry of Defence.
Central Reserve Police Force Maintaining Rule of Law, Public Order, and Internal Security.
1939
(CRPF) Promoting Social Harmony.
Providing integrated security cover to sensitive public sector
Central Industrial Security Force undertakings (PSUs). Protects important government buildings,
1969
(CISF) monuments, airports, nuclear installations, space establishments,
and the Delhi Metro.
A federal contingency force to tackle various manifestations of
National Security Guard (NSG) 1986 terrorism across the country. Modeled on the SAS of the UK and
GSG-9 of Germany.

SU-30 MKI About:

Indian Air Force (IAF) is in the process of replacing MiG- • On May 3, 2023, an ethnic clash erupted between the
Meitei people (the majority community in the Imphal
21 with Su-30 MKI.
Valley) and certain other communities, including Kuki
and Zo, from the surrounding hills after the Manipur
About:
High Court directed the State Govt to grant Scheduled
• The Mikoyan-Gurevich (MiG-21) is a Soviet-designed
Tribe (ST) status to the Meitei community.
supersonic jet fighter aircraft that has been widely
• The mandate of the Committee is to facilitate the
used by various air forces around the world.
peacemaking process and negotiations between
• The MiG-21 was the first supersonic fighter in service conflicting parties/ ethnic groups.
of the IAF and was inducted in 1963. • The Committee comprises: (i) the Governor of Manipur
• It has participated in all major conflicts since then. as the Chairperson, (ii) the Chief Minister of Manipur,
• The MiG-21 is known for its high speed (around 2 (iii) specified ministers of the state government, (iv)
MPs/MLAs/leaders from different political parties, (v)
Mach) and altitude capabilities.
representatives of different ethnic groups, and (vi)
• The IAF now has two MiG-21 squadrons in service
former civil servants.
comprising the upgraded Bison variants, the No. 3
squadron ‘Cobras’ at Bikaner and No. 23 squadron
‘Panthers’ at Suratgarh, which will be phased out by
ZERO FIR
2025. Zero FIR was in news due to sexual violence in Manipur.

About:
PEACE COMMITTEE IN MANIPUR
• FIR: First Information Report (FIR) is a written
The central government has constituted a Peace document prepared by the police when they receive
Committee in Manipur, in response to the ongoing information for the first time about the commission of
violence. a cognizable offense.

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Š Section 154 of The Code of Criminal Procedure human-flown maritime patrol aircraft at about 20% of
(CrPC), 1973 deals with the FIR. However, the its cost per hour.
term is not defined in the act. • For the Army and Air Force, the MQ-9Bs can provide
Š Anyone can report the commission of a cognizable round-the-clock surveillance looking far beyond the
offense either orally or in writing to the police. borders.

• Zero FIR: • It also seamlessly integrates with other U.S.-origin

platforms that India operates, the P-8Is, AH-64
Š In this, when a police station receives a complaint
Apache attack helicopters.
regarding an alleged offense that has been
committed in the jurisdiction of another police
station, it registers an FIR and then transfers it to
91ST INTERPOL GENERAL ASSEMBLY
the relevant police station for further investigation. In the 91st Interpol General Assembly, India has urged
other member countries to deny safe havens to crime,
Š No regular FIR number is given and after receiving
criminals, and the proceeds of crime.
the Zero FIR, the relevant police station registers
a fresh FIR and starts the investigation.
Key Highlights:
Š Background: The provision of Zero FIR came up • During the assembly, discussions were held for
after the recommendation in the report of the a concerted action to combat organized crime,
Justice Verma Committee, constituted after the terrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, online
2012 Nirbhaya case radicalisation, cyber-enabled financial crimes etc.
• To tackle organized crime the Vienna Declaration was
MQ-9B issued with five priority actions: Tackling transnational
organized crime must become a global national
The 31 MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) deal
security priority, Building greater cooperation to
with the U.S. is expected to be concluded by February
2024 and deliveries will begin from February 2027. tackle criminal activity, Increased information sharing,
Empowering frontline police, Greater investment in
About: innovation and technology.
• This sets the stage for the acquisition of 31 of these • India also supported the adoption of Interpol’s Vision
armed UAVs, 15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy 2030 and the creation of the Interpol Future Council.
and 16 Sky Guardians — eight each for the Indian
Army and Air Force. About Interpol:
• As part of this plan, General Atomics (GA) is • Interpol is an intergovernmental organization, which
scheduled to establish a global Maintenance, Repair, stands for International Criminal Police Organization.
and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India. Š It was founded in 1923 at the International Police
About: Congress in Vienna as the International Criminal
Police Commission (ICPC). In 1956, the ICPC
• MQ-9B is a High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE)
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV). adopted the name Interpol.

• MQ-9B is designed to fly over the horizon via satellite • Members: It has 196 member countries, including India.
for up to 40 hours, depending on configuration, in all • Headquarters: Lyon, France
types of weather and safely integrate into civil airspace. • Mandate: It connects police around the world – both
• The Sea Guardian configuration can include a technically and in person. It is the world's largest and
360-degree surface-search maritime radar, automatic only organization with the mandate and technical
identification system, sonobuoy monitoring system, infrastructure to share police information globally.
and sonobuoy dispensers for persistent anti-surface • Governance of Interpol:
and anti-submarine warfare missions.
Š The General Secretariat coordinates the day-to-
Applications: day activities to fight a range of crimes. Headed
• According to General Atomics, the MQ-9B can by the Secretary-General, it is staffed by both
provide roughly 80% of the capability of a large police and civilians.

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Š The General Assembly is the governing body organizations for detection, analysis and mitigation of
and it brings all countries together once a year to cyber security threats.
make decisions. • It performs security evaluation of IT assets of
Š In each country, an Interpol National Central organizations by protecting endpoints including
Bureau (NCB) provides the central point of PC, Laptop, Servers and virtual machines (VMs) by
contact for the General Secretariat and other detection, analyses and mitigation of vulnerabilities.
NCBs. • It is designed to generate AI enabled automated
Š An NCB is run by national police officials and responses to cyber threats ensuring protection of
usually sits in the government ministry responsible sensitive data.
for policing. CENTER FOR DEVELOPMENT OF
• India’s Status: India joined the Interpol in 1949. TELEMATICS (C-DOT)
Š The CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) is the • It was established in August 1984 as an autonomous
National Central Bureau for Interpol in India and Telecom R&D center of the Department of
coordinates all international police cooperation Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications,
requirements of Indian law enforcement agencies Government of India.
via Interpol channels.
• It is a registered society under the Societies Registration
Š India hosted the 90th Interpol General Assembly Act, 1860.
in Delhi in 2022. Interpol’s first global crime trend
• It is a registered ‘public funded research institution’
report was released during the Delhi Session.
with the Department of Scientific and Industrial
Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science & Technology,
Interpol Notices:
Government of India. It observed its 40th Foundation
• Interpol Notices are international requests for
Day celebration on 25 August 2023.
cooperation or alerts allowing police in member
countries to share critical crime-related information. Notable Ransomware and Malware Incidents

• Notices are published by the General Secretariat • WannaCry Ransomware Incident (May 2017): This
at the request of a National Central Bureau and are widespread ransomware attack locked out users
made available to all our member countries. from their devices, demanding a ransom for access
restoration. It notably affected five major Indian cities:
CYBERSECURITY Kolkata, Delhi, Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Mumbai.
• Mirai Botnet Attack (September 2016): The Mirai malware
C-DOT’S TRINETRA targeted smart devices with ARC processors, creating
a botnet used in a significant DDoS attack against a
Center for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) inaugurated
renowned security expert's website.
the Enterprise Security Operation Centre (ESOC) at C-DOT
campus, New Delhi and launched TRINETRA, a cyber Specific Cyber Attacks in India
threat detection and resolution system.
• Kudankulam Nuclear Power Station Incident: The facility
was targeted in a cybersecurity incident, highlighting
About:
vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure.
• It is a combination of multiple security systems like
• National Institutions Website Attacks: Various national
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM),
institutions in India have experienced cyberattacks,
Security Orchestration and Automated Response
compromising their websites.
(SOAR), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), User Entity and
Behaviour Analytics (UEBA), Multi-Source Threat • Petya Ransomware Impact: The operations at a
Intelligence and others. terminal of the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in India
• It provides 24X7 real-time actionable cyber-security were severely disrupted due to the Petya ransomware.
status and detection and resolution of cyber- • Tehri Dam Malware Attack (2017): The Tehri Dam in
threats (Virus, Malware, Ransomware, Spyware etc) Uttarakhand was compromised by a malware attack,
by providing end-to-end security solutions to the underscoring the risk to essential utilities.

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NATIONAL CYBER SECURITY POLICY for cyber security emergency responses and crisis
management, serving as the coordinating body for
Objective
sector-specific CERTs.
• Secure Cyber Ecosystem: Foster the implementation of
• Strengthening Partnerships: Enhance collaboration
organized IT systems across all economic sectors to
and support among national and international security
create a safer cyber environment. Additionally, aim agencies, CERTs, defense agencies, law enforcement,
to reinforce the administrative structures supporting and judicial systems for a comprehensive approach
cyberspace security. to cyber security.
• Compliance with International Standards: Develop • Cyber Surakshit Bharat Initiative: Launched to enhance
cyber security policies that align with international awareness about cyber crimes and implement safety
best practices, ensuring technology infrastructure, protocols for Chief Information Security Officers
personnel, and processes meet global security (CISOs) and IT staff across government departments,
benchmarks. ensuring a safer digital environment.
• Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
• Indigenous Cyber Security Advancement: Promote the
Š Function: Provides a structured framework for law
growth of local cyber security technology through
enforcement agencies to address cyber crimes
the operation of a continuous (24/7) National Critical
effectively. It comprises seven key components:
Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC).
Š National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit
Implement mandatory security protocols for the
Š National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
design, procurement, development, usage, and
Š National Cyber Crime Training Centre
management of information resources.
Š Cyber Crime Ecosystem Management Unit
• Cyber Security Talent Development: Aim to train
Š National Cyber Crime Research and Innovation
500,000 professionals in cyber security within the
Centre
next five years.
Š National Cyber Crime Forensic Laboratory
• Incentives for Secure Practices: Offer fiscal incentives Ecosystem
to businesses that adopt recognized security
Š Platform for Joint Cyber Crime Investigation Team
practices and processes. Support legal measures
• Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Botnet Cleaning and Malware
in the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of
Analysis Centre): To maintain a secure cyberspace by
cybercrimes. identifying botnet infections within India, and assisting
• National Coordination Agency: Establish a central in the cleaning and securing of infected systems to
national agency to oversee and coordinate cyber prevent future attacks.
security activities within the country, with clearly • Computer Emergency Response Team - India (CERT-
outlined duties and responsibilities. In): An entity under the Ministry of Electronics
and Information Technology (MeitY) that collects,
• Mandatory Security Roles: Require all private and public
analyzes, and disseminates information on cyber
sector organizations to appoint a Chief Information
incidents. It also issues alerts on cybersecurity
Security Officer within their IT departments.
incidents to preempt cyber threats.
• Policy Development and Compliance: Organizations • Critical Information Infrastructure (CII): A computer
should formulate information security policies tailored resource whose destruction would have a significant
to their operational needs. Ensure IT infrastructures impact on national security, economy, public health,
adhere to cyber security best practices and standards, or safety. The protection of such infrastructure is vital
including compliance assessment and certifications for the country's well-being.
such as ISO 27001 ISMS, system audits, penetration • National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection
tests, application security, and web security testing. Centre (NCIIPC): To safeguard critical information
infrastructures across various sectors including
• Emergency Response and Crisis Management:
power, banking, telecom, transport, government, and
Designate the National Computer Emergency
strategic enterprises, ensuring national security and
Response Team (CERT-In) as the leading agency economic stability.

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• Defence Cyber Agency (DCyA): A tri-service command • Goals

of the Indian Armed Forces tasked with defending Š To foster collaboration between governments,
against cyber threats. It is equipped to conduct businesses, experts, and law enforcement
comprehensive cyber operations including hacking, agencies.
surveillance, data recovery, encryption, and
Š To develop comprehensive regulatory
countermeasures against cyber threats.
mechanisms for cybersecurity.
• Global Conference on Cyber Space:
INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS Š Engages members from government, civil
society, and the private sector.
Budapest Convention on Cybercrime (2001)
Š Focuses on cooperation in cyberspace and
• The Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, established
enhancing cyber capacity building.
in 2001 under the Council of Europe, addresses the
harmonization of national laws to tackle internet and Š Held biennially since 2011.
computer crime. It covers copyright infringements, • Commonwealth Cyber Declaration (2018)
computer-related fraud, child pornography, and Š Represents the world's largest inter-governmental
network security violations. agreement on cybersecurity cooperation.
• Objectives Š Aims to support economic and social development
Š To harmonize national laws on cybercrime. and rights online.
Š To enhance international cooperation among Š Establishes the foundation for effective national
police and judicial authorities. cybersecurity responses.
Š To improve legal authorities for investigative Š Encourages stability in cyberspace through
techniques in cybercrime cases. international cooperation.
• Additional Protocols: Includes a “Protocol on Š Was signed in April 2018 at the Commonwealth
Xenophobia and Racism” committed through Summit.
computer systems. • Paris Call
• Membership Š Launched at the UNESCO Internet Governance
Š Notably excludes India among its members. Forum (IGF) meeting in Paris, the Paris Call
Š Has 56 members, including prominent countries for Trust and Security in Cyberspace aims
like the US and the UK. to establish common principles for securing
• Global Centre for Cybersecurity cyberspace.
Š Initiated by the World Economic Forum, this Š This rephrased and reorganized format should
center is headquartered in Geneva. It represents offer a clearer understanding of the key
the first global platform dedicated to addressing international efforts and agreements aimed at
cybersecurity challenges. enhancing cybersecurity globally.

TERM DEFINITION
Cyberattack An attack conducted by a threat actor using a computer network or system with the intention to disrupt,
disable, destroy, control, manipulate, or surveil a computing environment/infrastructure and/or data.
Cyber Operation Actions by a nation state or state-sponsored group to penetrate a target’s computer networks using
offensive cyber capabilities for political, military, or strategic goals.
Cyberpeace Peace in cyberspace, ensuring human security, dignity, and equity in digital ecosystems, with a focus
on people and their rights over technology.
Cybersecurity The application of technologies, processes, and controls to protect systems, networks, and data from
cyberattacks, unauthorized access, or damage.

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TERM DEFINITION
Cyberspace The digital systems and online world accessible through computer networks and the internet, including
social media platforms, bank accounts, and connected devices.
Darknet An overlay network within the Internet accessed with specific software, configurations, or authorization,
used for security, anonymity, and resistance to censorship. Often associated with criminal activities
despite legitimate uses.
Data breach The exposure of confidential, sensitive, or protected information to an unauthorized person, either
accidentally or deliberately.
Data dump The transfer of data from one system, file, or device to another, often associated with illegal activity
following a data breach.
Data Wiper Malware aiming to corrupt or destroy data, sometimes targeting the MBR to prevent booting. Not all
data may be irrecoverable.
Decryption Converting encrypted data back into its original, human-readable form, reversing the encryption
process.
Deep web Part of the Internet not indexed by search engines, requiring user authentication for access to additional
information.
Defacement Unauthorized modification of a website's appearance and content.
Disinformation The spread of false or misleading information intended to deceive.
Double extortion A ransomware attack where attackers encrypt the target’s system and threaten to publish the target’s
data unless a ransom is paid.
Encryption The process of converting information or data into a coded format to protect it from unauthorized
access, ensuring it can only be read by those with permission.
Infodemic The rapid spread of both accurate and inaccurate information, making it hard to distinguish true from false.
Internet and The internet is a global network enabling computers to communicate, while the World Wide Web is a
World Wide Web protocol running on the internet for accessing information.
Offensive cyber Attributes combining people, technologies, and organizational strategies to manipulate or disrupt
capabilities digital services or networks.
(OCCs)
Penetration Authorized security testing on computer systems, devices, or networks using cyberattack techniques
Testing to find and exploit vulnerabilities.
Quadruple A triple extortion attack supplemented by a DDoS attack on the target’s infrastructure during recovery
extortion efforts.
Triple extortion An attack where, beyond data encryption and threat of publication, individuals whose data was stolen
are also directly threatened for ransom.
Wiping The process of deleting data from a digital medium such that it cannot be recovered, typically done
when decommissioning sensitive digital media.

