9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 15 March, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Kovind panel on One Nation, One Election
Source: The post Kovind panel on One Nation, One Election has been created, based on the article “Ratification by states: What it will take to make One Nation One Election panel’s view legally tenable”published in “Indian express” on 15th March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- polity-Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.
News: The article discusses a proposal by the Kovind panel for holding all elections in India together. This requires changing the Constitution and some laws. It suggests not all changes need state approval, but some legal experts might challenge this idea. Ram Nath Kovind panel on One Nation One Election
For details information on One Nation, One Election read here
What are the proposals of the Kovind panel on One Nation, One Election?
Simultaneous Elections: Proposes holding Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local body elections together.
Constitutional Amendments: Recommends 15 amendments to the Constitution, altering and adding to various provisions.
Legal Changes for Union Territories: Suggests amendments to three statutes governing Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, and other Union Territories.
Presidential Notification: A Presidential notification would set an “appointed date” for these simultaneous elections.
State Ratification Not Always Necessary: For syncing Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, state ratification isn’t required. However, for a common electoral roll and aligning local body elections with national polls, state approval is needed.
Constitutional Authority: According to the panel, the Constitution mainly entrusts Parliament, not states, with the power to conduct Assembly elections.
For For more information on Govt panel to study simultaneous polls read here
What are the challenges in implementing it?
1.Needs 15 constitutional amendments, which is a complex and lengthy legislative process.
2.Relies on a Presidential notification to set an election date, adding a procedural challenge.
3.Certain amendments require approval from half of the states, which might be difficult to achieve.
4.Judicial Review Possibility: Past examples, like the Kihoto Hollohan case, show that such significant legal changes can be subject to judicial scrutiny and potential overturning by courts.
Question for practice:
Discuss the potential challenges and legal hurdles in implementing the Kovind panel’s proposals for ‘One Nation, One Election’ in India.
Need for transparent political funding: S Y Quraishi on electoral bonds: No going back to square one
Source: The post need for transparent political funding has been created, based on the article “S Y Quraishi on electoral bonds: No going back to square one”published in “ Indian express” on 15th March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Governance – Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability.
News: The article discusses the Supreme Court’s decision to declare India’s electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional. It focuses on the need for transparent political funding and suggests alternatives.
What are the concerns about political donations in India?
Pre-Electoral Bonds
Opacity in Donations: Prior to 2018, political funding was primarily in cash and lacked transparency. Only donations over Rs 20,000 were reported to the Election Commission and eligible for income tax rebates.
Concerns of Corruption: Cash-based donations raised suspicions of corruption and influenced government decisions.
Electoral Bonds
Increased Secrecy: Introduction of electoral bonds led to a total lack of transparency about donors and recipients.
No Accountability: The identities of both donors and recipients were kept secret, heightening concerns over quid pro quo arrangements.
Legal Challenges: The Supreme Court’s ruling against the scheme highlighted the urgent need for reform in political funding for democracy’s integrity.
For more information on Issues in Electoral Funding in India read here
What are the proposed solutions for transparent political financing?
State Funding of Political Parties: A proposal of Rs 100 for every vote a party receives, aiming to eliminate corporate influence. However, it raises questions about funding new parties or independents.
For information on state funding read here
National Election Fund: Establishing a fund where corporates and private entities can contribute with tax concessions. This aims to reduce corporate fears of harassment from political parties. The concern here is ensuring equitable distribution among parties.
Independent Auditing: Political party accounts should be audited by independent auditors, not in-house auditors, to ensure accountability.
Public Funding Mechanism: A suggestion for the public to fund the democratic process through means like a small cess on petrol.
Transparency in Electoral Trusts: Addressing the lack of transparency in existing electoral trusts, which are supposed to provide a layer of separation between firms and political parties.
For more information on Electoral Trust read here
How do other countries handle political financing?
According to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance’s 2012 study ‘Political Finance Regulations Around the World’:
State Funding Based on Votes: Out of 180 countries, 71 provide state funds to political parties based on the number of votes they secure.
European Adoption: This system is prevalent in 86% of European countries.
African Utilization: 71% of African countries use this funding method.
Americas’ Implementation: It’s adopted by 63% of countries in the Americas.
Asian Practice: 58% of Asian countries follow this approach.
Potential in India: Given the widespread global usage and India’s association with the institute, this system could be feasible in India.
