9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 21st June, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

How does the NEP support students

Source: The post how does the NEP support students has been created, based on the article “The NEP debate: Why criticism of the policy is premature and off the mark” published in “Indian express” on 21st June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Governance – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education

Context: The article discusses the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP), replacing the outdated 1986 policy. It aims to improve employability by offering a flexible, outcome-based education system. It includes credit-based courses, skill enhancement, and allows students to exit and re-enter programs.

For detailed information on National Education Policy (NEP) read Article 1, Article 2

Why Was the NEP Updated?

1. Outdated Policy: The old policy from 1986 was not updated for 34 years, making it irrelevant for modern needs.
2. Employability Issues: Graduates lacked the skills needed for today’s job market, with many industries and jobs now existing that did not exist 20 years ago.
3. Technological Changes: The rise of the internet and Industry 4.0 drastically changed job requirements.
4. Need for Modern Skills: The NEP focuses on soft skills, technical skills, research, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

How Does the NEP Support Students?

1. Flexible Learning Paths: The NEP allows students to pause their education for work and return later. This facilitates lifelong learning.
2. Recognition of Prior Learning: Students can earn credits for work experience related to their studies, contributing towards their degrees after proper assessment.
3. Practical Experiences: The curriculum includes internships, apprenticeships, projects, and community outreach. These provide real-world applications of theoretical knowledge.
4. Outcome-Based Learning: Each course has specific learning outcomes measured through assessments. This ensures targeted and effective education.
5. University Autonomy: Institutions like Delhi University allow students to choose majors and minors along with electives. This offers a multidisciplinary education.
6. Credit-Based Courses: The NEP includes generic electives and skill enhancement courses, which equip students with employability and entrepreneurial skills.

What Criticisms Does the NEP Face?

1. Dilution of Core Content: Critics argue that the NEP might dilute the core content of higher education.
2. Increased Bureaucratic Burden: Some believe the NEP burdens students and educators with more bureaucratic requirements.
3. Premature Concerns: Many criticisms are seen as premature and, in some cases, over-emphasized.
4. University Autonomy Issues: Much criticism centers around syllabus design and content, which is a university-specific issue. For instance, Delhi University has done excellent work in adapting the NEP.
5. Resource Needs: More resources are needed to fully realize the NEP’s potential, as infrastructure development is a long-term process.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the criticisms faced by the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP) in India.

Ongoing issues with the NEET exam

Source: The post ongoing issues with the NEET exam has been created, based on the article “NEET-NET crisis: The reason behind India’s failing exam system” published in “Indian express” on 21st June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context: The article discusses the ongoing issues with the NEET exam in India, including cheating scandals, a lack of transparency, and its negative impact on rural and poorer students. It suggests that the root problem is poor school education quality and calls for a policy overhaul to address these issues.

For detailed information on NEET Controversy read this article here

What are the problems with NEET?

1. Paper Leaks: NEET exams have been marred by repeated paper leaks over the years, undermining the exam’s credibility.
2. Incorrect Results: Mismanagement in result declaration has led to incorrect outcomes, causing distress among aspirants.
3. Unusual Scoring Patterns: This year, 67 students scored perfect marks, a significant increase from the usual two or three, raising suspicions of irregularities.
4. Grace Marks Issues: Over 1,560 students received grace marks for unclear reasons, adding to the transparency issues.
5. Loss of Trust: These issues have significantly eroded trust in the National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting NEET.

Why was NEET introduced?

1. Standardizing Entry-Level Competence: It aimed to ensure that all medical college entrants had a solid understanding of basic sciences like Chemistry, Physics, and Biology.
2. Reducing Multiple Exams: Prior to NEET, students faced around 46 different entrance exams, which was cumbersome and stressful.
3. Eliminating Capitation Fees: NEET intended to remove the high fees charged by private medical colleges for admissions, which were often not based on merit but on the ability to pay.

How has NEET affected the education system?

