Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• India’s G-20 opportunity for an African Renaissance
• The real purpose of the medical college
• Should the CJI be part of the committee selecting the CEC?
• India and the Northern Sea Route
• Express View on BRICS: In uncharted waters
• The dopiness Bharat NCAP cannot solve

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

India’s G-20 opportunity for an African Renaissance

News: The author talks about Africa’s challenges and reduced global support. They mention military takeovers, major global players, and India’s potential help through ties and forums.

What are the major challenges faced by Africa?

Governance Issues: Africa is facing challenges of misgovernance, the dominance of ruling tribes, and rampant corruption. An illustrative example of this is the recent resurgence of military rule in nations like Egypt, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

Security Concerns: The continent is under constant threat from Islamic terror outfits and deep-rooted inter-tribal conflicts. Past military interventions by global powers like France, the US, and Russia’s Wagner Group have often worsened the situation rather than resolving it. A case in point is the division and power struggles among armed forces in Libya and Sudan.

Socio-Economic Disruptions: Africa faces hurdles like unplanned development, adverse effects of climate change, rising food inflation, rapid urbanization, and soaring youth unemployment.

Eroding International Support: Global powers such as China, Russia, France, UK, and the US are showing dwindling support for the continent. For instance, the slowdown in China’s economy has reduced its trade with Africa, plunging many African nations into debt.

External Exploitation: Colonial-era powers and the US continue to exploit Africa’s rich mineral resources. Meanwhile, a significant concern for Europe is curbing illegal migration originating from Africa.

What role has India played in Africa to overcome these challenges?

Deep Historical Ties: India’s relationship with Africa is rooted in history, from Mahatma Gandhi’s satyagraha against apartheid to UN peacekeeping roles.

Trade and Investment: India-Africa trade amounted to $98 billion in 2022-23. India was the fifth largest investor in Africa, providing over $12.37 billion in concessional loans.

Educational and Socio-Economic Engagements: India has completed 197 projects in Africa and granted 42,000 scholarships since 2015. Focus areas include education, healthcare, telecom, IT, and agriculture.

Technological and Financial Innovations: India can offer African nations innovative solutions like the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile), DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), UPI (Unified Payments Interface), and Aspirational Districts Program.

People-to-People Ties: Around three million people of Indian origin reside in Africa, strengthening cultural and social bonds.

In summary, India’s multifaceted engagement with Africa positions it to offer support both bilaterally and through multilateral forums.

The real purpose of the medical college

News: In this article, author talks about the misconception of more medical colleges solving healthcare access issues in India. They argue for strengthening secondary-level healthcare, not just prioritizing tertiary care and medical education.

What are the realities and myths about medical colleges?

Myth about Medical Colleges:

Complete Healthcare Solution: There’s a widespread belief that establishing a medical college will address all healthcare needs of a district.

Boost in Opportunities: Locals often think that the presence of a medical college increases the chances of their children securing a medical seat.

Solution to Healthcare Access: Producing more medical professionals from more colleges is often seen as the solution to inadequate access to healthcare.

Reality about Medical Colleges:

Overload of Patients: Many medical colleges are crowded with patients needing primary or secondary care, which could be addressed at lower-level facilities.

Misplaced Focus: Over 80% of cases treated at medical colleges don’t need tertiary specialty care. Effective treatment can be given at lower levels, as seen in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Infrastructure Challenges: New medical colleges, like some AIIMS projects, often face setbacks due to poor infrastructure and connectivity.

Shift in Priorities: When district hospitals convert to medical colleges, the focus can shift from patient care to education.

What should be done?

Strengthen Secondary-Level Healthcare: Prioritize improving secondary-level care facilities, given that over 80% of cases at medical colleges could be treated at these lower levels.

Establish Efficient Referral Systems: India’s failure to implement a working referral system in tertiary-care facilities points to the need for a structured patient routing system. Such systems work in regions with functional secondary facilities, ensuring that patients receive care at the appropriate level.

Re-evaluate Hospital Conversions: Before converting district hospitals into medical colleges, consider their vital role in patient care. Some district hospitals, despite resisting conversion, have excelled in providing quality care, especially in trauma responses.

