Context: The farming crisis is forcing youths to take to illegal migration. The people affected by distress in their homeland seek opportunities in the developed world despite the enormous risks during their journeys. The recent episode of the forced return of 303 Indians who were detained at a French airport is suspected to be another such instance, or worse, trafficking.

Background:

Surge in Migration Attempts to the U.S.:

• Alarming increase in Indians attempting to enter the U.S., nearly 100,000 between October 2022 and September 2023.
• Five times higher than the previous year, as per U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.

Migration Routes:

• More than half attempted entry through the heavily guarded Mexican border.
• Others sought entry through the sparsely manned Canadian border.

Treacherous Routes and Risks:

• Rise in Indians taking treacherous routes, highlighted by the death of a six-year-old girl from Punjab in the Arizona desert in June 2019.
• Surge began before the COVID-19 pandemic, with the Trump Administration invoking Title 42 to turn away asylum seekers.

Impact of Title 42 and Post-COVID-19 Migration:

• Title 42 empowered border agencies to turn away asylum seekers without a hearing.
• Migration attempts increased again after the COVID-19 years and the Biden Administration coming to power.

Desperation or Misguidance:

• Indians taking significant risks and facing enormous difficulties to become illegal immigrants in the U.S.
• Suggests motives of desperation or potential misinformation leading to such migration attempts.

Reasons of illegal migration

Out of nearly 97,000 Indians at the American border in the current year, 45,000 claimed fear in their home country.

• Fear of religious and political persecution was identified as a major factor.
• Lack of economic opportunities in India and the easing of pandemic restrictions were other contributing factors.
• Their situation has been exacerbated by the crisis that they face in farming with plummeting incomes and overexploited and fragmented farmlands.
• Government's handling of protests against the agriculture laws influenced Sikhs' perception of mistreatment in Punjab.
• Backlog in legal immigration channels prompted Indians, particularly from Punjab and Gujarat, to pursue illegal routes.
• Financially better-off individuals in these states were opting for illegal routes due to the challenge in legal channels.
• Financial constraints in legal immigration channels led to the choice of illegal routes.Agents charged significant amounts, ranging from Rs 25 lakh to Rs 70 lakh, making it difficult for many to afford.
• Punjabis and Gujaratis, forming a significant portion of the Indian community in the US, perceived the "American dream" as more attainable.
• English-educated, affluent Indians saw the US as a promised land with better opportunities.
• The surge in demand for work in the US from the English-educated, affluent class exceeded the capacity of the US visa framework.

The 'Donkey Route'

1. Rise in Incidents of Indian Illegal Immigration:

• Recent grounding of a Nicaragua-bound flight is part of a trend highlighting challenges faced by Indians trying to enter the US.
• Tragic incidents, such as the discovery of bodies on the US-Canada border, have garnered attention.

2. Alarming Increase in Undocumented Indian Immigrants:

• Despite risks, US Customs and Border Protection recorded an unprecedented 96,917 undocumented Indian immigrants in 2022-’23.
• A significant surge from 1,500 a decade ago, with a sharp escalation observed since 2019.

3. The 'Donkey Route' and Changing Dynamics:

• Agents facilitating migration use the "donkey route," guiding Indians through multiple countries until they reach Canada or Mexico.
• Notable routes involve Latin American countries like Ecuador, Bolivia, or Venezuela, which provide visas on arrival for Indian citizens.
• From these countries, migrants proceed to Mexico, and from there, they independently navigate their way to the US border on foot.

4. Changing Preferences in Migration Routes:

• Mexico remains a popular route, but there is a noticeable increase in traffic through the northern US-Canada border.
• nearly 97,000 Indians held by the US in a year, over 31,000 were apprehended at the northern border.
• This marks a significant shift from the less than 100 Indians held in 2014 when approximately 1,500 were apprehended.

5. Regional Concentration of Illegal Migrants:

• Gujarat and Punjab are identified as significant contributors to the surge in illegal migrants to the US.
• Superintendent-rank police officer highlights these states as primary Sources of undocumented immigrants.

6. Concerns and Implications:

• The increase in Indian illegal immigration poses challenges for US authorities in managing detainment and border security.
• The "donkey route" phenomenon underscores the desperation and risks migrants are willing to take for a chance at a better life in the US.

Potential solutions to address illegal migration issue:

Enhanced Border Security:

• Strengthen border surveillance and security measures to deter illegal crossings.
• Invest in advanced technologies such as sensors, cameras, and drones for effective monitoring.

International Cooperation:

• Collaborate with neighboring countries and international organizations to share intelligence and coordinate efforts to curb illegal migration.
• Engage in bilateral or regional agreements to address the root causes of migration and enforce border controls collectively.

