9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 18 April, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Impact of Silicon Valley’s growth on local urban areas: Concrete jungles and Silicon Valleys
Source: The post impact of Silicon Valley’s growth on local urban areas has been created, based on the article “Concrete jungles and Silicon Valleys” published in “Business standard” on 18th April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-society-poverty and developmental issues, urbanisation, their problems and their remedies.
News: The article discusses the impact of Silicon Valley’s growth on local urban areas. It highlights the challenges of high living costs, homelessness, and resource strains caused by rapid startup expansion. It also emphasizes the need for sustainable urban planning and collaboration between startups and urban planners.
For details information on India’s urban development read Article 1, Article2
What is the allure of Silicon Valley?
Innovation and Technology Hub: Silicon Valley is celebrated for its dynamic culture of innovation and creativity, attracting global entrepreneurs.
Economic Powerhouse: It significantly contributes to the economy with a 12.1% GDP share from just San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, underscoring its financial influence in California.
Opportunity Center: It symbolizes the pursuit of excellence in technology and human advancement, drawing professionals and companies worldwide.
What are the impacts of Silicon Valley?
Economic Impact:
GDP Contribution: Silicon Valley’s GDP share stands at 12.1% for San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, highlighting its significant role in California’s economy.
Wealth Concentration: The top 10% of households hold 70% of the area’s wealth, indicating major economic disparities.
Urban Growth:
Housing Crisis: Skyrocketing housing prices and high rents exacerbate homelessness, making it tough for low-income families to afford housing.
Startup Exodus: In 2021, a New York Times headline discussed the departure of tech workers from the Bay Area due to unsustainable living costs.
Social Impact:
Homelessness: The severe cost of living and lack of affordable housing has led to a growing homeless population, which includes diverse groups from long-term residents to new arrivals struggling in the harsh economic environment.
How can startups contribute to India’s urban solutions?
Collaborative Urban Planning: Startups in cities like Bengaluru can collaborate with urban planners to integrate innovative technologies in managing traffic, waste, and water resources efficiently.
Sustainability Initiatives: They can lead sustainability efforts by investing in renewable energy projects and sustainable housing developments, helping reduce urban environmental impacts.
Data-Driven Solutions: Utilizing big data and AI, startups can optimize public transportation and infrastructure management, improving service delivery and reducing congestion.
Regulatory Engagement: By working closely with government bodies, startups can ensure their growth aligns with the city’s capacity and sustainability goals, mitigating adverse impacts on infrastructure.
Question for practice:
Discuss the impact of Silicon Valley’s growth on local urban areas, and how startups can contribute to India’s urban solutions.
GS PAPER - 2
Supreme Court’s decision on the dispute between Delhi Metro (DMRC) and Delhi Airport Metro Express (DAMEPL)
Source: The post Supreme Court’s decision on the dispute between Delhi Metro (DMRC) and Delhi Airport Metro Express (DAMEPL) has been created, based on the article “Supreme Court has just put the Delhi metro on track – and given a roadmap” published in “Indian express” on 18th April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Polity-dispute redressal mechanisms
News: The article discusses a legal case between Delhi Metro (DMRC) and Delhi Airport Metro Express (DAMEPL) about a partnership gone wrong. The Supreme Court decided that earlier decisions were incorrect and ruled in favor of DMRC, emphasizing proper legal review in arbitration cases.
What was the legal dispute between DMRC and DAMEPL?
The legal dispute between DMRC and DAMEPL centered on the operation of the Airport Metro Express Line.
DAMEPL terminated the contract in 2012, citing defects in the infrastructure provided by DMRC which they claimed were not fixed within the agreed 90 days.
DMRC and DAMEPL even approached the commissioner for metro rail safety to inspect and reopen the line, which happened in 2013.
How did the courts respond?
Initially, the arbitration tribunal ruled in favor of DAMEPL, granting them a termination payment of Rs 2,782 crore plus interest, citing a valid termination notice by DAMEPL.
The Delhi High Court upheld this award in 2018, emphasizing that the award was reasonable and plausible, requiring no further interference.
A Division Bench of the Delhi High Court later reversed this decision, citing overlooked safety inspections and other procedural issues, setting aside the arbitration award.
What was the Supreme Court’s decision?
Special Leave Petitions were filed in the Supreme Court, which, in September 2021, set aside the High Court’s order that had previously nullified the arbitral award and restored the original arbitration decision favoring DAMEPL.
