Daily Prelims Notes 10 February 2024

February 10, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

10 February 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Is La Nina in the offing? How the shift from El Nino may impact monsoon, summer in India this year

Subject: Geography

Section: Climatology

Context:

India is likely to see increased rainfall during the southwest monsoon season following a dry winter and predictions of a hot spring and summer in the northwest, northeast, and central regions.

Details:

This expected increase in rainfall is attributed to the development of a La Nina event, contrasted with the current El Nino conditions and global warming effects, which typically result in higher temperatures and reduced rainfall.
El Nino and La Nina are phases of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) that influence global climate patterns, with La Nina generally bringing cooler temperatures and more rainfall to India.
Despite La Nina’s tendency to increase rainfall, recent observations, such as early and intense heatwaves during a La Nina year, suggest changes in its impact.
The current El Nino is anticipated to end by early summer, followed by a brief neutral period, then shifting to La Nina conditions, with a greater than 70% chance of a La Nina event by late 2024.
Predicting ENSO conditions is challenging due to the spring barrier, but historical trends show a significant correlation between strong El Ninos and subsequent La Nina events.
The upcoming La Nina could result in above-average rainfall for India during the latter part of the monsoon season, potentially impacting all India mean rainfall positively, although some states may experience deficits.
The previous La Nina event led to above-normal rainfall and extreme weather events across India, and a similar pattern could occur in 2024, exacerbated by global warming and regional sea temperature increases.

ENSO cycle:

El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is an irregularly periodic variation in winds and sea surface temperatures over the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean.
Every three to seven years, the surface waters across the tropical Pacific Ocean warm or cool by 1°C to 3°C, compared to normal.
The warming phase of the sea temperature is known as El Nino and the cooling phase as La Nina.
Thus, El Nino and La Nina are opposite phases of what is known as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.
These deviations from normal surface temperatures can have large-scale impacts not only on ocean processes but also on global weather and climate.

Source: DTE

2. India’s stance at WTO balances fisheries subsidies for artisanal fishers and sectoral growth

Subject: IR

Section: Int organisation

Context:

India is set to prioritize the welfare of its artisanal fishers and the development of its fishing sector at the upcoming 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Abu Dhabi.

Details:

The conference will focus on negotiations around the regulation of fisheries subsidies, which are known to contribute to overfishing by supporting activities like vessel construction, fuel purchases, and more.
A significant point of discussion will be the WTO’s draft text from December 2023, aiming to limit subsidies that lead to overcapacity and overfishing, requiring member countries to prove sustainability in their fishing practices.
The draft exempts least-developed and certain developing countries, while imposing stricter scrutiny on the top 20 subsidy providers.
Experts, however, believe that the proposed terms may disproportionately benefit developed countries with large industrial fishing fleets, as they can more easily comply with sustainability requirements, leaving developing countries at a disadvantage.
This disparity could hinder developing nations like India from building significant industrial fishing capabilities, as they struggle with stringent documentation and sustainability demonstration requirements.
India argues for the application of the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) and respective capabilities (RC) in the agreement, advocating for strong regulations on industrial fishing fleets to address the root cause of overfishing historically facilitated by substantial government subsidies in developed countries.
India is pushing for a 25-year transition period for developing countries that are neither covered by the de minimis (a global share of marine catch not greater than 0.8%) nor considered least developed countries (LDCs).

Evolving negotiations:

In 2001, during the Doha Ministerial Conference, World Trade Organization (WTO) members agreed to address the issue of fisheries subsidies, a commitment further elaborated in 2005 at the Hong Kong Ministerial Conference.
Here, the focus was on controlling subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, while acknowledging the need for special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries, given the sector’s role in development, poverty reduction, livelihoods, and food security.
The negotiations were propelled forward with the adoption of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, particularly Goal 14.6, which aims to eliminate harmful fisheries subsidies by 2020, thus targeting overcapacity, overfishing, and illegal fishing subsidies.