Public Awareness Campaigns:

• Conduct awareness campaigns in SOURCE regions to educate potential migrants about the risks and legal consequences of using illegal routes.
• Highlight legal avenues for migration and emphasize the dangers associated with irregular migration.

Improved Legal Immigration Channels:

• Streamline and expedite legal immigration processes to reduce the backlog and provide viable alternatives to illegal routes.
• Create pathways for temporary or seasonal labor migration to meet specific labor demands.

Address Root Causes:

• Tackle the root causes of migration, such as economic instability, lack of opportunities, and political persecution.
• Implement policies that promote economic development, job creation, and social stability in SOURCE regions.
• A crackdown on exploitative middlemen in the labour market can only be the beginning.
• Investment in agriculture

Diplomatic Engagement:

• Engage in diplomatic dialogue with SOURCE and transit countries to address shared concerns and find collaborative solutions.
• Explore diplomatic solutions to geopolitical issues that contribute to migration pressures.

Humanitarian Assistance:

Provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in SOURCE regions, addressing issues like poverty, displacement, and food insecurity.

• Support local initiatives that promote sustainable development and livelihood opportunities.

Crackdown on Human Trafficking Networks:

• Strengthen law enforcement efforts to identify and dismantle human trafficking networks operating along the donkey route.
• Collaborate with international agencies to disrupt organized crime involved in facilitating illegal migration.

Regional Development Initiatives:

• Invest in regional development initiatives that foster economic growth, infrastructure development, and job creation in areas prone to illegal migration.
• Encourage regional cooperation to address common challenges and create a conducive environment for stability.

Legal Protections for Asylum Seekers:

• Ensure fair and efficient asylum processes for individuals genuinely seeking refuge.
• Provide legal protections and support for vulnerable populations, addressing their concerns and needs.

Capacity Building:

• Build the capacity of border control agencies and law enforcement to effectively manage and secure borders.
• Invest in training programs and Resources to enhance the capabilities of agencies involved in border management.

Community Engagement:

• Work with local communities to address social and economic issues that contribute to migration.
• Foster community engagement and cooperation in preventing and reporting illegal migration activities.

Context: The pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Friday  signed a historic tripartite peace deal with the Government of India and the state government of Assam. 

Background:

Roots in Assamese anxieties

• Assamese people have a unique culture, language, and strong identity.
• In the 19th century, the region's economic growth in tea, coal, and oil attracted migrants, causing insecurity among the indigenous population.
• The Partition and the influx of refugees from former East Pakistan heightened tensions in Assam.
• The competition for Resources led to a six-year-long mass movement.
• In 1985, the Assam Accord was signed to address the issue of foreigners and find a solution for challenges faced by the indigenous population.
• Amidst these developments, radical thinkers, including Bhimakanta Buragohain, Arabinda Rajkhowa, Anup Chetia, Pradip Gogoi, Bhadreshwar Gohain, and Paresh Baruah, formed the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) on April 7, 1979.

Four decades of bloodshed

• The 44-year-long struggle has involved kidnappings, extortion, executions, and bomb blasts, causing tragic loss of life in Assam and beyond.
• The Indian state's response has included Operation Bajrang in 1990, leading to the arrest of 1,221 ULFA insurgents, the declaration of Assam as a 'disturbed area,' imposition of President's rule, and invoking the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
• Certain factions of ULFA, such as Surrendered ULFA (SULFA), allegedly received government support and engaged in "secret killings" of ULFA insurgents and their families.
• ULFA has survived with external assistance, maintaining camps in Myanmar and previously in Bangladesh and Bhutan, serving as launchpads for cross-border operations, shelters, and training bases for new recruits.
• ULFA has connections to other insurgent groups in the Northeast and Myanmar, as well as Islamic terror outfits like Harkat-ul-Jihad-e-Islami and Al-Qaeda.
• Paresh Baruah, ULFA's self-styled military chief, reportedly met Osama Bin Laden, the mastermind of the 9/11 attacks.
• ULFA has links to Pakistan's Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) and openly supported Pakistan during the Kargil War, as indicated in its newsletter Swadhinata.

Towards peace talks

• In 2005, ULFA formed the 11-member 'People’s Consultative Group' (PCG) with intellectuals, including Indira Raisom Goswami, to mediate talks with the government.
• The PCG conducted three rounds of discussions before ULFA walked out, leading to a new wave of terror.
• Some ULFA commanders, like Arabinda Rajkhowa, sought peace talks from 2008 onwards.
• Paresh Baruah opposed talks, leading to Rajkhowa's expulsion in 2012, resulting in a major split in ULFA.
• Baruah formed ULFA (Independent), while Rajkhowa's faction engaged in peace talks with the government.
• In 2012, the pro-talks faction submitted a 12-point charter of demands to the central government.
• The central government responded to the demands earlier this year, leading to discussions in April.
• A tripartite peace agreement was reached between Rajkhowa's faction and the Centre in the given timeframe.

