9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 13th August, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Challenges noted in Sisodia’s case
Source: The post challenges noted in Sisodia’s case has been created, based on the article “The top court as custodian of liberties” published in “The Hindu” on 13th August 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance – Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Context: The article discusses the Supreme Court of India granting bail to Manish Sisodia, emphasizing the importance of protecting individual liberties, the right to a speedy trial, and concerns over the misuse of stringent penal laws like the PMLA.
For detailed information on Supreme Court’s decision regarding Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia read this article here
Why Was Manish Sisodia Granted Bail?
- Manish Sisodia was granted bail by the Supreme Court after a long incarceration, emphasizing the protection of individual liberties.
- The Court reaffirmed that “bail is the rule, jail is an exception,” citing its 1977 ruling by Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer.
What Challenges Were Noted in Sisodia’s Case?
- Large Volume of Evidence: The case against Manish Sisodia involved 56,000 pages of documents and 456 witnesses, making the trial process potentially lengthy.
- Delay in Trial: The Supreme Court expressed concern that such an extensive amount of evidence could cause significant delays in concluding the trial.
- Judicial Precedents: The Court referenced past judgments, such as Kashmira Singh (1977) and P. Chidambaram (2020), which underline the importance of avoiding undue delays in trials.
What Are the Concerns About the PMLA?
- The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) has been criticized for its stringent and potentially oppressive application.
- Over the last 10 years, more than 5,000 cases have been registered under the PMLA.
- Despite the large number of cases, only 40 convictions have been secured, raising concerns about the law’s effectiveness and fairness.
- The Minister of State for Finance disclosed in the Rajya Sabha that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed 132 casesfrom 2019 to 2024.
- The low conviction rate and prolonged detention of accused persons under the PMLA highlight concerns that the law might be used as a tool for harassment rather than for genuine legal enforcement.
- This scenario reflects broader worries about the potential misuse of penal laws in India.
What is the Role of the Supreme Court in Protecting Civil Liberties?
- Upholding Individual Liberties: The Supreme Court plays a vital role in protecting individual liberties, as shown in its decision to grant bail to Manish Sisodia after a prolonged incarceration.
- Bail as a Rule: The Court reaffirmed that “bail is the rule, jail is an exception,” emphasizing the importance of the right to liberty.
- Right to a Speedy Trial: The Court’s insistence on the right to a speedy trial under Article 21 serves as a reminder of its commitment to fair and timely justice.
What Is the Caveat in the Judgment?
- The Supreme Court initially allowed Manish Sisodia’s detention based on the prosecution’s promise that the trial would conclude within six to eight months.
- The Court also accepted the prosecution’s statement that the charge sheet would be filed by July 3, 2024.
- This decision raises concerns about fairness, as it allowed the prosecution to influence the timeline, potentially compromising the accused’s rights.
Question for practice:
Examine how the Supreme Court of India’s decision to grant bail to Manish Sisodia reflects the importance of protecting individual liberties and the right to a speedy trial.
Risks associated with Zika virus
Source: The post risks associated with Zika virus has been created, based on the article “More and better: States must develop capacity to conduct testing and sequencing of viruses” published in “The Hindu” on 13th August 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.
Context: The article discusses the rise in Zika virus cases in Maharashtra, particularly in Pune. It highlights the risks for pregnant women, including microcephaly in babies. It criticizes delays in testing and emphasizes the need for quick, decentralized virus testing and sequencing.
For detailed information on Zika virus read this article here
What is the current situation of Zika virus in India?
- Since June 20, Maharashtra has seen 88 confirmed cases of Zika virus, with Pune city being the epicenter, accounting for 73 of these cases.
- Pregnant women are significantly affected, making up half of the confirmed cases. They face risks such as giving birth to babies with microcephaly and other neurological issues.
What are the risks associated with Zika virus?
- Microcephaly in Babies: Pregnant women with Zika virus face a 6.6% risk of giving birth to babies with microcephaly, a condition where the baby has a smaller than average head size.
- Neurological Abnormalities: Babies born to infected mothers have an 18.7% chance of developing functional neurological issues.
- Premature Birth and Low Birth Weight: There is a 10.5% risk of premature birth and a 16.2% risk of low birth weight or being small for gestational age.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: Zika can lead to this neurological disorder, where the immune system attacks nerves.
- Sexual Transmission: Infected men can transmit the virus sexually for up to three months.