TERM DEFINITION
Phishing A fraudulent attempt made through email to capture personal and financial information.

Cyber Stalking The repeated use of electronic communications to harass or frighten someone.

Identity Theft A fraud type where an individual pretends to be someone else to commit crimes in that person's
name.

Denial of Service An attempt to make a computer, server, or network resources unavailable to authorized users, usually
(DoS) by temporarily interrupting or suspending services.

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Ransomware Malware that encrypts files or storage media on communication devices like desktops, laptops, and
mobile phones, holding data as a hostage. Victims are asked to pay a ransom for decryption.

Botnets A collection of networked internet-connected computers that send spam, viruses, and malicious
information under the control of botnet operators.

Whaling A cybercriminal tactic masquerading as a senior organization member to target important individuals
within the organization, aiming to steal money, sensitive information, or gain computer system access.

Spoofing In cybersecurity, pretending to be something else to gain confidence, access systems, steal data or
money, or spread malware.

Browser Hijacking The unauthorized modification of a web browser's settings by malware, without the user's permission.
Some hijackings can be easily reversed, while others may be difficult.

Pharming A phishing method that deceives users into thinking they are interacting with a legitimate website,
redirecting them to a fraudulent or spoofed site when they enter a legitimate web address.

Skimming The act of obtaining data from an unknowing end user who is not willingly submitting the data at that
time, such as secretly reading data in close proximity to a user.

Spamming Sending Unsolicited Commercial Email (UCE) to numerous addresses or newsgroups.

Espionage The act or practice of obtaining information and data without the permission and knowledge of the
owner.

Computer Virus A program designed to enter your computer, damage/alter your files/data, and replicate itself.

Worms Malicious programs that replicate themselves over and over on the local drive, network shares, etc.

Trojan Horse A destructive program that masquerades as a benign application. Unlike viruses, Trojan horses do
not replicate themselves but can open a backdoor to your computer, giving access to malicious
users/programs to steal confidential and personal information.

DIGITAL PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION ACT, • Data Protection Board of India (DPBI)
2023 Š Establishment: The DPBI will be established by
the Central Government to monitor compliance,
Key Provisions impose penalties, and address data breaches.
• Applicability Š Functions and Appeals: It includes compliance
Š Scope: Includes the processing of digital personal monitoring, data breach directives, and grievance
data within India, and processing outside India if hearing. Appeals against DPBI decisions can be
it involves offering goods or services in India. made to the Telecom Disputes Settlement and
Š Exceptions: Excludes data processed for personal Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT).
purposes or data publicly available by the Data • Rights and Duties of Data Principal
Principal or under legal obligation. Š Rights: The Data Principal has rights to information
• Consent on processing, correction, erasure of personal
Š General Requirement: Processing personal data, and grievance redressal.
data requires lawful purpose and consent from Š Duties and Penalties: Data Principals must avoid
the Data Principal, who can withdraw consent false complaints, with violations punishable by
anytime. fines up to Rs 10,000.
Š Exceptions and Special Cases: Consent not • Obligations of Data Fiduciaries
necessary for legitimate uses like government Š Responsibilities: Data Fiduciaries must ensure
services, medical emergencies, etc. For children data accuracy, establish security safeguards,
or individuals with disabilities, a parent or legal notify DPBI and individuals about breaches, and
guardian provides consent. erase data when no longer necessary.

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• Significant Data Fiduciaries (SDF) Š Fee Reduction: Fees have been reduced to
Š Criteria for Notification: The government may nominal levels, with no correlation to the drone's
designate any Data Fiduciary as SDF based on size, making it more economical for individuals
the volume and sensitivity of data, potential risks, and businesses to operate drones.
and impact considerations. Š Development of a Digital Platform: The government
Š Additional Obligations: SDFs are required to plans to develop a 'Digital Sky Platform' that
appoint a data protection officer, conduct impact categorizes the airspace into green, yellow, and
assessments, and engage an independent data red zones, simplifying the process for identifying
auditor. where drones can and cannot fly.
• Exemptions Š Support for Drone Technology Frameworks: This
Š Scope of Exemptions: Certain rights and platform will support frameworks like NPNT
obligations are not applicable in cases involving (no permission, no take-off), enabling digital
national security, public order, research, legal flight permissions and efficient management of
enforcement, and processing non-resident data unmanned aircraft operations and traffic.
under foreign contracts, among others. Š Reduced Airport Perimeter: The radius around
• Processing of Children’s Personal Data airports where restrictions apply has been
Š Prohibitions: Data fiduciaries are restricted from decreased from 45 km to 12 km, expanding
processing that adversely affects children's well- the areas where drones can fly without specific
being, including tracking, behavioral monitoring, permissions.
or targeted advertising. Š Relaxed Flight Permissions: Drones are allowed to
• Cross-border Transfer fly up to 400 feet in green zones and up to 200 feet
Š Regulations: The transfer of personal data outside in the area between 8 and 12 km from the airport
India is permitted, except to countries specified perimeter without needing flight permissions.
as restricted by the government. Š No Pilot License Required: For micro drones used
• Penalties for non-commercial purposes, nano drones, and
drones operated by R&D organizations, no pilot
Š Fines: Penalties include fines up to Rs 200 crore
license is required.
for failing obligations towards children's data,
and up to Rs 250 crore for inadequate security Š Open to Foreign-Owned Companies: There are
measures leading to data breaches. no restrictions on drone operations by foreign-
owned companies that are registered in India.
Š Drone Corridors: The Ministry will facilitate
the development of drone corridors for cargo
deliveries, promoting the use of drones in
logistics and delivery services.
Š Drone Promotion Council: A council will be
established to create a business-friendly
regulatory regime, encouraging innovation and
growth in the drone industry.
Š Expanded Drone Coverage: The weight limit for
drones has been increased from 300 kg to 500
DRONE RULES 2021 kg, including drone taxis, broadening the scope
• Provisions: of drone applications.
Š Elimination of Various Approvals: The reforms Š Delegation of Certification: The issuance of
abolish the need for numerous approvals such as Certificates of Airworthiness has been delegated
certificates of conformance, maintenance, import to the Quality Council of India and other authorized
clearance, and more, simplifying the regulatory certification entities, streamlining the certification
framework for drone operations. process.

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Drones • Project Aditya

• About: The term "drone" commonly refers to Unmanned
Š Developed by: DRDO’s Laser Science and
Aircraft (UA), a broad category encompassing
Technology Centre (LASTEC).
various types of aircraft operated without a human
Š Aim: Developing a gas dynamic high power
pilot onboard.
100 kW Laser Weapon System (LaWS).
• Classification On the Basis of Weight:
• Directionally Unrestricted Ray-Gun Array (DURGA II)
Š Nano: Weighs less than or equal to 250 grams.
Š Feature: 100-kilowatt, lightweight LaWS for the
Nano drones are often used for recreational
Indian Army.
purposes and basic photography, posing minimal
risk and requiring minimal regulation. Š Integration: Planned for land, sea, and air-
based platforms.
Š Micro: Ranges from 250 grams to 2 kg. Micro
drones are suitable for more advanced Š Stage: Currently in the concept stage.
recreational use, educational purposes, and some DRONES IN INDIA
commercial applications where a lightweight and • Heron TP Drones from Israel
agile drone is beneficial.
Š India plans to lease four Heron TP long-
Š Small: From 2 kg to 25 kg. Small drones are endurance drones from Israel.
widely used in commercial operations, including
Š These drones can fly for nearly 45 hours at
aerial photography, surveying, and inspections,
altitudes of up to 35,000 feet.
combining significant payload capacity with
Š Equipped with automatic taxi-takeoff and
flexibility.
landing (ATOL) and satellite communication
Š Medium: From 25 kg to 150 kg. Medium drones
(SATCOM) systems for extended range.
can carry larger payloads, making them suitable
Š This addition aims to enhance India's
for more demanding commercial and industrial
surveillance along the Line of Actual Control
applications, including cargo delivery and more
(LAC) with China.
extensive surveying tasks.
• Predator Drones from the USA
Š Large: Weighs more than 150 kg. Large drones
Š India is negotiating the purchase of about 30
are capable of carrying out the most demanding
Predator drones for its three military services.
tasks, including heavy cargo transport and
Š Predator-B drones, featuring medium-altitude
complex military missions, requiring stringent
long-endurance (MALE) capabilities, can stay
regulatory oversight due to their potential impact
airborne for around 35 hours.
on safety and airspace.
Š They are capable of engaging targets on both
land and sea.
OTHER ONGOING INITIATIVES
• MQ-9B Sea Guardian Drones
• DRDO’s Counter IED 1 KW LASER
Š The Indian Navy has leased two MQ-9B Sea
Š Purpose: Remote disposal of unexploded
Guardian drones, a maritime variant of the
bombs, mines, and IEDs.
Predator drones, from the US.
Š Effective Range: 30-250 meters.
Š These drones are leased for one year with an
• Kilo Ampere Linear Injector (KALI)
option to extend, focusing on non-weaponized
Š Developers: DRDO and Bhabha Atomic surveillance.
Research Center.
• FireFly Loitering Munition from Israel
Š Type: Particle accelerator Directed Energy
Š The Indian Army is set to acquire FireFly
Weapon (DEW).
loitering munitions from Israel's Rafael.
Š Function: Emits powerful electron pulses for the
Š These UAVs carry warheads for ground attacks
destruction of incoming missiles and aircraft by
and can hover over conflict zones to target
damaging onboard electronic circuits.
various ground threats.

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• Harpy and Harop Loitering Munitions • Indrajaal is designed to autonomously protect a

significant area—ranging from 1000 to 2000 square
Š The Indian Air Force utilizes the Israeli-made
kilometers—against a variety of aerial threats. These
Harpy loitering munition and its updated
threats include Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs),
version, the Harop.
loitering munitions, and targets with Low-Radar Cross
Š These munitions can loiter for up to six hours, Section (RCS).
equipped with sophisticated sensors for targeting.
• Rustom – 2 Indigenous Drone Salient Features of Indrajaal
Š DRDO tested the Rustom-2 medium-altitude • Real-Time Situational Awareness: Indrajaal provides
long-endurance indigenous drone in 2020. a continuous, real-time understanding of the aerial
Š Aimed for surveillance, it can carry diverse threat landscape within the protected area, enabling
payloads and features a satellite communication timely and effective responses to emerging threats.
link for real-time updates. • Integrated and Intelligent Meshed Network: The system
operates on an intelligent network that integrates
Š Rustom-2 is expected to match the
various components and sensors, ensuring seamless
specifications of the Israeli Heron UAVs.
communication and coordination across the defense
• CATS Warrior Program
dome.
Š A Combined Air Teaming System involving
• Integration with Existing Weapons Suite and
a mother ship (fighter jets) and autonomous
Infrastructure: Indrajaal is designed to work in
unmanned aerial vehicles known as CATS Warrior.
conjunction with existing defense mechanisms
Š These vehicles can strike targets and stealthily and infrastructures, enhancing overall defense
infiltrate 700 km into enemy territory. capabilities without the need for extensive retrofitting.
KAMIKAZE DRONES • Honeycombed Cell Structure: This feature allows for a
• These are made in Iran, where they are known as seamless and scalable defense network, adaptable
Shahed-136, which could be translated as “witness to various geographical and tactical requirements.
of faith” but also as “martyr”. • Synergic Combination of Technologies: Indrajaal
Š Unlike drones that return to base once missiles utilizes a blend of 9-10 different technologies,
are launched, “kamikaze” or “suicide” drones synergistically combined to create a robust and
are destroyed in an attack. effective defense system against aerial threats.
Š There are drones that fire missiles and then • Persistent and Autonomous Monitoring, Action, and
there are ones which are missiles themselves. Tracking: The system operates 24/7, autonomously
monitoring for threats, taking necessary actions
• They are also called Switchblade drones.
against identified threats, and tracking all activities
Š They are called Switchblade because their
within its coverage area.
bladelike wings spring out on launch.
• They are precise, small in size, able to effectively
penetrate air defenses when fired in groups. D4 DRONE SYSTEM
About:
INDRAJAAL • It is also known as the Drone Detect, Deter, and Destroy
System (D4S), representing a significant advancement
About: in anti-drone technology within India.
• It is a groundbreaking advancement in drone • It was prominently featured for security purposes
defense technology developed by Grene Robotics, a during the Republic Day parade and showcased at
Hyderabad-based technology R&D firm. Aero India 2023. Here are some key aspects of this
• This indigenous drone defense dome represents a system:
significant step forward for India in terms of autonomous • Developed By: The Defence Research and
defense capabilities, particularly in managing and Development Organisation (DRDO), India's premier
neutralizing aerial threats over large areas. agency for military research and development.

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• Manufactured By: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a Š This process involves interfering with the
leading Indian state-owned aerospace and defense radio frequencies or global navigation satellite
electronics company. signals that the drones use for navigation and
• Induction: This system is noteworthy for being the communication.
first indigenously developed anti-drone system to be • Hard Kill: Beyond merely jamming, the D4S can
officially adopted by the Indian Armed Forces. physically destroy targets using a laser-based
• Primary Objective: The D4S is designed to counteract mechanism. This allows for a permanent neutralization
and neutralize rogue drones. These unmanned of the threat.
aerial vehicles (UAVs) pose threats to critical and • Detection and Jamming Range: It is effective against
vulnerable locations due to their potential for carrying micro-drones within a range of up to 3 kilometers,
out surveillance or attacks. ensuring a broad perimeter of security against aerial
threats.
Features and Capabilities • Laser Targeting Range: The system can accurately
• Soft Kill: The system has the capability to instantly target and neutralize drones from a distance of 1 to
detect micro drones and then disable them through 1.25 kilometers, depending on the power output of
jamming. the laser weapon utilized.

SCHEMES
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMER WELFARE
SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION
Namo Drone Promote • A pilot scheme launched by the Government of India in 2023 to train 10,000 rural
Didi Pilot innovation and women as drone pilots.
technology in • The scheme aims to empower women and provide them with employment
agriculture
opportunities in the agriculture sector.
• The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare.
• Budget allocation details are not yet finalized.
Sub-Mission Promote farm • SMAM aims to promote farm mechanization in India.
on Agricultural mechanization • The scheme provides financial assistance of up to 40% of the cost of agricultural
Mechanization by providing machinery to farmers.
(SMAM) financial
• The scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers
assistance for
machinery and Welfare.
equipment • As per the Union Budget 2023-24, an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore has been
allocated for SMAM.
Pradhan Mantri Promote • Aims to promote entrepreneurship in the agriculture sector by providing financial
Krishi Udyami agribusiness assistance for establishing micro-enterprises.
Yojana (PM KUY) incubation and • The scheme offers a subsidy of up to Rs. 1 crore for setting up agri-business or
entrepreneurship allied ventures.
Pradhan Mantri Provide pension • Voluntary pension scheme for small and marginal farmers.
Kisan MaanDhan benefits to • Farmers enrolled in the scheme contribute a fixed amount monthly, matched by
Yojana (PM-KMY) farmers the government.
• On attaining the age of 60 years, the subscriber gets a monthly pension.

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B I G L E A R N I N G S M A D E E ASY

An initiative of Group
for Prelims (CAP) 2024

MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILISERS

SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION
Nutrient Based Make fertilizers • Provides subsidy on fertilizers based on their nutrient content.
Subsidy (NBS) affordable to • The subsidy is calculated on the basis of the difference between the market
Scheme farmers price of fertilizers and the NBS rate.
• The scheme is being implemented by the Department of Fertilizers.
• As per the Union Budget 2023-24, an outlay of Rs. 22,500 crore has been
allocated for NBS.
Pradhan Mantri Promote brand • Aims to provide affordable fertilizers to farmers through a network of retail
Bhartiya Jan identity of domestic outlets.
Urvarak Pariyojana fertilizers • Under the scheme, fertilizers are sold at subsidized rates to farmers
(PM-BJUP) through Jan Seva Kendras (JSKs).
• The scheme is being implemented by the Department of Fertilizers.
• As per the Union Budget 2023-24, an outlay of Rs. 10,000 crore has been
allocated for PM-BJUP.
Pradhan Mantri Provide essential • Launched in 2015, PMBJK are retail outlets selling generic medicines at
Bhartiya medicines at affordable prices.
Janaushadhi affordable prices • The scheme provides financial assistance for setting up and operating
Kendra (PMBJK) to citizens through PMBJKs.
dedicated outlets • Budget allocation is not directly provided for PMBJKs.
• Funding comes from savings generated due to the availability of generic
medicines at lower prices.

MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION

SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION
Ude Desh Ka Aam Enhance regional • Aims to enhance regional air connectivity by providing financial support to
Nagrik (UDAN) air connectivity by airlines for operating flights on unserved and underserved routes.
making air travel • The scheme provides a subsidy on the cost of flying, which is passed on
affordable
to the passengers in the form of lower fares.
• As per the Union Budget 2023-24, an outlay of Rs. 600 crore has been
allocated for UDAN.
KRISHI UDAN Improve air • Aims to promote the transportation of agricultural produce by air.
transportation • The scheme provides financial assistance to airlines for operating cargo
of perishable flights on unserved and underserved routes.
agricultural produce
• The scheme also provides for the development of infrastructure at airports
for handling agricultural cargo.
• As per the Union Budget 2023-24, an outlay of Rs. 500 crore has been
allocated for KRISHI UDAN.
Revive, Rebuild, and Revitalize under- • A program launched by the Ministry of Tourism to revive and boost the
Re-connect (RRR) served and closed tourism sector after the economic slowdown caused by the COVID-19
Programme airports pandemic.
• The program focuses on three areas: Reviving tourism demand, Rebuilding
tourism infrastructure, and Re-connecting tourism stakeholders.

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for Prelims (CAP) 2024 B I G L E A R N I N G S M A D E E ASY

An initiative of Group

SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION

Drone Rules, 2021 Establish a • A set of regulations established by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation
(Implemented in regulatory (DGCA) to govern the operation of drones in India.
2021, ongoing) framework for • The rules specify requirements for drone registration, pilot licensing,
Unmanned Aerial
airspace use, and safety measures.
Vehicles (UAVs) or
drones

MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION

Scheme for Assist state governments • Provides financial assistance to state governments for the
Assistance to State in developing export development of export infrastructure projects.
Governments for infrastructure • These projects can include export parks, special economic zones,
Development of
and multimodal logistics hubs.
Export Infrastructure
(ASIDE)

Scheme for One Promote local food • Aims to develop specific agro-processing industries across
District One Product specialties and encourage districts.
(ODOP) cluster development • Focuses on identification of "one champion product" per district
with potential for growth.
• Provides assistance for branding, marketing, and value addition.
• Implemented by states and centrally supported through various
schemes including PMKSY and MSME (Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprises) schemes.

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Scheme Name Objective Key provision and budget allocation

Pradhan Mantri Wi-Fi Empower local • Aims to bridge the digital divide in India by establishing a network of
(PM-WANI) communities to public Wi-Fi hotspots.
provide public Wi-Fi • The program operates on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
hotspots (WaaS)
• Public Data Operators (PDOs) set up Wi-Fi infrastructure and Public Data
Aggregators (PDOAs) handle user authentication and billing.
• Users can access the internet through vouchers or subscriptions offered
by PDOs.

Mission for Internet Provide internet • In order to enhance digital literacy and improve access to educational
in Schools (MIS) connectivity and resources in schools across India.
computer labs in • The scheme provides financial assistance to government and government-
schools
aided schools for setting up computer labs and internet connectivity.
• MIS also focuses on training teachers in using technology for effective
pedagogy.

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B I G L E A R N I N G S M A D E E ASY

An initiative of Group
for Prelims (CAP) 2024

Scheme Name Objective Key provision and budget allocation

Digital Intelligence • Established in 2017, the DIU is a specialized unit focused on countering
Unit online disinformation and propaganda.
• The unit monitors online content, identifies potential threats, and
coordinates counter-measures with relevant agencies.
• The DIU also works to promote media literacy and public awareness
about online threats.

MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION

SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION

Consumer Grievance Focus on Online Dispute • A system established by the Consumer Protection Act, 2019,
Redressal Mechanism Resolution (ODR) to provide consumers with various avenues to address their
grievances against sellers or service providers.
• Consumers can file complaints with District Commissions, State
Commissions, and the National Consumer Disputes Redressal
Commission (NCDRC)
Pradhan Mantri Garib Provide additional free • Provides 5 kg of free food grains (rice or wheat) per month to all
Kalyan Anna Yojana foodgrains to poor eligible NFSA beneficiaries (around 80 crore) in addition to their
(PMGKAY) families during the regular NFSA entitlement.
COVID-19 pandemic • Covers Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households (poorest
families) and Priority Households under NFSA.
• Initially launched for April-June 2020, extended multiple times, and
currently ongoing till December 2023.
• Budget Allocation: As per news reports, the total expenditure for
PMGKAY Phases I-VII is estimated at around Rs. 3.91 lakh crore.
Specific allocations for each phase may vary.
One Nation One Allow portability of ration • Allows inter-state and intra-state portability for ration cardholders.
Ration Card (ONORC) cards across states • Aims to eliminate issues faced by migrant workers and individuals
who relocate.
• Requires linking of ration cards with Aadhaar for better identification
and transparency.
• ONORC is an initiative implemented through existing schemes and
doesn't have a separate budget allocation.
• Funding comes from the overall budget allocated for the NFSA and
PDS (Public Distribution System).

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An initiative of Group

MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION
MCA 21 (Ministry of Enhance ease of • An e-governance initiative by the Ministry of Company Affairs (MCA)
Company Affairs 21) doing business to streamline company registration, filing, and compliance processes.
for corporates • It provides online access to various MCA services for companies,
by simplifying
professionals, and citizens, simplifying processes for company
and streamlining
incorporation, filing of documents, and electronic payments.
processes
• Offers a user-friendly platform for stakeholders to interact with the
MCA. (Budget allocation spread across various MCA activities)
Insolvency and Oversee and • A statutory body established under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy Board regulate the Code (IBC), 2016.
(IBB) insolvency and • It oversees corporate insolvency resolution processes in India,
bankruptcy
regulates Insolvency Professionals (IPs) and Bankruptcy Board
framework in India
of Trustees (BBTs), and aims to provide a time-bound and efficient
mechanism for resolving insolvency of companies.
Voluntary Winding Facilitate a • A fast-track corporate closure mechanism introduced under the
Up Scheme simplified and Companies Act, 2013.
efficient process • It allows solvent companies to wind up their operations voluntarily
for companies to
through a simplified process, requiring approval from a majority of
voluntarily wind up
shareholders and creditors.
operations
• Aims to provide a more efficient way for companies to cease operations
compared to traditional liquidation procedures.

MINISTRY OF CULTURE
SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION
Scheme of Financial Provide financial • Provides financial support to NGOs, trusts, societies, universities, etc., for
Assistance for assistance for various art and cultural activities.
Promotion of Art various activities • Seminars, conferences, research, workshops, festivals, exhibitions,
and Culture promoting art and
symposia, and productions (dance, drama, music).
culture
• Supports activities across all genres of performing arts and a variety of
cultural subjects.
Assistance to State Assist state • Provides financial assistance to state governments for the development of
Governments for governments in cultural infrastructure
Creation of Cultural developing cultural • Construction of museums, art galleries, cultural centers, and libraries.
Infrastructure infrastructure
• Restoration of historical monuments and heritage sites.
• Aims to strengthen cultural infrastructure across states in India.

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An initiative of Group
for Prelims (CAP) 2024

SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION

Scheme for Support and • Supports the preservation and development of traditional Indian crafts.
Preservation and promote traditional • Provides financial assistance to artisans, craft societies, and NGOs for
Development of crafts, handicrafts, training, marketing, and research.
Crafts and artisans
• Promotes traditional skills and knowledge associated with various crafts.
• Aims to empower artisans and ensure the sustainability of craft traditions.
Seva Bhoj Yojna Promote cultural • Provides financial assistance for the construction of community kitchens
exchange or bhojanalayas.
& heritage
• Supports charitable trusts, NGOs, and religious institutions that run
appreciation
community kitchens.
• Aims to provide subsidized or free meals to the underprivileged and those
in need.
Scheme for Preserve & • Aims to safeguard and promote India's rich intangible cultural heritage.
Safeguarding the promote India's • Provides financial assistance for documentation, research, awareness
Intangible Cultural intangible cultural
programs, and capacity building of communities.
Heritage heritage
• Focuses on preserving and transmitting intangible cultural heritage to
future generations.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION
Export • Participation in international defence exhibitions and conferences.
Promotion • Streamlining export procedures and clearances.
of Defence
• Providing financial assistance to Indian defence companies for export promotion
Products
activities.
• Developing a robust defence manufacturing ecosystem to support exports.
Aatmanirbhar Ongoing • Reduce dependence on foreign defence imports.
Bharat in Focus • Strengthen domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.
Defence
• Promote research and development of indigenous defence technologies.
• Create a vibrant defence industry ecosystem in India.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence is a strategic vision, not a single program with a
specific
• The government implements this vision through various initiatives across different
ministries and departments.
ADITI (Acing Launched at • Focuses on supporting the development and acceleration of critical and strategic
Development DefConnect defence technologies in their nascent stages.
of Innovative 2024 • Provides grant-in-aid to startups, MSMEs, and partner incubators to develop innovative
Technologies
defence technologies.
with iDEX)
• Aims to bridge the gap in India's defence capabilities and promote technological
advancements.

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MINISTRY OF DRINKING WATER AND SANITATION

SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION
Arsenic and Address • Addresses contamination of groundwater by arsenic and fluoride.
Fluoride contamination of • Provides funding for testing water sources, treatment plants, and alternative
Mitigation groundwater by water sources.
Programme arsenic and fluoride
Swachh Bharat Achieve open • Specifically targets rural sanitation.
Mission (Gramin) defecation free • Similar to SBM with a focus on constructing individual household toilets
(SBM-G) (ODF) status in (IHHL) and community sanitary complexes (CSCs).
rural areas • Merged with SBM for financial allocation since 2020-21. Total allocation for
SBM & SBM-G in 2023-24 (revised estimate) - Rs. 19,700 crore.

MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES

SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION
GAGAN (GPS Enhance air • Improves the accuracy and integrity of GPS signals over Indian airspace, enhancing
Aided Geo- navigation safety safety and efficiency of air navigation. Enables implementation of Required
Augmentation & efficiency Navigation Performance (RNP) approaches for precision landings at airports.
Navigation) • Not publicly available, funded by Airports Authority of India (AAI) and
Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Monsoon Mission Enhance • Focuses on multi-disciplinary research to understand the complex mechanisms
monsoon of monsoon formation, movement, and variability.
forecasting • Utilizes advanced observations, modeling, and prediction systems. Aims
capabilities to improve monsoon forecasts for better agricultural planning and disaster
preparedness.

Deep Ocean Explore • Aims to develop technologies for deep-sea exploration, including manned
Mission (DOM) deep seabed submersibles, ocean observation platforms, and underwater robotics.
resources & • Focuses on exploring non-living resources (minerals), understanding deep-sea
ecosystems ecosystems, and developing technologies for sustainable utilization of ocean
resources.
• Rs.4,000 crore allocated for Phase-I (2018-2024).
BHUVAN Provide online • Provides a user-friendly online platform for accessing, visualizing, and
(Bhushan Virtual access to earth analyzing geospatial data from various sources.
Infrastructure science data • Supports integration of geospatial data with other datasets for decision-
of National Data making in areas like disaster management, water resource management,
Centre) urban planning, etc.
• Developed and maintained by ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation),
budget details not publicly available.
PRITHVI (2021- Enhance Earth • Phase III of the RESPOND (Rapid Emergency Support System for Disaster)
2026) System Science program.
understanding & • Focuses on leveraging geospatial technologies for improved disaster
services preparedness and response capabilities.
• Develops advanced tools for hazard mapping, risk assessment, damage
assessment, and communication during disasters.
• Part of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) budget, specific
allocation not available.

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An initiative of Group
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MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT & FORESTS

SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION
Clean Air Action Reduce air • Aims to reduce air pollution across India by 20%-30% by 2024 (compared to 2017
Plan (CAAP) pollution in levels).
major cities • City-specific action plans targeting major sources like industry, vehicles, and
waste burning. Includes measures for promoting cleaner fuels, improving public
transport, and industrial emission control.
• Funding allocated through various ministries and state governments. Specific
central government budgetary allocation not available.
Ecomark Scheme Promote • Promotes environmentally friendly products.
of India sustainable • Provides a certification label for household and industrial products that meet
consumption stringent environmental criteria throughout their lifecycle (from raw material
& production extraction to disposal).
practices • Administered by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) with budget allocated
from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
Green Credit Encourage • Incentivizes voluntary environmental actions.
Program (GCP) environment- • Assigns "Green Credits" for activities with positive environmental impact (like tree
friendly plantation, waste management, water conservation).
practices & • Credits can be traded on a digital platform for financial benefits. Budget: Funding
responsible mechanism under development.
business
conduct

MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

TARGET
INITIATIVE OBJECTIVE KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION
BENEFICIARY
eMigrate Portal Streamline emigration Indian emigrants • Provides a single-window platform for Indian emigrants
process for Indian seeking overseas seeking employment opportunities overseas.
workers going abroad employment • Information on job opportunities, visa requirements,
emigration procedures, and pre-departure training.
Know India Promote cultural Young Overseas
Programme (KIP) exchange and Indians (18-30 • Aims to familiarize young people of Indian origin
connect with Indian years old) (PIOs) with India.
diaspora youth
• Three-week orientation program covering Indian
culture, history, politics, and economic development.

Mahatma Gandhi Offer life insurance Indian migrant • Provides social security benefits to overseas Indian
Pravasi Suraksha coverage to overseas workers in select workers.
Yojana (MGPSY) Indian workers Middle Eastern • Life insurance, accidental death and disability
countries
benefits, old age pension, and return travel assistance.

Pravasi Bharatiya Provide overseas Indian • Provides insurance coverage to overseas Indian
Bima Yojana Indians with health communities workers.
(PBBBY) insurance coverage (NRIs, PIOs, • Life insurance, accidental death and disability
OCIs)
benefits, hospitalization benefits, and maternity
benefits.

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MINISTRY OF FINANCE
SCHEME NAME OBJECTIVES KEY PROVISION AND BUDGET ALLOCATION

Pradhan Mantri Achieve financial • Aims to provide universal access to banking facilities.
Jan Dhan Yojana inclusion for all • Basic savings bank accounts with RuPay debit cards, accident insurance,
(PMJDY) households and overdraft facility.
• Total allocation for financial inclusion in 2023-24 (revised estimate) - Rs.
1,500 crore.

Stand-Up India facilitates bank • Provides loans to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and
Scheme loans for SC/ women entrepreneurs.
ST & women • Loans up to Rs. 1 crore from banks for setting up greenfield enterprises.
entrepreneurs
• Total allocation for Stand-Up India scheme in 2023-24 (revised estimate)
- Rs. 2,000 crore.

Atal Pension Yojana Encourage • Provides guaranteed monthly pension after 60 years of age.
(APY) voluntary pension • Monthly pension ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000.
savings
• Total allocation for APY in 2023-24 (revised estimate) - Rs. 1,000 crore.

MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES

Target
Scheme Name Objective Key provision and budget allocation
Beneficiaries
Mega Food Park Creates integrated State • Aims to create world-class infrastructure for
Scheme infrastructure facilities for Governments, food processing.
food processing industries Private Sector • Provides financial assistance for setting up
processing units, cold chain facilities, and
common infrastructure like warehousing,
testing labs, and effluent treatment plants.
Pradhan Mantri Formalize and upgrade Micro & small • Supports formalization and upgradation of
Formalization individual micro food food processing micro food processing units.
of Micro Food processing units (MFPEs) units • Grants, credit guarantee schemes, skill
Processing
development, and support for marketing &
Enterprises (PMFME)
branding.
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Enhance farm-gate Farmers, Farmer • Umbrella scheme for overall development of
Sampada Yojana income for farmers by Producer the food processing sector.
(PMKSY) minimizing post-harvest Organizations • Includes sub-schemes like Mega Food Park
losses and improving (FPOs), Food
Scheme, PMFME, Integrated Cold Chain
value addition Processing Units
Network, etc.
• Focuses on infrastructure development,
processing capacities, post-harvest
management, and waste reduction.