Question for practice:
Discuss the potential solutions proposed for transparent political financing in India, considering the concerns raised about political donations and the international practices.
Gelephu Mindfulness City project: Bhutan’s opening move, its Gelephu gambit
Source: The post Gelephu Mindfulness City project has been created, based on the article “Bhutan’s opening move, its Gelephu gambit”published in “ The Hindu” on 15th March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.
News: The article discusses Bhutan’s plan to build a carbon-neutral city called Gelephu Mindfulness City, which faces challenges like geography and funding. It’s important for Bhutan’s economy and India’s regional influence, but requires big investments and cooperation from India.
What is the Gelephu Mindfulness City project?
Nature of the Project: Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) is a planned carbon-neutral city in Bhutan, spanning 1,000 square kilometers.
Focus Areas: It will concentrate on eco-friendly industries such as IT, education, hotels, and hospitals.
Economic Necessity: Bhutan aims to diversify its economy beyond hydropower and tourism, addressing challenges like youth outmigration.
What are the challenges faced by the Gelephu Mindfulness City project?
Geographical Challenges: Gelephu’s location on a broad plain in a mountainous area leads to high rainfall and flooding during monsoons.
Environmental Concerns: The city is situated near wildlife corridors, which requires careful planning to prevent disturbing natural habitats.
Regional Security: Past insurgencies in nearby Assam and Myanmar, and a history of militant activities in the area, highlight security challenges.
Infrastructure Dependencies: As a landlocked area, Gelephu is dependent on neighboring countries, mainly India, for essential infrastructure like trade and transport.
Economic Constraints: The project requires significant investment for infrastructure development, including upgrading the local airport to international standards.
Political Dynamics: The initiative is influenced by Bhutan’s economic needs and geopolitical factors, including relationships with India and China.
What are the implications of the Gelephu Mindfulness City project?
Implications for India:
Strategic Influence: India’s involvement in the Gelephu project strengthens its influence in South Asia, countering China’s growing presence.
Economic Benefits: The project dovetails with India’s regional connectivity plans, enhancing trade routes and infrastructure development.
Investment Opportunities: India’s role in financing and expertise, particularly in airport expansion, opens avenues for further investments in Bhutan.
Global Implications:
Environmental Model: The carbon-neutral aspect of Gelephu Mindfulness City sets a precedent for sustainable urban development globally.
Geopolitical Balance: The project offers Bhutan a platform for international engagement, potentially balancing relations with India and China.
Regional Connectivity: The city’s location is strategic for India’s “Act East” policy, improving connectivity to Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region.
Question for practice:
Discuss the significance, challenges, and implications of Bhutan’s Gelephu Mindfulness City project.
New governance model for AI: In issuing AI advisory, MEITY becomes a deity
Source: The post new governance model for AI has been created, based on the article “In issuing AI advisory, MEITY becomes a deity” published in “ The Hindu” on 15th March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS 2 – Governance – Government policies, GS-3, Science and Technology- Awareness in the IT, computers
News: The article discusses how India’s MEITY issued vague advisories on AI regulation, without clear legal basis. These advisories, often made in response to specific events, demand compliance from tech companies but lack detailed guidelines or legal authority. This approach has led to criticism and confusion.
What is MEITY’s recent AI regulation?
MEITY’s recent AI regulation, issued on March 1, 2024, introduces a new governance model for AI that involves licensing AI models. This regulation specifically targets AI models for bias prevention and categorizes them as “under testing” or “unreliable.”
For information on Regulation of AI read here
What is the controversy around MEITY’s advisories?
MEITY’s advisories lack legal clarity: They are not well-defined under the principal legislation of the IT Act, causing uncertainty about their legal standing.
Reactive to specific events: Advisories were issued in response to events like the viral deepfake video of Rashmika Mandanna and a controversial AI response about the Prime Minister.
Vague requirements: Terms like “bias prevention” and “unreliable AI” in the advisories are undefined, leading to ambiguity and confusion.
Unclear enforcement: The advisories imply compliance but don’t state clear penalties or legal consequences, making them seem more like forced suggestions.
How has the government responded to criticism?
Exemption announcements on social media: The Minister exempted startups from the advisory in a Twitter post, showing an informal response to concerns.
Unclear explanations: In response to criticism, the Minister offered vague interpretations on social media, failing to provide concrete clarifications or official documentation.
