ISRO & PSLV, GSLV, SSLV PDF

1 ISRO & PSLV, GSLV, SSLV ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)  Established: 1969 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, superseding INCOSPAR  Department of Space (DOS): Set up in 1972, ISRO brought under DOS  Headquarters: Bengaluru, India  Main Objective...

1 ISRO & PSLV, GSLV, SSLV ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation)  Established: 1969 by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, superseding INCOSPAR  Department of Space (DOS): Set up in 1972, ISRO brought under DOS  Headquarters: Bengaluru, India  Main Objective: Harness space technology for national development  Funding: Managed and funded by the Government of India and the Department of Space  Key Milestones:  Aryabhata (1975): India's first satellite, focused on experiments in aeronomics, solar physics, and X-ray astronomy  Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India's first lunar mission, discovered water molecules on the moon  Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan, 2013): India’s first mission to Mars, first country to reach Mars on its first attempt  Chandrayaan-2 (2019): Key mission in India's space exploration  INSAT system (1983): One of the largest domestic communication satellite systems in the Asia-Pacific  IRS (1988): India’s first remote-sensing satellite  Launch Sites:  Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC): Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – Launch vehicle development center  Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC): Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh – Primary spaceport for launching satellites  Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island: Odisha – Primarily used for missile testing and space-related experiments  Kulasekarapattinam Spaceport (Under construction): Tamil Nadu – Dedicated to launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs) developed by the private sector ISRO’s Launch Vehicles  PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)  Purpose: Launch satellites into Low Earth Orbit (LEO)  First Successful Launch: October 1994  It has a lift-off mass of 320 tons and is 44 meters tall.  PSLV can carry satellites up to a total weight of 2000 kg into space and reach up to an altitude of 600-900 km.  Stages: Four-stage rocket (solid and liquid propellants)  Known as "Workhorse of ISRO" for its reliability  Satellites Launched by PSLV: Chandrayaan-1 (2008), Mars Orbiter Mission (2013), Astrosat (2015 - India's first space observatory), Aditya-L1 (2023), XPoSat (First dedicated scientific satellite for space- based polarization measurements)  GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle)  Purpose: Launch satellites into Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)  Height: 49.13 m (tallest ISRO vehicle)  Stages: Three-stage vehicle with solid, liquid, and cryogenic propellant stages  Payload Capacity: Up to 5,000 kg to GTO and 10,000 kg to LEO  First Launch: April 18, 2001  Success Rate: GSLV Mk I – 29%, GSLV Mk II – 86%  Key Missions: GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS (Meteorological observations and ocean surface monitoring), GSLV- F12/NVS-01(NavIC), CARE Mission (2014 - Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment), GSAT-19 Mission (2017 - Communications satellite), Chandrayaan-2 (2019), OneWeb (2022), Chandrayaan-3 (2023 - Launched using GSLV Mk III)  Nickname: "Naughty boy" due to inconsistent track record  GSLV Mk III: Most advanced ISRO launch vehicle, can support manned space missions ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 9 of 348  1  SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle)  Purpose: Low-cost, quick-turnaround launch vehicle for small satellites  Stages: Three-stage vehicle with solid propulsion stages and liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Modulae (VTM)  Payload Capacity: Up to 500 kg  Launch-on-Demand: Designed for quick integration (72 hours)  Key Flights: o SSLV-D1 (2022): First flight, failed to reach intended orbit o SSLV-D2 (2023): Successfully reached orbit INTERIM BUDGET  An Interim Budget is a temporary financial plan presented by the government before elections.  It covers government expenditures until a new government takes office.  The Interim Budget 2024-2025, was presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2024, serves as a fiscal roadmap for India until the full budget is introduced in July 2024.  Theme: ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and Sabka Vishwas’ and “Sabka Prayas”  No changes proposed in tax rates in the Interim Budget.  Focus on upliftment of ‘Garib’ (Poor), ‘Mahilayen’ (Women), ‘Yuva’ (Youth), and ‘Annadata’ (Farmer). Government Assistance Achievements:  Helped 25 crore people out of multi-dimensional poverty over the last 10 years.  Rs. 34 lakh crore disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer, saving Rs. 2.7 lakh crore for the government.  PM-SVANidhi aided 78 lakh street vendors, with 2.3 lakh on their third credit cycle.  PM-JANMAN Yojana supports particularly vulnerable tribal groups.  PM-Vishwakarma Yojana aids artisans across 18 trades. Agriculture and Farmer Support:  PM-KISAN SAMMAN Yojana benefited 11.8 crore farmers.  PM Fasal Bima Yojana provided crop insurance to 4 crore farmers.  e-NAM integrated 1361 mandis serving 1.8 crore farmers. Women's Empowerment and Education:  30 crore Mudra Yojana loans issued to women entrepreneurs.  28% increase in female higher education enrollment.  Women make up 43% of STEM course enrollments.  Over 70% of PM Awas Yojana (rural) houses allotted to women. PM Awas Yojana (Grameen):  Plans for two crore additional houses in the next five years. Energy Initiatives:  1 crore households to receive 300 units of free electricity monthly through rooftop solarization.  Expected annual saving per household: Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 18,000. Healthcare Enhancement:  Ayushman Bharat healthcare coverage extended to all ASHA and Anganwadi workers. Infrastructure and Transportation:  Capital expenditure to be increased by 11.1% to Rs. 11,11,111 crore (3.4% of GDP)  Identification and implementation of three major economic railway corridors. Aviation Growth:  Doubling of airports to 149.  Introduction of 517 new routes serving 1.3 crore passengers.  Indian carriers placed orders for over 1000 new aircraft. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 10 of 348  1 Green Energy and Environmental Initiatives:  Plan for 100 MT coal gasification and liquefaction by 2030.  Mandatory blending of biogas in natural gas sources. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):  FDI inflow of USD 596 billion from 2014-23, double that of the previous decade. State Government Reforms:  Allocation of Rs. 75,000 crore as fifty-year interest-free loans for state reforms. Fiscal Estimates:  Fiscal deficit estimated at 5.1% of GDP for 2024-25.  Gross and net market borrowings projected at Rs. 14.13 lakh crore and Rs. 11.75 lakh crore respectively. Direct and Indirect Tax Proposals:  Retention of existing tax rates for direct and indirect taxes.  Introduction of GST has doubled the tax base and increased monthly collections to Rs. 1.66 lakh crore. Tax and Customs Reforms:  No tax liability for income up to Rs 7 lakh.  Reductions in corporate income tax rates for domestic and new manufacturing companies. INDIA-EFTA AGREEMENT  India signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with EFTA countries (Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein) on March 10, 2024.  EFTA is an inter-governmental organization established in 1960 to promote free trade and economic integration.  For the first time India is signing an FTA with four developed nations.  EFTA has committed to: o $100 billion foreign direct investment in India over the next 15 years. o Creation of 1 million direct jobs in India over the same period. o Investment commitments exclude foreign portfolio investment. o First FTA to include legal commitment for promoting targeted investment and job creation.  Market Access and Tariff Commitments o EFTA offer:  92.2% tariff lines covering 99.6% of India’s exports.  100% tariff reduction on non-agricultural products and concessions on Processed Agricultural Products (PAP). o India offer:  82.7% tariff lines covering 95.3% of EFTA exports, with Gold imports exempted from any duty reduction.  