Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

• Express View on Santiniketan’s world heritage status: At home in the world

GS Paper 2

• India trails in deceased organ donation
• India-Middle East-Europe Corridor: The way to a new world order

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

Express View on Santiniketan’s world heritage status: At home in the world

News: Santiniketan, the home of late Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage sites list. It is India’s 41st world heritage site and the third in West Bengal. The move is a significant achievement.

About Santiniketan

Read Here: Tagore’s home Santiniketan added to UNESCO World Heritage List

What were the views of Rabindranath Tagore regarding Santiniketan?

Rabindranath Tagore’s educational experiment in Santiniketan was rooted in his belief that diversity was crucial to overcome the constraints of parochiality. 

In 1901, he established Patha Bhavan, a residential school, and in 1921, during Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, he founded Visva-Bharati as a global gurukul. 

The vision of establishing Visva-Bharati aimed to unite people beyond nationalism, focusing on the vision of shared humanity.

Tagore expressed his discontent with nationalism, which he saw as limiting and eventually leading to arrogance. His university vision aimed to connect people to nature and others worldwide, going beyond borders, unlike the Western model.

Santiniketan was meant to be a place of empathy, where teachers, students, colleagues, and neighbors built close relationships.

It was like a global village, with a motto “Yatra visvam bhavatieka nidam,” – unhindered by the territorial imagination of the nation-state.

What is the significance of listing Santiniketan in UNESCO World Heritage sites list?

Visva-Bharati is facing difficulties due to internal problems and the wider political changes affecting most of the higher education in the state.

The Tagorean vision for Visva-Bharati has also faced challenges in recent years, both in practice and philosophy. For instance, in 2017, the education wing of the RSS advocated for the removal of Tagore’s nationalist ideas from NCERT textbooks.

Further, in 2020, the university’s decision to build a wall around the campus, which was originally open, symbolized the growing disconnect between the university’s administration and its original vision.

Therefore, the World Heritage tag for Santiniketan is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of its tangible and intangible heritage, and how it can serve as a model for all universities.

GS Paper 2

India trails in deceased organ donation

News: The article discusses the low deceased organ donation rate in India compared to other countries, the increase in living transplants, the large number of patients waiting for organs, and the removal of age restrictions for transplant registrations.

What are the current trends in deceased organ donation?

Global Trends in Deceased Organ Donation:

The US dominates with 41 deceased organ donors per million.

Other countries’ rates: France (24.7), UK (19.8), Germany (11.1), Japan (0.62), Brazil (13.8), and China (3.63).

Most countries, except the US, saw a decline from 2019 to 2021, likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

India’s Trends in Deceased Organ Donation:

India has a low rate of 0.4 deceased donors per million.

Deceased transplants have increased, tripling from 837 in 2013 to 2,694 in 2022.

Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Maharashtra lead in deceased donor transplants.

What is the trend for living transplants in India?

Living transplants in India rose from 4,153 in 2013 to 13,338 in 2022.

Most living donor transplants took place in Delhi (3,422), Tamil Nadu (1,690), Kerala (1,423), Maharashtra (1,222), and West Bengal (1,059).

The leading states for deceased donor transplants were Tamil Nadu (555), Telangana (524), Karnataka (478), Gujarat (398), and Maharashtra (303).

What are the challenges still present in organ transplantation in India?

Demand outpaces supply: 57,000 patients registered for organ transplants by 2022, but only a fraction receive them.

Number of procedures suggests kidney and liver transplants are more common than lung or intestine transplants.

Precise number of Indians requiring transplants isn’t recorded, indicating the waiting list might be longer than currently known.

What are the recent changes made in organ transplantation rules in India?

Age-based restrictions removed: Previously, only patients under 65 could register for transplants. Now, patients of all ages can register.

India-Middle East-Europe Corridor: The way to a new world order

News: India, the United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Italy, and the EU have decided to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

What is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)?

Click Here to Read

IMEC comprises two corridors: an eastern one connecting India to the Arabian Gulf and a northern corridor linking the Arabian Gulf to Europe. Both ends of the IMEC corridor have robust port, rail, and road infrastructure.

While India has a vast, integrated railroad network and mega ports in the east, in the west of the IMEC, the Mediterranean Sea route connects seamlessly to Greece, Italy, France, and Spain, with efficient rail and road links to Europe.

IMEC has gained support from participating states and financial institutions like the World Bank, driven by promising returns.

Its distinctive features include green initiatives like laying electricity cables and a clean hydrogen pipeline, aligning with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainability.

What is the significance of IMEC?

IMEC is a new trade route that will connect Asia with Europe through the Gulf. It will be shorter and more efficient than the current maritime route, which relies heavily on the congested Suez Canal.

It links major ports in western India with major shipping ports in the Gulf, and then uses the Saudi rail network to transport cargo to the port of Haifa in Israel.

From Haifa, cargo can be shipped to European ports on bulk container trains and post Panamax ships. Thus, IMEC will reduce transportation costs and delivery times for both Asian and European businesses.

Further, IMEC can unite India, West Asia, and Europe for remarkable growth. India can lead regionally and assist neighboring economies by leveraging its expertise in rail and infrastructure for IMEC’s development.

Must Read: India Middle East Europe Corridor-Explained

What are the challenges with IMEC?

IMEC requires infrastructure to facilitate cargo transport between ships and trains. This involves constructing missing rail links, terminals, and inland container depots at major Gulf and Mediterranean ports.

For instance, the missing rail link between Saudi Arabia and Jordan is a crucial challenge for the success of IMEC.

The IMEC project will also require Jordan and Israel to build a missing rail link between them and for the port of Haifa to expand its capacity. This is critical to ensure seamless transport from Gulf ports to Haifa and onwards to Europe.

IMEC’s success also relies on a consistent standard gauge railway network. Hence, to enhance it, the focus should be on developing feeder rail routes connecting hinterlands that can integrate with the main corridor.

What can be the course of action?

IMEC has potential but requires substantial effort to become successful.

In this regard, a working group should be created to prepare a detailed plan to tackle challenges, and participating nations must sign a comprehensive agreement with a clear timeframe.

GS Paper 3

Flight to self-sufficiency-AF orders are increasing domestic production

News: Airbus gave the first C-295 plane to the Indian Air Force (IAF). India will make 40 more with Tata’s help. This will create many jobs in India. The C-295 is better than older planes and has many uses. India is also ordering more engines for new aircrafts.

About Airbus deliver to India

Airbus delivered the first C-295 aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The aircraft is part of a 56-plane order to replace the ageing HS-748 Avro fleet.

The initial 16 C-295s will be assembled in Seville, Spain.

Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) will manufacture the remaining 40 in Vadodara, India, by August 2031.

C-295 has versatile roles including troop transport, medical evacuation, and disaster response.

How will this impact India’s aerospace industry?

New Private Sector Role: For the first time, a private firm, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL), is trusted by the defence ministry to fully assemble a military aircraft.

Local Manufacturing: TASL will manufacture and assemble 40 of the C-295 aircraft in Vadodara by August 2031.

Shift of Work: 96% of Airbus’s work in Spain will move to India, undertaken by the Tata consortium.

Detailed Production: TASL will produce 13,400 detailed parts, 4,600 sub-assemblies, and seven major component assemblies in India.

Employment Boost: The project is set to create 15,000 direct jobs and 10,000 indirect jobs in the next decade.

Evolving Aerospace Ecosystem: This initiative will significantly develop and strengthen India’s aerospace ecosystem.

Empowering MSMEs for export success

News: The article discusses the potential of India’s MSMEs in global trade, highlighting their challenges in scaling and exporting. It suggests reforms, like leveraging e-commerce and simplifying regulations, to help MSMEs capture a larger share of the global market and boost India’s exports.

What is India’s MSME potential in global trade?

Significant Contributor: MSMEs account for 27% of India’s GDP and provide 110 million jobs.

Untapped Global Market: Despite their domestic contribution, they tap into just a small fraction of the global market. For instance, India’s toy market is valued at $1 billion, whereas the global market stands at $300 billion.

E-commerce Opportunity: The rise of e-commerce platforms can help MSMEs access global customers. However, India’s current e-commerce exports are only $2 billion, in contrast to China’s 8% of total exports via e-commerce.

Export Potential: If reforms are implemented, MSMEs could contribute over $100 billion towards India’s targeted exports of $1 trillion by 2030.

What are the major challenges faced by MSMEs in India?

Size Limitation: 85% of MSMEs, described as “dwarfs”, have existed for over 10 years but still employ fewer than 100 employees, indicating limited dynamism.

Struggle in Global Market Access: India’s share in global merchandise exports is around 2%, with MSMEs contributing just 6% of Indian exports. Only about 1% of MSMEs are exporters, suggesting a challenge in capturing the global market.

Small Scale Impediments: For a typical small business, navigating logistical, financial, and compliance complexities of exporting is difficult.

Regulatory Challenges: Existing financial regulations put undue compliance burdens on MSMEs. For instance, a carpet stored in a US warehouse faces pricing limitations—it can’t be discounted below 75% of the declared value if demand is low, or priced higher than 125% if demand is high. This reduces the flexibility MSMEs have in responding to market demands.

Lack of Simplified Export Processes: MSMEs need to interact with multiple government interfaces for compliance processes, making exports cumbersome. There’s no consolidated source of information for them. Even though a portal has been proposed to post the G20 meeting to gather information, integrating all compliance processes into this portal remains a pressing need.

What should be done?

Separation of Roles: Present regulations should be revised to let “exporter” and “product owner” be separate. This change can simplify collaborations between small enterprises and aggregators, allowing the latter to manage most compliance aspects.

Revise Financial Rules for Exports: Financial regulations, formed in an era focused on controlling every dollar of foreign exchange, should be updated. These outdated rules impose a burden on MSMEs. An example is the limitation on dynamic pricing for goods like carpets stored abroad.

Introduce a “Green Channel”: To speed up Customs clearance for e-commerce exports, a “green channel” should be established. This has been successful in China since 2014.

Unified Trade Portal: Launch a comprehensive trade portal that amalgamates all export-related information and processes. Currently, MSMEs lack a reliable source of export info and encounter multiple government touch points.

A chocolate nudge can serve a public purpose

News: The State Bank of India (SBI) is using behavioral cues and AI technology to detect potential loan defaulters. It is employing a friendly approach, like home visits with chocolates, to encourage repayments, which has shown positive results amid rising loan demands.

What new strategy is SBI using?

SBI’s New Strategy: Behavioral Cues

SBI observes behaviors of borrowers to predict potential defaults.

The bank found a strong correlation between clients ignoring reminder calls and defaulting on their loans.

As a response, if a borrower doesn’t answer calls, SBI sends an executive for a surprise visit with chocolates. This friendly approach serves as a polite reminder of their dues.

This method has successfully reduced retail loan defaults, showing its effectiveness.

SBI’s New Strategy: AI Technology

The bank has collaborated with two fintech firms to leverage AI tools.

The aim of this partnership is to help reduce loan defaults further.

By integrating technology with their strategies, SBI aims to keep defaults down in an ever-evolving banking environment.

What are its implications?

Behavioral Approach: By observing that clients who ignore reminder calls often default, SBI has found a new way to anticipate potential non-payment.

Friendly Intervention: Sending an executive with chocolates for a home visit serves as a polite memory jog. This method has proven effective in reducing retail loan defaults.

Involving Technology: SBI’s collaboration with two fintech firms equipped with AI tools suggests a tech-driven future for banking solutions and default management.

Possible Emotional Impact: While personal contact might work for many, it could exert additional pressure on those genuinely struggling to pay.

Changing Recovery Tactics: Given past industry scandals involving coercive recovery methods, SBI’s novel approach is exemplary and could inspire a change in recovery tactics industry-wide.

R S Sharma on PM-WANI’s potential to transform India’s digital public infrastructure

News– The article explains the PM-WANI scheme of Indian government

How has the state of connectivity has undergone a significant transformation over the past seven years?

There is proliferation of mobile phones, extensive 4G network coverage, substantial reduction in pricing, and the widespread adoption of smartphones.

Supportive policies like Net Neutrality and the emphasis on developing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) have also played a crucial role in advancing the Digital India initiative. It has led to a substantial rise in digital transactions.

What are the challenges for connectivity in India?

This expansion has also given rise to a substantial increase in data requirements. Presently, the average data consumption per person in India is 19.5 GB per month.

The total data traffic handled by mobile networks surpasses the combined data usage of the mobile networks in the United States and China.

Consequently, there exists a significant disparity between the demand for data and its affordability. It is particularly among low-income households and rural areas in India.

What are some facts about PM-WANI?

In a concept like the PCOs of the past. It establishes millions of interoperable Wi-Fi hotspots known as Public Data Offices (PDOs).

These PDOs would serve as shared infrastructure for delivering last-mile broadband connectivity in affordable packages costing between Rs 5 and Rs 10.

The idea was successfully tested and presented to the Department of Telecom (DOT) as Wi-Fi Access Network Interface (WANI) in March 2017.

In December 2020, PM-WANI was approved. It eliminated the need for licences or permits to commence operations. COVID-19 pandemic halted progress. Now, the operators, known as Public Data Office Aggregators (PDOAs), have resumed their work.

In the past year alone, more than 150,000 Wi-Fi hotspots have been installed by PDOAs.

There has been the introduction of various entities such as PDO, PDOA, app providers, and a central registry. Thus, an open and scalable framework has been established.

What is the potential of PM-WANI?

This framework creates business opportunities for aggregators. It allows for the unbundling of internet distribution at the last mile without the need for additional licensing fees.

It lays a strong foundation for delivering affordable internet access to a significant portion of society.

Currently, India has one of the lowest home broadband penetration rates globally. PM-WANI offers a golden opportunity to accelerate the penetration of high-speed unlimited internet and bridge the digital divide.

PM-WANI also fosters the growth of local micro-entrepreneurs. These local service providers, operating from small shops, neighbourhood businesses, and even households, can supplement their monthly incomes.

It benefits ISPs and telecommunications companies as they can sell more bandwidth by transforming their end customers into retailers.

Green Tax, Black Mark – on EU’ CBAM

News– Starting October 1, India’s steel and aluminum exports to the European Union will face uncertainty and increased costs due to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) introduced by the EU in April this year.

How will CBAM impact Indian firms?

The EU will roll out CBAM in two stages.

The first phase is the transition period. It commences on October 1, 2023, and runs until December 31, 2025.

During this phase, Indian companies must provide extensive data related to production and emissions for products exported to the EU. The data requirements are exceptionally detailed.

The EU has proposed substantial penalties for non-submission or incomplete data. It will be a challenge for many small and medium-sized firms.

Second stage will start from January 2026, the CBAM tax burden will be implemented. The estimated cost is equivalent to a tariff ranging from 20% to 35%. It will increase the cost of exports.

What are some facts about CBAM?

Initially, CBAM will be applied to specific sectors such as steel, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity, cement, and hydrogen. However, the EU plans to progressively expand the scope of CBAM. By 2034, it will encompass all products from all countries.

CBAM was introduced to address the issue of carbon leakage. It prevents EU companies from relocating to countries with less stringent emission regulations.

The EU’s Emissions Trading System sets emissions reduction targets for most power and industrial installations. Those exceeding the emissions limit are required to purchase emission allowances through auctions. Market determines the price of these allowances.

CBAM aims to compel polluting companies to improve their emissions while deterring relocation by increasing the cost of imports.

What are concerns related to CBAM?

CBAM essentially divides the world into two categories: CBAM-charging countries and others. Companies dealing with countries subject to CBAM must adopt cleaner technologies or face significant taxes, while trade with the rest of the world remains unaffected.