Focus on Current Challenges: Address existing issues like poor infrastructure, lack of specialists, and overcrowded medical colleges. The struggles faced by new AIIMS projects highlight the importance of this focus.

Educate the Public: Debunk myths surrounding medical colleges to ensure the public understands the importance of a balanced healthcare infrastructure.

Should the CJI be part of the committee selecting the CEC?

News: The article discusses a new Bill proposing changes to the selection panel for the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) in India. Critics argue that replacing the Chief Justice of India with a Cabinet Minister on the panel could compromise the Election Commission’s independence.

What are the major provisions of the CEC and Other ECs (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023?

Read Here – Appointments to the Election Commission – Proposed changes

What are the major concerns related to this bill?

Neutrality Concern: The Bill proposes a Cabinet Minister, nominated by the Prime Minister, in the selection panel instead of the Chief Justice of India. This means two members from the ruling government on the panel, raising concerns about the panel’s impartiality.

Bill vs Supreme Court’s Intention: While the Bill follows the Supreme Court’s directive to enact a law for appointments, critics argue it misses the Court’s intended spirit, especially regarding ensuring the Election Commission’s independence from the executive.

Status Downgrade of CEC: The Bill equates the CEC’s salary to that of the Cabinet Secretary instead of a Supreme Court judge. Despite similar pay, this change is viewed as a potential status dilution.

EC Independence: There are concerns that the new system might make the Election Commission more susceptible to executive influence.

India and the Northern Sea Route

News: The article talks about India’s increasing role in Arctic’s Northern Sea Route (NSR) for cargo. It covers Arctic’s significance for India, Russia’s nuclear icebreakers for NSR, and India’s involvement due to the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor project.

Why is the Arctic region significant to India?

Historical Engagement: India’s ties with the Arctic date back to the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in 1920. India also established a research station in the Arctic in 2008 and became an observer-State of the Arctic Council in 2013.

Climate Impact: Changes in the Arctic climate can influence India’s economic security, water security, and sustainability.

Resource Potential: The Arctic might contain over 40% of global oil and gas reserves, along with reserves of coal, zinc, and silver.

Trade Route: The Northern Sea Route (NSR) in the Arctic offers a shorter shipping route between Europe and Asia-Pacific, potentially saving up to 50% in distance.

Economic Benefits: In 2023, India’s cargo traffic at the Arctic’s Murmansk port was 35% of eight million tonnes.

What is NSR (Northern Sea Route)?

Definition: The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is the shortest shipping route for freight transportation between Europe and Asia-Pacific countries.

Location: The NSR spans four seas of the Arctic Ocean, starting at the boundary between the Barents and the Kara seas (Kara Strait) and ending in the Bering Strait (Provideniya Bay).

Distance: The route measures 5,600 km in length.

Recent Events: The 2021 blockage of the Suez Canal highlighted the NSR’s significance as an alternative maritime route.

Navigation Challenges: The Arctic Ocean remains icebound for most of the year, requiring icebreaking assistance for safe navigation.

What are the driving factors for India to participate in the NSR development?

Cargo Traffic Growth: Cargo traffic along the NSR experienced a surge of around 73% from 2018-2022, with a volume of 34.117 million tonnes in 2022.

Energy Imports: India’s increasing imports of crude oil and coal from Russia are facilitated by the NSR’s reliability and safety.

Geographical Benefits: India’s major trade depends on sea transportation. The NSR offers a more efficient route, enhancing India’s trade potential.

Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor: The Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC) could link with the NSR, shortening transport time. The CVMC is 10,500 km, a significant reduction from the 16,000 km St. Petersburg-Mumbai route.

Strategic Considerations: With potential collective influence from China and Russia over the NSR, India’s involvement can ensure balanced regional dynamics.

What lies ahead?

NSR Development Plan: Russia’s plan for the NSR targets a cargo traffic of 80 million tonnes by 2024 and 150 million tonnes by 2030.

Russian Collaboration: A Russian delegation met with the Indian business community, discussing the NSR development. They promised to provide key components for the route’s year-round operation.