Sensitive sectors like pharma, medical devices, processed food protected under the PLI scheme.  Dairy, soya, coal, and sensitive agricultural products are excluded from the agreement.  Commitments in Services Sector: o India offers: 105 sub-sectors to EFTA. o EFTA offers:  128 sub-sectors from Switzerland, 114 from Norway, 107 from Liechtenstein, and 110 from Iceland.  Better access for digital delivery of services (Mode 1) and commercial presence (Mode 3).  Improved certainty for entry and temporary stay of key personnel (Mode 4).  Professional Services and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) o Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) for professional services (nursing, chartered accountants, architects). ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 11 of 348  1 o IPR commitments at TRIPS (Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) level.  India's generic medicine interests and concerns about evergreening of patents have been addressed.  IPR standards reflect Switzerland’s high benchmarks, demonstrating India’s robust IPR regime.  Economic and Strategic Benefits o Boost to “Make in India”: Opportunities for sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, machinery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food processing, etc. o Access to EU markets: Switzerland serves as a base for extending Indian market reach into the EU. o EFTA will enable technology collaboration and access to world-leading technologies in areas like precision engineering, health sciences, renewable energy, and innovation. o TEPA will facilitate vocational and technical training, providing better employment opportunities for India’s youth. European Free Trade Association (EFTA):  Established: 1960  Founding members: Austria, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, UK.  Iceland joined in 1970, Finland in 1986, Liechtenstein in 1991.  Several countries left EFTA to join the EU (e.g., Denmark, UK in 1973; Portugal in 1986).  Current members: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland.  Global Trade Network: EFTA has over 60 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including with the EU.  EFTA Council: Highest governing body, meets 8 times annually (ambassadorial level) and twice at ministerial level.  EFTA Secretariat o Geneva HQ: Manages relations and FTAs. o Brussels office: Handles EEA Agreement and EU collaboration. o Luxembourg: Focuses on European statistical integration. o EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA): Monitors EEA compliance in Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, similar to the European Commission. o EFTA Court: Located in Luxembourg, resolves EEA disputes with jurisdiction similar to the CJEU for EEA EFTA countries. KATCHATHEEVU ISLAND CONTROVERSY  Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue of Katchatheevu, criticizing the Congress Party for ceding the island to Sri Lanka in 1974.  Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin questioned the steps taken by the Modi government to retrieve Katchatheevu.  Fishermen in Ramanathapuram district boycotted the annual St. Anthony’s Church festival in February 2024 to protest the Sri Lankan government's arrests of Indian fishermen.  Katchatheevu was ceded to Sri Lanka during a formal agreement signed between then India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike on June 28, 1974.  Katchatheevu is located in the Palk Strait, a key maritime route between India and Sri Lanka.  It is about 33 km from Rameswaram (India) and 24 km from Sri Lanka's Delft Island & 62 km southwest of Jaffna, Sri Lanka's northernmost point.  The islet covers 285 acres, and its only structure is St. Anthony’s Church.  Katchatheevu is unfit for permanent habitation because the island lacks a freshwater source.  Katchatheevu is traditionally important to fishermen from both India and Sri Lanka, and it has religious significance due to the annual church festival.  Katchatheevu holds strategic importance for monitoring maritime activities in the region, including security threats and fishing activities.  Originally under Sri Lanka's Jaffna kingdom in the medieval period, it later became part of the Ramnad kingdom in India.  During British rule, it was administered by the Madras Presidency. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 12 of 348  1  The discussions for delimitation of boundaries in Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar started as early as October 1921 between the then Governments of Madras and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), with Sri Lanka citing Portuguese control (1505–1658), while India referred to the Raja of Ramnad's ownership.  On June 29, 1974, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi contested the ceding, claiming historical ownership by the Raja of Ramanad.  1976: A supplemental pact clarified that fishermen from both countries could not fish in each other’s waters without express permission. o Indian fishermen, particularly from Tamil Nadu, have traditionally fished around Katchatheevu. o The 1976 pact restricting fishing rights has led to frequent arrests of Indian fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities, resulting in conflicts.  August 15, 1991: Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa urged the retrieval of Katchatheevu and restoration of fishing rights for Indian fishermen.  October 31, 1991: Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution demanding the retrieval of Katchatheevu. LADAKH PROTEST  Over 100 volunteers, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, began 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra', a foot march to Delhi on a four-point agenda.  On October 13, 2024, Wangchuk and 20 others were detained by Delhi Police for protesting outside Ladakh Bhawan. They were previously denied permission to peacefully protest at Jantar Mantar, leading them to start an indefinite hunger strike.  The 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra' was organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).  Protesters are demanding the reinstatement of statehood for Ladakh, which was made a Union Territory without a legislature in 2019, after the abrogation of the Article 370, which gave special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.  Ladakh's leadership also seeks recognition as a tribal area under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to safeguard local rights. Four-Point Agenda  Advocacy for statehood for Ladakh.  Extension of the Sixth Schedule to protect cultural, land, and employment rights.  Creation of a dedicated public service commission for recruitment in Ladakh.  Establishment of separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts. Sixth Schedule & Asymmetrical Federalism:  The Sixth Schedule applies to tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Tripura. It provides Autonomous District Councils (ADC) with legislative powers over land use, cultivation, inheritance, and social customs.  India follows asymmetrical federalism, where some regions, such as Ladakh, can have more autonomy than others based on their unique circumstances.  In asymmetric federalism, a particular State may enjoy a degree of autonomy which another State does not.  The difference, however, remains one of degree and not of kind. Different states may enjoy different benefits under the federal setup, but the common thread is federalism. Ladakh’s Demand for Inclusion in the Sixth Schedule  Ensuring Representation: Ladakh lost its legislative assembly after the 2019 reorganization. Previously, it had four members in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and two in the Legislative Council. The Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) has seen its role reduced.  Lack of Public Participation & Preservation of Cultural Identity: Decision-making has shifted from public involvement to bureaucratic processes, increasing concerns over land, jobs, and cultural identity. o Sixth Schedule would grant autonomy to tribal communities, safeguarding Ladakh's cultural heritage and providing legal protections for traditional practices. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 13 of 348  1 o Article 35A (now repealed) allowed the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to define "permanent residents" and grant them special rights.  Fragile Ecosystem: Ladakh's high-altitude ecosystem, already vulnerable, faces threats from industrialization. Activists warn that large-scale development could lead to the extinction of glaciers, affecting water resources in India and neighboring regions.  Sensitive Borders: Ladakh’s proximity to China and Pakistan creates security challenges. The ongoing military standoff with China and tensions with Pakistan necessitate infrastructure development supported by the local population.  Socio-Economic Development: The Union Territory administration has been criticized for not generating sufficient job opportunities. Despite being a Union Territory for four years, Ladakh still lacks a public service commission and a comprehensive job policy. Ladakh:  Ladakh is the largest region in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, covering 95,876 km² and became a Union Territory in 2019.  It borders Tibet (China), Himachal Pradesh (India), Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, and Xinjiang (China).  The region is drained by the Indus River and tributaries such as the Shyok, Nubra, and Zanskar rivers.  Ladakh experiences a cold desert climate with extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C in winter to +35°C in summer, and receives minimal precipitation (10-30 cm annually).  The high-altitude landscape results in high radiation levels, with soils being gravelly and sandy loams, lacking water retention and organic content.  Historically, Ladakh was an independent kingdom until the Dogra invasion in 1834, and later became part of British suzerainty post-1846, serving as a buffer zone between British India and Russia.  After independence, Ladakh became contested between India and Pakistan, and in the 1960s, China annexed parts of eastern Ladakh. Disputes continue over areas like Pangong Tso, Galwan Valley, and Aksai Chin.  The 1962 Indo-China War resulted in the establishment of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which remains a point of contention.  Ladakh is also a popular tourist destination known for trekking, mountaineering, and Buddhist monasteries, with significant potential for energy pipelines connecting Central Asia.  The region's geopolitical value is heightened by its position on the ancient Silk Route and ongoing disputes with Pakistan over Siachen Glacier and with China over Aksai Chin.  Recent Developments: o In August 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) decided to create five new districts in Ladakh— Zanskar, Drass, Sham, Nubra, and Changthang. This move is aimed at enhancing governance and delivering benefits to people at the grassroots level. o After this change, Ladakh will have a total of seven districts, including Leh and Kargil. Sonam Wangchuk:  He is an Indian engineer, innovator, education reformist & climate activist from Ladakh.  He is the founding director of the Students' Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SEMCOL), which was established in 1988 by a Wangchuk along with his brother and five peers.  SEMCOL Campus was designed by Wangchuk to be environmentally sustainable, running entirely on solar energy and using no fossil fuels for cooking, lighting, or heating.  He has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure the protection of Ladakh's environment, highlighting the threat of extinction of nearly two-thirds of glaciers in the Union Territory.  From June 1993 to 2005, he founded and worked as the editor of Ladakh's only print magazine, Ladags Melong.  In 2001, he was appointed as an advisor for education in the Hill Council Government.  Wangchuk also founded the Ladakh Voluntary Network, a network of NGOs in Ladakh, and served on its executive committee.  Wangchuk inspired the character of "Phunsuk Wangdu" in the 2009 Bollywood film "3 Idiots." ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 14 of 348  1 SUPREME COURT’S DECISION ON ELECTORAL BONDS (FEBRUARY 15, 2024)  Verdict: The Supreme Court ruled the Electoral Bonds Scheme unconstitutional, citing violations of citizens' right to information under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.  Key Concerns: Anonymity of donors was seen as a barrier to transparency, potentially enabling quid pro quo transactions between donors and political parties.  Immediate Action: The Court directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to stop issuing electoral bonds and disclose all transaction details to the Election Commission of India (ECI).  Unconstitutional Amendments: The court struck down amendments to Section 182 of the Companies Act, which allowed unlimited and anonymous corporate donations.  The court emphasized that information on political funding is crucial for voter decision-making and noted that unlimited corporate donations could disproportionately influence policymaking.  While small donations may warrant privacy, large corporate donations need to be disclosed in the public interest.  Increased Accountability: The decision seeks to remove anonymity in large political donations, ensuring transparency and preventing undue corporate influence on politics.  SBI Directive: SBI was ordered to disclose past donations and donor details to the ECI. Overview of Electoral Bonds  Introduction: Electoral bonds were introduced through the Finance Bill, 2017 and notified on January 29, 2018 by the Modi-led NDA government.  Nature of Bonds: Electoral bonds are like promissory notes that can be bought by any Indian citizen or company and donated to an eligible political party. They are free of interest and payable to the bearer on demand.  Denominations: Bonds are available in multiples of Rs 1,000, Rs 10,000, Rs 1,00,000, and Rs 1 crore.  Validity: The bonds are valid for 15 days from the date of issue.  Availability: Bonds can be purchased for 10 days at the beginning of each quarter (January, April, July, October). An additional 30-day period is available during Lok Sabha election years.  Purchase and Redemption: o Only KYC-compliant accounts can purchase the bonds from 29 specified SBI branches in cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, etc. o Political parties can encash the bonds through their verified accounts within the 15-day validity period. o Eligibility of Parties: Only political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the Peoples Act, 1951, that secured at least 1% of votes in the most recent general or assembly elections, are eligible to receive bonds. o Anonymity: The bonds do not carry the name of the donor, so political parties may not know the donor's identity. o Tax Status: Donations made through electoral bonds are tax deductible for the donor, and the political party receiving the donation is exempt from tax, provided they file returns.  Restrictions Removed after the Introduction of Electoral Bonds o Foreign companies are now allowed to donate to political parties. o The 7.5% cap on corporate donations (based on net profit) was removed. o Companies are no longer required to disclose their political donations in their financial statements if using electoral bonds. Top 20 Electoral Bond Purchasers:  Major donors include companies like Future Gaming and Hotel Services Pvt Ltd (Rs 1,368 crore), Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (Rs 966 crore), Qwik Supply Chain Pvt Ltd (Rs 410 crore), and others.  The BJP received the highest amount of donations (Rs 6586 crore), followed by TMC (Rs 1,609.53 crore), INC (Rs 1,421.87 crore), and others. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 15 of 348  1 Total Electoral Bonds Sold:  From 2017 to 2022, a total of Rs 11,450 crore worth of electoral bonds were sold.  The BJP accounted for over 55% of the total funds, while other parties like TMC, INC, and others received significantly less. Chronology of the Electoral Bonds Case  2017: Electoral bond scheme introduced in the Finance Bill.  September 14, 2017: NGO 'Association for Democratic Reforms' files a PIL challenging the scheme. Other petitioners include: Common Cause & Communist Party of India (Marxist).  October 3, 2017: SC issues notices to the Centre and EC based on the PIL.  