Avoiding key issues: Despite criticism, the Minister avoided discussing the controversial licensing requirement, focusing instead on labeling the advisory as merely a suggestion.
Changing stance: The government’s approach shifted from formal retraction in the past (like the Draft Encryption Policy in 2014) to maintaining their position despite the recent backlash, indicating a less responsive stance to public criticism.
What does this reflect about technology policy in India?
Influencer culture influence: Technology policy in India is increasingly swayed by social media and press coverage rather than thorough, deliberative processes.
Expanding scope of IT Rules: The IT Rules, 2021, originally for user-generated content, now broadly cover digital news and online gaming, leading to legal challenges.
Decline in Formal Policy Processes: The trend of modifying advisories informally on social media indicates a departure from formal legislative procedures.
Risks in Criticism: A new environment where critiquing government policies carries greater risk, indicating a shift towards more authoritarian digital governance.
Question for practice:
Examine how MEITY’s recent advisories and regulations on AI in India reflect the evolving landscape of technology policy
Issues of regulation of pharma industry
Source-This post on Issues of regulation of pharma industry has been created based on the article “Pharma regulation: A complex problem” published in “Business Standard” on 15 March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2– Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Context– There were reports of a big fake drugs racket in Delhi recently. Further, the Government has notified the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024.
What is the existing system to ensure safety and quality of drugs in India?
1) Manufacturing facilities need to be licensed.
2) The details of inputs that go into manufacturing are inspected and recorded.
3) The qualifications of individuals in charge of manufacturing are prescribed.
4) Production facilities are continuously inspected by competent authorities.
Read more- National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) and Drug Pricing in India
What are the issues in ensuring safety and quality of drugs in India?
1) Archaic legislation– The legislation is over 75 years old, with many patchwork amendments. Despite improvement in knowledge about effective regulation, most of this knowledge has not been incorporated into the regulation of drug quality.
2) Price control mechanism– The price control mechanism used in India interferes with the expenditure levels of manufacturers. This leads to compromise with quality of drug manufactured.
3) Sale of fake medicine-The medicines could be fake or spurious and may have been substituted in place of the original medicines by unscrupulous middlemen.
4) Substituted medicine– This happens when the brand of medicine recommended by the doctor is not available. Thus, the dispensing person in the shop needs to be knowledgeable and give the patient exactly what is required.However,this does not happen because of unavailability of qualified persons.
5) Unauthorized pharmacies- There are many unauthorized pharmacies in operation. The regulatory responsibility is distributed across the Union and the state government which creates overlapping jurisdictions.
6) Presence of multiple regulator– There is a separate regulator to deal with the education, profession, and practice of pharmacists.
7) Lack of quality data-There is lack of robust data in the workings of drug industry and the prevalence of various kinds of failings.
What should be the way forward?
Drug traceability systems on public blockchains can potentially help improve the authenticity of medicines throughout the supply chain.
By associating each drug unit with a digital identity, stakeholders can easily track and verify its origin, authenticity, and movement across the supply chain.
Question for practice
What are the problems in ensuring safety and quality of drugs in India?
GS PAPER - 3
Celebration of Happiness
Source-This post on celebration of Happiness has been created based on the article “Celebrating happiness: Are we all so unhappy? published in “Live Mint” on 15 March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus – GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy and issues relating to Growth, Development and Employment.
Context– United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution 12 years ago marking 20 March for celebration of happiness day. There are two major wars going on in the world. A world where not even a single day goes by without violence. In this context, celebrating an International Day of Happiness every year sounds a bit illogical.
What is Happiness?
The UN website describes ‘happiness’ as a fundamental human goal. It advocates a more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic growth that promotes the happiness and well-being of all peoples.
Read more- Gross Happiness Index
Is economic growth sufficient to ensure a happy life?
It is closely linked with economic well-being. Studies have repeatedly shown that while the rich are generally happier than others, wealth and prosperity are no guarantee of happiness.
For ex- USA despite being one of the richest countries fares low in UN’s 2023 World Happiness Report. Whereas the Nordic countries like Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Sweden and Norway rank consistently among the top 10. However, they are not as rich as the USA.
What is the reason behind the consistent good performances of Nordic countries in the World Happiness Report?
