9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – December 28th, 2023

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

On the Issues with the WHO Growth Standards – Growth charts

Source: This post on the Issues with the WHO Growth Standards has been created based on the article “Growth charts – WHO standards versus India crafted” published in “The Hindu” on 28th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues related to Health.

News: The article discusses the various issues with the WHO Growth Standards, which are used in calculating undernutrition levels in India.

High levels of child undernutrition have been a persistent problem in India.

What are the determinants of undernutrition?

  1. food intake, b. dietary diversity, c. health, d. sanitation, e. women’s status, f. poverty.

How do we measure undernutrition?

The most common measures of childhood undernutrition are based on anthropometric standards such as:

  1. Height-for-age (stunting/chronic undernutrition).
  2. Weight-for-height (wasting/acute undernutrition).

India, like most other countries, uses the globally accepted WHO Growth Standards to measure malnutrition. However, there is a growing debate related to the use of these growth standards in India.

What are the WHO Growth Standards based on?

They are based on a Multicentre Growth Reference Study (MGRS) that was conducted in 6 countries between 1997 and 2003 (Brazil, Ghana, India, Norway, Oman and the United States).

The sample for India in the MGRS was drawn from a set of privileged households living in South Delhi, of children who met all the eligibility criteria for the study including having a ‘favourable’ growth environment, being breast-fed and having non-smoking mothers.

What is the issue with the WHO Growth Standards?

Some issues raised vis-à-vis the MGRS methodology are as follows:

1) Some researchers who have analysed data from other surveys for India suggest that these standards overestimate undernutrition.

2) Such comparisons could also be misleading because the study norms of the WHO-MGRS are different from Indian studies. For example, the MGRS included a component of counselling to ensure appropriate feeding practices, which is missing in the NFHS or Comprehensive National Nutrition Survey.

3) Does not consider Genetic Differences: Another important set of issues with regard to using the MGRS standards is the difference in genetic growth potential of Indians with respect to others and the influence of maternal heights on child growth.
Low average maternal heights reflect intergenerational transmission of poverty and poor status of women. An appropriate indicator needs to capture this deprivation as well.
However, various countries with poorer economic conditions, including those in the South Asian region, have shown higher improvements in stunting using the same standards. It also needs to be considered that gene pools also shift at the population level with greater socio-economic development —  demonstrated by the growing average heights of countries such as Japan, refuting that genetic differences are that big a concern.

4) Inappropriately High Standards: Another serious concern is related to inappropriately high standards leading to a misreading of the nutrition situation in India.
This might result in a potential overfeeding of misclassified children under programmes of the government introduced to address undernutrition, thereby resulting in an increase in overweight and obesity.

What additional steps need to be taken to address undernutrition?

  1. The quality of the meals under nutrition schemes must be improved to ensure that they are not cereal-heavy, include all nutrients, and contribute to dietary diversity.
  2. Recommendations such as including eggs in meals for children and pulses in the Public Distribution System must be acted upon urgently.
  3. Along with this, multiple interventions such as better sanitation, access to health care, childcare services and so on are required for better nutritional outcomes.
  4. Ensuring better livelihoods and lowering poverty, access to education and women’s empowerment are also important steps.

In light of these issues, the Indian Council of Medical Research has constituted a committee to revise the growth references for India. However, using the WHO standards is important for international comparisons and intra-country trends — an advantage that would be lost with any new country-specific standard.

Question for practice:

Measuring undernutrition in a sound manner, keeping in mind the conditions of India, are an important first step in tackling the problem. Discuss in the context of the issues with the WHO Growth Standards.

On Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) – Making health our top priority in 2024

Source: This post on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) has been created based on the article “Making health our top priority in 2024” published in “The Hindu” on 28th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues relating to health.

News: The article discusses the alarming trend of NCDs in India. It also highlights the steps that can be taken by individuals to lead a healthier life and prevent NCDs.

The alarming trend of non-elderly dying from heart-related issues is marking a paradigm shift in India’s disease burden. While communicable diseases persist as a significant threat, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases have emerged as the predominant public health concern.

What is the status of NCDs in India?

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) report titled ‘Invisible Numbers’, a staggering 66% of deaths in India in 2019 were attributed to NCDs.