January 2, 2018: Central government notifies the electoral bond scheme.  November 7, 2022: Electoral bond scheme amended to increase sale days from 70 to 85 during election periods.  October 16, 2023: SC refers pleas challenging the scheme to a five-judge Constitution bench.  October 31, 2023: Five-judge bench begins hearing the case.  November 2, 2023: SC reserves its verdict.  February 15, 2024: SC delivers a unanimous judgment, declaring the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional.  The bench comprised of Justices Sanjiv Khanna, B.R. Gavai, J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra and was headed by the Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud. STATES’ STARTUP RANKING 2022  Released by: Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal on January 16, 2024, in New Delhi.  Participants: 33 States and Union Territories (UTs) participated, the highest ever in the history of the rankings.  The number of recognized startups has grown by 120% CAGR over the last seven years, surpassing 1 lakh startups by October 2023.  Startup coverage has expanded sixfold, with presence in 670+ districts across India.  50% of recognized startups are located in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.  Categories: States and UTs are classified into two categories based on population: o Category A: Population > 1 crore o Category B: Population < 1 crore  Evaluation Criteria: Based on 7 broad reform areas with 25 action points, including: o Institutional Support o Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship o Access to Market o Incubation and Mentorship Support o Funding Support o Capacity Building of Enablers o Roadmap to a Sustainable Future  Survey Responses: 15% of total scores were based on 10,000+ survey responses collected in 9 languages (telephonic and web-based).  Additional Documents: National Report, Compendium of Best Practices, and individual State Reports were released. Classification of States and UTs in the Startup Rankings 2022 Category A:  Best Performers: Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu.  Top Performers: Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Telangana.  Leaders: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand.  Aspiring Leaders: Bihar, Haryana.  Emerging Ecosystems: Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 16 of 348  1 Category B:  Best Performer: Himachal Pradesh.  Top Performers: Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya.  Leaders: Goa, Manipur, Tripura.  Aspiring Leaders: Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Nagaland.  Emerging Ecosystems: Chandigarh, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu, Ladakh, Mizoram, Puducherry, Sikkim. Key Government Initiatives for Startups  Funds of Funds (FoF) Scheme: Established in June 2016 with a corpus of Rs. 10,000 crore to facilitate access to domestic capital.  Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISF): Approved for a four-year period from 2021-22, with a corpus of Rs. 945 crore to provide financial aid for concept validation, prototype development, and market entry.  Startup India Investor Connect: AI-based matchmaking platform connecting startups with investors.  Startup20: Established during the G20 India Presidency 2023, creating a global dialogue forum for startups.  Startup India Innovation Week: Organized by DPIIT around National Startup Day (January 16) to celebrate and promote entrepreneurship.  National Startup Awards (NSA): Recognizes and rewards startups for innovation, employment generation, and social impact.  MAARG Portal: A mentorship platform providing startups with access to sector-specific guidance and support. INDIA-UAE AGREEMENT ON DIGITAL PAYMENT PLATFORMS, TRADE, AND ENERGY Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE’s President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met in Abu Dhabi, signing eight agreements focused on key areas. 1. Interlinking of Digital Payment Platforms:  UPI and AANI: o Agreements signed to interlink India's UPI and UAE's AANI platforms. o This will enhance cross-border digital payments, making financial transactions between the two countries smoother.  Debit/Credit Card Interlinking: o Pact to interlink domestic cards—India’s RuPay and UAE’s JAYWAN. o Enhances financial sector cooperation, ensuring wider acceptance of RuPay in the UAE. o UAE's JAYWAN is based on India's RuPay card framework. 2. Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT):  Investment Facilitation: o The treaty is seen as a significant step in enhancing investments between India and the UAE. o UAE is a key investor in India's infrastructure, committing USD 75 billion. o In 2022-2023, UAE was the fourth largest foreign direct investor in India. 3. India-Middle East Economic Corridor (IMEC):  Regional Connectivity: o Framework Agreement signed for the IMEC to boost India-UAE cooperation and regional connectivity. o The IMEC initiative was announced during the G20 Summit 2023 in New Delhi. 4. Energy Cooperation:  Energy Security and Trade: o Agreements on electrical interconnection and energy trade. o Focus on long-term contracts for LNG imports from the UAE. o UAE remains a key supplier of crude oil and LPG to India. 5. Cultural Cooperation:  Archival Restoration: o Cooperation protocol signed between the National Archives of India and UAE to restore and preserve archival material. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 17 of 348  1  Maritime Heritage: o The UAE pledged support to India’s Maritime Heritage Complex project at Lothal, Gujarat. 6. BAPS Temple:  Temple Construction: o India expressed gratitude for UAE’s support in constructing the BAPS Temple in Abu Dhabi, symbolizing deep cultural ties. o BAPS (Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha) temples are religious and cultural centres affiliated with the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, a Vaishnava sect of Hinduism. 7. Port Infrastructure Development:  Port Agreements: o Agreements between RITES Limited and Gujarat Maritime Board with Abu Dhabi Ports to develop port infrastructure. o Aims to enhance connectivity between the two countries. 8. Bharat Mart:  Retail Hub Development: o Foundation stone laid for Bharat Mart in Dubai’s Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone. o It will integrate retail, warehousing, and logistics, providing a platform for Indian MSMEs to access international markets in the Gulf, West Asia, Africa, and Eurasia. India-UAE Relations: Diplomatic Relations:  Established: India and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 1972.  Strategic Partnership: The visit of India's Prime Minister in August 2015 marked a new strategic partnership, further enhanced by the visit of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in January 2017.  Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: In 2017, the relationship was upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership, leading to negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement. Economic Relations:  Trade: Bilateral trade reached USD 85 billion in 2022-23. The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination.  Trade Goals: Both nations aim to increase bilateral merchandise trade to over USD 100 billion and services trade to USD 15 billion in the next five years.  Investments: Several Indian companies have established manufacturing units in the UAE’s SEZs, focusing on sectors like cement, textiles, electronics, and more.  Free Trade Agreements (FTA): Under India's new FTA strategy, the UAE is a top priority for an early harvest deal, along with other regions like the UK, EU, and GCC.  UAE’s Bilateral Agreements: The UAE plans to pursue economic agreements with countries including India, the UK, Israel, and Kenya. Cultural Relations:  Indian Community: The UAE hosts over 3.3 million Indians, fostering strong cultural ties.  Cultural Presence: Indian cinema, TV, and radio channels are widely available, and Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil films are screened in theaters.  Yoga and Meditation: The Emirati community actively participates in International Yoga Day, and various yoga and meditation centers operate successfully in the UAE. Fintech Collaboration:  RuPay and Digital Payments: Initiatives like RuPay card acceptance (since August 2019) and the establishment of a Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS) promote digital payment collaboration.  