What are the Challenges with Testing?
- Delayed Testing Response: Testing for the Zika virus was ramped up only after media coverage highlighted delays, showing a reactive approach rather than a proactive one.
- Impact of Delayed Testing: When testing is delayed, as seen in the Zika virus situation in Pune, it hampers the ability to quickly respond to outbreaks. Kerala’s quick action during the Nipah virus outbreak shows how important it is to test early, while Gujarat’s challenges with the Chandipura virus show the risks of delays.
- Need for Decentralization: The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the benefits of decentralized testing. Similar strategies should be adopted for all deadly pathogens to ensure timely public health responses.
- Importance of Lead Time Reduction: Reducing the lead time for test results is crucial in controlling virus spread.
Question for practice:
Discuss the risks associated with the Zika virus, particularly for pregnant women, as highlighted in the article.
The Transition in Bangladesh
Source-This post on The Transition in Bangladesh Stability has been created based on the article “A Bangladesh without Sheikh Hasina, a reset for Delhi” published in “The Indian Express” on 13 August 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations.
Context- The recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, marked by the removal of the former Prime Minister and the rise of an interim government, raises serious concerns about a possible return to past issues like winner-takes-all politics, religious extremism, and geopolitical rivalries, which impact both Bangladesh and its neighbors.
India follows a policy of not interfering in other countries’ internal politics, including Bangladesh. Even though India is seen as having influence over Dhaka, it has respected this principle and avoided intervening in Bangladesh’s internal political matters during Sheikh Hasina’s time in power.
What is the significance of India-Bangladesh relations?
1) Security Cooperation- For almost 15 years, Bangladesh effectively stopped terrorist and insurgent groups from exploiting its territory against India. This is due to the efforts of its government and robust collaboration with India.
A detailed article on Sheikh Hasina’s Exit and India Bangladesh Relations can be read here.
2) Connectivity: The countries have enhanced their security collaboration and multi-modal connectivity.
3) Trade and Commerce: Bilateral trade reached $18 billion in 2021-22.
4) Energy-Bangladesh imports 1,160 MW of power from India, highlighting a major advancement in their energy partnership.
5) People-to-People Ties– Each year, over 1.5 million Bangladeshis visit India for tourism, business, and medical care. India’s recognition of Bangladesh’s achievements in literacy, infant mortality, and women’s empowerment, along with the success of its garment industry and Grameen Bank’s microfinance model, reflects admiration and has influenced Indian businesses.
What are the Ongoing Challenges?
A) Border Issues: – There are ongoing concerns in Bangladesh about incidents with Indian security forces at the border, even though India is working to reduce these incidents.
B) River Water Sharing: Equitable sharing of river waters, a priority for Bangladesh, remains challenging due to India’s growing needs. Resolving these issues requires continued political will and persistence.
What should be the way forward?
1) Recognize Shared Development Goals-As new forces emerge in Bangladesh, young leaders should recognize that many Indians share their development goals. Both countries face issues like poverty and climate change, which require cooperation to address.
2) Embracing Future Opportunities- India and Bangladesh should look to the future with optimism, seizing the opportunities from recent political changes while avoiding past conflicts.
Question for practice
What is the importance of India-Bangladesh relations, and what are the current challenges?
The Role of State and Private Sector in Elite Sports
Source-This post on The Role of State and Private Sector in Elite Sports has been created based on the article “Sanjay Srivastava writes: For a nation that aspires to Olympic glory, what is the role of the state?” published in “The Indian Express” on 13 August 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors
Context- Recent news about Vinesh Phogat’s Olympic disqualification and the Ambani family’s push to improve India’s sports performance has sparked a debate. It focuses on whether private wealth or state funds are better for supporting elite sports versus addressing public welfare.
What are the arguments against state funding of elite sports?
1) Public Welfare vs. Elite Sports- Promoting general physical activity improves public health and well-being, whereas sponsoring elite sports typically seeks private benefits and national recognition rather than directly aiding the public.
2) Lack of evidence for public welfare effects: –State funding for elite sports rarely enhances public health or benefits the general population, particularly in poorer countries. With fewer than 45 Olympic medals, India’s experience suggests that these investments do not produce significant returns.
3) Politicization of Sports– Political patronage in sports harms administration quality. Appointees often prioritize political goals over developing talent. This leads to ineffective state-sponsored sports programs.
What are the arguments to support private funding of elite sports?
