9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – October 21st, 2023
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Not just a case about improving investigation
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Not just a case about improving investigation” published in The Hindu on 21st October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Governance — Role of civil services in a democracy.
News: This article discusses the issue of poor quality of investigation in India. It also highlights the status of implementation of reforms such as the separation of investigative functions.
The Supreme Court of India, recently, in Rajesh & Anr. vs The State of Madhya Pradesh, emphasised the need to devise ‘a consistent and dependable code of investigation’ so that the guilty do not walk free on technicalities.
The Court also mentioned the poor standard of police investigation and the principal causes of a low rate of conviction due to inept and unscientific investigation by the police.
What are the various official observations regarding the quality of police investigation?
1) Malimath Committee: It recommended that the investigation wing should be separate from that of the law-and-order wing.
2) Law Commission’s Report number 239: observed that ‘the police stations are understaffed’, ‘sufficient priority is not given for investigation of crime’ and that ‘there is no periodic exercise to upgrade the skills of investigation’.
3) Prakash Singh Case (2006): Out of the 7 directives by the Supreme Court, one pertained to a separation of investigation from law and order to ensure quicker investigation, better expertise and improved rapport with the people.
What has been the response of the States in implementing these recommendations?
According to Prakash Singh (Retd IPS), only 17 states have taken measures to separate the investigative and law and order functions of the police.
When it came to the overall 7 directives, only 9 States fell under the ‘good and satisfactory’ category.
What should be done?
1) Sanctioning of additional manpower: Investigating officers are not only inadequate in number but are also unable to upgrade their skills because there is a shortage of officers.
2) Ensuring compliance: The Supreme Court needs to step forward and ask every State and Union Territory to report compliance of its directives on investigation.
3) Consistency in rulings: There must be consistency in court rulings regarding Indian Evidence Act.
C Raja Mohan writes: If the Gaza crisis explodes, India too will lose
Source: This post has been created based on the article “If the Gaza crisis explodes, India too will lose” published in The Indian Express on 21st October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations — Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
News: This article discusses the implications of the recent Israel-Palestine crisis on India and its foreign policy imperatives in the wake of the Gaza war.
In wake of the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, the triumph of violent religious extremism and the weakening of moderate regimes will have security and political consequences for India.
What have been the underpinnings of India’s foreign policy in the Middle East?
1) India’s early stance on the Middle East involved the preference for modern secular nationalists. India was uncomfortable with traditionalist and religious forces in the region.
2) Several developments since the late 1970s led to the rise of violent religious extremism and Islamic republicanism that today threaten both secular and conservative regimes.
3) In the last few years, India has become closer to Arab moderates and Israel. This has been facilitated by the “converging interests” and “expanding engagement” between Arab moderates and Israel.
What are the implications of the recent crisis for India?
This crisis has cast a shadow over India’s recent gains in the Middle East.
The challenge for Indian policy is the possible breaking up of the emerging coalition of Arab moderates and Israel and limiting the rise of forces seeking regional chaos.
The triumph of violent religious extremism will also impact India politically and in terms of security.
The Gaza war has compelled Saudi Arabia to suspend dialogue with Israel. Muslim countries that were looking at engaging Israel are walking away from that idea.
How should India deal with these challenges?
3 essential areas need to be given attention by Indian foreign policy:
1) Encouraging moderation in Israel: India must caution Israel against its quest for revenge.
It is unlikely that Hamas’s ideology can be defeated through military means. In fact, the massive costs of Israel’s invasion will lend greater legitimacy to Hamas and weaken that of Israel.
2) Strengthening the moderate Palestinian Authority against Hamas.
3) Recognition of the regional ambitions of Iran and Turkey which may have implications for India (E.g., in J&K).
Strengthening moderates in Israel and Palestine, supporting reconciliation between them, and promoting a wider coalition of moderate states is critical for India’s long-term prospects in the Middle East.
Unseating Futures-Cancelled MBBS admissions hide a bigger problem
Source: The post is based on the article “Unseating Futures – Cancelled MBBS admissions hide a bigger problem” published in The Times of India on 21st October 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.
News: The National Medical Council (NMC) cancelled MBBS admissions in private medical colleges in Maharashtra. Some colleges violated NMC’s rules. NMC has been accused of being too strict. Aspiring doctors are negatively affected.
