Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

• How India has made the G20 more inclusive
• Who is afraid of the Basic Structure?
• ‘India’s Talent Pool A Force For National, Global Good’
• Not A Job For Quotas

GS Paper 3

GS Paper 4

• In-person teaching has value if it’s led by values
• Living in the age of moral dystopia

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 2

How India has made the G20 more inclusive

News: The article talks about India’s leadership in the G20 presidency. It focuses on global unity, making changes to the global economy and finance, and involving regular people in discussing important global topics to make the G20 more inclusive.

How is India taking forward its stewardship of the G20?

Promoting Global Unity:

India introduced “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” as the G20 slogan, emphasizing the interconnectedness of cultures and their shared responsibilities in the global family.

Democratizing the Global Economy:

India is championing the democratization and decentralization of the global economy.

Challenges like the US’s Inflation Reduction Act and the EU’s plans for a carbon border tax are viewed as moving away from the core principles of globalization, and India aims to rectify this.

Reforming Global Finance:

Recognizing the misalignment post-2008, India points out that most future global growth will come from emerging economies.

The goal is to ensure finance supports this growth, channeling resources where they are most needed.

Making G20 Inclusive:

India has transformed the G20 summit from a technocrat-centric summit to a more inclusive “people’s festival.” This shift includes a broader range of voices in discussions, focusing on global challenges like food security, health, and climate change adaptation.

Shifting Focus to the Global South:

Under India’s leadership, the G20 is recognizing the potential of the Global South. This promotes a vision of sustainable, digital, and inclusive growth, reframing the Global South as a leader in these areas.

How does India address previous G20 protests?

Engaging the Public: The focus has shifted to issues that matter to everyday people, like food, health, jobs, and climate change adaptation.

Democratic Global Governance: By democratizing the G20’s approach, India believes it can address and include concerns raised by past protesters.

Wider Involvement: The broader and inclusive approach has garnered support from various groups, even those led by the opposition, showcasing its non-partisan nature.

What does India’s G20 leadership mean for the Global South?

Reclaiming Identity: Under India’s G20 leadership, the Global South’s perception has shifted from being a mere beneficiary to a proactive growth leader.

Changing Narratives: India’s leadership has worked to ensure the Global South isn’t viewed pejoratively, highlighting its potential for green, digital, and equitable growth.

Developmental Legacy: India’s G20 presidency marks a pivotal shift, ensuring the Global South is the pathfinder for future global growth, emphasizing greener and inclusive solutions.

Who is afraid of the Basic Structure?

News: The author is criticizing Subrata Mitra’s ideas (‘Let’s debate Basic Structure’, IE, August 28, 2023) about the Basic Structure Doctrine in India. This doctrine is about the key principles of the Indian Constitution. The author supports the doctrine because it safeguards personal freedoms and disagrees with Mitra’s suggestion to discuss changing it.

What are the arguments in favour of and against revisiting the Basic Structure doctrine?

Arguments in Favour Revisiting:

Debatable Jurisprudential Basis: Mitra suggests that the Basic Structure Doctrine might have an uncertain legal foundation, making it worth revisiting.

Need for Clarity: There appears to be a lack of clarity regarding what exactly constitutes the Basic Structure. Mitra’s call to debate can be seen as a request for better definition and understanding.

Executive Limitation: Mitra posits that the uncertainties in the doctrine might be hampering the powers and functions of the executive, restraining effective governance.

Electorate’s Ability: The author mentions Mitra’s belief in the electorate’s capability to ensure accountability, hinting that a strong doctrine might not be essential if people can hold powers in check.

First Amendment Parallel: Mitra lauds the First Amendment for its progressive stance, implying that certain constitutional elements can and should be revisited for societal progress.

Against Arguments Revisiting:

Protection of Liberties: The author emphasizes that the doctrine is crucial in safeguarding individual liberties against potential executive and legislative overreach.

Historical Roots: Early debates on parliamentary sovereignty after India adopted its Constitution indirectly reinforced the need for the Basic Structure Doctrine.

Checks on Growing Executive Power: The author sees the doctrine as a necessary check against the increasing arbitrary power of executives worldwide.

Risk of Redefining Democracy: The article warns that revisiting the doctrine might pave the way for narrowing democratic space and ushering in authoritarian governance.

Potential for Misuse: Mitra’s call to revisit the doctrine could be seen as a covert plea to rewrite the entire Constitution, which could destabilize India’s democratic framework.

‘India’s Talent Pool A Force For National, Global Good’

News– The National Education Policy 2020 is a comprehensive framework aimed at creating inclusive, well-rounded, and forward-looking education in India.

What are the focus areas of National Education Policy 2020?

Mother tongue- One of its primary objectives is to prioritize learning in a student’s mother tongue. It fosters a strong conceptual understanding and clarity.

This emphasis on mother tongue education is intended to complement the use of link languages. It is designed to ensure that students have smooth educational journeys.

Internationalization of higher education- The National Education Policy 2020 aims to position India as a leading destination for advanced studies

It is doing so by promoting activities such as faculty and student exchanges, research collaborations, teaching partnerships, and the establishment of mutually beneficial MoU with foreign nations.

For instance, IIT Madras and IIT Delhi have already signed MOUs to establish their foreign campuses in Tanzania and Abu Dhabi, respectively.

Fostering collaboration between industry and academia is another key focus of the National Education Policy.

The objective of creation of the National Research Foundation is to facilitate research within academic institutions.

The government is dedicated to ensuring a business-friendly environment and conducive atmosphere for research activities.

India has established educational partnerships with major countries, including the United States, Australia, Japan, and Europe.

Initiatives such as the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) and the Quad Fellowship are actively promoting increased collaboration in high-technology areas.

Standardization and skill development- Standardization plays a crucial role in aligning India’s education system with global standards and skills.

Under the National Education Policy, the National Curriculum Framework for School Education has been introduced. It sets specific learning standards, content, pedagogical methods, and assessment criteria.

Similarly, a National Credit Framework has been established to encompass various academic practices within a credit bank.

Skill development has been integrated into the school curriculum. It has become an integral part of the credit framework.

What is the potential of skill development for India?

India boasts a young population. It has over 600 million people aged between 18 and 35, and approximately 65% of them under the age of 35.

Leveraging this demographic advantage and nurturing a multi-disciplinary, multi-skilled, critically thinking, and future-ready workforce is the top priority.

India is currently experiencing a remarkable shift in the fields of skill development and entrepreneurship. It is the third-largest startup ecosystem globally and has over 100 unicorn startups.

This trend is not limited to major cities. Smaller towns are also contributing to India’s innovation and startup landscape.

Individuals equipped with both education and skills can play a pivotal role in today’s knowledge-based economy.

They have the potential to make significant contributions to nation-building through groundbreaking innovations, scientific discoveries.

Not A Job For Quotas

News– Recently, protests were held in Maharashtra over reservation demand for Maratha community.

What are the issues with the current system of reservation?

Governments are resorting to the use of reservations for politically influential groups. The strategy to build electoral alliances and address the challenging employment situation.

These short-term tactics often lead to long-term adverse consequences. Consider the situations in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. In these states, governments near the end of their terms made ill-conceived changes to existing reservation policies.

In Tamil Nadu, in 2021, the government introduced internal reservations for the Vanniyar community. However, this move was struck down by the Supreme Court because it lacked the necessary data-based justification.

In Karnataka, recent adjustments to reservations have also faced legal challenges. The Supreme Court expressed concerns about their validity.

The legal framework governing reservations has consistently stressed that caste should merely be an initial criterion for assessing backwardness. It must be complemented by data on other pertinent factors.

However, governments frequently overlook these aspects. Once such policies are adopted, future administrations invest substantial political capital in seeking compromises.

This strategy neither generates employment opportunities nor is free of associated costs.

GS Paper 3

Emerging countries need women-led climate action

News: The article discusses how climate change disproportionately affects women, especially in low-income countries. It also emphasizes the importance of women’s education, training, and inclusion in climate policy decision-making for effective adaptation and mitigation.

Why are women in developing and less developed countries more vulnerable to climate change?

Dependence on Natural Resources: Women in these countries often rely on natural resources for their livelihood, making them directly affected by climate shifts.

Poverty: Women are more likely to live in poverty than men. This financial strain limits their ability to adapt to environmental changes.

Responsibility for Basic Needs: Women, especially in rural areas, are tasked with fetching water, food, and fuel. Climate change makes these tasks more difficult, increasing their daily burdens.

Agriculture’s Impact: According to the ILO, over 60% of working women in southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are in agriculture.

Land Ownership: Despite being key in food production, women own only about 10% of the farming land.

Exposure to Disasters: According to a UN study, 80% of those displaced by climate-related disasters are women and girls.

How can investing in women help?

Adaptation to Climate Effects: Educating women aids in navigating climate change impacts. For instance, SEWA in India teaches women sustainable farming in shifting climate patterns.

Resource Management: Training women ensures better sustainable practices for agriculture, water, and energy.

Strengthening Livelihoods: By empowering women with knowledge and resources, they can better financially support themselves, especially against climate-induced threats.

Promotion of Sustainable Practices: Investing in women’s training in eco-friendly farming ensures a more sustainable approach to agriculture and food security.

Why is women’s participation in decision-making vital?

Unique Perspectives: Women, especially from vulnerable communities, bring firsthand experiences that can guide effective climate strategies.

Address Gender-specific Issues: As noted by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), after disasters like the 2015 Nepal earthquake, women faced trafficking risks. Their inclusion can ensure such issues are addressed.

Promotion of Equity: Gender parity in decision-making ensures all voices are heard, leading to more comprehensive solutions.

Effective Adaptation and Mitigation: Programs like the Gender and Climate Change Development Programme in South Asia emphasize the importance of women’s voices for successful climate change strategies.

The need to build sovereign AI capabilities

News– The article explains the issue of building sovereign AI capablities by India

What is the petential of AI?

AI and deep learning are increasingly used in recent years across various applications, like e-commerce recommendations and self-driving cars.

The emergence of Generative AI, including models like ChatGPT, DALL-E from OpenAI, Bard from Google has ushered in a new era.

Generative AI models can generate fresh content from unstructured data, provide coherent responses to natural language queries,and propose solutions and ideas.

These solutions have potential to transform fields ranging from drug discovery to the creation of video and audio content. This technology is likely to have a more profound impact on the global economy and society.

What are challenges for India in ddevloping it own capablities in AI?

Numerous Indian companies, like Tata Consultancy Services and Infosys have embraced Generative AI. But, none of them have developed their own foundational AI models .

Indian technology firms and even the Indian government have primarily concentrated on the applications of AI. However, focusing exclusively on applications would be a mistake.

Establishing AI capabilities like Generative AI models, will pose a significant challenge for India due to its late entry into this domain.

In the United States, both university research institutes and technology giants like OpenAI, Google have invested substantial resources in cutting-edge AI research.

In China, companies like Baidu and SenseTime, along with numerous startups, have created their own Generative AI models.

In European countries, many firms and research institutions in France, Germany, and other European nations are developing their own transformer and other AI models.

Even in South Korea, internet giant Naver is entering the AI research arena.

What should be done?

India should also invest in the capacity to create indigenous foundational AI models. Furthermore, India needs to commence research into the next frontier of AI, known as General AI.

India must formulate a clear plan and execute it effectively. One option is for the Indian government to take the lead and establish a national AI computing center.

Another approach, is similar to the original charter of OpenAI. It involves collaboration between influential Indian IT firms to fund an AI research institute.

This cooperative model would require setting aside market rivalries to focus on the long-term common good.

Iit is imperative for the government to formulate policies that can attract the most brilliant Indian minds currently engaged in AI research in the United States or Europe back to India.

China’s AI research program has incentivized highly talented Chinese engineers and AI researchers who in US or European universities to work in China.

The Indian government must formulate startegy to attract the best Indian AI talent to return from Silicon Valley and US universities.

The government should consider enacting new legislation related to copyright and data usage, granting primary rights over non-personal data generated within the country to Indian entities.

Rethinking growth – Economic growth policies

News– The article explains the issues with the current paradigm of economic policymaking.

Why should economic growth not be the central focus of economic policymaking?

Growth is undeniably important. But, pursuing growth as an abstract objective lacks coherence and direction.

History has shown that governments have achieved the most success in achieving growth when the focus was on overarching goals, rather than treating growth itself as the primary objective.

For instance, the internet’s emergence stemmed from the need for satellites to communicate with each other. Due to its widespread adoption, digital gross domestic product has been growing at a rate 2.5 times faster than physical GDP over the past decade.

Presently, too many non-financial firms allocate more resources to share buybacks and dividend distributions than to investments in human capital, machinery, and research and development.

These practices diminish the resources available for reinvesting in employees. It increases the gap between those who control capital and those who do not.

Financialization often prioritizes value extraction and short-term profit maximization over creating value for the betterment of society as a whole.

What should be the focus areas of economic policymaking?

Promoting inclusive growth requires a departure from the financialization of economic activities and a renewed commitment to investing in the real economy.

It is essential to recognize that workers are the true value creators. Their interests should be prominently featured in discussions concerning income and wealth distribution.

It’s essential to recognize that investment-led growth and workers’ rights should not be seen as conflicting priorities. Striking a balance between corporate engagement and a dedication to workers is crucial.

It’s important to understand that the economy cannot naturally evolve in a socially desirable direction without intervention. The government has a vital role to play.

A new thinking is required to achieve growth that is “smart” and environmentally sustainable and inclusive.

Governments should establish economic policy roadmaps with well-defined objectives based on what matters most to both people and the planet.

Support for businesses should be contingent on their commitment to making new investments that lead to a greener and more inclusive real economy.

For instance, consider the United States’ CHIPS and Science Act. It seeks to boost the domestic semiconductor industry. This law prohibits the use of funds for share buybacks.

Governments must also make targeted investments in their own capabilities, tools, and institutions.

The outsourcing of critical capacities has undermined their ability to adapt to evolving needs and demands. It has reduced their capacity to generate purposeful growth.

Governments need appropriate capacities and competencies to effectively mobilize resources and collaborate with business.

A mission-oriented industrial strategy necessitates a symbiotic relationship between the public and private sectors.

GS Paper 4

In-person teaching has value if it’s led by values

News Recently, two teachers in Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka have been caught on camera making discriminatory remarks against Muslim students.

What do these incidents highlight about the situation of educational institutions?

These incidents highlight the growing presence of prejudice in our educational institutions, which were traditionally seen as places of compassion and promoters of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Inculcating values of openness used to be a teacher’s duty. However, today, some have started expressing biases.

This leads to worries about students being exposed to such beliefs and highlights the need for steps to protect education from the influence of bigots.

What are the drawbacks of online classes compared to in-person teaching when it comes to instilling values in students?

The pandemic shifted schools online. While online classes were formal and safer, they were less effective for learning, lacking live classroom experience.

It was also noted that online classes couldn’t compete with in-person teaching even when teachers were highly skilled at their jobs.

The best teachers are those who can make students interested, curious, and excited about the subject they are learning.

These teachers are able to create a stimulating and engaging learning environment, which is essential for student success. Online classes cannot replicate this experience.

In addition to academic knowledge, students also need to learn important social and emotional skills, such as empathy, respect, and grace.

These skills are best learned through modeling and interaction with others. Online classes cannot provide the same level of social interaction as offline classes, which is why they are not a complete substitute for traditional schooling.

What is the way ahead?

The Indian government is facing the challenge of educating millions of students at a low cost. One way to do this is to use digital aids, such as online learning platforms and hybrid models that combine online and offline learning.

However, it is important to ensure that these digital aids are bias-free and provide the best of both worlds, online and offline learning. Ensuring unbiased education is crucial for instilling values and attitudes.

Living in the age of moral dystopia

News: The author talks about how moral values are decreasing in India. They mention communal violence, government bias, and public apathy as examples. The author also points out that societal values are changing, and intolerance and injustice are becoming more accepted.

How are moral values and societal values decreasing in India?

Moral Values Change:

Broken Promises: Leaders and governments are increasingly failing to uphold their pledges. There’s no longer an expectation for them to keep their word.

Skewed Justice: Government actions, like demolishing buildings without legal procedures, indicate a move away from fairness and justice. The Punjab and Haryana High Court raised concerns about potential ethnic cleansing.

Gender Disrespect: The public humiliation of women in Manipur and the public support for the accused in the Kathua rape case show a declining respect for women’s rights and safety.

Public Indifference: Acts of violence, from lynchings to property destruction, are happening regularly. Many witnesses choose merely to record these acts, showing a lack of empathy and intervention.

Societal Values Change:

Decline in Communal Harmony: Yogita Bhayana’s act of helping a Muslim man rebuild his shop was criticized, signaling a reduction in societal appreciation for communal unity.

Historical Bias over Present Justice: There’s an undue emphasis on historical events and wrongs while current issues, like attacks on mosques in various states, are sidelined.

Desensitization to Violence: The frequency of violent incidents and the public’s passive response, such as simply recording them for social media, indicates a growing desensitization to brutality.

Destruction Celebrated: Some media segments hail the destruction of properties as “instant justice,” indicating a societal shift towards accepting brute force as justified.

How does this impact India’s fabric?

Impact on India’s Fabric:

Eroded Trust: With leaders not keeping their promises, faith in governance is diminishing.

Communal Harmony Threatened: Acts like the criticism of Yogita Bhayana, who helped a Muslim man, signal a strain on inter-community relations.

Selective Historical Preoccupation: The focus on ancient wrongs, while overlooking present-day issues like mosque attacks, creates division and neglects contemporary challenges.

Increased Desensitization: The passive response to violence, such as public recordings of brutal incidents without intervention, weakens societal empathy and compassion.

Skewed Justice Perception: Viewing property destruction as “instant justice” distorts the understanding of genuine justice and law.

Gender Disparities: Incidents like the humiliation of women in Manipur undermine the progress towards gender equality.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

ASI’s “Adopt a Heritage 2.0 programme” Indian Heritage app launched

Source: The post is based on the article “ASI’s “Adopt a Heritage 2.0 programme” Indian Heritage app launched ”  published in PIB on 4th September 2023

What is the News?

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has launched the “Adopt a Heritage 2.0” programme and Indian Heritage app.

What is Adopt a Heritage Programme?

Adopt a Heritage Programme was launched in 2017 under the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with the ASI.

Under this programme, corporate stakeholders were invited to adopt from over 3,000 protected monuments spread across the country.

What is Adopt a Heritage 2.0 Programme?

‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’, is the upgraded version of ‘Adopt a Heritage’ programme. 

The programme encourages corporate stakeholders to utilize their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to enhance facilities at historically-important monuments.

Changes made: It has incorporated a host of changes to the programme such as: 

– Clearly defined the amenities sought for different monuments as per Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (or AMASR Act), 1958.

– Freedom has been given to companies to either adopt a monument in whole and develop its tourism infrastructure, or provide a particular amenity such as drinking water facility or cleaning services for one or several sites.

Applying procedure for a monument: The stakeholders can apply for adopting a monument or specific amenities at a monument through a dedicated web portal 

– The process for selection will be carried out after due-diligence and discussions with various stakeholders and assessing the economic and developmental opportunities at each monument.

– The term of the appointment will be for a period of five years initially, which may be further extended up to five years.

What is an Indian Heritage app?

Indian Heritage app will showcase the heritage monuments of India.The app will feature state-wise details of monuments along with photographs, list of public amenities available, geo-tagged location and feedback mechanism for citizens. 

‘Gujarat Declaration’ underlining outcome of the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023 released

Source: The post is based on the article “Gujarat Declaration’ underlining outcome of the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit 2023 released”  published in PIB on 4th September 2023

What is the News?

The first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The World Health Organization (WHO) released the outcome document of the summit in form of “Gujarat Declaration’.

What is the first WHO Traditional Medicine Global Summit?

Click Here to read

What are the key points of the Gujarat Declarations?

Gujarat declaration reaffirmed global commitments towards indigenous knowledges, biodiversity and traditional, complementary and integrative medicine.

The key action points outlined in the declaration are:

Health and Well-being: Scale up evidence-based traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) for universal health coverage and Sustainable Development Goals.Use science and technology to validate TCIM’s contribution to health and well-being.

Global Health Leadership: Expand multi-regional collaborations through the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre and Respect Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge on health.

Research and Evidence: Mobilize research funding for TCIM and strengthen research capabilities.

Universal Health Coverage and Health Systems: Integrate TCIM into national health systems and adapt laws and policies for TCIM safety and accessibility.

Digital Health and AI: Develop digital health resources, including AI, for TCIM.

Biodiversity and Sustainability: Support UN biodiversity agreements and Indigenous Peoples’ involvement.

Human Rights, Equity, and Ethics: Recognize and protect Indigenous Peoples’ rights and knowledge.Incorporate ethical practices in TCIM.

The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi(PM-DAKSH) Yojana

Source: The post is based on the article “The Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi(PM-DAKSH) Yojana”  published in PIB on 4th September 2023

What is the News?

A total of over 1 lakh beneficiaries have been trained under PM-DAKSH since the last three years of its implementation from 2020-21 to 2022-23.

What is Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi(PM-DAKSH) Yojana?

Launched in: 2020-21

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment (MoSJ&E)

Type: Central Sector Scheme

Aim: To enhance competency level of the target groups to make them employable both in self- employment and wage-employment for their socio-economic development. 

Target groups under this scheme are: SCs, OBCs, EBCs, DNTs, Safai Karamcharis including waste pickers etc.

Eligibility: The age criterion for the scheme is between 18-45 years.

– There is no income limit for SCs, SafaiKaramcharis including waste picker and DNT.

– The annual family income should be below Rs.3 lakh for OBCs and for EBCs (Economically Backward Classes), the annual family income should be below Rs.1 lakh.

Skilling Development under the scheme: There are four types of skill development training programmes under PM-DAKSH Yojana viz; (i) Up-skilling/Reskilling, (ii) Short Term Training Programmes, (iii) Long Term Training Programmes and (iv) Entrepreneurship Development Programme.

Benefits for Trainees: The Cost of the training to trainees is free of cost. 

– The stipend under this scheme is Rs.1,500/- per month to SCs and Safai Karamcharis and  Rs.1,000/- per month to OBCs/EBCs/DNTs for non-residential Short Term and Long Term training courses.

– The wage compensation of Rs.2500/- per candidate is given to SCs/OBCs/EBCs/DNTs candidates for Upskilling/Reskilling programme. 

– Wage compensation Rs.500/- per candidate is given to Safai Karamcharis candidates for Upskilling programme.

Government proposes in SC tech panel to evaluate carrying capacity of 13 Himalayan States

Source: The post is based on the article “Government proposes in SC tech panel to evaluate carrying capacity of 13 Himalayan States”  published in The Hindu on 5th September 2023

What is the News?

The Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change suggested steps to assess the accurate carrying capacity of 13 Himalayan States.

What is Carrying Capacity?

The carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an ecosystem can sustain without getting degraded.

What are the suggestions given by the Central Government to assess the carrying capacity of 13 Himalayan States?

The Union government has urged the Supreme Court to issue directives to all 13 Himalayan states and Union territories for immediately assessing the carrying capacity of mountainous regions.

These 13 Himalayan states and UTs include Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura, Assam and West Bengal.

States could constitute committees headed by their respective Chief Secretaries to collect information on the load-carrying capacity of their hill stations, cities and eco-sensitive zones.

The Centre will then form a 13-member technical committee headed by the Director of the GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment to evaluate the information collected by the States.

What is the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)?

The National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) is one of the eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). 

The mission is aimed at evolving management measures for sustaining and safeguarding the Himalayan glaciers and mountain ecosystem. 

The measures include enhanced monitoring of the Himalayan ecosystem through establishment of the monitoring network, promoting community based management, human resource development and strengthening regional cooperation.

Toyota’s flex-fuel prototype: How it will work, what advantages it offers

Source: The post is based on the article “Toyota’s flex-fuel prototype: How it will work, what advantages it offers”  published in Indian Express on 5th September 2023

What is the News?

The Union Road Transport Minister has launched the world’s first-ever prototype of the BS-VI Stage-II Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle.This vehicle has been developed by Toyota Kirloskar Motor.

The vehicle uses a mixture of fuel to drive the car.It includes ethanol, a biofuel produced from energy crops like sugarcane, maize and rice and an electric power.

What are Flex-Fuel vehicles?

A flexible-fuel vehicle (FFV) is an alternative fuel vehicle that has an internal combustion engine designed to run on more than one fuel.

An Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle has both a flex fuel engine and an electric powertrain.This gives it the ability to provide dual benefit of higher ethanol use and much higher fuel efficiency.

How does Flex fuel vehicles work?

Most components in a flex fuel vehicle are the same as those in petrol-only cars.But some special ethanol-compatible components are required to adjust to the different chemical properties and energy content in ethanol/ methanol, such as modifications to the fuel pump and fuel injection system.

The Engine Control Module (ECM) is also calibrated to accommodate the higher oxygen content of ethanol. 

What are the pros and cons of Flex Fuel vehicles?

Pros: The use of ethanol blending sharply lowers harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, sulphur, and carbon and nitrogen oxides. 

– Blending will also help cut oil imports to fuel vehicles.

Cons: Flex-fuel cars typically take a 4-8% hit on fuel efficiency when using ethanol for motive power.

– In Flex Fuel cars, ethanol is sourced from crops such as sugarcane which are usually very water-intensive.

Note: According to a NITI Aayog report, in 2019-20, more than 90% of the ethanol produced in the country came from sugarcane, which is also a politically important crop in states such as Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.

– From the customer perspective, flex fuel vehicles may not seem feasible in India, since the cost of ownership and running cost are going to be very high compared with regular vehicles.

Union Education Minister launches 3-year partnership with Meta, Education to Entrepreneurship: Empowering a generation of students, educators and entrepreneurs

Source: The post is based on the article “Union Education Minister launches 3-year partnership with Meta, Education to Entrepreneurship: Empowering a generation of students, educators and entrepreneurs”  published in PIB on 4th September 2023

What is the News?

The Union Minister of Education has launched ‘Education to Entrepreneurship’ partnership with Meta to empower India’s youth.

What is an “Education to Entrepreneurship” Partnership?

Education to Entrepreneurship Initiative is a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Meta (formerly Facebook).

Aim: To bring digital skilling to the grassroots level.This will equip India’s talent pool with futuristic technologies, fostering a new generation of problem solvers and entrepreneurs. 

– For instance, the partnership will help in motivating young individuals to turn their educational groundwork into flourishing enterprises.

Duration of the Partnership: 3 Years

As part of this initiative, Meta in partnership with the National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD) will provide digital marketing skills training to 5 lakh entrepreneurs over the next three years. 

– This training will be conducted in seven regional languages, benefiting both budding and existing entrepreneurs. 

– To make this training accessible to a broad audience, Meta will utilize its platforms, including Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.

How gene mapping almost all remaining kākāpō will help NZ’s rare night parrot survive

Source: The post is based on the article “How gene mapping almost all remaining kākāpō will help NZ’s rare night parrot survive”  published in Down To Earth on 3rd September 2023

What is the News?

The genetic mapping of almost the entire kākāpō population has shed new light on specific traits that will help conservation biologists in their efforts to save the kākāpōs.

What is Kākāpō?

Source: Wikipedia

The Kākāpō is a species of parrot found only in New Zealand.

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

Characteristics: They are the world’s only flightless parrot, the world’s heaviest parrot and also are nocturnal and herbivorous.

– It is also possibly one of the world’s longest-living birds, with a reported lifespan of up to 100 years.

– They only breed every few years, triggered by the availability of certain forest foods such as the fruits of the native rimu tree.

– It is also the only parrot to have a polygynous lek breeding system (It is a mating system in which the male provides no parental care to its offspring).

Significance: Kākāpō was historically important to Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand.

Population: Their population dropped as low as 51 during the 1990s.But thanks to the sustained efforts, the kākāpō population is now up to 247 birds

Threats: kākāpō suffer from diseases such as the fungal infection aspergillosis and many of their eggs are infertile.

Sherpa Track, Finance Track, and Engagement Groups: What are the G20 ‘workstreams’?

Source: The post is based on the article “Sherpa Track, Finance Track, and Engagement Groups: What are the G20 ‘workstreams’?”  published in Indian Express on 5th September 2023

What is the News?

The 18th annual G20 Heads of State and Government Summit will take place at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

What is G20?

Click Here to read

What are the different tracks under G20?

The G20 works in three major tracks — two of them are official and one is unofficial.

The official tracks are the Finance Track and the Sherpa Track.The unofficial track includes engagement groups or civil society groups.

Finance Track:

The Finance Track is headed by the finance ministers and central bank governors.

It usually meets four times a year, with two meetings being held on the sidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) meetings. 

It mainly focuses on fiscal and monetary policy issues such as the global economy, infrastructure, financial regulation, financial inclusion, international financial architecture, and international taxation.

Sherpa Track:

The Sherpa Track was established after the forum became a leaders’ summit in 2008. It consists of representatives of heads of state.

It mainly focuses on socio-economic issues such as agriculture, anti-corruption, climate, digital economy, education, employment, energy, environment, health, tourism, trade and investment.

Each representative is known as a Sherpa — it is the metaphor from the mountaineering domain, where the Sherpa is supposed to do the heavy lifting or assist the mountaineer.There are 13 working groups within the Sherpa Track.

Engagement Groups: 

The unofficial track comprises engagement or civil groups.These groups often draft recommendations to the G20 Leaders that contribute to the policy-making process. 

The engagement groups are as follows: Business20, Civil20, Labour20, Parliament20, Science20, SAI20, Startup20, Think20, Urban20, Women20 and Youth20.

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

7 PM Editorial of the day: Increasing cases of Student suicide in India – Reasons and way forward- Explained, pointwise