InstaLinks : help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically
Table of Contents:
GS Paper 2:
- India will bid for the 2036 Olympics
GS Paper 3:
- Water use in Indian agriculture
Content for Mains Enrichment
- Life Lessons from Walt Disney
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- Angel tax for start-ups
- Production of hydrocarbons under OLAP bid
- Self-Declaration of Freedom from Avian Influenza
- IndiaAI Report
- Inclusion of traditional medicine on WHO’s list
Mapping
- Parvati Kund and Jageshwar temples (Kumaon region, Uttarakhand)
India will bid for the 2036 Olympics
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Governance: Sports
Source: TH
Context: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, announced India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, expressing the nation’s long-standing dream to do so.
- Furthermore, India will also bid to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2029
Rules about Hosting City for the Olympics:
- Bidding: National Olympic Committees select cities within their territories to bid for hosting the Olympic Games, with the Paralympic Games automatically included in the bid.
- The application to host the Games is made by the chief authority of the city, with the support of the national government.
- Selection: The host for future Olympic Games is chosen by the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) during their Session. through a majority vote by secret ballot, with each active member having one vote.
- Elimination: In case of no majority in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated, with further rounds if needed.
- Selection Process: Behind-the-scenes negotiations now determine hosts, as seen in Brisbane’s selection for the 2032 Olympics.
- 2036 Host: The 2036 host will be chosen not before 2026 or 2027.
More about Olympics Cities:
- To date, 51 different cities have been chosen to host the modern Olympics, with a majority in Western Europe.
- No cities from Central America, Africa, Central Asia, the Middle East, South Asia, or Southeast Asia have hosted the Olympics.
- Host city decisions are made between seven to eleven years before the Games
- 2024 Summer Olympics: Paris; 2028 Summer Olympics: Los Angeles
Significance of Hosting the Olympics for India:
- Soft Power Showcase: Hosting the Olympics serves as a soft-power tool, as seen in post-World War Europe, post-apartheid South Africa, and Brazil.
- Positive Image: India aims to create a positive image following issues during the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.
- Global Ambitions: India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics reflects its global ambitions, aligning with goals like a UN Security Council seat and G-20 Presidency.
- Sporting Confidence: Recent sporting achievements, like the 107 medals at the Asian Games, have boosted India’s confidence, stemming from Abhinav Bindra’s 2008 Olympic gold.
Challenges to Consider:
- Multi-Challenges: Hosting such a mega event involves various challenges, including high infrastructure costs, security, cost overruns, environmental impact, geopolitical tensions, and the ethical conduct of administrators.
- Governance Issues: India’s hosting of the 2010 Commonwealth Games was mired in controversies and Corruption
- High Costs: Costs can be exorbitant, as seen in the cases of Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, with the latter exceeding initial estimates by a large margin.
- Recently, Australia withdrew from hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games due to mounting expenditure, and Canada also withdrew its bid for the 2030 edition.
About Olympic Games:
| Origin | The Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece as part of a religious festival in honour of Zeus, the Greek god of the sky, at Olympia. |
| Modern Olympics Games | The modern Olympic Games were revived in the late 19th century. The first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 in Athens, Greece. |
| Pierre, Baron de Coubertin, is credited as the architect of the modern Olympic Games. | |
| International Olympic Committee (IOC) | The International Olympic Committee (IOC) (founded: 1894; HQ: Lausanne, Switzerland) is a non-governmental sports organization responsible for organizing the Olympic Games and governs National Olympic Committees (NOCs). |
| In 2009, the UN General Assembly granted the IOC Permanent Observer status. | |
| The IOC Session is the annual meeting of IOC members where each member has one vote, and its decisions are final. | |
| Pattern of Olympic Games | Since 1948, the Olympics have been held every four years. |
| The responsibility of hosting the Olympic Games is given to a city, not a country, and the choice of the city is determined solely by the IOC. |
Previously in the News,
Insta Links:
Prelims Links:
- Consider the following statements in respect of the 44th Chess Olympiad, 2022:
- It was the first time that the Chess Olympiad was held in India.
