9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 14th August, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Issues affected India’s performance at the Paris Olympics
Source: The post issues affected India’s performance at the Paris Olympics has been created, based on the article “Single digits: India needs to broaden its sport base for success in Olympics” published in “The Hindu” on 14th August 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2
Context: The article discusses India’s underwhelming performance at the Paris Olympics, where it won only six medals, down from seven in Tokyo 2020. It highlights the need for broader participation, better funding distribution, and improved governance in Indian sports.
How did India perform at the Paris Olympics?
- India won six medals (one silver and five bronze) at the Paris Olympics, which was fewer than the seven medals won at Tokyo 2020.
- Standout performers were shooters Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, and Swapnil Kusale, along with wrestler Aman Sehrawat.
- Neeraj Chopra added a silver medal to his Tokyo gold, and the men’s hockey team secured a podium finish for the second time in a row.
What issues affected India’s performance?
- Limited Sports Presence: India had near-zero participation in sports like swimming and gymnastics.
- Reliance on Few Athletes: Success depended heavily on a select few, like Neeraj Chopra, who added silver to his Tokyo gold.
- Disqualifications: Wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified for exceeding the weight limit.
- Governance Issues: Nepotism and corruption within sports federations hindered broader participation and equitable funding.
What Should be Done?
- Improve Funding Distribution: Funds should be allocated more equitably to support grassroots development, avoiding over-reliance on select sports.
- Enhance Governance: The Union Sports Ministry should enforce the National Sports Code and decentralize governance to combat corruption and nepotism.
- Fix Accountability: Federations must be held accountable for poor performances, ensuring transparency and fairness in sports administration.
What notable achievements happened at the Paris Olympics globally?
Sifan Hassan (Netherlands): Won medals in 5,000m, 10,000m, and marathon, a rare feat last achieved by Emil Zatopek in 1952.
Faith Kipyegon (Kenya): Became the first woman to win three consecutive 1,500m Olympic titles.
Mijain Lopez (Cuba): Secured his fifth gold in 130kg Greco-Roman wrestling.
Novak Djokovic: Won his first Olympic singles gold at 37.
Armand Duplantis (Sweden): Broke the men’s pole vault record for the ninth time (6.25m).
Leon Marchand (France): Won four golds, leading France to its best medal tally in a century.
Question for practice:
Discuss the factors that contributed to India’s underwhelming performance at the Paris Olympics.
What lessons should India learn from shocks in its neighborhood?
Source: The post what lessons should India learn from shocks in its neighborhood has been created, based on the article “The shock-effects of South Asian tumult” published in “The Hindu” on 14th August 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.
Context: The article discusses how India’s foreign policy in South Asia has faced challenges due to recent political upheavals in neighboring countries. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with all political factions, avoiding one-sided approaches, and revitalizing regional cooperation.
For detailed information on the neighbourhood in turmoil, lessons for India read this article here
What Recent Events Have Affected India’s Neighbourhood?
- Since 2021, India has faced several shocks in its neighborhood. The coup in Myanmar and the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021 were major events.
- In 2022, Imran Khan was ousted as Pakistan’s Prime Minister, and Gotabaya Rajapaksa was pushed out of Sri Lanka.
- More recently, elections in the Maldives replaced the India-friendly Solih government, and coalition issues in Nepal brought the less India-friendly Oli government to power.
- In Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure has left India scrambling to engage with her successors.
What Lessons Should India Learn from These Events?
- Avoid One-Sided Engagement: India often aligned with specific governments, like Sheikh Hasina’s in Bangladesh, ignoring the opposition. This narrow approach backfired as political tides changed. India should engage with all political factions to maintain balance.
- Retain Loyalty to Allies: India’s refusal to help Afghan officials after the Taliban takeover harmed its reputation as a reliable partner. However, by allowing Sheikh Hasina to stay in India, it showed loyalty. This should be a consistent approach.
- Avoid Communal Lenses: Ties in South Asia should not be reduced to religious affiliations. The assumption that good relations are based on religious majorities is flawed. For example, Nepal, a Hindu-majority country, has been a difficult partner, while Bhutan (Buddhist-majority) and Maldives (Muslim-majority) have been strong allies.
- Revive Regional Cooperation: India must strengthen its role as the leading power in South Asia, independent of global power plays like those between the U.S. and China. India should work on reviving regional mechanisms like SAARC and BIMSTEC to enhance cooperation.