DMRC’s subsequent review petition against this decision of the Supreme Court was dismissed, maintaining the restored arbitral award.
As a final measure, DMRC filed a curative petition, which the Supreme Court agreed to hear, exercising its inherent powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.
This led to the Supreme Court’s final decision to overturn its previous ruling, acknowledging a grave miscarriage of justice and restoring the order of the Delhi High Court’s Division Bench.
What are the implications of this judgment?
The judgment sets a precedent for the careful review of arbitral awards by courts, particularly in infrastructure and public service contracts.
It emphasizes the importance of courts not interfering unduly in arbitration decisions unless there is a clear miscarriage of justice.
The ruling highlights the role of arbitration in resolving disputes while underscoring the necessity of ensuring that arbitration tribunals do not overlook vital evidence or legal principles.
This case demonstrates the potential for curative petitions as a last recourse in correcting legal errors, particularly under Article 142 of the Constitution, ensuring justice in complex contractual disputes.
Question for practice:
Evaluate the significance of the Supreme Court’s decision in the legal dispute between Delhi Metro (DMRC) and Delhi Airport Metro Express (DAMEPL).
Missing colleges
Source-This post on Missing colleges has been created based on the article “Poor doctor-population ratio cannot be set right without better Centre-State ties’’ published in “The Hindu” on 18 April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Context- The students have recently staged a protest citing inordinate delays in construction of basic infrastructure at AIIMS Madurai. This project has also strained relations between the central and State governments.
What is Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana?
1) Launch-It was launched in 2003.
2) Objective-To correct regional imbalances in the availability of affordable/reliable tertiary healthcare services and to augment facilities for quality medical education in the country.
3) Components–
A) Setting up of AIIMS-like institutions. Currently, there are 20 AIIMS institutions with functional medical colleges and 3 are under development.
B) Upgradation of government medical colleges in various states.
5) Funding-The project cost for upgrading each medical college institution is shared by the Centre and the state.
Read more- Steps taken by the Indian government to meet the challenges of Healthcare
What is the significance of newly built AIIMS institutions?
1)These institutions have created a lot of opportunities for students.
2) They have enhanced the accessibility of quality healthcare beyond the metro.
Why are students protesting at AIIMS Madurai?
1) There is a lack of adequate infrastructure, facilities, and manpower constraints
2) 3 batches of undergraduate students have been accommodated at the Government Medical College and Hospital, in nearby Ramanathapuram district, without completing the construction work at the main campus.
What are the reasons behind this inordinate delay?
1) Strained federal relations-Due to political differences, there is a lack of synergy between centre and state government. This is causing a delay in the project’s completion.
In the backdrop of inefficient doctor-population ratio at 1:834, the Centre and the State should work together to ensure that these medical institutions can provide high quality education.
Question for practice
Highlight the importance of AIIMS institution in democratizing the access to quality healthcare beyond metro cities?
GS PAPER - 3
Increased tax collections in Northeast India: GST adoption gave north-eastern states a big developmental push
Source: The post increased tax collections in Northeast India has been created, based on the article “GST adoption gave north-eastern states a big developmental push” published in “Live mints” on 18th April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Indian economy-mobilisation of resources,
News: The article discusses how the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India in 2017 has significantly helped the northeastern states by increasing their tax revenues. This boost in funds has allowed these states to improve infrastructure and participate more in national economic activities.
For details information on Reforming GST read here
What is the current status of tax collections in Northeast India?
Exceptional GST Revenue Growth: Since the GST was implemented in 2017-18, the northeastern states have experienced a compound annual GST revenue growth rate of 27.5% through to 2022-23, which is significantly higher than the pre-GST tax revenue growth rate of 9%.
Substantial Increase in State Revenues: The northeastern states’ total revenue contribution to the central exchequer now stands at around ₹20,000 crore annually, with ₹8,000 crore from GST and ₹12,000 crore from central excise. This demonstrates a major increase in financial resources due to efficient tax collection and compliance under GST.
Financial transfers from the central government to northeastern states have significantly increased. For example, Arunachal Pradesh received a 1,665% increase in tax devolution from 2014 to 2024. Other states like Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, and Sikkim also saw over a 500% rise in devolution, allowing them more budget for development.
What were the reasons for increased tax collections in Northeast India?