1. NEET has led to a significant bias in the education system, favoring students from CBSE backgrounds because the NEET syllabus is more aligned with the CBSE curriculum, disadvantaging students from state boards.
2. Due to this imbalance, students from state boards are often compelled to undertake extra coaching to compete effectively, contributing to the growth of a coaching industry valued at Rs 58,000 crore, expanding at a rate of 15% annually.
3. Specifically, in Tamil Nadu, the introduction of NEET has adversely affected rural and Tamil(state)-medium students.

What has been Tamil Nadu’s response to NEET?

1. Tamil Nadu has always opposed NEET, favoring its policy of linking medical college admissions to high school performance.
2. In 2021, Tamil Nadu formed the Expert Committee led by Justice A K Rajan to assess the impact of NEET.
3. The Rajan Committee found that admissions of Tamil-medium students dropped from an average of 15% to between 1.6% and 3.2% from 2017 to 2021.
4. Admissions of rural students to government medical colleges decreased from 62% to 50%.
5. Tamil Nadu’s public health system relies on rural students who are willing to work in primary health centers, unlike urban students who often seek careers in corporate hospitals or abroad.
6. The state government passed a law to scrap NEET, but it was blocked by the Governor.

What should be done?

1. Revamp NEET with input from all stakeholders.
2. Consider decentralizing exams to states or universities.
3. Possibly reintroduce a six-year MBBS degree with a pre-medical year.

4.Establish regional boards or centralize only qualifying exams for practicing outside the state.

Question for practice:

Examine the controversies surrounding NEET in India, including issues with paper leaks, result inaccuracies, and its impact on rural and poorer students.

Issues with Statutory Regulatory Authorities

Source- This post on Issues with Statutory Regulatory Authorities has been created based on the article “Agenda for regulatory reform” published in the “Business Standard” on 21 June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Statutory, Regulatory and various Quasi-judicial Bodies.

Context-The article highlights the need to improving the governance of powerful regulators that currently wield significant influence over the Indian economy and citizens’ lives.

There are over 20 Statutory Regulatory Authorities in India overseeing sectors ranging from finance and telecommunications to healthcare and transportation. Together, these bodies directly regulate more than 75% of India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This highlights their important role in maintaining sectoral integrity and consumer protection.

Regulatory bodies’ effectiveness isn’t just about their leaders. Leadership influences strategy and morale, but institutional design with checks and balances is equally crucial.

What are the issues with Statutory Regulatory Authorities in India?

1) Consolidated Powers and Economic Impact-In India, SRAs merge legislative, executive, and judicial powers, giving them significant authority over specific sectors. This authority enables them to oversee and regulate entities within their jurisdiction. This enormous power can affect private sector confidence, potentially slowing down innovation and holding back India’s economic growth.

2) Appointment Process– Currently, most senior personnel in SRAs are former or current government officials. This is because the appointment process is largely controlled by the executive government, with limited involvement of external experts. The tenures of these appointees are inconsistent and uncertain.

3) Delegating Law-Making Authority to Unelected Bodies– In democracies, elected bodies accountable to the public hold the authority to make laws. When this authority is delegated to unelected bodies, rigorous safeguards are necessary. Many Indian laws do not outline clear procedures for regulators to exercise this authority, leading to a “democratic and legitimacy deficit”.

4) Lack of Accountability- Most Indian Statutory Regulatory Authorities (SRAs) are mainly accountable through parliamentary oversight, which includes open discussions on their yearly performance and financial reports. However, these discussions have never taken place in the Indian Parliament for any SRA.

Read more- Issues with the drug regulatory system in India

What should be the way forward?

1) Appointment Reforms-There is a need to create a diverse group of subject matter experts that have predictable and fixed long tenures in regulatory bodies.

2) Autonomy– There is a need to align legislative provisions to empower all SRAs to regulate without needing government approval. This autonomy needs sufficient human resources and financial independence. However, these provisions must include checks-and-balances to prevent abuse of power.

3) Clear Guidelines– Legislative guidelines should outline how regulators are to perform their executive and judicial functions.