1) Business Incentives and Efficiency- Private investment in sports aims for profits, with companies expecting improved public image, branding, and more medals. Unlike the state, private investments face strict scrutiny and performance metrics.
2) Advantages Over State Funding- Unlike state funding, private sector investments are closely monitored for effectiveness. This oversight can lead to better management and results in sports.
Read More- India’s Paris Olympics Performance- Challenges and Way Forward
Conclusion- The debate about state versus private funding for elite sports highlights larger issues of public welfare and resource use. Private investment often achieves better sports outcomes due to profit motives, but state funds might be better spent on basic societal needs.
Question for practice
What are the reasons against state funding for elite sports, and what arguments favor private funding for these sports?
GS PAPER - 3
Key Challenges MSMEs Face in India
Source: The post key challenges MSMEs face in India has been created, based on the article “Close the credit gap MSMEs face to create jobs and drive growth” published in “Live Mints” on 13th August 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Economy- Industries (MSMEs)
Context: The article discusses how India’s MSMEs could grow if their credit gap is reduced. It highlights challenges in lending and suggests using digital tools, better data, and government programs to responsibly increase credit access and support MSME growth.
For detailed information on MSMEs: Significance, Challenges and Solutions read this article here
What is the Importance of MSMEs in India?
- India has 60 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- They employ over 110 million people.
- MSMEs contribute nearly 30% to India’s GDP.
- They account for about 50% of the country’s exports.
What are the Key Challenges MSMEs Face in Accessing Credit?
- Large Credit Gap: MSMEs in India face a persistent credit gap of over 60%, limiting their growth potential.
- Limited Data for Credit Assessment: Financial institutions often rely on limited data sources, missing out on seasonal and real-time cash flow information that can better assess a borrower’s creditworthiness.
- Cumbersome Processes: Documentation collection and customer management processes are often complex and costly, discouraging formal borrowing.
- Reliance on Informal Credit: Over half of MSMEs turn to informal and expensive credit sources due to the lack of access to formal funding.
- Inadequate Loan Products: Even qualifying MSMEs often receive loans that do not match their sector-specific cash flow cycles, such as in dairy, food processing, or construction, leading to financial strain.
What Initiatives are Helping Bridge the Credit Gap?
- Digital India Initiatives: Tools like FASTag, Digilocker, GeM, and ONDC provide granular, real-time data, helping lenders access high-quality customer information, improving credit assessments.
- Account Aggregator System: Facilitates consent-based data exchange, speeding up banking processes and providing more accurate data for credit decisions.
- 2024 Union Budget Measures:
- a) Credit Guarantee Scheme: Provides collateral-free liquidity for manufacturing MSMEs, reducing reliance on informal credit.
- b) ‘Tarun’ Mudra Loan Limit Increase: The loan limit doubled from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh, aiding MSMEs in scaling operations.
- c) TreDS Platform Expansion: Lowered turnover threshold from ₹500 crore to ₹250 crore, increasing participation and access to formal credit for smaller MSMEs.
What Impact Could These Measures Have?
- Increase frontline productivity by 20-25%, allowing more efficient business growth.
- Reduce credit risk by 15-20%, making lending safer and more reliable.
- Double auto-renewal rates, leading to more consistent loan renewals.
- Improve turnaround times by 50%, enabling quicker loan processing.
- Double growth in transaction value through supply-chain solutions, helping MSMEs manage cash flow better.
- These improvements help avoid typical boom-bust cycles in lending, creating sustainable growth.
- Financial institutions can help deserving MSMEs access the credit needed to drive economic growth and job creation.
Question for practice:
Discuss the challenges faced by MSMEs in accessing credit in India and the initiatives being implemented to bridge the credit gap.
Rising security threats in 2024, particularly from AI and cyberattacks
Source: The post rising security threats in 2024, particularly from AI and cyberattacks has been created, based on the article “Disinformation, AI and ‘cyber chakravyuh’” published in “The Hindu” on 13th August 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- security-cybersecurity
Context: The article discusses the rising security threats in 2024, particularly from AI and cyberattacks. It highlights concerns about digital and disinformation threats, using recent examples like the CrowdStrike outage and past cyberattacks. The need for heightened vigilance and better security measures is emphasized.
For detailed information on Generative AI impacting cybersecurity read this article hear
What are the main security threats in 2024?
- In 2024, security threats are increasingly coming from AI, including Generative AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI).