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MINISTRY OF HEAVY INDUSTRY & PUBLIC ENTERPRISES

Scheme Name Target Beneficiaries Key provision and budget allocation
Production Indian Automobile • Aims to attract investments and promote domestic manufacturing of
Linked Incentive & Auto Component advanced automotive technologies (AAT) products.
(PLI) Scheme for Manufacturers • Offers financial incentives to companies based on incremental sales of
Automobile and
AAT products over a period of 5 years.
Auto Components
• Focuses on Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) like electric and hydrogen
fuel cell vehicles.
• Rs. 25,938 crore allocated for a period of 5 years (FY 2022-23 to FY
2026-27).
Scheme for Indian Capital • Focuses on improving the competitiveness of the domestic capital
Enhancement of Goods goods sector.
Competitiveness in Manufacturers • Provides financial assistance for development of niche technologies,
the Indian Capital
setting-up common engineering facilities, upgrading testing &
Goods Sector
certification facilities, and skill development.
(Phase-II)
• Rs. 250 crore allocated for the financial year 2023-24.
National Programme Battery Storage • Aims to establish domestic manufacturing capabilities for Advanced
on Advanced Manufacturers Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries for electric vehicles.
Chemistry Cell (ACC)
• Offers financial incentives to set up giga-scale ACC and battery
Battery Storage
manufacturing facilities.
• Rs. 18,100 crore allocated for a period of 7 years (2021-22 to 2027-28).
Faster Adoption and Electric Vehicle • Promotes adoption and manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs) in India.
Manufacturing of (EV) manufacturers, • Provides demand incentives for electric 2-wheelers, 3-wheelers,
Electric Vehicles in Public Transport 4-wheelers, and electric buses. Supports setting up charging
India (FAME-II) Undertakings,
infrastructure.
EV Charging
Infrastructure • Rs. 10,000 crore allocated for a period of 5 years (2019-20 to 2024-25).
companies An additional Rs. 1,500 crore is proposed for extension of the scheme.

MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Scheme Name Objective Key provision and budget allocation
Pradhan Mantri Awas Provide affordable housing • Aims to provide affordable housing for urban poor.
Yojana (PMAY) to all segments of society • Credit-linked subsidy scheme for individuals to avail loans for
buying or building homes.
• Different verticals cater to Economically Weaker Section (EWS),
Low Income Group (LIG), and Middle Income Group (MIG).
• Total allocation for PMAY (Urban) in 2023-24 (budget estimate) -
Rs. 48,000 crore.
Atal Mission for Revitalize infrastructure • Aims to improve basic urban infrastructure in 500 cities across
Rejuvenation and provide basic services India.
and Urban in urban areas • Focuses on core infrastructure like water supply, sewerage &
Transformation
sanitation, storm water drainage, solid waste management, and
(AMRUT)
public transportation.
• Central government allocation of Rs. 64,000 crore for the period
2015-20 (mission period).

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Scheme Name Objective Key provision and budget allocation

Smart Cities Mission Develop smart and • Aims to develop sustainable and inclusive cities with core
sustainable cities across infrastructure, a vibrant economy, better governance, and a high
India quality of life.
• Provides central assistance to selected cities for area-based
development based on their specific needs. Supports innovative
urban solutions and citizen participation.
• Central government allocation of Rs. 4.84 lakh crore for the
mission period (2015-2025).

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION (MOE)

Scheme Name Objective Key provision and budget allocation

Pradhan Mantri Upgrade and • Aims to transform existing schools into exemplar schools by
Schools for Rising transform existing strengthening infrastructure, providing quality education, and promoting
India (PM SHRI) government schools holistic development of students.
into model schools • Upgradation of infrastructure, training of teachers, implementation of
NEP 2020, focus on digital learning and skill development.
• Rs. 27,360 crore allocated for a period of 5 years (2022-23 to 2026-27).

Samagra Shiksha Ensure holistic and • An integrated scheme for school education that covers all levels from
equitable education pre-school to senior secondary.
from pre-primary to • Access to quality education, strengthening of infrastructure, teacher
senior secondary training, digital learning, and focus on inclusion and equity.
level • Rs. 3,000 crore allocated for the financial year 2023-24.

National Education Transform India's • A comprehensive policy that aims to transform the education system in
Policy (NEP) 2020 education system by India.
2040 • Focus on holistic development of students, early childhood education,
vocational training, digital learning, and research & innovation.

MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE

Scheme Name Objectives Key provision and budget allocation
National Enhance • Aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the Indian judiciary.
Mission for efficiency and • Focuses on areas like court infrastructure, judicial manpower, case management,
Justice Delivery effectiveness use of Information Technology (IT), and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
and Strategic of the justice
Reforms • Funded centrally with matching contributions from states. Specific budgetary
delivery system
(NMJSDR) allocation not publicly available.

Gram Enhance access • Established under the Gram Nyayalayas Act, 1994: Provide access to justice
Nyayalayas to justice in rural in rural areas.
(Village Courts) areas • Handle civil cases with a value up to Rs. 10,000 (limit may vary by state).
Presided over by Nyaya Adhikari (Judicial Officer) with a focus on speedy and
affordable justice.

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Scheme Name Objectives Key provision and budget allocation

Legal Aid Ensure access • Guaranteed by Article 39A of the Constitution: Aims to ensure equal access to
Services to legal justice for all.
representation • Provides legal assistance to weaker sections of society through Legal Services
for the
Authorities at national, state, district, and taluka levels. Includes free legal aid,
disadvantaged
legal advice, and representation in courts.
• Funded by Central and State Governments. Specific budgetary allocation not
publicly available.
Vidhi Jyoti Provide access to • A mobile app by the Department of Justice.
legal resources • Provides information on legal aid, courts, and various legal processes. Helps
and career citizens find lawyers and access legal resources.
guidance

MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS

Scheme Name Objective Description
Hunar Haat Provide market platform • Organizes exhibitions and events to showcase and sell traditional
for traditional artisans and handicrafts and products made by artisans from minority
craftspersons from minority communities
communities
Pradhan Mantri Jan Enhance infrastructure and • Provides financial assistance for infrastructure development
Vikas Karyakaram development in minority- projects like schools, healthcare facilities, roads, and sanitation in
(PMJVK) concentrated areas areas with high minority concentration
Nai Roshni Scheme Empower women from • Provides skill development training, micro-credit support, and
minority communities marketing assistance for setting up micro-enterprises.
• Focus on promoting entrepreneurship and financial literacy
among women.
Multi-sectoral Enhance overall • Provides financial assistance for infrastructure development,
Development development in minority- education, health, and livelihood projects.
Programme (MsDP) concentrated villages • Focus on convergence with other government schemes for holistic
development in these villages.

MINISTRY OF PANCHAYATI RAJ

Scheme Name Objectives Key provision and budget allocation
Pradhan Mantri Provide rural • Aims for all-weather road connectivity in rural areas. Budget: Rs. 19,000 crore
Gram Sadak connectivity (FY 2023-24).
Yojana (PMGSY) through all- • Construction of new roads and upgradation of existing ones to all-weather
weather roads standards.
• Priority to connecting habitations with population of 500+ (100+ in hilly areas).
• Focus on backward regions and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas.
• Promotes environmental sustainability measures in road construction.

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Scheme Name Objectives Key provision and budget allocation

Deen Dayal Enhance • Provides skill development to rural youth for employment opportunities. Budget:
Upadhyaya employability Rs. 3,000 crore (FY 2023-24). Details on Ministry of Rural Development website.
Grameen of rural youth • Training in various job-oriented trades through certified training providers.
Kaushalya Yojana through skill
• Placement assistance for trained youth after successful course completion.
(DDU-GKY) training
• Financial aid for training and post-training support like toolkits and entrepreneurial
guidance.
• Focus on empowering youth from SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities.
eGramSwaraj Enhance • Provides a single platform for rural citizens to access PRI services and information.
Portal transparency • Online services for grievance redressal, property tax payment, birth/death
and citizen certificates, and more.
participation in
• Promotes transparency and accountability in PRI functioning.
Panchayati Raj
• Provides access to various government schemes and programs targeted at rural
development.

MINISTRY OF POWER
Scheme Name Objective Key provision and budget allocation
One Nation Establish a unified • Aims to integrate the regional power grids into a single national grid.
One Grid national electricity • Facilitates seamless transmission of electricity across the country.
grid for seamless • Improves efficiency and reliability of power supply.
power transmission
• Reduces transmission losses and costs. - Enhances renewable energy
integration.
Green Energy Enhance the • Aims to facilitate the evacuation of renewable energy from renewable energy-
Corridor (GEC) integration and rich areas to consumption centers.
transmission of • Involves the development of transmission infrastructure such as high voltage
renewable energy transmission lines and substations.
into the national grid
• Enhances the integration of renewable energy into the grid.
• As of March 11, 2024, a total of 9,700 MW of transmission capacity has been
commissioned under this scheme.
Pradhan Provide access to • Aims to provide electricity connections to all willing households in rural and
Mantri Sahaj affordable electricity urban areas.
Bijli Har connections to all • Provides free electricity connections to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
Ghar Yojana households
• Offers subsidized connections to other households.
(Saubhagya)
• As of March 11, 2024, over 2.86 crore households have been electrified under
this scheme.

MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Scheme Name Objective Key provision and budget allocation
Mahatma Gandhi Provide • Provides legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment in a year to
National Rural guaranteed wage rural households whose adult members are willing to do unskilled manual
Employment employment to work.
Guarantee Act rural households • Aims to create rural assets, improve livelihood security, and promote
(MGNREGA) social equity.
• Budget allocation for FY 2024-25: Rs. 80,000 crore

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Scheme Name Objective Key provision and budget allocation

Sansad Adarsh Gram Develop select • Aims to develop a select number of villages across India into model
Yojana (SAGY) villages across villages with improved infrastructure and facilities.
India into model • Focuses on areas like sanitation, drinking water, education, healthcare,
villages livelihood generation, and e-governance.
• Each Member of Parliament (MP) adopts one village for development
under SAGY.
Rural Self Impart skill • Aims to equip rural youth with skills and knowledge to start their own
Employment Training training for self- micro and small enterprises (MSEs).
Institutes (RSETIs) employment in • Provides training programs in various trades and sectors relevant to rural
rural areas areas.
• Offers post-training support for entrepreneurship development.

MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Scheme Objectives Key provision and budget allocation
Gandhian Young Support student- • Aims to nurture young minds and cultivate a culture of innovation at the
Technological led technological grassroots level.
Innovation (GYTI) innovations for • Encourages students from Grades 6 to 12 to develop technological
Scheme social good solutions for local problems aligned with Gandhian values.
• Provides seed funding and mentorship support to shortlisted student
innovations.
Vigyan Jyoti Scheme Promote scientific • Aims to identify and nurture scientifically talented students at the school
temper and level.
innovation among • Provides scholarships and mentorship opportunities to students from
school students economically weaker sections with a talent for science.
Innovation in Science Attract talent • Aims to attract talented students to study science and pursue research
Pursuit for Inspired to science and careers.
Research (INSPIRE) technology fields • Offers scholarships and fellowships at various levels of education (from
secondary school to doctoral studies) to science students.
• Provides opportunities for summer camps and internship programs to
spark scientific curiosity.
• Budget allocation for INSPIRE is part of the Department of Science and
Technology's (DST) overall budget.

MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS

Scheme Name Objective Key provision and budget allocation
Pradhan Mantri Promote the use of • Provides deposit-free LPG connections to women from Below Poverty
Gram Ujjwala Yojana clean and efficient Line (BPL) families.
(PMUY) LPG cooking fuel in • Offers targeted subsidy of Rs. 300 per 14.2 kg cylinder (pro-rated for
rural households smaller cylinders) for up to 12 refills per year.
• Includes a first refill and stove with the initial connection.
• Over 103 crore connections released as of March 11, 2024.
• Budget allocation for FY 2024-25: Rs. 12,000 crore for subsidies

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MINISTRY OF TEXTILES
Scheme Name Objective Key provision and budget allocation
Integrated Textile Develop world-class • Aims to create world-class textile infrastructure by developing parks
Park (SITP) Scheme infrastructure for with essential facilities like power, water, effluent treatment, and
textile units common processing units.
• Attracts investment in textile manufacturing by offering a conducive
environment.
• As of 2023, the government sanctioned 74 parks with a total budget
exceeding Rs. 4,000 crore
Technology Modernize the • Provides financial assistance to textile units for modernization and
Upgradation Fund textile industry technology upgradation.
Scheme (TUFS) by facilitating • Subsidizes the cost of machinery and equipment for spinning, weaving,
technology processing, and garmenting units.
upgradation

AWARDS
BHARAT RATNA
• Bharat Ratna’, the highest civilian Award of the country, was instituted in the year 1954. Any person
without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex is eligible for these awards.
• It is awarded in recognition of exceptional service/performance of the highest order in any field
of human endeavor.
• On conferment of the award, the recipient receives a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President
and a medallion. The Award does not carry any monetary grant.
• The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister himself to the President.
• No formal recommendations for this are necessary.
• It is made of bronze and designed in the shape of a peepal leaf, embossed with the sun. The reverse side bears
India’s emblem, the ‘Ashok Chakra’, and the motto, ‘Satyameva Jayate’.
• In terms of Article 18 (1) of the Constitution, the award cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient's name.
Š However, should an award winner consider it necessary, he/she may use the following expression in their
biodata/letterhead/visiting card etc. to indicate that he/she is a recipient of the award: ‘Awarded Bharat Ratna
by the President’ or ‘Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award’.

[Link] NAME YEAR DESCRIPTION POSTHUMOUS

1 C. Rajagopalachari 1954 Last Governor-General of India and Swatantra Party founder, No
known as MK Gandhi's conscience keeper.
2 Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan 1954 First Vice President and second President of India. No
3 C. V. Raman 1954 First Asian Nobel Laureate in Science, known for Raman No
Scattering.
20 Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan 1987 First non-citizen Bharat Ratna recipient, known as Frontier No
Gandhi and founder of the Red Shirt Movement.
22 B. R. Ambedkar 1990 Architect of the Indian Constitution, first Law Minister, and Yes
critic of the caste system.

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[Link] NAME YEAR DESCRIPTION POSTHUMOUS

23 Nelson Mandela 1990 Known as the Gandhi of South Africa, second non-citizen No
recipient of Bharat Ratna, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
25 Vallabhbhai Patel 1991 The Iron Man of India, first Deputy Prime Minister, played a Yes
key role in Bardoli Satyagraha and the integration of princely
states.
27 Abul Kalam Azad 1992 India's first Education Minister, known as Maulana Azad, his Yes
birthday is celebrated as National Education Day.
28 J. R. D. Tata 1992 Industrialist and aviation pioneer, founded India's first airline No
Air India and several key institutions like TIFR and TCS.
29 Satyajit Ray 1992 Filmmaker who brought Indian cinema to global recognition, No
director of 'Pather Panchali,' recipient of Dadasaheb Phalke
Award.
31 Aruna Asaf Ali 1997 First Mayor of Delhi post-independence, known for her role Yes
in the Quit India Movement.
32 A.P.J Abdul Kalam 1997 Known as the Missile Man of India, contributed to missile No
and space technology, 11th President of India, authored
'Wings of Fire' and 'India 2020.'
35 Jayaprakash Narayan 1999 Known as Loknayak, initiated the Total Revolution Movement Yes
against corruption.
36 Amartya Sen 1999 Nobel Laureate in Economics, contributed to welfare No
economics, social choice theory, and justice.
39 Lata Mangeshkar 2001 Celebrated playback singer, known as the Nightingale of No
India, received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award.
40 Bismillah Khan 2001 Renowned classical shehnai player, brought the instrument No
to prominence in Indian music.
43 Sachin Tendulkar 2014 Legendary cricketer, holds the record for most runs in No
international cricket, debuted at 16.
45 Atal Bihari Vajpayee 2015 Served as Prime Minister of India three times, acclaimed No
poet, and parliamentarian.
46 Pranab Mukherjee 2019 13th President of India, played key roles in Indian politics No
across various capacities.
48 Bhupen Hazarika 2019 Prominent filmmaker, poet, and musician, known for his Yes
contributions to Assamese music and cinema.
49 Karpoori Thakur 2024 Former Chief Minister of Bihar, known as Jan Nayak, Yes
recognized for his political and social contributions 35 years
posthumously.
50 Lal Krishna Advani 2024 Served as Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, a No
significant figure in Indian politics during Vajpayee's tenure.
51 M. S. Swaminathan 2024 Awarded for contributions to Indian agriculture and Yes
significant role in the Green Revolution.
52 Chaudhary Charan Singh 2024 Known for his dedication to farmers' welfare and opposition Yes
to the Emergency, inspired farmer-centric policies.
53 P. V. Narasimha Rao 2024 Led significant economic reforms in the 1990s as Prime Yes
Minister, ushering in liberalization and structural changes.

