9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 26th, 2022

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• The Constitution of India deserves better
• How to cement the Election Commission’s credibility

GS Paper 3

• COP27 and the ambiguity about responsibility
• Why India’s push for millets is yet to gain widespread traction
• Climate justice means rich nations helping migrants
• The future of Indian economy: Should it play the power game or values game?
• Bright Right Now-For growth, quality of human resources is key

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• India wins the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Vice Presidency and Strategic Management Board (SMB) Chair for the 2023-25 term
• Ambition on Melting Ice(AMI) Group: COP27: 18 countries join group on cryosphere loss, see it as major contributor to sea-level rise
• India’s wheat planting area up nearly 11% y/y on record prices
• States ask Centre to curb its cess habit at pre-budget meeting
• Government forms panel to look into MGNREGA’s efficacy
• Indians received the biggest share of U.K. work visas: report
• Work on India’s first-ever Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh’s Hanle going on in full swing and shall be complete in over a month’s time
• China plans to build its first moon base powered by nuclear energy by 2028
• What is CDSL, India’s registered share depository?

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

The Constitution of India deserves better

News- The article explains the basic facts about evolution and present working of the constitution of India.

The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. The day began to be celebrated as Constitution Day since 2015.

How the constituent assembly drafted the Indian constitution?

Constitution-making itself is a relatively unexceptional endeavor. According to a study, on average, the constitution-making process took 16 months. India’s constitution took about three years for completion from 1946 to 1949.

It was written under extraordinarily difficult conditions. The partition of India was accompanied by mass deaths, devastation, violence, and brutality.

Constituent assembly relied on consensus-oriented methods. For instance, when debating the adoption of Hindi as a national language, Rajendra Prasad said that the choice of national language would have to be “carried out by the whole country”.

While the drafters opted for compromise and consensus in some areas, they made bold choices on others. For instance, breaking down traditional privileges like the abolition of princely states and royal titles, and crafting the country as a democracy based on universal adult franchise, and ending discrimination on grounds of caste, or sex or religion.

Why does the constitution of India enjoy legitimacy among people?

People would submit to a constitution, when the constituent assembly crafts a narrative about the creation of the body that is both politically acceptable and historically plausible.

Key national leaders enjoyed political goodwill. It was used by drafters of the constitution to give legitimacy to the Constitution.

The freedom movement provided good training for drafting the constitution. Reforms introduced by the British colonizer were designed to fulfill certain demands. These reforms lead to inspiring new agitations.

The Constitution had its inspiration in sources like Tilak’s Swaraj Bill of 1895 and the Declaration of Rights of 1918. These sources contained civil and political rights.

The constitution of India also drew from the Resolution of Fundamental Rights and Economic Changes at the Karachi Session of the Congress in 1931. This resolution argues that “in order to end exploitation of the masses, political freedom must include economic freedom”.

All these demands would find their way into Part III and Part IV of the Constitution. Government of India Act, 1935 also heavily influenced the constitution.

Why is there indifference to the constitution in India?

There is a lack of awareness among people about the constitution. Even the well-educated and well-placed don’t have a copy of the Constitution in their houses unless they are advocates. While educated people are broadly aware about fundamental rights, they are largely unaware of the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution.

Society is unable to inculcate constitutional values like treating every citizen equally irrespective of caste and religion among children.

There is hardly any focus on the Constitution at the school level, not to speak of tertiary education.

What is the way forward to inculcate constitutional values ?

The Constitution should get due recognition across the educational system.

We should not restrict ourselves to symbolism. We should look at the substantive issues dealt with by the Constitution.

Our ancient texts teach us that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. We should first learn to treat fellow Indians as a fraternity.

How to cement the Election Commission’s credibility

News: The Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court is hearing a series of petitions seeking functional independence for Election Commissioners. The petitioners pleaded for the creation of an independent collegium or selection committee for the future appointment of CEC and ECs.

About the case

What are the court’s observations regarding the appointment of Election Commissioners(ECs)?

How the constitution ensures the autonomy of the Election Commission?

The Constitution intended the Election Commission of India(ECI) to be fiercely independent and vested it with enormous powers of superintendence, direction and control over all elections.

The apex court has repeatedly adjudged these powers to be absolute and unquestionable. The court also declared that Article 324 is the reservoir of all powers of the ECI and declared free and fair elections to be part of the basic structure of the Constitution.

About previous demands for creating a collegium or selection committee for appointing ECs

In its 255th Report, the Law Commission of India also recommended a collegium system for appointing Election Commissioners.

Political stalwarts and many former CECs including BB Tandon, TS Krishnamurthy have supported the idea, even while in office.

In a recent debate on electoral reforms in the Rajya Sabha, many political parties demanded the introduction of a collegium system.

What about the performance of the ECI so far?

For much of Indian democracy’s history, the ECI has performed very well, earning accolades not only from the citizens of India but the world.

The track record of most Chief Election Commissioners (CECs) was exemplary in displaying independence and neutrality. There has to be an institutional mechanism to ensure the independence and neutrality of the ECI.

What are the concerns associated with Election Commissioners?

ECs can be influenced by the Executive: B R Ambedkar’s said in the Constituent Assembly that “the tenure (of ECI) can’t be made a fixed and secure tenure if there is no provision in the Constitution to prevent” a person “who is likely to be under the thumb of the executive”.

Elevation of an Election Commissioner to the post of CEC: This makes ECs vulnerable to government pressure. They might be always conscious of how their conduct is viewed by the government, which can exploit this fear.

Might damage the independence of the commission: Since all three members have equal voting rights and all decisions in the commission are taken by the majority, the government can even control an independent-minded CEC through the majority voting power of the two Election Commissioners.

Provision for the removal of Election Commissioners: Only the CEC is protected from being removed (except through impeachment). The Constitution enabled protection for the CEC as it was initially a one-man Commission.

Logically, this should have been extended to the other two Commissioners, who were added in 1993. But this is not done intentionally.

Why the judiciary may not be the best selector of election commissioners?

What should be done?

Nowhere in the world does the government of the day unilaterally appoint the election commissioner. It is always by a collegium or even a full parliamentary scrutiny or interview. Hence, it is time for India to adopt such system.

GS Paper 3

COP27 and the ambiguity about responsibility

News- The article explains the issues related to the climate finance and Loss and Damage provisions.

What is Loss and Damage agenda for developing countries?

The main L and D agendas for developing countries since the Paris Agreement have been changed to the existing narrative of averting L and D to addressing losses that have already occurred. It has now changed to start holding developed countries morally responsible and financially liable for the same.

They argue that losses from these events cannot be adapted to. Developed countries should inherit the resultant responsibility and liability.

What has been the traditional understanding of Loss and Damage?

L and D in ratified UN text talks about prevention and pre-disaster preparation. It conflates L and D with adaptation. This is in the interest of developed countries that do not want any new responsibilities.

What are the issues with Loss and Damage provisions introduced at COP27?

The new L and D fund introduced at COP27 seems a narrative failure. It only makes a distinction between adaptation and L and D. The text finally frames L and D as post-event “rehabilitation, recovery, and reconstruction”.

It excludes mention of historic responsibility and the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR). There is no clear indication that the fund will be paid for by developed countries.

The decision to explore a range of solutions means a slow shift of the L and D burden onto the private sector, and perhaps even to richer developing countries such as China.

What is the case of climate finance?

In 2009, developed countries had promised developing countries $100 billion in climate finance annually by 2020. It still remains unmet. Although it is a fraction of what developing countries need, it is an important symbol of trust.

Much deliberation around finance has focused on assessing progress towards this goal. The developed countries now aim to meet this goal by 2023.

There is need for discussions around a new, enhanced developed country target that is meant to replace this $100 billion commitment by 2025. It will be important trust-building exercises encouraging greater cooperation towards climate action.

Carbon markets have emerged as more prominent vehicles for channelling private finance. Under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, two types of markets will allow countries and companies to trade in emissions reductions.

Many questions regarding the design of these markets were addressed at COP26. But there are still concerns about whether these markets would be transparent, lead to actual emissions reductions, and risk reductions being counted twice.

Developing countries wants to focus on the public finance that developed countries should provide. But the finance conversation is becoming multi-stranded and spreading to arenas outside formal negotiating channels.

What were important development related to climate finance at COP27?

Developing countries have been keen to maintain focus on developed country obligations. Consequently, there was no discussion on Article 2.1c of the Paris Agreement, which seeks to make all finance flows compatible with low-carbon development.

COP27 also saw momentum build towards encouraging finance through other channels.

For the first time, the COP27 decision text included a call for reforming the global financial system, particularly multilateral development banks. It calls for making them more supportive of climate action.

It also calls for MDBs to reduce the costs of borrowing for climate projects, increase finance for adaptation, and better align their operations with the Paris Agreement.

Why India’s push for millets is yet to gain widespread traction

News: The year 2023 will be celebrated as the International Year of Millets. The external affairs minister S. Jaishankar has put emphasis on popularizing millets.

What are millets?

Millets is used to describe small-grained cereals like sorghum (jowar), pearl millet (bajra), foxtail millet (kangni/ Italian millet), little millet (kutki), kodo millet, finger millet (ragi/ mandua), etc.

Ancient crop: Millets are among the first crops to be domesticated. There is evidence for consumption of millets by the Indus valley people. The varieties of millets grown across the world were first cultivated in India.

Distribution: West Africa, China, and Japan are home to indigenous varieties of the crop. Millets are now grown in more than 130 countries and are the traditional food for more than half a billion people in Asia and Africa.

Growth: They require much less water than rice and wheat and are mainly grown in rainfed areas.

Millets produced across the world

Jowar: Sorghum (jowar) is the biggest millet crop. The major producers of jowar are the United States, China, Australia, India, Argentina, Nigeria, and Sudan.

Bajra: It is another major millet crop; India and some African countries are major producers.

Millets produced in India

Millets are mainly a kharif crop in India. Three millet crops — bajra, jowar, and ragi — accounted for about 7 per cent of the gross cropped area in the country during 2018-19.

Jowar: It is produced in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, and Madhya Pradesh. Maharashtra is the leading producer.

Bajra: it is produced in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Rajasthan is the leading producer.

What are the benefits of millets?

They have high nutritional value. The Agriculture Ministry has also declared millets as “Nutri Cereals”. Small millets are more nutritious compared to fine cereals. They contain higher protein, fat and fiber content.

Are Millets included under PDS and MSP provided by the government?

The National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013 does not mention millets but coarse grains are included in the definition of “food grains” under Section 2(5) of the NFSA.

However, the quantity of coarse grains procured and distributed under the NFSA has been negligible.

Therefore, the government has decided to include millets in the PDS to improve the nutritional status of pre-school children and women of reproductive age.

The government declares a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for jowar, bajra, and ragi only.

What is the consumption pattern of millets in India?

As per the latest NSSO household consumption expenditure survey less than 10 percent of rural and urban households consumes millets. The urban areas consumed less compared to rural areas in India.

Millets are mainly consumed in Gujarat (jowar and bajra), Karnataka (jowar and ragi), Maharashtra (jowar and bajra), Rajasthan (bajra), and Uttarakhand (ragi).

What is the geo-political significance of the proposal made by India?

Millet is grown mainly in low-income and developing countries in Asia and Africa.

India has put itself as the leader of the group by proposing the resolution at UNGA to celebrate 2023 as the International Year of Millets like International Solar Alliance initiative.

Therefore, this proposal will help India to lead the world in spreading awareness for millets.

Climate justice means rich nations helping migrants

News: The article discusses the impact of climate change.

What is the impact of climate change?

Climate change causes climate refugees, i.e., people tend to move from one place to another due to the increasing climate disasters. South Asia and the US are examples of such refugees.

Small island states will also see refugees as their entire country is expected to be submerged in the sea due to the rising sea levels.

The problem becomes severe when people move across borders due to climate change. This is referred to as the protection gap. This will act as a humanitarian challenge as there are no legal frameworks to protect climate refugees.

What are the current laws?

The Geneva Convention on Refugees applies only to political applicants and climate refugees are not included in it.

The Nansen Initiative is a voluntary non-binding framework. It has been adopted by some states but applies only to cross-border movements associated with disasters. It does not include displacement caused by global warming.

What will be the concerns for climate refugees?

Climate refugees moving to another country will face hurdles of crossing borders, security, healthcare and other basic amenities.

Further, the countries they are moving to have their own problems and it would be difficult for those countries to look after those refugees.

Some people will not be able to move due to extreme poverty, disability, gender, cultural norms, etc. They will be a trapped population and the most affected people due to climate change.

Therefore, there is a need for the world to look into the issue and those responsible must pay for it.

Who can pay for climate change?

Industrialised countries and fossil fuel companies are the greatest emitters and they have a larger responsibility to help climate refugees. The loss and damage mechanism adopted at CoP 27 is one of the efforts to address the issue.

Therefore, those who generated the problem should contribute to a fund and compensate to help climate refugees and an international framework is needed to protect them.

The future of Indian economy: Should it play the power game or values game?

News- The article explains the dilemmas faced by Indian policymakers while deciding the right policies for economic growth.

What are the questions faced by Indian policymakers?

Effects on India’s attractiveness when the latest draft of  “personal data protection” Bill gives unchecked  powers to the state to frame rules according to its whim?

Impacts on a country’s reputation as a business destination when domestic courts are used to stymie international arbitration awards?

growing presence of business oligarchs tied to the establishment ruling out a level playing field.

Arbitrary action by state, like keeping people in jail for years together without bringing cases against them to court?

How are these questions being dismissed in today’s world?

China has achieved decades of rapid growth and development as a one-party state. It is not providing freedom to citizens. Businesses are also not treated equally.

Middle powers are increasingly disregarding the values of a liberal democracy as being a European construct. They prefer nationalism and cultural-identity politics.

Globalisation is yielding to inward-looking policies in countries that were advocates of open markets.

What needs to be done by Indian policymakers?

India has to settle the question of government-business relationship and state-citizen equation. It must ask why thousands of wealthy Indians are emigrating in ever larger numbers to places that include Singapore and Dubai. What do they find missing in India?

India must face up to one fact. It is not China. The dynamism and size of China’s domestic market, combined with its unique advantages as a production base, made it impossible for investors to stay away.

In comparison, India has competitors who present themselves as investment alternatives. India has a long way to go. It needs to play nice more than China did.

India must decide what kind of country it wants to be. It want to be admired for its soft power and market, or an arbitrary state that can do what it wills with both individuals and businesses.

Bright Right Now-For growth, quality of human resources is key

News: Recently, China has embarked on another round of Covid shutdowns in some large urban centres to suppress a wave of infections. According to IMF, the economic fallout of endless curbs in the world’s second-largest economy (China) will ripple out into 2023.

Along with China, the US and Europe are also struggling. Hence, the global economy is estimated to grow by 2.7% in 2023.

How India can take advantage of the situation?

India expected to grow at 6.1% will be a global bright spot. Economic might does provide the country leverage to realise other goals for collective welfare. For instance, it will help India to push for better terms in the ongoing free trade talks.

Why India must improve its human resource?

a) According to the government’s urban jobs report, the unemployment rate was 7.2% even in most dynamic areas, b) Only 46% of the eligible population in India was in the workforce in 2021 compared to a global average of 59%.

How India can improve its human resources further?

The government should not lose sight of structural weakness in the Indian economy. Further, India needs to improve its long-term needs in the job market.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

India wins the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Vice Presidency and Strategic Management Board (SMB) Chair for the 2023-25 term

Source: The post is based on the article “India wins the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Vice Presidency and Strategic Management Board (SMB) Chair for the 2023-25 term” published in PIB on 25th November.

What is the News?

India wins the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Vice Presidency and Strategic Management Board (SMB) Chair for the 2023-25 term.

What is the International Electrotechnical Commission(IEC)?

Founded in: 1906

Purpose: It is the world’s leading organization for the preparation and publication of international standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. These are known collectively as “electrotechnology”.

Type: It is a global, not-for-profit membership organization that brings together 173 countries and coordinates the work of 20,000 experts globally.

Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland

Note: Standardization Management Board(SMB) is an apex governance body of IEC responsible for technical policy matters.

Ambition on Melting Ice(AMI) Group: COP27: 18 countries join group on cryosphere loss, see it as major contributor to sea-level rise

Source: The post is based on the article “COP27: 18 countries join group on cryosphere loss, see it as major contributor to sea-level rise” published in Down To Earth on 26th November.

What is the News?

At COP 27, a broad coalition of 18 governments — led by the two polar and mountain nations of Chile and Iceland — joined together to create a new high-level group ‘Ambition on Melting Ice(AMI) on Sea-level Rise and Mountain Water Resources’.

What is the purpose of the Ambition on Melting Ice(AMI) Group?

Aim: To ensure impacts of cryosphere loss are understood by political leaders and the public, and not only within the mountain and polar regions but throughout the planet.

Founding Members of the Group: Chile, Iceland, Peru, Czech Republic, Nepal, Finland, Senegal, Kyrgyz Republic, Samoa, Georgia, Switzerland, New Zealand, Monaco, Vanuatu, Sweden, Tanzania, Liberia, Norway and Mexico.

What is the declaration issued by this group?

Climate change has already caused dramatic changes in the global cryosphere, and Earth’s snow and ice regions.

Lives and livelihoods are threatened by, and some are already lost from, these changes. Indigenous peoples in both the Arctic and mountain regions have been among the earliest affected.

The IPCC Sixth Assessment Cycle reports including the Special Report on Ocean and Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, conclude that such changes in the cryosphere will worsen with each additional increment of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere.

These consequences will occur both within and far beyond those in polar and mountain regions.

Hence, protecting the cryosphere through vigorous climate action is not a matter for mountain and polar nations alone. It is a matter of urgent global concern because the greatest impacts on human communities lie well outside these regions.

Suggestion given by this group: Rapid and emergency-scale decreases in global CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions, across all sectors, to keep alive the possibility of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C, is the world’s best option to slow progressive cryosphere loss and the resulting widespread global catastrophes. 

What is Cryosphere?

The term cryosphere derives from the Greek word kryo for cold and encompasses all the parts of the Earth system where water is in solid form, including ice sheets, ice shelves, glaciers, snow cover, permafrost (frozen ground), sea ice, and river and lake ice. 

The cryosphere exerts an important influence on Earth’s climate, owing to its high surface reflectivity (albedo). This property gives it the ability to reflect a large fraction of solar radiation back into space and influences how much solar energy is absorbed by land and oceans. 

Impact of Climate Change on Cryosphere: As the climate changes, the cryosphere changes with it, and through feedback processes, these changes have an influence on the climate.

For example, the increased melting of snow and ice caused by a warming planet enables more solar energy to be absorbed by land or water, which in turn leads to more warming. 

India’s wheat planting area up nearly 11% y/y on record prices

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s wheat planting area up nearly 11% y/y on record prices” published in Business Standard on 26th November.

What is the News?

According to Government data, Indian farmers have planted wheat on 15.3 million hectares since October 1,2022 when the current sowing season began. This is an increase of nearly 11% from a year ago.

About Wheat

Wheat is the second most important cereal crop. 

It is the main food crop in the north and north-western part of the country

Temperature: It is a rabi crop that requires a cool growing season and bright sunshine at the time of ripening. 

Rainfall: It requires 50 to 75 cm of annual rainfall evenly distributed over the growing season. 

Soil Type: Well-drained fertile loamy and clayey loamy soils.

Wheat growing zones: There are two important wheat-growing zones in the country – the Ganga-Satluj plains in the north-west and black soil region of the Deccan.

Wheat Production: India is the second largest producer of wheat with a share of around 14.14% of world total production in 2020.

Major wheat-growing states in India are Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and Gujarat.

Wheat exports: India’s wheat exports are mainly to neighbouring countries with Bangladesh having the largest share of more than 54% in both volume and value terms in 2020-21.

States ask Centre to curb its cess habit at pre-budget meeting

Source: The post is based on the article “States ask Centre to curb its cess habit at pre-budget meeting” published in The Hindu on 26th November.

What is the News?

The Finance ministers of states and union territories held their pre-Budget meeting with the Union Finance Minister. 

What are the issues raised by the States at the pre-budget meeting with the Finance Minister?

On Cess and Surcharge: Cesses and surcharges as a percentage of gross tax revenue, have increased from 10.4% in FY12 to 26.7% in FY22.

– Since, cesses and surcharges do not form a part of the divisible pool of taxes. This has deprived the states of their legitimate share of revenue collected by the Union Government. 

– Hence, the states have urged the Union government to make cess and surcharge part of the divisible pool of central taxes so that the States receive their legitimate share in devolution.

On Centrally Sponsored Schemes(CSS): The state’s financial autonomy is getting compromised as its contribution to centrally sponsored schemes has increased. 

– They demanded that the Centre and state funding ratio should be 90:10 (rather than 60:10) in these schemes.

Higher Borrowing Limit to States: Given the financial difficulties faced by states, the borrowing limit for states should be at 4% of GSDP for another year. 

– The Centre has set the borrowing limit at 4% of GSDP for FY23 with another 50 bps window if states carry out reforms in the power sector.

On GST: States like Tamil Nadu also raised concerns about pending dues from the five-year GST compensation window for States that expired on June 30, 2022.

– States have also demanded that the GST revenue share of States should be raised to 60% from the present 50% as the States are going through severe financial problems.

Old Pension scheme: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister asked the Centre to resolve the issue of refunds of the corpus given to the National Pension Scheme, as the State has restored the old pension scheme.

Government forms panel to look into MGNREGA’s efficacy

Source: The post is based on the article “Government forms panel to look into MGNREGA’s efficacy” published in The Hindu on 26th November.

What is the News?

The Government of India has constituted a committee to review the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme.

About the Committee to review the MGNREGA Act

Headed by: Amarjeet Sinha, Former Rural Development Secretary.

Mandate: 1) To investigate variables influencing the demand for MGNREGA, 2) To suggest measures to reduce regional imbalance by offering more opportunities to the most deserving States, 3) assess the work composition and advise the appropriate change and 4) evaluate the governance structure and recommend improvements.

What is the significance of this review committee on MGNREGA?

As rural communities recovered from the pandemic amidst rising prices and a dearth of non-farm employment options, they were in dire need of the MNREGA scheme.

However, residents of relatively affluent states may have fared better in securing work under this anti-poverty job program.

For example, the spending of states such as Bihar and Odisha under the scheme lags those of states such as Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan which have a higher per-capita income.

Hence, the review of the scheme will help in ensuring that poorer regions get a fair share of the resources.

Note: According to data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE), a private think-tank, rural unemployment in India has stayed around 7% throughout the majority of the current fiscal year.

Indians received the biggest share of U.K. work visas: report

Source: The post is based on the article “Indians received the biggest share of U.K. work visas: report” published in The Hindu on 26th November.

What is the News?

According to the British High Commission in India, Indian nationals continued to be the top nationality to be granted ‘worker’ visas from the UK.

Increased mobility and Migration of Indians to the UK

Work Related visas: Indian nationals received the largest number — 39% — of the total work-related visas granted by the United Kingdom for the year ending September 2022.

– Of the total (1,45,000+) work-related visas issued by the U.K, Indians received 56,042, a jump of 90% in comparison to the pre-pandemic figure of 29,552 in 2019.

– The sharp rise in the demand for work visas is being explained by the post-pandemic recovery, which has settled in most of the major economies across the world. 

Skilled Worker visas: Indians also featured in the top three nationalities that were granted ‘Skilled Worker’ visas from the U.K. 

Student visas: The U.K granted 1,27,731 student visas to Indian nationals, marking an increase of 93,470 from the 34,261 visas granted in 2019.

Work on India’s first-ever Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh’s Hanle going on in full swing and shall be complete in over a month’s time

Source: The post is based on the article “Work on India’s first-ever Night Sky Sanctuary in Ladakh’s Hanle going on in full swing and shall be complete in over a month’s time” published in PIB on 26th November.

What is the News?

The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has announced the setting up of India’s first Dark Sky Reserve in Hanle, Ladakh. It will be located as part of Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary. 

It will boost Astro tourism in India and will be one of the world’s highest-located sites for optical, infrared, and gamma-ray telescopes.

What is Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary?

Located on: Tibetan Changthang plateau in Ladakh.

Lakes: It has some of the highest-altitude lakes including Tso Moriri.

It is also believed to include the world’s highest village, Korzok Village which draws tourists to the Korzok Monastery. 

Fauna: It is famous for being the home of the snow leopard. The Tibetan wolf, wild yak, bharal, brown bear, mormot, Tibetan wild ass and dark-necked crane are also found in the sanctuary.

China plans to build its first moon base powered by nuclear energy by 2028

Source: The post is based on the article “China plans to build its first moon base powered by nuclear energy by 2028” published in Business Standard on 26th November.

What is the News?

China plans to build its first base on the moon by 2028 followed by the landing of astronauts there in the years that follow.

About China’s Lunar Base

China’s Lunar base will likely be powered by nuclear energy. (Nuclear energy can provide long-term, high-power energy requirements for the lunar base).

Its basic configuration will consist of a lander, hopper, orbiter and rover, all of which will be constructed by the Chang’e 6, 7 and 8 missions.

What are China’s ambitious plans in Space?

China has ramped up its ambitions in space in recent years by sending probes to the moon, building its own space station and setting its sights on Mars. The plans have put it in direct competition with the US.

In 2019, China became the first country to land a rover on the far side of the moon and later brought back its first lunar samples. The base is intended to be the first outpost on the moon’s South Pole, an area scientists think is the best place to find water. 

NASA is also targeting that part of the moon. China aims to eventually expand the base into an international research station.

What is CDSL, India’s registered share depository?

Source: The post is based on the article “What is CDSL, India’s registered share depository?” published in Indian Express on 24th November.

What is the News?

Certain services at Central Depositories Services India Ltd(CDSL) were disrupted due to a suspected cyber attack.

What is CDSL?

CDSL or Central Depositories Services India Ltd was founded in 1999.

It is a government-registered share depository alongside its other state-owned counterpart National Securities Depository Ltd(NSDL).

It is a Market Infrastructure Institution or MII that is deemed as a crucial part of the capital market structure, providing services to all market participants including exchanges, clearing corporations, depository participants, issuers and investors.

What is a Depository?

A depository is an organization which holds securities (like shares, debentures, bonds, government securities, mutual fund units etc) of investors in electronic form at the request of the investors through a registered Depository Participant. It also provides services related to transactions in securities.

What is the difference between a depository and a bank?