1.Broadcasting Regulation Bill 2024
2.Gaganyaan Astronauts Selected for Axiom-4 Mission    
3.Cotton Production in India    
4.European Union    
5.Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI)

Broadcasting Regulation Bill 2024    

Recently, concerns have been raised by several digital creators against the Broadcasting Regulation Bill 2024. The draft bill seeks to regulate the broadcast of news and current affairs programs (excluding print news).
Such programs will have to comply with the prescribed programme code and
advertisement code.
According to the CSDS Lok-Niti survey, 29% of respondents consume political material every day on digital platforms.
Critics have expressed concerns that the bill can lead to digital authoritarianism to control online narratives.
Key Points of the Broadcasting Regulation Bill 2024 Regulating Mechanism:
Multiple types of broadcasters and broadcast network operators will be regulated based on their type.
Television broadcasting networks will have to register with the central government, while OTT platforms must provide an intimation after meeting a certain threshold of subscribers.
Unified Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting:
The bill aims to replace the Cable Television Networks Act of 1995. It also extends the regulatory purview to cover broadcasting of over-the-top (OTT) content and digital news and current affairs, currently regulated through the IT Act, 2000.
Programme Code and Advertisement Code:
The bill seeks to regulate the broadcast of news and current affairs programs. Such programs will have to comply with the prescribed programme code and advertisement code.
Self-Regulation:
The bill provides for a self-regulatory structure to ensure compliance with the programme and advertisement codes. This includes:
1.Self-regulation
2.Constituting self-regulatory organisations
3.Establishing a Broadcast Advisory Council

Content Evaluation Committee (CEC):
Each broadcaster will have to set up an internal Content Evaluation Committee (CEC). All broadcast content must be certified by the CEC.
Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities:
1.The bill promotes the use of subtitles, audio descriptors, and sign language for persons with disabilities.
2.It provides for the appointment of a Disability Grievance Officer. Penalties:
1.Prescribes penalties such as advisory, warning, censure, or monetary penalties for operators and broadcasters.
2.Reserves imprisonment and/or fines for severe offences, like obtaining registration with a false affidavit.
Infrastructure Sharing Provisions:
The bill introduces provisions for infrastructure sharing among broadcasting network operators.
Dispute Resolution:
Establishes a structured dispute resolution mechanism. Significance of the Broadcasting Regulation Bill 2024 Consolidation and Modernisation:
The bill replaces the outdated Cable Television Networks Act, 1995. It adopts a unified, future-focused approach by adapting to the dynamic world of OTT, digital media, DTH, and IPTV.
Promotes 'Ease of Doing Business':
Incorporates provisions for a dispute resolution mechanism in the broadcasting domain.
Further Push to 'Digital India':
Promotes technological advancement and service evolution in the broadcasting domain, pushing the goal of Digital India.
Provides for 'Right of Way':
Enables cable operators to easily obtain permissions from various local agencies to roll out their networks in a new city.

Promotes Infrastructure Sharing:
Broadcasters can benefit from infrastructure sharing, similar to how telecom operators benefited from sharing cellular towers and spectrum.
Empowers Broadcasters by Providing Self-Regulation Mechanisms:
Establishes Content Evaluation Committees, providing autonomy to the broadcasting industry in obtaining certification.
Promotes 'Ease of Living':
Enhances the accessibility of broadcasting services for persons with disabilities by promoting the use of subtitles, audio descriptors, and sign language.
Concerns with the Broadcasting Regulation Bill 2024 Threat of Digital Dictatorship:
Expands the scope to classify individual commentators as ‘Digital News Broadcasters‘ and content creators as ‘OTT Broadcasters‘.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting can prescribe and change thresholds for subscribers or users, increasing the Union Government’s command and control over digital media.
Additional Compliances for Online Platforms:
Establishes a new safe harbor regime independent of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The government can demand registration, enforce censorship, and require platforms such as YouTube to frame special compliances not only for news channels but also for creators.
Issues with the Content Evaluation Committees (CEC):
a.Government-prescribed criteria for the CEC raises questions of its independence. b. The requirement of disclosure of personal details of CEC members to the government and public contradicts the Right to Privacy and the Digital Personal Data Protection legislation.
c. Disclosure of personal details also puts members at risk of physical or online harassment for approving content that may offend an individual or a group.
Issues with the Broadcast Advisory Council (BAC):
All BAC members will be nominated by the Centre, raising concerns about potential government-led content censorship.
Selective Targeting of Journalists:
Critics fear that the bill may be misused to selectively target journalists, similar to the misuse of the IT Rules 2021 to arrest media personnel.