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PADMA AWARDS
• Instituted in 1954.
• Announced annually on Republic Day, with exceptions in 1978-1979 and 1993-1997.
• The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honors of India announced annually on the eve of Republic
Day.
• Categories:
Š Padma Vibhushan: For exceptional and distinguished service. (2nd Highest civilian Award)
Š Padma Bhushan: For distinguished service of a high order. (3nd Highest civilian Award)
Š Padma Shri: For distinguished service. (4th Highest civilian Award)
• Eligibility:
Š Open to all individuals regardless of race, occupation, position, or sex.
Š Government employees, except doctors and scientists, are ineligible.
• Fields of Recognition: Art, Social Work, Public Affairs, Science & Engineering, Trade & Industry, Medicine,
Literature & Education, Civil Service, Sports, and Others (including Indian Culture propagation, Human Rights,
Wildlife conservation).
• Award Criteria:
Š Not typically awarded posthumously, except in highly deserving cases.
Š A higher category award requires a minimum of five years since the previous Padma award, with possible
exceptions.
• Presentation:
Š Awarded by the President of India typically in March/April.
Š Includes a Sanad (certificate) and a medallion, with a miniature version for ceremonial use.
Š Names published in the Gazette of India on the presentation day.
Š Limited to 120 awards annually, excluding posthumous awards to NRI/foreigners/OCIs.
• Restrictions: Not a title; cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the awardee's name.
• Selection Process:
Š Nominations reviewed by the Padma Awards Committee, formed annually by the Prime Minister.
Š Committee led by the Cabinet Secretary and includes the Home Secretary, Secretary to the President, and
4-6 eminent individuals.
Š Recommendations forwarded to the Prime Minister and the President for final approval.

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SPORTS AWARDS
• The six core awards which constitute India’s National Sports Awards are the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award or
simply the Khel Ratna, the Arjuna Award, the Dronacharya Award, the Major Dhyan Chand Award, the Maulana Abul
Kalam Azad Trophy, also called the MAKA Trophy, and the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar.
• Since 2004, the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award has also been given out along with the six National
Sports Awards, making it an informal part of the list.
• The National Sports Awards are allocated annually by India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.

AWARD NAME CRITERIA PERFORMANCE PERIOD

Major Dhyan Chand Khel Awarded for outstanding performances in sports. Over a period of four years
Ratna Award Note: It was renamed to Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna
Award in 2021.
Arjuna Award Given for consistent good performance in sports. Over a period of four years
Dronacharya Award Awarded to coaches for producing medal winners at Not specified
prestigious international events.
Major Dhyan Chand Award Presented for good performance and contributing towards Not specified
the promotion of sports.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Given to the university for top performance in inter-university Over the last one year
Trophy tournaments.
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Given to corporate entities (both in private and public Over the last three years
Puruskar sector), Sports Control Boards, NGOs, including sports
bodies at the State and National level, who have played a
visible role in the area of sports promotion and development.
Tenzing Norgay National The award is given in four categories namely, Land Not specified
Adventure Award Adventure, Water Adventure, Air Adventure and Life Time
Achievement.

MAJOR DHYAN CHAND KHEL RATNA AWARDS

YEAR RECIPIENT(S) SPORT(S)
2021 Neeraj Chopra Javelin
2021 Ravi Kumar Wrestling
2021 Lovlina Borgohain Boxing
2021 Sreejesh P.R. Hockey
2021 Avani Lekhara Para Shooting
2021 Sumit Antil Para Athletics
2021 Pramod Bhagat Para Badminton
2021 Krishna Nagar Para Badminton
2021 Manish Narwal Para Shooting
2021 Mithali Raj Cricket
2021 Sunil Chhetri Football
2021 Manpreet Singh Hockey
2023 Satwik Sairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty Badminton

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ARJUNA AWARD IN 2023

RECIPIENT(S) SPORT
Ojas Pravin Deotale, Aditi Gopichand Swami Archery
Parul Chaudhary, Murali Sreeshankar Athletics
Mohammad Hussamuddin Boxing
R Vaishali Chess
Sunil Kumar, Antim Panghal Wrestling
Naorem Roshibina Devi Wushu
Sheetal Devi Para Archery
Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy Blind Cricket
Prachi Yadav Para Canoeing

DRONACHARYA AWARD IN 2023

RECIPIENT SPORT
Ganesh Prabhakaran Mallakhamb

Mahavir Saini Para Athletics

Lalit Kumar Wrestling

RB Ramesh Chess

Shivendra Singh Hockey

MAJOR DHYAN CHAND AWARD IN 2023

RECIPIENT SPORT

Kavitha Selvaraj Kabaddi

Manjusha Kanwar Badminton

Vineet Kumar Sharma Hockey

MAKA TROPHY WINNER IN 2023

POSITION INSTITUTION LOCATION
Winner Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar Amritsar
1st Runner-up Lovely Professional University, Punjab Punjab
2nd Runner-up Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra Kurukshetra

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RASHTRIYA KHEL PROTSAHAN PURUSKAR IN 2023

CATEGORY ENTITY AWARDED
Identification and nurturing of budding / young talent Jain Deemed to be University, Bengaluru
Encouragement to sports through Corporate Social Responsibility Odisha Mining Corporate Limited

LAUREUS WORLD SPORTS AWARDS

• The Laureus World Sports Awards are presented each year to celebrate significant and inspirational achievements
in sports, alongside promoting the efforts of Laureus Sport for Good.
• The inaugural ceremony of the Laureus World Sports Awards was held on May 25, 2000, with Tiger Woods, the
American golfer, being the inaugural recipient. The awards are often likened to the Oscars in the realm of sports.

Award Categories and 2023 Winners:

• Laureus World Sportsman of the Year: Lionel Messi from Argentina claimed the title in 2023, marking the first time a
footballer received this honor in 2020.
• Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year: The award went to Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce of Jamaica in 2023.
• Laureus World Team of the Year: The Argentina Men's Football Team was honored in 2023.
• Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year: Carlos Alcaraz from Spain was the recipient in 2023.
• Laureus World Comeback of the Year: Christian Eriksen from Denmark won in 2023.
• Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year: Eileen Gu from China received the award in 2023.
• Laureus Sport for Good: The 2023 award was presented to TEAMUP, a global initiative developed by War Child,
Save the Children, and UNICEF Netherlands offering psycho-social support to children in need.
• Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Catherine Debrunner from Switzerland won in 2023, with
nominations provided by the International Paralympic Committee.

NOTABLE LAUREATES:
• Roger Federer, the Swiss tennis star, has the distinction of winning the most Laureus awards, securing six, including
five Sportsman of the Year and one Comeback of the Year awards.
• Serena Williams is celebrated for having the highest number of awards among female athletes.
• In a historic feat for 2023, Lionel Messi was the first to win both the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year and the
Laureus World Team of the Year Award, following Argentina's World Cup victory in 2022.

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INDEXES
POLITY
Name Publisher Ranking
• Iceland maintains its status as the world's most peaceful country since
2008. Other top-ranking peaceful nations include Denmark, Ireland,
New Zealand, and Austria.
• Least Peaceful Countries: Afghanistan retains its position as the least
peaceful country for the eighth consecutive year.
Global Peace Index, Institute for Economics
• India's Ranking Improvement: India secures the 126th position, a two-
2023 and Peace
spot improvement from the previous year.
• India's overall peacefulness increased by 3.5% in the past year.
• Factors contributing to this improvement include reduced violent
crime, enhanced relations with neighboring countries, and increased
political stability.
Global Prosperity Legatum Institute • India is 103rd out of 167 nations in the overall Prosperity Index
Index, 2023 rankings.
• Since 2011, India has moved up the rankings table by 5 places.
• India performs most strongly in Enterprise Conditions and Governance
but is weakest in Natural Environment.
• The biggest improvement compared to a decade ago came in Social
Capital.
Global Oxford Poverty & Human Global Poverty Overview:
Multidimensional Development Initiative • Global Multidimensional Poverty: 1.1 billion people (18% of the global
Poverty Index (MPI), (OPHI) & UNDP population) in 110 countries live in acute multidimensional poverty.
2023
• Regional Concentration: Sub-Saharan Africa has 534 million poor,
and South Asia has 389 million, comprising five out of every six poor
individuals globally.
• Child Poverty: Half of MPI-poor individuals (566 million) are children
under 18, with a 27.7% poverty rate compared to 13.4% among adults.
India's Poverty Dynamics:
• Current Poverty Stats: India hosts over 230 million poor individuals,
with 18.7% of the population classified as vulnerable.
• Progress in Poverty Reduction: India, alongside 24 other nations,
achieved a 50% reduction in global MPI values within 15 years.
Š Between 2005-06 and 2019-21, 415 million Indians escaped
poverty.
• Poverty Incidence Decline: India's multidimensional poverty dropped
from 55.1% in 2005/2006 to 16.4% in 2019/2021.
• The number of poor decreased from 645 million (2005/2006) to 230
million (2019/2021).

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POLITY
Name Publisher Ranking
Global Press Reporters Without India’s Ranking: 161 out of 180 nations (In 2022: 150th)
Freedom Index, Borders Top Performers: Norway, Ireland, Denmark
2023
Worst Performers: Vietnam, China, North Korea
India's Neighbors:
• Sri Lanka improved to 135th (from 146th in 2022).
• Pakistan is ranked 150th.
Deteriorating Situations:
• Tajikistan dropped to 153rd.
• India declined by 11 positions to 161st.
• Turkey dropped 16 positions to 165th.
Democracy Index The Economist • 53 out of 167 nations (2020) - Flawed democracy
Intelligence Unit (EIU) • Average global score falling to its lowest level since the index began
in 2006.
• Less than 8% of the world's population live in a full democracy, while
almost 40% live under authoritarian rule—a share that has been
creeping up in recent years.
Corruption Transparency Global Serious Corruption Overview:
Perceptions Index International • Over two-thirds of countries score below 50 out of 100, indicating
(CPI), 2023
serious corruption problems.
• Global average score is 43, with most countries showing no progress
or declining over the last decade.
CPI 2023 Global Highlights:
• Top Three Countries:
Š Denmark (90) tops for the sixth consecutive year.
Š Finland (87) and New Zealand (85) follow closely.
• Bottom Spots:
Š Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan, and Yemen
Š Protracted crises, mainly armed conflicts, impact these countries.
India's Corruption Ranking and Score:
• India ranked 93 out of 180 countries in CPI 2023.
• In 2022, India was ranked 85.
International U.S. Chamber of International IP Index Overview:
Intellectual Property Commerce Global • Evaluates IP rights in 55 global economies using 50 unique indicators.
Index (IPI), 2023 Innovation Policy Center
• Aims to guide nations toward a more innovative, creative, and
competitive economic future.
• Top Three Countries:
Š The United States secures the top spot.
Š Followed by the UK and France.
• India's Ranking: 42nd among 55 leading global economies.

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POLITY
Name Publisher Ranking
Human United Nations • Assesses a country's average accomplishment in three aspects: a
Development Index Development long and healthy life, knowledge, and a decent standard of living.
(HDI) (2023-24) Programme (UNDP)
• India's average life expectancy rose to 67.7 years in 2022, up from
62.7 years the previous year.
• Gross National Income (GNI) per capita in India increased to USD
6951, a 6.3% rise over 12 months.
• Expected years of schooling per individual reached 12.6.
• India achieved an HDI score of 0.644 in 2022, placing it at 134 out of
193 countries, categorized as 'medium human development.'
• India's HDI has improved by 48.4% since 1990, with an increase from
0.434 to 0.644.
• Notable achievements include a 9.1-year increase in life expectancy
at birth, 4.6 years in expected years of schooling, and 3.8 years in
mean years of schooling.
• In comparison to neighboring countries, Sri Lanka and China rank
higher, categorized under 'high human development,' while Bhutan
and Bangladesh rank higher than India, all falling under 'medium
human development.'
• Nepal (146) and Pakistan (164) rank lower than India.
• India's ranking dropped from 100th in 2022 to 108th in 2023.
• In the Liberal Democracy Index (LDI), India ranks 97th, compared to
100th in the previous year.
• Global Rankings: The US holds the 23rd position in the LDI, while
Electoral Democracy
V-Dem Institute Canada and the UK are at 24th and 20th spots, respectively.
Index, 2023
V-Dem Report Dataset:
• The Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) report is based on a global
dataset with over 31 million data points for 202 countries spanning
from 1789 to 2022.
Global World Economic Forum • Top Three Performers: Denmark, Ireland, and Switzerland lead as the
Competitiveness most competitive economies in 2023.
Index, 2023
• India's Economic Competitiveness: India experiences a decline, moving
from the 34th spot in 2022 to the 40th position.
• Continental Dominance: Europe holds a stronghold on the top spots in
the global economic competitiveness rankings.
• China's Ascension: China rises to the 17th position, showcasing
increased economic competitiveness on the global stage.
• US Stability: The United States maintains stability, securing the 10th
position in the global economic competitiveness rankings.

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POLITY
Name Publisher Ranking
World International • Top Three Global Competitors: Denmark, Ireland, and Switzerland
Competitiveness Institute for emerge as the top three among the 64 economies assessed for global
Ranking, 2023 Management competitiveness.
Development (IMD)
• India's Position: India experiences a slight decline, falling to the 40th
position but remains in a better position than the years 2019-2021
when it held the 43rd spot consistently.
• Performance Factors:
Š India sees improvement in government efficiency.
Š Faces challenges in business efficiency, infrastructure, and
economic performance compared to other countries.
Š Exchange rate stability, compensation levels, and advancements
in pollution control significantly contribute to India's
competitiveness score.
World Justice World Justice Project • Top-Ranked Countries: Denmark claims the top spot in the 2023
Project’s Rule of Law followed by Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Germany.
Index, 2023
• Bottom-Ranked Countries: Venezuela, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Haiti,
and the Democratic Republic of the Congo hold the bottom positions.
• New Entrants:
Š Kuwait debuts at 52 globally, ranking 2nd in the Middle East and
North Africa.
Š Montenegro enters at 57 globally, securing 2nd place in Eastern
Europe and Central Asia.
• Rule of Law Declines (Past Year): Countries experiencing significant
declines include Sudan, Mali, Iran, Nicaragua, and Afghanistan.
• Rule of Law Improvements (2022-2023): Countries showing the most
improvement are Bulgaria, Honduras, Kenya, Slovenia, and Jordan.
• India's Ranking: India holds the 79th position among 142 countries.

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SOCIETY
Name Publisher Ranking
• Global GHI Score (2023): The global average GHI score in 2023 is 18.3,
considered moderate and slightly lower than 19.1 in 2015.
• Global Undernourishment: Since 2017, undernourishment prevalence
has risen, with the number of undernourished people increasing from
572 million to about 735 million.
• Highest Hunger Levels:
Š South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa have the highest hunger
levels globally, both with GHI scores of 27.0, indicating serious
hunger.
Š West Asia and North Africa follow with the third-highest hunger
Global Hunger Concern Worldwide and level, scoring 11.9, indicating a moderate hunger level.
Index (GHI) 2023 Welt Hungerhilfe • GHI Deteriorating Regions: Latin America and the Caribbean are the
only regions where GHI scores worsened between 2015 and 2023.
• Southeast Asia:
Š East and Southeast Asia, dominated by populous China, has the
second-lowest GHI score in 2023.
Š China is among the top 20 nations with a GHI score of less than 5.
• Lowest GHI: Europe and Central Asia have the lowest GHI score in
2023, at 6.0, classified as "low."
• Stagnation in Hunger Reduction:
Š The 2023 GHI indicates global hunger reduction progress has
largely stagnated since 2015.
Š Factors include the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war,
economic stagnation, climate change effects, and unresolved
global conflicts.
• India's GHI Ranking (2023):
Š India, with a composite score of 28.7, is ranked 111 out of 125
countries in the GHI 2023.
• Elderly Population Growth:
Š The elderly population is anticipated to reach 1.6 billion by 2050,
constituting over 16% of the global population.
• Regional Growth Dynamics: North Africa, West Asia, and sub-Saharan
World Social Report
United Nations Africa are projected to witness the fastest growth in the number of
2023
older individuals over the next three decades.
• Europe and North America Dominance: Europe and North America
currently hold the highest combined share of older persons, reflecting
a demographic shift.