LCSS: A framework allowing transactions in local currencies (INR and AED) will support the development of an INR-AED foreign exchange market. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 18 of 348  1 Energy Security:  Oil Reserves: The UAE plays a key role in India’s energy security through strategic oil reserves in Mangaluru, India. Strategic Regional Engagement:  Regional Cooperation: Both nations collaborate in regional groupings and initiatives like the I2U2 and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), underscoring their shared strategic interests. JNANPITH AWARDS 2023  The 58th edition of Jnanpith Award for the year 2023 will be awarded to Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya and Urdu poet and lyricist Gulzar.  The awardees receive a cash prize of Rs 11 lakh, a Vagdevi statue, and a citation for their literary contributions.  It is the second time the award is being given for Sanskrit and the fifth time for Urdu.  Gulzar (Sampuran Singh Kalra) o Born on August 18, 1934, in Dina, Jhelum district (now in Pakistan). o Renowned Urdu poet, lyricist, and a respected figure in Indian cinema and literature. o Awards include:  Sahitya Akademi Award (2002) for Urdu.  Padma Bhushan (2004).  Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2013).  National Film Awards, Oscar (2009), and Grammy (2010) for the song "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire. o He developed a unique form of poetry called Triveni (three-line, non-mukaffa poems).  Jagadguru Rambhadracharya o Born Pandit Giridhar Mishra in 1950 in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh; a polyglot and religious leader who speaks 22 languages. o A prominent poet and writer in Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, and Maithili, with over 240 books authored. o Notable works include Arundhatī, Aṣṭāvakra, Avadha Kai Ajoriya, and Dashavtar. o He is the founder of Tulsi Peeth, a key publisher of Hindu religious literature in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh. o He has held the position of Jagadguru Ramanandacharya since 1982. o Awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2015. Jnanpith Award  The Jnanpith Award is India's oldest and highest literary award, first awarded in 1965.  Given annually for an author's outstanding contribution to Indian literature.  Open to Indian citizens writing in English or Indian languages; not awarded posthumously.  Instituted by Bharatiya Jnanpith in 1961, a literary organization founded by Sahu Shanti Prasad Jain and Rama Jain. LOK SABHA ELECTIONS 2024  The 2024 Indian General Elections were held from 19 April to 1 June 2024 in seven phases, with the election schedule being announced by the Election Commission on 16 March 2024, when the Model Code of Conduct came into effect.  The voter turnout for the entire election was 65.79%, with 968 million people eligible to vote, representing 70% of the country's population, and a total of 642 million voters participated, including a record 312 million women voters.  The phase-wise voter turnout was as follows: 66.14% in Phase 1 (April 19), 66.71% in Phase 2 (April 26), 65.68% in Phase 3 (May 7), 69.16% in Phase 4 (May 13) which was the highest, 62.2% in Phase 5 (May 20), 63.37% in Phase 6 (May 25), and 61.63% in Phase 7 (June 1). ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 19 of 348  1  Simultaneously, legislative assembly elections were held in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim, along with by-elections in 25 constituencies across 12 legislative assemblies.  The votes were counted and the result was declared on 4 June 2024, resulting in the BJP emerging as the largest party with 240 seats, although it fell short of the majority mark of 272.  The Congress secured 99 seats, while the Samajwadi Party won 37 seats, and the BJP formed a coalition government with the Telugu Desam Party and Janata Dal (United) as the main allies.  The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured a total of 293 seats out of 543, whereas the INC-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) gained 235 seats.  The NDA returned to power for a third consecutive term at the Centre, marking the first time since 1962 that a government has been re-elected for a third straight term after completing two previous terms.  Six national parties contested the elections, namely the BJP, Congress, CPI(M), BSP, NPP, and AAP, with all except the BSP being part of either the NDA or INDIA alliances.  Top ten parties in the General Elections (& number of seats won): o Bharatiya Janata Party - 240 o Indian National Congress - 99 o Samajwadi Party - 37 o All India Trinamool Congress - 29 o Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam - 22 o Telugu Desam - 16 o Janata Dal (United) - 12 o Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackrey) - 9 o Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar - 8 o Shiv Sena – 7 Key Pointers to Remember:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi retained his Varanasi constituency in Uttar Pradesh, defeating Congress candidate Ajay Rai by a margin of 1,52,513 votes, although his victory margin significantly dropped from nearly 480,000 votes in the previous election.  Rahul Gandhi had a major victory in Raebareli, defeating BJP’s Dinesh Pratap by 3,90,030 votes, and also won the Waynad seat with a margin of 3,64,422 votes over CPI’s Annie Raja.  Amit Shah, the Home Minister, won the Gandhi Nagar seat by a margin of 7,44,716 votes against Congress’ Sonam Ranambhai Patel.  Defence Minister Rajnath Singh secured the Lucknow seat for the third consecutive term, defeating Samajwadi Party candidate Ravidas Mehrotra by 1,35,159 votes.  Smriti Irani of the BJP was defeated by Congress’s Kishori Lal in Amethi.  Suresh Gopi won the Thrissur constituency in Kerala by a margin of 74,686 votes, becoming the BJP’s first Lok Sabha parliamentarian from the state.  Shashi Tharoor retained his Thiruvananthapuram seat in Kerala for the fourth consecutive term, defeating BJP’s Rajeev Chandrasekhar by 16,077 votes.  BJP suffered a loss in the Faizabad constituency, where the Samajwadi Party won in the home of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, consecrated by PM Modi earlier in January.  BJP’s Shankar Lalwani from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, achieved the largest victory margin of the 2024 elections, winning by 12,26,751 votes against BSP’s Sanjay, with NOTA recording two lakh votes. Congress candidate Akshay Kanti Bam withdrew his nomination on April 29 (before the third phase of election) and joined the ruling BJP the same day.  Four union ministers, including Smriti Irani, RK Singh, Arjun Munda, and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, lost in the 2024 elections.  Shiv Sena’s Ravindra Dattaram Waikar won the Mumbai North West constituency by the narrowest margin of the election, defeating Shiv Sena UBT’s Amol Gajanan Kirtikar by just 48 votes.  TMC’s Yusuf Pathan defeated Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury in Baharampur by a margin of 85,022 votes. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 20 of 348  1  Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan of the BJP won the Vidisha seat by 8,21,408 votes against Congress’s Prataphanu Sharma.  These results stand in contrast to the 2019 elections, where the BJP-led NDA won 353 seats, including 303 by the BJP alone. First General Elections:  The first general elections in India were held between 25 October 1951 and 21 February 1952, the first national elections after independence in 1947.  Voters elected 489 members of the first Lok Sabha, with 173,212,343 registered voters (excluding Jammu and Kashmir) out of a population of 361,088,090.  All Indian citizens over the age of 21 were eligible to vote, though no voting took place in Jammu and Kashmir until 1967 for Lok Sabha seats.  The Indian National Congress (INC) won a landslide victory, securing 45% of the vote and 364 out of 489 seats, with Jawaharlal Nehru becoming the first democratically elected Prime Minister. Election Commission  The Election Commission of India, established on 25 January 1950, administers Union and State elections to the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, and State Legislative Assemblies, as well as the offices of the President and Vice President.  