9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – October 1st, 2022

Dear Friends,

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

• As India ages, keeping an eye on the elderly
• No discrimination – ON Supreme Court ruling on abortion rights

GS Paper 2

• Vacation pe vacation: No major country has their top court going on long holidays. Neither should Supreme Court
• Letting go of a chance to democratise telecom services
• Punish vandals: Needed: smart law on property damaged in protests

GS Paper 3

• Swachh Bharat 2.0: Moving forward together
• 5G services to be rolled out today; how will your experience change?
• India-US ties: Depth & nuance
• Let The Land Heal
• ‘Lichens are a pioneer species which enable all life — conserving them is vital’

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

• CBI launches ‘Operation Garuda’ against illicit drug trafficking
• Directorate General of Training (DGT) launches Bharat Skills Forum, a digital knowledge-sharing platform for the ITIs’ trainees, trainers and industry
• Behind the ‘world’s first CNG terminal’ at Bhavnagar, Gujarat
• Uttar Pradesh plans its 4th tiger reserve in Bundelkhand
• National Clean Air Programme: Centre aims at 40% reduction in particulate matter by 2026
• U.S. imposes sanction against Indian petrochemical company for ‘clandestine’ Iran oil purchases
• PM flags off new Vande Bharat Express between Gandhinagar and Mumbai at Gandhinagar Station in Gujarat

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

As India ages, keeping an eye on the elderly

News: 1^st October is celebrated as International Day for Older Persons by the United Nations.

World Population Prospects 2022 report published by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) has projected big shifts in global demographic patterns in the coming decades.

What are the findings of the report?

Globally: The report says that 16% of the world population by 2050 is expected to be made up of people over 65 years. It also says that the global population will be 9.7 billion people by 2050.

India: The report projects India’s population to be 1.7 billion by 2050.  India will be home to the largest population in the world which would include a large elderly sub-population.  This demographic change will have a great impact on its health systems.

Previous United Nations reports have projected that the proportion of India’s elderly population will double to nearly 20% of the total population by 2050.

This change in demographic structure will increase the pressure on public health systems. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease will be higher among the elderly.

Therefore, eye care service delivery is placed to be the first point-of-contact with the elderly and to also help with health surveillance and planning.

What are the findings of Hyderabad Ocular Morbidity in the Elderly Study (HOMES)?

HOMES is an eye institute that produces a series of systematic reports on various aspects of health, quality of life, mental health, etc.

The study has used eye care as a point of entry to measure a variety of health and social metrics in 1000 participants. The findings of the reports are –

Over 30% of the elderly had distance vision loss and over 50% had near vision impairment and they needed reading glasses.

Nearly half the participants had at least one disability and a third of them had multiple morbidities.

About 70% of them were using at least one assistive device and spectacles were the most common.

The study also explored many links between vision impairment and an elderly person’s mental health and confidence. People with impaired vision had a greater fear, and risk, of falling.

Therefore, addressing the vision impairment of elders is important to improve their lives.

What should be the course of action for improvement in the conditions of elderly?

To address vision loss, a package of interventions including assistive devices for sight, hearing, and mobility can be introduced.

Therefore, the Indian eye care model has always prioritized primary care vision centers that bring care closer to those in need.

The future of elderly care needs to be long term, comprehensive, and integrated, and oriented towards making primary care accessible.

Proper accessibility will ensure that no elderly person is denied care irrespective of their financial status.

A comprehensive eye examination can be the first step towards enabling such a healthy and happy future for our elderly citizens.

No discrimination – ON Supreme Court ruling on abortion rights

News– The article explains the recent Supreme Court ruling on abortion rights of unmarried women. It also explains the ruling by Delhi High Court on abortion by unmarried women.

What is Supreme Court ruling ion abortion of unmarried women?

The Supreme Court ruled that single and unmarried women have the same right to a medically safe abortion as married women.

There is no rationale for excluding single or unmarried women from the categories of women who could seek abortion care after the completion of 20 weeks of pregnancy, but before 24 weeks.

Change in marital status is one of the reasons for which abortion during the extended upper limit of 24 weeks is permissible. Even abandonment by the partner could constitute a change in circumstances that could impact a woman’s decision about the pregnancy.

Unwanted pregnancy affects a woman’s physical and mental health. So, it is quite important that she alone should decide about abortion.

The legislature has allowed abortions up to the 24th week of pregnancy. It is allowed if two registered medical practitioners are of the opinion that continuing the pregnancy would involve a risk to the woman’s life and health.

Rape survivors who may legally seek an abortion in the extended period of 24 weeks will also include survivors of marital rape.

What was the earlier ruling by Delhi High Court?

The Delhi High Court had declined to allow the termination of the pregnancy of a 25-year-old woman who was in a consensual relationship. She wanted to terminate the pregnancy after her partner declined to marry her.

The High Court cited rule 3B. It contains the list of the women eligible for termination of pregnancy such as rape survivors, minors, those with physical disabilities and mental illness. Court observed that the list does not mention single women who had become pregnant in a consensual relationship.

GS Paper 2

Vacation pe vacation: No major country has their top court going on long holidays. Neither should Supreme Court

News: The article discusses the issue of too many vacations in the Indian Courts.

Excessive work is not only bad for family relationships but it also affects productivity. Therefore, many organizations mandatorily require employees to take annual leave.

However, there is a difference between individual leave and vacation.

Vacation means shutting down completely and organizations other than courts rarely go on vacation and there are individual leaves given in those organization.

Who decides vacations for Supreme Court (SC)?

The 1958 statute tells that vacation means such periods during a year fixed by SC rules with the prior approval of the President.

The current rule followed by SC for vacation is Supreme Court Rules, 2013 and Chief Justice of India (CJI) issues notifications for the vacation every year. For example, as per the recent notification, “The Chief Justice of India has directed that the Supreme Court will be closed for the annual Summer Vacation from Monday, the 23rd May,2022 to Sunday, the 10th July, 2022 (both days inclusive). ”

There are separate provisions for vacations in High Courts.

What are the findings of the Committee on Reforms of Criminal Justice System (2003)?

Committee on Reforms of Criminal Justice System (2003) was headed by Justice Malimath. It had a section on court vacations. The findings of the committee were:

There are no governmental organizations in the country except courts and schools that have vacation.

Schools can be considered for the vacations as there are students studying but vacation in courts is not understood.

There are many countries in the world that do not have vacations in the courts.

For example, France and the US. Judges don’t have vacation, but they can take holidays without affecting the function of the court.

Even in India the subordinate criminal courts do not have any vacation. But the subordinate civil courts, High Courts and the Supreme Court have vacations.

The concept of vacation is originated from colonial rules. Judges at that time came from England, a place colder compared to a India and the summer of India was unbearable to them.

Therefore, a vacation system was introduced so that those judges can go back to England in summer for several weeks. It is not required now.

However, there are different suggestion and steps taken by the Chief Justices.

What were the steps taken by Chief Justices?

CJI Justice Lodha in 2014 sought to eliminate vacations. CJI Justice Thakur, in 2016, appealed to HCs to not go on vacations. CJ of Allahabad High Court, Justice Chandrachud voluntarily gave up summer vacation.

What can be the course of action?

Arrears Committee and 230th Report of Law Commission recommended for a shorter duration in the vacation.

However, the recommendation does not hold any importance as complete vacations for courts are not needed.

There is a need to fix days of annual leave for the judges so that they also get time from the work.

Letting go of a chance to democratise telecom services

News-There is a need to resolve the issues with the new Telecommunication Bill, 2022.

What are the issues with the new bill?

Repackaging–

It is repackaging of Telegraph Act, 1885 in the guise of legislative advancements.

It will lead to centralisation of power through a new licensing regime.

Inclusion of OTT platforms–

It includes online communication service providers within the ambit of telecommunication service. This move is to provide a level playing field to OTT platforms with telcos.

The argument about the same services, and same rules for both OTT platforms and telcos is a flawed one. Telecom operators act as gatekeepers to the underlying broadband infrastructure. OTT.

services can only be accessed through telco-controlled infrastructure.

Services provided by OTT platforms are diverse like social networking and video calling. They act as aggregators of these services.

Privacy related issues–

The central government by exercising its powers to issue a license may put a requirement on such online service providers to store data locally in India

The requirement of interception under the act is not conducive for end-to-end encryption provided by OTT platforms. This will harm the privacy enjoyed by users of these platforms.

These rules are in stark contrast with the recommendations by the Supreme Court in its right to privacy decision in 2017 and the Justice B.N. Srikrishna Committee Report on data protection.

Suspension of internet services–

Clause 24(2)(b) of the Telecom Bill provides specific power for suspension of Internet services. The clause does not solve any of the issues that exist with the current framework for Internet shutdowns in India, specifically the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017.

Frequent internet shutdown has a chilling effect on fundamental rights enjoyed by citizens. There are high economic costs associated with it.

Missed opportunity–

The bill is missing an opportunity to set global standards by not introducing principles of net neutrality in the Telecom Bill.

Punish vandals: Needed: smart law on property damaged in protests

News: Recently, the Kerala high court directing Popular Front of India (PFI) to deposit Rs 5.2 crore for damages incurred during the banned outfit’s flash hartal is a rare case of speedy remedial action.

How damages to public and private property is handled in India?

Those damaging public and private property must be effectively deterred.

Government actions

Central government: The government enacted the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984. The government introduced an amendment bill in 2015. The bill suggested placing the burden of proof on the accused, fixing responsibility on organisations and office-bearers, and pegging the fine as the market value of public property damaged.

State government: Some states have enacted their own laws. But they vary from state to state. For instance, Kerala enacted a law in 2019 to recover damages for private property destruction but left out public property.  In contrast, UP’s 2020 law enables recovery of damages for both public and private property.

Judicial actions

The Supreme Court’s 2009 guidelines prescribed a fair procedure. High Courts were empowered to initiate suo motu proceedings and appoint a judicial officer as Claims Commissioner.

What are the concerns associated with various laws regarding damages to public and private property?

a) The Centre’s law, Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, 1984, is outdated and narrowly focused on criminal prosecution, b) The state governments did not implement the law effectively. For example, the SC found great divergence from due process in the recovery of damages from anti-CAA protesters and directed UP to follow this law properly.

What needs to be done to limit the damages to public and private property?

a) Uniform central legislation that ensures time-bound inquiry into damages, recovery of assets and criminal prosecution of rioters is needed, b) The government also need to fix the fault of police officers and government negligence in preventing violence.

GS Paper 3

Swachh Bharat 2.0: Moving forward together

News: The article highlights the importance of private sector in resolving the issue of Sanitation.

The concept of sanitation in India has been around since the Indus Valley civilization.

Sanitation coverage in India was as low as 39 per cent till 2014. Around 55 crore people in rural areas were without a toilet facility before 2014.

This severely affected the health and dignity of our people, especially women and children.

What are the impacts of poor sanitation?

Health: Poor sanitation has a great impact on health. For example, contaminated drinking water and food become a major cause of diarrhea and other diseases. It further leads to stunting in our children.

Environment: Poor hygiene and waste management practices also impact the environment. The untreated sewage flows directly into water bodies and affects marine ecosystems, contaminates soil and air.

Economy: A study by the World Bank states that the absence of toilets and conventional sanitation costs India 6.4 per cent of its GDP in 2006. The economic impact of poor sanitation for India is at least $38.5 billion every year under health, education, access time and tourism.

Therefore, the goals of Swachh Bharat Mission have been effective in improving sanitation in India.

How has Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) helped in improving sanitation in India?

More than 10 crore toilets were constructed from 2014 to 2020 and the country declared itself ODF on October 2, 2019. This achievement was the result of SBM, that was launched in 2014.

One of its goals was to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to make the country Open Defecation Free (ODF).

This was done by offering financial incentives for building household toilets as well as community toilets for slums and migrant populations.

The government also ran several programmes with the participation of the private sector and NGOs to educate the population on the benefits of ODF.

The second phase of the project was started in 2020 and is expected to run till 2025.

It has set even more ambitious targets such as a) sustaining the achievements of phase 1 and b) ensuring the treatment of both liquid and solid waste.

The targets will be achieved through the help of technology and private sector engagement.

What is Lighthouse Initiative (LHI)?

It has been started by the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

It will be implemented through PPP across villages in 75 gram-panchayats in 15 states in Phase1. It is based on the principle of inclusive sanitation.

It aims to build solid and liquid waste management structures.

This will be done by employing a participatory and consultative approach through mobilisation of the village communities, corporates, district and block administration and gram panchayat officers.

What is India Sanitation Coalition (ISC)?

It is a multi-stakeholder platform that creates meaningful collaborations. These stakeholders include the private sector, government, financial institutions, civil society groups, media, donors, etc.

ISC is recognised as the official meeting point between the government and the private sector for engagement in building sustainable solid and liquid waste management infrastructure.

Corporates such as ITC, Jindal Steel and Power, JSW, Nayara, etc. have come forward for collaboration.

This has also led the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation to recognise the benefits of working with the private sector.

Therefore, the Department has sought the construction of soak pits, waste stabilisation ponds, drainage channels, etc. in collaboration with private sector.

The fund has been provided by the Department and it will be further supplement by private sector through CSR funding.

What are other means to create hygienic surroundings in collaboration with villagers?

Managing plastic waste as well as wastewater at a village level by providing solutions to households to convert waste to earn a remunerative return.

It will create hygienic surroundings for the communities and make households economically self-sufficient.

Moreover, recovery of grey water can help to tackle scarce water resources, encouraging reuse and conserving water bodies.

Further, collaboration of corporates with the village communities will help to convert their waste to wealth by utilising simple and cost-effective technologies.

5G services to be rolled out today; how will your experience change?

News: The Prime Minister of India will launch 5G on 1^st October and the sixth edition of India Mobile Congress in New Delhi.

What will be the benefits of 5G?

Socio-economic: The Ministry of Communications said that 5G can bring new economic opportunities and societal benefits and bring transformation for Indian society.

Consumers: 5G could have benefits of the superior Internet speed and low latency over 4G for consumers. 5G could touch 10 Gbps compared to the 100 Mbps peak of 4G. Latency under 4G is between 10-100 ms (millisecond) whereas on 5G it is expected to be under 1 ms.

Latency is the time it takes for a device to send packets of data and get a response. Shorter the latency, quicker the response.

Which technology is being used by the operators to launch 5G?

5G networks are deployed mainly in two modes: standalone and non-standalone. Both architectures have their advantages and disadvantages.

The biggest difference between the two architectures is the compatibility with existing device ecosystems.

Most smartphones today have the capability to connect to non-standalone 5G networks which are 5G airwaves transmitted through 4G networks.

Standalone mode: Reliance Jio has chosen the standalone mode. In this mode 5G network operates with dedicated equipment and runs parallel to the existing 4G network.

Whereas, in the non-standalone mode, the 5G network is supported by the 4G core infrastructure.

Non-standalone mode: Bharti Airtel has opted for non-standalone mode. The non-standalone networks are built on existing infrastructure.

Therefore, the initial cost and the time taken to roll out services through this mode is less than standalone networks.

India-US ties: Depth & nuance

News– The article explains the relationship between India and the USA.

How India-US relations have evolved historically?

Following the nuclear tests of May 1998, western world was angry with India. Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee wrote to President Bill Clinton. He told the nuclear weapon threat from China compelled India to have its nuclear bomb.

Talks between then External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh and US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott led to President Clinton’s historic visit of March 2000.

The Indo-US nuclear deal during the George W Bush years further improved the strategic relationship.

Obama became the only President to make two visits to India. He hosted both Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi in the White House.

During the Trump presidency, there was continuous improvement in relations. Quad framework was revived. Defence partnership became strong. There was signing of the foundational agreements like LEMOA, COMCASA.

The momentum of the relationship has continued under President Joe Biden especially on Indo-pacific strategy.

What are the current states of relationship?

Experts say that India’s relationship with the US has been the most comprehensive association since independence. India and US are seen as “natural allies” by leaders from India.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a test case for the relationship. India did not criticize Russia. It has annoyed the west.

The US decision to provide F-16 to Pakistan has created friction between two sides.

Some analysts in New Delhi view the renewal of the US-Pakistan military engagement as a message to New Delhi for its strategy of “issue-based alignment.

There is absence of a full-time ambassador 20 months after the Biden Administration took charge.

Both see rising China as a common threat. USA was late in recognising the threat. Although the containment started with Obama pivot to Asia strategy, the Trump administration clearly spelled out China as a strategic rival.

US exit from Afghanistan has increased China leverage in Pakistan and Afghanistan. In this context, India has sought an exemption on S-400 from US sanctions.

The closeness between China and Russia is increasing. There is a need for improving the relationship by accommodating each other.

Let The Land Heal

News– The article explains the issues related to excessive use of pesticides. It also suggests measures to reduce their use.

What is the issue?

There is indiscriminate use of pesticides by farmers.

Lack of quality farm advisory services is responsible for it.

Pest are developing resistance to existing pesticides.

It is impacting the human body and biodiversity.

What is the way forward?

Alternate business model– The business model of the farm chemical input industry must transform to become a service industry.

In India, shopkeepers only sell farm chemical inputs. Individual farmers cannot afford good quality precision spraying equipment. It leads to wastage.

To reduce the wastages, input sale of the sellers could be in the form of services like spray on farms.

Transparent data collection– Shopkeepers should report each sale of farm chemicals to the government in real time.

There is a need for a mandatory QR code on each farm chemical package. These measures will allow for better-targeted farm advisory and grievance redressal.

Independent regulator– Same officials and departments who advocate pesticide use also regulate the trade. The regulation of farm chemicals needs to be transferred to the health ministry.

‘Lichens are a pioneer species which enable all life — conserving them is vital’

News: At present most conservation work is focused on charismatic species, like tigers and elephants. But Plants and lower plants, like lichen, ferns and mosses, were neglected.

What are Lichens?

Lichens are a complex life form that is a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms, a fungus and an alga. The outer skin and internal structure of a lichen is made of strands of fungal hyphae. Interspersed among the strands inside the lichen are individual cells of algae.

Lichens do not have roots or structures like other plants, they depend on the atmosphere for air and water. So, the quality of ambience reflects in the diversity of lichens.

There are three broad categories of lichen. 1) Foliose – These are flat and leaf-like lichens, 2) Crustose – These are formed as a layer, 3) Fruticose – These lichens resemble minishrubs.

Spread: Between six to eight percent of Earth’s surface is covered by lichen, with over 15,000 known species.

Why Lichen is a pioneer species?

Lichen is a ‘pioneer species’ because a) They are among the most ancient organisms on Earth. For instance, they are found in the Jurassic era, b) They are the first to appear on barren rocks, in deserts and icy terrain and after disturbances like landslides, c) They play a foundational role in enabling all life. For example, they aid in weathering rocks, creating soil – the basis of all life, d) In deserts, lichen form a crust over the surface, retaining moisture — only in such spots do desert trees grow, e) These are also bioindicators of pollution. As they depend on the atmosphere for air and water.

What are the other benefits of Lichens?

Animals and birds depend on Lichens: Some Lichens are consumed by musk deer in winter, when little else grows (this is similar to the Arctic reindeer which eat moss, after whom ‘reindeer moss’ is named), while others are used by birds and woolly flying squirrels to pad their nests.

Formed via a symbiotic relationship between fungus and algae, they resemble a micro-ecosystem and with lower plants like mosses. They attract insects, birds, snails, frogs and little animals needing food, habitat and shelter.

Spices and perfumes: Parmotrema tinctorum and Ramalina sinensis respectively are used as spices and in perfumes, particularly utilised in the famous perfumeries of Kannauj.

Medicinal value: Some lichens are used in medicines for asthma and fractures. Some lichens have biochemicals which can treat cancers.

Source of income: Villages usually collect lichen and sell it to traders for its many uses.

What are the threats faced by Lichens at present?

a) Lichen found in alpine regions could be affected by growing climate change, b) Species migration is at work now, with global warming forcing animals and treelines to move to higher, cooler altitudes — lichen at 4,000 metres and in Arctic regions could be affected, c) Deforestation: If host trees are destroyed, so are the lichen on them, d) Pollution in urban areas: Traffic in urban areas produces nitrogen which damages the algae that make food for lichen.

What are the conservation efforts for Lichens?

In 2018, Uttarakhand decided to develop a park devoted entirely to lichens. Munsiyari in Kumaon was chosen as they have more than 130 lichen species.

What should be done to protect lichens?

Policymakers must have in-depth ecological knowledge while framing policies, for instance, they should 1) Understand the link between species, 2) Access scientific research on the impacts of losing biodiversity, 3) Learn about habitats which shouldn’t be disturbed, etc.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

CBI launches ‘Operation Garuda’ against illicit drug trafficking

Source: The post is based on the article “CBI launches ‘Operation Garuda’ against illicit drug trafficking” published in Livemint on 1st October 2022.

What is the News?

The Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) has launched a multi-phase ‘Operation Garuda’ against an illicit drug trafficking network.

What is Operation Garuda?

Launched by: Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI)

Aim: To disrupt, degrade and dismantle drug networks with international linkages through the rapid exchange of criminal intelligence on drug trafficking and coordinated law enforcement actions across international jurisdictions.

– The operation was initiated in close coordination with Interpol and Narcotics Control Bureau for combating the smuggling of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances, with a special focus on the Indian Ocean region. 

Directorate General of Training (DGT) launches Bharat Skills Forum, a digital knowledge-sharing platform for the ITIs’ trainees, trainers and industry

Source: The post is based on the article “Directorate General of Training (DGT) launches Bharat Skills Forum, a digital knowledge-sharing platform for the ITIs’ trainees, trainers and industry” published in PIB on 1st October 2022.

What is the News?

A new feature called the Bharatskills Forum has been added to the Bharatskills learning platform that allows sharing of books, notes, videos, question banks, etc and other relevant skill-related content for learners. 

What is Bharatskills Platform?

Launched in: 2019

Launched by: Directorate General of Training(DGT) in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship(MSDE) 

Purpose: It is a Central Digital Repository for the trainees and trainers of the ITI ecosystem, providing easy access to updated curriculum, e-books, Question Banks, mock/practice papers, learning videos for courses under the Craftsmen Training Scheme (CTS), Craft Instructor Training Scheme(CITS) and the Apprenticeship Training Scheme(ATS).

Significance: This platform presents unique access to a centralized, scalable, and thriving support ecosystem through its industrial partners for the students and teachers who can now learn the new age (Industrial Revolution 4.0) skills to meet the demands of the industry.

Behind the ‘world’s first CNG terminal’ at Bhavnagar, Gujarat

Source: The post is based on the article “Behind the ‘world’s first CNG terminal’ at Bhavnagar, Gujarat” published in Indian Express on 1st October 2022.

What is the News?

The Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone for the “world’s first CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) terminal” at Bhavnagar in Gujarat.

About Bhavnagar Port

Bhavnagar Port is a seaport in Saurashtra region of Gujarat state.

The port is in close vicinity to the Dholera Special Investment Region(SIR) and is expected to serve the industries that set up base in the region.

It is already connected to the northern hinterland through a railway line that extends to the existing berths at the port.

About Bhavnagar CNG Terminal

Bhavnagar CNG Terminal will be developed through a public-private partnership(PPP) between the Mumbai-based Padmanabhan Mafatlal Group and the UK’s Foresight Group.

The project will have a cargo handling capacity of 1.5 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA).

What makes this port unique?

The project will repair and redevelop the tidal lock gate system, which will be the fourth largest such system in the world.

Traditionally, because of the higher tidal range of approximately 10 meters, Bhavnagar creek attracts a significant amount of sediment in the form of silt.

This lock gate system has been set up so that a minimal amount of sediment enters the port basin during high tide, thus bringing down the cost of dredging inside the port substantially.

Uttar Pradesh plans its 4th tiger reserve in Bundelkhand

Source: The post is based on the article “Uttar Pradesh plans its 4th tiger reserve in Bundelkhand” published in Indian Express on 1st October 2022.

What is the News?

Uttar Pradesh(UP) has approved the notification of the state’s fourth tiger reserve in the Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary(RWS) in Chitrakoot district.

This will be the 54th Tiger Reserve in India. Guru Ghasidas National Park of Chhattisgarh is the 53rd Tiger Reserve in India.

About Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary(RWS)

Ranipur Wildlife Sanctuary(RWS) was founded in 1977. It has no tigers of its own. But pugmarks of the animals are frequently seen there as tigers from nearby Panna frequent it. 

According to the Status of tigers, co-predators and prey in India report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority(NTCA), RWS is an important corridor for the movement of tigers.

Hence, Rani Tiger Reserve is being established there.

About Ranipur Tiger Reserve

Ranipur Tiger Reserve will be the fourth in UP after Dudhwa, Pilibhit and Amangarh (buffer of Corbett Tiger Reserve). 

It will be the first in the state’s portion of the Bundelkhand region which it shares with neighbouring Madhya Pradesh.

The Tiger Reserve has tropical dry deciduous forests and is home to fauna such as tigers, leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambhar, chinkara and a number of birds and reptiles.

A Ranipur Tiger Conservation Foundation will also be established for the protection and conservation of tigers in the region.

National Clean Air Programme: Centre aims at 40% reduction in particulate matter by 2026

Source: The post is based on the article “National Clean Air Programme: Centre aims at 40% reduction in particulate matter by 2026” published in The Hindu on 1st October 2022.

What is the News?

The Government of India has set a new target of a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentration in cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme(NCAP) by 2026.

What is the National Clean Air Programme(NCAP)?

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) was launched by the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) in 2019.

Purpose: It is a long-term, time-bound, national-level strategy making determined efforts to deal with the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner. 

Cities covered: NCAP is implemented in 132 cities in the country.

Click Here to read more 

What is the present target under NCAP?

The present target is to achieve targets of 20 to 30% reduction in Particulate Matter concentration by 2024.

What is the new target under NCAP?

The government has set a new target of a 40% reduction in particulate matter concentration in cities covered under the NCAP by 2026.

U.S. imposes sanction against Indian petrochemical company for ‘clandestine’ Iran oil purchases

Source: The post is based on the article “U.S. imposes sanctions against Indian petrochemical company for ‘clandestine’ Iran oil purchases” published in The Hindu on 1st October 2022.

What is the News?

The US has imposed sanctions on Mumbai-based firm Tibalaji Petrochem Pvt. Ltd for carrying out the oil trade with Iran.

Background

In 2018, the U.S administration decided to walk out of the nuclear deal or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran. It has also imposed several sanctions on Iran.

India has officially refused to endorse the “unilateral sanctions” of the U.S. But India stopped buying oil from Iran in 2019 in the wake of sanctions imposed by the US.

Prior to this, India was the second-largest buyer of Iranian oil after China.

What is the significance of this US sanction on an Indian-based firm?

This is the first time that an India-based entity has been sanctioned by the US for involvement in dealing with Iranian petroleum products.

PM flags off new Vande Bharat Express between Gandhinagar and Mumbai at Gandhinagar Station in Gujarat

Source: The post is based on the article “PM flags off new Vande Bharat Express between Gandhinagar and Mumbai at Gandhinagar Station in Gujarat ” published in PIB on 1st October 2022.

What is the News?

Prime Minister flagged off Gandhinagar-Mumbai Vande Bharat Express at Gandhinagar station.

This is being called as ‘Vande Bharat 2.0’, because of certain upgrades it has received over its predecessors, the two existing trains running from Delhi to Varanasi and Katra.

What is Vande Bharat Express?

Vande Bharat Express also known as Train 18, is an Indian semi-high-speed, intercity, EMU train which is operated by the Indian Railways.

Click Here to read more

What are the major upgraded features of Vande Bharat 2.0?

Speed: It can the speed of 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 52 seconds and a maximum speed up to 180 kilometers per hour.

Weight: It will weigh 392 tons when compared to the previous version of 430 tons.

Safety Features: The train comes fitted with the automatic anti-collision system Kavach, which the previous trains did not have.Coaches have disaster lights and their battery backup is for three hours, increased from the last one’s one-hour battery backup.

Seats: All the seats are recliner seats as opposed to the previous versions which had fixed backseats in lower class.Executive Coaches have the added feature of 180-degree rotating seats.

Wifi: The train also has a wifi-enabled onboard infotainment system and the LCD display in each coach.

Air purification: The internal air is filtered through photo catalytic ultraviolet air purification systems with UV lamps which deactivates 99 percent of germs.