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SOCIETY
Name Publisher Ranking
• Global Ranking: India is placed at 161 out of 180 countries
• Deterioration in Press Freedom: Press freedom in India has transitioned
from "problematic" to "very bad," experiencing an 11-rank decline
since the 2022 report.
• Neighboring Comparisons:
Š Among neighboring countries, India lags behind with a lower rank
compared to Bhutan (90), Nepal (95), Sri Lanka (135), Pakistan
(150), and Afghanistan (152).
World Press Š Bangladesh (163), Myanmar (173), and China (179) are the only
Reporters Without
Freedom Index, neighbors with lower rankings.
Borders
2023 • Legislative, Economic, and Social Indicators:
Š Legislative: India ranks 144.
Š Economic: India ranks 155.
Š Social: India ranks 143.
• Safety of Journalists: India ranks 172 in the safety of journalists,
highlighting concerns about the protection and well-being of media
professionals.
• Global Leader: Norway retains the top position for the seventh
consecutive year in the global press freedom ranking.
• Global Happiness Leaders:
Š Finland retains its position as the happiest nation for the sixth
consecutive year.
Š Denmark secures the second spot, followed by Iceland at
number three.
• Unhappiest Nations:
World Happiness Sustainable Development
Š Afghanistan is ranked as the unhappiest nation.
Report, 2023 Solutions Network
Š Followed by Lebanon, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe in succession.
• India's Happiness Ranking:
Š India ranks 126th out of 136 countries..
Š In 2022, India held the 136th position out of 146 countries.
Š India lags behind neighboring nations like Nepal, China,
Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka in happiness rankings.
• Overall Ranking: India secures the 52nd place in the index out of 121
nations.
• Mobile Data Speed Increase: India experiences a substantial 297%
increase in mobile data speeds, contributing significantly to its overall
Digital Quality of
Surfshark digital quality of life ranking.
Life Index
• Survey Factors: The ranking is based on five factors: internet quality,
internet affordability, e-infrastructure, e-government, and e-security.
• Rapid 5G Rollout Impact: The surge in mobile internet speeds is largely
attributed to the rapid rollout of 5G technology in the country.

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SOCIETY
Name Publisher Ranking
• Index Scope: The index evaluates lifestyle challenges in 173 cities
worldwide.
• Metrics Considered: Five metrics determine the index: healthcare,
culture, environment, education, and stability.
• Purpose: Provides insights into cities excelling in delivering exceptional
quality of life.
Global Liveability The Economist
• Top Cities: Vienna (Austria), Copenhagen (Denmark), Melbourne, and
Index, 2023 Intelligence Unit (EIU)
Sydney (Australia) lead in quality of life.
• Bottom 3 Cities: Algiers (Algeria), Tripoli (Libya), and Damascus
(Syria) rank as the least liveable cities.
• Asian Representation: Osaka (Japan) secures the 10th position
globally.
• New Delhi and Mumbai are at 141st position and Chennai at 144th.
Worst Offenders: North Korea, Eritrea, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Turkey,
and Tajikistan.
Lowest Prevalence: Switzerland, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, and
Sweden exhibit the lowest prevalence of modern slavery.
Maximum Number of Victims: India, China, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia,
and Indonesia have the highest number of people living in modern
Global Slavery
Walk Free Foundation slavery.
Index, 2023
Definition of Modern Slavery:
• Encompasses situations of exploitation involving threats, violence,
coercion, deception, or abuses of power.
• Includes forced labor, forced marriage, debt bondage, sexual
exploitation, human trafficking, slavery-like practices, forced or
servile marriage, and the sale and exploitation of children.
• India's Ranking: India is ranked 127 out of 146 countries in gender
parity, showing an improvement of eight places from the previous
year.
• Education Parity: India has achieved parity in enrollment across all
education levels.
• Political Empowerment:
Gender Gap Index Š India records 25.3% parity in political empowerment.
World Economic Forum
(GGI) Š Women represent 15.1% of parliamentarians, the highest since
the inaugural report in 2006.
• Neighboring Countries: Pakistan is ranked at 142, Bangladesh at 59,
China at 107, Nepal at 116, Sri Lanka at 115, and Bhutan at 103.
• Global Gender Equality Leader: Iceland remains the most gender-
equal country for the 14th consecutive year, having closed more than
90% of its gender gap.

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ECONOMY
Name of the Index Publisher Rank of India (as of 2023 or latest)
Economic Freedom The Heritage • India is presently categorized as "Mostly Unfree" concerning the economic
Index Foundation freedom enjoyed by its residents.
• India's overall score is at a 6-year low on the 2023 Index of Economic Freedom.
• India is ranked 131st among 184 countries on the Index, indicating a lower
standing in economic freedom.
• Current Monetary Policy Challenges: Core inflation remains high in advanced
economies, potentially requiring central banks to maintain tighter monetary
policies for an extended period, contrary to market expectations.
Global Financial International • Emerging Market Progress: Emerging market economies show advancements in
Stability Report, Monetary Fund lowering inflation, with variations across regions.
2023 (IMF) • Optimism on Global Economy: Optimism regarding a "soft landing" for the global
economy has eased financial conditions.
• Potential Challenges: Upside surprises in the inflation outlook could challenge the
soft-landing narrative, leading to a sharp repricing of assets.
• Top 5 Countries: Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom
(4th), and Singapore (5th) lead the innovation rankings.
World
• India's Performance: India is among the 21 economies consistently outperforming
Global Innovation Intellectual
in innovation relative to its development level for the 13th consecutive year.
Index, 2023 Property
Organization • Regional Leadership - Central and Southern Asia: India secures top positions
in for Human capital and research (48th), Business sophistication (57th), and
Knowledge and technology outputs (22nd).
Key Risks and Forces Shaping the Landscape
• Deteriorating Global Outlook: Lethal conflicts, extreme weather events, and
societal discontent contribute to a predominantly negative global outlook in 2023.
World • Structural Forces: Four structural forces shaping global risks over the next
Global Risks
Economic decade: Climate change, demographic bifurcation, technological acceleration,
Report, 2024
Forum and geostrategic shifts.
• Economic Strains and Inequality: Cost-of-living crisis, inflation, and economic
downturn pose significant concerns for 2024, with potential digital isolation and
worsening societal impacts, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
• Top 3 Countries: Singapore, Switzerland, and the United States secure the top
three positions on the competitiveness index.
Global Talent
• India's Position: India is ranked 103, marking the lowest position among BRICS
Competitiveness INSEAD
nations.
Index, 2023
• BRICS Rankings: China leads the BRICS group at rank 40, followed by Russia (52),
South Africa (68), and Brazil (69).
• Top Passport: Singapore claims the world's most powerful passport, offering visa-
free access to 192 out of 227 global destinations.
Henley Passport Henley & • United States Decline: The United States experiences a steady decline over the
Index, 2023 Partners past decade, falling to the eighth spot on the index.
• Indian Passport Rise: The Indian passport climbs seven places, securing the 80th
rank, up from 87th in 2022, providing visa-free access to 57 countries.

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ECONOMY
Name of the Index Publisher Rank of India (as of 2023 or latest)
Logistics • India holds the 38th position out of 139 countries.
Performance World Bank • India has made remarkable progress, improving its rank by sixteen places since
Index, 2023 2014.
• It is an indigenous data-driven index to assess logistics infrastructure across all
36 States and UTs in India.
Achievers in Logistics Index:
• Thirteen states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, and Gujarat, excel in the logistics index chart.
Logistics Ease Fast Movers in Logistics Index:
Ministry of
Across Different • Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Arunachal
Commerce &
States (LEADS) Pradesh, and Nagaland are acknowledged as fast movers in the logistics index.
Industry
Report, 2023 • These areas exhibit significant progress and improvements in their logistical
services.
Aspirers in Logistics Index:
• States and UTs in the aspirers category, such as Goa, Odisha, West Bengal,
Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, and Jharkhand, show potential for
growth in their logistics ecosystem.
• India and ASEAN experienced the highest growth in Foreign Direct Investment
(FDI), with increases of 10% and 5%, respectively.
• Developing countries received higher FDI inflows compared to developed
economies.
World Investment
UNCTAD • China, the world's second-largest FDI host, observed a 5% increase in FDI.
Report, 2023
• The majority of international investment in renewable energy concentrated in
developed countries.
• The investment gap for all Sustainable Development Goals sectors has risen to
over $4 trillion annually from $2.5 trillion in 2015.

ENVIRONMENT
Name of the Index Publisher Rank of India (as of 2023 or latest)
• CCPI Criteria: Assesses four categories with 14 indicators: GHG
Emissions (40%), Renewable Energy (20%), Energy Use (20%),
and Climate Policy (20%).
• Overall Country Performance: No country excels in all categories,
leaving the first three overall positions vacant.
• Top Performers: Denmark, Sweden, Chile, and Morocco (4th to
Climate Change 7th) outshine India among small countries.
Performance Index Germanwatch India's Standout Position:
(CCPI), 2023 • India is the only G-20 country ranked in the top 10 by CCPI.
• India has ranked 8th in the Index.
Other Rankings (CCPI 2023):
• The United Kingdom secures 11th place.
• China falls to 51st with an overall very low rating.
• The United States rises three ranks to 52nd but maintains an
overall very low rating.

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ENVIRONMENT
Name of the Index Publisher Rank of India (as of 2023 or latest)
Environmental Yale Center for
183rd- Low score indicates significant challenges in environmental
Performance Index Environmental Law &
protection.
(EPI), 2022 Governance
• India's carbon emissions are significantly below the world
United Nations
Emissions Gap average, standing at 2.4 tCO2e.
Environment Programme
Report 2022 • The top seven emitters globally are China, EU27, India, Indonesia,
(UNEP)
Brazil, the Russian Federation, and the USA.
• The report reveals a loss of 420 million hectares of forests due to
deforestation in the last 30 years (1990-2020).
State of the World’s Food and Agriculture
Forests 2022 Organization (FAO) • This loss represents approximately 10.34% of the total global
forest area, which is 4.06 billion hectares, covering 31% of the
earth's geographical area.

nnnn

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CAP Volume-7/7
MISCELLANEOUS

February 2024
to
April 2024

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PUNJAB CHALLENGES BSF’S INCREASED • Empowered Operations Under Notification:

OPERATIONAL JURISDICTION Š The notification grants BSF enhanced powers to
conduct search, seizure, and arrest operations
• Legal Challenge Under Article 131: for specified offenses under the CrPC and
Š Punjab has filed a suit against the Union Passport Act.
government, challenging the notification under Š However, the BSF’s expanded jurisdiction does
Article 131 of the Constitution. not extend to investigative functions, requiring
Š The suit contests the decision to expand BSF’s handover of suspects for legal proceedings.
operational jurisdiction in Punjab beyond the
defined limits under the BSF Act, 1968. Article 131 and Constitutional Implication
• Notification Details: • Original Jurisdiction of Supreme Court:

Š The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification Š Article 131 of the Constitution grants the Supreme
in October 2021 under Section 139 (1) of the BSF Court original jurisdiction in disputes involving
Act, 1968. the Government of India and one or more states,
among other scenarios.
Š This notification extended BSF’s jurisdiction in
Punjab, West Bengal, and Assam from 15 Km to Š The legal challenge by Punjab raises constitutional
50 Km, while reducing it in Gujarat from 80 km to questions regarding the balance of powers
50 km. between the Union government and states in
matters of border security and jurisdictional control.
Š Rajasthan already had a 50-Km jurisdiction in
place. About Border Security Force (BSF)
• Primary Mission and Establishment:
Legal Considerations and Challenges
Š Established in 1965, BSF is designated as the
• Constitutional Validity in Question:
“First Line of Defence for Indian Territories.”
Š The Supreme Court will examine whether
Š Its core mission is to safeguard India’s borders
the expanded jurisdiction complies with the
with neighboring nations, ensuring territorial
provisions of Section 139 of the BSF Act, which
integrity and security.
defines the limits of BSF’s operational areas.
Š The court will assess the implications of the ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
increased jurisdiction on state autonomy and Assam Rifles (AR)
border security management. • Assam Rifles (AR) serves as a border guarding force
• Factors for Jurisdiction Demarcation: deployed in the northeastern region of India.
Š The court will consider various factors influencing • It tackles insurgency, maintains security, and guards
the demarcation of BSF’s operational jurisdiction the India-Myanmar border.
within a state’s border area. Border Security Force (BSF)
Š This includes assessing the necessity and • BSF is tasked with guarding India’s international
rationale for the jurisdictional changes proposed borders with Bangladesh and Pakistan.
by the notification. • It prevents unauthorized entry, conducts search and
seizure operations, and upholds border security
Policing Powers of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) protocols.
• Delegation and Expansion of Police Powers:
Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
Š The BSF was initially delegated police powers
• CISF is responsible for providing security and
in 1969 under the BSF Act, with subsequent
protection to vital industrial installations and
amendments in 1973 and 2014.
infrastructure across India.
Š The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), guarding • It safeguards critical facilities such as airports,
the Indo-Nepal border, also has police and seaports, nuclear power plants, and government
investigative authority under the Criminal buildings.
Procedure Code (CrPC).

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Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Š Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV
• CRPF is primarily deployed for internal security with a payload capacity of 450 kg.
operations and counterinsurgency efforts. Š Certified under STANAG 4671, meeting NATO
• It assists civil authorities in maintaining law and order, standardization requirements.
handling riots, and ensuring public safety during INDIGENOUS DRDO DRONES
emergencies.
DRDO Nishant
Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB): • Multi-Mission UAV:
• It is a border guarding force of India deployed along
Š Deployed using a Mobile Hydro Pneumatic
its borders with Nepal and Bhutan.
Launcher with Day/Night capabilities.
• It is one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces
Š Utilized for battlefield surveillance,
under the administrative control of the Ministry of
reconnaissance, target tracking, and artillery fire
Home Affairs (MHA).
correction.
• The force was originally set up under the name Special
Service Bureau in 1963 in the aftermath of the Sino- Š Inducted into service with the Indian Army.
Indian War to strengthen India's border areas against TAPAS/Rustom-2
enemy operations. • MALE UAV Development:

Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) Š Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV
• ITBP is deployed along the India-China border in engineered for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target
the Himalayan region. Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR)
applications.
• It focuses on border guarding, surveillance, and
mountain rescue operations. Š Currently in advanced stages of developmental
trials.
National Security Guard (NSG)
RUSTOM-1
• NSG is a specialized commando force trained for
• SR-RPAS Capabilities:
counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations.
Š All-composite, 800 kg class Short Range Remotely
• It responds to high-risk situations, including terrorist
Piloted Aircraft System (SR-RPAS).
attacks and hijackings.
Š Equipped for intelligence, surveillance,
reconnaissance, target acquisition/tracking, and
DRISHTI 10 STARLINER UNMANNED AERIAL image exploitation missions.
VEHICLE (UAV) DRDO Lakshya
Recently, introduced by Adani Defence and Aerospace, the Drishti 10 • Target Drone Features:
Starliner UAV has been deployed for maritime operations with the Š Designed for discrete aerial reconnaissance and
Indian Navy. The UAV commenced its journey from Hyderabad to target acquisition missions.
Porbandar, signifying its integration into naval maritime activities. Š Launched by a solid propellant rocket motor and
powered by a turbojet engine during flight.
Key Features:
• Indigenous Manufacturing:
Š Represents the Indian Navy’s first domestically OPERATION SARVASHAKTI
manufactured UAV, with over 60% indigenous
• Purpose and Context:
content.
Š Indian Army launches “Operation Sarvashakti” in
Š Aims to enhance Maritime Domain Awareness
the Rajouri-Poonch sector of Jammu and Kashmir
(MDA) capabilities and bolster anti-piracy and
to combat terrorism following repeated attacks
seaborne missions.
on troops.
• Technical Specifications:
Š Modeled after “Operation Sarpvinash” initiated
Š Advanced intelligence, surveillance, and
in 2003, this operation targets the resurgence of
reconnaissance (ISR) platform designed for
militants along both sides of the Pir Panjal range.
naval operations.