Why did the NMC cancel MBBS admissions in private colleges in Maharashtra?
Violation of Deadlines: Admissions in some colleges went beyond the NMC’s allowed deadline of September 30.
Stray Vacancy Round: Maharashtra’s medical education department allowed students to apply directly to individual private medical colleges for Round 4, termed the “stray vacancy” round.
Breach of Centralized Admission Rule: NMC specified that all four rounds of MBBS admissions must be done centrally and online. Maharashtra’s approach was contrary to this.
What are the impacts of the admissions being cancelled?
Uncertainty for Students: Aspiring doctors are left in a lurch, with their futures becoming uncertain due to the abrupt cancellation of admissions.
Reputation of Colleges: Private medical colleges, notorious for questionable practices, face scrutiny and reputational damage with such cancellations.
Conflicts Among Stakeholders: Disagreements arise between the regulator (NMC), state governments, and colleges, causing further chaos in the admissions process.
Questionable Decisions by NMC: NMC’s decision to derecognize colleges, even well-regarded government ones, for minor breaches, has raised eyebrows.
Transparency Concerns: NMC’s lack of transparency, especially by not making its inspection reports public, is concerning for all stakeholders involved.
Making films accessible to the disabled can serve everyone
Source: The post is based on the article “Making films accessible to the disabled can serve everyone” published in “Indian express” on 21st October 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- Governance- protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.
News: The article discusses the need for media accessibility in India for people with disabilities, especially the deaf and blind. It highlights the benefits of features like subtitles for everyone, not just the disabled. The article suggests including accessibility features in digital film packages, making it easier and cost-effective for the entertainment industry. The government’s role is emphasized in setting guidelines for this change.
Why is media accessibility important for people with disabilities?
Representation in Court: Sarah Sunny was the first to use Indian Sign Language in the Supreme Court, highlighting the necessity for accessible communication tools.
Media Access for All: Rahul Bajaj’s case in the Delhi High Court emphasized the need for accessible cinema halls. With interpreters, deaf and hard of hearing persons can follow court proceedings.
Universal Benefit: The article debunks the myth that only the deaf and blind benefit from media accessibility. The BIRD initiative has shown that features like Same Language Subtitles help improve literacy and language skills for everyone, even in noisy environments.
Rural Demand: BIRD’s surveys in rural schools revealed a strong preference for content with subtitles, showing its wide-reaching impact.
How can the government help?
Setting Standards: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) can establish Accessibility Standards. With their oversight over all entertainment content, MIB can set necessary guidelines to ensure content is accessible.
Certification Inclusion: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) can require films to provide Same Language Subtitles or Captions (SLS/SLC) and Audio-Description (AD) files after they’ve been certified. This would make these features an integral part of the film certification process.
Leading by Example: The Delhi High Court has already directed Yash Raj Films to deposit SLS/SLC and AD files for their film “Pathaan.” This can become a standard practice for all films.
What should be done for media accessibility in India for people with disabilities?
Integrate Accessibility Features: Accessibility features should be an integral part of all content. This includes video and audio, making it easier for everyone to access.
Digital Content Package: Incorporate accessibility features as separate files in the Digital Content Package (DCP). This approach is cost-effective and can be implemented across various platforms and devices.
Flexibility in Use: Once integrated, stakeholders should have the freedom to turn accessibility features on or off at almost no additional cost.
Standardize Accessibility: Disability rights groups recommend four key features: SLC, AD, English translations, and ISL video interpretation. Adopting these ensures inclusive content distribution and consumption.
GS PAPER - 3
Mind The Gap, It’s Quickly Narrowing
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Mind The Gap, It’s Quickly Narrowing” published in The Times of India on 21st October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy Times of India— Indian Economy and issues relating to employment.
News: This article discusses the trends in of female labour force participation and wage gaps in India in the context of the recent Nobel Prize-winning research by Claudia Goldin.
A detailed discussion on Claudia Goldin’s research have been already covered in the following article: https://forumias.com/blog/nobel-prize-in-economics-2023-explained-pointwise/
There are two types of gender gaps according to Claudia Goldin:
First, women participate less in market work than men.