- The official mascot was named Thambi’.
- The trophy for the winning team in the open section is the Vera Menchik Cup.
- The trophy for the winning team in the women’s section is the Hamilton-Russell Cup.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards : (UPSC 2022)
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: For the most spectacular and outstanding performance by a sportsperson over a period of the last four years
- Arjuna Award: For the lifetime achievement by a sportsperson
- Dronacharya Award: To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams
- Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar: To recognize the contribution made by sportspersons even after their retirement
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Water use in Indian agriculture
GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Climate Change and Agriculture
Source: IE
Context: The article discusses India’s progress in food security and its water usage in agriculture
India’s food production improvements:
- Exports Surge: India exported 85 million tonnes of cereals, including staples like rice, wheat, and corn, from 2020 to 2023.
- Domestic Support: The PM Garib Kalyan Yojana provided free rice or wheat to over 800 million people, demonstrating the country’s ability to support its population while being a major exporter.
- Milk Production Growth: India’s milk production increased from 17 MT in 1951 to 222 MT in 2022-23, making it the world’s largest milk producer.
- Diversified Production: India has witnessed rapid growth in poultry and fishery sectors since the 2000s, signifying a shift beyond traditional staples into what’s known as the pink (poultry) and blue (fishery) revolutions.
How India Uses Water for Agriculture?
| Aspect | Description |
| Agricultural Dependency | India, with 18% of the world’s population, only possesses 4% of its freshwater resources. |
| India’s heavy reliance on water for agriculture is evident, with estimates varying from 78% to 90% of water usage for farming | |
| Irrigation Status | Currently, approximately 50% of India’s gross cropped area is irrigated, with plans to increase this to 75% to manage climate-related uncertainties. |
| Inefficient usage of water | Groundwater is the primary source of irrigation. Various subsidies and incentives are given to support it. However, it has led to over-exploitation of water, especially in the north-west region. |
| Economic Constraints | Extensive subsidies, including food and fertilizers, make it challenging to invest in water management. |
| Two Crops use maximum water | As per a NABARD-ICRIER study on Water Productivity Mapping; Rice and Sugarcane alone consume almost 60 % of India’s irrigation water
|
What should be India’s Water Strategy for Agriculture?
| Strategy | Description |
| Buffer Stocking | Enhance water storage during the monsoon season in reservoirs. |
| Water-smart technologies | Like micro-irrigation, cover-crop method, deficit irrigation, precision estimation of crop water needs, etc. |
| Monetary Rewards | Offering financial incentives to farmers who save water and power can drive the transition to less water-intensive crops. E.g., the Punjab government’s ‘Pani Bachao, Paisa Kamao’ |
| The article emphasizes the need to reward farmers for switching from water-intensive crops like paddy and sugarcane to less water-intensive crops like millets, pulses, and oilseeds | |
| Groundwater Recharge | Focus on recharging groundwater through check dams and watersheds. |
| Demand Management | Promote rational water allocation and efficient usage across crops. |
| Institutional Reforms | Implement reforms in the irrigation sector, including water and power pricing. |
| Increase Irrigated Land | Aim to irrigate at least 75% of the gross cropped area to cope with climate uncertainties. |
| Private Investment | Address the challenge of attracting private investments in water infrastructure by considering pricing. |
| Shift Focus | Prioritize water productivity, as exemplified in Punjab where rice has high land productivity but low water productivity. |
| Promote Water-Saving Practices | Encourage farming practices that save water, such as direct seeded rice (DSR), alternate wet and dry (AWD) irrigation, zero till, and drip irrigation for sugarcane. |
| Private Sector Investments | Attract private sector investments in reservoirs and canal networks to improve water infrastructure. Public-private partnerships can help fund these projects |
Case Study:
Israel’s Water Management: Israel excels in water technology, including drip systems, desalination, and wastewater recycling, which could benefit Indian agriculture with the right political commitment.
