9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – January 11th, 2024

Print Friendly and PDF

Dear Friends,

9 PM Brief is our prime initiatives for the preparation of current affairs. What we are providing in this initiative:

  • Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
  • We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing.

It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content, and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.

For previous editions of 9 PM BriefClick Here

For individual articles of 9 PM BriefClick Here

Download Factly and 9 PM Weekly Compilations | Arranged Subject-wise and Topic-wise

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Who are the Global South?

Source: This post on Global South has been created based on the article “Who are the Global South?” published in “Business Standard” on 11th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: The article discusses the history of the term ‘Global South (GS)’. It also highlights the variations (based on population, income, conflict levels) within the Global South countries.

A detailed article on India and Global South can be read here.

What is the Global South?

  1. The Global South refers to countries often characterized as developing, less developed, or underdeveloped, mainly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
  2. These nations have higher levels of poverty, income inequality, and challenging living conditions compared to the wealthier nations of the Global North.
  3. The Global North are richer nations that are located mostly in North America and Europe, with some additions in Oceania and elsewhere.

Source: Wikipedia.

What is the history of the term?

The term Global South (GS) was possibly first used by Carl Oglesby.

It became popular due to the Willy Brandt (former German Chancellor) Report, which highlighted the massive gap in standards of living between the North and the South (separated by the Brandt Line).

The term has become more popular over the last 40 years (as a reference to “developing countries”).

What are the variations within the Global South countries?

According to the author, the best way to study the composition of GS is to look at data on population and per capita income of GS nations. Data on the 50 most populous GS countries (with over 20 million population) brings out the following insights:

The situation of these countries varies enormously with respect to income and population, both across continents and within them.

Population Levels:
4 out of the 5 most populous nations of the world are in Asia (including China and India).

Economic Growth:
In recent decades, Asian economies (especially in East Asia) have grown the fastest and are expected to do so in the future as well.

Income Levels:
Latin American countries (except Venezuela) are either upper-middle or high-income.
The African members of the GS are generally poorer with 7 of the 20 countries having per capita income of less than $1,000.

Conflict Situation:
3 large African nations (Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan) have been affected by long and bloody civil conflicts.
Civil conflicts have halted development in 4 Asian nations too (Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Myanmar).

How much is the Global South’s influence in world affairs?

The North is much more advanced than the South in power, wealth and technology. There is also no GS organisation with a secretariat, like the OECD of the Global North. Thus, the role of GS has been low.

However, the situation is changing in the following ways:

  1. Increased Participation: GS is building forums within important North-created international institutions, such as IMF, WTO and UN agencies.
  2. Increased Cooperation: GS has created membership-limited organisations such as OPEC, ASEAN, and the African Union. Organisations such as the OPEC have been effective in advancing the interests of its members.

Question for practice:

The Global South is not a homogenous group, and its definition is continuously evolving. Discuss.

On India-Maldives Bilateral Relations – Change for the worse

Source: This post on India-Maldives Bilateral Relations has been created based on the article “Change for the worse” published in “The Hindu” on 11th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighborhood-relations.

News: The article discusses the recent developments which signal a decline in India-Maldives relations. It highlights the importance of maintaining sound bilateral relations which will be in both countries’ interest.

A detailed article on India-Maldives Relations can be read here.

Background:

There has been a rapid decline in ties between India and the Maldives, especially after the Maldives’ newly elected President Mohamed Muizzu came to power on the back of his “India Out” campaign.

The recent incident involved tweets by 3 Maldivian Ministers, attacking Indian Prime Minister for promoting the Lakshadweep islands for tourism and made derogatory remarks about Indians. The Ministers were then suspended, and the Maldivian government has distanced itself from them.

What other incidents signal a decline in bilateral relations?

  1. State visits of the Maldives’ President to Turkey and China — the first President to not visit India on the first state visit.
  2. Withdrawal of India’s military personnel.
  3. Revoking of the joint Hydrography Pact.

How should both countries respond to this situation?

Both countries need to reassess their responses to this situation.

Maldives:

It cannot afford to alienate India because:

  1. India’s proximity to Maldives.
  2. India’s rising economic stature: Indian tourists made up the most arrivals to Maldives post-COVID-19.
  3. India’s historical position as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
  4. India’s support to Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  5. India’s infrastructure and development projects in the islands.

India:

India must realise that hostility towards a much smaller neighbour serves no purpose.

Instead, both countries can benefit from a stronger relationship through the intense strategic partnership and cooperation on the international stage shown in the past.

Hence, India should ensure that these developments do not change the basic structure of bilateral ties or affect regional stability.

Question for practice:

Maldives’ growing contempt of India is a threat to India’s interest in its neighbourhood. Explain in the context of recent developments.

India-Maldives row frames the need for India’s long neglected marine doctrine

Source: The post tensions between India and Maldives has been created, based on the article “India-Maldives row frames the need for India’s long neglected marine doctrine” published in “Indian express” on 11th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2-International relation- India and its neighbourhood- relations.

News: The article discusses tensions between India and Maldives due to offensive remarks about India’s Prime Minister. It highlights the importance of the Maldives in India’s maritime security and suggests India should improve its diplomatic approach, considering China’s influence in the region.

India should heed K.M. Panikkar’s prediction about the critical importance of maritime strength. It’s essential to pivot from a land-centric defense policy to a more robust maritime strategy. It requires reinforcing India’s maritime diplomacy, enhancing naval capabilities, and fostering stronger ties with neighboring countries like the Maldives. By focusing on these maritime aspects, India can secure its interests in the Indian Ocean and counterbalance the growing influence of other regional powers.

Why is the Maldives important to India?

Strategic Location: The Maldives archipelago, with its 27 atolls, is strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, integral to India’s maritime security.

Exclusive Economic Zone: It has a nearly one million square km exclusive economic zone, vital for regional influence and security.

Proximity to India: Located just 700 km from Kochi, India, the Maldives offers a significant geographic advantage.

Historical Importance: The British maintained a base on Maldives’ Gan Island until 1976, indicating the long-recognized strategic value of the region.

What is the issue with India’s diplomatic approach?

Continental Fixation: India’s focus has been more on land-based defense, leading to sporadic and random maritime initiatives. India needs to keep the countries like Maldives close, it will help in strengthening India’s maritime position.

Perception of Dominance: Indian diplomacy can seem patronizing, particularly in smaller neighboring nations like the Maldives..

Impact of Domestic Politics: Domestic issues in India, such as unchecked communal speeches, can negatively impact its image abroad.

Need for Sensitive Diplomacy: India’s approach has sometimes been seen as overbearing, underlining the need for more sensitivity and balance in its diplomatic relations, particularly with smaller nations.

China’s Maritime Investments: China’s politico-economic strategies include investments in regional countries, enhancing its influence in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, the development of strategic ports like Hambantota in Sri Lanka and Gwadar in Pakistan, along with leasing a military/naval base in Djibouti, further challenges India’s regional influence.

Use of the “Islamic Card”: Coupling its influence with Pakistan’s religious incitement, China is positioning itself as a significant player in predominantly Muslim nations like the Maldives.

What initiatives have been taken by India to overcome maritime issues?

Creation of a Specialized Naval Unit: In 2005-06, India established a dedicated naval organization for foreign cooperation, led by a two-star admiral.

Equipment Transfer to Neighboring Countries: India transferred patrol boats, aircraft, and helicopters from its own navy to Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, and Seychelles.

Training and Advisory Support: The Indian Navy has provided training and advisors to maritime neighbors.

Responsive to Regional Crises: India has consistently been the first responder in regional crises, such as the 1988 Maldives coup attempt, the 2004 tsunami, and the 2014 water crisis in Maldives.

Maritime Diplomacy Enhancement: India’s maritime diplomacy initiatives aim to shape the maritime environment favorably, aligning with its foreign policy and national security objectives.

Promotion of SAGAR Vision: India’s 2015 SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative emphasizes broad regional maritime cooperation.

For more information on SAGAR read here

For more information on India Maldives relation read here

Question for practice:

Discuss the factors that make the Maldives important to India’s maritime security and the issues with India’s diplomatic approach in the region.

Why Maldives Should not antagonize India – Change for the worse

Source: This post on India-Maldives Bilateral Relations has been created based on the article “Change for the worse” published in “The Hindu” on 11th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighborhood-relations.

News: The article discusses the recent developments which signal a decline in India-Maldives relations. It highlights the importance of maintaining sound bilateral relations which will be in both countries’ interest.

A detailed article on India-Maldives Relations can be read here.

Background:

There has been a rapid decline in ties between India and the Maldives, especially after the Maldives’ newly elected President Mohamed Muizzu came to power on the back of his “India Out” campaign.

The recent incident involved tweets by 3 Maldivian Ministers, attacking Indian Prime Minister for promoting the Lakshadweep islands for tourism and made derogatory remarks about Indians. The Ministers were then suspended, and the Maldivian government has distanced itself from them.

What other incidents signal a decline in bilateral relations?

  1. State visits of the Maldives’ President to Turkey and China — the first President to not visit India on the first state visit.
  2. Withdrawal of India’s military personnel.
  3. Revoking of the joint Hydrography Pact.

How should both countries respond to this situation?

Both countries need to reassess their responses to this situation.

Maldives:

It cannot afford to alienate India because:

  1. India’s proximity to Maldives.
  2. India’s rising economic stature: Indian tourists made up the most arrivals to Maldives post-COVID-19.
  3. India’s historical position as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
  4. India’s support to Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  5. India’s infrastructure and development projects in the islands.

India:

Read All India Related points in depth in another article on Maldives provided today.

Question for practice:

Maldives’ growing contempt of India is a threat to India’s interest in its neighbourhood. Explain in the context of recent developments.

People’s Manifesto by Vikalp Sangam – A manifesto for justice that has sprung from crises

Source: The post manifesto by Vikalp Sangam has been created, based on the article “A manifesto for justice that has sprung from crises” published in “The Hindu” on 11th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- polity- role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations.

News: This article discusses India’s various crises, like unemployment and ecological issues. It highlights a manifesto titled ‘People’s Manifesto for a Just, Equitable, and Sustainable India,‘ prepared by Vikalp Sangam.

The manifesto, backed by practical examples, is aimed at influencing the 2024 general election and various institutional processes. Past attempts at similar initiatives have seen partial adoption by political parties. The manifesto emphasizes citizen vigilance and proactive demands for implementation.

What are the current challenges faced by India?

Unemployment Crisis: Severe joblessness, highlighted by protests at Parliament by unemployed individuals.

Ecological Disasters: Incidents like the sinking of Joshimath and a dam burst in Sikkim illustrate environmental challenges.

Social and Cultural Conflict: The conflict in Manipur is an example of wider social unrest.

Democratic Rights Erosion: Examples of eroding democratic rights include false cases against activists and suspending opposition MPs.

Economic Inequality: There are significant disparities in wealth and income, with a need for more equitable distribution.

What is Vikalp Sangam?

Vikalp Sangam acts as a collective platform for 85 different people’s movements and civil society organizations.

Aim: search for grounded alternatives to the current model of ‘development’ that is built on ecological destruction and rising inequalities.

The VS process includes documentation of alternative initiatives across India.

The group has not only crafted a collective vision for a sustainable and equitable India but also actively advocates for policy changes to realize this vision, aiming to influence decision-making at multiple levels.

What are the solutions suggested by the ‘People’s Manifesto’?

Governance:

a) Power to Local Bodies: The manifesto calls for real devolution of financial and legal powers to village and urban assemblies.

b) Transparency and Accountability: It demands comprehensive laws ensuring state agency accountability, including public audits.

c) Independent Institutions: Emphasizes reviving the independence of the Election Commission and media.

Environmental Issues:

a) Sustainable Policies: Urges a national land and water policy emphasizing conservation and community-led efforts.

b) Organic Farming: Proposes conversion to organic farming by 2040.

c) Renewable Energy: Advocates for decentralized renewable energy and phasing out fossil fuels by 2030.

Others:

a) Economic Reforms: Focuses on job creation in small manufacturing and crafts, extending employment guarantees to urban areas.

b) Social Justice: Addresses inter-faith conflicts, prioritizes marginalized groups’ rights, and suggests increased spending on education and health.

c) Decentralization: Seeks fuller implementation of panchayat laws and a National Environment Commissioner role.

Way forward

Political parties should incorporate these points in their policies, ensuring a comprehensive approach to addressing India’s challenges and fostering a more balanced and equitable society.

Question for practice:

Examine the key recommendations of the ‘People’s Manifesto for a Just, Equitable and Sustainable India’ and its role in addressing India’s current crises.

GS PAPER - 3

On India’s Agricultural Export Sector – Export potential

Source: This post on India’s Agricultural Exports has been created based on the article “Export potential” published in “Business Standard” on 11th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Agriculture – Marketing of agricultural produce.

News: The article discusses the status of India’s Agricultural Export Sector. It also highlights the challenges faced by the sector and suggests steps that need to be undertaken to overcome these challenges.

What is the current status of India’s Agricultural Export Sector?

In 2022-23, the value of India’s agricultural exports was $52.50 billion, while in 2021-22 it was $50.21 billion.

India’s export basket includes:

  1. Basmati rice, non-basmati rice, sugar, spices, and oil meals (around 51.5% of India’s agricultural exports).
  2. Other agri products include coffee, tea, tobacco, fresh and processed fruit and juices, groundnuts, fresh vegetables, dairy products, and live animals.
  3. India is also a large exporter of buffalo meat and marine products.

The Union government expects agricultural exports to almost double to around $100 billion by 2030.

What are the challenges faced by India’s Agricultural Export Sector?

  1. Low on the Agri-export Value Chain: Majority of India’s exports are low-value and semi-processed.
  2. Inadequate Infrastructure: This includes lack of cold chain infrastructure and inefficient logistics. This leads to spoilage and decreases the export competitiveness of Indian products (due to quality issues and higher costs).
  3. Structural Issues: Issues such as the small size of landholdings and a lack of access to credit leads to farmers not transitioning to commercial production.
  4. Arbitrary Export Curbs: India has recently banned exports various agricultural products (such as rice). This harms India’s credibility as a reliable source of food exports.
  5. Lack of Diversification in Export Products: According to a report, India’s agri-export basket is concentrated (a few products accounting for a large share of exports).
  6. Recent Logistical Challenges: This includes high freight rates and container shortages due to the Red Sea crisis.

What are the government initiatives undertaken to boost agriculture exports?

  1. Agri-Export Policy: It calls for overhauling infrastructure and logistics, a greater involvement of state governments, and developing export-centric clusters as well as ensuring surplus quality produce.
  2. Agri-Cells in Indian embassies across 13 countries have also been set up.

What should be done?

  1. Regarding Export Curbs: Instead of opting for a protectionist trade policy, the government should make smart changes in the trade policy to control food inflation.
  2. Regarding Lack of Diversification: India should aim to increase diversification in its food export basket to contain the risk to overall exports declining due to a decline in the production of one item or the other.
    For instance, India hopes to give a boost to exports of value-added millet products.
  3. Moving Up the Value Chain: Attracting private investment in processing and related activities will help boost exports over time.

This will help push agricultural growth in the country as well as raise farmers’ incomes.

Question for practice:

What are the challenges faced by India’s Agricultural Export Sector? Suggest steps that should be undertaken to overcome these challenges.

Issues associated with inverted import duties in India – Our import duty regime needs urgent correction

Source: The post India’s plan to fix inverted import duties, has been created, based on the article “Our import duty regime needs urgent correction” published in “Live mint” on 11th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3 – Indian economy – Mobilization of Resources

News: The article discusses India’s plan to fix inverted import duties.

Inverted duty structure is a situation when inputs are taxed at higher rates than finished products, which can make domestic industry import dependent.

What are the problems with India’s import duties?

Increased Production Costs: Inverted duties elevate production costs. This impacts sectors like textiles and engineering, diminishing their global competitiveness.

Complex Tax System: India’s import tax system is marked by complexity, with multiple layers of tariffs and a perplexing inverted duty structure. This sector-specific, item-by-item tariff approach not only deters foreign investment but also undermines domestic manufacturing competitiveness.