Consumption-Based Tax System: GST, levied at the point of consumption rather than production, benefited northeastern states which are primarily consumer states. This shift from the origin-based Central Sales Tax, which they hardly benefited from before, significantly increased their tax collections.
Improved Tax Compliance: The GST system encourages better compliance through a tax-credit mechanism. This self-policing setup minimizes tax evasion, enhancing revenue collection.
Use of Technology: States like Assam employed big-data software to identify tax discrepancies, which significantly improved collection efficiency, resulting in the recovery of about ₹730 crore in tax settlements.
Spillover Effects on Revenue Collection: The implementation of GST has refined the overall mechanism of revenue collection in states, helping to streamline various tax collection processes beyond just GST.
Balancing Fiscal Imbalances: GST has played a crucial role in addressing the vertical fiscal imbalances between the northeastern states and the Central government, contributing to a more equitable financial structure across the country.
Enhanced Participation in National Market: The adoption of GST has enabled northeastern states to more actively engage in the national market, opening up greater opportunities for trade and investment, which in turn boosts economic activity and development in the region.
What role has GST played during economic challenges?
GST and the associated compensation packages helped northeastern states manage economic challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. This support prevented a collapse in revenue and enabled continued investment in development projects.
Way forward
With the increase in revenue and development funding, northeastern states are encouraged to further develop their infrastructure and explore new economic opportunities. This will help them fully utilize their potential and contribute more significantly to the national economy.
Question for practice:
Examine how the Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation has impacted tax collections and economic development in Northeast India.
Reasons for heavy rains in the UAE: What’s behind heavy rainfall in Dubai
Source: The post reasons for heavy rains in the UAE has been created, based on the article “What’s behind heavy rainfall in Dubai” published in “Indian express” on 18th April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- environment-environmental pollution and degradation, And Disaster and disaster management.
News: The article describes a record-breaking rainstorm in the UAE that caused severe flooding and disruptions
What happened in the UAE due to the rainstorm?
Historic Weather Event:
The UAE experienced the heaviest rainfall on record since 1949, with Dubai receiving over 142 millimeters of rain in just one night. Typically, Dubai sees about 94.7 millimeters of rain in an average year.
Al Ain recorded 254 millimeters, and Fujairah saw 145 millimeters.
Rain Affecting Daily Life:
The downpour caused widespread flooding in homes, major roads, and shopping centers like Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
Air travel was severely disrupted, leading to temporary suspension of flights and significant delays at Dubai International Airport.
Other Impacts:
Schools across the UAE were closed.
The government mandated work-from-home directives to cope with the situation.
In nearby Oman, the rains resulted in the deaths of 18 people, including school children.
What are the reasons for heavy rains in the UAE?
Storm System: A significant storm system moved across the Arabian Peninsula, bringing unusually high rainfall to the region.
Cloud Seeding: The UAE utilized cloud seeding technology, which involves spraying salt mixtures into clouds to induce rain. Meteorologists at the National Center for Meteorology conducted six or seven cloud-seeding flights before the storm.
For details information on Artificial Rain by Cloud Seeding read here
Climate Change: Global warming may have contributed, as higher temperatures lead to increased water evaporation, allowing the atmosphere to hold more moisture. The UAE has seen a temperature rise of almost 1.5 degrees Celsius over the last 60 years.
Natural Climate Variability: It’s challenging to link this specific event directly to climate change due to the influence of natural climate patterns such as El Niño and La Niña, which also affect weather extremes.
Question for practice:
Discuss the factors contributing to the record-breaking rainstorm in the UAE.
Just Transition Framework-A path to ecological justice
Source-This post on Just Transition Framework-A path to ecological justice has been created based on the article “The Great Indian Bustard and climate action verdict” published in “The Hindu” on 17 April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment.
Context- The recent Supreme Court judgment acknowledges a fundamental right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change. While environmentalists have mainly focused on its impact on protecting the Great Indian Bustard, this article analyses the judgment from the lens of inclusive climate action.
What is the significance of the court’s decision beyond the protection of the Great Indian Bustard?
1) Space for discussion– Since the court has not enunciated the content of right, it has allowed time and space for a productive discourse on the content of the rights. This approach of the court could enable a more informed articulation of the right in the future.
2) Just Transition Framework– It allows the opportunity to utilize the just transition framework. This framework can facilitate equitable climate action.
