INDIA AT PARIS OLYMPICS 2024    
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN    
INDIA DEFENCE EXPORTS: A STRATEGIC IMPERATIVE    
PM-KUSUM: PRADHAN MANTRI KISAN URJA SURAKSHA EVAM UTTHAAN MAHABHIYAN    
CHANDAKA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY    

1.    India at Paris Olympics 2024
Context:
•    India finished 71st in the Paris Olympics 2024 medal tally, a drop from 48th in Tokyo 2020. The country won six medals: 1 Silver and 5 Bronze, sparking discussions on the future of Indian sports.
Key Highlights:
•    Neeraj Chopra secured a silver medal in javelin, making him India's fifth two-time Olympic medallist.
•    Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic shooting medal and the first Indian athlete to win two medals in a single Games.
•    India achieved a record of three shooting medals, including a historic medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions by Swapnil Kusale.
•    Lakshya Sen reached the semi-finals in men's badminton, the first Indian to do so at the Olympics.
•    India has won a total of 41 Olympic medals historically, with significant contributions from hockey and wrestling.
Challenges in Securing Olympic Medals:
•    Talent Identification: Lack of systematic talent scouting, especially in remote areas.
•    Infrastructure and Resources: Many regions lack proper training facilities, coaching, and financial support. Example: Shiva Keshavan had to use crowdfunding for his training.
 

•    Cricket’s Dominance: 87% of sports capital is allocated to cricket, leaving only 13% for all other sports.
•     Long-Term Development: A short-term focus on immediate success rather than sustained athlete development.
•    Corruption and Politics: Sports governance is often dominated by politicians and bureaucrats, leading to inefficiency.
•    Lack of Sports Culture: Societal preference for traditional careers over sports and the absence of a unified sports culture.
Recommendations for Improvement:
•    Grassroots Development: Focus on identifying and nurturing talent from a young age.
•    Investment in Infrastructure: Build world- class training facilities and provide comprehensive support to athletes.
•    Empowering Athletes: Involve athletes in decision-making to ensure accountability in sports governance.
•    Collegiate Sports System: Develop a system similar to the NCAA in the U.S., balancing academics and athletics.
•    Cultural Shift: Encourage societal support for sports careers and integrate sports into education.
•    Government Support: Provide consistent funding and support for Olympic sports.
Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to India’s performance in the Paris Olympics 2024, consider the following statements:



1.     Manu Bhaker became the first Indian woman to win an Olympic medal in badminton.
2.    Neeraj Chopra secured his second Olympic medal in the javelin event at Paris 2024.
3.    India's performance in shooting included the first-ever Olympic medal in the 50m rifle 3 positions event.
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: B) 2 and 3 only
Mains Question:
Question: Analyze the factors hindering India’s Olympic performance despite its potential.
Suggest measures to improve the country’s prospects in future international sports events like the Olympics.

2. Violence Against Women
Context:
•    The National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) report indicates a stark increase in violence against women in India, encompassing dowry deaths, sexual harassment, torture, rape, and domestic violence.
Definition and Scope:
•    The United Nations defines violence against women as any act of gender- based violence that results in physical, sexual, or mental harm, including threats, coercion, or deprivation of liberty, whether in public or private life.
•    This issue spans social, economic, developmental, legal, educational, human rights, and health domains, affecting women throughout their life cycle from pre-birth to old age.
Facts and Findings:
•    World Health Organization (WHO): About
1 in 3 women globally have experienced

physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner in their lifetime.
•    Intimate Partner Violence: A significant public health problem and a violation of human rights, with 38% of murders of women globally committed by a male intimate partner.
•    Impact: Violence can severely affect women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health, increasing the risk of acquiring HIV in some settings.
Causes of Violence Against Women Gender Disparity:
•    Deep-rooted gender inequality and discriminatory gender norms lead to various forms of violence against women.
Psychiatric Morbidity:
•    Alcohol consumption by husbands is strongly linked to poor mental health in women, increasing the likelihood of violence.
Sociodemographic Factors:
•    Patriarchy and societal expectations often result in violence, particularly where women are seen as challenging traditional gender roles.
Family Factors:
•    Exposure to harsh physical discipline or witnessing domestic violence in childhood can lead to victimization or perpetration of violence in adulthood.
Cultural Practices:
•    Acid Attacks: Used as a weapon in family feuds, dowry demands, and rejected marriage proposals.
•    Honor Killings: Women are killed to uphold family honor for reasons like alleged adultery, premarital relationships, or rape.
•    Early Marriages: Undermine the health and autonomy of millions of girls, constituting a form of violence.
Consequences Health Issues:
•    Violence impacts women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health,

as well as their self-esteem and ability to work.
Economic Impact:
•    Violence leads to direct costs such as loss of income, productivity, and healthcare, and indirect costs including child well- being and intergenerational social and psychological costs.
Developmental Impact:
•     Violence obstructs women’s participation in development programs and prevents them from accessing development benefits, hindering poverty alleviation efforts.
Human Rights Violations:
•    Violence against women hinders the realization of fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14, 21, 19, and 32 of the Indian Constitution.
Concerns Underreporting:
•    Less than 40% of women who experience violence seek help, often turning to family rather than formal institutions like police or health services.
Ineffective Laws:
•    Laws for women’s safety often do not comply with international standards or are not implemented effectively.
Lack of Data:
•    There is a need for comprehensive research and analysis on crimes against women at all administrative levels.
Accused are Known:
•    Most perpetrators are known to the victims, making women unsafe even among familiar faces.
Improper Implementation:
•    Despite existing laws, their implementation, including legal literacy and training of law enforcement, is often inadequate.
Way Forward
Gender-Based Legislation:
•    Enforce laws and policies promoting
gender equality and ending discrimination

in marriage, divorce, custody, inheritance, and asset ownership.
Financial Independence:
•    Improve women’s access to paid employment and develop national plans to address violence against women.
Crime Surveillance:
•    Enhance the system for collecting data on violence against women to better inform policy decisions.
Capacity Building:
•    Train service providers and law enforcement officers to effectively handle cases of violence against women.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to violence against women, consider the following statements:
1.    According to WHO, 1 in 3 women globally have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
2.    Most perpetrators of violence against women are strangers, making public spaces particularly unsafe.
3.    Honor killings are prevalent in countries including India, where women are killed to uphold family honor.
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
Question: Discuss the underlying causes of violence against women in India and evaluate the effectiveness of existing laws and measures in addressing this issue. Suggest additional steps that could be taken to reduce such violence and improve the safety and well-being of women.

3. India Defence Exports: A Strategic Imperative
Context:
•    This article explores the strategic
importance of India’s growing defense

exports amidst escalatinfense and aerospace industry expands, India is positioning itself as a key player in the global defense exports market.
Status of India’s Defence Exports
•    Expanding Global Defence Industry: The global defense and aerospace industry is projected to expand from $750 billion in 2022 to $1.38 trillion by 2030.
•     Leading Arms Exporters: The US, Russia, France, China, and Germany dominate global arms exports, accounting for 77% of the market.
•    India’s Surge: India's defense exports have grown 800% in five years, reaching Rs. 16,000 Crore in FY 2022-23 and propelling India into the top 25 defense exporters globally.
•    Private Sector Dominance: Nearly 80% of this growth is driven by the private sector.
•    Export Items: India’s defense exports include missiles, rockets, torpedoes, artillery guns, and drones, among others.
•    Major Export Destinations: India exports defense equipment to over 75 countries, including Italy, Russia, France, Israel, Egypt, UAE, and the Philippines.
Strategic Advantages for India as a Defence Exporter
•    Economic Benefits: Defense exports earn foreign currency and reduce dependency on imports, aligning with the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.
•    Global Supply Chain Integration: India’s growing defense industry is increasingly integrated with global supply chains.
•    Strategic Interdependence: Defense exports create dependencies for maintenance and upgrades, fostering technological ties with partner nations.
•    Enhanced Military Cooperation: Selling defense equipment fosters interoperability, facilitating joint operations and military collaboration.