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• Collaborative Counter-Militancy Efforts: Aims at AKASH-NG (NEW GENERATION) MISSILE

a combined counter-militancy approach with
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
coordination between Chinar Corps, White Knight
conducted a successful flight test of the New Generation Akash
Corps, Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF, Special
Missile (AKASH-NG) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in
Operations Group, and intelligence agencies.
Chandipur, Odisha.
Significance of the Region
Indigenous Surface-to-Air Missile: Akash-NG
• Strategic Importance of Pir Panjal Range:
• Introduction to Akash-NG:
Š Acts as a refuge for militants due to dense forest
Š India’s first indigenously produced medium-
cover, enabling hit-and-run tactics and providing
range Surface-to-Air missile capable of engaging
shelter.
multiple targets from various directions.
Š Serves as a natural division between Kashmir
• Target Range and Altitude:
Valley and Jammu, controlling critical entry points
to the Valley. Š Capable of engaging targets within a range of 4.5
km to 25 km, with an effective altitude coverage
Š Post-2019, militants increasingly target Pir Panjal,
from 100 meters to 20 km.
seeking sanctuary in its forests amidst decreased
local support in other areas. • Unique Features:
Š Mobile Launch Capability:
Overview of Pir Panjal Range ƒ Can be launched from mobile platforms such
• Natural Border and Geographical Features: as battle tanks or wheeled trucks, enhancing
Š Forms a natural border separating Kashmir and operational flexibility.
Jammu regions, influencing landscapes and Š High Kill Probability:
cultural distinctions.
ƒ Boasts a nearly 90% kill probability, ensuring
Š Features prominent peaks like Deo Tibba effective neutralization of targets.
(6,001m) and Indrasan (6,221m), defining the
• Supported Radar:
range’s geographical expanse.
Š Equipped with the indigenously developed
• Key Passes and Connectivity:
Rajendra radar system, enabling precise target
Š Houses significant passes such as Banihal Pass
tracking and engagement.
and Peer Ki Gali, facilitating connectivity between
• Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM):
Kashmir and Jammu regions.
Š Incorporates built-in ECCM features to counter
Š Encompasses rivers flowing from Jhelum to
enemy jamming and evasion tactics, ensuring
Chenab, covering regions like Rajouri, Budhal,
mission success.
and Poonch on the Indian side.
Significance and Technological Advancements
• Cost-Effective and Accurate: Represents a cost-
effective solution with high accuracy, leveraging
solid-fuel technology and advanced radar systems.
• Key Technological Attributes: Demonstrates
advancements in solid-fuel propulsion technology
and sophisticated radar systems, enhancing India’s
missile capabilities.

PROJECT AKASHDEEP
Recently, the Indian Army has started the induction of Akash Teer
Command and Control Systems under ‘Project Akashdeep’ to bolster
its air defence capabilities.

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About: BALLISTIC MISSILES

• Akash Teer Command and Control Systems is
• It is a rocket-propelled, self-guided strategic-
developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) as part
weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory
of the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.
to deliver a payload from its launch site to a
predetermined target.
• It can carry conventional high explosives as well as
chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.

Strategic Forces Command (SFC):

• The Strategic Forces Command (SFC), sometimes
called Strategic Nuclear Command, forms part of
India's Nuclear Command Authority (NCA).
Š The Nuclear Command Authority comprises a
• It is a cutting-edge initiative designed to automate air
Political Council and an Executive Council. The
defence control and reporting processes by digitising
Political Council is chaired by the Prime Minister.
the entire process.
It is the sole body which can authorise the use
• The system’s Control Centres, designed to be
vehicle-based and mobile, can maintain operational of nuclear weapons.
capabilities even in challenging communication Š The Executive Council is chaired by the National
environments. Security Advisor. It provides inputs for decision
• It aims to enable monitoring of low-level airspace over making by the Nuclear Command Authority
the battle areas of the Indian Army and effectively and executes the directives given to it by the
control the Ground Based Air Defence Weapon Systems. Political Council.
• By integrating radar and communication systems • It is responsible for the management and
at all levels into a unified network, Akashteer aims
administration of the country's tactical and strategic
to deliver an unprecedented level of situational
nuclear weapons stockpile.
awareness and control.

AGNI-PRIME BALLISTIC MISSILE DOXXING

Recently, the new generation ballistic missile Agni-Prime was In today's digital era, concerns of doxxing are increasing manifolds.
successfully flight-tested by the Strategic Forces Command (SFC)
along with the DRDO from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the coast About:
of Odisha.
• The act of digitally publicising a person’s private details
is called doxxing.
About:
Š Such as home addresses, phone numbers,
• It is a two-stage, surface-to-surface, canister-
private email IDs, medical conditions, government
launched, road-mobile, and solid-fueled medium-
documents, live locations, etc.
range ballistic missile.
• It allows abusers and criminals who are thousands of
• The Agni-Prime is equipped with a dual redundant
miles away to target victims by putting their private
navigation and guidance system.
details online for others to exploit.
• It has a range between 1000 to 2000 km.
• Such information is usually obtained through illegal
• The missile is lighter than all the earlier Agni series of methods such as hacking or theft.
missiles.
• Social media companies are bound by India’s IT
• It features significant upgrades to the composite Rules, submitting a cybercrime complaint is one way
motor casing, a manoeuvrable reentry vehicle (MaRV), to make sure the platform is forced to take action
along with improved propellants, navigation, and quickly.
guidance systems.

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SUBMERSIBLE PLATFORM FOR ACOUSTIC • Main operations conducted:

CHARACTERISATION AND EVALUATION Š Operation CloudBurst (1990): Targeted terrorist
A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation hideouts in Punjab.
and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated at Underwater Acoustic Š Operation Ashwamedh (1993): Counter-hijack
Research Facility, in Kerala. operation at Amritsar Airport.
About: Š Operation Vajra Shakti (2002): Neutralized
• The SPACE is set up by the Naval Physical & terrorists at Akshardham Temple, Gujarat.
Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO. Š Operation Black Tornado (2008): Counterterrorist
• Objective: It has been designed as a premier testing operation during the Mumbai attacks.
and evaluation hub for sonar systems destined for
the Indian Navy onboard various platforms including
ships, submarines and helicopters.
NATIONAL CADET CORPS (NCC)
The Ministry of Defence is planning a phase-wise augmentation of the
• The SPACE will consist of two distinct assemblages:
National Cadet Corps (NCC) from the current 17 lakh cadets to 27 lakh
Š A platform which floats on the water surface and in the next 10 years. This is aimed at enhancing the reach of the tri-
Š A submersible platform which can be lowered to service organisation to a greater number of educational institutions,
any depth up to 100 m using winch systems. with a focus on border areas.
• Applications:
Š The SPACE will be utilized for evaluation of About:
complete sonar systems, allowing for quick • The NCC in India was formed under the National
deployment and easy recovery of scientific Cadet Corps Act of 1948.
packages such as sensors and transducers. • It can be traced back to the “University Corps“, which
Š It will be suitable for survey, sampling, and was created under the Indian Defense Act 1917, with
data collection of air, surface, mid-water, and the objective to make up for the shortage in the Army.
reservoir floor parameters using modern scientific
• It is the youth wing of the Armed Forces with its
instrumentation.
Headquarters at New Delhi.
• It is open to school and college students on a voluntary
NATIONAL SECURITY GUARD (NSG) basis. NCC is the largest uniformed youth organization.
Senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer Nalin Prabhat has been
appointed as the Director-General of National Security Guard (NSG).
• It is a Tri-Services Organization, comprising the Army,
Navy and Air Wing, engaged in grooming the youth of
About: the country into disciplined and patriotic citizens.
• The NSG was formed in 1986 to save the country from • Its motto is 'Unity and Discipline'.
terror activities.
• It comes under the control of the Ministry of Home
Affairs, Government of India. DURGA-2 (DIRECTIONALLY UNRESTRICTED
• The NSG was established in the wake of Operation RAY GUN ARRAY)
Blue Star of 1984. DRDO is conducting tests on a prototype of its DURGA-2 laser defense
Š During this operation the Union Government felt system.
the need to have a special force to tackle terror
activities. About:
• The NSG is served by the officers/personnel from the • It damages or destroys its target using focused
Central Armed Police Forces, Indian Army and State energy by means of lasers, microwaves or particle
Police Forces. beams.
• The NSG personnel are often referred as Black Cats • Russia, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Israel,
because of the black outfit and black cat insignia and China already have this system.
on their uniform. The motto of the NSG is "Sarvatra • Their beams are not affected by the constraining
Sarvottam Suraksha". effects of gravity or atmospheric drag.

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Advantages: • Key Features:

• Directed energy weapons, also called laser weapons, if Š Distinguishing itself from its predecessor, Crystal
developed and deployed operationally, can neutralise Maze 1, which was previously inducted into the
any drone or ballistic missile attacks from the skies Israeli Air Force (IAF), Crystal Maze 2 offers
or even at the originating location as it can travel at extended stand-off range capabilities as an air-
the speed of the light. It can deflect the path of the to-surface missile.
missiles and can even destroy a fighter aircraft.
Š It can strike targets over 250 kilometers away.
• The present generation of anti-aircraft or anti-missile
Š With options for either a penetration or blast
systems are not considered fool-proof but the
fragmentation warhead, the missile can
laser weapon promises to have extremely high kill
effectively destroy above-ground or well-
probability.
protected underground targets.
Š It demonstrates effectiveness in GPS-denied
CRYSTAL MAZE 2
environments.
Crystal Maze 2, also known as ROCKS, is an air-launched medium-
range ballistic missile originating from Israel. Š ROCKS' deployment strategy involves releasing
the missile well outside the surface-to-air
About: defended area, followed by a high-velocity
• It is designed to target high-value stationary and trajectory to minimize risks to aircraft and
relocatable assets, such as long-range radars and air missiles.
defense systems, belonging to potential adversaries.

EXERCISES IN NEWS
Exercise Name Details
The 11th edition of the India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise KHANJAR has begun at the Special Forces
Training School in Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh.
• This annual event alternates between India and Kyrgyzstan each year.
• The Indian Army contingent, consisting of 20 personnel, includes troops from The Parachute Regiment
(Special Forces).
Exercise Khanjar • The Kyrgyzstan contingent, also comprising 20 personnel, is represented by the Scorpion Brigade.
• The primary objective of the exercise is to share experiences and best practices in Counter Terrorism and
Special Forces Operations, particularly focusing on Built-up Area and Mountainous Terrain operations under
Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• The exercise aims to enhance Special Forces skills and to practice advanced techniques of insertion and
extraction.
• The 2nd edition of the India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise CYCLONE is currently underway in Anshas,
Egypt.
• The inaugural edition of this exercise took place in India in 2023.
• The Indian Army contingent for this exercise comprises 25 personnel from The Parachute Regiment (Special
Forces).
Exercise Cyclone
• The Egyptian contingent is represented by the Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne
Platoon.
• Exercise CYCLONE is aligned with Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter and focuses on familiarizing both
forces with operating procedures in desert and semi-desert terrains, with an emphasis on special operations
training.

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Exercise Name Details

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) organized Exercise Desert Knight in collaboration with the French Air and Space
Force (FASF) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Air Force.
• The French contingent brought Rafale fighter aircraft and a Multi Role Tanker Transport to the exercise, while
Exercise Desert the UAE Air Force deployed the F-16.
Knight • The primary objective of Exercise Desert Knight was to improve synergy and interoperability among the three
Air Forces.
• The interactions during the exercise enabled the exchange of operational knowledge, experiences, and best
practices among the participating air forces.
• The UAE Land Forces contingent of 45 personnel participated in the 1st edition of the India-UAE Joint Military
Exercise ‘DESERT CYCLONE’ in Mahajan, Rajasthan.
• The Indian Army contingent of 45 personnel, mainly from a Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment,
also joined.
Ex-Desert
• The Exercise focused on enhancing interoperability in Sub-conventional Operations, including Fighting
Cyclone
in Built-Up Area (FIBUA), in desert/semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter on
Peacekeeping Operations.
• Drills included establishing a Joint Surveillance Centre, Cordon and Search Operations, Domination of Built-
Up Areas, and Heliborne Operations to foster collaboration and share best practices.
• Participating countries include India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the US.
• The exercise aims to enhance skills in various maritime combat domains through aerial and ground-based
tasks, including:
Exercise Sea
• Anti-submarine warfare (ASW): Identifying and neutralizing enemy submarines underwater.
Dragon
• Surface warfare: Coordinated attacks on hostile surface vessels using advanced weaponry and tactics.
• Air defense: Establishing an effective air defense system to protect friendly forces from aerial threats.
• Search and rescue (SAR): Locating and rescuing maritime personnel in distress.
• The 12th edition of the biennial Multilateral Naval Exercise MILAN was held in Visakhapatnam under the
Eastern Naval Command.
MILAN 24 • MILAN aims to enhance professional interaction between friendly navies and gain experience in multilateral
Exercise large-force operations at sea.
• MILAN began in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 1995 and has since grown to include participation from
navies of Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand in this edition.
• The India-Thailand Bilateral Exercise, named ‘Ex-Ayutthaya’ (meaning ‘The Invincible One’ or ‘Undefeatable’),
signifies the historic and cultural ties between the two nations, referencing the ancient cities of Ayodhya in
India and Ayutthaya in Thailand.
• Indian Naval ships Kulish and IN LCU 56 participated in the inaugural edition of the exercise.
Ayutthaya • This bilateral exercise marks a significant step in strengthening operational synergy and increasing exercise
Exercise complexity between the Indian and Thai navies.
• During the maiden edition of the exercise, participating units conducted surface and anti-air exercises,
including weapon firing, seamanship evolutions, and tactical manoeuvres.
• The 36th edition of India-Thailand Coordinated Patrol (Indo-Thai CORPAT) was also conducted alongside the
inaugural bilateral exercise.
SADA TANSEEQ • Joint military exercise between India and Saudi Arabia.
Exercise
Exercise • 16th biennial trilateral coast guard exercise between India, Maldives, and Sri Lanka.
‘DOSTI-16’ • Bangladesh participating as an observer.

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Exercise Name Details

• It is NATO’s largest military exercise since the Cold War.
• The exercise is divided into two parts: the first part focuses on securing the Atlantic up to the Arctic, and the
Exercise second part focuses on moving troops across Europe, from the High North to Central and Eastern Europe.
Steadfast • The main purpose of Steadfast Defender 24 is to showcase NATO’s collective military strength and
Defender 24 commitment to the security of its members.
• Approximately 90,000 troops from all 31 NATO Allies, along with Sweden as an Invitee, are participating in this
unprecedented exercise.

ABHYAS - HIGH-SPEED EXPENDABLE AERIAL • Indigenous Content: Showcases over 80% indigenous
TARGET (HEAT) content by cost, reflecting collaborative efforts
between Indian Navy and industry.
About: • Symbolism: Named ‘Sandhayak’ meaning one who
• Autonomous Design: ABHYAS-HEAT is designed for carries out special searches, with a crest depicting a
autonomous flight utilizing an auto-pilot system. mariner’s compass, divider, and anchor symbolizing
• Indigenous Development: Developed domestically by ocean charting.
the DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment • Commissioning Impact: Affirms India’s prowess
(ADE). in warship design and construction, highlighting
• Advanced Features: growing maritime capabilities.
Š Equipped with essential systems like Radar
Cross Section, Visual and Infrared augmentation, GO HOME AND RE-UNITE (GHAR) PORTAL
crucial for weapon testing. • About Portal:
Š Includes a laptop-based Ground Control System Š Launched by the National Commission for
for effective operation. Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).
• Logistics and Cost: ABHYAS-HEAT requires minimal Š Aims to digitally monitor and track the restoration
logistics and is economically advantageous and repatriation of children in accordance with
compared to imported equivalents. protocols outlined in the Juvenile Justice (Care
and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.
INS SANDHAYAK • National Commission for Protection of Child Rights
INS Sandhayak (Yard 3025), the first Survey Vessel Large (SVL) (NCPCR):
ship, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Naval Dockyard, Š Acts as the apex body responsible for
Visakhapatnam. safeguarding children’s rights in India.
• Primary Role: Conducting full-scale hydrographic Š Established under the Commission for Protection
surveys of ports, harbours, navigational channels/ of Child Rights (CPCR) Act, 2005, making it a
routes, coastal areas, and deep seas to ensure safe statutory body.
marine navigation. Š Comprises 1 chairperson and 6 members
• Secondary Role: Capable of undertaking various naval appointed to oversee child rights issues.
operations beyond hydrographic surveys. Š Submits annual reports to the central government
on child welfare and protection.
About Š Holds responsibilities under other key legislations
• Specifications: Displacement of 3,400 tons, length of including the Protection of Children from Sexual
110 meters, and beam of 16 meters. Offences (POCSO) Act (2012) and the Right
• Advanced Equipment: Equipped with cutting-edge to Education (RTE) Act (2009), highlighting
hydrographic instruments and navigation systems its comprehensive role in child protection and
essential for comprehensive ocean mapping. education.