4) Robust Accountability– Accountability reforms should focus on three key areas-A) establishing a well-structured board with clear functions and roles

B) introducing appeals processes at tribunals

C) conducting audits by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

D) Mandatory open discussions on their yearly performance and financial reports by Parliamentary Committees.

5) Implementing recommendation of Financial Sector Legislative Reforms Commission – The Commission proposed extensive governance reforms applicable to all SRAs across India. It is now important to revisit and update this report to align with current requirements and promptly implement its recommendations.

Question for practice

What are the challenges faced by Statutory Regulatory Authorities in India? What steps should be taken to move forward?

State of old age care in India

Source-This post on State of Old Age Care has been created based on the article “The elderly are ailing, alone and struggling without the means to support themselves” published in “The Hindu” on 21 June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- Social Justice- Vulnerable Sections of the population.

Context-The study named HelpAge India has revealed that among a cross-section of elders surveyed across India, only 15% had a source of income. Within this group, 24% were men and 7% were women. Additionally, 29% relied on financial support from their children. A significant majority, 79%, used government hospitals for healthcare, while only 31% had health insurance.

What are the issues faced by elderly in India?

1) Health Condition- 54% had two or more non-communicable diseases (NCDs).26% had at least one NCD.20% had no NCDs

Common ailments:

1. High blood pressure (48%)
2. Diabetes (43%)
3. Arthritis/osteoporosis (over 33%)
4. High cholesterol (19%)

2) Elderly Healthcare and Support Challenges – The study discovered that just 29% of elderly people surveyed had access to social security schemes such as pensions or provident funds. Health insurance coverage was low at 31%. Awareness of exclusive geriatric facilities was limited to only 15% of those surveyed. On average, an outpatient visit cost ₹1,973, with men spending ₹2,110 and women spending ₹1,913 per visit.

Read more- Care for elderly population in India

3) Problems faced by caregivers- Caregivers for the elderly also face challenges. Around 29% said there were physical challenges while providing care. They also faced financial challenges, with only 7% of those surveyed being part of any social organization. Participation in these organizations varied by gender, with more men than women involved, and also varied based on their place of residence and socio-economic status.

Question for practice

What are the issues faced by elderly in India?

GS PAPER - 3

Reasons for the rural-urban inflation gap

Source : The post reasons for the rural-urban inflation gap has been created, based on the article “Rural-urban inflation gap: Can this puzzle be solved?” published in “Live mints” on 21st June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Economy (inflation)

Context: The article discusses the issue of high inflation rates in rural India compared to urban areas. It explains that the differences in energy usage and access to LPG gas, as well as economic shifts like rural-urban migration and changes in industrial output, contribute to this inflation gap. The article also mentions how these inflation trends affect the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policies.

For detailed information on Inflation In India read this article here

What is the current condition of inflation in India?

1. As of May, urban inflation in India is at 4.2%, while rural inflation is higher, with a gap averaging 1.3 percentage points over the last three months.
2. Rural areas experience significantly higher ‘fuel and light’ inflation, 7.5 percentage points above urban rates

What are the reasons for the rural-urban inflation gap?

1. Diverse Energy Sources: Rural areas use a variety of unregulated, locally available fuels such as coal, coke, charcoal, firewood, and dung cakes, unlike urban areas that primarily rely on electricity and LPG. This has resulted in rural ‘fuel and light’ inflation averaging 7.5 percentage points above urban inflation over the last three months.
2. Limited Access to LPG: As of 2020-21, less than half of all rural households had access to LPG, compared to over 90% in urban areas. Despite government efforts to increase LPG use through price cuts, high global energy prices in 2022 reduced LPG consumption, forcing rural households to revert to cheaper, traditional fuels.
3. Impact of Migration Trends: The pandemic triggered a significant urban-to-rural migration, which has not fully reversed. This has increased demand in rural areas, straining local supply chains and pushing up prices on items like vegetables and cereals.
4. Economic Shifts: Economic Shifts: Slow recovery in sectors like textiles, garments, tobacco, and leather, which typically account for about 15% of manufacturing and employ one-third of India’s industrial workforce, has affected rural areas significantly as these sectors have not yet reached pre-pandemic output levels. This slow recovery, combined with high migration rates from rural to urban areas, affects wage levels and spending patterns, influencing inflation rates.