•    Geopolitical Influence: Defense exports enhance India’s geopolitical standing and diplomatic leverage.
•    Self-Reliance: Focus on indigenization strengthens India’s defense sector, reducing vulnerabilities from foreign imports.
Emergence of the US as a Defence Export Major
•    Strategic Shift: In the late 19th century, the US shifted from importing to domestic production of defense equipment, laying the foundation for its current dominance.
•    Government Support: Policies like the Government Metal Testing Program and promotion of foreign sales by US firms were key in transforming the US defense industry.
Factors Contributing to India’s Emergence as a Defence Exporter
•    Geopolitical Uncertainties: Dependence on foreign suppliers exposes India to vulnerabilities, especially during crises.
•    China’s Export Challenges: Declining Chinese arms exports due to quality issues open up opportunities for India.
Domestic Strengths and Initiatives
•    Expertise in Russian Equipment: India’s capability to service Russian military platforms increases its appeal to countries with Russian inventories.
•    Strategic Location: India’s position in the Indo-Pacific region enhances its role in servicing naval forces of the US and Europe.
•    Technological Edge: India’s strength in software and AI fulfills modern warfare needs, attracting global defense OEMs.
Government Support and Policy
•    Innovation for Defence Excellence (IDEX): Fostering startups that offer innovative defense technologies ready for global licensing.
•    Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy (DPEPP): Encourages R&D, rewards innovation, and promotes a robust defense industry.
 

•    Positive Indigenization List: Lists major weapon platforms with an embargo on imports, promoting local manufacturing.
Challenges to India’s Defence Export Growth
•    Regulatory and Bureaucratic Hurdles: Bureaucratic resistance and outdated practices hinder private sector integration and innovation.
•    Project Delays: Delays in crucial defense projects, with 23 of 55 DRDO mission mode projects being delayed.
•     Funding Shortfalls: India’s Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) is only 0.65%, compared to higher percentages in major defense-exporting countries.
•    Infrastructural Deficit: High logistics costs reduce India’s cost competitiveness in the defense sector.
Way Forward for India’s Defence Exports
•    Simplify Government-to-Government Sales: Simplifying rules for government- to-government sales to ease procurement from Indian firms.
•    Framework for International Sales: Develop a broader framework similar to the US’s foreign military framework to facilitate international transactions.
•    Defense Lines of Credit (LOC): Consider allowing empanelled defense firms to include defense LOC in proposals and reduce interest rates for LOC.
•    Innovation and Technology Licensing: Develop a licensing framework that supports startups while protecting national interests.
•    Integrating Defense and Education: Integrate academia, industry, and R&D labs into the defense innovation ecosystem.
•    Establishment of Think Tank: Create a think tank under the Department of Defence with national and international experts to dynamically update the defense roadmap.
Prelims Question
Question: With reference to India’s defense exports, consider the following statements:

1.    India’s defense exports have grown by 800% in the last five years.
2.    Nearly 80% of India’s defense export growth is attributed to the public sector.
3.    India exports defense equipment to over 100 countries globally.
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 only
Answer: D) 1 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the strategic importance of India’s defense exports in the current global
geopolitical environment. What challenges does India face in becoming a leading defense exporter, and what measures can be taken to overcome these challenges?

4.    PM-KUSUM: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan
About:
•    Launch: The PM-KUSUM scheme was launched by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) in 2019 to promote the use of solar energy in the agricultural sector. It focuses on installing off-grid solar pumps in rural areas to reduce dependence on grid electricity.
Components:
•    10,000 MW of Decentralized Renewable Power Plants: Ground-mounted and grid- connected.
•    20 Lakh Solar-Powered Agriculture Pumps: To be installed in rural areas.
•    Conversion of 15 Lakh Agriculture Pumps: Existing grid-connected pumps to be converted to solar power.
Objective:
•    Solar Power Generation: To enable farmers to set up solar power generation capacity on their arid lands and sell surplus power to the grid.