Panchayat and municipal elections are overseen by a separate State Election Commission as per constitutional provisions.  Constitutional provisions related to elections are covered under Part XV (Articles 324-329).  Article 324 vests the superintendence, direction, and control of elections in the Election Commission, while Article 326 provides for elections based on adult suffrage.  The Election Commissioner Amendment Act of 1989 transformed the Election Commission into a multi- member body, consisting of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other election commissioners, currently including two Election Commissioners.  Sh. Rajiv Kumar took charge as the 25th Chief Election Commissioner on 15 May 2022, after serving as Election Commissioner since 1 September 2020. PAKISTAN-TALIBAN CONFLICT  In March 2024, Pakistan carried out airstrikes in Paktika and Khost provinces in Afghanistan, targeting militants affiliated with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).  Casualties: Five women and three children were killed in the strikes, according to the Taliban regime in Kabul.  The strikes were a retaliation after TTP’s Hafiz Gul Bahadur group claimed responsibility for a March 16 attack on a Pakistani army outpost in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which killed seven personnel including two officers.  In response, the Taliban launched attacks on Pakistani military posts along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.  Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, was formed in 2007 under Baitullah Mehsud.  The TTP seeks to implement Islamic law in Pakistan and make the country an Islamic state.  The group is responsible for killing tens of thousands of Pakistani citizens and has conducted attacks such as the failed Times Square bombing in 2010.  The TTP recruits primarily from the Pashtun tribal lands and finances itself through extortion, kidnappings, donations, and natural resource extraction.  The Afghan Taliban and TTP are different organizations but share ideological ties, both following the Deobandi interpretation of Islam and advocating for Pashtun nationalism.  The Afghan Taliban's rise to power has emboldened the TTP, resulting in more frequent attacks in Pakistan.  Despite Pakistan's expectation of strategic influence post-2021, the Taliban has not severed ties with the TTP.  Pakistan facilitated the peace agreement between the U.S. and the Taliban, which led to a phased withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 21 of 348  1  Pakistan played a key role in the Taliban’s rise in the 1990s and was one of only three countries to recognize the Taliban regime, while maintaining an alliance with the U.S. in the war on terror.  Border Disputes: The Durand Line dispute (border between Afghanistan and Pakistan) has been a long- standing source of tension between the two countries.  The line was demarcated in 1893 by the British, runs through Pashtun tribal lands, dividing families and villages between Afghanistan and Pakistan.  India has a stake in Afghanistan's stability, investing in infrastructure projects such as the Afghan Parliament, Zaranj-Delaram Highway, and Salma Dam.  India favors the continuation of the Afghan government and is concerned about the Taliban's growing influence, which is seen as a protégé of Pakistan.  India’s access to Afghanistan and Central Asia is largely dependent on transit routes through Pakistan, though Chabahar Port offers an alternative route, enhancing India’s strategic position in the region.  The withdrawal of U.S. troops could potentially provide a breeding ground for anti-India terrorist outfits like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. OVERVIEW OF WTO, ITO, WORLD BANK, IMF World Bank  Established: 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference.  Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States.  Primary Goal: To reduce poverty and support development by providing financial and technical assistance to developing countries for projects that improve infrastructure, education, health, and overall economic development.  Membership: 189 member countries (as of 2024). Membership in the World Bank requires being a member of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  Main Institutions: The World Bank Group is made up of five institutions. o International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD): Provides loans to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries. o International Development Association (IDA): Provides grants and concessional (low-interest) loans to the world’s poorest countries. o International Finance Corporation (IFC): Focuses on private sector development by investing in businesses and industries in developing countries. o Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA): Provides political risk insurance and credit enhancement to encourage foreign investment in developing countries. o International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID): Helps resolve investment disputes between international investors and governments.  Key Reports Released by the World Bank: o World Development Report (WDR):  Frequency: Annually.  Content: Provides in-depth research on global economic and development issues, focusing on a different development theme each year. o Global Economic Prospects (GEP):  Frequency: Biannually (twice a year).  Content: Focuses on global economic trends and forecasts, providing insights into the economic prospects of regions and countries. o Poverty and Shared Prosperity Report:  Frequency: Every 2 years.  Content: Examines global poverty trends and how shared prosperity (income growth of the bottom 40%) is being achieved, with an emphasis on reducing inequality. o Ease of Doing Business Report (discontinued in 2021):  Frequency: Annually (until 2021).  Content: Ranked countries on the ease of doing business, focusing on regulatory environments and the processes required to start and operate a business. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 22 of 348  1 o International Debt Statistics:  Frequency: Annually.  Content: Provides data and analysis on external debt and financial flows in low- and middle-income countries.  Key Projects and Programs: o IDA Projects: Involve grants and low-interest loans to the poorest countries for projects in education, healthcare, sanitation, and agriculture. o Green Bonds: The World Bank issues green bonds to fund projects that combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability. o Human Development Projects: Focus on improving access to education, healthcare, and social protection systems.  Ranking/Indexes Released by the World Bank: o Human Capital Index (HCI):  Measures the potential productivity of the next generation of workers based on their health and education.  Provides insights into how well countries are investing in their people to drive long-term economic growth. o Logistics Performance Index (LPI): Evaluates the logistics capabilities of countries, focusing on factors such as trade infrastructure, customs procedures, and supply chain efficiency. o Global Financial Development Report: Assesses the state of financial systems across the world, focusing on access to finance, stability, and financial infrastructure. o Country Policy and Institutional Assessment (CPIA): A ranking of countries based on their policy frameworks, governance, and capacity for fostering economic growth and poverty reduction. International Monetary Fund (IMF)  Established: 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference, along with the World Bank.  Headquarters: Washington, D.C., United States.  Primary Goal: To ensure the stability of the international monetary system—exchange rates, international payments, and the global financial system.  Membership: 190 member countries (as of 2024).  Key Functions of the IMF: o Surveillance:  Monitors global and member economies for stability.  Conducts Article IV Consultations for economic analysis and policy advice. o Financial Assistance:  Provides loans to countries in economic crises or with balance of payments issues.  Offers financial support through programs like Stand-By Arrangements (SBA) and Extended Fund Facility (EFF).  