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An initiative of Group
for Prelims (CAP) 2024

DIGITAL DETOX • Premature Closure and Withdrawal:

• Collaboration and Launch: Š Premature closure is allowed in cases of the
Š The Karnataka Government announced the account holder’s death or when continuing the
Digital Detox Initiative in partnership with the account causes undue hardship.
All India Game Developers Forum (AIGDF) and Š After the girl child turns 18, she can make a
NIMHANS (National Institute of Mental Health premature withdrawal of up to 50% of the balance
and Neurosciences). for higher education purposes.
• Objective: • Other Benefits:
Š Digital Detox refers to a deliberate period where Š The girl child can operate the account after
individuals reduce their online activities and reaching 10 years of age.
screen time on electronic devices like mobile Š Payment on maturity is made to the girl child.
phones and laptops. Š Interest continues to accrue even after maturity if
• Initiative Goals: the account remains open.
Š Promote responsible gaming practices among Š Deposits can be made in the account until 15
the population. years from the date of opening.
Š Create awareness about the importance of
limiting screen time and managing digital usage.
NATIONAL AYUSH MISSION
Š Establish Digital Detox centers to provide
personalized guidance and support for individuals • Launch and Scope:
seeking to reduce their digital dependency. Š The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) is a centrally
Š Foster community engagement through sponsored scheme initiated by the Ministry of
workshops and educational sessions on Ayush in 2014.
responsible gaming and digital well-being. Š Focuses on developing, educating, and
propagating India’s traditional medical systems,
SUKANYA SAMRIDDHI YOJANA (SSY) including Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy,
• Ministry Responsible: Ministry of Finance Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homoeopathy
• Background and Purpose: SSY is a small deposit (AYUSH).
scheme introduced in 2015 under the Beti Bachao • Objectives of NAM:
Beti Padhao campaign to promote savings for the Š Increase accessibility to AYUSH services across
future of girl children. India.
• Account Opening: Accounts can be opened in Post Š Promote cultivation of medicinal plants used in
Offices and designated branches of Commercial Banks. AYUSH systems.
• Account Details: Š Strengthen educational institutions offering
Š Accounts are opened in the name of a girl child, AYUSH courses.
and a maximum of two accounts can be opened Š Raise awareness about the benefits of AYUSH
for two different girl children in a family. practices among the population.
Š The account can be transferred anywhere in • Tenure:
India from one post office/bank to another. Š The mission is planned to continue until 2026,
• Interest Rate and Calculation: aiming for sustained growth and impact in the
Š Interest is calculated annually on a compounded AYUSH sector.
basis and credited to the account, with the rate • Achievements of NAM:
notified by the government. Š Notable success in 2022-23 with 8.42 Crore
• Maturity of Scheme: beneficiaries availing AYUSH services,
Š The account matures after 21 years from the date demonstrating the program’s effectiveness in
of opening or on the marriage of the girl child, reaching and benefitting a significant portion of
whichever is earlier. the population.

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PAYMENTS INFRASTRUCTURE About:

DEVELOPMENT FUND (PIDF) SCHEME • It is implemented by the Ministry of New and
Renewable Energy (MNRE) as part of PM-JANMAN.
• Extension of PIDF Scheme: • The scheme covers electrification in PVTG areas located
Š The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended in 18 States and UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
the Payments Infrastructure Development Fund
• It focuses on off-grid solar systems where grid-based
(PIDF) Scheme until 2025.
electricity supply is not feasible.
• Key Details of the Scheme:
Š Operationalization: The PIDF Scheme was first Key Features of the Scheme:
launched in 2021 with a duration of three years. • Components:
Š Objectives: The scheme aims to promote Š Electrification of 1 lakh PVTG Households through
the deployment of payment acceptance Off-grid Solar Power:
infrastructure, including physical Point of Sale Š Solar Home Lighting System (SHLS) provided free
(PoS) terminals and Quick Response (QR) of cost for scattered un-electrified Households.
codes, particularly in tier-3 to tier-6 centers,
Š Central Financial Assistance (CFA) covers system
North Eastern states, and Union Territories (UTs)
cost, transportation, installation, maintenance for
of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
5 years, and taxes.
ƒ The scheme was also extended to street
Š Provision of 0.3 kW Solar off-grid system for each
vendors covered under the PM Street Vendor’s
HH.
AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi Scheme) in
• Solar Mini-Grid:
Tier-1 and Tier-2 centers.
Š Installed for clusters of households in PVTG
Š Governance: PIDF is governed by an Advisory
habitation/hamlet instead of individual Solar
Council and managed and administered by RBI.
Home Lighting System (SHLS).
Š Types of Acceptance Devices Covered: Acceptance
devices eligible under PIDF include physical Š MNRE provides Central Financial Assistance
PoS, mobile PoS (mPoS), General Packet Radio (CFA) support limited to Rs. 50,000 per un-
Service (GPRS), Public Switched Telephone electrified household covered under the Mini-Grid.
Network (PSTN), etc. Š The developer is responsible for operating and
• Enhancements and Scope of Beneficiaries: maintaining the Mini-Grid for a minimum of 5
years.
Š Inclusion of Additional Beneficiaries: Under the
extended scheme, beneficiaries of the PM • Solarization of multi-Purpose Centers (MPCs):
Vishwakarma Scheme in all centers are included Š Installation of solar street lighting and provision
as merchants eligible under PIDF. of lighting in 1500 MPCs where grid electricity is
Š Eligibility of Devices: Sound Box devices and unavailable.
Aadhaar-enabled biometric devices are now Š Each MPC receives Rs. 1 lakh for solarization.
eligible for subsidy claims under the PIDF Scheme. • Implementation Agency: The respective DISCOM in
Š Uniform Subsidy for Special Focus Areas: Subsidy the PVTG area serves as the implementing agency
for special focus areas has been standardized at for the Scheme.
90% of the device cost, regardless of the type of • Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan
device. (PM JANMAN):
Š Aim: PM JANMAN aims to provide essential
SOLAR POWER SCHEME FOR PVTGS facilities to PVTG households and habitations,
HABITATIONS including safe housing, clean drinking water,
sanitation, improved education access, etc.
The President has approved the implementation of a new solar
Š Interventions: PM JANMAN comprises 11 critical
power scheme specifically targeting Particularly Vulnerable Tribal
Groups (PVTGs) under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya interventions implemented through 9 ministries,
Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN). including the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).

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An initiative of Group
for Prelims (CAP) 2024

MPLADS E-SAKSHI MOBILE APPLICATION • About Social Audit (SA):

Š Definition and Process: Social Audit (SA) involves
• Overview:
examining and assessing a program or scheme
Š The Ministry of Statistics and Programme with active participation of people, comparing
Implementation (MoSPI) launched the MPLADS official records with ground realities.
e-SAKSHI mobile application, enabling Members
Š Guiding Principles of SA: SA is guided by principles
of Parliament (MPs) to propose, track, and
such as Access to Information (Jaankari),
oversee projects under the Member of Parliament
Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS). Participation (Bhagidari), and Protection of
Citizens (Suraksha).
• Key Features of MPLADS:
Š Scheme Details: MPLADS is a Central Sector
Scheme administered by MoSPI. DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS
Š Utilization of Funds: MPLADS funds are utilized Tamil Nadu has filed a suit at the Supreme Court claiming that the
for developing durable community assets in Centre is withholding national disaster relief funds, after Cyclone
various sectors such as drinking water, primary Michaung and consequent floods rocked the state in 2023.
education, healthcare facilities, etc.
Š Allocation for Marginalized Communities: At least About:
15 percent of the MPLADS entitlement is allocated • Funds for disaster relief are available to states from
for areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste (SC) two sources — the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF)
population, and 7.5 percent for areas inhabited and the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF).
by Scheduled Tribe (ST) population. • These funds were created with the enactment of the
Š Non-Lapsable Funds: MPLADS funds are non- Disaster Management Act, 2005 (DMA), following the
lapsable, meaning that unutilized funds are devastating tsunami in 2004.
carried forward to subsequent years.
• Calamities Under NDRF: It covers calamities such as
Š Oversight and Inspection: District authorities are cyclones, droughts and floods that are considered
required to inspect at least 10% of all ongoing
to be of severe nature by the Government of India,
projects every year to ensure quality and
and which require additional funding beyond what is
progress.
available in the SDRF.
• Process of Funding: A state that does not have
SOCIAL AUDIT ADVISORY BODY (SAAB) adequate funds in the SDRF and has faced a national
calamity beyond the coping capacity of the State
• Inaugural Meeting of SAAB:
Government can submit a request for funds from the
Š The first meeting of the Social Audit Advisory
NDRF.
Body (SAAB) was held recently.
Š First, the MHA will immediately constitute an
• Key Details of SAAB:
Inter Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) to visit the
Š Advisory Body Description: SAAB is the first-of-
areas affected by the calamity, and determine if
its-kind advisory body established within the
there is a need for additional funds.
National Institute of Social Defence (NISD).
Š Then, the IMCT will submit its recommendation
ƒ NISD operates under the Department of Social
to a sub-committee of the National Executive
Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE), Ministry of
Committee which will decide how much funding
Social Justice and Empowerment.
can be made available.
Š Purpose of SAAB: SAAB will provide guidance to
Š Finally, a committee chaired by the Home
the Ministry in implementing social audits for its
various schemes. Minister, and comprising the Ministers for
Agriculture and Finance, as well as the NITI
ƒ It will facilitate capacity building of the
Aayog vice-chairman, will sign off on the release
members of Social Justice Cell of the Social
of NDRF funds.
Audit Units.

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An initiative of Group

NUCLEAR SAFETY CONCERNS OVER International Regulatory Framework for Preventing

ZAPORIZHZHIA NUCLEAR POWER STATION Nuclear Disasters:
Russia has demanded Western Countries to respond to Ukraine's • Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS): The CNS is a
legally binding international treaty that establishes
strike on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station controlled by
fundamental safety principles and obligations for the
Russian forces.
safe operation of nuclear power plants.
About: Š Participating states are required to submit national
• The International Atomic Energy Agency, said it was the reports on the implementation of safety measures
first time the nuclear plant was directly targeted since and undergo peer review by other parties to
assess compliance with safety standards.
2022 and said the attack had endangered nuclear safety.
• Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel
• Russian forces took control of the plant in 2022 shortly
Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste
after their full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Management: This convention addresses the safe
• Both Russia and Ukraine have repeatedly accused management and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and
each other of risking a nuclear accident by attacking radioactive waste, aiming to prevent accidents and
the plant. minimize environmental and health risks associated
with radioactive materials.
Š Participating states commit to implementing
safety measures throughout the entire lifecycle
of radioactive waste, from generation to disposal.
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): The IAEA
plays a central role in promoting nuclear safety
worldwide through its safety standards, guidelines,
and technical assistance programs.
Š The Agency conducts safety reviews,
assessments, and peer reviews of nuclear facilities
to evaluate compliance with international safety
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station:
standards and identify areas for improvement.
• The Zaporizhzhia plant, in southern Ukraine, is the
• Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident
largest nuclear plant in Europe.
and the Convention on Assistance in the Case of
• The facility stopped generating power in 2022, but a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency: It
needs a constant supply of electricity to cool one of adopted in 1986 following the Chernobyl nuclear plant
its reactors which is in a state of "hot conservation", accident, sets out an international framework for co-
meaning it is not fully offline. operation among States Parties and with the IAEA to
facilitate prompt assistance and support in the event
Nuclear Disasters: of nuclear accidents or radiological emergencies.
• A nuclear disaster is damage caused by the abnormal REGULATION IN INDIA
emission of radiation or radioactive material resulting
• Activities concerning establishment and utilisation of
from an accident, etc. at a nuclear facility. It causes
nuclear facilities and use of radioactive sources are
lethal effects to individuals, large radioactivity release
carried out in India in accordance with the relevant
to the environment, or reactor core melt. provisions of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962.
• Worldwide there have been 99 accidents at nuclear • The environment protection aspects are governed by the
power plants. Environmental Protection Act, 1986.
Š Fifty-seven accidents have occurred since the • The regulations for radiation protection aspects are as
Chernobyl disaster, and 57% of all nuclear- governed by the Radiation Protection Rules, 1962.
related accidents have occurred in the USA. • Safety aspects in mining and milling of prescribed
substances are governed by the Mines Minerals Prescribed
Š Serious nuclear power plant accidents include
Substance Rules, 1984.
the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster (2011),
• Safe waste disposal is ensured by implementation of the
Chernobyl disaster (1986), Three Mile Island
Atomic Energy Safe Disposal of Radioactive Waste Rules, 1987.
accident (1979), and the SL-1 accident (1961).

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for Prelims (CAP) 2024

SELA TUNNEL Š Transportation Milestone: The introduction of

the Rangpo railway station will connect Sikkim
• Project Overview: by railway for the first time, providing residents
Š Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the with a third mode of transportation, alongside air
Sela tunnel to the nation, located in Arunachal travel and roads.
Pradesh, as a strategic infrastructure project. • Significance of Rangpo Railway Station:
Š The tunnel, situated at an altitude of 13,000 feet, Š Improved Connectivity: The railway station will
is designed to provide all-weather connectivity to enhance connectivity to and within Sikkim,
the strategically important Tawang district and facilitating easier access for residents and visitors.
facilitate smoother movement of troops along the
Š Economic and Social Impact: The development
frontier region.
of railway infrastructure in Sikkim is expected
• Key Features of Sela Tunnel: to have positive economic and social impacts,
Š Cost and Length: Constructed at a cost of Rs fostering growth and development in the region.
825 crore, the Sela tunnel is recognized as the
longest bi-lane road tunnel in the world at such a
GEVRA MINE IN CHHATTISGARH
high altitude.
Š Connectivity: The tunnel, built by the Border • Overview:
Roads Organisation (BRO), connects Assam’s Š The Gevra mine, operated by Coal India’s
Tezpur to the West Kameng district of Arunachal subsidiary South Eastern Coalfield Limited
Pradesh. (SECL) in Chhattisgarh, is set to become the
• Strategic Significance: largest coal mine in Asia.
Š Improved Connectivity: The completion of the Š Environmental clearance has been granted to
Sela tunnel aims to enhance connectivity to the expand production capacity from the current
remote Tawang district, which holds significant 52.5 million tons per annum to 70 million tons per
strategic importance. annum.
Š Troop Movement: The tunnel is expected to • Achievements and Significance:
facilitate easier and safer movement of troops Š Environmental Clearance: The Ministry of Coal,
along the frontier region, particularly in challenging in coordination with the Ministry of Environment,
terrain and adverse weather conditions. Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), facilitated
the record-time approval for expanding Gevra
RANGPO mine’s production capacity.
Š Energy Contribution: Gevra mine plays a crucial
• Overview:
role in meeting the energy needs of India and has
Š Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid the been identified as one of SECL’s megaprojects.
foundation stone for Sikkim’s first railway station
• Technological Advancements at Gevra:
at Rangpo.
Š Gevra mine utilizes eco-friendly mining technologies
Š The design of the station will be inspired by the
such as Surface Miner and Ripper Mining.
rich culture, heritage, and architecture of the
Himalayan state. Š High-capacity mining equipment like 42 Cum
shovel and 240-ton dumpers are used for efficient
• Key Details of Rangpo Railway Station:
overburden removal.
Š Connectivity and Infrastructure Projects: The
Š The mine features a first-mile connectivity
Rangpo railway station is part of a larger initiative
system with conveyer belts, silos, and rapid
involving over 2,000 rail infrastructure projects
loading systems for swift and eco-friendly coal
valued at around Rs 41,000 crore, unveiled by
evacuation.
the Prime Minister.