Negative Global Perception: The rise in average import tariffs from 13.5% in 2014 to 18.3% in 2021 contradicts global trade trends, drawing international criticism.

Hindered Global Integration: High tariffs and a complex system make it challenging for Indian manufacturers to integrate into global value chains, crucial for economic growth in a globalized economy.

What government initiatives are in place to overcome these issues?

Inter-Ministerial Coordination: The commerce ministry has reportedly reached out to the finance ministry to rectify these distortions for over a dozen items in the Union budget, indicating a collaborative approach to tackle the issue.

Focus on Rationalization: Previous efforts focused on increasing tariffs on imported final products. The current initiative takes a broader approach, aiming to simplify the tariff system by reevaluating basic customs duties and other charges.

What should be done?

Revise Inverted Duty Structure: Reform the import duty system to lower taxes on inputs, particularly in critical sectors like textiles and engineering, to reduce production costs and enhance global competitiveness.

Simplify and Rationalize Tariffs: Make the tariff system more transparent and investor-friendly, to attract foreign investment and integrate Indian manufacturing into global value chains.

Question for practice:

Discuss how India is addressing the challenges posed by inverted import duties and their impact on manufacturing sectors and global trade.


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

Already covered articles  
The laws around remission policy 
India-UAE Relations  
7 PM Article - India UAE Relations- Explained Pointwise 

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Proba-3 mission to be launched by India

Source: This post is based on the article “Sun Study: India to launch Europe’s Proba-3 set to create artificial eclipse” published in “The Times of India” on 6th January 2024.

Why in news?

India will launch the European Space Agency’s (ESA) pioneering Proba-3 mission in September 2024.

Isro to launch Europe's Proba-3 mission on PSLV, show formation flying in space
Europe’s Proba-3 mission on PSLV, show formation flying in space Source: India today

What is Proba-3’s mission?

Led by: the European Space Agency (ESA)

Launch vehicle: PSLV-XL rocket

What is it? World’s first precision formation flying mission.

Aim: To form a 144-m long solar coronagraph, which will create an artificial eclipse, revealing new views of the Sun’s faint corona.

Components: Proba-3 consists of two small satellitesa Coronagraph spacecraft and a solar-disc-shaped Occulter spacecraft. 

A coronagraph is an instrument that will allow scientists to study the Sun’s elusive corona with unprecedented proximity and detail.

What will it do? By flying in tight formation about 150 metres apart, the Occulter will precisely cast its shadow onto the Coronagraph’s telescope, blocking the Sun’s direct light. This will allow the Coronagraph to image the faint solar corona in visible, ultraviolet and polarised light for many hours at a time.

What is the significance of the mission?

1) Proba-3’s unique positioning will provide new insights into the origins of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) eruptions of solar material that can disrupt satellites and power grids on Earth.

2) The mission will also measure total solar irradiance, tracking changes in the Sun’s energy output that may influence Earth’s climate.

3) The Proba-3’s formation flying also serves as a testbed for future multi-satellite missions.

UPSC syllabus: Science and technology

Darjeeling zoo has world’s largest number of snow leopards

Source-This post is based on the article “At 14, Darjeeling zoo now has world’s largest number of snow leopards in captivity” published in “The Indian Express” on 11th January 2024.

Why in the News?

After 40 years of a conservation breeding program, the Darjeeling zoo now holds the world’s largest captive snow leopard population. This takes the total number of snow leopards to 14 which is evenly split between 7 males and 7 females.

What is the snow leopard conservation breeding program at Darjeeling Zoo?

1) It is the first and only conservation program in the country for snow leopards.

2) It was initiated at Darjeeling Zoo in 1985.

3) A major highlight of the conservation breeding program is the utilization of a broad genetic pool for snow leopard breeding.

What are the features of Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (Darjeeling zoo)?

Aspect Details
Location It is situated in Darjeeling, in the Indian state of West Bengal.
Features 1. It is the largest high altitude zoo in India.
2. It specializes in breeding animals adapted to alpine conditions.
3. It has successful captive breeding programs for the snow leopard, the endangered Himalayan wolf and the red panda.
4. The zoo serves as the central hub for Central Zoo Authority of India’s red panda program.
5. It is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

About Snow Leopards

Snow leopard
Source- WWF

Click here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Environment

Year End Review 2023: Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Source-This post is based on the article “Year End Review 2023: Ministry of Tribal Affairs” published in “PIB” on 10th January 2024.

Why in the News?

This article discusses the major accomplishments of the Ministry of tribal affairs in 2023.

What are the major accomplishments of Ministry of Tribal Affairs during 2023?

Budget outlay for Ministry of Tribal Affairs in FY 2023-24 increased by 70.69% to Rs. 12461.88 cr. compared to FY 2022-23. The following announcements were made in the Budget 2023-24 for the betterment of tribals:

1) Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission The mission aims to provide essential facilities like road and telecom connectivity, electricity, safe housing, clean water, sanitation, improved education, health, nutrition, and sustainable livelihood to PVTG areas.

2) National Sickle Cell Elimination Mission:
a. To address the pressing health challenges posed by sickle cell disease, particularly among the tribal population.
b. To be implemented jointly by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Tribal Affairs in collaboration with ICMR and States concerned.

3) Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN):
a. It was launched on the occasion of the Jan Jatiya Gaurav Divas (15th November, 2023).
b. The mission will be implemented through the convergence of 11 interventions from nine Ministries.
c. These schemes include Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana, National Sickle Cell Disease Elimination Mission among others.

4) Ekalavya Model Residential Schools – Over the next few years, 38,000 teachers and support staff will be hired for Ekalavya Model Residential Schools, benefiting 3.5 lakh tribal students.

Note- India has 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) across 18 States and the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation/ Schemes & Programmes

ANEEL: New nuclear fuel that can guarantee India’s green energy transition

Source: This post is based on the article “This new nuclear fuel can guarantee India’s green energy transition published in “The Hindu” on 10th January 2024.

Why in news?

Clean Core Thorium Energy, a Chicago-based company, developed ANEEL (Advanced Nuclear Energy for Enriched Life), a fuel that combines Thorium and High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU) (named after India’s scientist, Dr Anil Kakodkar).

What is High Assay Low Enriched Uranium (HALEU)?

HALEU is defined as uranium enriched to greater than 5% and less than 20% of the U-235 isotope.

Most of the current reactors run on uranium fuel enriched up to 5 percent Uranium-235.

HALEU is needed for many of the advanced nuclear reactor designs under development. But HALEU is not yet widely available commercially.

aneel
Clean Core’s nuclear fuel bundle made from Thorium and HALE Source: The Hindu

How ANEEL can be a game-changer for green energy transition?

1) ANEEL can be used in the existing Pressurized Heavy-Water Reactors (PHWRs) which is an indigenous reactor system.

2) ANEEL provides an easier and quicker alternative for the deployment of thorium leveraging imported HALEU, especially for nations which lack the infrastructure to install natural gas, wind or solar or hydro.

3) By utilising this fuel, the operation cost and nuclear waste can be reduced significantly as compared with the currently used natural uranium.

4) ANEEL fuel bundle lasts much longer and burns more efficiently.

5) The spent ANEEL fuel cannot be used for weapons.

6) With this, India can guarantee green energy security for the subcontinent by fast-tracking the use of Thorium in nuclear reactors.

What is the status of Thorium in India?

1) Thorium is contained in, and produced from, the natural mineral monazite, occurring often as a sand deposit.

2) Department of Atomic Energy (DAE)has established 11.93 million tonnes of in situ resources Monazite (Thorium bearing mineral) in the country, which contains about 1.07 million tonnes of thorium.

State-wise resources of in situ monazite established by AMD as of September 2014 Source: PIB

3) India has the world’s largest reserves of Thorium, which is estimated at 1.07 million tonnes, enough to last over a century.

2) If India uses this thorium, it can then produce enough green energy and easily turn net-zero by its target date of 2070.

UPSC syllabus: Science and technology

Bharat Tex 2024

Source: This post is based on the article published “Bharat Tex 2024 will contribute significantly to the growth of Textile Sector in India: Shri Piyush Goyal” in “PIB” on 10th January 2024.

Why in news?

India’s textile industry, in collaboration with industry associations, is gearing up to host “Bharat Tex 2024.

What is Bharat tex 2024?

1) Bharat Tex 2024 is a global textile mega event organised by a consortium of 11 Textile Export Promotion Councils and supported by the Ministry of Textiles.

2)  It is to held in New Delhi from February 26-29, 2024,

3) The aim of the event is to position and showcase India’s entire textile value chain and also highlight strengths in fashion, traditional crafts and sustainability initiatives.

What are the salient feature of the event?

1) The event will be in line with India’s 5F vision, which represents the journey from Farm to Fibre to Factory to Fashion to Foreign, encompassing the whole textile production process from raw resources to worldwide markets.

2) The event will showcase pavilions on Sustainability and Recycling, discussions on global supply chain resilience and digitization, fabric testing zones, product demos, and masterclasses.

3) It will also provides a platform for knowledge exchange, information dissemination, and Government to Government and Business to Business interactions.

UPSC syllabus: Economy

How are the tableaux are selected for Republic day?

Source: This post is based on the article “Selection of tableaux for the Republic Day parade” published in “The Hindu” on 6th January 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, the Defence Ministry proposed a new three-year rotation plan for the Republic Day parade tableau selection.

Theme of Republic Day 2024 parade: ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) and ‘Bharat-Loktantra ki Matruka’ (India-Mother of Democracy).

How are the tableaux selected?

1) The selection process of tableaux for the Republic Day parade is carried out by the Ministry of Defence.

2) Expert committee (appointed by MoD) of prominent people from art, culture, painting, sculpture, music, architecture, choreography do the shortlisting of the tableaux.

2) They hold six to seven rounds of meetings to examine the proposals before shortlisting and making the ultimate decision.

3) Firstly, the submitted sketches or designs of the proposals are scrutinised by this committee. Committee can make suggestions for any modifications in the sketch or design.

4) In the next stage, three-dimensional models of their proposals are again examined by the expert committee for final selection.

5) The final selection is dependent upon a combination of factors such as visual appeal, impact on the masses, idea or theme of the tableaux, degree of detail, accompanying music, and use of local resources.

What are the guidelines for tableau models and performers?

1) Writing or use of logos on tableaux is not allowed except the name of states or Union Territories that are presenting it.

2) The names of the states should be written in Hindi in the front, in English on the back and in regional language on the sides of the tableau.

3) The number of performers on the trailer will not be more than 10 persons and artists performing on or along the tableau should be from the concerned state/UT only.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture

India signs cooperation pacts with the UAE, Czech Republic

Source-This post is based on the article “India signs cooperation pacts with the UAE, Czech Republic” published in “Live mint” on 10th January 2024.

Why in the News?

India has entered into multiple bilateral cooperation agreements with the United Arab Emirates and the Czech Republic at the vibrant Gujrat summit.

What agreements have been signed with UAE & Czech Republic?

Aspect Details
India-UAE agreements a) They finalized agreements on healthcare, the development of food parks, and renewable energy.
b) The renewable energy agreement will facilitate enhanced collaboration on green hydrogen and solar power.
Note – Progress has been achieved in developing food parks in India as part of the I2U2 partnership involving India, Israel, the UAE, and the United States.
India-Czech Republic agreements a) They have released a strategic partnership on innovation.
b) The partnership will focus on sectors such as startup and innovation, cybersecurity, digital domains, artificial intelligence, defence, nuclear energy and circular economy.

What is I2U2?

Click here to read

UPSC Syllabus- International Relations

SBI Report on Income inequality in India

Source-This post is based on the article “Income inequality shrinks, Mobility on the Rise : SBI Research Report” published in “PIB” on 8th January 2024.

Why in the News?

According to SBI Research latest report, there has been a reduction in income inequality in India, signaling a favorable shift towards upward mobility and the expansion of the middle class.

What are the findings of the report?