Click Here For Regenerative agriculture: A step towards water conservation
Government Efforts in Agriculture:
| Government Efforts | Description |
| National Mission of Sustainable Agriculture | Launched in 2010 to promote responsible resource management. |
| Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) | Introduced in 2015 to encourage micro/drip irrigation for water conservation. |
| Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana | Implemented to leverage climate-smart farming practices and technologies. |
| Green India Mission | Launched in 2014 to protect and restore forest covers, combating climate change. |
| Neem-Coated Urea | Introduced to reduce excess use of urea fertilizers and protect soil health. |
| National Project on Organic Farming and National Agroforestry Policy | Promote organic farming and agroforestry for ecological and economic benefits. |
| State-level Organic Farming Initiatives | States like Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim promote organic farming. |
| ICAR Climate-Resilient Villages | Establishing climate-resilient villages in 151 districts to build carbon-positive communities. |
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
Elaborate on the impact of the National Watershed Project in increasing agricultural production from water-stressed areas. (UPSC 2019)
How and to what extent would micro-irrigation help in solving India’s water crisis? (UPSC 2021)
Prelims Link:
Among the following, which one is the least water-efficient crop? (UPSC 2021)
(a) Sugarcane
(b) Sunflower
© Pearl Millet
(d) Red gram
Answer: A
Life Lessons from Walt Disney
Content for Mains Enrichment
Source: IE
Context: On the occasion of Disney’s 100th year, the article delves into the history and origins of the Disney empire, starting from Walt Disney’s humble beginnings in Kansas City.
Life Lessons from Walt Disney (1901-1966):
| Life Lessons | |
| Dream Big | Walt Disney’s success began with a dream. He showed that having big dreams and pursuing them relentlessly can lead to great achievements. |
| Perseverance | Disney started from a humble beginning and faced numerous setbacks and even bankruptcy, but he never gave up. He taught us that perseverance and resilience are keys to success. |
| Creativity | Disney encouraged thinking outside the box e.g., the creation of the iconic character Mickey Mouse |
| Innovation: Disney was known for his innovative ideas, from creating the first feature-length animated film to introducing Disneyland | |
| Patriotism | Disney’s contributions during World War II, including producing war-related films and patriotic content |
| During WW 1, he joined the American Red Cross and was sent overseas where he spent over a year driving an ambulance across France and Germany. | |
| Legacy | Disney’s legacy endures through his creations and the impact he had on entertainment and storytelling. He taught us about leaving a lasting legacy. |
| Imagination | Disney celebrated the power of imagination and encouraged us to let our imagination run wild. He believed that imagination can change the world. |
MOTIVATION – A Quote From Walt Disney
“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.”
Usage: The story and examples can be used in an Ethics/Essay paper
Angel tax for start-ups
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has issued a directive to its officers, instructing them not to carry out scrutiny of angel tax provisions for start-ups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT).
- The directive comes in response to concerns raised by start-ups regarding scrutiny notices for angel tax.
The CBDT directive outlines two scenarios for recognized start-up companies:
- First, if the case is selected under scrutiny solely for the applicability of Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income-tax Act, no verification is required during the assessment proceedings, and the contention of the recognized start-up on the issue will be accepted.
- Second, if the case is selected under scrutiny for multiple issues, including Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income-tax Act, the issue will not be pursued during the assessment proceedings.
Angel tax is income tax levied at a rate of 30.6% on unlisted companies that issue shares to investors at a price higher than their fair market value.
The Finance Act 2023 amended Section 56(2)(viib) of the Income-tax Act, colloquially known as the ‘angel tax,’ to include foreign investors. DPIIT-recognized start-ups are exempt from the angel tax levy.