Second, women earn less than men.
These are considered critical for the economy by the IMF because a decline in these gaps contributes to “growth, resilience, financial stability and income equality”.
What is the paradox observed with respect to female LFPR in India?
With development and education, LFPR has gone upwards in most economies.
In India, both economic growth and female educational attainment had increased rapidly between 2004-05 and 2011-12. However, during the same period, Female LFPR in the Indian labour market declined.
The trend in FLFPR has not followed the increasing pattern estimated and forecast by Goldin.
Application of Goldin’s research: The accompanying table shows that regardless of the definition, FLFPR estimates for 2022-23 are very close to the 1993-94 estimates, thus confirming the Goldin ‘U’-shaped curve.
Source: Times of India
What is the status of the wage gap in India?
For ages 25-64, the gender wage gap is 30%. However, this wage gap does not adjust for education.
For all unmarried college degree workers, the wage gap is almost non-existent – only 3% (lower than the USA).
For all college educated workers, the wage gap is just 16% (again, lower than in the USA).
India has shown consistent improvement over the years in decline in the gender wage gap.
In conclusion, there is a labour force participation gap in India, but its level has been declining and is today very close to the level observed during 1993-2004, when India had a more liberal definition of female work.
The gender wage gap is low, and comparable to the best of the advanced countries, especially for college educated women.
Climate finance needs private funding too. This is how it can be done
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Climate finance needs private funding too. This is how it can be done” published in The Indian Express on 21st October 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Environment — Conservation.
News: This article discusses the requirement of private-sector funding for climate action and suggests ways to accomplish the same.
To address the overlapping challenges of poverty reduction, climate change and biodiversity protection, a monumental increase in global investments is needed.
Only public sector financing will not be sufficient. We also need private-sector funding. In this context, the Paris Pact for People and Planet proposes actions aimed at scaling up private capital flows.
How to ensure an increase in private-sector funding?
First, optimizing the use of resources of global climate funds and increasing partnerships.
Second, simplicity and consistency in financial rules to lower risk for investors who fund sustainable projects. This includes maintaining a stable and transparent environment and promoting investment opportunities.
Third, credit-rating agencies must be included in the reform agenda of multilateral development banks (MDBs).
Fourth, aligning the private financial sector with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. For e.g., partnerships such as Just Energy Transition Partnerships.
Finally, governments should address debt vulnerabilities in developing countries. For e.g., in the case of Sri Lanka.
What should be the role of India in countering these challenges?
India has a crucial role to play because of its economic size, and its unique capacity to build bridges rather than stir up divisions within the international community.
The spirit of India’s Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam must guide our efforts to make the global financial system more efficient and more just.
Water bodies are often seen as real estate which must be built on — that causes a cycle of floods and droughts
Source: The post is based on the article “Water bodies are often seen as real estate which must be built on — that causes a cycle of floods and droughts” published in “The Times of India” on 21st October 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Environment – Impact of global warming
News: The article discusses the changing relationship with water due to global warming and urbanization. It contrasts traditional Indian views with colonial perspectives. Modern practices, including medication and industrial waste, pollute water. Poor urban planning in the Global South leads to water issues. Solutions include ecological methods and modern science. The goal is a sustainable water future.
How is the relationship with water changing?
Global Warming’s Influence: Global warming is making water sources unpredictable, altering our interactions with this vital resource.
From Joyous to Crisis-Centered: Traditionally, water was seen as a nurturing element in India. Now, it’s often linked to crises like floods and droughts.
Colonial Impact: European colonials in India viewed water more as real estate or a tool. This shifted the perspective from water as life-sustaining to a utilitarian resource. For example, in Mumbai, valuable marshlands were built upon.
Health Concerns: Modern medication habits pollute water, leading to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This has changed water from a source of health to a potential threat.
Infrastructure Lag: In the Global South, rapid urban growth outpaces the development of water infrastructure, intensifying pollution.
Neglect of Ecological Knowledge: Earlier, drains used plants to purify water. Now, concrete structures prevent natural cleaning, altering the way we handle water waste.
What are the impacts of this changing relationship?
Water Quality Decline: Due to indiscriminate medication usage, water bodies are polluted, causing antibiotic-resistant bacteria to emerge.
Ecological Disruption: Modern urban planning often overlooks ecological methods. Drains no longer use plants that naturally clean water, harming aquatic ecosystems.
Loss of Wetlands: In the past, wetlands naturally filtered waste, enhancing farming and fishing. Many, like those in Hooghly, are now at risk or gone.
Increased Floods and Droughts: Chennai, for instance, faced floods in 2015 and water shortages in 2019 due to building over river systems and marshes.
Health Disparities: During colonial times, Europeans prioritized clean water for themselves, leaving native areas with contaminated sources.
Unsustainable Urban Growth: Cities in the Global South grow faster than their infrastructure, leading to widespread pollution, as seen across South America, Africa, and India.
What should be done?
Preserve Vital Ecosystems: Mangroves should be protected, as they play a crucial role in coastal areas.
Revive Nature-Based Solutions: Drawing from the colonial history of using wetlands for natural filtration, as seen in the Hooghly, we need to create and adopt modern nature-based solutions.
Improve Urban Infrastructure: Given the exponential growth of cities in the Global South, infrastructure, including roads and water systems, needs to be developed and upgraded.
Promote Waste Management: Introduce circular systems of waste management and segregate garbage to prevent pollution of marshes.
Harvest and Reuse: Encourage rainwater harvesting and the reuse of grey water to manage resources better.
Restore Traditional Practices: Drains once utilized certain plants for water purification. Such ecological knowledge should be re-introduced.
Focus on Upland Afforestation: Deforestation affects river volumes. Hydrological assessments and tree planting can mitigate this.
The evolving process of RE
Source: The post is based on the article “’The evolving process of RE” published in Business standard on 21st October 2023.
Syllabus: GS3- Economy- infrastructure (Energy)
News: The article discusses the growing interest in renewable energy due to fossil fuel supply concerns. Solar power is becoming cheaper, making it more popular. However, challenges like technology development and supply constraints exist.
Why is renewable energy (RE) popular?
Supply Disruptions: Concerns about disruptions in fossil fuel supply, like those seen during the Ukraine war and Israel-Hamas conflict, have heightened interest in RE.
Historical Precedence: The oil crises of 1973 and 1979 showcased a relationship between high fossil fuel prices and increased renewable investments.
Cost-effectiveness: Solar energy is becoming cheaper and, in many places, it’s the most affordable energy source. By 2027, it’s expected to be the cheapest almost everywhere.
Major Investments: Companies and countries are heavily investing in RE. For instance, India added 2.6 Gw of renewable capacity in just six months in 2023. Big names like Wipro, Google, and Amazon are also making the shift.
Future Predictions: A study indicates solar could provide 56% of global electricity by 2050, highlighting its growing prominence.
What challenges do we face?
New Technology Needs: The development of cheap green hydrogen and synthetic petrol technologies is essential. Current costs for green hydrogen are between $3 and $8/kg, with a target of $1/kg by 2030.
Storage Solutions: Lithium-storage batteries face potential shortages due to limited global reserves. Alternatives to lithium, such as sodium batteries, need to be developed.
Hydrogen Challenges: Hydrogen storage and transport remain significant hurdles for its broad use in fuel cells.
Energy Grid Balancing: Smart grids, mainly using solar and wind, need advancements to handle intermittent RE sources effectively.
Resource Scarcity: Some rare earth elements, crucial for RE technologies, are in short supply.
R&D Investment: Significant research is needed for aspects like storage solutions, electrolytes, and efficient recycling of industrial metals.
Advanced Propulsion: Electric propulsion systems for aircraft and ships still require significant development.
How do investors view RE?
Huge Investments Expected: The transition to renewables suggests that large amounts of money will be channeled into the sector.
Potential for Booms and Busts: Historically, significant transitions like these lead to market booms and busts. Investors recognize this pattern, as it’s challenging to value new renewable businesses accurately.
Opportunities and Risks: The shift to renewables presents both potential growth areas and risks for investors. With the growing interest in RE, there’s potential for high returns.
Valuation Challenges: As RE technologies and businesses are still emerging, determining their market value can be complex, leading to financial uncertainties.
The Next Investment Frontier: The RE transition is seen as a significant opportunity for financiers, positioning it as a primary focus for future investments.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
APAAR: All you need to know about this ‘One Nation, One ID’ to be rolled out for students
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “APAAR: All you need to know about this ‘One Nation, One ID’ to be rolled out for students” published in “TOI” on 20th October 2023
What is the News?
The Union Education Ministry has introduced the concept of ‘One Nation, One Student ID’ referred to as APAAR ID.
This concept is in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.The policy aims to create unique ID numbers for school students across India.
What is APAAR?
Source: TOI
APAAR stands for ‘Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry’.
It is a 12 digit digital identification system for school students in India.It will give each student enrolled from pre-primary to higher education a unique identification number.
It will digitally store academic qualifications, credit scores, certificates, and other academic data of students.
How can students enroll in APAAR?
The enrolment process will be carried out by the school, with the consent of the students parents.
The parents can withdraw their consent at any given point in time.
The data will be shared only with concerned government agencies if and when required.
The data collected on each student by the schools will be stored in a centrally functioning District Information for Education portal.
What are the benefits of APAAR for students?
APAAR is like a lifelong ID that helps you keep track of your school journey and achievements.
You can store your exam results, what you’ve learned and even your extra accomplishments like Olympiad rankings or receiving specialized skill training
It also makes switching schools easier because all the documents for admission are in one place.
What are the challenges with APAAR ID?
Data Security Worries: Because of past issues with Aadhaar data security, people are worried about the safety of their information with APAAR.
Extra Work for Schools: Schools are already dealing with verifying Aadhaar details for students.Adding APAAR registration can make things more complicated for teachers and staff.
Mahua Moitra and ‘cash for query’ row: How MPs ask questions in Lok Sabha
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “Mahua Moitra and ‘cash for query’ row: How MPs ask questions in Lok Sabha” published in “Indian Express” on 21st October 2023
What is the News?
Lok Sabha MP has been accused of asking questions in Parliament in exchange for cash and gifts from a businessman.
In this context, let us look at the procedure for asking questions in Lok Sabha.
What is the procedure for raising the questions?
The procedure for raising questions is governed by “Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha” and “Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha‟.
Notice Submission: MPs must give notice addressed to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha to ask a question.
– The notice includes the question text, the Minister’s designation to whom it’s directed, the desired answer date, and order of preference if multiple questions are submitted.
Typically, the notice period for a question is at least 15 days.
Limit on Notices: MPs can submit up to five notices for both oral and written answers for a single day.
– Excess notices are considered for the following day during the session.
Examination by Speaker: The Speaker of Lok Sabha reviews the notices according to specified rules.The Speaker decides if a question or part of it is admissible.
What are the conditions for the admissibility of questions?
Word Limit: Questions usually should not exceed 150 words.They must not contain arguments, defamatory statements, or reference to an individual’s character or conduct, except in their official or public capacity.
Policy Questions: Questions raising broad policy issues are generally not allowed because policy matters can’t be fully addressed in a brief answer.
Pending Matters: Question isn’t admissible if its subject matter is pending judgment before any court of law or any other tribunal or body set up under law or is under consideration before a Parliamentary Committee.
Threatens unity: A question can’t seek information on matters which may weaken the unity and integrity of the country.
What are the different types of questions?
What is the importance of raising questions?
Legislative Control: Asking questions is an inherent parliamentary right of MPs.It allows legislative control over executive actions.
Information and Critique: Questions are used to obtain information about government activities and criticize policies.
– They shed light on government shortcomings and encourage action for the common good.
Public Feedback: The government uses questions to gauge public reactions to their policies.
– Sometimes, questions can lead to the formation of a parliamentary commission, a court of enquiry or even the enactment of a legislation.
No violation of Vienna Convention rules: India
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “No violation of Vienna Convention rules: India” published in “Business Standard” on 21st October 2023
What is the News?
Canada has accused India of violating the Vienna Convention after India had asked for a reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats posted in India.
What is the Vienna Convention?
The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international treaty signed in 1961.
Aim: To put forth a framework for diplomatic interactions between independent nations and aims to ensure the development of friendly relations among nations.
Signed by: At present 193 countries are party to the convention.