Indian Company Involvement: Rosatom is encouraging Indian companies to participate in projects related to the NSR.

CVMC Project: A workshop involving stakeholders from India and Russia for the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC) project is scheduled for October.

Economic Context: All these developments are unfolding against the backdrop of Western economic sanctions on Russia, which might influence strategic and economic collaborations.

These developments indicate India’s continued interest and involvement in Arctic and NSR projects.

Express View on BRICS: In uncharted waters

News– The article explains the issues of expansion of BRICS membership and challenges faced by the grouping.

What are the reasons behind the Chinese and Russian push for BRICS expansion?

Firstly, China and Russia are looking to transform BRICS as a counter to US-led Multilateral system.

Secondly, both Russia and China hope to create new strategic and diplomatic space for themselves through an expanded BRICS as both face Western sanctions and pressure.

Thirdly, by admission of new states with authoritarian regimes China and Russia want to project authoritarian regimes standing upto western democracies.

What are the reasons behind countries for pushing their inclusion in BRICS

Firstly, the countries of the global south want to gain strategic autonomy by their inclusion in BRICS.

Secondly, countries from the global south want to stand up to western pressures by using the platform of BRICS.

Lastly, countries eyeing for BRICS membership want to use BRICS to get their economic concerns addressed especially after COVID-19 and Ukraine war.

What are the arguments for and against BRICS Expansion

Against: it will make BRICS less efficient. There will be difficulty in reaching consensus on contentious issues and declarations, given the wide ranging economic and political differences between the member countries.

For: it will put pressure on the west to end its prolonged neglect of the global south. BRICS can become a counter to groupings like G7 which are west dominated.

What are the existing Fault lines between the member states of BRICS

Firstly, India and China are engaged in border disputes in eastern Ladakh.

Secondly, India has been advocating for resilient supply chains which aims at diversification of supply chains away from China.

Thirdly, China has been using the BRICS platform to target US while other members like India, South Africa and Brazil have deepened their engagement with US.

Lastly, newly admitted members like Saudi Arabia and Iran have deep sense of suspicion and animosity despite Chinese efforts to ensure peace between them.

What should be India’s Role in the Expanded BRICS

India has allowed for expansion of BRICS but has insisted on finalization of membership criterion for expansion. India has asserted its heft in the recent meeting of BRICS.

However, India will need to smartly play the role of balancer in the forum to prevent BRICS from becoming a Chinese-talk shop.

The dopiness Bharat NCAP cannot solve

News: Recently, Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP) has been introduced by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways.

What is Bharat NCAP?

Click Here to Read

It is the first such program to be administered by a national government, whereas others like Global NCAP are privately funded entities. It reduces testing by approximately one-fourth of Global NCAP’s expenses.

What safety measures have Indian car manufacturers been employing so far?

GNCAP’s crash results, safety features and its ratings are popular in India. Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyundai, use its 5-star ratings for marketing.

Maruti Suzuki hasn’t participated in GNCAP tests because as per the company, Indian vehicles already meet safety standards set by the Central Motor Vehicle Rules.

However, the company is enthusiastic about the BNCAP, and is providing three models for testing.

What is the significance of BNCAP rating and how is it different from GNCAP?

The difference between the two lies in cost, not quality.

BNCAP tests are almost the same as GNCAP’s, so cars rated highly internationally are likely to do well in local testing. Government labs conducting BNCAP tests with cost-effective resources will also cut expenses for car manufacturers.

The government’s approval for car safety could also attract consumers. If authorities push car makers to compete using BNCAP ratings, buyers might consider these ratings when buying cars.

This could encourage better performance and elevate safety standards across the industry.

Even a survey found that more than two-thirds of potential car buyers want BNCAP ratings, and most existing car owners would think about upgrading if their vehicles received poor ratings.

Read More: Bharat NCAP: India gets its own car crash testing programme

What are the findings related to the road accidents in India?

According to a World Bank report, India possesses 1% of global vehicles but accounts for 11% of road crash fatalities, costing 3% to 5% of GDP annually.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways indicates that 87% of car-related deaths result from occupants not using seatbelts.