Debate over fisheries subsidy:

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) reported a significant increase in India’s fisheries subsidies from Rs. 15.5 billion in 2016 to Rs. 22.25 billion in 2019, marking a 43% growth.
Fuel subsidies, in particular, were noted for disproportionately benefiting wealthier fishers who can afford more subsidized fuel, thus favouring larger-scale fishing activities.

Global Fisheries Subsidies:

Estimated at $35.4 billion in 2018; $22.2 billion for capacity-enhancing subsidies.
The UN General Assembly tasked WTO to deliver an agreement against harmful fisheries subsidies.

Fisheries Sector in India:

Recognized as a powerful income and employment generator.
3rd largest fish-producing and 2nd largest aquaculture nation globally.
Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) focuses on the sustainable development of the fisheries sector.

Related Government Initiatives in India’s Fisheries Sector:

Fishing Harbours:

Development of major Fishing Harbours (Kochi, Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Petuaghat).
Transformation into hubs of economic activity to support the fisheries industry.

Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu:

Establishment of a Multipurpose Seaweed Park in Tamil Nadu.
Center for the production of high-quality seaweed-based products, utilizing a hub-and-spoke model.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

Objective: Creation of direct employment for 15 lakh fishers, fish farmers, etc.
Indirect employment opportunities expected to be three times the direct employment.
Aims to double the incomes of fishers, fish farmers, and fish workers by 2024.

Palk Bay Scheme:

Launched in 2017 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Part of the umbrella Blue Revolution Scheme.
Focus on diversification of trawl fishing boats from Palk Straits into deep-sea fishing boats.

Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT):

Definition:
- S&DT is a set of provisions in international trade agreements that offers preferential treatment to developing countries, recognizing their unique challenges and needs.
Objective:
- To address the developmental, financial, and trade-related constraints faced by developing nations.
Key Features:
- Flexibilities: Provides flexibility in meeting certain commitments or obligations, considering the developmental stage of the country.
- Transitional Periods: Allows extended timelines or transition periods for implementing certain provisions.
- Technical Assistance: Includes support in capacity building, technology transfer, and financial assistance.
- Market Access: Grants preferential market access, including tariff reductions and exemptions.

3. More wild water buffaloes in central India to fix population decline and ecological degradation

Subject: Environment

Section: Species in news

Context:

A recent study focuses on the revival possibilities of the wild water buffalo, proposing a strategic reintroduction plan in the Kanha Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh.
While the northeastern population of the species is relatively stable, the central Indian cluster has alarmingly reduced to 30-35 individuals, with the Udanti-Sitanadi National Park in Chhattisgarh witnessing a drastic decline to only six bulls and no cows. Despite the Supreme Court of India’s 2012 directive to Chhattisgarh for population revival measures, successful breeding efforts have been scarce.
Kanha Tiger Reserve, with its 390 sq. km of suitable low-lying grasslands and minimal human interference, has been identified as an ideal site for reintroduction.

Reintroduction of buffaloes as a nature-based solution to grassland degradation:

Reintroducing wildwater buffaloes to Central India’s grasslands is seen as a beneficial nature-based solution for combating grassland degradation. These megaherbivores play a significant role in maintaining ecological balance within open grass ecosystems.
Unlike small ungulates that are selective feeders, wild water buffaloes graze on a wider variety of plants, promoting a natural succession mechanism that ensures a balanced consumption and regeneration of different species.
The grassland ecosystems play a crucial role against fire and megaherbivores are key regulators. The absence of these regulators can lead to the dominance of grasses with stronger defence mechanisms, requiring intensive human management to sustain ecological balance.

Ensuring genetic purity and managing predator pressure:

The decline of the wild buffalo population is attributed to factors such as domestication, habitat loss, disease transmission from livestock, competition, and historical hunting.
These challenges, coupled with the species’ slow reproductive rates, have led to a situation described as “extinction debt,” indicating a heightened risk of future extinction due to past adversities.
This reintroduction effort aims to serve as a nature-based solution to ecological challenges and prevent the extinction of a key species in grassland ecosystems, despite the uncertainties and potential hurdles involved.

Wild Water Buffaloes:

The wild water buffalo (Bubalus arnee), Chhattisgarh’s state animal and classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List, is on the brink of global extinction, with less than 4,000 individuals remaining in the wild.
India hosts about 90% of these animals, primarily in two isolated clusters in the northeast and central parts of the country, highlighting India’s critical role in the species’ conservation efforts.
Also known as Asiatic water buffaloes, they are large bovine animals that are native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. They are one of the two species of buffalo that exist, the other being the domesticated water buffalo.
They prefer swampy and marshy habitats, such as grasslands, reed beds, and forests, near rivers, lakes, and other water bodies.
They are typically found in areas with warm and humid climates, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asia. In India, wild water buffaloes are found in the northeastern states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Meghalaya.
They are excellent swimmers and can move easily through water.
They are mostly active at dawn and dusk and spend most of their day resting and feeding. They are herbivores and primarily feed on grasses, aquatic plants, and other vegetation. Wild water buffaloes are also known to wallow in mud and water, which helps them regulate their body temperature and avoid parasites.
Threats: They are threatened by habitat loss and fragmentation due to human activities, such as agriculture, infrastructure development, and logging. They are also at risk of poaching for their meat, horns, and other body parts. In addition, they are vulnerable to diseases, such as bovine tuberculosis and foot-and-mouth disease, which can be transmitted by domestic cattle.

Kanha Tiger Reserve:

Location: It stretches over an area of 940 square km in the two districts – Mandla and Balaghat – of Madhya Pradesh.
History: The present-day Kanha area was divided into two sanctuaries, Hallon and Banjar. Kanha National Park was created in 1955 and in 1973 was made the Kanha Tiger Reserve.
Kanha National Park is the largest National Park in Central India.
Features:
- Fauna:
  - The State animal of Madhya Pradesh – Hard Ground Barasingha (Swamp deer or Rucervus duvaucelii) is found exclusively in Kanha Tiger Reserve.
  - Other Species found include Tiger, Leopard, Dhole, Bear, Gaur and Indian Python etc.
- Flora:
  - It is best known for its evergreen Sal forests (Shorea Robusta).
  - It is the first tiger reserve in India to officially introduce a mascot, “Bhoorsingh the Barasingha”.

4. CSIR-NIScPR Celebrates the Foundation Day

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Msc

Context:

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) celebrated its Foundation Day with a dynamic event showcasing a commitment to advancing science communication, STI policy research, innovation, and research.

More on news:

Prof. Ranjana Aggarwal who is Director of CSIR-NIScPR had emphasized the institute’s dedication to disseminating scientific achievements in all Indian languages.
Highlighting the new initiatives of the Institute, Prof. Aggarwal mentioned the concrete outcomes of the Science Media Communication Cell, SVASTIK, Technology Readiness Level efforts and many others.
She also emphasized the strong focus on language diversity as a means to reach a wider audience.
She had shared insights into the institute’s prominent role as the host of the National Science Library, the largest in Asia.
Prof. Aggarwal highlighted the institute’s commitment to creating rural livelihoods by leveraging CSIR technology.

Key deliberations out of the address by the Director CSIR-NIScPR:

Science Media Communication Cell (SMCC) is an innovative initiative bridging the gap between media and science.
This cell is designed to enhance the communication of scientific achievements to the public, fostering a better understanding of S&T knowledge to society.
NETRA Framework has been developed in collaboration with National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) for assessing technology readiness levels.
CSIR-NIScPR will play a pivotal role in certifying technologies for the NRDC, further supporting technological advancements.
This initiative will utilize the networks of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan and Vijanan Bharati, aiming to empower rural communities through innovation.
In line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision, SVASTIK seeks to disseminate scientifically validated traditional knowledge of India.
This initiative reflects CSIR-NIScPR’s dedication towards preserving and promoting traditional wisdom.