Significance

• Previously the agreements were signed with various groups, including NLFT in 2019, Bru and Bodo in 2020, Karbi in 2021, Adivasi in 2022, and Assam-Meghalaya, Assam-Arunachal, and UNLF agreements in 2023.The ULFA agreement will usher in a new era of peace for the entire Northeast, especially Assam.
• A time-bound program will be established to fulfill ULFA's demands, with a monitoring committee overseeing the process.
• This will fulfill the vision of a peaceful, prosperous and insurgency-free Northeast and bringing everlasting peace, prosperity and all-round development of Assam. 

ULFA

• United Liberation Front of Assam, is an armed separatist group active in the northeastern state of Assam in India.
• The organization aims to create an independent sovereign nation state of Assam for the indigenous Assamese people, employing armed struggle in the ongoing Assam conflict.
• In 1990, the Government of India proscribed ULFA, labeling it as a terrorist organization. Additionally, the United States

Context: There needs to be a focus on solutions that enhance the activities of daily life and the quality of life for the disabled

News:

• The United Nations has emphasized the need for "transformative solutions" that promote inclusive development and leave no one behind, refocusing attention on disability-reducing innovations.
• The field of "neuropsychiatry," situated at the brain-mind interface, has witnessed numerous treatment innovations aimed at improving outcomes for individuals with neuropsychiatric disorders.
• Neuropsychiatric disorders, inherently disabling, span the entire lifespan, encompassing conditions like autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability in childhood (317 million individuals).
• Mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, addictions, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder affect 167 million adolescents and 970 million people globally throughout adolescence and adult life.
• Traumatic brain injury, spinal injury, epilepsy, and headaches present challenges across the lifespan, while conditions like stroke, Alzheimer’s dementia, and Parkinson’s disease impact 276 million individuals in old age.
• According to the World Health Organization's Global Burden of Disease study (2019), 2.41 billion individuals globally could benefit from rehabilitation, contributing to 310 million Years of Living with Disabilities (YLD), marking a 63% increase from 1990 to 2019.
• Rehabilitation services, often perceived as disability-specific and limited to a few, have not been prioritized in many countries, despite their individual and societal benefits.

About disability

• Disability arises from the interplay between individuals with impairments and societal and environmental barriers that impede their complete and active engagement in society on an equal footing with others.
• As per the 2011 Census, disabled individuals make up 2.21% of India's total population, with 7.62% falling within the age group of 0-6 years.
• India has endorsed the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disability and officially ratified it on October 1, 2007. The enactment of a new disability legislation, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, expanded the recognized disabilities from 7 to 21 conditions.
• There has been a significant shift in the focus on disabilities, transitioning from an individual-centric approach to a societal perspective, moving from a medical model of disability to a social or human rights model.

Models of disability

Medical Model:

Individuals with specific physical, intellectual, psychological, and mental impairments are considered disabled. Disability is attributed to the individual, seen as limitations in activity. Responsibility lies on the individual to adapt to the environment through cures, treatment, and rehabilitation.

Social Model:

Focuses on society imposing undue restrictions on individuals with impairment. Disability is not inherent to individuals but results from the interaction between individuals and society. Highlights societal structures as contributing factors to disability.

Issues Related to Persons with Disability in India:

Discrimination:

- Continuous discrimination based on the stigma attached to persons with disabilities.

- Lack of understanding of their rights hinders their attainment of valued functioning.

- Women and girls with disabilities face a higher risk of sexual and gender-based violence.

Health

- A significant number of disabilities are preventable, including those from medical issues during birth, maternal conditions, malnutrition, accidents, and injuries.

- Lack of awareness, care, and accessible medical facilities contribute to the health-related challenges. Education and Employment

- Insufficient availability of special schools, access to schools, trained teachers, and educational materials for individuals with disabilities.

- Despite the capability of many disabled adults for productive work, they experience significantly lower employment rates than the general population.

Political Participation

Exclusion of disabled people from political spaces occurs at all levels of the political process.

- Challenges include the lack of live aggregate data on disabled individuals in constituencies, inaccessibility of the voting process, and barriers to participation in party politics.

- Political parties generally do not prioritize the needs of disabled individuals as a large electorate.

Lax Implementation:

- Despite admirable government initiatives, most buildings in India lack disability-friendly infrastructure.