3) Counter allegations of judicial overreach- The Courts have been appreciated for their environmental pro- activism because they have contributed to development of Indias majority environmental laws. However, this practice has been criticized for judicial overreach and the creation of imprecise rights.So,the restraint exercised by the court in this judgement will help in countering this criticism.
What are the issues with this judgement?
1) Conflict between two important issues-It projects biodiversity protection and climate action as adversarial choices.
2) Lack of inclusive approach-The right that is being recognized by the court gives importance to only protecting humans’ interests against climate change. It does not include non-humans.
What is just transition framework?
This framework makes transitions to a low carbon economy more equitable and inclusive without endangering the interests of those communities which are the most affected by such transitions. For ex- workers, vulnerable communities etc.
What is the significance of just transition framework?
1) Ending Conflict-It will prevent climate action and biodiversity protection from being seen as conflicting choices. Instead, it can promote inclusive climate action that recognizes diverse rights and interests.
2) Ecological justice– It can be utilized in climate litigations to highlight the significance of being sensitive to the interests of non-human nature and advance the principle of ecological justice.
3) Inclusive decision-If the framework is applied in the Court’s final decision, it would become one of the earliest instances where a legal process about transitioning considers the interests of non-human beings.
It’s important to involve activists, litigants, and others, not just the government, in defining, explaining, and enforcing these rights.
Question for practice
Highlight the significance of just transition framework to advance ecological justice?
Heat Action Plans
Source-This post on Heat Action Plans has been created based on the article “On India’s ‘heat action plans’” published in “The Hindu’’ on 17 April 2024.
UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-3-Disaster management
Context– This year heat alerts have already begun from February itself. Parts of northeastern and western India are already experiencing significantly warmer temperatures (3.1-5 degrees Celsius above normal) ahead of summer.
The IMD has also predicted an increase in the maximum temperature and the frequency of heatwave conditions in the upcoming days over eastern and southern India. This raises question about India’s readiness to face heat wave effectively.
What is a heat wave?
Definition– Heat waves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather that can cause adverse impacts on human health, the environment, and the economy.
Criteria for Declaring Heat Wave in India
Heat wave is considered if maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degree C or more for plains and at least 30 degree C or more for hilly regions.
A) Based on Departure from Normal
Heat Wave: Departure from normal is 4.50 C to 6.40 C
Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is >6.40C
B) Based on Actual Maximum Temperature
Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥ 45 degree C
Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47degree C
If the above criteria are met in at least 2 stations in a Meteorological subdivision for at least two consecutive days, it is declared so on the second day.
For coastal areas – When maximum temperature departure is 4.5 degree C or more from normal, heat wave may be described provided actual maximum temperature is 37 degree C or more.
What is a heat action plan?
1) Aim– Its aim is to increase preparedness and lower the adverse impacts of extreme heat by outlining strategies and measures to prepare for, address, and recover from heatwaves.
2) Mapping Heat Risks-They give an overview of each region’s heat conditions, showing past heatwaves, trends in summer temperatures, land surface temperature, and more. Then, they assess vulnerability to identify areas needing urgent attention and plan a response.
3) Collaborative Efforts-The National Disaster Management Authority and IMD are working with 23 States to develop HAPs. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of various line departments, such as the disaster management authority, labour department, and police.
4) Significance– In the wake of the rising severity and frequency of heatwaves nationwide, governments at different levels, state, district, and city have formulated heat action plans (HAPs).
What are the recommendations of heat action plan?
1) Recommendation for short term
A) Early warning– It recommends the use of forecasts and early warning systems to alert the public and relevant authorities about heatwaves.
B) Awareness- It suggests informing the public through awareness campaigns that share information about the risks linked with heatwaves.
C) Structural Measures-It recommends the building of heat shelters and cooling centres.
D) Guidelines to Hospitals: It asks hospitals to have enough supplies and trained healthcare workers to recognize and treat many patients with heat-related illnesses.
2) Recommendation for long term
A) Sustainable urbanization– It recommends using urban planning methods such as planting trees, using heat-resistant building materials, and employing cool roofing technologies. This helps in reducing the urban heat island effect and lowers the indoor temperatures.
B) Multi-stakeholder coordination– It pushes for effective coordination among different groups, like government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and emergency services.
What are the challenges in the smooth implementation of Heat Action Plans?