Grants concessional loans to low-income countries via the Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT). o Capacity Development:  Offers technical assistance and training to improve economic management.  Focuses on public finance, monetary policy, financial systems, and statistics.  Key IMF Reports: o World Economic Outlook (WEO): o Frequency: Biannually (twice a year). o Content: Provides comprehensive analysis of global economic trends, forecasts, and risks, offering economic outlooks for individual countries and regions.  Global Financial Stability Report (GFSR): o Frequency: Biannually (twice a year). o Content: Assesses the stability of global financial markets and systems, identifying potential risks to financial stability and offering policy recommendations. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 23 of 348  1  Fiscal Monitor: o Frequency: Biannually (twice a year). o Content: Focuses on fiscal policies and developments in countries, analyzing debt levels, fiscal strategies, and the impact of government policies on economic stability.  External Sector Report (ESR): o Frequency: Annually. o Content: Assesses global trade and capital flows, providing insights into countries’ external imbalances, exchange rates, and competitiveness.  Regional Economic Outlook Reports (REO): o Frequency: Biannually (for different regions). o Content: Provides region-specific economic analysis, trends, and challenges for regions such as Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. International Trade Organization (ITO):  The ITO was an ambitious initiative aimed at creating a comprehensive international institution to regulate not just trade, but also employment, investment, and economic development.  Proposed in: 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference along with the IMF and the World Bank.  Charter: The Havana Charter (1948) was the foundational document of the ITO, aimed at regulating international trade and promoting economic growth, stability, and employment.  Failed to Materialize: The ITO never came into existence because the U.S. Congress refused to ratify the Havana Charter in 1950, mainly due to concerns over sovereignty and restrictions on domestic economic policy.  Outcome: While the ITO failed to take shape, its goals were partially pursued through the GATT, and eventually, the WTO emerged in 1995 to fulfill some of the ITO's original goals. World Trade Organization (WTO):  Established: January 1, 1995  Predecessor: General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) of 1948.  Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.  Membership: 164 member countries (as of 2024)  Plays a crucial role in promoting global trade cooperation, resolving conflicts, and ensuring the smooth flow of international commerce.  Dispute Settlement Body (DSB): Helps resolve disputes between members through structured processes, ensuring compliance with WTO rules.  Key Functions: o Facilitates negotiations on international trade agreements. o Provides a platform for settling trade disputes between member nations. o Monitors and enforces trade policies and agreements of its members. o Promotes free and fair trade by reducing trade barriers like tariffs and subsidies.  Key Agreements: o GATT: Governs trade in goods. o GATS: General Agreement on Trade in Services, governing services trade. o TRIPS: Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, governing intellectual property protection in trade. Periodical Reports Released by WTO:  World Trade Report: o Frequency: Annually. o Content: Provides in-depth analysis of key global trade developments and trends, focusing on specific trade- related themes each year.  Trade Policy Review (TPR): o Frequency: Periodic (every 2 years for major economies, 4 years for intermediate economies, and 6 years for smaller economies). o Content: Reviews the trade policies and practices of individual member countries to enhance transparency. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 24 of 348  1  World Trade Statistical Review: o Frequency: Annually. o Content: Comprehensive global trade statistics and analysis, covering key data on exports, imports, major trading economies, and sectors.  Trade Monitoring Report: o Frequency: Biannually (twice a year). o Content: Tracks global trade measures taken by WTO members, such as changes in tariffs and trade restrictions, assessing compliance with WTO rules.  Global Trade Outlook and Statistics: o Frequency: Annually (or more frequently, if necessary). o Content: Provides projections for global trade volumes and examines risks and challenges for future trade growth.  Annual Report: o Frequency: Annually. o Content: Overview of WTO activities, including negotiations, dispute settlements, and progress toward organizational goals.  Trade and Development Report (in collaboration with UNCTAD): o Frequency: Annually. o Content: Focuses on the intersection of trade and development, especially in developing countries, and highlights challenges and opportunities in the global trade environment. RAMSAR SITES IN INDIA  Total Ramsar Sites (as of October 2024): 85  Wetland Definition (Environment Ministry): “Areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water, natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with static or flowing water, including coastal areas up to 6m depth.” o Excludes river channels, paddy fields, and human-made structures for drinking water, aquaculture, and recreation.  Ramsar Wetlands Area: Represents 10% of India’s total wetland area, spanning 18 States.  Wetland Area in India: Estimated at 1,52,600 sq. km (~4.63% of India’s total area).  India ranks third in the world in terms of the number of Ramsar sites.  Gujarat has the largest wetland area, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.  Sundarbans (West Bengal) is the largest Ramsar site in India.  Wetlands in Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat are key stopovers for migratory birds.  Chilika Lake in Orissa and Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan were recognised as the first Ramsar sites in India in 1981.  Loktak Lake (Manipur), Khecheopalri Lake (Sikkim), Dal Lake (Kashmir) are significant culturally and as tourism destinations.  Wetlands help stabilize CO2, CH4, and N2O levels and sequester carbon through plant communities and soils.  World's first Site: Cobourg Peninsula in Australia, designated in 1974.  World’s largest Sites: Rio Negro in Brazil (120,000 square kilometres), and Ngiri-Tumba-Maindombe in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Queen Maud Gulf in Canada; these Sites each cover over 60,000 square km.  Top States: o Tamil Nadu: 18 Ramsar sites (highest in number). o Uttar Pradesh: 10 Ramsar sites.  Countries with Most Ramsar Sites: o United Kingdom: 175 sites. o Mexico: 142 sites. o China: 82 sites. o Largest Ramsar Area: Bolivia with 1,48,000 sq. km under protection. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 25 of 348  1  Ramsar Convention: o Adopted: February 2, 1971, in Ramsar, Iran. o India’s Participation: Became a signatory in 1982. o World Wetlands Day: Celebrated annually on February 2. o Theme for 2024: "Wetlands and Human Wellbeing." o Ramsar Site Criteria:  Supports vulnerable or endangered species/ecological communities.  Regularly supports 20,000+ waterbirds.  Provides food, spawning grounds, or migration paths for fish.  Peatlands: Covers 3% of land but store twice as much carbon as forests. o Sparse in India, but critical for climate and biodiversity.  Conservation Initiatives: o Global Level:  Montreux Record: A register of Ramsar sites where ecological changes have occurred.  World Wetlands Day: Promotes awareness and conservation of wetlands. o National Level:  Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017: Framework for managing wetlands in India.  National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA): Combines conservation efforts for wetlands and lakes.  Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme: Enhances wetland conservation efforts.  National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP): Launched in 1985 for the conservation of vulnerable wetlands. Ramsar Sites Added in 2024 (Total 10, as of October 2024):  Ankasamudra Bird Conservation Reserve (Karnataka): o Human-made irrigation tank, area: 244.04 acres. o Supports bird species including Bar-headed Goose.  