- The Accessible India Campaign instructs ministries to make buildings accessible, but compliance is lacking.

- The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act mandates a quota for disabled individuals in government jobs and higher education, but a majority of these positions remain unfilled.

Way Forward for Addressing Disability Issues:

Preventive Actions:

Strengthen preventive health programs with universal screening for all children at a young age. Implement early prevention programs, such as Kerala's Comprehensive Newborn Screening (CNS), to identify deficits in infants and reduce the burden of disability.

Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) Approach:

Implement the CBR approach to maximize the physical and mental abilities of people with disabilities. Ensure access to regular services and opportunities for full integration within communities.

Increasing Public Awareness:

Run social campaigns by governments, voluntary organizations, and professional associations to change attitudes related to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). Mainstream media should continue to portray positive representations of people with disabilities, as seen in movies like "Taare Zameen Par" and "Barfi."

Education Transition:

Address the stigma associated with special schools by promoting inclusiveness among disabled students. Establish proper transition channels between special schools and the outer world.

Collaboration With States:

Raise awareness about care for pregnant mothers and ensure good and accessible medical facilities in rural areas. Support state governments with fiscal decentralization in the health sector, recognizing health as a 'state subject' in the constitution.

Context: The 82nd Session of Indian History Congress(IHC) began at Kakatiya University in Warangal.

News:

• Kakatiya University is set to host the Indian History Congress (IHC) after a hiatus of 30 years.
• The IHC is an annual two-day conference scheduled to commence on December 28 and conclude on December 30.
• The conference will feature discussion panels covering various topics, including Dalit History and Deccan Past and Present.
• A total of 1067 papers are slated to be presented during the event.

The Indian History Congress

• The Indian History Congress (IHC) is the largest professional and academic organization for Indian historians, boasting a membership of over 35,000 historians.
• Established initially as the Modern History Congress, its inaugural session took place in Poona in 1935.
• The vision of the IHC is to comprehensively study all facets of history, including political, economic, cultural, and nationalist aspects, while emphasizing integrative factors in the past.
• The organization is committed to representing a secular and scientific approach to understanding India's history.
• "The Proceedings of the Indian History Congress" serves as the annual journal of the IHC, featuring selected research papers from its annual sessions covering various aspects and periods of Indian history.
• Notable historians, including Mohammad Habib, Ram Sharan Sharma, Satish Chandra, Bipan Chandra, Romila Thapar, Irfan Habib, Barun De, and K. N. Panikkar, have been associated with the Indian History Congress.

Context: Capital markets regulator Sebi on Thursday came out with a procedure for public issuance of 'zero coupon zero principle' instruments by not-for-profit organisations (NPOs) and listing of such instruments on the Social Stock Exchange (SSE).

News:

• Instruments issued in dematerialized form are non-transferable.
• The minimum issue size for such instruments is set at Rs 50 lakh, with a minimum application size of Rs 10,000.
• A minimum subscription of 75% of the proposed funds must be achieved for the issuance.
• The process for listing on the SSE involves filing a draft fundraising document with the SSE through the lead manager, seeking in-principle approval for listing.
• SSE provides observations on the draft document within 30 days, and NPO incorporates these observations before opening the issue.
• If the subscription is less than 75% of the issue size, funds will be refunded.
• SSE is responsible for maintaining details of allotment for zero coupon and zero principal instruments issued by an NPO.
• SSE sets additional norms for the issue procedure, including agreements with depositories, banks, duration for public issuance, allocation methodology, and other ancillary matters.

'Zero Coupon Zero Principal' instruments

• They are financial tools utilized by non-profit organizations for fundraising.
• When these securities are issued, the funds raised are considered donations rather than loans.
• The issuing entity is not obligated to pay interest (zero coupon) or repay the principal amount (zero principal).
• Similar to other debt instruments, these securities have a specific time duration.
• The securities can be purchased by individuals or corporations through SSE when available.
• The Finance Ministry has categorized zero coupon zero principal instruments (ZCZP) as securities under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956.
• SEBI governs the rules and regulations pertaining to these instruments.
• The significance lies in enabling organizations and corporations to use their social responsibility funds more transparently and support non-profit organizations effectively.

SEBI

• It was established in 1988, is the regulatory authority for India's securities and commodities market, operating under the ownership of the Finance Ministry.
• Its primary objectives include safeguarding investors' interests and fostering the development of the securities market.
• SEBI gained autonomy and statutory status with the enactment of the SEBI Act in 1992.
• Functioning as a quasi-judicial and quasi-legislative body, SEBI possesses the authority to formulate regulations, conduct investigations, and impose penalties.
• The SEBI Board comprises a Chairman serving a 3-year term, along with various Full-time and Part-time members.
• NPOs, or non-profit organizations, are legal entities that operate for the public and societal benefit rather than for profit.