The convention formalizes the longstanding practice of diplomatic immunity.It grants diplomatic missions privileges that enable diplomats to perform their functions without fear of coercion or harassment by the host country.
Why has Canada accused India of violating the Vienna Convention?
Canada has accused the Indian government of violating the Vienna Convention by forcing it to downsize its mission in India.
What was India’s response to this violation of the Vienna Convention?
India has said that its actions are as per provisions of Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (VCDR).
Article 11.1 pertains to the size of international missions within other countries.
It provides the receiving state the right to limit the size of a diplomatic mission to what it considers reasonable and normal.
Solar Panels to have Star Label indicating Quality and Energy Efficiency, Programme to be voluntary for first two years
Source: The post is based on the article “Solar Panels to have Star Label indicating Quality and Energy Efficiency, Programme to be voluntary for first two years” published in “PIB” on 21st October 2023
What is the News?
The Government has launched the Standards & Labelling Programme for solar panels.
What is the Standards & Labelling Programme?
Launched by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency(BEE)
Aim: To provide consumers an informed choice about the energy and cost-saving potential of the star labelled appliances/equipment being sold in the Indian market.
Rating: The scheme involves laying down energy performance norms for appliances/equipment by rating its energy performance on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 star labelled appliance being the most energy efficient one.
Appliances covered: The program presently covers 34 appliances.Out of which 15 appliances are under the mandatory regime which means these appliances cannot be sold in the market without the label and 19 appliances are in voluntary regime where the market is in development stage.
Significance: The scheme has resulted in overall electricity saving of 70.56 billion units translating to an abatement of 57.05 million ton of CO emission in FY 2021-2022.
What is the Standards & Labelling Programme for solar panels?
Source: PIB
Aim: To help the Indian customers to make an informed decision by helping citizens to know which brands of solar panels are more or less efficient.
Duration: The labelling will be voluntary for the first two years from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025.During this period, no labelling fee will be charged.
Significance: The program is expected to enhance Solar PV module efficiency by 2% over its existing levels.
– Due to this performance improvement, the electricity generation is expected to increase by 33GWh/year and this will offset ~27,000 tons of CO2 emission per annum.
Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO is set for first test flight
Source: The post is based on the article “Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO is set for first test flight” published in “The Hindu” on 21st October 2023
What is the News?
The Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) has launched Gaganyaan’s first Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1(TV-D1).
What is Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1(TV-D1)?
Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission 1 (TV-D1) is the first of two abort missions to test crew safety mechanisms for the Gaganyaan mission.
Aim: To check the effectiveness of Crew Escape System(CES) in taking the Crew Module(CM) to safety in case of an emergency during the Gaganyaan mission.
Objectives:
– Flight demonstration and evaluation of Test Vehicle sub systems.
– Flight demonstration and evaluation of the Crew Escape System including various separation systems.
– Crew Module characteristics & deceleration systems demonstration at higher altitude & its recovery.
Features: The test vehicle is a single-stage liquid rocket.
– It carries the Crew Module (CM) and Crew Escape Systems (CES) along with other components like the CM fairing (CMF) and Interface Adapters.
– The CM is the part where astronauts will stay during the Gaganyaan mission.For this test (TV-D1), an unpressurized version of CM is used.
– The flight will simulate the abort condition.CES with CM will be separated from the Test Vehicle at an altitude of about 17 km.
– Subsequently, the abort sequence will be executed with the separation of CES, parachutes deploying and eventually, the CM landing safely in the sea.
Significance of this test: The success of this test flight will set the stage for the remaining qualification tests and unmanned missions, leading to the first Gaganyaan mission with Indian Astronauts.
As part of ‘Meri Maati, Mera Desh’, Railways plans special trains
Source: The post is based on the article “As part of ‘Meri Maati, Mera Desh’, Railways plans special trains” published in “The Hindu” on 21st October 2023
What is the News?
Indian Railways will run special trains on October 29 to carry volunteers with soil (mitti) from different parts of the country to New Delhi.
This is part of the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ (My soil, my country) campaign.
What is the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ (My soil, my country) campaign?
Launched by: Ministry of Culture
Aim: To pay tribute to the Veers and Veeranganas [bravehearts] who have made the supreme sacrifice for the country.
Under the campaign, about 20,000 volunteers, each carrying soil in an urn (kalash), will gather in Delhi for events related to the year-long Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.
– Volunteers will collect soil from households as a mark of respect for those who sacrificed their lives for the country.If soil isn’t available, a grain of rice can be contributed.
– The collected soil will be used in the creation of the ‘Amrit Vatika,’ a special garden in Delhi, and an ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ memorial.
What is the contribution of the Ministry of Railways in this?
The Ministry of Railways would operate special ‘Amrit Kalash Yatri’ trains to facilitate the movement of the volunteers.
These trains would have halts at major stations for meet and greet with local Members of Parliament, celebrities and officials.
SC: The way Centre approves collegium picks ‘troublesome’
Source: The post is based on the article “SC: The way Centre approves collegium picks troublesome” published in “TOI” on 21st October 2023
What is the News?
The Supreme Court has cautioned the Union government against a “pick and choose” approach in matters of judicial appointments.
Background:
In 2021, the Supreme Court had expressed concerns over the growing number of vacancies in High courts and urged the central government to promptly notify the appointments of candidates endorsed by the Supreme Court collegium.
To streamline the process, the court established a timeline: The Intelligence Bureau (1B) should submit its reports to the central government within four to six weeks from the date of the high court collegium’s recommendation.
In turn, the central government should forward the recommendations to the Supreme Court within eight to 12 weeks of receiving the intelligence agency inputs and the state government’s views.
After the Supreme Court collegium sends its recommendations, the Centre should immediately notify the appointments of the candidates so endorsed or return the recommendations within the same period specifying the reasons for its reservations.
Finally, if any or all of the names are reiterated, the appointments would have to be processed and notified within three to four weeks from the receipt of the names.
What has happened after the Supreme Court streamlined the appointment process of judges?
A contempt petition was filed by the Advocates Association Bengaluru accusing the Centre of violating the court’s directions by not approving 11 names reiterated by the Supreme Court collegium.
What are the observations made by the Supreme Court on this contempt petition?
The Supreme Court said that the delay in appointments of judges ‘frustrated the whole system’.
It also expressed grave concerns over the Centre’s practice of pick and choose approach in matters of judicial appointments.It said that such practice disrupts the seniority of the persons nominated for judgeship.
Mid-Planning Conference For Multilateral Naval Exercise (MILAN) – 24
Source: The post is based on the article “Mid-Planning Conference For Multilateral Naval Exercise (MILAN) – 24” published in “PIB” on 21st October 2023
What is the News?
The Mid Planning Conference (MPC) of MILAN 24 (Multilateral Naval Exercise – 2024) was hosted by the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam.
What is Exercise MILAN?
Type: Biennial multilateral naval exercise
Started by: Indian Navy in 1995
Aim: To enhance professional interaction between friendly foreign navies and learn from each other’s strengths and best practices in the maritime domain.
Countries participation: The exercise began with the participation of just four countries: Indonesia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
– Over the years, it has grown in terms of both the number of participants and the complexity of exercises.In 2022, 39 countries participated in Milan exercise.
Significance: The exercise originally aligned with India’s ‘Look East Policy’.It later expanded to include more countries as part of India’s ‘Act East Policy’ and the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) initiative.
– This expansion involved nations from both the western Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the countries along the IOR coast.
Exercise MILAN 2024: It is likely to witness the largest-ever participation with invites being extended to over 50 countries.
– The exercise aligns with India’s G20 Presidency and the theme “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” emphasizing global unity.
Scientists reveal source of most powerful marsquake in history
Contents
Source: The post is based on the article “Scientists reveal source of most powerful marsquake in history” published in “Indian Express” on 20th October 2023
What is the News?
Scientists have found out the source of the most powerful Marsquake on Mars.
What are Marsquakes?
Marsquakes are seismic events or earthquakes that occur on the planet Mars.
Who detected Marsquakes on Mars?
NASA’s InSight mission had detected and recorded numerous marsquakes in 2022.This is the largest ever marsquake recorded in history.
What caused Marsquakes on Mars according to the study?
The study has found that the marsquake was caused by the release of tectonic forces from within the planet’s interior.
These stresses are the result of billions of years of evolution including the cooling and shrinking of different parts of the planet at different rates.