1) Increasing tax base- The report, citing CBDT data, notes a continuous expansion in the Income Tax base. The number of tax filers increased to 74 million in AY 2022-23 from 70 million in AY 2021-22.

2) Decline in Gini Coefficient- Gini Coefficient(a measure of income inequality) has declined from 0.472 during Assessment Year 2014-15 to 0.402 for AY 2022-23.

3) Share of Top earners declined – The share of top earners with incomes exceeding Rs 10 crores and Rs 100 crores has decreased from 2013-14 to 2020-21.

4) Improving upward mobility – The drop in income inequality stems from significant upward mobility.  More than 36% of individuals originally in the lowest income bracket in FY14 have transitioned to higher income levels. It led to a notable 21% increase in their earnings from FY14 to FY21.

5) The report indicates rising female labour force participation.

6) Evident shifts in income levels for MSMEs and evolving consumption patterns in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic debunk the myth of K-shaped growth.

What is Gini coefficient?

Gini coefficient
Source- oercommons.org

1) The Gini coefficient, derived from the Lorenz curve, serves as an indicator of income or wealth inequality.

2) The coefficient ranges from 0 (0%) to 1 (100%), 0 representing perfect equality (where every resident in a country has the same income) and 1 representing perfect inequality (one resident earned all income and the rest earned nothing). Higher the value of Gini coefficient, higher the inequality.

UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy

SC Report Reveals Accessibility Gaps for People with Disabilities in Indian Courts

Source-This post is based on the article “SC report exposes severe gaps in accessibility for people with disabilities at courts across India” published in “The Hindu” on 10th January 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Supreme Court’s Centre for Research and Planning report highlights infrastructure deficiencies in Indian district courts. It raised concerns about obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities in seeking justice.

What are the findings of the report?

1) It highlighted that only 30.4% of court complexes have separate disabled-friendly toilets.

2) It reported that over half of the district court complexes nationwide lack ramps, while only 25.2% are equipped with wheelchairs.

3) It also highlighted that only 5.1% of district courts incorporate tactile paving to aid individuals with visual disabilities in navigating the court premises.

4) The report disclosed an infrastructure gap of 4,250 courtrooms across India. Only 20,831 courtrooms have been operational out of a sanctioned strength of 25,081 judges in the district judiciary.

Note- The report indicated that 73.5% of court premises are owned by the judiciary, 13.3% by the state government, 2.6% (626 courtrooms) are rented, and 10.6% are under construction.

What is the Centre for Research and Planning of the Supreme Court?

It is the Supreme Court’s in-house think tank,

Aim: Strengthening the knowledge infrastructure of the Supreme Court.

Mandate- To conduct cutting-edge research on fundamental jurisprudence, principles, doctrines of law, and judicial reforms, aiming to enhance justice delivery and uphold Judicial Independence.

UPSC Syllabus – Reports & Indices

Amaterasu: Super-energetic particle from outer space

Source-This post is based on the article “How a super-energetic particle from outer space could help physics” published in “The Hindu” on 2nd January 2024.

Why in the News?

Japanese scientists found a powerful cosmic ray on Earth named ‘Amaterasu,’ the second-highest-energy cosmic ray ever discovered.

What is Amaterasu?

1) It is one of the high-energy cosmic ray, named after the Japanese Sun goddess.

2) It appears to have arrived from a void in space where nothing is known to exist.

3) The Amaterasu particle possesses an energy surpassing 240 exa-electron volts (EeV), making it millions of times more powerful than particles produced by the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s most powerful particle accelerator.

4) It ranks second only to the Oh-My-God particle, another ultra-high-energy cosmic ray detected in 1991, which registered at 320 EeV.

What are cosmic rays?

1) They are high-energy particles, moving at nearly the speed of light, originate from the Sun, our galaxy, and distant galaxies.

2) These particles can include protons, alpha particles (helium nuclei), and heavier ions.

3) Ultra-high-energy cosmic rays are subatomic particles from extragalactic sources with energies greater than 1 EeV.

Significance– They are crucial for studying astrophysical phenomena and understanding the properties of particles at very high energies.

UPSC Syllabus – Science & Technology

Blog
Academy
Community