- AI has made it easier to create and spread deep fakes, which are manipulated videos, images, or audio.
- These deep fakes caused confusion, especially during the Taiwan elections in January 2024.
- AI-generated disinformation has also been used in the Ukraine conflict, disrupting critical infrastructure.
- Security experts feared digital attacks on the 2024 Summer Olympics in France, held in July-August. They were concerned about cyberattacks and AI-enabled disruptions. However, the games ended without any major incidents, showing the effectiveness of security measures.
What was the significance of the CrowdStrike outage?
- The CrowdStrike outage, caused by a software glitch in Microsoft Windows, had a global impact.
- Over eight million Windows devices were affected, disrupting flight operations, air traffic, and stock exchanges.
- It initially affected parts of the United States but quickly spread to other countries, including India.
- The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-IN) rated the incident as “critical.”
- Although not a cyberattack, the incident served as a preview of the kind of widespread disruption that could occur in the event of a large-scale cyberattack.
What are some notable past cyberattacks?
- WannaCry (2017): This ransomware attack infected over 230,000 computers across 150 countries, causing billions of dollars in damage.
- Shamoon (2017): Targeted oil companies like Saudi Aramco and RasGas, leading to significant disruptions and was labeled the “biggest hack in history.”
- Petya (2017): This malware attack severely impacted banks and infrastructure in Europe, the U.S., and Australia.
- Stuxnet (2010): A state-sponsored cyberattack targeting Iran’s nuclear program, affecting over 200,000 computers, specifically designed to disrupt critical systems.
How are individuals affected by cyber threats today?
- Cyber fraud and hacking have become common, with many victims falling prey to phishing, identity theft, and false credit card transactions.
- Fraudsters often pose as delivery agents or use other tactics to obtain personal information.
What should be done to combat digital threats?
- Governments and industries need better systems to counter digital threats.
- Companies should employ chief information and security officers to assess and improve their digital defenses.
- Awareness and coordinated action are crucial to protecting against these evolving threats.
Question for practice:
Examine how the rising use of AI, particularly Generative AI, is contributing to new security threats in 2024, including the spread of deep fakes and AI-generated disinformation.
Climate Change Discourse and India’s Economic Survey
Source- This post on Climate Change Discourse and India’s Economic Survey has been created based on the article “Economic Survey criticism misses the forest for the trees” published in “LiveMint” on 13 August 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment
Context– The article supports the Economic Survey’s balanced approach to climate change, highlighting India’s progress in reducing emissions and promoting sustainability. It also critiques global inequalities in climate discussions.
What are the arguments presented to defend the Economic Survey?
1) Balanced Approach to Climate Action -The survey shows how India balances development with climate action, highlights a 33% reduction in emission intensity from 2005 to 2019, and critiques developed countries for their overconsumption and high historical emissions.
2) Livestock Feed and Meat Production -Livestock use 6 billion tonnes of feed yearly, including one-third of global cereal production, with 86% inedible for humans. Research by Mottet et al. (2017) shows that producing 1 kg of meat requires 2.8-3.2 kg of human-edible feed. Ignoring this issue overlooks its significant environmental impact.
3) Land Consolidation for Agricultural Productivity– The survey sees land consolidation as essential for improving agricultural productivity in India, where most farms are very small. Small, fragmented farms hinder modern farming and efficient resource use. The critique’s claim that the survey overlooks livelihood needs is incorrect, as the survey links land consolidation to agricultural modernization, economic growth, and job creation.
4) Focus on Water Management- Critics argue the survey should emphasize water storage and efficiency more. However, the survey already addresses sustainable water management by combining traditional and modern methods and highlights the urgent need for efficient water use.
5) India’s Energy Preparedness- The critique says the survey shows India’s unpreparedness for relying on a few countries for future energy. This ignores the National Critical Minerals Mission, highlighted in the budget, which addresses the entire supply chain for critical minerals.
Read More- Critical Mineral Mission of India
6) Energy Transition Timing-The critique suggests the survey should justify starting energy transitions in 2024, given India’s climate actions in 2008 and 2016. However, since energy transitions usually span three to four generations, the exact starting point is less important.
7) Response to Extreme Weather Event-The critique claims that the survey ignores extreme weather events. However, it highlights the need for more adaptation efforts and investments.
Conclusion– The critique overlooks the chapter’s depth. The survey promotes dialogue, trust, and a culturally rooted, sustainable approach, emphasizing actions at all levels to balance development with climate goals.
Question for practice
What are the arguments presented to defend the Economic Survey?
Deposit-Lending Gap in Indian Banks
Source-This post on Deposit-Lending Gap in Indian Banks has been created based on the article “Bank deposit shortage: Could a role shift work?” published in “Live Mint” on 13 August 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Context– Indian regulators are urging banks to increase deposits because they are currently falling behind in comparison to lending growth. If this gap continues, banks may face higher costs for funding or may reduce lending, which could slow down economic growth.
The Finance Minister, RBI Governor, and the Economic Survey have all expressed concerns. For instance, in 2023, credit grew by 16%, but deposits increased by only 13%. This gap has been larger in recent years, with a brief exception during the pandemic when deposit growth surged.
What are the factors contributing to the decline in bank deposits?
1) Low Interest Rates– Long periods of low deposit rates discouraged savers as they began to focus on ‘real’ returns after inflation. Frustrated by these low rates, many households shifted their savings to the stock market. This was driven by a strong bull market and user-friendly mobile trading apps.
2) Tax Regime- Previously, the tax system favored debt funds over bank deposits with benefits like indexation and lower taxes on long-term gains. In 2023, this was fixed by taxing debt fund earnings at the same rate as bank deposit interest. However, no new measures have been introduced to make bank deposits more attractive.
3) Changing Saver Demographics– Experienced savers are pursuing higher returns through investments, but the growth in new savers is insufficient to satisfy banks’ requirements.
4) Diminished Role of Banks- The growth of capital markets, which allow direct funding through bonds and shares, may be diminishing the traditional role of banks as financial intermediaries.
Read More- Status of Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) – Explained, pointwise
What should be the way forward?
1) Tax Relief on Bank Deposits -Eliminating the tax on interest from bank deposits could motivate people to save in traditional bank accounts by providing better returns and more favorable terms.
2) Centralizing Deposits to Enhance Bank Stability -Centralizing public deposits with the RBI would allow banks to focus on lending and risk management. Depositors could keep their money with the RBI, which would offer slightly lower interest rates for greater security. The RBI could then lend these funds to banks at special rates, supporting their lending and ensuring financial stability.
Question for practice
What are the factors contributing to the decline in bank deposits?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Lunisolar calendar
Source- This post on lunisolar calendar has been created based on the article “Ancient calendar, possibly world’s oldest, found: Could it document a long-ago disaster?” published in “Times of India” on 13 August 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, scientists have discovered what is believed to be the earliest known lunisolar calendar.
About the lunisolar calendar
![Ancient calendar](https://static.toiimg.com/thumb/msid-112438635,imgsize-1736011,width-400,resizemode-4/112438635.jpg)
1. Site of the discovery: The calendar has been discovered at Göbekli Tepe. It is an ancient site in southern Turkey. The site is known for its temple-like enclosures, and this discovery adds to its significance as one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
2. Significance of the Calendar: The calendar documents a significant astronomical event, a comet impact that occurred around 13,000 years ago. This event is believed to have had a profound effect on Earth, possibly triggering a 1,200-year ice age and leading to the extinction of many large animals.
3. Carvings on the Pillars: The pillars at Göbekli Tepe contain detailed carvings, including V-shaped markings. Scientists suggests that these carvings record the date and story of the comet fragments that struck Earth around 10,850 BC. The V-shaped symbols are thought to represent days in a lunisolar calendar.
4. Cultural and Historical Impact: The carvings suggest that ancient people were capable of observing and recording the movements of the sun, moon, and constellations, marking seasonal changes and significant events.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
Kerala Jewish communities
Source- This post on Kerala Jewish communities has been created based on the article “Once thriving, now all but gone: a history of Kerala’s Jewish communities” published in “Indian Express” on 13 August 2024.
Why in News?
Kerala’s Jewish communities, which were once vibrant population, have been seeing a significant decline in population. From an estimated 20,000-50,000 in the mid-1940s, India’s Jewish population today stands at around 4,000-5,000, mostly from the Bene Israel community.
Kerala’s Jewish population was historically divided into two main groups- the Malabar Jews and the Paradesi Jews.
About Malabar Jews
![The 16th century Paradesi Synagogue in Kochi, Kerala.](https://images.indianexpress.com/2024/08/Synagogue-Kochi.jpg?resize=600,450)
1. Malabar Jews, also known as Cochin Jews, trace their origins to the days of King Solomon, approximately 3,000 years ago. They were initially settled in Cranganore (modern-day Kodungallur in Thrissur district).
2. Copper plates from around 1,000 CE detail the privileges granted to the Jewish leader by the Hindu ruler of Cranganore. From the 14th century onwards, especially after the Portuguese arrival, they moved south to Cochin, where they were welcomed by the local king.
About Paradesi Jews
1. Paradesi Jews, meaning “foreign” Jews, arrived in India in the 15th and 16th centuries from the Iberian Peninsula due to persecution by Catholic rulers. They settled on the Malabar coast and in Madras (now Chennai), engaging in the spice trade and the diamond trade.
2. Paradesi Jews adopted the Malayalam language and local customs, but eventually distanced themselves from the older Jewish community in Kerala, leading to the formation of two distinct groups.
3. Paradesi Jews were often referred to as White Jews and Malabar Jews as Black Jews.
Prominent Families and Community Decline
1. The Koder family was among the most prominent in the Paradesi Jewish community. Samuel Koder, a leading figure, managed the Cochin Electric Company and was a noted authority on the history of Kerala’s Jews.
2. Since the 1950s, there has been a steady migration of Kerala Jews to Israel, where over 4,000 Cochinim (mostly Malabar Jews) now reside. Today, only 14 Malabar Jews and one Paradesi Jew remain in Kerala.
Legacy and Remaining Structures
1. “Jew Streets” in Mattancherry and Kochi, along with formerly Jewish-owned shops and businesses, serve as remnants of Kerala’s Jewish heritage.
2. Kerala has seven synagogues, the most prominent being the Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry, built in 1568 CE. Three other Paradesi synagogues at Paravur, Chendamangalam, and Mala are now protected monuments.
3. The Kavumbhagam Ernakulam Synagogue is one of the remaining Malabari synagogues. It was taken over by the state government in 2021 for conservation.
UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture
Collision Avoidance System (CAS)
Source- This post on Collision Avoidance System (CAS) has been created based on the article “Tech that keeps vehicles from bumping into each other” published in “The Hindu” on 13 August 2024.
Why in News?
Vehicular traffic is integral to modern life. With increasing demand and complexity, collision avoidance systems are essential for ensuring safety.
About Collision Avoidance System (CAS)
Aspects | Description |
About | A Collision Avoidance System (CAS) is a safety technology designed to prevent or reduce the severity of collisions in vehicles, aircraft, ships, and other modes of transportation. |
Key Components | 1. Sensors and Detection: CAS relies on a variety of sensors such as radar, lidar, ultrasonic sensors, and cameras to detect obstacles or other vehicles around the vehicle or aircraft. 2. Processing Unit: The data from the sensors is processed by an onboard computer, which assesses the risk of collision by analyzing the speed, distance, and trajectory of the detected objects. 3. Warning System: If the system determines that a collision is imminent, it alerts the driver or pilot through audible alarms, visual warnings, or haptic feedback (like vibrating the steering wheel or seat). 4. Automatic Action: In advanced CAS, if the driver or pilot does not respond to the warnings, the system can take automatic actions such as applying the brakes, steering away from the obstacle, or adjusting speed to avoid a collision. |
Types of CAS | 1. Automotive CAS: It involves forward Collision Warning (FCW), Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and blind Spot Detection (BSD). 2. Aviation CAS: It includes Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) and Ground Proximity Warning System (GPWS). 3. Marine CAS: It includes automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA) which helps in detecting and tracking other vessels to avoid collisions at sea. |
Benefits | 1. Enhanced Safety: CAS significantly reduces the likelihood of accidents by providing early warnings and automatic interventions. 2. Driver/Pilot Assistance: It aids in situations where human reaction time may be insufficient. 3. Insurance and Liability: Vehicles and aircraft equipped with CAS may benefit from lower insurance premiums due to reduced risk. |
Challenges | 1. Sensor Limitations: The effectiveness of CAS can be hindered by poor weather conditions, sensor malfunction, or false positives. 2. Driver/Pilot Over-reliance: There is a risk that drivers or pilots may become too dependent on the system and not remain vigilant. |
Future development | Integration with Autonomous Systems: CAS is an essential component of fully autonomous vehicles, where collision avoidance will be entirely managed by the vehicle’s systems. Improved Algorithms: Ongoing advancements in machine learning and AI are expected to enhance the accuracy and reliability of CAS. |
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
India Rankings 2024
Source- This post on India Rankings 2024 has been created based on the article “Shri Dharmendra Pradhan releases India Rankings 2024 in New Delhi” published in “PIB” on 13 August 2024.