What Common Challenges Exist in South Asia?
- Political Instability: Frequent changes in government, such as in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, have created uncertainty and affected regional stability.
- Economic Inequality and Joblessness: High unemployment rates and unequal economic growth have fueled public anger, as seen in protests and unrest in several countries.
- Democratic Backsliding: The shift towards authoritarianism, as witnessed in Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina, undermines long-term stability and can lead to political backlash.
- External Influence: Rivalries between global powers like the U.S. and China often overshadow regional cooperation, weakening South Asian unity and self-reliance.
Question for practice:
Examine how India’s foreign policy has been affected by recent political changes in neighboring South Asian countries.
The Supreme Court Ruling on Reservation and Its Implications
Source-This post on The Supreme Court Ruling on Reservation and Its Implications has been created based on the article “The post-Mandal moment is here — and it calls for a new politics” published in “The Indian Express” on 14 August 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections.
Context-The Supreme Court’s recent ruling allowing states to sub-classify SCs and STs for reservations has sparked mixed reactions. Political parties are largely non-committal, and many supporters of reservation policies are critical. This reflects a growing discomfort with how caste-based reservations have evolved since the Mandal era.
What is the Historical Context of Mandal Politics?
1) Pre-Mandal Phase- This period focused on fighting caste discrimination, inspired by reformers like Jyotiba Phule, Periyar, and B.R. Ambedkar. Their work laid the foundation for addressing the needs of backward castes in the 1960s.
2) Post-Mandal Phase- The post-Mandal phase, starting with the Mandal Commission Report, focused on reservations and shaped politics from 1967, especially in North India. By the late 1990s, Mandal politics had reached its height and then faded. Major political parties adopted the reservation approach but focused mainly on numerical representation, ignoring the more complex issues of caste-based injustice.
What is the Essence of Mandal Politics?
A) Examination of Representation and Power– Mandal politics revealed the limited diversity of elites and emphasized the need to address power imbalances, not just count castes. It highlighted the importance of fair representation and tackling deeper power inequalities.
B) Strengthening Reservation and Social Justice- The Mandal moment advocated for enhancing the reservation system and extending it beyond SCs and STs to include promotions. However, this focus on reservations allowed policymakers to overlook wider social justice concerns resulting in bureaucratic inefficiencies and legal disputes.
C) Mobilization and Social Blocs– Mandal politics encouraged the formation of social groups, which helped backward communities participate more in politics and strengthen democracy. However, it also led to single-caste identities, creating competing political factions and neutralized potential gains with short-term tactics.
What are the implications of Supreme Court Ruling?
The Supreme Court ruling has raised critical questions about the future of reservations and social justice:
A) Adapting Reservation Policies: – How can policies be changed to better help the most disadvantaged people in these groups?
B) New Power Dynamics- As society evolves, how can emerging power imbalances beyond traditional caste distinctions be addressed?
C) Permanent Caste Blocs-Are SCs, STs, and OBCs permanent groups, or should politics evolve to reflect new socio-economic and democratic realities?
Conclusion– The current challenges in the reservation system highlight that the old Mandal-era methods and language are no longer effective. There is a need to create new strategies to address the changing issues of social justice and caste-based reservations.
Question for practice
What is the historical background of Mandal politics? What defines the core principles of Mandal politics? What are the effects of the recent Supreme Court ruling?
Bangladesh and the ‘foreign hand’ bogey
Source-This post on Bangladesh and the ‘foreign hand’ bogey has been created based on the article “C Raja Mohan writes: Bangladesh and the ‘foreign hand’ bogey” published in “The Indian Express” on 14 August 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations.
Context– Indian media suggests that Muhammad Yunus, an economist, caused the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government and outsmarted India. However, this theory is part of a broader trend in South Asia, where conspiracy theories are often used to explain political changes without clear evidence.
For ex- During the 1975 Emergency, Indira Gandhi used the excuse of foreign interference, particularly by the CIA, to deflect responsibility and evade accountability for her political troubles.
What are the reasons behind fall of Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh?
1) Popularity and Governance Issues– Sheikh Hasina’s government became increasingly unpopular due to election rigging, a tight grip on power, and rising authoritarianism. Economic difficulties worsened by the post-COVID situation also sparked more dissent.