SSE

• Social Stock Exchanges(SSE), constitutes a distinct segment within the existing stock exchange structure.
• It serves as a platform for social enterprises to raise funds from the public through its designated mechanism.
• The proposal for establishing SSE was introduced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the 2019 budget speech.
• Eligibility for listing on SSE is open to both for-profit social businesses (FPSE) and non-profit organizations (NPO) that demonstrate a commitment to social causes.
• SEBI's Regulations of 2018 outline 17 reasonable criteria for qualification, including objectives related to education, employability, equality, environmental sustainability, and efforts to combat hunger, poverty, and malnutrition.

Context: The government announced the extension of export benefits under the RoDTEP scheme for ecommerce exports through post or couriers.

News:

• The RoDTEP scheme, implemented three years ago, involves the refund of non-creditable central, state, and local levies embedded in exporters' inputs.
• Currently, e-commerce exporters are excluded from RoDTEP benefits.
• The Commerce Ministry is set to issue a notification stating that RoDTEP will be accessible for e-commerce.
• The ministry will facilitate any necessary IT enablement for the inclusion of e-commerce in the RoDTEP scheme.
• Estimating e-commerce exports is challenging as a significant portion is integrated into merchandise exports by major companies like Amazon and Walmart.
• India's e-commerce exports, considering postal and courier exports, are currently valued at approximately $1 to $1.5 billion, a fraction of the total $421 billion in exports.

RoDTEP Scheme

• The RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) scheme aims to reimburse exporters for central, state, and local duties or taxes embedded in their products.
• It addresses a disadvantage faced by Indian exports by refunding duties that were not previously rebated or refunded.
• The scheme does not apply to duties and taxes that are already exempted, remitted, or credited.
• Launched in January 2021, it replaced the non-compliant Merchandise Export from India Scheme (MEIS), which provided additional benefits ranging from 2% to 7% on the Freight On Board (FOB) value of eligible exports.
• MEIS was deemed non-compliant with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules, as countries with a per capita income above $1000 cannot offer export subsidies. India lost the WTO case and introduced RoDTEP to comply with WTO norms.
• The Rebate of State and Central Levies and Taxes (RoSCTL) Scheme, separate for garment exporters, has been notified.
• Tax refund rates under RoDTEP range from 0.5% to 4.3% for different sectors.
• Rebates will be claimed as a percentage of the Freight On Board value of exports.
• Issued in the form of a transferable duty credit or electronic scrip (e-scrip), maintained in an electronic ledger by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).

The Government has taken the following measures to boost exports and reduce trade deficit:

1. Foreign Trade Policy (2015-20) extended upto 31-03-2023.
2. Interest Equalization Scheme on pre and post shipment rupee export credit has also been extended upto 31-03-2024.
3. Assistance provided through several schemes to promote exports, namely, Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) and Market Access Initiatives (MAI) Scheme. 
4. Rebate of State and Central Levies and Taxes (RoSCTL) Scheme to promote  labour oriented textile export has been implemented since 07.03.2019.
5. Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme has been implemented since 01.01.2021.
6. Common Digital Platform for Certificate of Origin has been launched to facilitate trade and increase Free Trade Agreement (FTA) utilization by exporters.
7. 12 Champion Services Sectors have been identified for promoting and diversifying services exports by pursuing specific action plans.
8. Districts as Export Hubs has been launched by identifying products with export potential in each district, addressing bottlenecks for exporting these products and supporting local exporters/manufacturers to generate employment in the district.
9. Active role of Indian missions abroad towards promoting India’s trade, tourism, technology and investment goals has been enhanced.
10. Package announced in light of the COVID pandemic to support domestic industry through various banking and financial sector relief measures, especially for MSMEs, which constitute a major share in exports.

Directorate General of Foreign Trade

• Establishment and Affiliation: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) is a branch of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, formed in 1991 to oversee and implement foreign trade policies.
• Policy Formulation: DGFT plays a crucial role in crafting the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) for India, outlining guidelines, incentives, and regulations governing the import and export of goods and services.
• Licensing and Regulation: DGFT issues, regulates, and updates licenses, permits, and authorizations necessary for imports and exports. It manages lists of restricted and prohibited items.
• Export Promotion Schemes: The DGFT administers various schemes such as Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG), Merchandise Exports from India Scheme (MEIS), and Service Exports from India Scheme (SEIS) to encourage exports and boost India's competitiveness.
• Trade Facilitation: DGFT focuses on simplifying procedures, reducing bureaucratic obstacles, and promoting the digitization of trade-related processes to facilitate efficient international trade.
• Monitoring and Enforcement: DGFT actively monitors exporters' and importers' compliance with trade regulations, taking necessary actions to enforce export obligations and prevent the misuse of export incentives.