Conclusion and Way Forward
To address the challenges posed by the bill and improve media regulation, the following steps should be considered:
Stakeholder Consultation:
Extensive consultations with industry experts, content creators, broadcasters, and the public can provide valuable feedback to the government regarding concerns about the bill.
Promotion of Media Literacy:
Investment in media literacy programs to educate the public about responsible media consumption, following examples like Singapore and Australia.
Responsible Media:
The media must uphold its duty as the 4th pillar of Indian democracy and ensure journalistic ethics are not compromised.
Ensuring the Independence of the CEC and BAC:
The government must nominate members from the broadcast industry and civil society to keep the CEC and BAC independent and impartial.

Prelims Question:

Question: With reference to the Broadcasting Regulation Bill 2024, consider the following statements:
1.The bill replaces the Cable Television Networks Act of 1995.
2.It mandates all broadcasters to set up an internal Content Evaluation Committee (CEC).
3.The bill provides for the establishment of a Broadcast Advisory Council (BAC).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)1 and 2 only
B)2 and 3 only
C)1 and 3 only
D)1, 2, and 3 Answer: 
D)1, 2, and 3

Mains Question:

Q: Critically evaluate the Broadcasting Regulation Bill 2024 in the context of India's evolving digital landscape. Discuss the potential benefits and challenges associated with the bill. (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Gaganyaan Astronauts Selected for Axiom-4 Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has shortlisted two of its four trained Gaganyaan astronauts for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in collaboration with the United States' National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Axiom-4 Mission Overview:
NASA and Axiom Space, an American privately funded space infrastructure developer, signed an order for the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS, aiming to launch in August 2024 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The mission aims to dock with the ISS for a fourteen-day duration.
Training and Cooperation:
Indian astronauts will receive training from NASA, international partners, and
SpaceX, focusing on spacecraft systems and emergency preparedness.
This is part of India-US space cooperation goals, enhancing collaboration in space exploration and technology.
Significance:
This mission marks a significant step in India's space exploration endeavors, reflecting the growing international partnerships and India's capabilities in human spaceflight.

Note:
The joint statement by India and the United States during the Prime Minister’s visit in 2023 stated that NASA would provide ‘advanced training’ to Indian astronauts at one of its facilities, as part of the Artemis Accords.
Status of India's Gaganyaan Program
Gaganyaan, India’s human spaceflight program, is expected post-2025, with unmanned flights serving as precursors.

The program aims to launch manned flights following two successful unmanned missions, establishing India as a key player in human space exploration.
International Space Station (ISS) Introduction:
The ISS is a large, permanently crewed laboratory orbiting Earth, 400 kilometers above its surface. It is home to astronauts and cosmonauts and serves as a unique science laboratory.
Research and Collaboration:
The ISS facilitates research expected to lead to advancements in medicine, technology, science, and understanding of the Earth and universe.
It's a collaboration between 15 countries and five space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and CSA (Canadian Space Agency).
Crew and Operations:
An international crew of seven people live and work on the ISS, traveling at a speed of 7.66 km/sec and orbiting Earth about every 90 minutes.
In 24 hours, the space station makes 16 orbits of Earth, experiencing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
Peggy Whitson set the US record for spending the most total time living and working in space for 665 days.
History:
The first parts of the ISS were sent and assembled in orbit in 1998.
Since 2000, the ISS has had crews living continuously on board, marking over two decades of continuous human presence in space.