1) The local context- The existing Heat Action Plan does not take local conditions like the urban heat island effect, the type of roofing, and proximity to water or green bodies into consideration before formulating their strategies to combat heatwave.
2) Inconsistent methods– The methods adopted by various heat action plans to conduct vulnerability assessments are inconsistent.
2) Lack of recognition of various socio-economic differences– There is a lack of dedicated intervention which considers the different needs of people based on local social and demographic factors.
4) Resource Allocation-Implementation of HAPs differs a lot based on what local governments prioritize and the resources they have. That’s why it’s important to have dedicated budgets for implementing HAPs.
5) Working in silos-HAPs are individual plans with no integration with broader plans of urban resilience and climate adaptation. As a result, there’s no pooling of resources for effective implementation.
What should be the way forward?
1) Enhancing Heatwave Definition– There is a need to broaden the definition of heatwaves by also including humid heat, warmer nights, and extreme dry heat. This requires development of heat index that considers more than just temperature.
2) Comprehensive Climate Risk Assessment– There is a need to transition to a robust, full-fledged climate risk assessment that can identify the possibility of heatwaves in different areas and figure out how much people and important things may be affected by heatwaves.
Further, geospatial data should be used for hotspot mapping that will help in prioritizing and formulating targeted interventions.
3) Collaborative Planning for Heatwave Protection –There is a need to hold dialogues between the state, civil society organizations, and worker unions to devise a financial mechanism that can allow informal workers to be indoors during a heatwave without losing their incomes.
4) Integration with broader plan– HAPs should be integrated with broader action plans that promote urban resilience and climate adaptation. This will enhance the effectiveness of HAP because of improved data collection and monitoring systems.
Nature-based solutions should be incorporated to tackle extreme heat in areas that are particularly affected to improve the effectiveness of HAPs.
Question for practice
What are the recommendations of heat action plan? What are the challenges in the smooth implementation of Heat Action Plans?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Centre tweaks Green Credit Programme norms
Source– This post on Centre tweaks Green Credit Programme norms is based on the article “Centre tweaks Green Credit Programme norms, to focus on restoration of ecosystem” published in “The Hindu” on 17th April 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently the Central government has tweaked the Green Credit Programme norms with the Environment Ministry emphasizing that primacy must be accorded to restoring ecosystems over tree planting.
About the Green Credit Program

1. It was initiated by the Prime Minister of India during the COP 28 event, which took place in 2023 at Expo City, Dubai, UAE.
This program is a part of the government’s Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE) movement.
2. It is an innovative market-based mechanism designed to incentivize voluntary environmental actions across diverse sectors, by various stakeholders like individuals, communities, private sector industries, and companies.
2. The GCP’s governance framework is supported by an inter-ministerial Steering Committee and The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) serves as the GCP Administrator which is responsible for program implementation, management, monitoring, and operation.
3. The GCP focuses on two key activities: water conservation and afforestation.
4. Draft methodologies for awarding Green Credits have been developed and will be notified for stakeholder consultation.
5. These methodologies set benchmarks for each activity/process, to ensure environmental impact and fungibility across sectors.
6. The Green Credit Registry and trading platform would facilitate the registration and thereafter, the buying and selling of Green Credits.
7. Unlike the carbon markets, which are more focused at industry and corporations, green credit programme can benefit individuals and communities as well.
About compensatory afforestation
1. Compensatory afforestation requires any industry or institution authorized to clear forest land for non-forestry uses to:
a) allocate an equivalent area of non-forest land to forest authorities,
b) fund the reforestation of this newly provided land.
2. This land should ideally be located as close as possible to the original deforested area.
3. If suitable non-forest land is not available nearby, the entity must then provide twice the area in ‘degraded’ forest land which is land recognized as forest but characterized by very low tree density for afforestation purposes.
4. These entities are obligated to compensate for the ecological value lost due to the land diversion, a cost referred to as the ‘net present value’ of the forest ecosystem.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
Combined Maritime Forces
Source– This post on Combined Maritime Forces is based on the article “Indian Navy seizes 940kg drugs in Arabian Sea in 1st interdiction as CMF Member” published in “Hindustan Times” on 17th April 2024.
Why in the News?
INS Talwar of the Indian Navy seized 940 kg of drugs in the Arabian Sea as part of an operation led by Combined Maritime Forces.
About Combined Maritime Forces
1. Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multinational maritime partnership that upholds the Rules-Based International Order (RBIO) by countering illicit non-state actors on the high seas.
2. It covers approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, including some of the world’s most crucial shipping lanes.
3. Headquarter: It is co-located with US Naval Central Command and US Navy Fifth Fleet at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain.
4. Purpose: CMF aims to promote security, stability, and prosperity across its vast maritime domain.
5. Members: CMF has 42 member and partner nations.
a) Member Nations: Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, India, Iraq, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Kuwait, Malaysia, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye, UAE, United Kingdom, United States, and Yemen.
b) Partner Nations: Djibouti, Oman and Sri Lanka.
6. Participation is voluntary with no compulsory duties imposed on any member nation. Furthermore, countries are not obligated by any political or military commitments.
7. It is comprised of five task forces: Maritime Security Operations outside the Arabian Gulf, Counter-Piracy, Maritime Security Operations inside the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea Maritime Security, Maritime Security Training
8. Focus Areas: It has following focus areas:
a) Counter-Narcotics: CMF actively combats drug trafficking at sea.
b) Counter-Smuggling: It works to prevent illicit smuggling activities.
c) Piracy Suppression: CMF contributes to anti-piracy efforts.
d) Regional Cooperation: The partnership engages with regional and other stakeholders to enhance overall security and stability.
e) Environmental and Humanitarian Response: When needed, CMF assets respond to environmental and humanitarian incidents.
9. CMF is Commanded by a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral, who also serves as Commander US Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and US Navy Fifth Fleet.
CMF’s Deputy Commander is a United Kingdom Royal Navy Commodore.
UPSC Syllabus: Miscellaneous
How a beam of sunlight was directed on Lord Ram’s forehead in Ayodhya temple
Source– This post on How a beam of sunlight was directed on Lord Ram’s forehead in Ayodhya temple is based on the article “How a beam of sunlight was directed on Lord Ram’s forehead in Ayodhya temple” published in “The Indian express” on 16th April 2024.
Why in the News?
A three-minute-long Surya Tilak ceremony was performed in Ayodhya’s newly built Ram temple, marking the occasion of Ram Navami. The ritual symbolises the Sun God’s blessings.
How did technology help Ram Lalla’s Surya Tilak?

1. The system is an optomechanical setup designed to focus sunlight directly onto an idol’s forehead using a specialized arrangement of lenses and mirrors.
2. It was developed by scientists from the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) in Roorkee.
3. It includes an infrared filter made from heat-absorbing material at the aperture to block high-energy photons, protecting the idol from heat damage.
4. This aperture allows sunlight to enter the sanctum sanctorum (‘garbhagriha’) precisely when aligned.
5. The sunlight, passed through the filter, is then concentrated via four lenses and mirrors inside brass pipes angled to direct a single beam onto the idol.
6. To minimize light scattering, the interior surfaces of these components are coated with black powder.
7. The system operates without batteries or electronic devices and can be manually adjusted to ensure longevity and continuous use.
Surya Tilak in other temples in India

a) Suriyanar Kovil Temple (Tamil Nadu): It was built between 11th-12th centuries, sunlight illuminates specific areas throughout the year, including the deity Suriyanar and his consorts.
b) Nanarayanaswamy Temple (Andhra Pradesh): Sunlight bathes the Matsya avatar of Lord Vishnu from feet to navel progressively during the five-day Surya Puja Mahotsavam festival.
c) Mahalakshmi Temple (Maharashtra): During the biannual Kiranotsav festival, rays of the sun grace the feet of Goddess Mahalaxmi’s idol.
d) Koba Jain Temple (Gujarat): Each year, during the Surya Abhishek event, the forehead of the Mahaveerswami statue is lit by direct sunlight for three minutes precisely at 2:07 pm.
e) Unav Balaji Surya Temple (Madhya Pradesh): This temple is designed such that during its annual festival, the first rays of the sun align perfectly to illuminate the deity in the innermost sanctum.
f) Konark Sun Temple (Odisha): The architectural design of this temple allows the sun’s first rays to enter the main entrance and reach the deepest sanctum.
g) Gavi Gangadhareshwara Temple (Karnataka): On Makar Sankranti, sunlight penetrates this cave temple, lighting up the Nandi and subsequently the Shivlingam.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology, art and culture
Gaia BH3
Source– This post on Gaia BH3 is based on the article “Astronomers spot a massive ‘sleeping giant’ black hole less than 2,000 light-years from Earth” published in “CNN” on 16th April 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, Astronomers have discovered a massive black hole named Gaia BH3.
About Gaia BH3
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1. BH3 is a dormant black hole formed from the collapse of an exploding star. It has a mass 33 times greater than our sun.
2. It is located only 2,000 light years away from Earth in the Aquila constellation.
3. Astronomers discovered the black hole while combing through observations taken by the European Space Agency’s Gaia space telescope for an upcoming data release to the scientific community.
4. A wobbling star orbits Gaia BH3 every 11.6 years.
5. The most massive black hole in our galaxy is Sagittarius A* which is the supermassive black hole located at the center of the Milky Way.
It has about 4 million times the mass of the sun, but that is because it’s a supermassive black hole, rather than a stellar black hole.
About supermassive black hole and stellar black hole
a) Stellar-mass black holes originate from the gravitational collapse of a single star or the combination of two neutron stars.
b) These black holes typically have masses that range from approximately three to fifty times that of sun.
c) Supermassive black holes are immensely larger, with masses starting at around 50,000 times the mass of sun and can reach up to millions or even billions of times greater.
They are invariably located at the centers of galaxies and present in nearly all galaxies.
d) The formation of supermassive black holes remains a mystery to scientists, as they are too vast to have been formed from the collapse of individual stars.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology (space)
Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA)
Source– This post on Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA) is based on the article “Payment mechanism for traders importing pulses from Myanmar simplified: Govt”published in “Economic times” on 16th April 2024.
Why in the News?
India has simplified the payment mechanism for traders importing pulses from Myanmar by facilitating them to use the Rupee/Kyat direct payment system through the Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA).
About Special Rupee Vostro Account (SRVA)
1. About: SRVA is an additional arrangement to the existing system of settlement for international trade. It facilitates trade in Indian Rupees (INR) with partner countries.
2. The goal is to promote exports, facilitate imports, and reduce dependence on hard (freely convertible) currencies like the US Dollar or Pound Sterling.
3. Unlike the regular Rupee Vostro Account, SRVA requires prior approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) before opening.
4. SRVA Mechanism:
a) Transactions for both exports and imports must be invoiced exclusively in INR.
b) The exchange rate for converting INR with the partner country’s currency is determined by the market.
c) All trade settlements are conducted in INR.
d) Authorized domestic dealer banks (AD banks), which are permitted to deal in foreign exchange, are responsible for opening SRVA accounts for the correspondent banks in the partner countries.
5. Benefits of SRVA:
a) It reduces dependence on foreign exchanges (like the US dollar).
b) It helps domestic banks gain wider access to foreign financial markets.
c) It also facilitates international banking services without physical presence abroad.
About Vostro account
1. A Vostro account is an account that a domestic bank holds for a foreign bank in the domestic bank’s currency. For eg. in the case of India, it is the rupee.
2. The RBI allowed nine such accounts, including IndusInd Bank and Uco Bank.
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
Athletics Federation of India
Source– This post is based on the article “AFI disaffiliates 16 districts for skipping inter-district Nationals” published in “The Hindu” on 16th April 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, the Athletics Federation of India has disaffiliated 16 district associations across the country for failing to send teams for the National inter-district junior athletics meet held in Ahmedabad.
About Athletics Federation of India
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1. It is the apex body for running and managing athletics in India.
2. It came into existence in 1946 and was formerly known as the Amateur Athletic Federation of India (AAFI).
3. It is a non-governmental and non-profitable autonomous body.
4. It is affiliated with the World Athletics, AAA and Indian Olympic Association.
5. The AFI has as many as 32 affiliated state units and institutional units.
6. Functions:
a) The federation organises the National Championships, and trains the Indian Athletics National Campers.
b) It also selects the Indian Athletics Teams for various international competitions, including the Olympics, Asian Games, CWG, World Championships, Asian Championships and other international meets, conducts the National Championships for various age categories.
c) The AFI also conducts international and national championships and various meets to promote the sport and popularise it amongst the masses and make athletics commercially attractive for the further growth of the athlete and the sport.
d) The federation supervises and assists its state units in their activities, plans and sets up special coaching camps, coaches training and takes initiatives for development programme and grass root promotion of athletics in India.
UPSC Syllabus: Miscellaneous (Sports)