9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 19th December, 2024

Print Friendly and PDF

Dear Friends,

9 PM Brief is our prime initiatives for the preparation of current affairs. What we are providing in this initiative:

  • Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
  • We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing.

It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content, and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.

For previous editions of 9 PM BriefClick Here

For individual articles of 9 PM BriefClick Here

Download Factly and 9 PM Weekly Compilations | Arranged Subject-wise and Topic-wise

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Positive Signals from India-China Talks

Source: This post on Positive Signals from India-China Talks  has been created based on “Positive signals emerge from India-China talks” published in The Hindu on19th December 2024.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS 2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations

Context: The article discusses the resumption of boundary talks between India and China, marking the first meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) in five years. This meeting, held in Beijing on December 18, 2024, involved India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

What was the key highlight of the meeting between India and China?

  1. The key highlight was the first meeting of the Special Representatives (SRs) on boundary talks in five years.
  2. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi positively affirmed the implementation of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) disengagement and discussed measures to maintain peace, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, border trade, and trans-border river data sharing.

What agreements were discussed during the talks?

  1. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a fair and reasonable resolution of the boundary dispute, as outlined in the 2005 political guidelines.
  2. Both sides positively reviewed the October 2024 disengagement agreement, which enabled patrolling and grazing in areas like Depsang and Demchok.
  3. Discussions were aimed at advancing border management and preventing border issues from hindering bilateral relations.
  4. Doval and Chinese leaders emphasized restoring cooperation in economic, cultural, and trade areas.
  5. The talks highlighted a need for new momentum in bilateral relations.

What is the significance of the SR process resumption?

  1. The SR mechanism, established in 2003, had been paused since 2019 due to heightened tensions, including the 2020 LAC standoff.
  2. This resumption marks a step toward re-establishing diplomatic mechanisms and fostering peace at the border. It also paves the way for further troop de-escalation and a fair resolution of the boundary dispute.

What was China’s perspective on the meeting?

  1. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement about the “six-point consensus,” which emphasizes maintaining peace at the border and strengthening bilateral ties.
  2. Chinese Vice President Han Zheng described India and China as influential global powers, urging the restoration of political trust and collaboration in economic, trade, and cultural areas.

What role did the October 2024 disengagement agreement play?

  1. The October 2024 agreement resolved issues at the last of seven friction points at the LAC.
  2. It facilitated the SR meeting and formal talks between Indian PM Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, where the agreement was hailed as a détente.

What were the key outcomes of the meeting?

  1. Commitment to drawing lessons from the 2020 standoff for better border management.
  2. Positive directions for resuming cross-border exchanges, including religious pilgrimages and trade.
  3. A roadmap for de-escalation and troop withdrawal.
  4. Agreement to hold the next SR meeting in New Delhi.
  5. Both sides emphasized strategic communication and the restoration of political trust to ensure stable bilateral development.
  6. Ajit Doval highlighted India’s commitment to enhancing ties, while Wang Yi was invited to New Delhi for the next round of talks.

Section 6A of the Citizenship Act

Source: This post on Section 6A of the Citizenship Act has been craeted based on “Section 6A of the Citizenship Act — why it fails Assam” publsihed in The Hindu on 19th December 2024.

UPSC Syllabus: GS-2-Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure

Context: The article critically examines the constitutional validity and implications of Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, in the context of Assam.

What is Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955?

  1. Section 6A, introduced in 1985 after the Assam Accord, provides a framework for granting Indian citizenship to migrants from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) who settled in Assam:
  2. Before January 1, 1966: Migrants are declared Indian citizens.
  3. Between January 1, 1966, and March 25, 1971: Migrants are eligible for citizenship after 10 years of residence.
  • After March 25, 1971: Such individuals are deemed illegal migrants and liable for detection and deportation.

What is the significance of the recent Supreme Court ruling on Section 6A?

  1. In October 2024, a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, in a 4:1 majority decision, upheld the constitutional validity of Section 6A.
  2. However, the ruling has been criticized for overlooking constitutional violations and relying on arbitrary reasoning.

How does the judgment justify singling out Assam?

  1. The Court argued that Assam’s smaller population and land area make the influx of migrants more impactful compared to other states like West Bengal or Tripura, which share longer borders with Bangladesh.
  2. However, it simultaneously concluded that the influx did not affect Assamese language, script, or culture, leading to contradictory reasoning.

Why was Section 6A introduced, and what are its implications?

  1. The Assam Accord, addressing concerns over cultural preservation, economic strain, and political imbalance, led to the inclusion of Section 6A.
  2. However, critics argue that the provision does not adequately safeguard Assam’s cultural identity and fails to resolve the issues it was designed to address.

What constitutional concerns arise from Section 6A?

  1. Violation of Article 29 (Cultural and Linguistic Rights):
    1. Article 29 guarantees the protection of cultural and linguistic identities.
    2. The Court ruled that Section 6A does not infringe on Assamese cultural rights since it does not prevent active conservation efforts.
    3. However, critics argue that the demographic shift caused by migration undermines Assam’s cultural identity, evident in the declining percentage of Assamese-speaking people (from 69.3% in 1951 to 48.38% in 2011) and the increasing proportion of Bengali-speaking people (from 21.2% in 1951 to 28.91% in 2011).
  2. Temporal Unreasonableness:
    1. Laws must remain reasonable over time, but Section 6A lacks a temporal limitation, allowing individuals to apply for citizenship indefinitely, even 40 years after the cut-off date.
  3. Flawed Mechanism for Identifying Migrants:
    1. The burden of initiating proceedings lies with the state, without a mechanism for voluntary self-identification.
    2. The foreigners’ tribunal, tasked with determining citizenship, is overwhelmed by the volume of cases, causing inefficiency and confusion.

What are the challenges in implementation?

  1. Communication and Training Gaps: Many farmers reported no communication or training about sustainable practices.
  2. Delayed Carbon Credit Payments: 99% of farmers have not received payments for carbon credits.
  3. Sustainability Challenges: 28% of farmers reverted to conventional farming due to insufficient financial incentives.
  4. Demographic Shift: The increasing proportion of Bengali-speaking individuals has significantly altered Assam’s cultural and linguistic demographics.

What criticisms have been made of the Supreme Court’s ruling?

  1. Contradictory Reasoning: The Court acknowledged Assam’s unique challenges but failed to recognize the cultural and linguistic displacement caused by migration.
  2. Neglect of Temporal Unreasonableness: By allowing Section 6A to remain in force indefinitely, the Court upheld outdated and arbitrary policies.
  3. Failure to Address Cultural Erosion: The judgment overlooks how unchecked migration has eroded Assam’s linguistic and cultural identity, violating Article 29.

Indian judiciary’s suo motu powers

Indian judiciary's suo motu powers

Source: The post Indian judiciary’s suo motu powers has been created, based on the article “Refrain from judicial overreach: It’ll strengthen India’s judiciary” published in “Live mint” on 19th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Structure, organisation and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

Context: The article discusses the Indian judiciary’s suo motu powers. It highlights their importance in addressing urgent issues but criticizes misuse, delays, and overreach. It emphasizes the need for guidelines and feedback to ensure timely, effective, and credible judicial interventions. Indian judiciary’s suo motu powers

What are Suo Motu Powers of the Judiciary?

  1. Suo motu powers allow courts to take up cases on their own, without a formal petition.
  2. These powers aim to protect public interest, ensure justice, and address overlooked issues.

Why is the Use of Suo Motu Powers Controversial?

  1. Growing Invocation: Increasing use of these powers in matters already handled by lower courts has raised concerns.
  2. Jurisdictional Tensions: Supreme Court interventions can overshadow the work of high courts. For example, in the RG Kar Medical College rape case, the Supreme Court acted after significant progress by the Calcutta High Court.
  3. Potential Political Influence: There is criticism over perceived political motivations in some cases.

What Are the Challenges in Suo Motu Interventions?

  1. Delays in Resolution: Prolonged engagement without results frustrates the public. Like in Yamuna pollution case took over 20 years to be transferred to the National Green Tribunal.
  2. Implementation Challenges: Judicial directives often lack follow-through. During COVID-19, the Supreme Court’s intervention highlighted healthcare gaps but lacked concrete results.
  3. Overreach Concerns: Courts sometimes venture into legislative or administrative domains. In the Ramlila Maidan case, the Supreme Court expanded Article 21 to include a “Right to Sleep.”

How Can Suo Motu Powers Be Improved?

  1. Frame Guidelines: The judiciary should create clear guidelines for suo motu actions.
  2. Feedback Mechanisms: Courts must track implementation to ensure compliance with directives.
  3. Strengthen High Courts: High courts should be allowed to handle local matters effectively.

Conclusion

  1. Suo motu powers are vital for justice but must be used judiciously.
  2. Overuse, delays, and poor implementation harm public trust in the judiciary.
  3. Guidelines and better mechanisms are needed to ensure timely and effective justice.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges associated with the judiciary’s use of suo motu powers and suggest measures to improve their effectiveness.

Significance of President Dissanayake’s visit to India

Significance of President Dissanayake's visit to India

Source: The post significance of President Dissanayake’s visit to India has been created, based on the article “Express view on President Dissanayake’s India visit: Building bridges with Sri Lanka” published in “Indian Express” on 19th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International relations -India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: The article discusses Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations. It highlights key issues like trade, energy, fishing disputes, Tamil minority rights, and Sri Lanka’s stance on foreign powers, particularly China’s involvement in the region. Significance of President Dissanayake’s visit to India.

For detailed information on India Sri-Lanka Relations read this article here

What is the significance of President Dissanayake’s visit to India?

This is Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s first overseas visit since becoming Sri Lanka’s President. It comes at a crucial time for India-Sri Lanka relations. Both nations aim to deepen their economic and strategic partnership.

Why is this visit important for economic ties?

  1. Sri Lanka confirmed it will continue with the IMF programme for economic recovery. The government plans to increase welfare spending.
  2. Both countries are urged to resume talks on a Free Trade Agreement. Key areas of focus include: Energy supply, Technology exchange, Indian investments in Sri Lanka
  3. The joint statement highlights the role of digital public infrastructure, including an Aadhaar-like system and UPI payments, for Sri Lanka’s development.

What challenges exist in bilateral relations?

  1. Fishermen disputes: Fishermen often cross maritime borders, causing tensions. Overfishing is also an issue. A coordinated fishing model may resolve this.
  2. Tamil minority rights: Prime Minister Modi urged Sri Lanka to hold provincial council elections as per its Constitution. He avoided directly mentioning the 13th Amendment, reflecting the sensitive nature of the issue.

How does Sri Lanka address security concerns in the Indian Ocean?

  1. President Dissanayake assured India that Sri Lanka’s land would not harm Indian interests. He also supported a free, open, and secure Indian Ocean Region.
    2. This statement indirectly references China’s activities, especially at the Hambantota port, which China is developing.

What should India and Sri Lanka focus on moving forward?

Both nations should:

  • Define red lines for their foreign policies.
  • Strengthen communication to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Elevate their relationship to be a significant partnership in South Asia.

This visit signals potential for stronger ties if challenges are addressed carefully.

Question for practice:

Examine the key challenges and opportunities in India-Sri Lanka relations highlighted during President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India.

GS PAPER - 3

Strengthening the Roots of an Agri-Carbon Market

Source: This post on Strengthening the Roots of an Agri-Carbon Market  has been created based on “Strengthening the roots of an agri-carbon market” published in The Hindu on19th December 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topics: GS 3- Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Context: The article explores the transformative potential of carbon markets in Indian agriculture. It outlines how these markets could incentivize sustainable farming practices while simultaneously addressing climate change. The focus is on how carbon pricing, through compliance and voluntary carbon markets, can encourage businesses and individuals to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It also highlights India’s growing interest in establishing its own carbon markets and the progress made so far.

What are carbon markets, and how do they work?

  1. Carbon markets offer a way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while incentivizing sustainable farming practices.
  2. Compliance Markets: Regulated systems impose emission caps on companies. Exceeding these caps requires purchasing carbon credits or paying carbon taxes.
  3. Voluntary Markets: Unregulated platforms like Verra and Gold Standard allow organizations to trade carbon credits freely.
  4. Both systems aim to lower GHG emissions and meet global climate goals.

What principles are crucial for carbon markets?

  1. Additionality: Credits must lead to new emission reductions, requiring adoption of fresh practices.
  2. Permanence: Benefits, such as soil carbon storage, must be long-lasting.

What recent advancements have been made in India’s carbon markets?

  1. India plans to launch compliance and voluntary carbon markets.
  2. NABARD, in collaboration with research bodies, has listed five agriculture carbon credit projects under Verra.
  3. Over four years, 50 projects have targeted 1.6 million hectares, aiming to generate 4.7 million credits annually. However, no credits have been issued yet, and farmers haven’t received payments.

What findings emerged from carbon farming projects in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh?

  1. Inclusiveness: Marginalized communities and women (4% participants) were largely excluded.
  2. Land Ownership: Carbon farmers cultivated more land, with 63% owned by non-marginalized castes compared to 46% among non-carbon farmers.
  3. Adoption of Practices: Techniques like zero tillage and intercropping were newly adopted, meeting the additionality criterion.

What challenges are hindering project success?

  1. Poor communication (45%) and lack of training (60%).
  2. Discontinuation of sustainable practices (28%) due to insufficient financial incentives.
  3. Delayed payments, with 99% of farmers receiving no carbon credit income.

 How can projects be improved to boost farmer participation?

  1. Offer higher prices for credits from inclusive projects targeting smallholders and marginalized communities.
  2. Ensure regular training, effective communication, and timely payments.
  3. Collaborate with research institutions to minimize yield penalties and safeguard food security.

How can technology and collaboration strengthen carbon markets?

  1. Advances in remote sensing, satellite imagery, and drones can enhance monitoring.
  2. Building a robust agricultural carbon market requires policymakers, researchers, and private entities to ensure inclusivity, transparency, timely rewards, and effective implementation.

Making Affordable Generics More Reliable

Source: This post on Making Affordable Generics More Reliable is based on article “ Making affordable generics more reliable” published in The Hindu on 19th December 2024.

UPSC Syllabus topic: GS 3- Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

Context: The article delves into the critical role of generic medicines in addressing healthcare affordability in India. It underscores the importance of generic drugs in reducing healthcare costs, particularly in a country marked by vast income disparities and high out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure. However, it highlights the challenges associated with ensuring the quality, efficacy, and safety of generics, which are essential for their reliability and effectiveness.

Why are generic medicines important for healthcare affordability?

  1. Generic drugs, being bioequivalent to branded drugs, are cost-effective alternatives crucial for addressing healthcare affordability, especially in countries like India with significant income disparities.
  2. India leverages economies of scale and low production costs to supply affordable medicines both domestically and internationally.
  3. With out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure at 39.4% of total health expenditure in 2021-22, generics significantly reduce financial burdens and improve treatment adherence.
  4. Through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, generic medicines worth ₹5,600 crore sold over a decade saved consumers an estimated ₹30,000 crore by August 2024.

What challenges do generic medicines face in India?

  1. Quality Concerns: Despite bioequivalence to branded drugs, quality control lapses have compromised their efficacy and safety in some cases.
  2. Therapeutic Variability: A study by PGIMER, Chandigarh, revealed that while an innovator itraconazole drug achieved therapeutic levels in 73% of patients within two weeks, generic formulations often required 6–8 weeks, dose escalation, or switching.
  3. Manufacturing Defects: Generic capsules showed defects such as fewer and unevenly sized pellets, impacting absorption and bioavailability.

Why do generic and innovator drugs differ in efficacy?

  1. Excipients: Variations in binders, fillers, disintegrants, and coatings affect dissolution rate, stability, and drug delivery mechanisms.
  2. Manufacturing Processes: Differences in compression force, granulation methods, and tablet hardness can influence drug disintegration and absorption rates.
  3. Bioequivalence Thresholds: Regulatory standards allow pharmacokinetic parameters to vary between 80%-125% of the innovator drug’s range. This variability can be problematic for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index.
  4. Stability Issues: Generic drugs may suffer from reduced shelf life and reliability due to inadequate stability testing.

What are the regulatory challenges in India’s drug regulation system?

  1. Decentralisation: India’s drug regulation system is fragmented, with significant authority granted to State Drug Regulatory Authorities (SDRAs). This leads to inconsistent enforcement and quality standards.
    • The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has limited authority and can only recommend actions to States.
  2. Inadequate Stability Testing: Stability testing, mandated in 2018, is inconsistently implemented. Additionally, generics approved before 2018 are not subject to retrospective testing, allowing substandard drugs to persist in the market.
  3. Lenient Impurity Standards: India’s Pharmacopoeia permits higher impurity levels than U.S. and EU standards. Stricter International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines were rejected due to cost concerns.

What reforms are necessary to improve generic drug reliability?

  1. Centralised Drug Regulation:
    1. Transfer regulatory authority from States to the Centre to ensure consistent enforcement of quality standards.
    2. Strengthen the CDSCO with additional resources, personnel, and central drug-testing laboratories.
  2. Enhanced Stability Testing:
    1. Enforce uniform stability testing protocols.
    2. Mandate periodic reassessment of all approved generics, including those approved before 2018.
  3. Stricter Impurity Standards:
    1. Align India’s Pharmacopoeia with global benchmarks by adopting stricter impurity guidelines.

What role should the CDSCO play in these reforms?

  • The CDSCO should be overhauled to implement robust regulatory safeguards, ensuring protection against substandard and counterfeit medicines.
  • Key actions include stringent regulatory protocols, effective inspections, and strong enforcement mechanisms.

What steps have been recommended historically to address these issues?

  1. Decades-old recommendations by the Bhatia (1954), Hathi (1975), and Mashelkar (2003) committees have called for centralised oversight of drug regulation.
  2. Implementing these recommendations is essential to restoring public confidence in generic drugs.

What is the key takeaway regarding generics and quality assurance?

  1. While generics are indispensable for equitable healthcare, equity must not come at the expense of quality.
  2. Centralising drug regulation, enforcing stricter testing protocols, and adopting stringent impurity standards are critical steps toward making generics more reliable and trustworthy.

India’s Shift to a Services-Led Economy and Its Challenges

India's Shift to a Services-Led Economy and Its Challenges

Source: The post India’s Shift to a Services-Led Economy and Its Challenges has been created, based on the article “Services led exports are a mixed blessing for us” published in “Live mint” on 19th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Indian Economy- changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

Context: The article highlights India’s shift to a services-led economy, driven by strong service exports surpassing merchandise exports. It notes India’s success in high-value services but warns of job inequality, uneven sectoral growth, and the need to address economic disparities. India’s Shift to a Services-Led Economy and Its Challenges.

For detailed information on Challenges with India’s service-driven growth read this article here

Why Are India’s Service Exports Outshining Merchandise Exports?

  1. In November 2024, India’s service exports were projected to surpass merchandise exports.
  2. The trade deficit reached a record $37.9 billion in November, but strong service exports were a positive sign.
  3. Services are less affected by tariffs and geopolitical issues compared to goods.

What Makes Service Exports Resilient?

  1. Unlike goods, services face fewer protectionist barriers and geopolitical risks.
  2. Despite challenges in IT and AI disruptions, Global Capability Centres (GCCs) have emerged as key growth drivers.
  3. GCCs offer higher-end services and better value realization than traditional IT companies.

How Is India’s Service Sector Different from China’s Manufacturing?

  1. While China became the global factory for low-cost goods, India moved up the value chain in services.
  2. From basic IT tasks like Y2K fixes to customized software and GCCs, India’s talent pool drives high-value services.
  3. India ranks fifth globally in service exports and aims for $2 trillion annual exports by 2030.

What Are the Challenges of a Services-Led Economy?

  1. Limited Job Creation: Services create fewer jobs than manufacturing. Fresh workers from rural areas are easily trained for factory work, but services demand higher education and skills.
  2. Income Inequality: Services pay higher wages than manufacturing, leading to increased income disparities.
  3. Sectoral Employment Mismatch: Agriculture and industry employ 69% of the workforce, while services employ only 31%, despite services contributing 55% to GDP.
  4. Stagnant Manufacturing Growth: Manufacturing remains at 17% of GDP, showing India’s leapfrogging from agriculture to services skipped the middle manufacturing phase.
  5. Social Discontent Risk: Uneven growth between employment and sectoral output can spill over into social tensions, threatening national progress.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons behind the resilience of India’s service exports compared to merchandise exports and their implications for the economy.

Global Events Impacting India’s Economic Outlook in 2025

Global Events Impacting India's Economic Outlook in 2025

Source: The post Global Events Impacting India’s Economic Outlook in 2025 has been created, based on the article “In 2025, the hurdles to India’s growth” published in “Indian Express” on 19th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy

Context: The article discusses India’s economic outlook in 2025, highlighting challenges like slow growth, fiscal deficit, and global volatility. It questions the effectiveness of government policies like the PLI scheme and trade strategies, and emphasizes the need for private sector investment and export growth. Global Events Impacting India’s Economic Outlook in 2025

For detailed information on Concerns about the Indian economy amid global uncertainties read this article here

What is the India’s economic outlook in 2025?

  1. Economic Growth: India may surpass Japan to become the fourth-largest economy, reaching a $4 trillion GDP. However, nominal growth is expected to stay below 10% for the third consecutive year, down from the decade average of 11%.
  2. Fiscal Challenges: The fiscal deficit is projected to fall from 4.9% to 4.5% of GDP, signaling contractionary fiscal policies. Rising committed expenditures, like the Eighth Pay Commission, could strain finances.

How Are Global Events Impacting India?

  1. US Economic Policies: Donald Trump’s potential tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China could create global volatility, affecting trade and investments.
  2. Currency Pressures: Higher US interest rates and a stronger dollar are testing the RBI’s ability to defend the rupee. Inflation moderation pressures RBI to cut rates, risking further currency depreciation.
  3. Trade Agreements: India’s inconsistent trade approach, such as avoiding RCEP but signing deals with Australia and UAE, shows hesitancy. Pending FTAs with the UK and EU highlight missed opportunities amid China plus one shifts benefiting others.
  4. Private Sector Investments: Global uncertainties have limited private investment growth, despite government initiatives like the PLI scheme, which disbursed only Rs 32,620 crore over four years, with significant funds going to mobile phones and semiconductors.
  5. Geopolitical Influence: A $4 trillion economy could strengthen India’s global standing, but uncertainties dampen this potential.

What Are the Challenges Ahead?

  1. The Eighth Pay Commission and rising committed expenditure could strain public finances.
  2. The upcoming 16th Finance Commission will need to balance competing fiscal interests, impacting Centre-state relations and election strategies.
  3. Reduced elections in 2025 (only Delhi and Bihar have elections) may allow the government to focus more on policy reforms.

Question for practice:

Discuss how global economic events and domestic fiscal challenges are impacting India’s economic outlook in 2025.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions

National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions

News: The Union Minister of Education addressed the 20th Foundation Day of the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI). He emphasized the rights of minorities under the Constitution. National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions.

About National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions

National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions
Source- Nagaland Tribune
  • It was established by the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act (NCMEI Act), 2004.
  • Mandate– To safeguard and promote educational rights of religious and linguistic minorities as per Article 30(1) of the Constitution.
  • Nodal Ministry– Ministry of Education
  • Powers and Functions:
    • It is a quasi-judicial body endowed with the powers of a Civil Court.
    • It decides on questions regarding the status of an institution as a Minority Educational Institution (MEI).
    • It acts as an appellate authority for disputes related to Minority Status or No Objection Certificate (NOC).
    • The Commission can cancel the minority status of an institution granted by an authority or commission based on the Act’s provisions.
    • It has powers to call for information while enquiring into the complaints of violation or deprivation of the educational rights of the minorities.
    • As per Supreme court ruling the Commission has both original as well as appellate jurisdiction.
    • No court (except the Supreme Court and a High Court exercising jurisdiction under articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution) shall entertain any suit, application or other proceedings in respect of any order made by the Commission.

Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM-3)

https://forumias.com/blog/national-commission-for-minority-educational-institutions/

News: ISRO has begun assembling the Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM-3) for the first uncrewed flight of Gaganyaan.

About Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM-3)

Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM-3)
Source- ISRO
  • It is a human-rated version of ISRO’s LVM3, developed for India’s Gaganyaan mission to transport humans into space.
  • Aim: To ensure safe human spaceflight by integrating advanced reliability and safety features.
  • Features:
    • Payload capacity– It is a three stage vehicle with a payload capacity of about 10 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
    • Height and weight– It is 53 meters tall and weighs 640 tonnes.
    • Crew Escape System (CES)– It is a safety mechanism designed to protect astronauts in the event of an emergency during a space mission. It is activated in the early stages of flight, typically before the spacecraft reaches the point of atmospheric flight separation

About LVM-3 vehicle

  • Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM 3) is a three-stage launch vehicle consisting of two solid propellants S200 strap-ons on its sides and a core stage comprising the L110 liquid stage and C25 cryogenic stage.
  • LMV3 rocket has a lift-off mass of 640 tonnes.
  • It can carry up to 8 tonnes of payloads to lower earth orbits(LEO).
  • To the geostationary transfer orbits (GTO), it can carry a payload of about 4 tonnes.

Hydrothermal Vent

News: Indian oceanographers have reached a significant milestone by capturing an image of an active hydrothermal vent situated 4,500 meters beneath the surface of the Indian Ocean.

About Hydrothermal Vent

Hydrothermal vent
Source- schmidtocean
  • Hydrothermal vents are underwater springs that form in tectonically active areas where seawater interacts with magma below the ocean floor.
  • Location– Ridges, For ex. Central and Southern Ridge of the Indian Ocean, Convergent plate boundaries, Volcanic hotspots, Ocean trenches
  • Formation:
    • Cold Water Entry: Seawater at about 2°C seeps into cracks in the ocean crust caused by tectonic activity.
    • Heating by Magma: The water is heated to extreme temperatures (up to 370°C) upon contact with magma.
    • Chimney Formation: As the hot water meets cold seawater, minerals solidify, forming chimney-like structures around the vents.
  • Significance:
    • Mineral deposits: The deposits from hydrothermal venting are generally rich in copper, zinc, gold, silver, platinum, iron, cobalt, nickel and other economically-beneficial minerals and metals.
    • Ecological insights: Hydrothermal vents host unique ecosystems relying on chemosynthesis rather than photosynthesis. These ecosystems support a variety of organisms, such as giant tube worms, vent crabs, clams, and shrimp, many of which are found nowhere else.
    • Scientific Research: Provides insights into deep-sea geological processes and the potential for resources, supporting strategic initiatives like India’s Deep Ocean Mission.

Key Facts about Moldova

News: The Republic of Moldova, a country in Eastern Europe, recently opened its embassy in New Delhi.

About Key Facts about Moldova

Key Facts about Moldova
Source- BBC
  • Capital– Chisinau
  • It is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe.
  • It is bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south.
  • It is situated in the northeastern corner of the Balkan Peninsula.
  • The country lies to the east of the Carpathian Mountains.
  • Rivers: Most of Moldova is located between the Prut River, which borders Romania to the west, and the Dniester River, a major waterway in the east.
  • Notable landscapes: Bălți Steppe and Codru Hills, known for their scenic beauty and fertile lands.
  • EU Status: Moldova is not a member of the European Union but was granted EU candidate status in 2022.
  • Transnistria Region:
    • It is a breakaway territory located east of the Dniester River.
    • It is controlled by pro-Russian separatists and permanently hosts Russian troops as well as a large arms depot.

Milkweed Fiber

News: The Ministry of Textiles is promoting research and development into innovative natural fibers, such as milkweed fiber.

About Milkweed Fiber

Milkweed fiber
Source- Britannica
  • It is a unique natural fiber extracted from the seed pods of milkweed
    plants (Asclepias syriaca L).

    • The plant is native to North America. In India, it is found as a wild plant in Rajasthan, Karnataka & Tamil Nadu.
  • Properties:
    • It contains oily material and lignin, a woody plant substance, which makes them too brittle for spinning.
    • It is extremely lightweight and soft.
    • It is biodegradable and a renewable resource.
    • It is an amphiphilic material, capable of displaying both hydrophilic (water-absorbing) and hydrophobic (water-repelling or resisting) properties.
  • Applications:
    • It is used in such water-safety equipment as life jackets and belts etc.
    • Its fine fiber structure can trap particles, making it suitable for filtration applications.

Blog
Academy
Community