Note:
India is gearing up to strengthen its space presence, with ISRO aiming to establish the country's first space station by 2035.
ISRO aims to build a 20-ton space station within a decade to support microgravity experiments, enhancing India's capabilities in space research and exploration.

Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to the Axiom-4 mission, consider the following statements:

1.The mission is a collaborative effort between NASA and Axiom Space.
2.It aims to dock with the International Space Station for a two-month duration.
3.Indian astronauts will receive training from NASA as part of this mission.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)1 and 2 only
B)1 and 3 only
C)2 and 3 only
D)1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only
Mains Question:
Q: Discuss the significance of India's participation in the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station. How does this collaboration with NASA align with India's broader space exploration goals? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Cotton Production in India

Cotton is a versatile crop that provides food, feed, and fiber for various uses, including textiles, cooking oil, and livestock feed. It is a major source of income and employment for millions of farmers in India. However, in recent years, cotton production and yields have declined significantly, posing a challenge for the country’s agriculture and textile sectors.
Significance of Cotton for India About
Cotton is one of the most important commercial crops cultivated in India and accounts for around 25% of the total global cotton production.
Due to its economic importance in India, it is also termed as “White-Gold.”
In India, around 67% of cotton is grown in rain-fed areas and 33% in irrigated areas. Growing Conditions
Cotton cultivation requires a hot and sunny climate with a long frost-free period and is most productive in warm and humid conditions.
Cotton can be successfully grown in a range of soil types, including:
Well-drained deep alluvial soils in northern regions.

OASHUB

Variable-depth black clayey soils in the central region.
Mixed black and red soils in the southern zone.
While cotton exhibits some tolerance to salinity, it is highly sensitive to waterlogging, emphasizing the importance of well-drained soils in cotton farming.
Species of Cultivated Cotton
India is the only country to grow all four species of cultivated cotton:
Gossypium arboreum and Herbaceum (Asian cotton).
barbadense (Egyptian cotton).
hirsutum (American Upland cotton).
Major Cotton Growing States
Northern Zone: Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
Central Zone: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
Southern Zone: Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
Significance
Cotton, often likened to coconut, serves as a source of three essential components:
Fiber: The white fluffy fiber or lint, constituting about 36% of the raw unginned cotton, is the primary source for the textile industry. The rest is seed (62%) and wastes (2%) separated from the lint during ginning. Cotton commands a two-thirds share in India's total textile fiber consumption.
Food: Cottonseed contains 13% oil, commonly used for cooking and frying. Cottonseed cake/meal is India's second-largest feed cake, following soybean.
Feed: The leftover cottonseed cake, comprising 85% of the seed, is a valuable, protein-rich feed ingredient for livestock and poultry. Cottonseed oil ranks as the country's third-largest domestically-produced vegetable oil, following mustard and soybean.
Factors Affecting Cotton Production in India Surge in Cotton Production
Between 2000-01 and 2013-14, India witnessed a remarkable surge in cotton production, primarily attributed to Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) technology. Key developments include:
Adoption of genetically-modified (GM) cotton hybrids with Bt genes, designed to combat the American bollworm insect pest.