Aghanashini Estuary (Karnataka): o Confluence of Aghanashini River and Arabian Sea, area: 4801 ha. o Supports fishing, agriculture, and biodiversity conservation.  Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve (Karnataka): o Human-made wetland, area: ~50 ha. o Important wintering ground for Bar-headed Goose, hosts vulnerable bird species.  Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): o Supports paddy and other agricultural crops. o Hosts 198 bird species including Bar-headed Goose and Northern Shoveler.  Longwood Shola Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu): o Tropical rainforest, important for endangered species like Nilgiri Laughing Thrush. o Located in the upper Nilgiris.  Nagi and Nakti Bird Sanctuaries (Bihar): o Human-made wetlands, important for migratory birds. o Host endangered Indian elephants and a variety of bird species.  Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): o Restored wetland, area: 125.865 ha. o Hosts species like Bar-headed Goose and Spot-billed Pelican.  Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): o Brackish lake, area: 5151.6 ha. o Supports mangroves and diverse aquatic habitats.  Tawa Reservoir (Madhya Pradesh): o Located at the confluence of Tawa and Denwa rivers. o Supports irrigation, power generation, and aquaculture, lies within Satpura Tiger Reserve. o Tawa River is the longest tributary of the Narmada river. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 26 of 348  1 CORRUPTION PERCEPTION INDEX 2023  Released by: Transparency International.  Purpose: Ranks 180 countries and territories based on perceived levels of public sector corruption.  Scoring system: Scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).  Global average score: 43.  Over two-thirds of countries scored below 50, indicating significant corruption problems.  The global trend shows minimal progress over the past decade, with most countries stagnating or declining in their efforts to combat corruption.  Top Performing Countries: o Denmark: Ranked 1st with a score of 90 (leading for the sixth consecutive year). o Finland: Ranked 2nd with a score of 87. o New Zealand: Ranked 3rd with a score of 85. o Why they rank high: These countries have well-functioning justice systems and high rankings in the Rule of Law Index, which ensures effective governance and lower corruption.  Worst Performing Countries: o Somalia: Ranked 180th with a score of 11. o Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan, and Yemen: All tied at the bottom with scores of 13. o Reasons for low ranking: These countries are plagued by protracted crises, often related to armed conflicts and weak governance, which exacerbate corruption.  India’s Performance: o Rank: 93 out of 180 (declined from 85 in 2022). o Score: 39 (slight decrease from 40 in 2022). o Challenges: India faces persistent issues in tackling corruption despite efforts at various governance levels.  Neighbouring Countries: o Pakistan: Ranked 133, grappling with debt burdens and political instability. o Pakistan's Supreme Court has expanded citizens' right to information under Article 19A, which helps maintain some judicial oversight. o Sri Lanka: Ranked 115, dealing with political instability but benefiting from strong judicial oversight. o Bangladesh: Ranked 149, transitioning out of Least Developed Country (LDC) status with economic growth, but struggles with restricted press freedom. o China: Ranked 76, with an aggressive anti-corruption campaign that punished over 3.7 million officials in the last decade. However, its reliance on punishment rather than institutional checks raises doubts about long-term efficacy.  Global Corruption Trends: o Rule of Law and Corruption: The Rule of Law Index, published by the World Justice Project (WJP), highlights a global decline in justice systems. Countries with weaker rule of law tend to have higher levels of corruption. o Corruption in Judicial Systems: Both authoritarian and democratic leaders are undermining judicial independence, allowing impunity for corruption. o Judicial corruption affects courts globally, where bribery and abuse of power limit access to justice for the poor and vulnerable. o Impacts on Society: In corrupt environments, the rich and powerful dominate judicial systems, resulting in a lack of consequences for corrupt acts, further widening inequality.  Key Recommendations in the report: o Strengthening justice systems is crucial for addressing corruption. o Ensuring fair and inclusive legal systems where everyone, including victims, can access justice is essential to fight corruption effectively. o Independent Judicial System: Corruption persists when justice systems are influenced by money or politics, and thus must be kept independent to maintain checks on power. ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 27 of 348  1 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SUPREME COURT The Supreme Court marked its 75th anniversary with events held in Delhi, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution. Key Initiatives:  Digital Supreme Court Reports (Digi SCR): Provides free electronic access to Supreme Court judgments since 1950, promoting transparency and accessibility.  Digital Courts 2.0: Utilizes AI for real-time transcription of court proceedings, streamlining judicial processes.  Revamped Bilingual Website: The new website is available in English and Hindi, improving access to judicial information.  Infrastructure Expansion: Plans for expanding the Supreme Court Building Complex were highlighted to enhance judicial efficiency.  Accessibility Focus: Initiatives to improve access to justice, especially in remote areas, were emphasized.  Commemorative Stamp: A special postage stamp was released by the Prime Minister to celebrate 75 years of the Supreme Court.  New Supreme Court Flag and Insignia unveiled by President Murmu: o New Flag: The flag is blue and prominently features the Ashoka Chakra, the Supreme Court building, and the Constitution of India. o New Insignia: Inscribed with ‘Supreme Court of India’ and the Sanskrit phrase ‘Yato Dharmastato Jayah’ (in Devanagari script), meaning "Where there is Dharma, there is victory" or "Victory lies where righteousness prevails." o Unveiling of New Lady Justice Statue:  Commissioned at the direction of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud.  A six-foot-tall statue was unveiled, depicting a saree-clad woman holding scales and the Constitution of India instead of the traditional sword.  Unlike the classical blindfolded version, this statue has no blindfold, symbolizing that "Law is not blind; it sees everyone equally" as stated by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud.  The statue was designed by Vinod Goswami, reflecting the ongoing legal reforms and efforts to “decolonize” the Indian legal framework. Historical Background and Evolution of the Supreme Court of India:  Establishment: The Supreme Court of India was established on 28th January 1950, replacing the Federal Court of India and the British Privy Council as the highest court of appeal.  Jurisdiction Expansion: The Supreme Court's jurisdiction is wider than that of its predecessors, with the power to hear appeals, constitutional matters, civil and criminal cases. Phases in Supreme Court’s Journey:  First Phase (1950-1967): o Judicial Restraint: Adherence to constitutional text and limited judicial activism. o Notable Cases: o Kameshwar Singh case (1952): Declared zamindari abolition as illegal but respected Parliament’s constitutional amendments. o Champakam Dorairajan case (1951): Struck down educational reservations but upheld the constitutional right to equality.  Second Phase (1967-1976): o Judicial Activism: Marked by confrontations with Parliament, expanding fundamental rights. o Key Judgments: o Golak Nath case (1967): Asserted that Parliament cannot amend fundamental rights. o Keshavananda Bharati case (1973): Introduced the basic structure doctrine, limiting Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution. o Emergency Period: The Court faced criticism for supporting the suspension of Article 21 (right to life) in the ADM Jabalpur case (1976). ©LegalEdge Tutorial Page 28 of 348