•    Income Augmentation: Aims to increase farmers' income by selling surplus solar power to the grid.
Significance of the Scheme Increase Access to Energy:
•    Income Generation: Farmers can earn additional income by selling surplus solar energy to the state, augmenting their overall income.
•    Reliable Energy: Provides a reliable source of electricity for agriculture and rural activities, enhancing energy access in rural areas.
Contain Climate Catastrophe:
•    Groundwater Management: Encourages farmers to save power, leading to more efficient use of groundwater and reducing over-extraction.
•    Reducing Carbon Emissions: Promotes the use of clean energy, reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 32 million tonnes of CO2 per annum when fully implemented.
•    Sustainable Irrigation: Supports decentralized solar-based irrigation, reducing reliance on polluting diesel pumps.
Employment and Empowerment:
•    Job Creation: Expected to create employment opportunities in the installation, maintenance, and operation of solar power projects.
•    Rural Empowerment: Empowers rural communities by giving them control over their energy generation and distribution.
Associated Challenges Financial and Logistics Issues:
•    High Setup Costs: The initial cost of setting up solar power projects is high, and many farmers may struggle to access necessary financing.
•    Equipment Availability: While solar pumps are crucial, the domestic availability of these pumps is limited, posing a logistical challenge.
Depleting Water Tables:

•    Water Table Concerns: Power subsidies have led to overuse of water pumps, causing water tables to drop. Solar installations complicate upgrades to higher capacity pumps due to the cost of additional solar panels.
Prelims Question
Question: Which of the following is a key component of the PM-KUSUM scheme?
1.    Installation of off-grid solar pumps in rural areas.
2.    Conversion of existing diesel pumps to electric pumps.
3.    Establishment of solar power plants on agricultural land.
4.    Provision of free electricity to all farmers. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 3 only
B)    2 and 4 only
C)    1, 2, and 3 only
D) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Answer: A) 1 and 3 only
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of the PM- KUSUM scheme in promoting sustainable agriculture and energy security in India. What are the potential challenges in its implementation, and how can they be addressed?

5.    Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary
Location:
•    Khurda District, Odisha: Located in the Khurda district, the sanctuary represents the northeastern limits of the Eastern Ghats.
•    Sanctuary Status: This landscape was granted sanctuary status in 1982.
Climate:
•    Tropical Climate: The sanctuary experiences three distinct seasons— summer, the rainy season, and winter.
Vegetation:
•    Semi-Evergreen Forest Zone: Although the area originally belonged to a semi-
 

Flora:

evergreen forest zone, human activities have altered its natural vegetation.

•    Diverse Plant Species: The sanctuary is home to a variety of plant species, including:
o    Dhaman (Grewia Tiliaefolia)
o    Bankapasia (Kydia calycina)
o    Jamu (Syzyggium Cuminii)
o    Gandhana (Premna mucronata)
o    Kansa (Hymenodictyon excelsum)
o    Kusum (Schleichera oleosa)
o    Marua (Vitex pinnata)
o     Sidha (Lagerstroemia parviflora)
o    Karanja
o    Thorny Bamboo
Fauna:
•    Diverse Wildlife: The sanctuary is home to various threatened species, including:
o    Elephants
o    Chital (Spotted Deer)
o    Barking Deer
o    Wild Boar
o    Rhesus Monkey
o    Pangolin
o    Sloth Bear
o    Indian Wolf
o    Hyena
o    Other Mammals Prelims Question
Question: Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary is located in which of the following districts of Odisha? A) Cuttack
B)    Khurda
C)    Puri
D)    Ganjam
Answer: B) Khurda Mains Question
Question: Discuss the significance of Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary in the conservation of biodiversity in the Eastern Ghats region. What are the key challenges in preserving its flora and fauna, and how can they be addressed?