2) Student Movements- The student protests against quotas sparked wider opposition to the government.
What roles do foreign powers, particularly the USA, play in overthrowing governments globally?
1) Bangladesh-
A) Hasina’s belief that the US overthrew her because she refused to allow a military base highlights a common pattern among South Asian leaders, who often blame external forces for their internal problems.
B) Indian Prime Minister introduced Sheikh Hasina to US President at the G20 summit, and despite election concerns, the Biden Administration continues to work with Dhaka. This suggests that claims of CIA involvement in regime changes are exaggerated.
2) Venezuela & Cuba– The CIA has struggled to influence politics even in nearby countries like Venezuela and Cuba. Similarly, India’s intelligence agency, R&AW, is frequently accused of interfering in regional politics.
A detailed article on Sheikh Hasina’s Exit and India Bangladesh Relations can be read here.
What should be the way forward for India?
1) Instead of blaming external actors, India should thoroughly examine the Bangladesh crisis to gain valuable insights for improving its foreign policy.
2) India should look ahead, work with Dhaka’s new leadership, and support the student movement for political reform and economic opportunities.
3) The crisis in Bangladesh and tensions in Burma requires closer stronger India-US cooperation. Their shared interests are key to ensuring stability and collaboration in the Bay of Bengal and surrounding areas.
Question for practice
What roles do foreign powers, especially the USA, play in toppling governments worldwide? What steps should India take in response?
GS PAPER - 3
China’s advancements in drone and hypersonic technology and their effects on India.
Source: The post China’s advancements in drone and hypersonic technology and their effects on India has been created, based on the article “Keep pace with today’s Al-equipped arms race” published in “Live Mints” on 14th August 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- security
Context: The article discusses China’s advancements in drone and hypersonic technology, highlighting its potential military edge in a new Cold War. It warns that India may face challenges in maintaining neutrality and must balance defense spending with economic priorities.
What is China’s New Technological Edge?
- China recently test-flew a large drone with a 2-tonne payload capacity, bigger than a four-seater Cessna-172, showcasing its advancements in unmanned aircraft technology.
- Developed by Sichuan Tengden Sci-Tech Innovation Company, this drone is part of China’s growing focus on pilotless aircraft.
- China’s hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs), like the DF-ZF, are difficult to detect and track, alarming the US.
- Drones and HGVs are considered revolutionary in warfare due to their digital guidance via live data-feed, making China a leader in this emerging military technology.
Why Are These Developments Concerning?
- China’s advancements in drones and hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs) represent a significant shift in military technology.
- The DF-ZF, a Chinese HGV, is difficult to detect and track, posing a challenge to the US and its allies.
- Drones, guided by live data-feed, were effectively used in recent conflicts like the Ukraine and Gaza wars.
- The mix of missiles and drones used by Iran against Israel highlights the growing threat of these technologies.
- China’s lead in these technologies could disrupt global military balance, making these developments a significant concern.
How Does This Affect India?
- China’s advancements in drone and hypersonic technology could challenge India’s strategic autonomy as the US-China rivalry intensifies.
- India recently tested the Agni-5 missile with multiple warheads, joining an elite group of powers, but still needs to catch up with China’s AI-enabled drones and HGVs.
- Balancing defense spending with economic stability is crucial to avoid the middle-income trap, a risk both India and China face.
- India must focus on advancing its defense capabilities without compromising sound economic policies to maintain its global position.
Question for practice:
Discuss how China’s advancements in drone and hypersonic technology impact India’s strategic autonomy and defense priorities.
How India’s government is shifting science research towards market-driven goals
Source: The post how India’s government is shifting science research towards market-driven goals has been created, based on the article “Hints of the corporatisation of science research in India” published in “The Hindu” on 14th August 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Science and Technology
Context: The article discusses how India’s government is shifting science research towards market-driven goals, reducing public funding, and increasing private sector involvement. It warns this could harm curiosity-driven research and academic freedom, risking long-term scientific progress.
For detailed information on Research and Development in India read this article here
What is the government’s approach to science in India?
- The Indian government promotes a policy of “innovate, patent, produce, prosper” to guide scientific research. This approach encourages research institutions to generate revenue by marketing their expertise and developing marketable technologies.
- The ‘Dehradun Declaration’ of 2015 set the foundation for this policy, urging research centers to self-finance through patenting and commercialization. This marked the beginning of the corporatization of science research in India.
How Does This Compare with Global Trends?
- In the U.S., private funding for research is common in sectors like IT and pharmaceuticals. Private funding focuses on research that quickly leads to profitable products.
- India invests about 0.6% to 0.7% of its GDP in public science research, significantly less than countries like South Korea, which spends 2% to 3% of its GDP.
What is the Role of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)?
- Established under the 2023 ANRF Act, ANRF aims to enhance collaboration between research, academia, and industry.
- It funds research with a focus on market-oriented projects, emphasizing prototype development.
- ANRF has a budget of ₹50,000 crore over five years, with 72% expected from private sector contributions.
- The foundation reflects the government’s shift towards reducing public funding and increasing private sector involvement in research.
- ANRF’s focus on market-driven research aligns with the government’s goal to make research institutes more self-sustaining through commercialization.
What are the concerns about this policy?
- The emphasis on market-driven research risks undermining basic science, which relies on curiosity and exploration without immediate commercial benefits.
- Reduced public funding for basic science can weaken academic freedom and the autonomy of research institutes.
For detailed information on Science and Technology Initiatives in the Budget read this article here
Question for practice:
Examine how the Indian government’s shift towards market-driven goals in scientific research.
Modern Poultry Farming
Source-This post on Modern Poultry Farming has been created based on the article “How broiler chicken industry has become India’s most organised and vertically integrated agri-business” published in “The Indian Express” on 14 August 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Agriculture- Economics of Animal-Rearing.
Context– The article examines the Contract Farming Model in India’s poultry industry, where IB Group/ABIS Exports plays a key role by supplying essential inputs such as chicks, feed, and technical support. This model features a payment system based on growing charges (GC), which measures the efficiency and performance of poultry production.
This approach highlights the ongoing transformation in India’s poultry sector, showcasing its shift towards greater commercialization and integration, and establishing it as one of the most organized segments in the agricultural industry.
What is the difference between Environmentally Controlled and Open poultry farming?
EC houses have higher initial costs but provide better control over bird health and faster growth. In contrast, open houses have lower setup costs but face issues like higher mortality rates and slower growth, though they are still a practical choice for some farmers.
What is the significance of India’s Broiler Industry?
1) Transformation in Poultry Farming -Broiler integration companies have turned poultry farming from small-scale, free-range methods into a large-scale commercial industry. About 40% of the 30,000 farmers working with IB Group now use environmentally controlled (EC) houses for their operations.
Read More- Horticulture in India
2) Vertical Integration -The broiler industry is one of India’s most organized agricultural sectors, managing the entire supply chain from breeding to sale. Unlike dairies, which only buy milk from farmers without supplying cows, poultry integrators control every stage of production.
3) Advanced Hatchery and Feed Operations -IB/ABIS Exports runs 10 hatcheries across India, processing over 65 crore eggs each year with advanced European technology. Chicks are delivered to farms within 12-15 hours. The company also operates eight feed plants and the largest soybean processing unit in Madhya Pradesh, providing key protein ingredients for poultry feed. Vaccines are administered to the eggs using specialized ‘In-Ovo’ machines before hatching.
4) Poultry Breeding and Genetics– Companies like Suguna, IB/ABIS, and Venkateshwara Hatcheries manage parent and grandparent farms for egg production, using GP chicks from Aviagen’s farm in Tamil Nadu. Indian broiler chickens are mostly foreign breeds like Ross, Hubbard, and Cobb, with Suguna also offering its own breed, ‘Sunbro.’
Way ahead- The industry needs to move towards branded and packaged poultry products to improve market presence and consumer acceptance. This shift will require substantial efforts to change consumer behavior, like the changes seen in the dairy industry with milk and curd
Question for practice
What distinguishes Environmentally Controlled poultry farming from Open poultry farming? Why is the broiler industry important in India?
Environmental Controversy in the Great Nicobar Island
Source-This post on Environmental Controversy in the Great Nicobar Island has been created based on the article “How a wildlife sanctuary in the Great Nicobar Island was made to vanish” published in “The Indian Express” on 14 August 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Context-The article highlights how the Great Nicobar Island port project reflects larger problems in environmental governance and regulatory manipulation. The changes made to legal and administrative rules to allow this project cast doubt on the effectiveness of environmental protection measures.
The proposed port site at Galathea Bay is vital for wildlife. It is a key nesting ground for the giant leatherback sea turtle (the world’s largest sea turtle) and three other sea turtle species. The area also has important coral reefs, mangroves, and is home to the Nicobar megapode bird. In 1997, Galathea Bay was proposed as a wildlife sanctuary, underscoring its CRZ-1A protection status.
What is Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Classification?
These are protected coastal regions, including wildlife sanctuaries, mangrove forests, and turtle-nesting sites, where large construction projects are not allowed.
What are the issues?
1) Denotification: – In January 2021, Galathea Bay’s wildlife sanctuary status was removed, even though turtles still nest there, and important coral and mangrove ecosystems are present. This change allowed the port project to move forward.
2) Environmental Clearance: In November 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) approved the Rs 42,000 crore port project. This approval was contested because it breached CRZ-1A restrictions.
3) National Green Tribunal (NGT) Involvement: The NGT noted that the project site had 20,668 coral colonies and was in a CRZ-1A area where port construction is banned. It set up a high-powered committee to review the project, but concerns were raised about conflicts of interest because some committee members were from agencies that had already approved the project.
Read More- Importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
What steps were taken by the authorities to resolve the issues?
1) Scientific Records and Reports- Reports from the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority and the NCSCM confirmed that the site was still CRZ-1A, which prohibits port construction. However, a recent NCSCM survey reclassified the area as CRZ-1B, where port construction is permitted, allowing the project to move forward.
2) Final Ruling and Project Approval- The High-Powered Committee found that the NCSCM’s report reclassified the area as CRZ-1B, which allows construction. This change was used to justify the port project, even though ecological concerns remained.
Question for practice
What is the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Classification, and what problems does it face? What measures have authorities implemented to address these issues?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Indian Ocean Structures Named After Indian Figures
Source- This post on Indian Ocean Structures Named After Indian Figures has been created based on the article “Three Indian Ocean structures named Ashoka, Chandragupt and Kalpataru” published in “Indian Express” on 14 August 2024.
Why in News?
India has successfully proposed names for three underwater geographical structures located in the Indian Ocean, which have now been officially recognized.
About Indian Ocean Structures which are Named After Indian Figures
1. Newly Named Structures (2024):
i) Ashoka Seamount is named after the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.
ii) Chandragupt Ridge is named after Mauryan ruler Chandragupt.
iii) Kalpataru Ridge has also been recently named.
These names were proposed by India and approved by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
2. Discovery Details:
i) Ashoka Seamount was discovered in 2012 by the Russian Sea vessel Akademik Nikolay Strakhov, covering an area of 180 sq km.
ii) Kalpataru Ridge was also found in 2012 by the same vessel. It spans 430 sq km.
iii) Chandragupt Ridge was discovered in 2020 by the Indian Ocean research vessel MGS Sagar, covering 675 sq km.
3. Previous Indian-Named Structures:
I) Raman Ridge (1992) was named after Physicist and Nobel Laureate Sir CV Raman, discovered in 1951 by a US oil vessel.
ii) Panikkar Seamount (1993) was named after oceanographer NK Panikkar, discovered in 1992 by the Indian research vessel Sagar Kanya.
iii) Sagar Kanya Seamount (1991) was named after the research vessel Sagar Kanya, which discovered the seamount during its 22nd cruise in 1986.
iv) Wadia Guyot (1993) was named after geologist DN Wadia, following its discovery in 1992 by the Sagar Kanya.
4. Indian Southern Ocean Research Programme: Since 2004, India has been conducting the Indian Southern Ocean Research Programme through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa. This program focuses on studying various aspects of the Southern Ocean, including biodiversity, paleoclimate, and air-sea interactions.
5. Significance of Discoveries: These structures contribute to understanding marine life habitats and offer insights into the geological and biological processes of the Indian Ocean.
About Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
Aspects | Description |
About | 1. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is a specialized agency within UNESCO. 2. It was established in 1960. |
Governance | 1. The IOC is governed by its Assembly, which meets biennially and consists of representatives from its Member States. 2. The Assembly sets the strategic direction of the Commission, while the Executive Council meets annually and oversees program implementation. 3. The IOC Secretariat is based at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, manages daily operations. |
Membership | The IOC’s membership includes over 150 Member States from across the globe. |
Objectives and Functions | 1. Coordination of Marine Research: The IOC promotes collaborative research among Member States, focusing on various oceanographic fields to enhance understanding of the ocean’s role in climate systems and biodiversity. 2. Ocean Observation Systems: The IOC coordinates global ocean observation systems like GOOS, providing essential data for climate change studies, disaster risk reduction, and marine ecosystem management. 3. Capacity Building and Education: The IOC supports Member States, especially developing countries, by providing training, technical assistance, and access to scientific knowledge, enabling broad participation in oceanographic research. 4. Development of Marine Policy: The IOC offers scientific advice and expertise to support marine policy creation, including implementing international agreements like UNCLOS and Sustainable Development Goal 14. 5. Disaster Risk Reduction: The IOC enhances preparedness for ocean-related hazards by coordinating early warning systems and providing guidance on risk assessment and mitigation. |
UPSC Syllabus: International organisation
INS Arighat
Source- This post on INS Arighat has been created based on the article “India ‘fully ready’ to add to fleet 2nd submarine with nuclear-tipped missiles” published in “Times of India” on 14 August 2024.
Why in News?
India is on the verge of commissioning its second nuclear-powered submarine, INS Arighat, equipped with nuclear missiles for strategic deterrence.
About INS Arighat

Aspects | Description |
About | 1. INS Arighat was commissioned into the Indian Navy on March 10, 2023. 2. INS Arighat is India’s second indigenously built nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN). 3. The development of INS Arighat, along with its predecessor INS Arihant, is a part of India’s effort to establish a credible nuclear triad, which includes land-based, air-based, and sea-based nuclear delivery systems. |
Constructed by | The submarine was constructed at the Indian Navy’s Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam. |
Significance | INS Arighat plays a crucial role in enhancing the nation’s capability to launch nuclear missiles from land, air, and sea. |
Features | 1. INS Arighat has a submerged displacement of around 6,000 tons. The submarine is approximately 111 meters (364 feet) long and 11 meters (36 feet) wide. 2. Propulsion: It is powered by a nuclear reactor which provides it with virtually unlimited range and endurance, allowing it to remain submerged for extended periods. 3. Armament: INS Arighat is equipped with ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The specific missiles include the K-15 Sagarika and potentially the K-4 missile, both designed to enhance the submarine’s strategic strike capabilities. 4. The submarine features advanced stealth technology to reduce its detectability by enemy sonar systems. Its design incorporates lessons learned from INS Arihant, improving its operational effectiveness and survivability. |
Strategic Significance | 1. Nuclear Deterrence: INS Arighat plays a crucial role in India’s nuclear triad which ensures a credible second-strike capability. This enhances India’s ability to retaliate in the event of a nuclear attack, thereby maintaining a strong and secure deterrent posture. 2. Patrols and Deployment: It operates primarily in the Indian Ocean ensuring India’s nuclear deterrent is always at sea. Its deployment enhances regional security and contributes to India’s strategic influence. |
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV
Source- This post on Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV has been created based on the article “DRDO carries out flight test of Long Range Glide Bomb ‘GAURAV’ from Su-30 MK-I platform off Odisha coast” published in “Economic Times” on 14 August 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India successfully conducted the first flight test of the long-range glide bomb named Gaurav.
This test was carried out using a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet from the Indian Air Force which represents a significant milestone in India’s efforts to develop advanced indigenous defence technologies.
About Gaurav
Aspects | Description |
About | Gaurav is an air-launched glide bomb designed to hit targets from a long distance with high precision. |
Developed by | The Gaurav bomb was developed by the Research Centre Imarat in Hyderabad. |
Key capabilities | 1. Long-Range Target Engagement: GAURAV is capable of striking targets at extended distances, providing a significant tactical advantage. 2. High Precision: The bomb is equipped with a hybrid navigation system that integrates Inertial Navigation System (INS) and GPS, ensuring pinpoint accuracy. 3. Indigenous Development: GAURAV is designed and developed entirely in India showcasing the country’s growing self-reliance in advanced defence technology. 4. Large Payload: Weighing 1,000 kg, it can deliver a substantial payload to its target, enhancing its effectiveness in a variety of combat scenarios. 5. Air-Launched Platform: The bomb is launched from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet, allowing it to be deployed from a significant altitude and distance from the target, enhancing its reach and survivability. |
First test flight details | 1. The first test flight of the GAURAV glide bomb was conducted off the coast of Odisha, where it successfully struck a target on Long Wheeler’s Island. 2. Advanced telemetry and electro-optical tracking systems were employed to capture detailed data during the test |
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
Xerogel dressing can save lives by clotting blood faster
Source – This post on How Xerogel dressing can save lives by clotting blood faster has been created based on the article “Highly porous Xerogel dressing can save lives by clotting blood faster” published in “PIB” on 14 August 2024.
Why in News?
Researchers at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in Pune have developed a highly porous xerogel dressing designed to rapidly clot blood and provide relief from uncontrolled hemorrhage. ARI is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
This new dressing, which incorporates silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) and calcium, shows a significant improvement in blood clotting efficiency compared to commercial dressings.
About Xerogels Dressing

1. Xerogels are solid materials formed by drying a gel, typically at ambient temperature, which removes the liquid from the gel, while preserving its porous network structure. Their high porosity and surface area make them suitable for various applications.
2. The drying process typically involves evaporation under conditions that prevent the collapse of the gel’s porous network, resulting in a highly porous and often lightweight solid.
Key Features and Benefits of Xerogel Dressing
1. Porous Structure: The xerogel dressing is characterized by its highly porous structure, with pores around 30 µm in size. This design enhances the dressing’s absorbance capacity, allowing it to quickly absorb blood and facilitate clotting.
2. Enhanced Clotting Capacity: The addition of silica nanoparticles and calcium significantly boosts the clotting capacity of the xerogel. The composite material increases the blood clotting index by 13-fold compared to standard commercial dressings. Which make it a more effective option for controlling severe hemorrhage.
3. Platelet Activation: The xerogel dressing promotes enhanced platelet aggregation by facilitating the development of well-formed pseudopodia in activated platelets, which are crucial for the clotting process.
4. The dressing also stimulates calcium release and up regulation of the Protease-Activated Receptor 1 (PAR1) gene on platelet surfaces, further aiding in the rapid formation of blood clots.
Difference Between Xerogel and Aerogel
Point of differences | Description |
Structure and Density | 1. Xerogels and aerogels are both highly porous materials, but they differ in how they are produced and their resulting properties. 2. Xerogels are denser and more solid structures created by drying a gel at ambient temperature. In contrast, aerogels are lightweight, formed by drying under supercritical conditions to maintain low density. |
Absorbance Capacity | While aerogels are known for their lightweight and insulating properties, xerogels are optimized for absorbance. Which makes them particularly effective for applications like hemostatic dressings where rapid fluid absorption is critical. |
Impact on Trauma Care and Surgery
1. The development of this xerogel dressing marks a significant advancement in trauma care, particularly in managing uncontrolled hemorrhage, which is a leading cause of traumatic deaths.
2. The dressing’s ability to rapidly clot blood, enhance platelet aggregation, and upregulate critical genes involved in the clotting process makes it a potentially life-saving tool in both military and civilian medical scenarios.
3. This innovative approach to hemostatic dressings offers a promising solution to reduce blood loss, disability, and mortality during surgeries and trauma care, addressing a critical need for improved hemostatic materials.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
National Treasure at Fort St. George Museum, Chennai
Source- This post on National Treasure at Fort St. George Museum, Chennai has been created based on the article “NATIONAL TREASURE AT FORT ST. GEORGE MUSEUM, CHENNAI” published in “PIB” on 13 August 2024.
Why in News?
As India prepares to celebrate its 78th Independence Day on August 15th. So, the Fort St. George Museum in Chennai proudly displays India’s national treasure, which is one of the first flags hoisted on August 15, 1947, and the only surviving flag from that momentous day.
About the Historic Flag at Fort St. George Museum

1. This historic flag measures 12 feet in length and 8 feet in width, which is one of the first flags hoisted on August 15, 1947.
2. This flag serves as a significant symbol of India’s struggle for independence and the moment of its victory.
3. It was crafted from pure silk.
4. It was ceremonially hoisted at 5:30 AM on August 15, 1947, at Fort St. George in Chennai.
About Fort St. George Museum

1. The Fort St. George Museum is located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
2. The city of Chennai originated from the British settlement at Fort St. George, which expanded by merging several native villages and European settlements, eventually forming the city of Madras.
