9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 19th September, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Fourth Quad summit

Source: The post fourth Quad summit has been created, based on the article “In Wilmington, juxtaposing immediacy with legacy” published in “The Hindu” on 19th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Context: The article discusses the upcoming Quad summit in the U.S. on September 21, 2024. It focuses on regional security, maritime laws, economic cooperation, and strengthening ties among Quad members. Key issues include Indo-Pacific security, leadership changes, and technology initiatives.

For detailed information on QUAD read this article here

What is the significance of the upcoming Quad summit?

  1. The fourth Quad summit will be held on September 21, 2024, in Wilmington, Delaware, marking continued evolution since the first in-person summit in 2021.
  2. Leadership changes in the U.S. and Japan add urgency. U.S. President Biden will not seek re-election, and Japan’s Prime Minister Kishida faces political challenges.
  3. India deferred hosting this summit to allow the U.S. to manage its busy election cycle, especially after Biden’s recent G-20 visit to India.
  4. The summit aims to strengthen the Quad’s maritime domain awareness (MDA) with India playing a key role through the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
  5. The Quad will assess progress on initiatives such as the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and Open-Radio Access Network (RAN) in Palau.
  6. The summit is crucial due to increasing regional security threats, including China’s assertive actions and conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war. The Quad aims to enhance security and economic resilience by diversifying regional supply chains away from China.

For detailed information on Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) read this article here

How is India contributing to regional security?

  1. India plays a central role in regional security through the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
  2. The IFC-IOR hosts 12 International Liaison Officers, enhancing real-time maritime information sharing.
  3. India’s involvement supports maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific, focusing on freedom of navigation and a rules-based maritime order.
  4. The Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA), expanded in 2024, reflects India’s efforts to integrate the Indian Ocean into regional security initiatives.
  5. India is committed to enhancing maritime security and promoting accountability for violations of international maritime norms.

How does the Quad align with global governance?

  1. The Quad aligns with global governance by focusing on issues such as security, technology, and sustainable development.
  2. The upcoming Quad summit precedes the UN Summit of the Future, where similar global concerns will be addressed.
  3. The Quad’s Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) and its emphasis on a rules-based maritime order reflect global efforts toward peace and stability.
  4. Key initiatives like the Open-RAN project in Palau and the space-based climate warning system in Mauritius showcase how the Quad contributes to international cooperation on critical issues like technology and climate change.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of the upcoming Quad summit in the U.S. on September 21, 2024, in terms of regional security and economic cooperation.

Opposition-ruled States asking for a higher share of taxes

Source: The post opposition-ruled States asking for a higher share of taxes has been created, based on the article “A fair share: Finance Commission must address the concerns of high-performing States” published in “The Hindu” on 19th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Polity- issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Context: The article discusses opposition-ruled States asking for a higher share of taxes from 41% to 50%. They also want limits on cesses and surcharges. It highlights how GST limits States’ tax autonomy, especially affecting industrialized regions needing specific developmental support.

For detailed information on Allocation of Funds between The Centre and States read this article here

What are the Demands of Opposition-Ruled States?

  1. Increase in Tax Devolution: They demand a raise in the States’ share of the divisible tax pool from the current 41% (recommended by the Fifteenth Finance Commission) to 50%.
  2. Limit on Cesses and Surcharges: They seek a cap on the Centre’s collection of cesses and surcharges, which are used for specific projects but fall outside the tax-sharing mechanism.
  3. Funding for Key State Projects: States are concerned about insufficient allocations for crucial projects, such as Bengaluru’s Suburban Rail Project, Kerala’s Vizhinjam Port, and the second phase of the Chennai Metro.
  4. Greater Flexibility for Handling Natural Disasters: States want more financial autonomy to address challenges like the flooding in Tamil Nadu, heavy rains in Gujarat, and the Wayanad landslide in Kerala.

How Has the Fifteenth Finance Commission Affected Wealthier States?

  1. The Fifteenth Finance Commission allocates 45% weightage to State Gross Domestic Product differences, prioritizing poorer regions.
  2. This reduces the funds for wealthier States like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, which are major tax contributors.
  3. These States require funds for capital and social expenditures tailored to their economic and industrial needs.
  4. Limited devolution restricts these States from addressing their unique development, climate, and industrial challenges, hindering their economic progress.

Why Is There a Call for Change?

  1. The current tax-sharing system, along with the GST framework, restricts States’ ability to raise their own funds.
  2. High-performing States are struggling to meet their economic and social needs due to limited devolution.
  3. Additionally, neither the GST nor the Finance Commission considers the cost of managing natural disasters.
  4. Need for changes in the tax devolution system to give more power to the States and support truly federal governance.

Question for practice:

Examine how the demands of opposition-ruled States for increased tax devolution and limits on cesses and surcharges reflect their concerns about financial autonomy and regional development.

Bangladesh seeking Sheikh Hasina’s extradition

Source: The post Bangladesh seeking Sheikh Hasina’s extradition has been created, based on the article “Can Sheikh Hasina be extradited?” published in “The Hindu” on 19th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Context: The article discusses Bangladesh’s plans to seek the extradition of former leader Sheikh Hasina from India, citing a bilateral treaty. It highlights the legal and political challenges, while emphasizing the strong trade and diplomatic relations between the two countries.

For detailed information on Sheikh Hasina’s Exit and India Bangladesh Relations read this article here

Why is Bangladesh seeking Sheikh Hasina’s extradition?

  1. Legal Charges: Hasina faces multiple criminal charges, including murder, torture, abduction, crimes against humanity, and genocide. These charges were filed following her departure to India.
  2. Judicial Process: The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in Bangladesh aims to continue legal proceedings against her.
  3. Extradition Treaty: The extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh, signed in 2013 and amended in 2016, facilitates the extradition process for crimes punishable by a year or more, covering the charges against Hasina.
  4. Past Precedents: The treaty has previously enabled the extradition of individuals, such as two convicts in the 1975 assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasina’s father.

What does the extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh say?

1. India and Bangladesh signed an extradition treaty in 2013, and it was amended in 2016 to ease the process of exchanging fugitives wanted by both nations.

  1. The treaty mandates that extradition can occur if the crime is punishable by at least one year of imprisonment.
  2. The treaty is based on the principle of dual criminality, meaning the crime must be punishable in both countries.
  3. Crimes like murder, terrorism, and kidnapping are excluded from being considered “political” under the treaty, making extradition easier for these offenses.
  4. Article 10 allows extradition to proceed with just an arrest warrant from a competent court, without the need for further concrete evidence.
  5. The treaty facilitated the extradition of Anup Chetia, leader of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), from Bangladesh to India.

Can India refuse Sheikh Hasina’s extradition?

  1. India can refuse Sheikh Hasina’s extradition based on two grounds: political nature of the offense or charges made in bad faith.
  2. Article 6 of the treaty excludes crimes like murder, terrorism, and kidnapping from being classified as political.
  3. Article 8 allows refusal if the charges are not made in good faith or if there’s concern about political persecution or unfair trials.
  4. Several charges against Sheikh Hasina, such as murder and enforced disappearance, do not qualify as political offenses.
  5. Concerns are supported by reports of ministers being arrested by bystanders in Bangladesh.
  6. India could use this argument to deny extradition, citing potential issues with justice in Bangladesh.

What are the possible effects of this extradition?

  1. Extradition may not significantly affect India-Bangladesh relations.
  2. Bangladesh is India’s largest trade partner in South Asia, with trade worth $15.9 billion in 2022-23.
  3. The final decision on extradition will depend more on diplomatic negotiations and political considerations.

Question for practice:

Examine the legal and political factors that could influence India’s decision on whether to extradite Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, based on the provisions of the extradition treaty between the two countries.

Drowning: a neglected public health crisis

Source: The post concern with One Nation, One Election has been created, based on the article “Drowning: a neglected public health crisis” published in “The Hindu” on 19th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

Concern: The article highlights the tragic and preventable drowning deaths, particularly among children. It calls for global action on drowning prevention, especially in low-income countries, through safety plans, swimming lessons, and low-cost solutions like barriers and daycare.

For detailed information on Drowning is a major issue in India read this article here

How Serious is the Drowning Problem?

  1. Drowning is a major global health issue, claiming 2,36,000 lives annually.
  2. Children are highly vulnerable, with 82,000 deaths occurring among those aged 1 to 14.
  3. WHO data shows drowning deaths are severely under-reported, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  4. In Bangladesh, 43% of child deaths are due to drowning, with most under five years old drowning within 20 metres of their homes.
  5. Drowning deaths are often uncounted during floods or water transport accidents, making the actual toll much higher.

Why is Drowning Neglected?

  1. According to WHO, 2,36,000 people drown annually, yet drowning lacks the same attention as other public health issues like malaria and malnutrition.
  2. Statistics fail to capture deaths from natural disasters, water transport accidents, and refugees, leading to data gaps.
  3. 75% of deaths during floods are due to drowning, but these are not added to global drowning statistics.
  4. Drowning disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 90% of drowning deaths occur, further highlighting inequity.

What Global Actions Have Been Taken?

  1. WHO Report (2014): The first global report on drowning prevention was published, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.
  2. Drowning Prevention Day: A WHO-led global event observed annually to raise awareness about drowning as a major cause of death.
  3. UN Resolution (2021): The UN General Assembly called for worldwide action to prevent drowning.
  4. Australia’s Approach: Focuses on coastal safety with surf lifesavers and lifeguards.
  5. Vietnam’s Efforts: Introduced a national swimming curriculum for children, reducing drowning deaths.
  6. Bangladesh’s “Anchal” Model: Community-based daycare centres reduced drowning deaths by 88% among children under four.
  7. India’s Involvement: Released the ‘Strategic Framework for Drowning Prevention’ in December 2023.

What Needs to be Done?

  1. Drowning should be viewed through the lens of social inequity, not just as accidental deaths.
  2. For future prevention include implementing rapid response plans, setting up strategic barriers near water bodies, providing daycare for preschool children, teaching basic swimming skills, and ensuring the availability of safe water transport and flotation devices.

Question for practice:

Discuss the global actions taken to address the issue of drowning and how various countries, including India, are implementing prevention strategies.

Concern with One Nation, One Election

Source: The post concern with One Nation, One Election has been created, based on the article “Manoj Jha writes: One Nation, One Election undermines the voter — and Indian democracy” published in “Indian Express” on 19th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act.

Context: The article argues against the One Nation, One Election idea. It says this plan will harm democracy by concentrating power. It criticizes the government for undermining democratic processes and warns about the negative consequences of synchronized elections.

For detailed information on Need for One Nation Many Election read this article here

What are the Proposed Benefits of One Nation, One Election?

  1. Cost Saving: Supporters argue that synchronized elections will save public funds. Reducing frequent elections might lower administrative and logistical costs.
  2. Avoiding Model Code of Conduct Delays: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) slows down governance. If elections are held together, the government can avoid frequent interruptions due to MCC restrictions.
  3. Improved Efficiency: Clustering elections together could result in a smoother election process. The article suggests organizing elections in fewer days could solve current inefficiencies, rather than overhauling the system entirely.
  4. Political Stability: Simultaneous elections could lead to more political stability by reducing election cycles and allowing governments to focus on governance instead of constant campaigning.

For detailed information on One Nation One Election read this article here

What is the Concern with One Nation, One Election?

  1. Concentration of Power: One Nation, One Election can concentrate power with the ruling party, potentially undermining democratic balance.
  2. Electoral Bonds: The use of electoral bonds enabled large corporate funding, which skewed elections in favor of the ruling party, contributing to an unfair advantage.
  3. Reduced Accountability: Simultaneous elections may lower government accountability, reducing the incentive to engage with citizens between elections and weakening responsiveness.
  4. Dominant National Parties: National parties are likely to benefit more from synchronized elections, leaving states potentially stuck with unpopular governments.
  5. Costs and Spending: While cost-saving is a key argument, addressing excessive election spending through regulation is a better solution, rather than cutting down on the frequency of elections.

What Does the Election Commission and Supreme Court’s Role Look Like?

  1. The Election Commission (EC) has been criticized for inefficiency in managing elections.
  2. It claims the Supreme Court has been slow in addressing critical issues like the misuse of agencies and defection cases.
  3. Both institutions have been accused of not doing enough to protect democracy, allowing dominant parties to take advantage.

What Should Be Done?

  1. Strengthen Electoral Reforms: Instead of pushing for One Nation, One Election, focus on modernizing the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The Election Commission should plan polling more efficiently, as recent elections stretched over a month.
  2. Regulate Election Spending: Rather than cutting corners, address excessive spending during elections. The Election Commission should enforce existing legal spending limits and improve oversight.
  3. Cluster State Elections: The Election Commission should group state elections, allowing governance to continue smoothly without constant election disruptions.
  4. Enhance Accountability: Ensure governments remain responsive to voters between elections. Continuous engagement and deliberation should be prioritized over simply focusing on election cycles.
  5. Avoid Centralizing Power: Ensure that holding synchronized elections does not concentrate power with dominant national parties, risking the suppression of regional voices and democracy.

Question for practice:

Discuss the potential drawbacks of implementing One Nation, One Election and how it could impact democratic processes.

Download Toppers Handbook GS Paper 2

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GS PAPER - 3

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Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

Source- This post on Rapa Nui is based on the article “Rapa Nui genomes restore the real history of an old, troubled people” published in The Hindu on 18th September 2024.

Why in News?

The government has approved the extension of the PM-AASHA scheme, allocating ₹35,000 crore to ensure farmers receive better prices for their produce and to manage price fluctuations of essential commodities for consumers.

About Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)

Aspects Description
About 1. The Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) is an umbrella scheme introduced by the Government of India.
2. The scheme was launched as part of the government’s efforts to double farmers’ income and protect them from market fluctuations.
3. It seeks to address price volatility in the agricultural sector and ensure farmers are fairly compensated for their crops.
Aim To ensure that farmers receive the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their produce
Objective To ensure that farmers are safeguarded against any sharp fall in farm prices.
By providing a secure MSP system, it enhances the confidence of farmers to invest in quality inputs and maintain productivity, which is crucial for national food security.
Components of PM-AASHA 1. Price Support Scheme (PSS): This scheme involves the government procuring pulses, oilseeds, and copra at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce.
2. Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS): Under this scheme, farmers are compensated for the difference between the MSP and the actual market price when the latter falls below the MSP, ensuring they don’t incur losses.
3. Market Intervention Scheme (MIS): This scheme aims to protect farmers from distress sales during times of surplus production and declining market prices.
4. Price Stabilization Fund (PSF): The fund is used to maintain buffer stocks of essential commodities like pulses and onions, helping stabilize prices and ensuring their availability at affordable rates.
5. Pilot of Private Procurement and Stockist Scheme (PPSS): This is an experimental scheme rolled out on a pilot basis for oilseeds. It involves the participation of private players in procuring the crops at MSP.
Operational Framework 1. States and Union Territories (UTs) have the option to choose either the PSS or PDPS for oilseeds in a particular procurement season. Only one scheme can be made operational for a specific commodity in a state.
2. States can roll out the PPSS on a pilot basis for oilseeds, with private stockists playing a key role in the procurement process.
3. Pulses and copra are procured under the PSS, while oilseeds can be covered under either PSS or PDPS, depending on the state’s choice.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes

Union Cabinet approved four big space projects

Source- This post on Union Cabinet approved four big space projects is based on the article “Union Cabinet approves Venus mission, Indian space station among 4 key Isro projects” published in Indian Express on 19th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved four big space projects, including the next mission to the moon, a mission to the planet Venus, follow-ups to the ongoing Ganganyaan mission and the setting up of an Indian Space Station.

About Chandrayaan-4 Mission

ISROs Chandrayaan-4 and VOM Mission
Source: outlook business
Aspects  Description 
About 1. The Chandrayaan-4 mission represents a significant milestone in India’s lunar exploration program.
2. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will lead the project and manage all aspects, including development, launch, and monitoring of the spacecraft.
3. The Chandrayaan-4 mission aligns with India’s broader space ambitions as part of Amrit Kaal, which envisions the establishment of a Bharatiya 5.
4. Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station) by 2035 and an eventual human landing on the moon by 2040.
Objective 1) To advance technology for lunar exploration
2) To achieve a successful moon landing, and
3) To demonstrate the capability to return to Earth with lunar samples, which will undergo further analysis in India.
Goal 1) Achieve successful lunar landings
2) Positioning India among a select group of nations with advanced space technology for returning samples from celestial bodies.
Duration It will be executed over a period of 36 months from the date of approval.
Key components of the Chandrayaan-4 mission 1. Development of the spacecraft: This will focus on building a lunar lander and rover with enhanced capabilities.
2. External deep network: A dedicated communication system to ensure effective data transmission between Earth and the moon.
3. Two LVM3 launches: These are required to transport the spacecraft into lunar orbit.
4. Special design validation tests: These will ensure the spacecraft’s systems are robust and capable of the challenging task of lunar exploration and sample return.

About Venus Orbiter Mission

Aspects Description
About 1. It is India’s second planetary mission after the successful Mars Orbiter Mission in 2014.
2. The Venus mission is part of ISRO’s long-term strategy under its Vision 2047 plan, which aims to place India at the forefront of space exploration.
Launch by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
Aim It aims to explore Venu to study various aspects of the planet’s surface and atmosphere.
Objective 1. To study the surface features, dust and clouds, volcanism, atmosphere, and ionosphere of Venus.
2. The orbiter will also investigate the interaction between Venus and the Sun, providing insights into the planet’s dynamics and how it is influenced by solar radiation.
Timing 1. The mission has been set for March 2028, when Venus and Earth will be at their closest approach.
2. This will minimize the energy required for the spacecraft to travel to Venus and will also make the mission more efficient in terms of both cost and technical challenges.
Significance 1. The mission will enhance planetary science by deepening our understanding of Venus’s atmospheric composition and behavior.
2. The data from the orbiter could help answer important questions about the history of water on Venus, the presence of active volcanoes, and the mysterious super-rotating atmosphere that moves much faster than the planet’s surface.
Technology The spacecraft will be equipped with advanced instruments designed to withstand the harsh conditions of Venus’s atmosphere and gather data across various spectrums.
Challenges Some of the major challenges include the extreme temperature variations and the thick clouds of sulfuric acid that envelop the planet, which make surface observation difficult.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)

Source- This post on Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) is based on the article “Tribal homestays, farming on forest land are highlights of Centre’s fresh drive to develop ST villages” published in The Hindu on 19th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the PMJUGA for improving the socio-economic condition of tribal communities.

About Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA)

Aspects Description
About The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan was approved by the Union Cabinet on 18 September 2024.
Aim To develop enabling infrastructure, promote economic empowerment, and universalise access to education.
Objective To bridge critical gaps in infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood through the convergence of various government schemes.
Scope The mission will covering over 63,000 tribal-majority villages. The scheme will benefit more than 5 crore tribal people across 549 districts in 30 states and union territories.
Focus The mission focuses on ensuring holistic and sustainable development in tribal areas.

Components of the scheme

1. Tourism and Tribal Homestays:  PMJUGA is to promote tribal homestays to tap into the tourist potential of tribal areas. Tribal households will receive ₹5 lakh each to build new two-room homestays or ₹3 lakh to renovate existing homes. The scheme targets creating 1,000 tribal homestays across villages with tourist potential.

2. Sustainable Farming on Forest Land: The package aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices** for Forest Rights Act (FRA) patta holders to ensure the conservation of forest lands. The initiative seeks to expedite pending Forest Rights Act claims.

3. Infrastructure Development: The scheme will build 20 lakh pucca homes for tribal families and lay 25,000 km of roads connecting ST-majority villages. 2.35 lakh households and public institutions will be electrified, and 25 lakh LPG connections will be provided. 5,000 tribal villages will receive broadband connectivity through the BharatNet project.

4. Livelihood and Economic Empowerment: The initiative includes fishing support for 10,000 communities and one lakh individuals, and livestock rearing support for 8,500 beneficiaries. 100 tribal multi-purpose marketing centres will be established to promote economic activities in tribal areas.

5. Health, Education, and Social Welfare: 1,000 mobile medical units and 2,000 new anganwadi centres will be set up, with 6,000 centres being upgraded. 1,000 hostels and 1,000 Poshan Vatikas under the National AYUSH Mission will be established. Ayushman cards will be provided to each household in tribal-majority villages.

6. Renewable Energy and Green Initiatives: The package will provide off-grid solar power to every unelectrified household and public institution. It also focuses on promoting sustainable energy solutions for tribal areas, ensuring access to clean and renewable energy.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes 

Asteroid 2024 PT5

Source- This post on Asteroid 2024 PT5 is based on the article “Earth to get a temporary mini-moon named 2024 PT5” published in Indian Express on 19th September 2024.

Why in News?

Asteroid 2024 PT5 recently passed close to Earth without causing any harm, and another asteroid, resembling a mini-moon is approaching.

About 2024 PT5

Earth AND MINI MOON
Source: IE

1. About: 2024 PT5 is an asteroid, measuring 33 feet in length. It will soon be captured by Earth’s gravity. It is not a true mini-moon. It will follow a horseshoe-shaped orbit.

2. The asteroid will be temporarily caught by Earth’s gravitational pull and will remain in orbit for approximately 56 days.

3. Duration: 2024 PT5 will start its journey around Earth on September 29, 2024, and will break free by November 25, 2024, continuing its cosmic trajectory.

4. Scientific Significance: 2024 PT5 offers a unique opportunity to study objects that frequently pass near Earth. Scientists suggested that 2024 PT5 might be a fragment of lunar ejecta, adding further interest to its origin.

5. Discovery and Observation: The asteroid was first detected on August 7, 2024, by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System. 2024 PT5 will only be visible through specialized telescopes due to its small size

6. Resource Exploration Potential: Some mini-moons may contain valuable metals, making them attractive for future mining if they are captured by Earth’s gravity.

About mini moon

1. A “mini moon” refers to a small object that temporarily orbits a planet, in this case, Earth.

2. These mini moons are typically small asteroids that get captured by Earth’s gravity and orbit it for a period before either being flung back into space or burning up in the atmosphere.

3. They are significantly smaller than the Earth’s actual moon, often just a few meters in diameter.

4. Mini moons are rare and typically short-lived in Earth’s orbit due to the influence of gravitational forces from the Sun, Earth, and the Moon.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Union Cabinet approved Simultaneous Election Plan

Source- This post on Union Cabinet approved Simultaneous Election Plan  is based on the article “Simultaneous polls plan gets Union Cabinet approval” published in The Hindu on 19th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet accepted the recommendations of the high-level committee that had proposed simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies as the first step, and municipal and panchayat polls within 100 days of the general election in the next phase.

About Simultaneous Election

Simultaneous Election refers to the concept of holding elections to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Parliament) and the State Legislative Assemblies across all states and Union Territories at the same time.

Key Features of Simultaneous Elections:

1. Single Election Cycle: Both the general election (for the Lok Sabha) and state assembly elections would be held together, ideally once every five years, reducing the frequency of elections.

2. Synchronized Terms: The idea is to synchronize the terms of the Parliament and all State Assemblies, so they can complete their five-year tenures concurrently, after which elections would be held simultaneously.

3. Phased Voting: Although elections would be held simultaneously, voting could be conducted in phases across different regions, depending on logistical and security needs.

Challenges to Simultaneous Elections:

1. Constitutional Amendments: Multiple amendments to Articles 83, 85, 172, and 174, along with state consensus, would be needed.

2. Premature Dissolution: Political instability can lead to unsynchronized dissolutions of state assemblies or the Lok Sabha.

3. State vs. National Issues: Simultaneous elections could blur the focus between state and national concerns.

4. Logistical Hurdles: Conducting elections across India’s vast and diverse landscape poses significant logistical challenges in terms of voter management, security, and personnel.

Kovind Panel Recommendations

1. Appointed Date for Electoral Synchronization: The Kovind panel suggested synchronizing elections by setting an ‘Appointed Date’ at the beginning of the Lok Sabha’s term. State Assemblies formed between elections would end their terms to align with the Lok Sabha elections.

2. Constitutional Amendments: The proposal includes 18 constitutional amendments, including changes to Article 83 (duration of Parliament) and Article 172 (duration of State legislatures).

3. Common Electoral Roll: The recommendation involves a common electoral roll for all levels of government, which would require coordination between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Election Commissions (SECs).

Read more: Kovind Panel Report on Simultaneous Elections

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation 

Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme

Source- This post on Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme is based on the article “Cabinet approves ‘Bio-RIDE’ scheme to support cutting edge research and development in Biotechnology” published in PIB on 19th September 2024.

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet recently approved the Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme.

About Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme

Aspects  Description 
About 1. The scheme is the consolidation of two existing schemes under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
2. The scheme is bolstered by a new component focused on Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry.
3. It promotes a robust ecosystem for startups by offering support through grants, incubation, and mentorship to bio-entrepreneurs.
4. The Bio-RIDE scheme is part of DBT’s vision to make India a global leader in biotechnology research, innovation, and industrial growth
Objectives 1. It is to provides funding and incentives for R&D in key biotechnology areas such as synthetic biology, biopharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and bioplastics, accelerating innovation.
2. It is to encourages partnerships between academic institutions, research organizations, and industries to commercialize bio-based products and technologies.
3. It is to emphasizes environmentally sustainable practices in biomanufacturing, aligned with India’s green goals and climate change mitigation.
4. It is to offers extramural funding for research institutions, universities, and individual researchers focusing on agriculture, healthcare, bioenergy, and environmental sustainability.
Focus Integration of Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry to support Circular-Bioeconomy, aligned with the Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) initiative
Components 1. Biotechnology Research and Development (R&D): It supports cutting-edge research and development in various fields of biotechnology, enhancing innovation and fostering breakthroughs in technology.
2. Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED): It focuses on promoting bio-entrepreneurship through seed funding, incubation, and mentorship, providing bio-entrepreneurs with a strong foundation for growth.
3. Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry: It aimed at driving sustainable and innovative biomanufacturing processes to boost India’s bioeconomy, addressing global and national challenges.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes

Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

Source- This post on Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) is based on the article “Bharatiya Anthariksh Station (BAS): Our own Space Station for Scientific research to be established with the launch of its first module in 2028” published in PIB on 19th September 2024.

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved an expansion of India’s Gaganyaan Programme to include the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), marking a significant milestone in India’s human spaceflight initiatives.

About revised Gaganyaan Programme

1. The Gaganyaan Programme was approved in 2018. It aimed to send Indian astronauts to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and establish the foundation for long-term human space exploration.

2. The Gaganyaan Programme has been updated to incorporate the development of precursor missions for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and to include an additional uncrewed mission, along with enhanced hardware requirements.

3. The revised Gaganyaan Programme will involve eight missions, including four under the ongoing programme and four new missions to develop and validate technologies for BAS.

4. The first uncrewed mission is planned to take place before the end of 2028.

5. These missions will equip India with essential technological capabilities for long-duration human space missions in LEO, ultimately contributing to the nation’s broader space ambitions.

About Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

1. About: BAS will be India’s first own space station and it will be established in 2028. BAS is envisaged as a national space-based facility that will support advanced microgravity research and technology development.

2. Vision:  The station’s creation is part of India’s broader vision for space during the Amrit Kaal, which includes launching an operational space station by 2035 and pursuing a crewed lunar mission by 2040.

3. Significance: This effort led by ISRO with collaboration from industry, academia, and other national agencies will advance India’s space capabilities and foster innovation, industrial participation, and economic growth, particularly in high-tech sectors.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

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