Why in News?
Union Minister for Education released the India Rankings 2024 utilizing the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) created by the Ministry of Education in 2015.
About India Rankings 2024:
Aspects | Description |
Participation | This year saw a significant increase in participation, with 10,885 institutions compared to 5,543 last year. |
Expanded Categories | 1. The India Rankings 2024 introduced three new categories: State Public Universities, Open Universities, and Skill Universities. 2. This expands the ranking portfolio to 16 categories and subject domains. |
Employability Focus | It emphasized the importance of employability skills as key parameters in the rankings. |
Evaluation Criteria Changes | 1. The faculty-to-student ratio requirement has been modified for medical institutes (from 1:15 to 1:10) and state government universities (from 1:15 to 1:20). 2. Institutions were assessed based on five broad parameters: teaching, learning and resources, research and professional practice, graduation outcomes, outreach and inclusivity, and perception. |
Top Institutions | 1. IIT Madras retained its 1st position in the Overall Category for the sixth consecutive year. 2. Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru topped the Universities Category for the ninth consecutive year. 3. IIM Ahmedabad maintained its top position in the Management category for the fifth consecutive year. 4. AIIMS New Delhi secured the top position in Medical for the seventh consecutive year. 5. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia are also among the top universities. |
Participation Growth | The number of unique institutions participating in the rankings increased from 2,426 in 2016 to 6,517 in 2024, with total applications rising from 3,565 in 2016 to 10,845 in 2024. |
New Category Leaders | 1. Anna University, Chennai topped the newly introduced State Public Universities category. 2. IGNOU, New Delhi led the Open Universities category. 3. Symbiosis Skill and Professional University, Pune ranked first in the Skill Universities category. |
Recognition of Excellence | The rankings reflect the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, recognizing excellence in teaching, research, innovation, and graduation outcomes among Indian HEIs. |
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
Tungabhadra Reservoir
Source- This post on Tungabhadra Reservoir has been created based on the article “Broken crest gate of Tungabhadra reservoir washes away hopes of farmers in command area” published in “The Hindu” on 13 August 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, Tungabhadra reservoir filled up due to a good monsoon in the Sahyadri range.
About Tungabhadra Reservoir
![Tungabhadra Dam, Karnataka](https://cdn.dollsofindia.com/images/p/photography/tungabhadra-dam-OB27_l.jpg)
Aspects | Description |
About | 1. The Tungabhadra Reservoir, also known as the Tungabhadra Dam is a multipurpose dam located near Hospet in the Bellary district of Karnataka, India. 2. It was built across the Tungabhadra River, a major tributary of the Krishna River. |
Construction and Design | 1. The Tungabhadra Dam was constructed in 1953 as a joint venture between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. 2. The dam is constructed using stone and earth, extending approximately 2.4 kilometers in length and standing 49.39 meters tall. |
Purpose | It was designed primarily to store water for irrigation, power generation, and flood control. |
Capacity and Storage | 1. The reservoir has a gross storage capacity of around 3.7 billion cubic meters (131 TMC ft). 2. The catchment area feeding the reservoir spans approximately 28,177 square kilometers. 3. The reservoir supports the irrigation of over 1.2 million acres of farmland across Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. |
Hydroelectric Power Generation | 1. The dam houses a hydroelectric power station with an installed capacity of 72 MW. 2. The generated electricity supports nearby regions, contributing to their electrification and industrial development. |
Environmental and Social Impact | 1. The reservoir plays a critical role in the agrarian economy by providing water for the cultivation of crops such as rice, sugarcane, and cotton. 2. The large water body supports diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the local ecosystem. However, the construction led to the displacement of communities and environmental changes in the region. |
Tourism and Cultural Significance | 1.The reservoir is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its scenic beauty and proximity to the historic Vijayanagara ruins at Hampi. 2. The serene waters, lush greenery, and surrounding hills make it an ideal spot for picnics and relaxation. |
Challenges and Future Prospects | 1. The reservoir faces challenges such as siltation and water management issues. 2. There is a need to modernize the irrigation infrastructure to ensure the long-term sustainability of the reservoir and its benefits to the region. |
UPSC Syllabus: Geography