About CSIR-NIScPR

CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) is one of the constituent laboratories of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India.
CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR), New Delhi came into existence on 01-04-2021 with the merger of erstwhile CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources (CSIR-NISCAIR), New Delhi and erstwhile CSIR-National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies (CSIR-NISTADS), New Delhi
Consequent upon the merger of erstwhile CSIR-NISCAIR & erstwhile CSIR-NISTADS into a new institute CSIR-NIScPR, all units/divisions have been reorganized.
The new entity may serve as a ‘Think Tank’ for the Indian ST&I system and may lead ST&I communication and policy studies at National level fulfilling the emerging National aspirations and needs.
It specializes in the fields of science communication.
STI focuses on evidence-based policy research and studies.
It publishes various journals, books, magazines, newsletters, and reports on science and technology.
It also conducts research on science communication, science policy, innovation systems, science-society interface, and science diplomacy.
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) was set up in 1942 and its major objectives mentioned in the Memorandum of Association of the Council are “the collection and dissemination of information” and “publication of scientific papers and journals”.

5. Misconception drives under-prescription of ORS

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Health

Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)

It involves drinking water with modest amounts of sugar and salts, specifically sodium and potassium.
It is on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines. Globally oral rehydration therapy is used by approx. 41% of children with diarrhoea.
Its use has played an important role in reducing the number of deaths in children under the age of five.
Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a type of fluid replacement used to prevent and treat
dehydration, especially due to diarrhea, decreases the risk of death from diarrhea by up to 93%.

What is misconception here:

Healthcare providers assume that patients do not want ORS and this led to under-prescription.
Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) are a lifesaving and inexpensive treatment for diarrhoea in children, but few prescribe it in developing countries especially.
However, presently, nearly half of diarrhoeal cases around the world do not receive ORS, according to researchers.
As per a randomised controlled trial to simultaneously study the role of three leading explanations for under-prescribing of ORS are as :

Providers might think patients prefer non-ORS treatments such as antibiotics or dislike ORS because of poor taste and perceptions that ORS is not a real medicine.
Providers could be responding to financial incentives to sell more profitable alternatives (ORS) is inexpensive and antibiotics generate nearly double the profit).
ORS stock-outs. Additionally, Provider misperceptions that patients do not want ORS play the biggest role in the under prescribing of ORS as estimated as 42% of under prescribing, whereas stock-outs and financial incentives explained only 6% and 5% respectively. Also, 28% providers prescribed/dispensed ORS when standardised patients expressed no preference, and 55% prescribed ORS when they expressed an ORS preference.

6. Can Preamble be amended keeping date intact, asks SC

Subject: Polity

Section: Constitution

The Preamble was amended through the 42nd Constitutional amendment during the Emergency only once in December 1976 by the Indira Gandhi government to introduce the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’, between ‘sovereign’ and ‘democratic’ making sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic and republic from original a ‘sovereign, democratic republic’ and The phrase “unity of the nation” was replaced with “unity and integrity of the nation”.

Context: The Bench was hearing a petition filed by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy to delete the words socialist and secular from the Preamble.

Questions regarding dates statements: It was not that the Preamble could not have been amended”, but could it have been done without changing the date:

Advocate Vishnu Jain said the Preamble “did come with a date. Therefore, amending it without any debate” had been suspect.
Dr. Swamy said the amendments were pushed through during the Emergency
Advocate Sriram Parakkat, appearing leader for CPI said the 42nd amendment was indeed “infamous”. It had after all tried to reduce the power of the Supreme Court and High Courts.

Amendment status validity: In fact, the largest Bench in the history of the Supreme Court (13 judges) in the Kesavananda Bharati case had held that the Preamble was an integral part of the Constitution to interpret various parts of constitution, read altogether and was subject to the amending power of the Parliament, provided the basic structure was not tinkered with.

The court agreed to hear further arguments in the week commencing April 29, 2024.

Preamble

A preamble is an introductory statement in a document that explains the document’s philosophy and objectives. In a Constitution, it presents the intention of its framers, the history behind its creation, and the core values and principles of the nation. The preamble basically gives idea of the following things/objects: Source of the Constitution Nature of Indian State Statement of its objectives Date of its adoption

History of the Preamble

The ideals behind the Preamble to India’s Constitution were laid down by Jawaharlal Nehru’s Objectives Resolution, adopted by the Constituent Assembly on January 22, 1947. Although not enforceable in court, the Preamble states the objectives of the Constitution, and acts as an aid during the interpretation of Articles when language is found ambiguous.

Components of Preamble

It is indicated by the Preamble that the source of authority of the Constitution lies with the people of India. Preamble declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. The objectives stated by the Preamble are to secure justice, liberty, equality to all citizens and promote fraternity to maintain unity and integrity of the nation.

Status of Preamble

The preamble being part of the Constitution is discussed several times in the Supreme Court.

Berubari Case: It was used as a reference under Article 143(1) of the Constitution which was on the implementation of the Indo-Pakistan Agreement related to the Berubari Union and in exchanging the enclaves which were decided for consideration by the bench consisting of eight judges. Through the Berubari case, the Court stated that ‘Preamble is the key to open the mind of the makers’ but it cannot be considered as part of the Constitution. Therefore, it is not enforceable in a court of law.

Kesavananda Bharati Case: In this case, for the first time, a bench of 13 judges was assembled to hear a writ petition. The Court held that: The Preamble of the Constitution will now be considered as part of the Constitution. The Preamble is not the supreme power or source of any restriction or prohibition but it plays an important role in the interpretation of statutes and provisions of the Constitution. So, it can be concluded that preamble is part of the introductory part of the Constitution. In the 1995 case of Union Government Vs LIC of India also, the Supreme Court has once again held that Preamble is the integral part of the Constitution but is not directly enforceable in a court of justice in India

Amendment of the Preamble

42nd Amendment Act, 1976: After the judgment of the Kesavanand Bharati case, it was accepted that the preamble is part of the Constitution. As a part of the Constitution, preamble can be amended under Article 368 of the Constitution, but the basic structure of the preamble cannot be amended. Because the structure of the Constitution is based on the basic elements of the Preamble. As of now, the preamble is only amended once through the 42 Amendment Act, 1976. The term ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, and ‘Integrity’ were added to the preamble through 42 Amendment Act, 1976. ‘Socialist’ and ‘Secular’ were added between ‘Sovereign’ and ‘Democratic’. ‘Unity of the Nation’ was changed to ‘Unity and Integrity of the Nation’.

7. RS passes Bills to add Paharis, Valmikis to ST, SC lists in J&K

Subject: Polity

Section: Constitution

Criteria for inclusion in Schedule list (SC, ST) is determined based on following factors:

(a) The community’s distinct and identifiable ethnological traits as tribal identity.

(b) Traditional practices, customs, and way of life as part of tribal culture i.e. unique and distinctive culture that sets the community apart from other groups.

(c) Community’s geographical isolation is taken into account to assess its historic and continuous presence in specific regions.

(d) Socio-economic backwardness is considered to evaluate the level of disadvantage faced by the community.

However, The Constitution of India does not define the criteria for recognition of STs.

Process: Stages are as follows–

initiates at the State or Union Territory level-the concerned government or administration recommends the inclusion of a specific community.
The proposal is sent to the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs for examination and further deliberations. After this, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, through its own deliberations, examines the proposal and sends it to the Registrar General of India (RGI). Once approved by the RGI, the proposal is sent to the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
The proposal is sent back to the Union government
Bill that amends the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950 following its passage in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.
The inclusion of any community in the Scheduled Tribes list takes effect only after the President assents to a Bill.

Recent addition in Jammu and Kashmir:

addition of the Pahari ethnic group to the Union Territory’s ST list.
added the Paddari Tribe, Gadda Brahmin, and Koli communities to the ST list and the Valmiki community (including synonyms) to the Scheduled Castes list of Jammu and Kashmir.

Bills state that the reservation already available for these existing tribes will be maintained while giving these new communities additional reservation.
Amid protest by Gujjar-Bakarwal it is said that the ST quota of Gujjar and Bakarwal will remain unaffected and there would be no dilution in the same.
Constitutional provision related to tribes are mentioned in Art.366(25) with article 342(1) for inclusion of tribes by President along with these 5th and 6th schedule is also part of it.

8. Israel Army to evacuate Gaza’s Rafah

Subject: IR

Section: Places in news

Context: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday said he has ordered the military to prepare a plan to evacuate civilians from Rafah ahead of an expected Israeli invasion of the densely populated southern Gaza city.

Rafah

Rafah is a Palestinian city in the southern Gaza Strip.
Rafah is the site of the Rafah Border Crossing, the sole crossing point between Egypt and the State of Palestine. The crossing is controlled by Egypt.
Gaza’s only airport, Yasser Arafat International Airport, was located just south of the city.
Rafah had a pre-war population of roughly 2,80,000, and as per the UN is now home to 1.4 million additional people.
It is the only exit that does not lead to Israeli territory.
There are only two other border crossings in and out of Gaza:
Erezis located in the north and is used by people in Israel.
Kerem Shalom, in the south, which is exclusively for commercial goods.
Both Erez and Kerem Shalom controlled by Israel are currently closed.

9. Swaminathan, Rao, Singh to get Bharat Ratna

Subject: Polity

Section: Constitution

Bharat Ratna:

It is the highest civilian award, Instituted on 2^nd January 1954.
The first recipients of it were C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan; and C. V. Raman, who were honoured in 1954.
Till date, 53 individuals, including 18 posthumously.
The original statutes did not provide for posthumous awards but were amended in January 1966 to permit them to honor.
Lal Bahadur Shastri, the first individual to be honored posthumously.
Discontinued: It was suspended from July 1977 to January 1980 and for a second time from August 1992 to December 1995.
Controversy: In 1992, the government’s decision to confer the award posthumously on Subhas Chandra Bose. But it was opposed by those who had refused to accept the fact of his death, including some members of his extended family. Following a 1997 Supreme Court decision, the press communique announcing Bose’s award was cancelled; it is the only time when the award was announced but not conferred.
It has been conferred on India-born citizens, one naturalized citizen, Mother Teresa, and on two non-Indians: Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela.
Criterion: The award is conferred in recognition of “exceptional service/performance of the highest order”, without distinction of race, occupation, position or gender.
The award was originally limited to achievements in the arts, literature, science, and public services, but the Government of India expanded the criteria to include “any field of human endeavour” in December 2011.
Although there is no formal nomination process, recommendations for the award are made by the Prime Minister to the President.
The recipients receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a peepal leaf-shaped medallion with no monetary grant associated with the award.

Constitutional validity:

Usage of the title ‘Bharat Ratna’ as a prefix by the awardee is exempt from Article 18 (1) of the Constitution, as per the Supreme Court’s precedent in Balaji Raghavan/S.P. Anand v. Union of India in 1995.
Additionally, recipients may either use the expression “Awarded Bharat Ratna by the President” or “Recipient of Bharat Ratna Award” to indicate that they have been honored with the award.
With official announcements, recipients are announced and registered in The Gazette of India, a publication released by the Department of Publication, Ministry of Urban Development used for official government notices.
Bharat Ratna recipients rank seventh in the Indian order of precedence.

2024 Bharat Ratna:

This year’s tally of five Bharat Ratna awardees, one more than the four announced in 1999, is the highest that has ever been announced in a single year. Four of the five awards announced this year are posthumous.

Exceptional service of 2024 awardees-

Karpoori Thakur: Socialist, Politician from Bihar served two time CM and introduced reservation in state jobs.

L.K. Advani : From Delhi, 7th deputy PM , longest serving opposition member in Loksabha, founder of political party BJP

P.V. Narsimha Rao : Lawyer, Politician from Telangana and 9th PM ,first PM from South India and introduced Liberal i.e. LPG reforms in Indian economy

Chaudhary Charan Singh : From U.P. state , 5th PM , Indian independence role, Politician known as “Champion of India’s peasants”, founder of Lokdal political party

M.S. Swaminathan : From Tamilnadu , agronomist, geneticist, administrator and father of Green revolution in India and made Self-reliant in food grains through HYVs seeds of wheat and rice and technology in agriculture.