Question for practice:

Discuss the factors contributing to the higher inflation rates in rural India compared to urban areas.

Importance of written National Security Strategy (NSS)

Source: The post Importance of written National Security Strategy (NSS) has been created, based on the article “Why India needs a national security doctrine – now” published in “Indian express” on 21st June 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Internal Security

Context: The article discusses the Chief of Defence Staff’s comment on India’s National Security Strategy (NSS). He noted that while policy, processes, and practices exist, a written policy is missing. This raises questions about the prolonged drafting process and the need for an official NSS to ensure clarity, accountability, and effective defense planning.

For detailed information on National Security Strategy of India read this article here

Why Is There a Debate on the NSS?

1. Missing Written Policy: The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) mentioned that India lacks a written NSS, questioning the necessity of having one.
2. Prolonged Drafting Process: For the past two decades, multiple drafts of the NSS have been circulated without finalization.
3. Unclear Progress: The Defence Planning Committee, set up in 2018, was tasked with formulating the NSS, but its progress remains unknown.
4. Current Directive Inadequate: India relies on the RM’s Operational Directive, which is seen as insufficient.

How Do Other Countries Handle Their NSS?

China: China publishes periodic white papers on its National Security Strategy (NSS), despite being generally opaque in its policies.

Pakistan: Pakistan has released its first National Security Policy for 2022-26.

Israel: Israel does not have a written NSS document but manages its security strategy effectively.

India’s Context: Unlike these countries, India currently relies on the RM’s Operational Directive, which is seen as cryptic and inadequate. The lack of a written NSS in India raises concerns about operational clarity, decision-making, and the need for a coherent national security framework.

Why is a Written NSS Important?

1. Clear Strategy: A written NSS would foster a “whole of nation” approach, ensuring synergy in harnessing comprehensive national power (CNP).
2. Milestone Setting: It helps set clear milestones for capability-building, modernization, infrastructure development, and the Atma Nirbhar mission.
3. Accountability: The present system of reviews by the Parliamentary Standing Committee and Auditor General is sub-optimal. A written NSS would allow for better reviews and audits using net-assessment and statistical tools.
4. Operational Clarity: The NSS would provide clear-cut ends, ways, and means, fostering initiative, innovation, and improvisation at the operational level.
5. Leadership and Command: A clearly spelled-out NSS would foster initiative, innovation, and improvisation at the cutting-edge level, essential for the operationalization of theatre commands and transformation.

What should be done?

1. Adopt a Written Policy: India should have a written NSS to foster a whole-nation approach and ensure strategic clarity.
2. Improve Defense Planning: Stabilize the new Integrated Capability Plan and Defence Capability Acquisition Plan to provide clear milestones for modernization and infrastructure development, as the current transition state is concerning.
3. Enhance Decision Making: Implement the NSS to reduce over-centralization and foster a decentralized Directive Style of Command, encouraging initiative and innovation at the operational level.

Question for practice:

Discuss the importance of India adopting a written National Security Strategy (NSS) in fostering strategic clarity, enhancing accountability, and improving defense planning

Hybrid vs Electric Vehicles

Source-This post on Hybrid vs Electric Vehicles has been created based on the article “Should not EVs and Hybrids be treated equally for govt. Subsidies?” Published in “The Hindu” on 21 June 20204.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Changes in Industrial Policy and their Effects on Industrial Growth.

Context– The article provides an overview of the debate surrounding electric and hybrid vehicles in India.

The International Energy Agency notes that India’s road transport sector contributes about 12% of the country’s CO2 emissions. Which makes it the third-largest greenhouse gas emitter after energy and agriculture.

Since 2015, the government has been working on reducing carbon emissions through initiatives such as FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles).