Moreover, car safety is often linked with airbags, but the seatbelt is a more effective safety device. Airbags can be dangerous without a fastened seatbelt.

In two-wheeler accidents, 70% of fatalities involve riders without helmets. However, over speeding contributes to 69% of all fatalities.

What can be the way ahead?

First, the introduction of BNCAP is crucial, but improving road safety in India requires a comprehensive approach beyond car features. This includes awareness, road design, addressing accident-prone areas to safeguard all road users.

Second, car occupant fatalities declined from 18% (2016) to 13.6% (2020), while fatalities among vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists rose from 47% (2016) to 64% (2020). This emphasizes the necessity for broader safety measures for everyone.

Third, if BNCAP proves successful as an affordable and high-quality initiative, India could become a global hub for crash testing.

This shift would benefit India in terms of foreign earnings and may enhance the credibility of Indian crash tests worldwide.

Source: Business Standard

GS Paper 3

How infrastructure investments may be slowing job creation

News- In this article the author discusses lopsided development policies which have resulted in fewer job creation for millions of youths who join the labor force every year.

What is ‘Growth-Unemployment paradox’ which is observed in case of India?

India has been the fastest growing economies of the world. India’s growth has attracted headlines. But nearly a quarter of young people are unemployed. This coexistence of high growth and high unemployment is called ‘Growth-Unemployment’ paradox.

What are the lopsided development policies which have led to ‘Growth-Unemployment’ paradox?

Firstly, India has focused heavily on improvement of physical infrastructure but has fallen behind on human infrastructure like education and skills. Physical infrastructure in the absence of good human infrastructure has slowed the pace of job growth.

Secondly, India’s infrastructure development has focused largely on Urban areas. However, India’s manufacturing sector is rapidly de-urbanizing and moving away from urban to rural areas to remain competitive. As the rural areas lack the necessary physical and human capital, manufacturing sector growth has slowed down resulting in increased unemployment.

Thirdly, there has been a lack of focus on infrastructure development in Tier II cities which have the potential to generate 70% of new jobs in the next 20 years.

What are the measures that must be taken to correct this ‘Growth-Unemployment’ paradox?

Firstly, Policymakers must focus upon the development of both physical and human infrastructure in rural areas and tier II cities as the manufacturing sector across the world is witnessing de-urbanization.

Secondly, India must invest heavily in the tertiary education sector which has the potential for development of new age entrepreneurship and subsequent job creation.

Lastly, the governance system needs to be improved to track the progress of investments and their effects in the field of job creation. Every penny of investment by the government needs to yield jobs.

Express View on export ban: The onion diktat

News– Centre has imposed a 40 per cent export duty on onions.

Why is this move not good for farmers?

Farmers cultivating onion, potato, and tomato do not experience any advantages from government agencies’ Minimum Support Price (MSP) based procurement. These farmers are entirely subject to the forces of the market.

Most farmers who grow rabi onions don’t sell their entire crop immediately after harvesting. Instead, they store the crop to prevent moisture and sprouting.

They then make staggered sales from September to October, before the next kharif crop.

This time, unseasonal heavy rains in March and April caused damage to a significant portion of the harvested onions. It made them less suitable for storage.

Farmers also had to engage in distressed sales of onions prone to rapid quality deterioration.

What are the consequences of imposition of export duty on onions?

This decision has left a negative impression on the growers that the government remains inactive during periods of low prices but take action as soon as prices start to rise.

All recent governmental interventions, including export bans and the imposition of stock limits, openly contradict the farm reform laws that were introduced just three years ago.

The prohibition of export poses a threat to India’s reputation as a dependable global supplier. Restoring that credibility will be a difficult task.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

BRICS now a non-Western grouping with the induction of six more member nations

Source: The post is based on the article “BRICS now a non-Western grouping with the induction of six more member nations”  published in The Hindu on 25th August 2023.

What is the News?

At the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg (South Africa), BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) has invited six more countries to join the group.

Which are the six countries invited by BRICS to become members?

The six countries are: Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Egypt and Ethiopia. Their membership will begin in January,2024.

What is the significance of BRICS expansion?

