Arctic Sea Ice Impact on Indian Monsoon 
Shivaji Maharaj and the Surat Raids    
Use of Emergency Provisions in Manipur and India’s Federal Structure    
Third National Lok Adalat 2024: Enhancing Dispute Resolution    
4th Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) 2024: Key Highlights    

1.    Arctic Sea Ice Impact on Indian Monsoon
Context:
•    Recent research reveals that the decline in Arctic sea ice levels, driven by climate change, is influencing the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR), leading to increased variability and unpredictability.


•    The study involved researchers from India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and South Korea’s Korea Polar Research Institute.
Impact of Arctic Sea Ice Decline on Indian

Monsoon:
1.    Central Arctic Sea Ice Decline:
o    Reduced sea ice cover leads to less rainfall in western and peninsular India, while central and northern India experience increased rainfall.
o    This change occurs due to increased heat transfer from the ocean to the atmosphere, intensifying Rossby waves, which alter global weather patterns.
o    High pressure over northwest India and low pressure over the Mediterranean cause shifts in the subtropical easterly jet, leading to altered monsoon patterns.
2.    Low Sea Ice in Barents-Kara Sea: 
o    Low sea ice in the Barents-Kara Sea leads to higher pressure over southwest China and influences the Arctic Oscillation, affecting global weather patterns.
o    This results in higher rainfall over northeastern India, while central and northwestern India experience reduced rainfall.
3.    Climate Change’s Role:
o    A warming Arabian Sea and increased moisture from surrounding water bodies further destabilize weather patterns, leading to increased variability in monsoon rainfall.
Findings on Surplus Rain in Northwestern India:
1.    Increased Moisture from Arabian Sea:
o    Northwestern India is receiving more rainfall due to increased moisture inflow from the Arabian Sea. This trend may continue, especially under high emissions scenarios.
2.    Altered Wind Patterns:
o    Faster winds over the Arabian Sea and slower winds over northern India are trapping moisture in northwestern India, contributing to the region’s increased rainfall.
3.    Shifts in Pressure Gradients:
o    Changes in wind patterns are linked to shifts in pressure gradients, with increased pressure around the Mascarene Islands and decreased pressure in the equatorial Indian Ocean, strengthening the monsoon winds.
4.    East-West Pressure Gradient:
o    The increased east-west pressure gradient, influenced by higher

pressure over the eastern Pacific, amplifies these wind patterns, potentially leading to even wetter monsoons.
Rossby Waves:
•    Rossby waves are large-scale atmospheric waves occurring in the mid-latitudes and affecting global weather patterns.
•    They form in jet streams and influence weather across the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, shaping temperature extremes and precipitation levels.
Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR):
•    ISMR occurs over the Indian subcontinent from July to September, bringing moist air from the Indian Ocean to India.
•    It is influenced by factors like ocean surface temperatures and global atmospheric waves like the Circum-Global Teleconnection (CGT).
•    The southwest monsoon splits into two branches—Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal—converging over Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Significance of the Monsoon for India:
1.    Agriculture:
o    The monsoon is crucial for Indian agriculture, impacting food security, rural livelihoods, and productivity.
2.    Water Resource Management:
o    India receives 70-90% of its annual rainfall during the monsoon, essential for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.
3.    Economic Impact:
o    A strong monsoon boosts rural incomes and consumer demand, while a weak monsoon can cause food price inflation. 
4.    Ecological Balance:
o    The monsoon supports India’s diverse ecosystems, influencing biodiversity and the health of natural habitats.
5.    Climate Regulation:

within a year of unveiling, contrasting with the resilience of the Sindhudurg Fort, built by Shivaji Maharaj 357 years ago, which remains intact and played a significant role in his military activities, including the Surat raids.

o    The monsoon plays a significant        

role in global climate regulation, interacting with phenomena like El Niño and La Niña.
Prelims Question:
With reference to the influence of Arctic sea ice decline on the Indian Monsoon, consider the following statements:
1.    Central Arctic sea ice decline results in increased rainfall in western India.
2.    Low sea ice in the Barents-Kara Sea leads to decreased rainfall in northeastern India.
3.    Rossby waves play a key role in altering global weather patterns.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3 Answer: C) 3 only Mains Question:
Discuss the impact of Arctic sea ice decline on the Indian Summer Monsoon. How does climate change influence the variability and unpredictability of monsoon patterns in India? (250 words)

2.    Shivaji Maharaj and the Surat Raids
Context:
•    Recently, a 35-foot statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort collapsed

Key Facts about Sindhudurg Fort:
•    Construction: Began on 25th November 1664 and completed on 29th March 1667. Shivaji Maharaj personally supervised the fort’s construction on the island of Kurte in the Arabian Sea.
•    Cost: Estimated at one crore hons (a gold coin currency used during Shivaji’s reign).
•    Strategic Significance: Built to dominate maritime access and counter foreign powers like the Siddis, Portuguese, and other colonial forces.
•    Architectural Excellence: Features a serpentine wall stretching four kilometers, standing ten meters high. It also includes 45 stairways and fortifications like Padmagad, Sarjekot, and Rajkot for added security.

Shivaji's Raids on Surat:
Strategic Importance of Surat:
•    Wealth: Known as the "greatest emporium of the Orient", Surat was a major commercial hub for the Mughal Empire, hosting trade with Europeans, Iranians, and Arabs. It was also a transit point for pilgrims traveling to Mecca.
•    Target: Surat's wealth and strategic location made it an ideal target for Shivaji Maharaj to weaken the Mughals.
First Raid (January 1664):
•    Shivaji Maharaj raided Surat, catching the Mughal forces off guard. 
•    The Battle of Surat (1664) resulted in loot worth one crore rupees, which was used to finance military activities, including the construction of Sindhudurg Fort.
Second Raid (October 1670):
•    Shivaji launched another raid on Surat, seizing wealth worth approximately Rs.
6.6 million.
•    His primary target was the Mughals, sparing Dutch and English merchants.
Impact of Surat Raids:
•    The raids disrupted Mughal economic stability and highlighted Maratha power.
•    Alarmed by Shivaji’s actions, the English moved their warehouse from Surat to Bombay.

Legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:
•    Birth: Born on 19th February 1630 at
Shivneri Fort, Pune, Maharashtra.

became Peshwa in 1713, followed by Baji Rao I (1720–1740), who expanded Maratha control into northern India.
•    Maratha Confederacy: A confederation of various Maratha states emerged in the 18th century, including Pune, Gwalior, Indore, and Baroda.

Anglo-Maratha Wars:
1.    First Anglo-Maratha War (1775-1782): Ended with the Treaty of Salbai, which allowed British access to Maratha ports like Surat and Broach.
2.    Second Anglo-Maratha War (1803-1805): Resulted in Maratha rulers accepting the Subsidiary Alliance with the British.
3.    Third Anglo-Maratha War (1817-1818): Marked the final defeat of the Marathas and the dissolution of the Maratha Empire.

•    Military Exploits: As a teenager, he        

acquired control of forts like Torna and
Kondana from the Adil Shah of Bijapur.
•    Title and Coronation: Shivaji Maharaj was crowned the king of the Marathas on 6th June 1674 at Raigad, taking titles such as Chhatrapati, Shakakarta, and Kshatriya Kulavantas.
•    Administration: Shivaji was known for his

Conclusion:
The contrasting resilience of the Sindhudurg Fort and the recent statue collapse of Shivaji Maharaj underscores the need to respect and preserve historical figures and their legacies. Monuments and statues should reflect the historical achievements of such figures and contribute to the cultural heritage of India.

central administration, assisted by a group        

of eight ministers called Ashtapradhan. He introduced taxation systems like Chauth (one-fourth of revenue) and Sardeshmukhi (an additional 10% levy).

Maratha Empire Post Shivaji:
•    Sambhaji's Reign: After Shivaji’s death, his son Sambhaji ruled briefly before being executed by the Mughals in 1689.
•    Peshwa Leadership: The Marathas rose again under Balaji Vishwanath, who

Prelims Question:
With reference to the Surat Raids conducted by Shivaji Maharaj, consider the following statements:
1.    Shivaji Maharaj conducted his first raid on Surat in 1664, which severely weakened Mughal economic stability.
2.    The primary target of Shivaji's second raid in 1670 was the English merchants in Surat. 
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 only
C)    Both 1 and 2
D)    Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A) 1 only

o    Article 356 (President’s Rule):
    Allows the imposition of President’s Rule when the governance of a state cannot be carried out according to the Constitution. 
Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of Shivaji Maharaj’s raids on Surat in weakening Mughal economic stability and enhancing Maratha dominance. How did these raids contribute to the overall Maratha military and naval strategy? (250 words)

3.    Use of Emergency Provisions in Manipur and India’s Federal Structure
Context:
•    The recent violence in Manipur has triggered a debate on Centre-State relations and the Centre's role in addressing internal crises, highlighting the use of emergency provisions under Articles 355 and 356.

Application of Emergency Provisions in Manipur
•    Severity of the Crisis:
o    The violence in Manipur involving attacks on civilians and looting indicates a breakdown of law and order.
o    The crisis may justify invoking Article 356, but it has not been imposed.
•    Use of Article 355:
o    The Centre has taken steps under Article 355, ensuring that the State is governed constitutionally.
o    Critics argue that the measures under Article 355 may not fully address the scale of violence, prompting calls for stronger action.
 
Emergency Provisions for the Centre to Protect States
•    Constitutional Basis:
Emergency provisions are outlined in Part XVIII of the Constitution, spanning Articles 352 to 360.
o    Article 355:
    Mandates the Centre to protect States from external aggression and internal disturbances and ensure that States are governed according to constitutional provisions.

Judgements on Articles 355 and 356
•    Historical Misuse:
o    Dr. B.R. Ambedkar intended that these provisions would become "dead letters," but Article 356 has been misused in the past for political motives.
•    S.R. Bommai Case (1994):
o    The Supreme Court ruled that President’s Rule should only be imposed when there is a breakdown of constitutional machinery, not merely for law and order issues. 
o    Established that President’s Rule is subject to judicial review.
•    Expansion of Article 355:
o    Recent judgements have broadened the scope of Article 355 to include a wider range of actions the Centre can take to protect states (e.g., Naga People’s Movement of Human Rights vs. Union of India).

Recommendations on Emergency Provisions
•    Sarkaria Commission (1987):
o    Recommended that Article 356 should only be used in rare, unavoidable situations after all other alternatives are exhausted.
•    Punchhi Commission (2010):
o    Suggested that Article 355 grants the Centre powers to take necessary actions, while Article 356 should be a last resort.
o    Proposed "localized emergency" provisions, allowing smaller areas (like a district) to be placed under Governor’s rule instead of the entire state.

Difference Between President’s Rule and National Emergency

Aspect    President’s Rule (Article 356)    National Emergency (Article 352)

When Imposed    When the government of a state cannot function constitutionally    When India's security is threatened by war, external aggression, or
armed rebellion
 

Aspect    President’s Rule (Article 356)    National Emergency (Article 352)

Effect on State    State executive is dismissed, and Parliament assumes law- making powers    Centre assumes concurrent powers; state executive and legislature continue
Impact on Fundamental Rights    No impact on Fundamental Rights    Can affect Fundamental Rights

Duration    Maximum of 3 years with parliamentary approval every 6 months    Can continue indefinitely with parliamentary approval

Revocation    
By the President at his discretion    Lok Sabha can pass a resolution for its revocation

Conclusion
The violence in Manipur underscores the importance of balancing the Centre-State relationship and the cautious use of emergency provisions. Article 355 allows for intervention in crises, but the imposition of President’s Rule under Article 356 should be carefully considered, respecting constitutional principles and judicial guidelines.

Prelims Question:
With reference to Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, consider the following statements:
1.    Article 356 allows the Centre to impose
President’s Rule when a state government cannot function according to the Constitution. 
2.    During President’s Rule, the state executive and legislature continue to function as normal.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 only
C)    Both 1 and 2
D)    Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: A) 1 only

Mains Question:
Discuss the implications of the use of emergency provisions under Articles 355 and 356 in addressing internal crises. How can these provisions be balanced to maintain India’s federal structure while ensuring constitutional governance in states? (250 words)

4.    Third National Lok Adalat 2024: Enhancing Dispute Resolution
Context:
The National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) organized the 3rd National Lok Adalat of 2024 across various courts in India, aiming to reduce case backlogs and provide quick, amicable solutions.
Key Highlights of the 3rd National Lok Adalat 2024
•    Number of Cases Settled:
Over 1.14 crore cases were settled, significantly contributing to reducing pending cases.
•    Breakdown of Settled Cases:
o Pre-litigation cases: 94,60,864
o    Pending court cases: 19,95,665
•    Types of Cases:
These included criminal compoundable offences, traffic challans, cheque

dishonour cases, bank recovery, matrimonial disputes, and civil matters.
•    Financial Value:
The total settlement amount across all cases was approximately Rs 8,482.08 crore.
•    Public Response:
Strong public participation reflects growing trust in Lok Adalats as an effective Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism.

What is Lok Adalat?
•    About:
Lok Adalat, or People’s Court, provides a forum to settle disputes either pending in court or at the pre-litigation stage through amicable settlement.
•    Historical Development:
The first Lok Adalat camp was held in Gujarat in 1982, and the success led to its expansion nationwide.
The Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
gave Lok Adalats statutory status.
•    Objective:
It aims to deliver quick, inexpensive justice without lengthy legal procedures, following Gandhian principles of dispute resolution.

Jurisdiction and Powers of Lok Adalat
•    Jurisdiction:
Lok Adalats have jurisdiction over disputes like compoundable criminal offences, civil matters, bank recovery, and labour disputes.
They cannot handle non-compoundable criminal cases.
•    Powers:
Lok Adalat has powers similar to a civil court, including summoning witnesses, 
producing documents, and requisitioning public records.
•    Binding Nature of Awards:
o    Lok Adalat’s awards are final and binding, with the status of a civil court decree.

their ability to resolve a broader range of disputes.
•    Absence of Appeal:
The non-appealable nature of awards might deter litigants who fear an unjust outcome.

o    No appeal can be made against        

Lok Adalat awards.

Benefits of Lok Adalat
•    No Court Fees:
Disputes settled in Lok Adalat involve no court fees, and fees already paid are refunded.
•    Procedural Flexibility:
Lok Adalats are not bound by formal rules of evidence or civil procedure, ensuring faster resolution.
•    Final and Binding Awards:
Awards are non-appealable, preventing lengthy delays caused by appeals.
•    Harmonious Judgement:
Lok Adalat fosters a cooperative spirit, where both parties reach a settlement without feeling like they have lost.

Challenges Facing Lok Adalat
•    Voluntary Participation:
Both parties must voluntarily agree to participate in Lok Adalat, and unwillingness from any party can stall the process.

Way Forward
•    Strengthening ADR Core Principles:
Lok Adalats must remain focused on conciliation and settlement, rather than evolving into quasi-judicial bodies. Proper training of judges and personnel is essential to prioritize amicable resolutions.
•    Access for Vulnerable Sections: Proactive outreach in rural areas by Legal Services Authorities can ensure better access and awareness of Lok Adalat as a dispute resolution mechanism.
•    Addressing Concerns About Speed vs. Fairness:
Implement a tiered system where more complex disputes are given additional time to avoid rushed decisions.
•    Expanding Permanent Lok Adalat Jurisdiction:
Consider expanding the jurisdiction of Permanent Lok Adalats beyond public utility services to include civil disputes, consumer issues, and family matters, further reducing court backlogs.

•    Judicial Caution on Speed:        

While Lok Adalats aim for speedy resolution, the higher judiciary has cautioned against rushing the process at the cost of fairness.
•    Limited Jurisdiction:
Lok Adalats cannot handle non- compoundable criminal cases, restricting

Prelims Question:
With reference to Lok Adalat, consider the following statements:
1.    Lok Adalats can handle both compoundable and non-compoundable criminal offences.
2.    Awards passed by Lok Adalats are final and non-appealable in any court.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 only
C)    Both 1 and 2
D)    Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B) 2 only

Mains Question:
Discuss the role of Lok Adalat in India’s dispute resolution system. How does it contribute to reducing pendency in courts, and what challenges does it face in ensuring equitable and fair justice? (250 words)

5.    4th Global Renewable Energy

•    Total Commitments:
Banks and financial institutions committed Rs 32.45 trillion for financing green projects, emphasizing India's dedication to renewable energy development.
•    Top Lenders:
o    Reliance: Rs 6 trillion
o    Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (IREDA):
Rs 5 trillion
o    State Bank of India (SBI): Rs 5 trillion
o    Power Finance Corporation (PFC):
Rs 3 trillion
o    National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID): Rs 1.86 trillion

Investors Meet and Expo        

(RE-INVEST) 2024: Key
Highlights
Context:
Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Key Highlights of RE-INVEST
•    Organizers:
The event was organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
•    Objective:
RE-INVEST brings together key players from the renewable energy sector, including government officials, industry leaders, investors, researchers, and policymakers, to foster collaboration and investment in India's growing renewable energy sector.

Financial Commitments for Green Projects

Support from Developers and Manufacturers
•    Manufacturing Commitments: Manufacturers committed to additional capacities of:
o    340 GW in solar modules
o    240 GW in solar cells
o    22 GW in wind turbines
o    10 GW in electrolysers
•    Additional Capacity from Other Stakeholders:
Non-manufacturing stakeholders committed an additional 570 GW of capacity addition, showcasing broad industry support for renewable energy expansion.

Key Achievements and Initiatives
•    Growth in Installed Capacity:
India's installed renewable energy capacity has surged from 75.52 GW in 2014 to over 207.7 GW in 2024.
•    Renewable Energy Generation Increase:
India's renewable energy generation has
increased by 86%, from 193.50 billion
units (2014) to 360 billion units (2024).
•    Reduction in Solar Tariffs:

C)    Both 1 and 2
D)    Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B) 2 only

India announced a 76% reduction in        

tariffs for grid-connected solar power plants, making solar energy more accessible and affordable for developers and consumers.

Industry Commitments for Renewable Energy Capacity Development
•    Reliance Industries:
Committed to installing 100 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
•    NTPC:
Pledged 41.3 GW of renewable energy capacity.
•    Torrent Power Ltd:
Committed to 10 GW by 2030.
•    ReNew Power:
Committed to installing 40 GW by 2030, with a current commissioned capacity of 10 GW, equally divided between solar and wind.

Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of India’s efforts in expanding its renewable energy capacity. How do initiatives like the RE-INVEST Expo contribute to achieving India’s green energy goals and addressing global climate challenges? (250 words)
 

Prelims Question:
With reference to the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST), consider the following statements:
1.    The event was organized by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in collaboration with the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA).
2.    India's installed renewable energy capacity has increased by more than 100 GW between 2014 and 2024.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 only
B)    2 only