This led to a surge in lint yields from 278 kg per hectare in 2000-01 to 566 kg per hectare in 2013-14.
A corresponding increase in cottonseed oil and cake production.
Decline in Cotton Production
The gains achieved through Bt technology were short-lived. Post-2013-14, cotton production and yields began to decline. The primary factors responsible for this decline include:
Emergence of Pink Bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella):
Pink bollworm (PBW) larvae invade cotton bolls, causing plants to produce less cotton and lower quality fiber.
PBW is monophagous, feeding mainly on cotton, which contributed to the development of resistance against Bt proteins.
Continuous cultivation of Bt hybrids led to PBW populations developing resistance, replacing susceptible ones.
Regional Impact:
In 2014, Gujarat experienced an unusual surge in PBW larvae survival on cotton flowers 60-70 days after planting.
In 2015, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Maharashtra also reported PBW infestations.
In 2021, Punjab, Haryana, and northern Rajasthan saw heavy infestation of the pest for the first time.
Note: Monophagous means an organism that primarily feeds on a single specific type of food or host.
Other Challenges in the Cotton Sector Yield Fluctuations
Cotton production in India is unpredictable due to factors such as:
Limited access to irrigation systems.
Declining soil fertility.
Erratic weather patterns, including unexpected droughts or excessive rainfall.
Smallholder Dominance

The majority of cotton farming in India is carried out by small-scale farmers who often rely on traditional agricultural practices.
These farmers have limited access to modern farming technologies, affecting overall cotton production.
Limited Market Access
Many cotton growers in India face constraints in reaching markets and are compelled to sell their harvest at reduced rates to intermediaries.
Conclusion
Cotton production in India is a critical component of the country's agricultural and economic landscape. However, the sector faces challenges due to pest infestations, yield fluctuations, and limited market access. Addressing these issues requires a combination of technological innovation, policy support, and market access to ensure the sustainability and growth of cotton production in India.

Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to cotton cultivation in India, consider the following statements:
1.India is the only country that grows all four species of cultivated cotton.
2.Cotton cultivation in India is predominantly rain-fed.
3.The primary pest affecting Bt cotton in India is the American bollworm.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)1 and 2 only
B)1 and 3 only
C)2 and 3 only
D)1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question:
Q: Discuss the factors that have contributed to the decline in cotton production in India after 2013-14. What measures can be taken to revitalize the cotton sector and ensure sustainable growth? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

European Union

The European Union (EU) is a group of 27 countries that operate as a cohesive economic and political bloc.
19 of these countries use the euro (€) as their official currency, known as the
Eurozone.
The EU emerged from a desire to form a single European political entity to end centuries of warfare among European countries, which culminated in World War II and decimated much of the continent.
The EU has developed an internal single market through a standardized system of laws that apply in all member states in matters where members have agreed to act as one.
Eurozone and Non-Eurozone Members
Eurozone Countries:
The Eurozone consists of 19 EU countries that have adopted the euro as their official currency.
Non-Eurozone Members:
8 EU members do not use the euro and instead have retained their national currencies. These countries are:
Bulgaria
Croatia
Czech Republic
Denmark
Hungary
Poland
Romania
Sweden Objectives of the EU
Promote Peace and Values:
Ensure the well-being of all EU citizens by fostering peace and shared values.
Freedom, Security, and Justice:
Offer freedom, security, and justice without internal borders across member states.

Sustainable Development:
Focus on balanced economic growth, price stability, a highly competitive market economy with full employment, social progress, and environmental protection.
Combat Social Exclusion and Discrimination:
Implement policies to combat social exclusion and discrimination within the EU.
Scientific and Technological Progress:
Promote advancements in science and technology to benefit member states.
Economic, Social, and Territorial Cohesion:
Enhance cohesion and solidarity among EU countries to ensure economic and social balance.
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity:
Respect and preserve the rich cultural and linguistic diversity within the EU.
Economic and Monetary Union:
Establish an economic and monetary union with the euro as its currency.
About the European Commission (EC)
The European Commission is the executive body of the European Union.
It is responsible for proposing legislation, implementing decisions, upholding EU treaties, and managing the day-to-day business of the EU.
Structure and Composition
The Commission operates as a cabinet government with 27 members—one member per EU member state.
Members of the Commission are proposed by member countries, and the European Parliament gives final approval.
The Commission President is proposed by the European Council and elected by the
European Parliament.
The Commission is divided into departments known as Directorates-General (DGs), each headed by a director-general responsible to a commissioner.
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The High Representative (HR) is appointed by the European Council with the agreement of the President of the EC.
The HR is responsible for shaping and carrying out the EU's foreign, security, and defense policies.
Significance of the EU

The EU is a major political and economic entity in the world, promoting cooperation and integration among its member states.
It plays a crucial role in global trade, foreign policy, and environmental initiatives, often setting standards and regulations that influence worldwide policies.

Prelims Question
Question: Which of the following countries is NOT a member of the Eurozone?
1.Portugal
2.Sweden
3.Greece
4.Germany
Select the correct answer:
A)1 and 3 only
B)2 only
C)3 and 4 only
D)1, 2, and 4 only Answer: B) 2 only Mains Question
Q: Discuss the objectives of the European Union and analyze how its policies aim to achieve economic and social cohesion among its member states. How does the EU address challenges related to cultural and linguistic diversity? (15 Marks, 250 Words)

Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI)

What is the PMI?
Definition: The Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) is a survey-based measure that evaluates changes in respondents' perceptions of key business variables compared to the previous month. It serves as an index indicating the prevailing direction of economic trends in the manufacturing and service sectors.
Purpose: The PMI provides valuable information about current and future business conditions to company decision-makers, analysts, and investors.
Calculation:

Calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors.
A composite index is also constructed to provide an overall view.
Scale:
The PMI is represented as a number ranging from 0 to 100.
Above 50: Indicates expansion in the sector.
Below 50: Indicates contraction in the sector.
At 50: Indicates no change in the sector.
If the PMI of the previous month is higher than the current month, it suggests that the economy is contracting.
Release: Usually released at the start of every month, making it a good leading indicator of economic activity.
Compilation: PMI is compiled by IHS Markit for more than 40 economies worldwide. IHS Markit is part of S&P Global, a global leader in information, analytics, and solutions for major industries and markets.
Comparison with Other Indicators:
Industrial Production Index (IIP): While IIP also gauges the level of activity in the economy, PMI is more dynamic and provides earlier insights into economic trends.
GDP Data: PMI comes out before official data on industrial output, manufacturing, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, helping make informed decisions at an earlier stage.
Significance of PMI
Reliable Economic Expectations:
The PMI has become one of the most tracked indicators of business activity worldwide.
It offers a reliable expectation of how an economy is performing overall, particularly in manufacturing.
Economic Activity Indicator:
PMI is a valuable gauge of the boom-and-bust cycles in the economy.
It is closely watched by investors, businesses, traders, and financial professionals, as well as economists.

PMI is regarded as a leading indicator of economic activity since it is released at the beginning of every month.
It provides insights before the official data on industrial output, core sector manufacturing, and GDP growth is available.
Decision-Making Aid:
Central banks use PMI as part of their analysis to set interest rates.
Businesses use PMI data to make informed decisions regarding production, inventory, and investment strategies.

Key Points
PMI offers timely insights into the health of the manufacturing and services sectors, allowing stakeholders to respond quickly to economic changes.
It serves as an essential tool for understanding economic conditions, aiding in strategic planning and policy formulation.

Prelims Question
Question: Which of the following statements regarding the Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) is correct?
1.PMI is a survey-based measure used to gauge economic trends in the manufacturing and services sectors.
2.A PMI score above 50 indicates contraction, while a score below 50 indicates expansion.
3.PMI is compiled by the Indian government and released quarterly.
4.PMI is primarily used by central banks to set fiscal policies.
Select the correct answer:
A)1 only
B)1 and 4 only
C)2 and 3 only
D)1, 3, and 4 only 
Answer: A) 1 only

Mains Question
Q: Discuss the significance of the Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) as a leading economic indicator. How does it compare with other indicators like the Index of Industrial Productio

(IIP) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) data in terms of providing insights into economic activity? (15 Marks, 250 Words)