It started with incentives for electric and hybrid vehicles, but the policy has gradually shifted away from supporting hybrids and now emphasizes electric vehicles (EVs).

What are the arguments in favor of adoption of hybrid vehicles?

1) Little attention is paid to hybrid trucks, even though freight trucks, which make up only 5% of vehicles, contribute 34% of emissions. Hybrids in passenger cars offer 25-30% better fuel efficiency compared to internal combustion engines (ICE), despite being less common in the market.

2) Hybrids have smaller battery packs and slightly higher total ownership costs because of tax differences, although they are currently taxed more than ICE vehicles.

3) Hybrids tend to have the least environmental impact among the ICE and Electric vehicle options.

What are the arguments against the adoption of Electric Vehicle?

1)In India, more than 75% of electricity is generated from coal, which causes emissions when charging EVs. When assessing policies for ICE, hybrids, and EVs, it’s important to carefully consider their impact on reducing emissions.

2) Examining lifecycle emissions (LCA), kilometer usage, production, mining, recycling, and total cost of ownership (TCO) reveals that electric vehicles often emit more than both ICE vehicles and hybrids in many instances. In India, the focus mainly remains on emissions and costs during the usage phase, with less attention given to factors like battery replacement costs.

3) Sourcing raw materials such as cobalt, nickel, and lithium for battery electric vehicles poses challenges.

Read more- Adoption of EVs: Challenges and Solutions

What should be the way forward?

1) There is a need to adopt a balanced approach in the context of the shift towards cleaner grids and promoting the electrification of transport.

2) Enhancements in efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs) should be recognized, and policies should be adopted that accommodate technological advancements and shifts in industry sectors.

3) FAME 3 policies should treat hybrids equally for subsidies to support a range of technological solutions aimed at achieving zero-emission objectives.

Question for practice

What are the reasons supporting the adoption of hybrid vehicles? What are the reasons opposing the adoption of Electric Vehicles?

GST Council Meet and way forward

Source-This post on GST Council Meet has been created based on the article “Move ahead – The GST Council must not dither any further on pending reforms” published in “The Hindu” on 20 June 2024.

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

Context -GST completed seven years in June 2024. In April, revenues hit a record ₹2.1 lakh crore due to year-end compliance. May saw a slight dip to ₹1,72,739 crore, up nearly 10% from last year but slower growth since July 2021 amid COVID-19 disruptions. Domestic transaction revenues grew by 15.3%, faster than the previous month.

In the first month of the current fiscal year, revenues were 3% higher than the monthly average of ₹1.68 lakh crore in 2023-24. However, there was a decline in revenues from goods imports for the second time in three months, showing some instability.

Read more-7 Years of GST

What are the concerns regarding GST revenues?

1) There have been uneven revenue growth rates across states, with five states experiencing a decline in May and eight growing slower than the national average.

2) Council Meeting Frequency: It is usually expected to meet quarterly.However,only six meetings have been held since 2022

What is the current agenda of the GST Council?

1) The GST Council, meeting for the first time since October last year, has routine tasks such as reviewing past decisions and providing clarifications.

2) There is also a push to advance broader reforms, including rationalizing the GST’s complex rate structure and lowering levies on items like cement and insurance.

3) The Council aims to simplify compliance, especially for smaller firms.

What should be the way forward?

1) The GST Council needs to meet more frequently, it has convened only six times since 2022, well below the expected quarterly meetings.

2) There is a need to include currently excluded items such as electricity and petroleum products in the GST framework to facilitate easier credit claiming for businesses.

3) The Council should prioritize reforms to achieve the original goal of making GST a simpler and more efficient tax system. This includes restarting work on rationalizing the rate structure and ensuring all businesses benefit from simplified procedures.

Question for practice

What are the issues concerning GST revenues? What steps should be taken moving forward?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

New Amphibian Species Discovered in Kaziranga National Park

Source– This post on New Amphibian Species Discovered in Kaziranga National Park has been created based on the article “Limbless amphibian found in Kaziranga for first time”  published in “The Hindu” on 21 June 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, a Limbless amphibian was found in Kaziranga for the first time.

About New Amphibian Species Discovered in Kaziranga National Park

1. A limbless amphibian, the striped caecilian (Ichthyophis spp), has been discovered in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.

2.  This marks the first recorded presence of the species in the 1,307.49 sq. km park.

3.  The discovery was made during a rapid herpetofauna survey conducted from June 14-17.

About Caecilians

1. Limbless amphibians or caecilians are a group of animals that belong to the Gymnophiona order of the amphibian class.

2. Caecilians are limbless amphibians that live mostly burrowed under soil, making them one of the least studied amphibian species.

3. Their presence provides critical insights into evolution and intercontinental speciation due to their ancient lineage.

About Kaziranga National Park

Aspects	Description
About	1. It is a National Park located in Assam. 2. It is situated on the banks of the Brahmaputra River and lies between the Brahmaputra River and the Karbi (Mikir) Hills. 3. It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain. 4. The area under wetlands in Kaziranga has reduced from 8.5% of the total area to 6.7% over a period of 30 years till 1977.
Special Recognition	1. The Park was declared as a National Park in 1974. In 1985, the park was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Further, it was also declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2006. 2. It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International for the conservation of avifaunal species.
Vegetation	1. Due to the difference in altitude between the eastern and western areas of the park, here one can see mainly four types of vegetation’. 2. This includes alluvial inundated grasslands, alluvial savanna woodlands, tropical moist mixed deciduous forests, and tropical semi-evergreen forests.
Flora	Indian gooseberry, cotton tree, and elephant apple are amongst the famous trees that can be seen in the park. Also, a good variety of aquatic flora can be seen in lakes, ponds, and along the river shores.
Fauna	Along with the iconic Greater one-horned rhinoceros, the park is the breeding ground of elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. Over the time, the tiger population has also increased in Kaziranga, and that’s the reason why it was declared as Tiger Reserve in 2006.
Significance	1. It is the house of two-thirds of the world’s great one-horned rhinoceroses (IUCN Status- Vulnerable). 2. The title Kaziranga adopts its name to Karbi, which is the name of a woman who ruled here in ancient time. 3. The entire area of Kaziranga is formed by alluvial deposits from the Brahmaputra and its tributaries.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

‘School in a Box’ Initiative

Source– This post on ‘School in a Box’ Initiative has been created based on the article “Flood-affected children to soon get ‘school in a box’” published in “The Hindu” on 21 June 2024.

Why in the news?’

Flood-affected children in Assam will receive a ‘school in a box‘ in model relief camps across the state.

About ‘School in a Box’ Initiative

1. About: Children in flood-affected areas of Assam will get a ‘school in a box‘ to keep their education going. This plan is for 167 relief camps in the state, where floods and landslides have caused 31 deaths since May.

2. Goal: The goal is to help children deal with the trauma of losing their homes or family members.

3. Focus: The focus is now on children aged six to 18, not just those under six.

4. Most areas in Assam have at least one relief camp; places with more people have two.

5. Each camp will get a child-friendly space (CFS) kit which is designed by UNICEF. It is updated for children and teenagers aged six to 18.

6. The kit includes notebooks, drawing books, pencils, and other learning materials.

Implementation and Training

1. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) is conducting training for officials and field workers from the Women and Child Development and Education Departments.

2.  Training aims to maximize the utility of the ‘school in a box‘ kits and reduce mental stress among flood-hit children.

3.  Sessions are being held at block and circle levels to equip Anganwadi workers and grassroots stakeholders with the necessary skills.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and Programme

IIIT-Delhi’s project wins joint 2nd prize in global competition

Source– This post on IIIT-Delhi’s project wins joint 2nd prize in global competition has been created based on the article “IIIT-Delhi’s project wins joint 2nd prize in global competition” published in “The Hindu” on 20th June 2024.

Why in the news?

A project by the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology, Delhi (IIIT-Delhi) has won the joint second prize in the Trinity Challenge’s second competition on tackling the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

About the Project

1. The project, titled ‘AMRsense: Empowering Communities with a Proactive One Health Ecosystem,’ was led by Tavpritesh Sethi from IIIT-Delhi in collaboration with CHRI-PATH, 1mg.com, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

2. The prize-winning project is on tackling the escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance.

Key Components of AMRsense

1. Community Engagement: Empowering community health workers (CHWs) with AI-assisted data recording tools for accurate and simplified data collection.

2. Data Integration: Creating a unified AMR data ecosystem by integrating antibiotic sales, consumption, and WHONet-compliant surveillance data using open-source tools and APIs.

3. Predictive Analytics: Using federated analytics across the OneHealth ecosystem to provide integrative insights on AMR.

4. AMRaura Scorecard: Monitoring and evaluating AMR trends effectively.

Context in India

1. In India, over 900,000 ASHA workers face limited awareness, insufficient training, and low motivation, creating a significant gap in community-level AMR data collection and evidence-based management.

2. The AMRsense project addresses these issues through its comprehensive approach involving community engagement, data integration, predictive analytics, and trend monitoring.

3. This recognition highlights the importance of innovative solutions in addressing global health challenges like antimicrobial resistance.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

World Refugee Day 2024

Source– This post on World Refugee Day 2024 has been created based on the article “World Refugee Day 2024” published in “The quint” on 19 June 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, world refugee day was celebrated on 20th June 2024.

About World Refugee Day 2024

1. World Refugee Day 2024 is celebrated on Thursday, 20 June 2024. Theme for 2024 is ‘For a World Where Refugees Are Welcomed‘

2. It was first celebrated on 20 June 2001. The United Nations General Assembly officially declared it as an International Day for Refugees.

3. Purpose: To Commemorated the 50th anniversary of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. The day was earlier recognized as Africa Refugee Day and later in December 2000.

4. Significance

The significance of World Refugee Day lies in drawing attention to the hardships and challenges refugees face globally, and advocating for solutions to these issues.

The day is dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the resilience, courage, and strength of refugees as they strive to rebuild their lives and work towards a brighter future.

About 1951 Refugee Convention

The 1951 Refugee Convention provides a globally recognized definition of a refugee and outlines the legal protections, rights, and assistance they are entitled to.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) acts as the guardian of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its protocols, ensuring their implementation and protection of refugees’ rights.

Core Principles

i) Non-Refoulement: Refugees must not be returned to a country where they face serious threats to their life or freedom.

ii) Basic Rights: Refugees have the right to housing, work, and education while displaced to help them live a dignified and independent life.

iii) Obligations: Refugees must follow the laws of their host countries. Certain individuals, like war criminals, are excluded from refugee status.

Legal Obligations of States

i) Accession to the Convention: A state can join the 1951 Convention by depositing an instrument of accession with the UN Secretary-General, signed by the Foreign Minister or Head of State.

ii) 1967 Protocol: States wishing to join the 1967 Protocol follow the same procedure. They can join both the Convention and the Protocol simultaneously, which most states choose to do.

UPSC Syllabus: International organsiation

5G Intelligent Village Initiative

Source– This post on 5G Intelligent Village Initiative has been created based on the article “DoT announces two significant calls for proposals aimed at catalyzing innovation and technological advancement in telecommunications sector”  published in “PIB” on 17 June 2024.

Why in the news?

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has announced two innovative proposals-5G Intelligent Village and Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA)—to drive technological advancement in the telecom sector.

About 5G Intelligent Village Initiative

Aspects	Description
Aim	The 5G Intelligent Village Initiative aims to uplift rural communities by harnessing the transformative power of 5G technology.
Focus	Addresses key sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, governance, and sustainability.
Features	i) It utilizes Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) and massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) features of 5G in selected villages. ii) It addresses key sectors such as agriculture, education, healthcare, governance, and sustainability.

About Quantum Encryption Algorithm (QEA)

1. Quantum encryption algorithms use quantum computing techniques to encrypt messages (classical or quantum) into quantum states that are communicated to and decrypted by the recipient.

2. Goal: To develop an India-specific Quantum Encryption Algorithm for securing digital communications using quantum mechanics.

3. Features: The algorithm aims to provide unparalleled security, advanced encryption capabilities, and ultra-fast and efficient encryption. These proposals will be funded under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the DoT.

About Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF)

1. It was established under the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF) of the DoT, Government of India.

2. Purpose: To promote the ecosystem for research, design, prototyping, proof of concept testing, IPR creation, field testing, security, certification, and manufacturing of telecom products.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Delos Island

Source– This post on Delos Island has been created based on the article “Ancient Greek sanctuary slowly sinks into the Aegean Sea” published in “The Hindu” on 13 June 2024.

Why in the news?

An expert has warned that the remarkable ancient site on the small Greek island of Delos is “at risk of vanishing” within decades due to rising sea levels and geological processes.

About Delos Island

Aspects	Description
About	1. It is a rocky island and part of the Cyclades archipelago in the Aegean Sea. It was first settled in the 3rd millennium B.C. and significant in the 1st millennium B.C. 2. Delos is now largely uninhabited, but its rugged granite landscape covers approximately 1.3 square miles.
Mythology and History	1. Delos was considered a holy sanctuary for a millennium before it became known as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis in Olympian Greek mythology. 2. The island’s Sacred Harbour features three conical mounds associated with a goddess (possibly Athena). 3. UNESCO recognized Delos as a World Heritage Site due to its exceptional archaeological remains, its influence on Greek architecture, and its sacred importance throughout Ancient Greece
Archaeological Significance	1. Extensive excavations have revealed artifacts that are now displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Delos and the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. 2. The island was inhabited since the third millennium BCE and served as a major cult center for gods like Dionysus and Leto. 3. Delos underwent purification rituals to ensure proper worship of the gods, including the removal of graves within sight of the temple.

Key Facts about the Aegean Sea

1. It is located in the East Mediterranean Basin, with the Greek peninsula to the west and Anatolia (Asian side of Turkey) to the east.

2. The Bosphorus and Dardanelles Straits connect the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, respectively.

3. Most Aegean Islands belong to Greece. Turkey’s notable possessions in the Aegean Sea are Imbros (Gökçeada) and Tenedos (Bozcaada) in the northeastern part.

Climate of the Aegean Sea

1. It is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, typical of Western Turkey and Greece.

2. It is defined by drier and hotter summers with milder winters. It is classified as cold semi-arid, with cooler summers.

3. The Etesian wind significantly influences the weather in the Aegean basin.

UPSC Syllabus: World Geography

Travel Authority T/A 912 Form

Source– This post on Travel Authority T/A 912 has been created based on the article “After train crash, Eastern Railway prohibits issuance of TA-912 for loco pilots” published in “The Hindu” on 20 June 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, a goods train collided with the Kanchanjunga Express after being authorized by the station master to pass all red signals using T/A 912. Following this, Eastern Railway decided to suspend the issuance of TA-912.

About Travel Authority T/A 912

1. TA-912 is a type of paper authority issued by railway authorities to loco pilots in situations where there is a signal failure. This document authorizes the loco pilots to proceed past a red signal, which would otherwise indicate that the train must stop.

2. Purpose of TA-912- The primary purpose of TA-912 is to manage train movements during signal failures, ensuring that trains can continue to operate even when the signaling system is not functioning correctly. This helps to avoid significant delays and congestion on the railway network.

3. Issuance of TA-912- TA-912 is issued by the stationmaster or an equivalent authority when there is a signal failure. This document serves as an official permission for the train to proceed past a red signal under specific conditions outlined in the authority.

4. Suspension of TA-912- Following the tragic train crash involving a goods train and the Kanchanjunga Express in West Bengal, Eastern Railway has decided to suspend the issuance of TA-912. This decision was made during a meeting with senior railway officials, including the General Manager, Principal Chief Safety Officer, and Principal Heads of Departments. The suspension aims to prevent further accidents under similar circumstances.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance