9 PM Daily UPSC Current Affairs Brief – January 22nd, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Third Globalisation and India

Source: This post on Third Globalization and India has been created based on the article “Reconfiguration of global trade and FDI” published in “Business Standard” on 22nd January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 – Indian Society – Effects of Globalization.

News: The article discusses the undergoing changes in Globalization. It also highlights its impact on India.

Earlier, the ‘Second Globalization’ featured unconditional access for the periphery (underdeveloped world) to the core (developed or advanced economies) of the world economy. However, it is currently undergoing changes.

What is ‘Second Globalization’?

It broadly refers to the international regulations and organizations to support economic integration at the global level created after World War II, as part of the Bretton Woods Agreement of 1944.

The technologies of telecommunication, container ships, wide-body aircraft, and modern finance yielded unprecedented levels of cross-border activity.

The core gave complete access to their economic and technological progress even to countries that were unfriendly or hostile.

How is globalization undergoing change with Third globalisation?

Since 2018, the third globalization has emerged.

According to the author, the ‘third globalization’ (currently) makes the access given in the 2nd globalization, (for the periphery to the core) more conditional based on foreign policy and military alignment.

It has seen access to the core being given in more limited ways for countries that have a hostile foreign policy and military stance. The core does full integration with each other, but they impose limitations upon hostile nations, having impact on both trade and FDI. For instance, since 2018, China’s share in USA’s imports has dropped sharply.

What should be the way forward for India?

1) For India’s Foreign Policy:

  1. In the case of China: There is a substantial trade engagement with China, hence there should not be any sudden disruptions.
  2. For rest of the world: India should be a status quo power, which will work with the core and try to obtain economic growth in the coming years.

2) For Firms: Strategy thinking at firms needs to bring a better understanding of the political system in various countries, the risks associated with doing business in undemocratic countries, and the evolving rules of the game that are being established by the core.

Question for practice:

How is Globalisation undergoing change? What implications will it have on India and how should it be tackled?

GS PAPER - 2

On Expanding Social Security

Source: This post on Expanding Social Security has been created based on the article “We must expand social security” published in “Live Mint” on 22nd January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector.

News: The article discusses the issues with the work-linked social security program in India and suggests steps to reform the same.

According to the author, India’s work-linked social security programs suffer from high costs, low competition and excessive deductions.

As a result, only 1 millions of our 63 million enterprises and about 7.5% of our 550 million labor force are part of these social security programs (in the form of making contributions).

How can the EPFO be reformed to ensure formalization of labor force?

According to the author, the following 5 reforms for the Employee Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) would shift an estimated 50 million people from informal to formal work:

1) Efficiency: The EPFO is the world’s costliest government securities mutual fund, which leads to a high compliance burden on employers. Hence, EPFO should be a non-profit.

2) Competition: The EPFO and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) monopoly on work-linked social-security payments has led to poor service), high costs and corruption demands, etc. Employees should be allowed a choice of paying their contributions to either the EPFO or public-sector National Pension Scheme (NPS).

3) Choice: Employees should get two choices: Whether to make any employee contribution at all (12% currently), and if so, opt out of the portion that goes to the defined-benefit Employee Pension Scheme (EPS) and contribute the sum fully to the core Employee Provident Fund (EFP) account.

4) Effectiveness: EPFO contributions can be linked to an Aadhaar number (of the employee), since employees work for multiple employers now. This will create traceability, portability and access, and enable EPFO products to be offered to self-employed and gig workers.

5) Sustainability: The EPS must be removed from the EPFO and merged with some universal and fiscally funded old-age security pension scheme like the Atal Pension Yojana. This is due to the EPS consisting of defined benefits (A defined contribution calculates pension based on the amount you contribute and returns the fund earns).

Note: Employee Pension Scheme (EPS): It is a social security scheme that was launched in 1995 by the EPFO. It makes provisions for pensions for employees in the organized sector after retirement at 58 years.

Question for practice:

How can the EPFO be reformed to ensure formalization of labor force and consequently, better social protection?

Concerns related to India’s FCRA- A backsliding

Source: The post concerns related to India’s FCRA has been created, based on the article “A backsliding: Curbs on financing of civil society bodies denote eroding civil liberties” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- polity- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation and the role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders

News: The registration of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) has been revoked by the Union Home Ministry.

What is the FCRA?

The FCRA regulates foreign donations and ensures that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security.

It was enacted during the Emergency in 1976 amid apprehensions that foreign powers were interfering in India’s affairs by pumping money into the country through independent organizations.

For more information read here

Why was the FCRA registration of CPR cancelled?

Read here

What are the concerns related to India’s FCRA?

Restrictive Control on NGOs: India’s use of the FCRA to suspend or cancel licenses of NGOs like Centre for Policy Research and World Vision India showcases restrictive control over Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

Silencing Sensitive Issues: The government targets NGOs working on environmental issues, civil liberties, and human rights, suggesting an attempt to silence voices on sensitive topics.

Impact on India’s Global Reputation: International bodies like the International Commission of Jurists have criticized the FCRA amendments for being against international law. Additionally, Freedom House downgraded India to an “electoral autocracy” in its Democracy Index, citing erosion of civil liberties as a reason.

Contradiction with Democratic Ideals: As India positions itself as the ‘Mother of Democracy’ and a global leader, these actions contradict its democratic aspirations and impact its standing in global freedom and democracy indices.

Question for practice:

Discuss the key concerns related to India’s Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA).

On Income Poverty in India – In Viksit Bharat, rural real wages are in decline

Source: This post on Income Poverty in India has been created based on the article “In Viksit Bharat, rural real wages are in decline” published in “Indian Express” on 22nd January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Poverty.

News: The article discusses the current status of poverty in India, especially focusing on agricultural wages and unemployment rates.

What is the current status of poverty in India?

According to NITI Aayog’s National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI), 248.2 million Indians have been lifted out of poverty in the last 9 years.

NITI Aayog argues that NMPI is a better measure to estimate poverty than the traditional estimates based on income/consumption.

However, there is a doubt over sustainability of a development model that improves access to public utilities but does not enhance the quality of these services or income levels.

Therefore, household income is still an important indicator of poverty levels. Hence, importance should be given to income poverty, real wages, and unemployment in the country.

For instance, India still has the largest number (160 million) of people under extreme poverty in the world as per the World Bank’s estimate based on $2.15/capita/day income.

Since most of these poor people are in rural areas, it is important to look at employment in agriculture and the real wage rates in rural areas.

What is the status of these indicators?

Low Growth in Real Agricultural Wages:

a. During 2009-10 to 2013-14, real agriculture and non-agriculture rural wages grew at 8.6 per cent and 6.9 per cent per annum respectively.
b. However, during 2014-15 to 2018-19, this decelerated to 3.3 per cent and 3 per cent per annum respectively.
c. In the last five years 2019-20 to 2023-24, it has become negative for both agriculture (-0.6 per cent) and non-agriculture (-1.4 per cent). Reasons behind this include COVID-19 and more people moving into the agricultural workforce.

High Unemployment Rates Persist: As per ILO, it averaged around 8.4% during 2004-05 to 2013-14 and roughly 7.9% during the last 10 years. So, the growth model has not seen a significant reduction in unemployment.

The government data shows that in rural areas, real wages have had negative growth in the last 5 years. In this regard, there is a need to create more employment-intensive growth processes.

Question for practice:

The rural economy is in distress, as reflected in the unemployment rates and lack of growth in real wages. Explain.

Challenges faced by IMEC – A revival of the IMEC idea amid choppy geopolitics

Source: The post Challenges faced by IMEC has been created, based on the article “A revival of the IMEC idea amid choppy geopolitics” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – International Relations – Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: The article discusses the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a proposed trade route. It mentions how conflicts like the Yemen conflict and Gaza war affect trade through the Suez Canal, making alternatives like IMEC more important.

What is the IMEC Project?

India Middle East Europe Corridor is a network of transport corridors comprising railway lines and sea lanes to promote economic integration between Asia, the Arabian Gulf, and Europe.

For more information on IMEC read here

What are the challenges IMEC is facing?

Geopolitical Tensions: The conflicts in Yemen and Gaza have impacted regional stability, crucial for IMEC’s success. The Yemen conflict undermines confidence in the Suez Canal, highlighting the need for alternatives like IMEC.
Turkey’s Exclusion and Alternative Proposal: Excluded from IMEC, Turkey has shown dissatisfaction and proposed an alternative trade route. This route, positioning itself as an alternative to Saudi Arabia, would pass through Iraq to reach the Mediterranean.