The expansion of BRICS is significant for several reasons which are:

Increased Representation: Adding new members increases the group’s diversity and representation. This expansion brings in nations from different regions of the world, strengthening BRICS as a spokesperson for the developing world.

Demographic and Economic Powerhouse: BRICS already represents a substantial portion of the world’s population and GDP. With these additions, it will encompass an even larger share, nearly half of the world’s population. This strengthens its collective economic and demographic clout on the global stage.

Diverse Resource Base: The inclusion of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran, three major oil-producing nations adds a new dimension to BRICS. This diversifies the group’s resource base and potentially enhances its influence in global energy markets.

Geopolitical Significance: The expansion reflects China’s drive to make BRICS a more prominent international forum. It also highlights the growing influence of China and Russia in shaping global geopolitics, especially in regions where the West has had significant influence.

Multipolarity and Solidarity: There is a growing desire for multipolarity in international relations. BRICS provides a platform for countries from the Global South to express their solidarity and assert their influence in global affairs. This is especially important as an alternative to Western-dominated institutions.

Anti-West Sentiment: There is a perception of anti-US sentiment in the world, and some countries are looking for groupings where they can collectively challenge Western dominance. BRICS, with its diverse membership, can serve as a counterbalance to Western-centric international organizations.

Signaling Power: For Russia and Iran, BRICS membership serves as a signal to the West that they still have global partners and are not isolated. It can be a diplomatic tool to strengthen their positions in international negotiations.

Economic Assistance: Countries like Argentina, which are facing economic crises, may hope to receive financial aid or support from BRICS members.

What BRICS expansion means for India?

India, while participating in various international forums, continues to attach importance to BRICS as a platform for non-Western cooperation. 

It sees BRICS as a means to promote multipolarity and solidarity among countries of the Global South.

However, concerns have been raised that the group could become more pro-China and sideline India’s voice and interests.

Know your rover pragyan

Source: The post is based on the article “Know your rover pragyan ”  published in The Hindu on 25th August 2023.

What is the News?

ISRO has released the much-anticipated video of the Pragyan rover ramping down from the Vikram lander and walking on the lunar surface.

What is a Rover?

A rover is simply a vehicle for exploring the surface of a planet or moon.

What is Pragyan Rover?

ISRO has deployed its lunar rover, named Pragyan as part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The rover’s name ‘Pragyan’ is Sanskrit for wisdom.

Pragyan has been assigned the task of carrying out a chemical analysis of the lunar surface in situ as it moves about in the highlands near the Moon’s south pole.

It is equipped with two payloads: APXS or ‘Alpha Particle X-Ray Spectrometer’ and the LIBS or ‘Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope’.

– APXS will be engaged in deriving the elemental composition of the lunar surface; while LIBS will carry out experiments to determine the elemental composition of chemical elements such magnesium and aluminum etc. of lunar soil and rocks around the lunar landing site.

Cameras: Pragyan Rover has two Navigation cameras fitted in the front of the rover to navigate the Rover in the lunar terrain. 

– NAVCAM-Left & NAVCAM -Right. These cameras help in path planning and obstacle avoidance, to ensure that there is no rock, there is no obstacle, there is no pit etc. in the path. 

– It is like a human being or robot having eyes, so wherever the rover is going to move there is a path planning which is done based on the stereo images from Navcams.

Lifespan: Pragyan has a mission life of 1 lunar day, approximately equal to 14 Earth days. This will be the period over which the rover will try to fulfill its objectives.

Why does the Pragyan rover have a short lifespan? When the sun sets on the moon, an area will become dark and very cold. This can damage the battery and other electronics components. When the sun rises again, after 14 days, the rover can ‘return’ to life if the components have survived. But this is highly unlikely.

The Fujiwhara effect: When cyclones ‘dance’

Source: The post is based on the article “The Fujiwhara effect: When cyclones ‘dance’”  published in Indian Express on 24th August 2023.

What is the News?

The western coast of the United States recently experienced Hurricane Hilary, which transformed into a sub-tropical storm upon reaching the US.