• PM Inaugurates Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection and dedicates Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant at Kadmat recently
• Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber connection will lead to faster Internet for the people of Lakshadweep.
• The project is funded by Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecommunications.

Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) is a desalination technique that uses low-grade thermal energy to evaporate seawater and produce fresh water.

Savitribai Phule

• Savitribai Phule (1831 - 1897) was a social reformer, poet in Maharastra.
• She is considered the 1^st female teacher in India and is known as the mother of Indian feminism.

Rani Velu Nachiyar

• Rani Velu Nachiyar was the 1^st queen to fight against the British colonial power in India.

She is known by Tamils as Veeramangai, who was the princess of Ramanathapuram.

Recently, Ministry of Tourism started training in Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha under Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme.

Goal – To promote unique conservation values of Ramsar Sites’.

Ramsar Convention of 1971, an intergovernmental treaty for conservation and wise use of wetlands, was ratified by India in 1982.

Purpose – To maintain healthy Ramsar Sites which

• Provide water and food security and buffer the landscape from floods, droughts, and extreme events.
• Generate local employment and support livelihoods
• Provide habitats for species Maintain and enhance carbon sinks
• Conserve and celebrate rich cultural heritage
• Timeline – From June 5, 2023 till June 5, 2026.

June 5 is celebrated as World Environment Day.

Implementation – In convergence with Central Government, State Wetland Authorities, institutions and individuals.

Amrit Dharohar Capacity Building Scheme

• Aim – To enhance livelihood opportunities for local communities.
• Implemented by - IITTM, an autonomous body under Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with MoEFCC.
• Training programmes – Alternative Livelihood program (ALP) and Paryatan Navik Certificate (PNC).

Implementation – In 1st phase, 5 Ramsar sites were identified.

• • Sultanpur National Park - Haryana
  • Sirpur wetland – Madhya Pradesh
  • Yashwant Sagar – Madhya Pradesh
  • Bhitarkanika National Park – Odisha
  • Chilika Lake – Odisha

The Union Cabinet Chaired by the Prime Minister of India has approved the overarching scheme ‘PRITHvi Vigyan’ (PRITHVI).

• Implemented by – Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

The research & development and operational (services) activities of MoES are carried out by 10 Institutes of MoES.

Timeline – 2021-26, at an overall cost of Rs. 4,797 crore.

It encompasses 5 ongoing sub-schemes namely

• ACROSS – Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services
• O-SMART – Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology
• PACER – Polar Science and Cryosphere Research
• SAGE – Seismology and Geosciences
• REACHOUT – Research, Education, Training and Outreach

Objectives

• To observe the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere and solid earth.
• To predict weather, ocean and climate hazards.
• To explore polar and high seas regions of the Earth.
• To do sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources.
• To translate the knowledge of Earth systems science into services for societal, environmental and economic benefit.

Earth System Sciences deal with all the 5 components of the earth system namely atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere and their complex interactions.

• Significance – It will enable development of integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and will help in addressing the grand challenges of weather and climate, ocean, cryosphere, seismological science and services.

North Korea has fired more than 200 rounds of artillery shells off its west coast, towards the South's Yeonpyeong Island.

Yeonpyeong Island – It is home to a military base and a small civilian population of about 2,000 people in South Korea.

Geography – It lies 3km (2 miles) from the disputed maritime border in the Yellow Sea and 12km from the North Korean coast.

Yeonpyeong Island is close to what is known as the ‘Northern Limit Line,’ the de facto maritime border that separates the two Koreas.

• Military events – It has been the scene of inter-Korean naval clashes over the years
• In 2010, 2 soldiers and 2 civilians were killed after North Korea fired dozens of artillery shells towards the island.
• 2024 firing – The fired shells did not enter South Korean territory as they all landed in the buffer zone between the 2 countries.
• While there is no damage to people or military in South Korea, it threatens peace on the Korean peninsula and raises tensions.
• Reaction of South Korea – It ordered civilians to seek shelter on the island before holding live fire drills of its own.
• Response by North Korea – It says that its firing drills off the west coast were a natural response to large-scale military actions by its neighbour.

North Korea and South Korea are formally still at war, as the Korean War in 1953 ended with an armistice and not a formal peace treaty.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has its origin from the erstwhile Ministry of Welfare.

Two departments have been under the Ministry

• • Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (Samajik Nyaya and Adhikarita Vibhag)
  • Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan)

The Ministry is entrusted with the welfare, social justice and empowerment of disadvantaged and marginalized sections - scheduled and backward classes, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, victims of drug abuse, transgenders, etc.

Union Minister - Dr. Virendra Kumar

Initiatives for the welfare of Scheduled Class

SHRESHTA- ScHeme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas

• Objective- To provide quality education and opportunities for the poorest SC students as per the Constitutional mandate.
• Eligibility- SC students studying from class 9^th to class 12^th whose parental annual income is up to Rs 2.5 lakh per annum
• Selection- The students are selected through National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA which is conducted by National Testing Agency.
• Project types-
  • Residential schools
  • Non- residential schools and
  • Hostels, both for primary and secondary students.

Pradhan Mantri AnusuchitJaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY)

• Launch year- 2021-22
• Unified scheme- PM-AJAY is framed by merging the 3 erstwhile schemes
  • Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY) 
  • Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP)
  • Babu Jagjivan Ram Chatrawas Yojana (BJRCY)
• Objectives-
  • Reduce poverty of the SC communities
  • Improve socio-economic developmental indicators
  • Increase literacy and encourage enrolment of SCs in schools and higher educational institutions

• Adarsh Gram- To ensure integrated development of SC majority villages with adequate infrastructure and to realise the objectives of the scheme.

Statuary provisions

• Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955- Prescribes punishment for enforcement of any disability arising from preaching and practice of untouchability, which usually emanate from caste-based discrimination.
• Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989- To prevent atrocities and hate crimes against SC and ST.
  • National Helpline Against Atrocities (NHAA) is available on toll free number ‘14566’ across the country.
• Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act, 2013- Prohibits the employment of manual scavengers for the hazardous manual cleaning of septic tanks and sewers.

National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE)

• About- It is a central sector scheme for improving the living standards of sanitation workers in urban areas.
• Launch year- 2022
• Origin- Self-Employment Scheme for Rehabilitation of Manual Scavengers is modified as NAMASTE.
• Aim- To provide alternate livelihood support and entitlements to reduce their vulnerabilities.
• Joint initiative- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) and Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
• Implementation agency- National Safai Karamchari Finance & Development Corporation (NSKFDC).
• Objective - It envisages safety and dignity of sanitation workers in urban India by
  • Recognizing sanitation workers as one of the key contributors in the maintenance of sanitation infrastructure
  • Providing them with sustainable livelihood
  • Enhancing their occupational safety through capacity building and improved access to safety gear and machines

Initiatives for the welfare of Backward Class

Scholarship schemes

PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI)

• Coverage- Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Backward Class (EBC) and DNT students for pursuing studies from Class IX to XII in reputed school shortlisted by the government.
• Implementation agency- National Scholarship Portal.
• Preference-30% of the slots shall be reserved for girl students.

National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation (NBCFDC)

• Incorporated under Section 25 of the Companies Act 1956 in 1992 as a Company not for profit.
• Objective - To promote economic and developmental activities for the benefit of Backward Classes.
• It provides financial assistance and micro financing and also facilitates skill development of poor persons.

Initiatives for Senior Citizens

Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC)

• It is a central sector scheme under which grants in aid are given for running and maintenance of senior citizens homes, mobile medicare units etc.,
• It is previously known as Integrated Programme for Older Persons (IPOP) which was launched in 1992.

Elderline

• The Ministry has launched National Helpline for Senior Citizens (Toll free No. 14567) to address their grievances.

• Launch year- During International Day for Older Persons on 1^st October 2021.

Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED) portal

• Launch year-2021
• It allows bringing people together by virtual matching of preferences by providing the senior citizens a platform to connect with the private enterprises for certain positions.

Action Groups Aimed at Social Reconstruction (AGRASR) Groups

• It was launched in 2021 for senior citizens to form Self-Help Groups (SHGs).

Senior care Ageing Growth Engine (SAGE) initiative

• It was launched in 2021 to act as a “one-stop access” of elderly care products and services by credible start-ups to promote the silver economy.

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)

• Launch year- 2017
• Aim- To assist Below Poverty Line senior citizens suffering from age related disabilities/ infirmities
• Assistive devices will be distributed free of cost.

Atal Vayo Abhyuday Yojana

• Launch year- 2021
• Aim- To improve the quality of life of the Senior citizens by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities and by encouraging productive and active ageing.

Vayoshreshtha Samman

• National Award for Senior Citizens (Vayoshreshtha Sammans) are conferred to eminent and outstanding institutions or organizations and individuals from different categories. 
• The Awards are given on 1^st October every year by President of India.

Initiatives for Transgender

Transgender persons (Protection of rights) Act, 2019

• The Act provides legal recognition of transgender individuals as a third gender, and recognizes their right to self-identification based on their gender identity.
• It criminalizes offenses against transgender persons, including physical, sexual, emotional, and economic abuse.

National Council for Transgender Persons

• Launch year- 2020
• Aim- To advise government on policies, programmes, legislation and projects with respect to transgender persons.

National Portal for Transgender Persons

• Launch year- 2020
• Role- To obtain certificates and identify cards online without any physical interface with the office of issue.

Ayushman Bharat Yojana

• The ministry has signed MoU with National Health Authority for providing a comprehensive medical package to transgenders in convergence with the Ayushman Bharat Yojana.
• Coverage- All aspects of transition related healthcare for transgender including hormone therapy, gender reassignment surgery that can be redeemed at all private and government facilities.

Support for Marginalized Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE)

• Launch year- 2022
• Aim- To provide welfare and rehabilitation to transgenders and the people engaged in the act of begging.
• Garima Greh- It is a housing facility to provide food, clothing, recreational facilities etc., to the transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.

Initiatives for Drug Abuse

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

• Launch year- 2020
• Aim- To tackle the issue of substance abuse and a vision to make India drug free.
• Nasha Mukt Bharat Campaign- It is a three pronged approach to deal with drug use.

• Navchetna Modules- Developed for sensitizing students (6th-11th standard), teachers and parents on drug dependence, related coping strategies and life skills.
• National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction scheme (NAPDDR) - Provides financial assistance to governments, NGOs and government hospitals for drug demand reduction, awareness, capacity building, counselling, treatment and rehabilitation.

Other Initiatives

Pradhan Mantri Dakshta Aur Kushalta Sampann Hitgrahi (PM-DAKSH)

• It is a national action plan for skilling the marginalized persons of SC, OBC, EBC, Senior Citizens, DNTs, Safai karamcharies including waste pickers, and women.
• Provides skill development training programmes at free of cost on,
  • Up-skilling/Re-skilling
  • Short Term Training
  • Long Term Courses
  • Entrepreneurship Development Program

National Institute of Social Defence

• It has become an autonomous body and is registered under the Societies Act XXI of 1860 with the Government of NCT, Delhi.
• Central advisory body- For the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• It is a Centre of Excellence on research and training in the field of social defence.

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (PwD)

Key Initiatives/ Schemes

India’s 1^st Festival of Inclusion

• Theme- “Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity” held at Goa.
• Aim- To showcase how we can come together to create a welcoming and inclusive world for everyone.

Sign Language Day

• 23^rd September is declared by the United Nations as the International Day of Sign Languages.
• Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), an autonomous body under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated the Sign Language Day.
• Theme – A world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere

Felicitation of Abilympics winners

• Abilympics is a global competition for persons with disabilities, to recognize their achievements and encourage them to pursue their dreams.

Unique Disability ID (UDID)

• It is a national database for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) that issues a Unique Disability Identity Card to each PwD.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016

• Aim- To establish accessibility standards and promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
• The act mandates that persons with at least 40% of a disability are entitled to certain benefits such as reservations in education and employment, preference in government schemes, etc.,

Atal Bihari Training Center for Divyang Sports

• India's first high-tech sports training centre for Divyangjan equipped with state of the art facilities at Madhya Pradesh.
• It aims to promote sports among persons with disabilities and provide them with opportunities to excel in their chosen fields

Disability sector pact

• It is signed between India and South Africa.
• It holds the promise of strengthening bilateral ties, with specific proposals for cooperation to be implemented during its period of validity, promoting a shared commitment to advancing inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with disabilities in both nations.

E-initiatives

• PM Daksh-DEPwD Portal- A comprehensive digital platform for skill training and employment opportunities.
• Sugamya Pustakalaya- An online library that contains books accessible to the blind, people with low vision or to persons with any other print disability.
• ARJUN Portal- Assistance to Disabled persons for purchasing/fitting of aids/appliances (ADIP) and Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana Joint Interface for Unique Nomination facilitates empowerment and inclusion of PwDs.

Assistance to Disabled persons for purchasing/fitting of aids/appliances (ADIP) Scheme

• Aim- To assist the needy disabled persons in procuring durable and scientifically manufactured appliances.
• Implementation- Through NGOs, National Institutes under tMinistry of Social Justice & Empowerment and ALIMCO (a PSU that manufactures artificial limbs).
• Eligibility-
  • Any Indian citizen with 40% disability or more
  • Monthly income not more than Rs.20000
  • Must not have received assistance during the last 3 years and for children its last 1 year

Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO)

• It is a not for profit company registered under Companies Act, 2013.
• It is 100% owned Govt. of India Central Public Sector Enterprises.