Production of hydrocarbons under OLAP bid
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Business Line
Context: The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas in India is offering 8 blocks for hydrocarbon exploration and production under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) bid round IX.
- Three of the blocks are in the Cauvery basin, two in Saurashtra, two in Assam Shelf, and one in the Cambay basin.
Six of the blocks fall under Category-I basins with proven hydrocarbon resources, while the remaining two are in Category-II with contingent resources. The notice inviting offers for these blocks will be released soon for international competitive bidding.
The Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) was launched in June 2017 to accelerate exploration and production (E&P) activities in India. OALP allows companies to select exploration blocks on their own, without waiting for a formal bid round from the government
Self-Declaration of Freedom from Avian Influenza
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has approved India’s self-declaration of freedom from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in specific poultry compartments.
- This is a significant development for India’s poultry industry and reflects the country’s commitment to maintaining high animal health and biosecurity standards.
- Compartmentalization, a strategy used to establish and maintain groups of animals with specific health statuses, played a key role in this achievement.
- India adopted the concept of poultry compartmentalization as a crucial tool to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and facilitate the trade of poultry and poultry-related products.
India, one of the top producers of eggs and poultry meat globally, is poised to capitalize on this achievement, potentially opening up new opportunities in the global market.
IndiaAI Report
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: Seven working groups of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) have submitted the first edition of the IndiaAI report.
- This report outlines India’s strategy for the development of its artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem. The IndiaAI program aligns with Prime Minister vision of “India for AI and AI for India” and aims to catalyse the development of a 1 trillion-dollar digital economy.
About IndiaAI Program:
- The IndiaAI program is holistic and ambitious, covering various aspects of the AI ecosystem, including compute infrastructure, data, AI financing, research and innovation, skilling, and institutional capacity for data management.
- It also focuses on supporting start-ups and entrepreneurship, India datasets program, and the India AI Compute Platform.
- The report details the operational aspects of establishing Centers of Excellence (CoEs) and outlines an institutional framework for governing data collection, management, processing, and storage.
- It includes recommendations on leveraging India’s demographic dividend and enhancing AI skills, strengthening AI compute infrastructure through public-private partnerships, and implementing a Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme to support domestic companies and start-ups.
Inclusion of traditional medicine on WHO’s list
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The Indian government is pushing for the inclusion of Ayurveda and related traditional medicine systems in the 11th revision of the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD) as the second module of a supplementary chapter on traditional medicine conditions.
- This move aims to provide these traditional systems with a standardized language for global recognition and integration.
- The ICD serves as a common language for healthcare professionals worldwide, allowing them to share standardized information.
- ICD-11 previously included Module-1 for traditional medicine conditions originating in China.
- The inclusion of Ayurveda and related systems in Module-2 would allow for a more comprehensive approach to reporting adverse events and integrating traditional medicine into insurance and reimbursement systems, in line with WHO’s goals for universal health coverage.
Parvati Kund and Jageshwar temples (Kumaon region, Uttarakhand)
Mapping
Source: ET
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged people to visit the Parvati Kund and Jageshwar temples in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, emphasizing their natural beauty and spiritual significance.
Jageshwar is a Hindu pilgrimage town in the district Almora (Kumaun region Uttarakhand), known for its group of 125 ancient temples dating from the 7th to the 14th century (primarily constructed and restored by the Katyuri dynasty kings). These temples are dedicated to various deities, with many honouring Lord Shiva.
According to the Skandha Purana and Linga Purana, the worship of Lord Shiva originated in Jageshwar, making it a significant religious site. Additionally, the area was a hub for Lakulisha Shaivism, a revivalist sect that reveres Lord Shiva.
It also hosts religious festivals like the Jageshwar Monsoon Festival and Maha Shivratri Mela. The temples showcase a mix of North Indian Nagara and South/Central Indian architectural styles.
Parvati Kund, located at an elevation of about 5,338 feet, is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati meditated.
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