This division is expected to disrupt existing global supply chains and lead to increased trade expenses.

The tax imposed by CBAM exceeds the maximum tariff levels that countries are committed to under the World Trade Organization. Consequently, post-CBAM, WTO tariff commitments lose their significance for the EU.

Moreover, FTAs will become one-sided. If India and the EU establish such an agreement, EU goods will enter India without duties, while Indian exports to the EU will still face taxes ranging from 20-35%.

Way forward for India

Develop a calibrated retaliation mechanism (CRM)- For instance, in March 2018, when the US imposed import tariffs on India’s steel and aluminium, India responded by increasing tariffs on 29 specific US products.

This involved precise calculations to ensure that India collected equivalent revenue from US products as the US did from Indian steel and aluminium.

Calibrated Retaliation Mechanism (CRM) offers several advantages, including swift implementation. India can easily adjust product lists and tariff levels to align with the actions of the EU. CRM could be used to counteract the impact of these schemes on Indian exports.

Rename specific existing levies – India could reclassify certain duties as carbon taxes. It will allow companies to offset the tax paid in EU, reducing their overall tax burden.

Other steps- Firms should consider hiring an energy auditor to prepare data in the format prescribed by the EU.

In the long term, larger firms may contemplate establishing two production lines for the same product. One can cater to carbon tax markets like the EU, and the other to serve the rest of the world.

Ships Of State – on India’s Naval Strength

News– Indian navy has ordered 68 warships and vessels.

What are the challenges faced by the Indian navy?

Strength- Currently, India’s navy boasts 132 warships alongside 143 aircraft and 130 helicopters. The target is to increase the fleet to a minimum of 175 warships by 2035.

In contrast, China already possesses the world’s largest navy. It comprises 355 warships and submarines. The projections indicate that this number will expand to 555 within the next five to six years.

Production- It is widely acknowledged that India’s shipbuilding rate is very low. While China constructs approximately 14 warships annually, India manages only four.

There has been an improvement in construction speed. But the retirement of older ships continually puts India at a disadvantage.

For instance, despite the induction of five Scorpene submarines, the navy falls short by eight submarines compared to the target of 24 by 2030.

Indigenization- India has achieved 90% indigenization in the float component of warships but has fallen short in the propulsion and fight components (weapons and sensors).

Operational- India’s strategic presence spans the Indo-Pacific from Africa to the western Pacific. So, establishing navy-led joint theatre commands is crucial.

However, the process of establishing theatre commands has been slow.

What should be done?

There is a pressing need to enhance the navy’s capital budget, expand the technical foundation for warship construction and recognize the economic benefits of warship building.

A strong political push is needed to expedite this process. There should be a greater emphasis on increasing the navy’s capital budget and diversifying the technical expertise in warship construction.

Furthermore, warship construction can have a multiplier effect. One shipyard job creating up to six jobs in related industries.

Where has India’s record wheat and rice output gone?

News– The article explains the recent policy steps taken by the government for wheat and rice procurement and marketing and their impacts on inflation

What is the inflation scenario in the country?

Food inflation is unlikely to ease soon, primarily due to persistently high inflation in cereal prices, particularly wheat and rice.

In August, cereals contributed almost as much to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation as tomatoes. It accounted for 15.49% as compared to 15.51% for tomatoes.

In August, rice CPI inflation stood at 12.5%, despite the government’s ban on non-basmati rice exports, the sale of rice from its stockpiles, the imposition of a 20% export duty on parboiled rice, and the establishment of a minimum export price for basmati rice.

What are the recent policy measures by the central government for wheat procurement and marketing?

The government claims there has been a record production of wheat for this year and the previous year.

Despite this, the government has placed bans on wheat exports since May 2022 and on the export of atta and similar products since August 2022.

There are also restrictions on traders, millers, wholesalers, and retail chains from holding more than 3,000 tonnes of wheat. Smaller retailers and shops have a limit of 10 tonnes.

Despite these measures, the government has only managed to procure 26.1 million tonnes of wheat. It is falling short of the current target of 34 million tonnes for the rabi season. These measures did not significantly improve procurement.

It led to widespread of concern procuring wheat at such elevated prices for its free food program.

Purchasing wheat at market rates would have placed an unsustainable burden on the treasury.

To reduce prices, the government sold wheat from its reserves at prices lower than the economic cost.

This strategy succeeded in dragging down market prices to the minimum support price (MSP) level. It resulted in wheat CPI inflation dropping to slightly above 9% by August.

What’s causing this high inflation?

According to an analysis by agricultural economist Ashok Gulati, non-basmati rice exports surged from 1.38 million tonnes in 2019-20 to 6.4 million tonnes in 2022-23.

According to Gulati, these exports occurred at prices lower than the minimum support price (MSP). It is implying that rice from the free food program is leaking out of the country in significant quantities and leading to higher domestic prices.

What will be the impact of any policy missteps at this juncture?

Food inflation and supply disruptions have the potential to spill over into the broader economy.

Elevated retail inflation might compel the central bank to raise interest rates. It will harm India’s economic recovery and increase the government’s already substantial borrowing costs.

This could pose a threat to fiscal consolidation. Furthermore, depressing farmer incomes is counterproductive as it reduces consumption expenditure in the economy.

Way forward-

The most effective way to guard against shortage is to import wheat. This strategy was employed in 2016-17 when the late Ram Vilas Paswan was in charge of food supplies. International wheat prices are currently manageable.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Why London’s India Club, visited by leaders like Nehru, Mountbatten and VK Menon, is closing down

Source: The post is based on the article “Why London’s India Club, visited by leaders like Nehru, Mountbatten and VK Menon, is closing down”  published in Indian Express on 18th September 2023

What is the News?

London’s India Club is set to close down permanently on September 17 after decades of operations.

What is India Club?

India club is located in the Strand Continental Hotel in London,UK.

It was started in 1951 by the India League, a British organization that started out as an advocate for Indian independence and self-rule (swaraj) and included members of the elite in British society. 

Later on, it hoped to play a role in furthering Indo-British friendship in the post-independence era.

Which famous personalities visited India Club?

VK Krishna Menon, the diplomat and former Indian Defence Minister had a role to play in the founding of the Club as one of the secretaries of the India Club. 

Dr Rajendra Prasad, the first President of independent India, Lord Mountbatten – the last Viceroy of India, former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the first British Indian MP Dadabhai Naoroji visited this club.

Why is India Club closing down?

The India Club is shutting down due to a combination of factors.The owners have been running the establishment since 1997. In 2018, they faced a threat of partial demolition when the landlords wanted to modernize the building. They launched a “Save India Club” campaign and initially succeeded in preventing demolition.

However, the COVID-19 lockdowns in the UK severely affected restaurant businesses, and the owners also faced steep rent increases during a cost-of-living crisis.These challenges made it financially unsustainable for them to continue running the India Club.

Karnataka’s sacred ensembles of Hoysalas inscribed on UNESCO world heritage list

Source: The post is based on the article “Karnataka’s sacred ensembles of Hoysalas inscribed on UNESCO world heritage list”  published in Indian Express on 19th September 2023

What is the News?

The Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas has been inscribed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List.This will be India’s 42nd UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What are Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas?

Sacred Ensembles of the Hoysalas comprises three temples in Karnataka namely the Channakeshava temple in Belur, the Hoysaleshvara temple in Halebidu and the Keshava temple in Somanathapura.

These temples were constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries by the Hoysala kings and are dedicated to deities Shiva and Vishnu.

Channakeshava temple – Belur:

Chennakeshava Temple is also referred to as Vijayanarayana Temple of Belur.It is a 12th-century Hindu temple in Karnataka.

It is located on the banks of Yagachi River (also called Badari River in historic texts), a tributary of Hemavati River.

The temple was commissioned by King Vishnuvardhana in 1117 CE, on the banks of the Yagachi River in Belur also called Velapura, an early Hoysala Empire capital.

The temple is devoted to Vishnu.

The richly sculptured exterior of the temple narrates scenes from the life of Vishnu and his reincarnations and the epics, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.However, some of the representations of Shiva are also included.

Hoysaleshvara temple in Halebidu:

Hoysaleswara temple also referred simply as the Halebidu temple is a 12th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.It is located on the banks of Dwarasamudra tank.

The temple was built in 1121CE during the reign of the Hoysala King, Vishnuvardhana Hoysaleshwara.

The temple is most well-known for the more than 240 wall sculptures that run all along the outer wall. 

Keshava Temple- Somanathapura:

Keshava Temple is a Vaishnava temple on the banks of River Kaveri at Somanathapura, Karnataka.

The temple was consecrated in 1258 CE by Somanatha Dandanayaka, a general of the Hoysala King Narasimha III.

The temple is enclosed in a courtyard with a pillared corridor of small shrines (damaged).The main temple in the center is on a high star-shaped platform with three symmetrical sanctums (garbha-griha).

The western sanctum was for a statue of Kesava (missing), the northern sanctum of Janardhana and the southern sanctum of Venugopala, all forms of Vishnu.

2nd Edition of Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar (Swavlamban-2023)

Source: The post is based on the article “2nd Edition of Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation Seminar (Swavlamban-2023)”  published in PIB on 18th September 2023

What is the News?

The 2nd Edition of the Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation (NIIO) Seminar – ‘Swavlamban 2023’ is scheduled to be conducted.

What is Swavlamban 2023?

Organized by: Indian Navy’s Naval Innovation and Indigenisation (NIIO)

Purpose: To engage Indian industry and academia towards achieving self-reliance in the Defence sector. 

What is the SPRINT Initiative?

SPRINT is a collaborative initiative being undertaken by Naval Innovation and Indigenisation (NIIO) in conjunction with the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).

Full Form: SPRINT stands for Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), NIIO and Technology Development Acceleration Cell (TDAC).

Aim: To give a boost to the usage of indigenous technology in the Indian Navy.

As part of this initiative, Indian Navy aims to induct at least 75 new indigenous technologies/products into the Indian Navy. 

Coastal security drill ‘Operation Sajag’ conducted by Indian Coast Guard along the west coast

Source: The post is based on the article “Coastal security drill ‘Operation Sajag’ conducted by Indian Coast Guard along the west coast”  published in PIB on 18th September 2023

What is the News?

The Indian Coast Guard conducted a drill called “Operation Sajag” along the west coast. 

What is Operation Sajag?

Operation Sajag is a monthly drill conducted by Indian Coast Guard 

Purpose: To revalidate the coastal security system while raising awareness among fishermen at sea.

Significance: The drill involves a thorough review of various coastal security measures and highlights important lessons and emerging trends in coastal security.

What are the measures taken to strengthen coastal security?

The measures taken to strengthen coastal security are: Issuance of Biometric cards for the fishermen, colour coding of fishing boats as per each state, manning of fish landing centers and access control at entry/exit check points, coastal mapping, designating specific marine band frequency for security agencies, training of marine police personnel by Indian Coast Guard amongst others.

SHREYAS scheme empowers thousands: over 2300 crore rupees allocated for education of SC and OBC students since 2014

Source: The post is based on the article “SHREYAS scheme empowers thousands: over 2300 crore rupees allocated for education of SC and OBC students since 2014”  published in PIB on 18th September 2023

What is the News?

This article talks about the sub schemes under the SHREYAS Scheme.

What is SHREYAS Scheme?

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Full Form: Scholarships for Higher Education for Young Achievers Scheme(SHREYAS)

Sub Schemes: The scheme comprises of 4 central sector sub-schemes.These all sub-schemes are central sector schemes:

Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs: The objective of the Scheme is to provide coaching of good quality for economically disadvantaged Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates to enable them appear in competitive and entrance examinations for obtaining appropriate jobs in Public/Private Sector as well as for securing admission in reputed technical and professional higher education institutions. 

– The ceiling of the total family income under the scheme is 8 lakhs per annum.3500 slots are allotted per annum. 

– The ratio of SC: OBC students is 70:30 and 30% slots are reserved for females in each category. In case of non-availability of the adequate number of candidates in SC category, the Ministry can relax this ratio. However, in no case, less than 50% SC students shall be permitted.

Top Class Education for SCs: The Scheme aims at recognizing and promoting quality education amongst students belonging to SCs, by providing full financial support.The Scheme will cover SC students for pursuing studies beyond 12th class. 

– The scholarship, once awarded, will continue till the completion of the course, subject to satisfactory performance of the student. 

– The ceiling of the total family income under the scheme is 8 lakhs per annum. 

National Overseas Scheme for SCs: The scheme provides financial assistance to the selected students from SCs (115 slots); De-notified, Nomadic and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (6 slots); landless agricultural laborers and traditional artisan categories (4 slots), for pursuing masters and Ph.D. level courses abroad.Presently, 125 slots are allotted under the scheme.

– Eligibility: Total family income including the candidate is less than Rs. 8 lakhs per annum, secured more than 60% marks in the qualifying examination, are below 35 years of age and secured admission in top 500 QS ranking foreign Institutes/ Universities.

– Benefits: The scheme provides total tuition fee, maintenance and contingency allowance, visa fee, to and fro air passage etc to the awardees.

National Fellowship for SC Students: The scheme provides fellowship to Scheduled Castes students for pursuing higher education leading to M.Phil/ Ph.D degrees in Sciences, Humanities and Social Sciences in Indian Universities/Institutions/ Colleges recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC).

– The scheme provides for 2000 new slots per year (500 for science stream and 1500 for Humanities and Social Sciences) who have qualified the National Eligibility Test- Junior Research Fellowship (NET-JRF) of UGC and Junior Research Fellows for Science stream qualifying UGC-Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (UGC-CSIR) Joint Test.

Indian govt launches the Kisan Rin Portal with the weather portal WIND

Source: The post is based on the article “Indian govt launches the Kisan Rin Portal with the weather portal WIND”  published in Business Standard on 19th September 2023

What is the News?

The Finance Minister and Agriculture Minister have inaugurated the ‘Kisan Rin Portal’ and WINDS portal.

What is Kisan Rin Portal?

Kisan Rin Portal aims to give farmers subsidized loans under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.

The portal will offer a comprehensive view of farmer data, scheme utilization progress, loan disbursement specifics and interest subvention claims to increase seamless integration with banks for more effective and efficient agriculture credit.

What is WINDS Portal?

Full Form: Weather information Network Data Systems (WINDS) 

Purpose: To leverage advanced weather data analytics to give stakeholders actionable insight to make informed weather decisions on agriculture.

600 self-neutralizing ‘Vibhav’ anti-tank mines with safety mechanism inducted into Army

Source: The post isa based on the article “600 self-neutralizing ‘Vibhav’ anti-tank mines with safety mechanism inducted into Army”  published in TOI on 19th September 2023

What is the News?

Indian Army has inducted six hundred indigenously manufactured self-neutralizing anti-tank mines known as “Vibhav”.

What is Vibhav?

Vibhav is an indigenously manufactured self-neutralizing anti-tank mine.

Developed by: Indian Army in a joint venture with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

Purpose: It is designed to provide mobility kill against all enemy armoured vehicles.

Key Features: 

Vibhav is constructed from modern plastic material, providing strength and durability for storage, handling, and use in various field conditions.

It can be deployed either manually or mechanically.

It incorporates a range of safety and activation mechanisms to ensure safe handling, effectiveness against targets, and reliability.

It features integrated explosive, mechanical, and electronic safety components, prioritizing operator safety.

The mine includes an electronic anti-handling and anti-lift device (EAHALD) that remains active for 120 days once armed.

It has a storage life of 10 years and does not require any special storage conditions.

The following today’s current affairs articles have been covered in 7 PM Explained section of the day:

7 PM Editorial of the day: Women Reservation Bill-Explained Pointwise