This event led to the National Hurricane Centre (NHC) issuing its inaugural tropical storm watch for certain areas of Southern California.

California had an exceptionally wet winter with multiple ‘atmospheric river’ storms, and the area also witnessed the intriguing phenomenon of the ‘Fujiwhara effect’ during one of these storms, where two low-pressure areas interacted in an unexpected manner.

What is the Fujiwhara effect?

As per the National Weather Service (NWS), when two hurricanes or cyclones spinning in the same direction are brought close together, they begin ‘an intense dance around their common center’ – this interaction between two cyclones is called the Fujiwhara effect.

Fujiwhara effect was identified by Sakuhei Fujiwhara, a Japanese meteorologist whose first paper recognising the Fujiwhara cases was published in 1921. 

The first known instance of the effect was in 1964 in the western Pacific Ocean when typhoons Marie and Kathy merged.

What happens in the Fujiwhara effect?

According to the National Weather Service, one of three things happen when the storms come near each other:

– If one hurricane is a lot stronger than the other, the smaller one will orbit it and eventually come crashing into its vortex to be absorbed (or)

– If the two storms are close to the same size, they can gravitate toward each other until they reach a common point where they either merge or they spin each other around for a while before they spin off in different directions (or) 

– If the two hurricanes are intense enough, they may merge with one another, leading to the formation of a mega cyclone capable of wreaking havoc along coastlines.

PM seeks level playing field for smaller e-com companies

Source: The post is based on the article “PM seeks level playing field for smaller e-com companies”  published in The Hindu on 25th August 2023.

What is the News?

The Indian Prime Minister addressed the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial summit.

What are the key takeaways from the PM’s address at the G20 Trade Summit?

Rebuild Confidence: COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions have challenged the world economy.PM called on the G20 countries to work together to restore confidence in international trade and investment. 

– He proposed creating a Generic Framework for Mapping Global Value Chains to assess vulnerabilities, minimize risks, and enhance resilience.

MSMEs: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) account for 60% to 70% of employment and 50% of the global gross domestic product(GDP).

– The proposed ‘Jaipur Initiative’ that seeks to foster seamless flow of information to MSMEs will address the challenge of inadequate access to market and business-related information faced by MSMEs.

Challenges in e-commerce: PM highlighted the challenges posed by global cross-border e-commerce, particularly for smaller businesses and consumers. 

– He called for collective efforts to ensure fair competition between large and small sellers and to address issues related to fair pricing and grievance handling. 

– He also mentioned the importance of digitization in expanding market access through e-commerce.

NMC puts on hold rules for doctors to prescribe only generic medicines

Source: The post is based on the article “NMC puts on hold rules for doctors to prescribe only generic medicines”  published in Indian Express on 25th August 2023.

What is the News?

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has put on hold its new guidelines that made it mandatory for doctors to only prescribe generic drugs.

What were the guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission(NMC)?

NMC had imposed a directive mandating doctors to prescribe generic drugs instead of branded equivalents. 

In case of non-compliance, they can be penalized. For breaches, doctors could also receive warnings and mandatory participation in workshops and training sessions. 

Persistent violations of the directive could further lead to the suspension of their licenses.

Click Here to read more

Why did the NMC issued these guidelines on generic drugs?

The NMC had justified the guidelines saying generic medicines on average are cheaper than branded ones, and may thus improve access to quality care. 

Why are doctors opposing NMC guidelines on generic drugs?

Powers of Civil Court: Doctors and pharma experts pointed out that guidelines gave the NMC and the state medical councils powers equivalent to a civil court. This could only be done by Parliament and not through regulations.

Difference in quality: Doctors pointed out that while firms manufacturing branded generics (out-of-patent drugs that are sold with a brand name) usually spend on research and follow US FDA-level processes. But many smaller firms making non-branded generics do not comply even with India’s more-relaxed ‘Schedule M’ norm.

Prescribing only generic drugs will prompt pharmacies to sell generic drugs at high-profit margins, disincentivizing firms that manufacture quality branded generics.

Indian Ocean Dipole turns positive, may prove too late for monsoon

Source: The post is based on the article “Indian Ocean Dipole turns positive, may prove too late for monsoon”  published in Hindu Business Line on 23rd August 2023.

What is the News?

A report by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said that the Indian Ocean Dipole(IOD) index has risen beyond the positive threshold.

What is the Indian Ocean Dipole(IOD)?

Click Here to read

What is the impact of the Indian Ocean Dipole(IOD)?

A positive IOD helps rainfall along the African coastline and also over the Indian sub-continent while suppressing rainfall over Indonesia, southeast Asia and Australia. The impacts are opposite during a negative IOD event.

How much rainfall has India recorded this year till now?

India has collectively recorded 824 mm precipitation since the start of the southwest monsoon period on June 1, suffering a 19% deficit compared to its rainfall average for the period so far (1016.1 mm).

Can positive IOD help the Indian Monsoon now?

Most models indicate that the positive IOD will likely take hold from September through November. But by this time, India’s southwest monsoon season would have tragically withdrawn from the subcontinent.

However, the northeast monsoon season that reigns over South India from October to December could receive a boost in the initial rains if the positive IOD continues to stick around during that time.

What will be the impact of Positive IOD on Australia?

In Australia, when a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) event occurs, it typically leads to: 1) Low rainfall from October to December 2) A delayed start to the monsoon season and 3) Reduced tropical cyclone activity.

If an El Niño event were to also happen in 2023 alongside a positive IOD, these effects could become even more severe and potentially extend into the wet season.

To enhance IAF efficiency, govt. to buy weapons locally

Source: The post is based on the article “To enhance IAF efficiency, govt. to buy weapons locally”  published in The Hindu on 25th August 2023.

What is the News?

Defense Acquisition Council(DAC) has recently approved capital acquisition proposals worth around ₹7,800 crore.

What are the projects approved by the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC)?

Electronic Warfare(EW) Suite: The DAC approved the procurement and installation of an Electronic Warfare Suite for Mi-17 V5 Helicopters. This will enhance the helicopters’ survivability. The EW suite will be procured from Bharat Electronics Ltd.

Ground-Based Autonomous Systems: These systems will be used by mechanized infantry and armored regiments for tasks like unmanned surveillance, delivering supplies, and evacuating casualties on the battlefield.

Light Machine Guns (LMG): The induction of LMGs will strengthen the capabilities of infantry forces.

Bridge-Laying Tanks (BLT): They will enable faster movement for mechanized forces.

Rugged Laptops and Tablets: The DAC approved the procurement of rugged laptops and tablets for the Army under Project Shakti. These will be sourced domestically.

Weapons for MH-60R Helicopters: To enhance the operational capabilities of the Navy’s MH-60R helicopters, the DAC approved the procurement of weapons for these helicopters.

New technology developed to transport of radio frequency (RF) through optical methods could improve digital & satellite communication

Source: The post is based on the article “New technology developed to transport of radio frequency (RF) through optical methods could improve digital & satellite communication”  published in PIB on 24th August 2023.

What is the News?

Researchers at IIT Madras have developed a prototype in the Next-Generation Photonic Analog-to-Digital Converters (NG-PADC) project.

What is Next-Generation Photonic Analog-to-Digital Converters (NG-PADC)?

NG-PADC prototypes have the capability to instantly measure, generate, and transmit Radio Frequency (RF) using optical methods. 

This could bring significant changes to various sectors, including faster digital communication, improved satellite communication, better medical imaging, and advanced photonic radars.

What are the limitations of traditional electronic Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs)?

Analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are crucial for developing advanced digital receivers.

But the traditional electronic ADCs(EADCs) have limitations, especially in maintaining vertical resolution at high bandwidths. 

Photonics offers two potential solutions to overcome this limitation:

Stretching RF Signals: RF signals can be modulated onto a spectrally rich optical pulsed source and then stretched in the optical domain through a dispersive medium.This transformation converts high-frequency RF signals into effectively lower-frequency signals.As a result, the input bandwidth requirements for the backend ADC are significantly reduced.

Stable Optical Clocks: Photonics can utilize optical clocks generated by short-pulsed lasers. These optical clocks have much smaller timing fluctuations (timing jitter) compared to electronic clocks.

–When high-bandwidth RF signals are sampled using stable optical clocks, it leads to a much higher effective number of bits (ENOB) compared to electronic clocks.This enables the digitization of signals with much greater precision.

How can NG-PADC help in this?

NG-PADC incorporates a time-stretched photonic ADC with an effective bandwidth 12 times higher than a corresponding EADC. This enables the sampling of higher bandwidth signals using lower bandwidth EADCs.

These advancements are particularly beneficial for digital coherent communication with high-bandwidth signals.

PLFS data elucidates a burgeoning trend of youth and individuals from varied age groups actively embracing the workforce

Source: The post is based on the article “PLFS data elucidates a burgeoning trend of youth and individuals from varied age groups actively embracing the workforce”  published in PIB on 24th August 2023.

What is the News?

According to the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), there has been a noticeable shift in India’s workforce over the past seven years, with the workforce aging and concerns arising about reduced job opportunities across different age groups.

However, the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) conducted by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) shows a completely different picture.

What does the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) say about India’s workforce?

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What does the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) say about India’s labor market?

According to PLFS, India’s labor market is expanding. The data indicates a positive trend in the participation of various age groups in the workforce. For instance:

Youth Participation: The engagement of individuals aged 15 to 29 in the workforce increased from 31.4 percent in 2017-18 to 36.8 percent in 2021-22.

Middle aged group: Individuals aged 30-34 saw their participation rate rise from 61.1 percent to 66.5 percent.

– Further, individuals aged 35-39 and 40-44 experienced increased participation, with rates reaching 71.1 percent and 73.7 percent in 2021-22, respectively.

Even the senior age brackets demonstrated heightened workforce involvement.

Overall, participation of individuals aged 15 and above in usual employment rose from 46.8 percent in 2017-18 to 52.9 percent in 2021-22.

What is India’s new car safety rating protocol

Source: The post is based on the article “What is India’s new car safety rating protocol”  published in Indian Express on 25th August 2023.

What is the news?

The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways has recently launched the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP).

What is Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP)?

Under the Bharat NCAP, cars voluntarily nominated by automobile manufacturers will be crash tested as per protocols laid down in the soon-to-be-published Automotive Industry Standard 197. 

The programme is applicable to passenger vehicles with not more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat with gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kgs. Only the base model of a particular variant will be tested.

Cars will be assigned a rating between one star to five stars after being evaluated on three parameters — adult occupant protection, child occupant protection and safety assist technologies present in the car.

How has Bharat NCAP evolved?

The testing protocols adopted by the Bharat NCAP are modelled on the Global NCAP, which is a project of the U.K.-based NGO, Towards Zero Foundation. 

It serves as a platform for cooperation among new car assessment programmes worldwide, including countries such as the U.S. which has the world’s oldest crash testing regime since 1978.

The NGO launched a Safer Cars for India campaign in 2014 when it released the country’s first independent crash tests covering the Suzuki-Maruti Alto 800, the Tata Nano, Ford Figo, Hyundai i10 and Volkswagen Polo. All but one of the five models failed the test.

Why does car testing matter?

Car Testing is important for several reasons:

Safety: Testing ensures that cars meet safety standards and perform well in crash scenarios. This helps protect the lives of both passengers and pedestrians.

Export Potential: Testing helps determine the export-worthiness of cars.When cars pass rigorous tests, it makes them more attractive to international markets, boosting the country’s automotive exports.

Consumer Confidence: Consumers can make informed choices when purchasing vehicles based on test results. Knowing that a car has undergone safety and quality tests can increase consumer confidence.

Road Safety: In countries with high rates of road accidents, like India, car testing is crucial for improving road safety. Testing helps identify and promote the production of safer vehicles.

Global Commitments: Under the Stockholm Declaration, India has committed to reducing the number of road traffic deaths and injuries by 50 per cent by 2030.

The following today’s current affairs articles have been covered in 7 PM Explained section of the day:

7 PM Editorial of the day: [Kurukshetra August 2023 Summary] Nutrition and Health in School Education: Explained, pointwise