Saudi Israeli Link Controversy: The key part of IMEC, connecting Saudi Arabia to Israel, faces opposition due to longstanding regional disputes. Critics argue that the Arab Street would not support a major trade link between these two nations, especially following the Gaza war.

Uncertain U.S. Support: The potential political return of Donald Trump casts doubts on the U.S.’s commitment to IMEC. Trump’s unpredictable nature raises questions about sustained U.S. interest in such a global project.

How does IMEC benefit India?

Enhanced Container Shipping: For India, particularly the southern region, IMEC holds the potential to reduce delivery schedules by up to 40%. This improvement hinges on the development of dedicated freight corridors as part of a comprehensive all-India network, thereby making trade faster and more efficient.
Reduced Logistics Costs: Aligning with India’s National Logistics Policy of 2022, IMEC could help in reducing logistics costs to global levels by 2030.

Optimizing Transport Modes: Currently, 70% of India’s containers move by road. IMEC could shift this towards a more balanced split among road, rail, and coastal shipping, as recommended by industry experts.

Integration with Indian Ports: The corridor plans to integrate with major Indian ports like Mundra and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, enhancing their global connectivity and trade capacity.

Support for the Hydrogen Economy: IMEC includes plans for hydrogen pipelines, which could benefit India in the transition to a decarbonized economy.

Way forward

The future of IMEC hinges on overcoming geopolitical hurdles and infrastructure challenges. Successful resolution of issues, like Turkey’s exclusion and the Saudi Israeli link, will be crucial. With potential global financing and support, especially from the U.S., Europe, and Saudi Arabia, IMEC could become a major, transformative trade route, benefiting regional economies and enhancing global trade connectivity.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the key challenges and potential benefits of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Concerns related to India’s Post Office and Telecommunications laws

Source: The post concerns related to India’s Post Office and Telecommunications laws has been created, based on the article “Post Office Act, its unbridled powers of interception” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- polity- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

News: The article discusses concerns about new Indian laws allowing postal and telecommunications authorities to intercept communications without clear safeguards against misuse.

What are the Interception related concerns in the present Post Office and Telecommunications laws?

Lack of Procedural Safeguards: The new Post Office Act doesn’t include necessary procedures to prevent misuse of the power to intercept messages. This contrasts with previous acts, where rules were eventually established, like the Telegraph Rules in 2007 and IT Rules in 2009.

Vague Definition of ‘Emergency’: The Act allows interception in ’emergencies’ but doesn’t define what this means, leading to potential arbitrary use of power.

Privacy Concerns: Interception without clear rules can infringe on privacy rights, a concern raised in past Supreme Court rulings like the PUCL vs Union of India (1996) case. It emphasized the need for safeguards in communication interception.

Differences from Older Legislation: Previously, acts like the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, required specific conditions like a ‘public emergency’ or ‘public safety’ to intercept messages. These conditions acted as checks to prevent arbitrary use of power. The new laws remove these specific requirements, potentially making it easier for authorities to intercept communications without needing to justify it under these stringent conditions.

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Article 17 states that no one should face arbitrary interference with their privacy. As India is a signatory, the new laws might conflict with these international obligations.

Directive Principle 51(c) of the Constitution: This principle emphasizes respecting international conventions, raising questions about the new laws’ alignment with international standards on privacy.

What has been stand of the Supreme Court (SC) on the matter or interception?

PUCL vs Union of India (1996): The SC emphasized that telephonic conversations are private. It stated that phone tapping infringes on freedom of speech (articles 19), permissible only under specific restrictions (articles 19(2)). The Court also noted the right to privacy is part of the right to life and personal liberty (article 21), and any curtailment must follow a lawful, fair, and reasonable procedure.

Distt. Registrar & Collector, Hyderabad & Anr vs Canara Bank (2005): This ruling established that the right to privacy isn’t lost when confidential documents are entrusted to a third party, like a bank, implying similar protections should apply to postal correspondence.

Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) & Anr. vs Union of India & Ors. (2017): The right to communication was declared a part of the right to privacy, protected under Article 21 of the Constitution.

These rulings emphasize the importance of privacy and the need for legal safeguards against arbitrary interception of communications.

Way forward

To ensure the protection of privacy rights under India’s Post Office and Telecommunications laws, it’s crucial to establish explicit procedural safeguards. These safeguards should prevent the misuse of interception powers by defining ’emergency’ situations more clearly. Drawing from historical legal precedents and international human rights norms, the government needs to implement effective accountability measures for authorities involved.

Question for practice:

Discuss the concerns and legal precedents related to India’s Post Office and Telecommunications laws regarding the interception of communications.


Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day:

7 PM Article - India-Bangladesh Relations- Explained Pointwise

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Dragon babies

Source: This post is based on the article “Will Dragon Babies” Fix China’s Population Crisis? What Experts Say” published in “NDTV WORLD” on 19th January.

Why in the news?

Financial Times has recently released a report on population decline of China.

What are “Dragon Babies”?

In Chinese astrology, babies born in the year of the dragon are considered to be especially fortunate and lucky.  They are called dragon babies. The eagerly awaited year will officially begin on February 10. There is a higher hope that more births will be recorded during this time rather than in any other year in 12-year Chinese calendrical cycle.

Background

Gloomy economic outlook, ageing society and the coronavirus pandemic pushed China’s population to a decline for second consecutive year in 2023.

What is the current status of China’s population rate?

  1. The national death rate is accelerating, reaching 7.87 per 1,000 people in 2023, the highest level since the early 1970s.
  2. The population decline has more than doubled from the previous year.

What is the ramification of this trend?

  1. An aging population would demand more expenditure on health.
  2. There would be a decline in economic growth

However, experts doubt if such superstitions about dragon year will improve the situation in China. Due to the high cost of living and fierce competition, couples are not willing to have children.

UPSC SYLLABUS: Social issues

Zero-duty unrefined gold imports

Source: This post is based on the article “Zero-duty unrefined gold imports take the shine off local players” published in “Business Standard” on 22nd January 2024.

Why in the news?

The government has asked bullion refineries to not import gold under zero duty from LDC (Least Developing Countries).

What is unrefined gold and what are the associated issues?

Meaning: Unrefined gold or gold dore is any gold alloy in its natural state. Unrefined gold is a natural substance (found in nature), it is not pure gold, but rather a high gold content precious metal alloy.

Issues: It is imported into India from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) under a zero-duty policy. This policy allows these imports without imposing any import duty. Example-Tanzania and Guinea.

Several items are being imported under the DFTP (duty- free tariff preference) scheme from LDCs. However, the government noticed that even gold dore was being imported at zero duty against the normal duty of 14.35 per cent.

India must abide by international treaty of WTO (world trade organization) and U.N. (United Nations) to allow zero duty import from LDCs. Hence the government cannot impose strict restrictions.

Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) Scheme

Definition: The DFTP scheme is a trade policy initiative that allows certain items to be imported from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) into a country without imposing the standard import duties.

Purpose: This scheme is designed to promote trade with LDCs by making it more economically viable for them to export specific goods to larger markets.

The scheme was officially introduced on 13 August 2008. India was the first developing country to introduce a preferential tariff program for the LDCs

What are its consequences?

  1. It distorts the level playing field as not all refiners benefit from zero duty import.
  2. The illegal import hurts the domestic market.
  3. At lower duty,300-500 Kg of gold is imported daily.

UPSC SYALLABUS: -Economy.

Ayodhya Ram Temple – key features

Source: This post is based on the article “Nagara architecture, 392 pillars, 5 mandaps: Decoding Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir’s key features” published in “Hindustan Times” on 22nd January 2024.

Why in the news?

The Ram temple in Ayodhya is inaugurated on January 22.

What is the style of the temple?

The temple is built in the nagara style.

Source: ANI

What are the features of the Ayodhya Ram temple?

Architectural Style. Constructed in the traditional Nagara style
Dimension The Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir has a length (east-west) of 380 feet, a width of 250 feet, and a height of 161 feet.
Material used 1.       The main temple structure features Bansi Paharpur Pink Sandstone sourced from Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district.

2.        Granite stones are utilized in the plinths, providing a durable and resilient foundation for the temple.

3.        White Makrana marble and colored marble are intricately used for inlay work.

Boundary walls A 732-meter-long surrounding wall, influenced by Dravida style temples gives a hybrid characteristic.
Mandapas There are 5 mandapas Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prathana Mandap and Kirtan Mandap
Unique approach The construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya takes a unique approach by avoiding the use of steel or iron. Instead, the project uses traditional construction methods by giving due attention to the principle of sustainability.
Other structures At the four corners of the compound, there are four Mandirs – dedicated to Surya Dev, Devi Bhagwati, Ganesh Bhagwan and Bhagwan Shiv. In the northern arm is a Mandir of Maa Annapurna and in the southern arm is Mandir of Hanuman ji.

UPSC SYLLABUS: ART AND CULTURE.

Labour rules for workers abroad

Source: This post on labour rules for working abroad has been created based on the article “What are labour rules for workers abroad?” published in “The Hindu” on 20th January 2024.

Why in the news?

The Uttar Pradesh and Haryana governments, with the help of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), have started the process of recruiting about 10,000 workers to go to Israel to work in construction sector. Israel has been converted into war zone since last 3 months thus there arises an issue of security of migrant workers.

What are the existing rules for labour working abroad?

  1. Workers going to conflict zones are required to register with the Ministry of External Affairs’ ‘e-migrate’ portal.
  2. Passport under the ECR (Emigration Check Required) scheme cover workers travelling to 18 countries, including Afghanistan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon etc.However,Israel is not included in this list.

What is “e-migrate system?

The e-Migrate project is designed for facilitating emigration of ECR category emigrants going to notified countries for employment purposes.

e-Migrate is integrated with Passport Seva Project (PSP) of Ministry of External Affairs for online validation of passport details of the ECR category workers being registered.

Concerned ministry: Ministry of External Affairs

What are international Rules related to migrant workers?

There are 2 conventions: –

1) Migration for Employment Convention (Revised), 1949 (No. 97): It protects the rights of migrant workers and their families. The convention was established in 1949 and entered into force on January 22, 1952. This Convention provides several measures that member states should take to safeguard the rights of migrant workers.

Provisions: It includes adequate provision of medical services. Also, migrant workers should not be treated less favorably than nationals specifically in remuneration, collective bargaining, accommodation and access to social security.

2) Migrant Workers (Supplementary Provisions) Convention, 1975 (No. 143): It is an international legal framework that addresses migrant workers in irregular situations and their rights. It deals with Migrations in Abusive Conditions and the Promotion of Equality of Opportunity and Treatment of Migrant Workers.

Conventions administered by: International Labour Organization

India and Conventions: India has not ratified both conventions, Israel had ratified the 1949 convention in 1953.

UPSC SYLLABUS: International Relations

Mpemba effect

Source-This post is based on the article “Mpemba effect: Heat up to cool down” published in “The Hindu” on 22nd January 2024.

Why in the News?

The Mpemba effect has recently captured the attention of scientists. After many experiments, we still don’t have a clear agreement, on what causes this puzzling phenomenon.

What is Mpemba effect?

Mpemba effect
Source- Pinterest

1) It is a phenomenon in which hot water freezes faster than cold water under certain conditions.

2) It is named after Tanzanian student Erasto Mpemba, who observed it in the 1960s.

What are the recently proposed causes for this phenomenon by scientists?

1) Presence of Microbubbles- One of the proposed causes is the presence of microbubbles that remain suspended in water after boiling. These microbubbles promote convection and facilitate faster heat transfer. Hence, the warm water cools down more quickly.

2) Evaporation- Another cause is attributed to evaporation. As warmer water evaporates more, it takes away the heat more quickly. Thus, warm water cools down more quickly as compared to cold water.

3) Presence of Frost in Cold Water- The presence of frost in cold water acts as an insulator which impedes/slows down the process of heat loss. This raises the freezing point of cold water.

4) Presence of Calcium carbonate and other impurities- Compounds like calcium carbonate precipitate in warm/hot water, and it lowers down the freezing point of warm water. On the other hand, in cold water, calcium carbonate and other impurities remain dissolved in the cold water, which increases the freezing point of cold water.

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

Moh-Juj: Traditional bull fight

Source-This post is based on the article “Assam revives traditional bull fights nine years after SC ban” published in “Hindustan Times” on 16th January 2024.

Why in the News?

The Assam Government has recently revived the traditional buffalo fight (Moh-Juj), which had been halted for nine years following the Supreme Court’s ban on Tamil Nadu’s Jallikattu and bullock cart races in Maharashtra.

What is Moh-Juj?

Moh-juj Assam
Source- First India
Aspect Details
Origin It was introduced to Assamese culture by 30th Ahom king Swargadeo Rudra Singha about 200 years ago.
Features 1. It is celebrated as a sport in Ahatguri town during Assam’s Magh Bihu, a key harvest festival in January–February.
2. The event is part of the cultural celebration of Magh Bihu.

Note- In addition to Moh-Juj, Swargadeo Rudra Singha also introduced elephant and bird fights, fostering community unity during his era.

About the wild buffalo (Bubalus arnee)

1) Habitat: It primarily inhabits alluvial grasslands, marshes, swamps, and river valleys.

2) Conservation Status:

a. IUCN Red list: Endangered
b. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
c. CITES: Appendix III

What is the controversy emerging again regarding Moh-Juj?

1) People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India, Animal rights group, has urged the Assam chief minister to promptly halt Moh-Juj fights.

2) PETA India is citing violations of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, and Supreme Court judgments, including Animal Welfare Board of India vs A Nagaraja (2014).

UPSC Syllabus- Art and Culture/Environment

Nuclear Battery

Source-This post is based on the article “Chinese firm develops ‘nuclear battery’ capable of producing power for 50 years without charging” published in “Deccan Herald” on 16th January 2024.

Why in the News?

Chinese startup Betavolt has developed  a ‘Nuclear battery’ that can generate power for 50 years without needing charging or maintenance.

About Nuclear Battery

Nuclear Battery
Source- The Economic Times
Specifications Details
About 1. It is smaller than a coin and contains 63 nuclear isotopes.
2. It converts radioisotope energy into electrical energy.
Features 1. These batteries harness energy from the decay of a radioactive isotope (Like nickel-63) to produce electricity.
2. It can provide 100 microwatts of power at 3V.
3. It is fire-resistant, jerk-proof, and operational in temperatures from -60°C to 120°C.
Significance 1. Betavolt asserts that its battery is the world’s first to miniaturize atomic energy production, which challenges the conventional notions about the non-miniaturization of nuclear technology.
2. It has a competitive edge compared to other batteries because of its elevated energy density.

What are its applications?

It envisions applications in aerospace, AI equipment, medical devices, microprocessors, sensors, drones, and micro-robots.

Note- The company aims to manufacture batteries generating 1 watt of power by 2025.

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

Parakram Diwas 2024 at Red Fort

Source-This post is based on the article “Parakram Diwas 2024 Commemoration: Red Fort Unveils History and Cultural Spectacle” published in “PIB” on 21st January 2024.

Why in the News?

Prime Minister will inaugurate the Parakram Diwas 2024 event at Red Fort on the evening of January 23. The celebration will be continued till 31st January.

What is Parakram Diwas?

Subhash Chandra Bose
Source- PIB

1) It is a national event celebrated in India on 23rd January to mark the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.

2) It has been celebrated annually since 2021.

3) The inaugural event occurred at Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata.

What steps has the government taken to commemorate Parakram Diwas?

Year Initiatives Details
2022 A hologram statue of Netaji was revealed at India Gate.
2023 1. The 21 largest unnamed islands in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands were renamed after the 21 Param Vir Chakra awardees.
2. A model of the National Memorial dedicated to Netaji which supposed to be constructed on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Dweep was also unveiled.

What are the key events of Parakram Diwas 2024?

1) Organised by– The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with institutions like the Archaeological Survey of India, National School of Drama, Sahitya Akademi, and the National Archives of India.

2) The event will feature various activities exploring the rich legacy of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and the Azad Hind Fauj.

3) The Prime Minister will digitally launch ‘Bharat Parv,’ organized by the Ministry of Tourism, featuring Republic Day Tableaux and cultural exhibits to showcase the nation’s diversity.

4) The iconic Red Fort will be transformed with a projection mapping show by artists from the National School of Drama.

5) Special recognition will be given to the veterans of the Indian National Army.

6) This nine-day event will showcase various citizen centric initiatives by 26 Ministries and departments.

Significance of Red fort:

a) The Red Fort is pivotal in Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s saga and the Azad Hind Fauj.
b) It houses a museum inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in 2019 to honor Bose and the INA on Netaji’s birthday.
c) Colonel Prem Sahgal, Colonel Gurbaksh Singh Dhillon, and Colonel Shahnawaz Khan made history in the Red Fort Trials, symbolizing the Azad Hind Fauj’s resolute commitment to India’s freedom.

Note– The entry for the visitors during the event will be free of cost.

UPSC Syllabus- Schemes & Programmes/ Art & Culture

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