The report identifies five government traits that have a close relationship with people’s well-being. They are as follows-
1) Ability to raise money
2) Ability to deliver services
3) Presence of the rule of law
4) Avoidance of civil war
5 Avoidance of repression
In all these parametrers,Nordic countries perform well. Further, these countries keep the welfare of citizens at their heart.Thus,they have a higher level of happiness.
What are the drawbacks of the World Happiness Report?
It suffers from subjectivity and inherent biases.
For ex-
a) Israel ranks among the top 10. However, it is often at war.
b) India ranks 126th out of 136 countries, below the likes of China (No. 64). It is a well-known fact that Chinese people do not have adequate civic rights and liberties. Similarly, an embattled state like Palestine is better is ranked higher than India. These outcomes raise serious questions over accuracy of findings of report.
It is important to understand that economic well-being is a necessary but not sufficient condition for happiness.
Question for practice
Why is economic growth necessary but not a sufficient condition for ensuring happiness?
Shift from “Make in India” to “Make Products in India”
Source-This post on Shift from “Make in India” to “Make Products in India” has been created based on the article “Embracing ‘Make Products in India’ published in “Business Standards” on 15 March 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.
Context-The article highlights the need to shift from Make in India to Make Product in India for realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat.
What is the need for this shift?
1) Ensuring high growth rate-India’s annual growth must consistently surpass 10 to 12 % for next many years to achieve a developed country status. In this context, it is important to focus developing products in domains like electronics,automobiles,and defence which can drive India’s growth at faster pace. For ex-South Koreas success could be attributed to the development of these sectors.
2) Knowledge driven economy- In a tech-driven knowledge economy, a product’s intellectual property contributes half its value. This makes it challenging to equal value-creation through manufacturing only. Hence, there is a need to shift from Make in India to Make Products in India.
Read more- An analysis of PLI (production-linked incentive) scheme
What steps can be taken to shift from Make in India to Make Products in India?
1) Liberalize research & development – There is a need to open research and development(R&D) beyond the public sector. This has been successfully done in the case of space and drones. There is a need to add atomic energy and deep-sea exploration to this list.
2) Public-Private partnership– There is a need to transform competition into meaningful partnerships. For instance, during the Covid pandemic,theNational Institute of Virology, an ICMRlab,isolated the strains of SARS-Cov-2 virus and shared them with Bharat Biotech. This led to the development of Covaxin, which became available in just a few months.
3) Ease of doing innovation– Regulators must prioritize innovation over adherence to rules. For ex-during pandemic, despite the rules not providing for emergency use authorisation,authorities invoked a generic provision and issued restricted use licences for vaccines.
4) Government procurement– An OECD survey in 2017 revealed that 80 % of nations supported innovation through assured government procurement. It acts as a validation for innovators, instils consumer confidence, and ensures revenue streams, thereby mitigating risk.
5) Government Funding – There is a need to mitigate risk in product development through government funding. India should learn from successful models like Darpa in the USA and Jozma in Israel. There should be expansion of iDEX model beyond defense.
6) Demographic dividend – India’s demographic dividend needs to be leveraged to create a sizable talent pool in emerging technologies. Academic universities should be transformed into hubs that nurture entrepreneurship and innovation.
7) Brand building for indigenously developed products – Indian Brand Equity Foundation should be tasked with creating global brands for indigenously-developed-products.
Further,the government should promote export of indigenously developed products through bilateral and multilateral mechanisms.
8) Standard Making – Geopolitics plays a huge role in standard making. For ex- delayed World Health Organization approval for Covaxin. Thus, to assert influence, the government must collaborate with industry to secure decision-making roles in global bodies.
“Make Products in India” is a strategic imperative and immediate government attention is necessary.
Question for practice
What steps can be taken to ensure transition from Make in India to Make Products in India?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Devin AI
Source-This post on Devin AI is based on the article “Meet Devin AI, the world’s ‘first fully autonomous’ AI software engineer” published in “Indian Express” on 15th March 2024.
Why in the News?
Cognition has introduced the world’s first AI software engineer- Devin AI.
About Devin AI
![Devin](https://images.indianexpress.com/2024/03/Devin-1600.jpg?w=640)
1. About: It is the world’s first AI software engineer.
2. Features: It is capable of doing various advanced functions:
i) Devin possesses an array of advanced capabilities in software development, including coding, debugging, and problem-solving.
ii) It uses machine learning algorithms to continuously learn and improve its performance, thus adapting to new challenges over time.
iii) Devin can build and deploy apps end-to-end and even train and fine-tune its own AI models.
iv) Devin can handle difficult engineering projects from beginning to end, making many decisions along the journey.
v) Cognition can remember important details, learn from experience, and fix errors on its own.
vi) It actively collaborates with users by reporting progress in real-time, accepting feedback, and working alongside engineers through design choices as needed.
vii) Performance: On the SWE-Bench benchmark, Devin outperformed previous state-of-the-art models.
a) It correctly resolved 13.86% of issues unassisted, compared to 1.96% without assistance from the previous model.
b) Devin significantly augments efficiency and speed within software development processes, automating repetitive tasks, generating code instantly, and reducing development expenses.
c) It is immune to human errors or inconsistencies.
Read More: IndiaAI Mission
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
Lyme disease
Source- The post on Lyme disease is based on the article “Lyme disease reported in Kerala’s Ernakulam” published in “Times of India” on 13th March 2024.
What is the News?
Recently, a case of Lyme disease has been reported in the Ernakulam district of Kerala.
About Lyme disease
![Lyme Disease In Children: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment](https://cdn2.momjunction.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Lyme-Disease-In-Children-1-910x1024.jpg)
Aspect | Details |
Description | It is a vector-borne infectious disease. |
Caused by | Bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi |
Transmission | 1. It is primarily transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, often referred to as deer ticks. |
Affected regions | 1. It’s commonly found in forests and grasslands around the world, especially when the weather is warmer. 2. It is most commonly reported in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia. |
Symptoms | High-grade fever, pain and swelling in his knee, neck stiffness and superficial ulcers over the scrotum |
Treatment | 1) The standard treatment for Lyme disease is an antibiotic taken as a pill. 2) The treatment usually lasts 10 to 14 days. Treatment may be longer depending on symptoms. |
Read More: Govt effort on to curb vector-borne diseases
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (Health)
SM REITs- Small and medium real-estate investment trusts
Source– This post on SM REITs- Small and medium real-estate investment trusts has been created based on the article “SM REITs can help investors bet on high-value assets” published in “Economic Times” on 14th March 2024.
Why in the news?
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) recently introduced amendments to the REIT Regulations of 2014, outlining provisions for the establishment of small and medium real-estate investment trusts, known as SM REITs or micro REITs.
Small and medium real-estate investment trusts SM REITs
1. About: These are specialised real estate investment trusts that differ from conventional REITs in their scale and focus.
2. Aims: It aims to regulate the fractional ownership industry and safeguard investor interests, incorporating both commercial and residential properties within the new framework.
3. Difference between traditional REITs and SM REITs: Traditional REITs invest in large-scale commercial properties like offices and malls, while SM REITs focus on smaller and medium-sized properties with lower values.
4. It maintains diversified portfolios, spreading risk across different property types within the real estate market.
5. Small and medium real-estate investment trusts may raise funds from Indian and foreign investors by the issuance of units.
6. Criteria:
i) The minimum subscription size for units: 10 lakh is treated as one unit.
ii) To establish this trust, there must be a minimum of 200 unit holders (Not including the investment manager, its related parties, and associates)
iii) The investment manager responsible for launching an SM REIT must have a net worth of at least ₹20 crore, and a separate trustee will be appointed for oversight.
7. Micro REITs can be listed with asset values ranging from Rs 50 crore to Rs 500 crore.
8. These funds will be utilized for acquiring and managing real estate assets, aiming to generate income for investors.
9. Ownership of these assets will be organized through one or more schemes, each operated under special purpose vehicles (SPVs).
UPSC Syllabus: Economy
Global Methane Tracker 2024
Source-This post on Global Methane Tracker 2024 is based on the article “Methane emissions from fossil fuels remain high despite progress, US tops list of emitters: IEA” published in “DownToEarth” on 13th March 2024.
Why in the News?
![Global Methane Tracker 2024](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Global-Methane-Tracker-2024-300x142.png)
According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Methane Tracker 2024, methane emissions from fuel usage in 2023 nearly reached their highest level ever, totaling 120 million tonnes (Mt).
About Global methane Tracker 1. It is an annual report released by the International Energy Agency (IEA). 2. It uses the latest data on methane emissions from the energy sector and includes new scientific studies, measurements, and satellite data. |
What are the Key findings of the Global Methane Tracker 2024?
1. Record-high methane emissions:
a. In 2023, methane emissions from fuel use were nearly the highest ever, reaching 120 million tonnes (Mt). This represents a slight increase compared to 2022.
b. Out of the 120 Mt of methane released into the atmosphere, approximately 80 million tons came from only 10 countries.
2. Top emitters– The United States tops the list in methane emissions from oil and gas operations, with Russia following closely. Meanwhile, China leads in emissions from coal operations.
3. Additional emission– Bioenergy, produced from plant and animal waste, resulted in an additional 10 million tons of emissions.
4. Emission Trends– Although studies indicate that emissions are declining in certain areas, the overall emissions remain excessively high to achieve the world’s climate objectives.
5. Actions needed:
a. The world must reduce methane emissions from fossil fuels by 75% by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement target of limiting warming to 1.5°C.
b. The IEA estimated that this goal would require about $170 billion in spending. This is less than 5 percent of the income generated by the fossil fuel industry in 2023.
Note- Methane contributes to about 30% of the global temperature increase since the preindustrial era. The energy sector, covering oil, natural gas, coal, and bioenergy, makes up more than one-third of human-caused methane emissions.
UPSC Syllabus- Environment
Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART)
Source-This post on Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART) is based on the article “Govt: Lab to monitor sea water quality and testbed to track monsoon systems inaugurated” published in “The Indian Express” on 13th March 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, the Minister of Earth Sciences inaugurated the first phase of the Atmospheric Research Testbed in Central India (ART-CI) in the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh.
What is Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART)?
![Atmospheric Research Testbed](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Atmospheric-Research-Testbed.png)
About– The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has established it at Silkheda, in Sehore district to enhance our understanding of the processes governing monsoon convection.
Purpose- ART-CI will use a wide range of remote-sensing and in-situ instruments to continuously observe convection, clouds, precipitation, soil moisture, radiation, and microphysics, capturing significant variability modes.
Phases of ART setup
1. In the first phase, an Atmospheric Research Testbed (ART) will be established in central India to investigate convection, interactions between land and atmosphere, and precipitation. 2. In the second phase, another ART will be established in the northeast or eastern regions of the country to focus on studying severe thunderstorm processes. |
Instruments and facilities
1. It has nearly 25 advanced instruments, including the aethalometer for aerosol studies, cloud condensation nuclei counter, laser ceilometer for cloud size measurement, and micro rain radar for raindrop size calculation, that have been installed.
2. Additionally, a Ka-band cloud radar and a C-band Doppler weather radar will aid in tracking the movement of rain-bearing systems in the area.
Why was Silkheda in Sehore district chosen for its establishment?
1. India receives about 70% of its annual rainfall during the June to September southwest monsoon season.
2. The rainfall is sustained by the interaction between southwest monsoon winds and westward-moving low-pressure systems or depressions.
3. Agriculture in the central Indian regions, spanning from Gujarat to West Bengal, relies heavily on this rain.
4. Silkheda in Sehore is strategically located in the path of rain-bearing systems, making it perfect for studying their characteristics and cloud properties.
UPSC Syllabus- Geography and Places in news
Pilot program for cashless treatment of road accident victims
Source-This post on Pilot program for cashless treatment of road accident victims is based on the article “Centre to provide cashless treatment for road crash victims” published in “The Hindu” on 15th March 2024.
Why in the News?
![Pilot program for cashless treatment of road accident victims](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pilot-program-for-cashless-treatment-of-road-accident-victims-300x165.png)
The Road Transport and Highways Ministry recently announced a pilot program to provide cashless treatment of up to ₹1.5 lakh to all victims of road accidents. The pilot program has been initiated in Chandigarh.
What are the key details of the pilot program?
Implementing agency– The National Health Authority (NHA) will implement the program and work together with the police, hospitals, and the State Health Agency.
Objective– Its goal is to establish a system that ensures timely medical assistance to road accident victims, especially during the crucial “golden hour.”
Note– According to the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act of 2019, the golden hour is the critical time just after an injury when fast medical care can greatly increase chances of survival.
1. Coverage:
a. Victims will receive cashless treatment up to a maximum of Rs 1.5 lakhs per person per accident, valid for a maximum of 7 days from the accident date.
b. The scheme will cover all victims of road accidents involving motor vehicles on any type of road.
c. Also, trauma and polytrauma packages from the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana will be covered.
2. Reimbursement– Hospitals will receive reimbursement from the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund after filing claims for the treatment provided.
What is National Health Authority (NHA)?
1. About– It is the apex body tasked with executing Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PM JAY).
2. Mandate– Its responsibilities include devising strategy, developing technological infrastructure, and implementing the “National Digital Health Mission” to establish a National Digital Health Eco-system.
3. Nodal Ministry– It operates as an attached office under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, functioning autonomously and overseen by a Governing Board chaired by the Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.
UPSC Syllabus- Schemes & Programmes
INFAAR 2019-22 Report: First national report on AMR surveillance in India’s fisheries, livestock sectors
Source-This post on INFAAR 2019-22 Report: First national report on AMR surveillance in India’s fisheries, livestock sectors is based on the article “FAO publishes first national report on AMR surveillance in India’s fisheries, livestock sectors” published in “DownToEarth” on 11th March 2024.
Why in the News?
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) released surveillance data of the Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance (INFAAR) for 2019-22.
INFAAR 2019-22 Report is the first national report on AMR surveillance in India’s fisheries and livestock sectors.
What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the resistance of microorganisms (bacteria, virus, parasites and fungi) to an antimicrobial agent (antibiotics, fungicides, antiviral agents and parasiticides), to which they were first sensitive.
Read more– Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) |
About INFAAR (Indian Network for Fishery and Animal Antimicrobial Resistance)
1. INFAAR is a laboratory network established by ICAR. 2. It receives technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 3. It is dedicated to conducting AMR surveillance in the fisheries and livestock sectors. |
What are the key findings of the report?
![INFAAR 2019-22 Report](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/INFAAR-2019-22-Report.png)
Data collection:
a. The (INFAAR) collected data from 2019-2022, covering 3 aquaculture systems (freshwater, brackish-water and marine) and major food-producing animals.
b. Resistance was profiled for Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species (CONS), Escherichia coli, Aeromonas species Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio sp.
1. Resistance pattern in fisheries sector:
a. Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus exhibited high resistance against penicillin across all systems.
b. Freshwater fish displayed significant resistance to ciprofloxacin (54.8%), while marine samples showed higher resistance to cefotaxime (54.1%).
c. Significant resistance was also observed in shrimp samples against ampicillin.
2. Resistance pattern in livestock sector:
a. E. coli and Staphylococcus isolates from various livestock were tested for antimicrobial resistance profiles. Increased resistance, especially in E. coli and Staphylococci, was noted in the livestock sector.
b. Isolates from poultry showed higher resistance rates to various antibiotics compared to those from other food animals.
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NFECS and NECCE program launched
Source-This post on NFECS and NECCE program launched is based on the article “Ministry of Women and Child Development is launching NFECS and NECCE program” published in “PIB” on 11th March 2024.
Why in the News?
![NFECS and NECCE program](https://forumias.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/NFECS-and-NECCE-program-300x166.png)
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has launched a National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education (NECCE) for children aged three to six years.
Additionally, they have launched a National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation (NFECS) for children from birth to three years.
About NFECS and NECCE
Aspect | NFECS (National Framework for Early Childhood Stimulation) | NECCE (National Curriculum for Early Childhood Care and Education) |
Age Group | Children from birth to three years | Children from age three to six |
Aim | Empower caregivers and Anganwadi Workers for early stimulation and learning to support children’s optimal development. | Improve early childhood care and education at Anganwadi Centres. It aligns with the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage 2022 (NCF-FS). |
Developmental domains covered | Physical, thinking, language, social-emotional, cultural/aesthetic, good habits | Physical, thinking, language, social-emotional, cultural/aesthetic, good habits |
Methodology | Attentive care, early learning opportunities | Lesson plans based on skills, fun learning, readiness for primary school |
Activities | 36 month-wise age-based activities | Weekly plan with 36 weeks of learning, 8 weeks of review, and 4 weeks of introduction |
Special Attention | It emphasizes serve and return, caregiver actions: love, talk, play, and positive guidance | Screening, inclusion and referrals of Divyang children in every activity |
Note- Both documents are created by the National Institute for Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) and will be incorporated into the Poshan Tracker. NIPCCD will conduct training sessions for Anganwadi workers on the new Curriculum and Framework.
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