India has 101 million diabetics and 136 million with prediabetes. Cardiovascular diseases top the mortality charts, and cancer incidence is projected to rise by 57.5% by 2040.

NCDs also pose a substantial economic burden. According to WEF, India could incur a staggering cost of $4.58 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to NCDs and mental health conditions.

What are the causes?

1) The silent epidemic of NCDs is fuelled by common behavioural risk factors — unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, the use of tobacco and alcohol — which are all on the rise in India.

2) This epidemic is further spurred by factors including a genetic predisposition towards conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.

3) A sedentary lifestyle which brings with it issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

What steps have been taken by the govt?

Government has launched initiatives such as:

  1. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke.
  2. 75/25 initiative (screening and providing standard of care for 75 million individuals with hypertension and diabetes by 2025)

What should be done by individuals to prevent NCDs?

First, integrating more natural movement into our daily lives. For instance, walking where possible instead of taking a vehicle. This can increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen our bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance.

Second, choosing ‘slow food’ over fast food. This includes food that is prepared with the ingredients that are right for us.

Third, getting comprehensive health check-ups done regularly.

Fourth, making health a dinner table and water cooler conversation. For e.g. asking colleagues and loved ones what they did for their health.

The power to transform the nation lies in the daily choices of its citizens, reflecting a profound understanding that the well-being of individuals directly impacts the well-being of society.

Question for practice:

NCDs are emerging as a rising health concern for India. What are the causes for this rise in NCDs? What steps can be taken by individuals to curb NCDs?

On Shift in Global Trade Policy

Source: The post on shift in global trade policy has been created on the article “Global trade policy: A year-end stocktaking” published in “Business Standard” on 28th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: The article discusses how recent trade policies, particularly in the US and EU, are moving away from global trade rules and becoming more protectionist. This shift is leading to a more fragmented and contentious global trade environment.

What is changing in global trade policy?

Unilateral Measures: The US and EU are adopting more unilateral trade policies, as evidenced by the US’s Inflation Reduction Act and the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. These measures, like the US’s local content rules in electric vehicle manufacturing and the EU extending its Emission Trading System, are contrary to WTO rules and favor certain regions over others.

Rising Protectionist Actions: Nations are following the US and EU’s lead with their own protective measures. For instance, the Netherlands and Japan’s restrictions in the semiconductor industry are part of a broader trend of increasing trade restrictions aimed at protecting domestic industries.

Contradictory US Policies: The US has the highest number of trade and industrial policy interventions between 2017-23, contradicting its stated commitment to a rules-based order. This includes actions against China and its own protectionist measures, reflecting a larger trend of contradiction in its trade policies.

For more information on US’s Inflation Reduction Act read here

For more information on EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism read here

What are the implications of these changes?

Undermining WTO Principles: Unilateral measures like the Inflation Reduction Act and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism challenge WTO’s rules-based order, undermining principles of non-discrimination and fair competition.

Weakening of Multilateral Dispute Settlement: The US’s reluctance to engage with the WTO’s dispute resolution mechanisms signals a move towards more uncertain and bilateral dispute settlements. This move threatens the predictability and stability provided by the multilateral system.

What should be done?

Strengthen WTO Commitment: Reinforce adherence to World Trade Organization rules and principles to ensure a fair and stable global trading system.

Support Positive Trade Developments: Recognize and build upon the growth and resilience of global trade, as evidenced by the expansion of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the full effectuation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

Encourage Multilateral Cooperation: Utilize the positive momentum from these regional blocks to foster a more inclusive and rules-based global trade environment.

Enhance Transparency: Developed countries should lead by example, ensuring that any new trade measures are transparent and in line with international norms.

For more information on CPTPP read here

For more information on RCEP read here

Question for practice:

Discuss the implications of recent changes in global trade policy, particularly the shift towards unilateral measures and protectionism.

GS PAPER - 3

On An Alternate Model of Development – The quest for ‘happiness’ in the Viksit Bharat odyssey

Source: This post on an Alternate Model of Development has been created based on the article “The quest for ‘happiness’ in the Viksit Bharat odyssey” published in “The Hindu” on 28th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Issues relating to growth and development.

News: The article discusses the flaws with the development model followed under ‘Viksit Bharat’. It highlights an alternate developmental model that should be followed by India.

Viksit Bharat aims to make India a developed nation by 2047, the 100th year of its Independence. In achieving this goal, the focus and priorities in the choice of development planning are crucial and complex.

What are the developmental aspects included under ‘Viksit Bharat’?

  1. Structural transformation;
  2. Organising labour markets;
  3. Increasing competitiveness;
  4. Improving financial and social inclusion;
  5. Governance reforms.

What are the concerns with this model of development?

1) Euro-centricism: In Viksit Bharat, economic development is overemphasised. Post-developmentalists argue that this is a Euro-centric notion of development which reflects the interests of its practitioners.

2) Contradictions of Development: The current model of mere economic development is highly disruptive to our social order, leading to disorders and crime. It creates imbalances and contradictions (such as rising income inequality).

What aspects can be included to make it a more comprehensive and inclusive developmental model?

1) ‘Happiness’ as a goal: Happiness ought to be a central pursuit. Materially rich nations are not essentially happy nations. This development scheme conveniently overlooks mental health and wellness. It is also crucial because India is ranked 126 out of 137 countries in the Happiness Index despite being the 5th-largest economy.

2) Developing Social Connections: Happiness Report 2023 highlighted the importance of social connections and relationships in contributing to happiness and well-being. According to the report, Finland, Denmark, Iceland and the Netherlands are the happiest countries due to focusing on social connections and support systems.

3) Inclusion of Other Indices: There is a need to include social indicators for development as GDP estimates fail to consider life’s human and social aspects.
For instance, a weightage to the Human Development Index, which consists of life expectancy, educational attainment, and income level, could be considered.
Similarly, the World Bank has developed a ‘Green Index’ that measures a nation’s wealth by incorporating three components: produced assets, natural resources and human resources.

Indices such as the Global Innovation Index, Rule of Law Index, Poverty Index, Corruption Perceptions Index, Gender Equality Index, and World Press Freedom Index will be significant to give effect to the idea of a happy India.

Question for practice:

What are the flaws with the development model focusing on economic growth proposed to be followed under ‘Viksit Bharat’? What aspects can be included to make it a more comprehensive and inclusive developmental model?

On Renewable Energy Storage

Source: The post on renewable energy storage has been created on the article “Storage: New challenge for renewables” published in “Business Standard” on 28th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Indian Economy- infrastructure (Energy)

News: The article discusses India’s plans to increase renewable energy use by investing in energy storage technologies like batteries and pumped storage. It mentions government incentives, future goals for storage capacity, and the importance of new technologies and policies to support this growth.

What is the current status of renewable energy storage?

Renewables Growth: 83% of the world’s power capacity added in 2022 was renewable, primarily wind and solar.

Energy Storage Expansion: Energy storage is growing at 23% annually, crucial for managing renewable variability.

India’s Position: India, with a significant renewable capacity, is projected to be the third largest by 2030 but fifth in energy storage installations.

Future Goals: India targets 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030. By 2047, the Central Electricity Authority estimates a need for 320 GW of energy storage, including 90 GW of PSP (pumped storage projects) and 230 GW of BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) to meet rising renewable energy use and 2070 net zero targets.

Storage Needs: A requirement of 60 GW of energy storage by 2030 is projected, with current visibility around 30 GW.

For more information on PSP read here

For more information on BESS read here

What are the challenges of renewable energy storage?

High Capital Costs: Initial investments for technologies like BESS are high, with costs anticipated to be ₹2.20-2.40 crore per MWh in 2023-26.

Material Availability: Lithium, crucial for batteries, poses supply and volatility challenges; alternatives like sodium are being explored.

Infrastructure Needs: Implementing large-scale storage requires infrastructure upgrades and policy support. Some storage technologies, especially newer ones like green hydrogen, are in early development stages.

What are the solutions for renewable energy storage?

Exploring Alternatives: Consideration of sodium-ion batteries as a potential alternative to lithium-ion, given sodium’s abundance.

Integrated Tenders: Promoting integrated solutions combining solar, wind, and storage to optimize costs and efficiency, as seen in tariffs ranging from ₹3-7/kWh.

What initiatives have been taken by the Indian government?

  1. Ministry of Power:
  2. Announced the National Framework for Promoting Energy Storage Systems, detailing procedures and incentives for different sub-sectors of ESS. This includes-Generation, Transmission, Distribution, Standalone ESS Operating Independently as Merchant Units, and Storage for Ancillary and Balancing Services.
  3. Approved a ₹3,760 crore viability gap fund for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
  4. Ministry of Environment:
  5. At COP28, emphasized the need for viable storage and abatement technologies before committing to phasing out fossil fuels.
  6. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy:
  7. Set a target of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030.
  8. Launched a ₹18,000 crore Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for advanced cell chemistry battery manufacturing to boost domestic and foreign investment.
  9. Lithium Reserves Discovery: Identified significant lithium reserves in Jammu & Kashmir and Rajasthan to support battery manufacturing.

Way forward 

India should continue to expand its renewable capacity, invest in diverse storage technologies, and implement supportive policies. Leveraging the ₹18,000 crore PLI scheme and enhancing infrastructure for BESS and PSP are crucial. Addressing regulatory challenges and tapping into newly discovered lithium reserves will also be vital to sustainably meet the 2030 and 2047 energy goals.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the effectiveness of India’s policies and initiatives in enhancing its renewable energy storage capacity.

Drone attack on merchant ship in the Indian Ocean

Source: The post on drone attack on a merchant ship in the Indian Ocean has been created on the article “Drone strike in Arabian sea: A new challenge for the Navy” published in “Indian Express” on 28th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Internal security- maritime security

News: The article discusses a suspected drone attack on a merchant ship in the Indian Ocean, India’s response, and the challenges and strategies of maritime forces, including India’s, in dealing with new threats like armed drones and the evolving tactics in anti-drone warfare.


What are the responses to a drone attack on a merchant ship in the Indian Ocean?

India’s Response

Swift Military Deployment: India dispatched the Coast Guard and Navy ships to the attack site, demonstrating quick reaction capabilities.

Naval Adjustments: Indian Navy, traditionally focused on piracy, is now considering anti-drone tactics and strategies.

Global Response

Operation Prosperity Guardian: Initiated by the US with allies like the UK, Bahrain, and Canada to protect maritime traffic from drone threats.

Note: Operation Prosperity Guardian, started in December 2023, is a US-led international mission. The aim is to protect ships in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden from Houthi attacks. This effort, under Combined Task Force 153, seeks to secure freedom of navigation and enhance regional security and prosperity.

Coalition Changes: France, Italy, and Spain withdrew from the coalition, reflecting challenges in unified action.

Anti-Drone Technologies: Emphasis on developing jamming and spoofing techniques, although these are not widely available or fully effective against drones.

What are the challenges in maritime security?

Technology Gaps: Effective anti-drone technologies like jamming and spoofing are not widely accessible or proven under all conditions, making defense difficult.

Coalition Dynamics: Disagreements within international coalitions, evidenced by nations withdrawing from Operation Prosperity Guardian, complicate unified responses.

What are the implications of a drone attack on a merchant ship in the Indian Ocean?

Regional Security Concerns: The drone attack near Porbandar raises the specter of a new, unpredictable threat in maritime regions, prompting urgent security reassessments.

Navigation and Commerce Impact: Such attacks threaten commercial shipping routes, leading to broader economic implications and heightened calls for maritime security.

What should be done?

Join International Coalitions: India might consider joining forces like Operation Prosperity Guardian for a coordinated response, as the CMF’s task forces specialize in regional maritime security.

Adopt Anti-Drone Technology: Navies should invest in and deploy effective anti-drone technologies such as jamming, spoofing, and directed energy weapons to counteract the new aerial threats.

Enhance Maritime Communication and Intelligence: Improve surveillance and intelligence sharing among maritime nations to detect and respond to threats promptly.

Regular Training and Adaptation: Naval forces need continuous training in anti-drone strategies and tactics, moving beyond traditional anti-piracy measures to address the evolving maritime security landscape.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the responses, challenges, implications, and recommended actions concerning drone attacks on merchant ships in the Indian Ocean.


Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day: 

7 PM Article - [Yojana December 2023 Summary] India’s Growing Stature – A Rising Power- Explained Pointwise

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

RBI Reports Decadal High in Asset Quality for Indian Banks

Source- This post is based on the article “Asset quality of Indian banks improves to decadal high: RBI” published in “The Hindu” on 27th December 2023.

Why in the News?

As per the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) ‘Trend and Progress of Banking in India’ report, the Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio of Indian scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) consistently improved in the second quarter of FY24, reaching a decadal low.

What are the Key Findings of the RBI Report?

1) The asset quality, reflected in GNPA ratios, improved from 2018-19 to 2022-23.

2) The SCBs’ GNPA ratio dropped to 3.9% in March 2023 and further to 3.2% in September 2023, reaching a decade-low.

3) Approximately 45% of the decline in SCBs’ GNPAs during 2022-23 resulted from recoveries and upgradations.

4) In 2022-23, the consolidated balance sheet of SCBs (excluding Regional Rural Banks) saw a 12.2% growth, the highest in nine years.
– The primary factor behind this expansion on the asset side was bank credit, which experienced its fastest pace of growth in over a decade.

5) In 2022-23, non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) saw a 14.8% expansion in their consolidated balance sheet, driven by double-digit credit growth.

6) The RBI stressed that qualitative metrics like improved disclosures, robust code of conduct, and transparent governance structures contribute to financial stability.

What is Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) ratio?

1) Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) refer to the total value of non-performing loans (NPLs) or bad loans that a bank has on its books.
Note- Non performing loans refers to loans for which payments have not been made for a minimum period of 90 days.

2) The Gross NPA ratio is calculated by dividing the total value of GNPA by the total value of gross advances (loans) made by the bank, expressed as a percentage.

3) It is an important indicator of the asset quality of a bank and is closely monitored by regulators and investors to assess the financial health and risk profile of the banking sector.

4) A lower GNPA ratio is generally considered favorable, indicating healthier loan portfolios.

UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy

Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy

Source– This post is based on the article “Cabinet approves the Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy” published in “PIB” on 27th December 2023.

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the Ministry of External Affairs’ proposal to sign and ratify the Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy.

What is Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy?

1) The agreement was signed on 2 November, 2023.

2) It aims to enable seamless movement of workers, students and professionals and enhance cooperation on the issue of illegal migration.

3) The Agreement locks-in the current Italian visa regime including mechanisms for post study opportunities, internships, professional trainings assuring an advantage for India.

4) Once approved by both parties, it stays in force for 5 years. The agreement will be automatically renewed for successive periods, unless terminated by a participant.

What are the Key Provisions of the Agreement?

1) Indian students completing academic/ vocational training in Italy can obtain temporary residence in the country for up to 12 months to gain initial professional experience.

2) Under the current Flows Decree, Italian side has offered incremental re­served quotas for both seasonal and non-seasonal workers from 2023-2025.

3) It also formalizes collaboration between the two parties in the efforts to combat irregular migration.

4) The Agreement establishes a formal monitoring mechanism through a Joint Working Group (JWG) that will meet periodically, either virtually or in person, as needed, to oversee its implementation.

UPSC Syllabus- International Relations

MedTech Mitra

Source– This post is based on the article “Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya virtually launches ‘MedTech Mitra‘” published in “PIB” on 25th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Union Health Minister has virtually launched ‘MedTech Mitra’ portal.

What is MedTech Mitra?

MedTech Mitra
Source- ICMR

1) It’s a web platform with an aim to foster development of affordable and accessible indigenous Medical devices/ In-vitro diagnostics.

2) It is designed to provide strategic handholding support to MedTech innovators with assessing clinical viability, regulatory facilitation, and adopting new products.

3) MedTech Mitra will address the queries of the innovators and provide personalized guidance in consultation with the Regulator and other relevant stakeholders.

4) The portal will be coordinated collaboratively by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), under the guidance of NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission.

What is the Significance of this Portal?

1) It will enable the indigenous development of cost-effective, high-quality MedTech devices and diagnostics, thereby reducing the current import dependence of around 80% in MedTech.

2) It will facilitate innovation and research and development (R&D) for emerging startups in the field of medical technology.

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

Pong Dam Eco-Sensitive Zone

Source– This post is based on the article “Govt to re-review the Pong Dam eco-sensitive zone: CM Sukhu” published in “Hindustan Times” on 23rd December 2023.

Why in the News?

The Himachal Pradesh state government is reviewing eco-sensitive zone boundaries around Pong Dam to address challenges for locals and support agriculture activities during low water levels.

What are Eco Sensitive Zones?

1) Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas in India notified by the Ministry of Environment around protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

2) The objective of declaring an area as ESZ is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.

For more information on eco sensitive zones click here to read

What is Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary?

Pong Dam
Source- research gate
Aspect Details
Location 1) It is located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
2) It is also known as Pong Dam Reservoir or Pong Dam Lake.
Created in  The dam was created in 1975 and was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1983.
Ramsar site The lake was declared as a Ramsar Site in 2002.
Rivers 1) The lake is fed by the Beas River.
2) Its numerous perennial tributaries are Gaj, Neogal, Binwa, Uhl, Bangana, and Baner.
Vegetation The sanctuary area is covered with tropical and subtropical forests.
Flora Acacia, Jamun, Shisham, Mango, Mulberry, Ficus Kachnar, Amla, and Prunus.
Fauna 1) It includes animals like Sambhar, Barking Deer, Wild Bear, Nilgai, Clawless Otter, and Leopards.
2) The lake’s flagship species is the Bar Headed Geese, with other prominent species including Eurasian Coot, Northern Pintail, Common Teal, Great Cormorant, GreyLag Goose, and more.

Note- There is a Vulture Café in Pong wherein cattle carcass is dumped for Vultures.

UPSC Syllabus- Environment/Places in News

SLIM: Japan’s Moon Landing Mission

Source– This post is based on the article “How Japan’s moon-landing attempt in January will affect Chandrayaan 4 | Explained” published in “The Hindu” on 27th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Japan’s SLIM spacecraft has entered lunar orbit, aiming for a moon landing on January 19, potentially marking it as the fifth country to achieve a soft landing on the moon.

What is SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon) Mission?

SLIM Mission
Source- The Hindu
Specifications Details
What is it? SLIM is Japan’s first lunar surface mission.
Objective To showcase precision landing capabilities on the Moon, targeting a landing within 100 meters of its chosen site near the Shioli crater.
Note-
Given that the mission aims to soft-land with the smallest ever area tolerance on the moon, it is also being called as Moon Sniper.
Launch 1) Built by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
2) It was launched on September 7, 2023, along with the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) space telescope.
Weight It weighs a mere 590 kg, nearly one-seventh of the weight of Chandrayaan-3 which launched at 3,900 kg.
Features 1) SLIM is lighter because it carried much less fuel.
2) Orbital mechanics- It utilized earth gravity to build kinetic energy, eventually aligning its trajectory with the moon for a slower approach and capture.
3) Once it gets close to the moon, it will get deflected into the deeper space by the combined forces of Earth and Moon.
4) This larger, more loopy path that was designed to bring it back near the moon after it had slowed down further, allowing it to get captured by the Moon’s orbit.
5) Upon soft landing, SLIM will deploy two small rovers called Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV) 1 and 2. They will study the lunar surface near the landing point, collect temperature and radiation readings, and attempt to study the moon’s mantle.
Significance for Chandrayaan 4  Success of SLIM, especially with respect to its low weight and precision landing could play a crucial role in the Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) Mission, a joint effort of ISRO and JAXA.

Note- XRISM mission objective is to investigate celestial X-ray objects in the Universe with high-throughput imaging and high-resolution spectroscopy.

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

UGC releases draft norms on recognition of colleges in India

Source- This post is based on the article “UGC drafts new guidelines for recognition of colleges” published in “The Hindu” on 27th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) published the draft guidelines on recognition of colleges.

What are the Proposed Guidelines?

1) The proposed guidelines will be applicable to colleges as defined under the UGC Act.

2) For UGC recognition, a college should be affiliated to a university in accordance with UGC regulations.

3) The college is required to offer degree or diploma programs spanning a minimum of one academic year and requiring a Bachelor’s degree for admission.

4) A college must also submit documents including establishment year, university affiliation certificate, regulatory body approval, and assure compliance with UGC provisions.

5) The responsibility of verification of the documents is with the universities. If the information provided is found to be incorrect, the UGC may remove its name.

6) Operational colleges must obtain UGC recognition within three years from the regulations’ notification. Those established or affiliated afterward must secure UGC recognition within three years of their establishment or affiliation.

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation (Governance)

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