3. The concept of creating a museum to preserve colonial-era relics was proposed in 1946 by Col. D.M. Reid of the Madras Guards.
4. The museum was officially opened to the public on January 31, 1948.
5. The museum features over 3,500 colonial-era artifacts, displayed across nine galleries that showcase the history of the Raj and the fort.
6. The Indian Independence Gallery within the museum highlights the evolution of the Indian flag, narrating the stories and significance behind the Tiranga (Tricolor).
UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture
DDoS Attack on X
Source – This post has been created based on the article “Trump-Musk interview on X reportedly hit by DDoS attack: What it means” published in “Indian Express” on 14 August 2024.
Why in News?
Elon Musk hosted an audio interview with Donald Trump on his platform, X. The interview faced a 40-minute delay and technical issues due to what Musk described as a “massive DDoS attack.”
About DDoS Attack
Aspects | Description |
About | 1. A Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack overwhelms a website or online service by flooding it with massive traffic, making it inaccessible to legitimate users. 2. Attackers typically use networks of compromised devices, known as botnets, to send excessive data to the target. |
How DoS and DDoS Attacks Work? | 1. Botnets: Attackers deploy networks of compromised devices, known as botnets, to launch an attack by overwhelming a target with excessive traffic. 2. Smurf Attack: In this method, attackers send malicious Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) packets to multiple hosts using a spoofed source IP address. The targeted servers respond, inadvertently flooding their own network and causing a DDoS attack. 3. SYN Flood: Attackers initiate connection requests to a server but intentionally leave them incomplete. This results in multiple incomplete connections, overloading the server and preventing legitimate connections from being processed smoothly. |
Signs | Slower internet speeds and difficulty accessing online services can indicate a DDoS(Distributed Denial-of-Service) attack. |
Impact of DoS Attacks | It can cause disruptions which can last from a few hours to days, affecting major websites and services. For example: In 2016, a similar attack disrupted sites like Spotify, Twitter, and Amazon for hours. Before the Paris Olympics, France faced a similar attack, disrupting state services and highlighting the potential severity of such attacks. |
Prevention | Anti-virus software, firewalls, and security systems are essential for detecting and mitigating such attacks. |
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
Model Solar Village Component of PM Surya Yojana
Source- This post has been created based on the article “Government of India issues Operational Guidelines for Implementation of ‘Model Solar Village’ under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana” published in “PIB” on 14 August 2024.
Why in News?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy recently notified the Scheme Guidelines for implementing the ‘Model Solar Village’ under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.
About Model Solar Village
Aspects | Description |
About | It is a key component under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana to promote solar energy adoption across rural India. |
Launched by | Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) |
Implementing Agency | 1. The implementation of the ‘Model Solar Village’ scheme will be carried out by the State/UT Renewable Energy Development Agency. 2. The District Level Committee (DLC) will supervise the process to ensure the selected villages effectively transition to solar-powered communities. |
Objective | The initiative aims to establish one Model Solar Village in each district across India. It will enable village communities to become self-reliant in meeting their energy needs through solar power. |
Financial outlay | 1. A total financial outlay of ₹800 crore has been allocated for the ‘Model Solar Village’ component. 2. Grant per Village: Each selected Model Solar Village will receive a central financial assistance grant of ₹1 crore. |
Eligibility | 1. Eligibility: To be eligible, a village must be a revenue village with a population of over 5,000, or 2,000 for special category states. 2. Competitive Mode: Villages will be selected through a competitive process. In this process, they are checked six months after being declared a potential candidate by the District Level Committee (DLC) that how much overall Distributed Renewable Energy (RE) capacity have they added. 3. Winning Criteria: The village with the highest RE capacity in each district will be declared the winner and will receive the ₹1 crore grant. |
About PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana
1. PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana was approved on 29th February 2024.
2. Scheme Objective: The Yojana aims to increase the share of solar rooftop capacity and empower residential households to generate their own electricity.
3. Focus: The scheme focuses on harnessing solar energy by installing solar panels on residential rooftops.
4. This initiative is designed to promote renewable energy use, reduce electricity costs for households, and support environmental sustainability.
UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes