9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 23 April, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

What India-Mauritius treaty amendments mean for foreign investors

What India-Mauritius treaty amendments mean for foreign investors

News: The India-Mauritius tax treaty amendments have been primarily targeted to curb “treaty shopping,”. This has significant implications for cross-border investment flows between India and Mauritius, particularly given Mauritius’ role as a major source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India. What India-Mauritius treaty amendments mean for foreign investors ?

What are Tax Treaties?

Purpose of Tax Treaties: Tax treaties play a vital role in defining the tax treatment of incomes arising in one country and accruing to residents of another, impacting international investment dynamics.

Developing Countries’ Strategy: Often, developing countries, like India, cede greater taxing rights in exchange for anticipated higher foreign investments.

Historical Perspective on Treaty Shopping: The Indian Supreme Court, in the Union of India v. Azadi Bachao, once saw treaty shopping as a necessary trade-off for attracting FDI into a developing economy.

How did the International Tax Law on tax treaties evolve?

The OECD’s Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) programme aimed to curb the use of low-tax jurisdictions for tax avoidance.

One of the key BEPS reforms was the Multilateral Instrument (MLI). It allowed countries to amend tax treaties to include provisions like the Principal Purpose Test (PPT) to prevent treaty abuse and treaty shopping.

Specific Amendments in the India-Mauritius Treaty

Introduction of Principal Purpose Test (PPT), designed to deny treaty benefits. The amendment allows Indian tax authorities to deny treaty benefits if the principal purpose of a transaction or arrangement is to obtain those benefits.

Assessment Beyond Residency Certificates: Amendments empower tax authorities to scrutinize the actual purpose behind transactions, moving beyond mere formal documentation like tax residency certificates.

Implications for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Mauritius accounted for 16% of FDI inflows into India in 2021-22. The reform is expected to impact the composition of investment flows, similar to the effect of 2017 amendments that made the capital gains at source, taxable.

In 2017, General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) was introduced in Indian tax law in 2017 to respect the spirit of law and prevent abuse, providing a systematic framework to evaluate transactions.

What should be done?

After 2017 GAAR, there was a fear that the tax department may overreach excessively. However, to allay the fear, a panel-based approach to trigger GAAR was operationalized. A similar approach can be implemented for the trigger of this provision.

Implement a Global Minimum Tax. One such proposal is Subject to Tax Rule (STTR), that imposes a top-up tax on low-taxed transactions, attracting tax of less than 9%.

India and Maldives relations, after Muizzu’s re-election

Source: This post India and Maldives relations, after Muizzu’s re-election is created based on the article ‘Muizzu’s win, India’s pragmatism’, published in Indian Express on 23rd April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic – GS paper 2 – International Relations – India and its neighborhood

News: Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has won the recent elections, with huge number of seats. It will provide him with the power to make all the major legal and legislative changes.

What anti-India steps have been taken by Muizzu?

One of the pillars of Muizzu’s politics is an anti-India stance.

First, he campaigned on an “India Out” theme, asked for withdrawal of Indian troops,

Second, he scrapped agreements allowing Indian hydrographic surveys by India.

Third, he has drawn Maldives closer to China, by giving them infrastructure projects.

However, the parliamentary elections were fought on domestic issues like corruption, economy, housing, jobs and shifting political alliances rather than foreign policy issues. Therefore, it should not be taken as a country’s stand.

What has been India’s approach to Muizzu’s anti-India Stance?

First, India has done well not to overreact to Maldives’ attempts to distance itself and treat it with a soft approach, recognizing a neighbour’s domestic politics is their own affair.

Second, Maldives is an important part of India’s Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policies. Given Maldives’ proximity and importance, India must continue engaging with the country no matter the government to make bilateral ties “politics proof” in the long run.

Chess ecosystem offers lessons for other sports

Source: This post Chess ecosystem offers lessons for other sports has been created based on the article ‘champion nation’, published in Business Standard on 23rd April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, Government policies for various sectors

News: Teenage grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh has just won the right to challenge world chess champion Ding Liren. At just 17 years old, Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh has become the youngest challenger, for the world championship title, in the history of Chess.

It is a significant milestone for Indian chess and a testament to the country’s thriving chess culture.

India had the largest contingent in the tournament, with five of the 16 participants. All the participants in the tournament were the world’s best players, as winning meant a chance to challenge the present champion.

Present status of chess ecosystem in India

India’s chess prowess is built upon a strong foundation, with 84 grandmasters, 124 international masters, 23 women grandmasters, and 42 women international masters.

India boasts a vast pool of over 30,000 regular rated tournament players. It is the largest in the world, along with a thriving coaching ecosystem and a vibrant open tournament circuit.

What are the factors that are supporting India’s success in Chess Games?

First, the game’s accessibility and egalitarian nature, where talent can emerge from all socio-economic backgrounds, have contributed to its popularity among Indian parents and youth.

Second, the Indian contestants were well-supported with Cloud-based electronic resources, financial backing from the government and private enterprises. It ensures they had access to top-notch training and preparation.

Third, Chess players in India benefit from the country’s cheap data plans and high mobile broadband penetration. It helps players to hone their skills online through electronic databases, analytical resources, and 24×7 chess websites.

Fourth, the success of Indian chess can be attributed to excellent branding and role models like Viswanathan Anand. Furthermore, Chess is perceived as cerebral activity that fosters skills like focus and logical thinking, therefore, it has high social support and acceptance.

B-READY Index

Source: The post B-READY Index has been created, based on the article “B-READY for business: India’s investment culture needs strengthening” published in “Business standard” on 23 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- international relations-Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate.

News: The article discusses India’s preparation for the new World Bank Index Business Ready (B-READY), replacing the defunct Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Index.

For details information on Lessons from the death of the ease of doing business index read here

What is the B-READY Index?

The B-READY Index is a new metric designed by the World Bank to assess business environments, set to launch in September 2025.

It aims to replace the now-defunct Ease of Doing Business Index and plans to cover 180 economies.

This index focuses on broader qualitative assessments, including regulatory quality and environmental considerations.

How is India Preparing for the B-READY Index?

India is gearing up for the B-READY Index through proactive steps taken by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIT).

DPIT is conducting bi-monthly meetings with nodal ministries to evaluate responses to over 1,300 questions from the B-READY questionnaire.

These meetings aim to assess and enhance India’s position in terms of business readiness and attractiveness for foreign investments.

Why India need B-READY Index?

Addressing Subdued FDI: India has seen limited success in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), making the B-READY Index crucial for enhancing its investment climate.

Improving Business Environment: The B-READY Index aims to go beyond the former Ease of Doing Business metrics by including qualitative assessments that more accurately reflect the business landscape.

Policy and Implementation Gaps: Examples like Apple’s vendors leaving India and Vinfast’s subsidy issues highlight the need for clearer policies and better communication, issues the B-READY Index seeks to address.

Encouraging Multinational Presence: A refined index could help attract more multinationals, as current policy uncertainty has deterred significant investments.

Question for practice:

Discuss India’s preparation for the B-READY Index and its significance in improving the country’s business environment and attracting foreign investments.

Challenges facing India’s public housing programs

Source: The post challenges in India’s public housing programs has been created, based on the article “Our housing policy framework needs a comprehensive rethink” published in “Live mint” on 23 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance – Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes

News: The article discusses challenges in India’s public housing programs, especially in urban areas.

For details information on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana read Article 1, Article 2, Article 3

What is the status of public housing in India?

The PM Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) was launched in June 2015 with a goal to provide housing for all by December 2024.

As of April 7, about 8.2 million out of the nearly 11.7 million approved urban houses have been completed.

The completion rate in urban areas is lower compared to rural areas, where 25 million out of 29.5 million targeted houses were completed by November 2023.

Why are urban public houses less demanded?

1.Many urban public houses under PMAY-U are not in “liveable condition,” lacking basic components such as windows and doors.

2.There have been reports of illegal occupancy by “anti-social elements,” deterring legitimate beneficiaries.

3.The selection process for beneficiaries has faced criticism for inaccuracies, with ineligible individuals receiving housing benefits.

4.Urban public housing often involves apartment complexes, which present challenges in shared-resource maintenance and community living, known as the ‘tragedy of commons’.

How are urban migrants affected the demand for urban public houses?

Community and Cultural Comfort: Urban migrants often seek housing with people from their own states, preferring community familiarity and cultural comfort, which public housing may not provide.

Assimilation Challenges: Assimilation into larger urban communities can be challenging and time-consuming for migrants, making them hesitant to apply for public housing.

Difficulties with Officials and Barriers: Migrants may face difficulties with local public officials due to language and cultural barriers, complicating access to public housing.

Lack of Information: Unclear information dissemination about available rental housing and application processes also affects migrants’ decisions regarding public housing.

What should be done?

Promote Rental Vouchers: Implement the National Urban Rental Housing Policy’s rental voucher scheme more broadly to help urban poor and migrants afford private rentals in suitable locations.

Unlock Private Housing Stock: Amend rental laws to encourage homeowners to lease their properties, thus increasing the supply of available rental accommodations.

Simplify Regulations: Ease building regulations to facilitate faster construction of new homes, increasing overall housing supply in urban areas.

Focus on Urban Housing Needs: Redirect some resources from rural to urban housing projects to support the workforce in urban and semi-urban settings, thereby enhancing labor mobility and economic productivity.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the effectiveness of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) in addressing the housing needs of urban areas in India, considering completion rates, occupancy issues, and challenges faced by migrants.

Article 15 important for disability rights: Political space for disability rights, a sliver of hope

Source: The post Article 15 important for disability rights has been created, based on the article “Political space for disability rights, a sliver of hope” published in “The Hindu” on 23 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance – mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

News: The article discusses efforts to amend India’s Constitution to protect people with disabilities from discrimination. It highlights the long-standing demands of disability rights groups and notes recent political support for this cause in election manifestos by Congress and CPI(M).

For details information on Persons with Disabilities read Article 1, Article 2, Article 3

What is the current status of disability rights?

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD): Adopted in 2006, this convention established global standards to ensure equal rights for persons with disabilities. Over 160 countries have ratified it, committing to uphold the rights of disabled persons.

Legal Framework: India ratified the UNCRPD in 2007 and passed the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act in 2016, but these have not amended the Constitution to give disability rights constitutional protection.

Recent manifestos from Indian political parties like Congress and CPI(M) show a commitment to amending the Constitution to specifically include disability as a ground for discrimination.

Why is amending Article 15 important for disability rights?

Inclusion in Fundamental Rights: Currently, Article 15 does not mention disability as a ground for discrimination. Amending it would elevate disability rights to the level of a fundamental right, offering stronger legal protection against discrimination.

Alignment with International Standards: The amendment would bring India’s constitution in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which India ratified in 2007. This aligns domestic law with global commitments to protect the rights of persons with disabilities.

Closing Legal Loopholes: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016 allows exceptions in cases deemed to have a ‘legitimate aim.’ By embedding disability rights in the Constitution, these exceptions would be scrutinized more rigorously, reducing potential misuse.

Promoting Equality: Recognizing disability in the Constitution would address historical injustices and recognize the unique challenges faced by disabled persons, promoting true equality and integration into society.

Judicial and Political Responsibility: The amendment would shift responsibility for protecting disability rights from the judiciary to the legislature, fostering more proactive governance and less reliance on the courts to interpret protections.

For details information on Important Judgments by Chief Commissioner of Persons with Disabilities read here

How are disability rights groups advocating?

Disability rights groups in India are advocating in several effective ways:

Manifesto Release: In February 2024, organizations like the National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People and the National Disability Network released a disability-focused manifesto, urging political parties to prioritize disability issues.

Consistent Advocacy: These groups have consistently pushed for the inclusion of disability as a ground for discrimination under Article 15 of the Constitution.

Political Engagement: They have successfully influenced political parties to include promises for constitutional amendments in their election manifestos, reflecting a shift in political attention toward disability rights.

Question for practice:

Examine the significance of amending Article 15 of India’s Constitution for disability rights, considering both its legal and social implications.

GS PAPER - 3

How did Taiwan improve its earthquake preparedness?

Source: The post Taiwan improved its earthquake preparedness has been created, based on the article “A lesson from Taiwan in quake resilience” published in “The Hindu” on 23 April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Disaster management

News: The article discusses how earthquakes happen in areas where tectonic plates meet and move. It explains how Taiwan has improved its earthquake safety measures after a major quake in 1999, resulting in fewer damages in a recent earthquake. It also suggests how India can enhance its earthquake preparedness.

What causes earthquakes?

Tectonic Plate Movements: Earthquakes primarily occur due to the movement of Earth’s tectonic plates. For instance, the 2015 earthquake in Nepal originated from the movement of the Indian plate against the Eurasian plate.

Convergent Plate Boundaries: Many earthquakes happen along convergent plate boundaries where plates collide. The Himalayas, where India meets Eurasia, are a prominent example of such a region experiencing frequent seismic activity.

Specific Regional Occurrences: In Taiwan, the collision of the Philippine Sea plate with the Eurasian plate causes significant seismic activity, as evidenced by the 1999 Chi-Chi and 2024 Hualien earthquakes.

How has Taiwan improved its earthquake preparedness?

Strengthening Building Codes: Following the devastating 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake, Taiwan implemented stringent building codes to enhance the structural integrity of buildings. This led to minimal damage during the 2024 Hualien earthquake, despite it being nearly as strong.

Establishing Early Warning Systems: Taiwan has developed one of the most advanced earthquake-monitoring networks and early warning systems in the world. These systems provide critical early alerts that help reduce casualties and damage.

Public Awareness and Training: Regular awareness campaigns and drills have significantly improved public understanding of earthquake risks and preparedness.

Legislative Reforms: The Disaster Prevention and Protection Act was passed, and national centers were established to coordinate earthquake response and training, improving overall disaster management.

Innovative Technologies in Construction: Key structures in Taiwan, such as Taipei 101, employ advanced technologies like seismic dampers and base isolation systems to mitigate earthquake effects. Notably, Taipei 101 uses a tuned mass damper, a large steel sphere that acts like a pendulum to stabilize the building during quakes. This technology played a crucial role in preventing damage during recent seismic events.

What can India learn from Taiwan?

Implementing Building Codes: India can adopt Taiwan’s approach of enforcing stringent building codes post-earthquake, ensuring safer constructions.

Enhancing Infrastructure Safety: India should prioritize earthquake-resistant infrastructure, especially in vulnerable regions like the Himalayas, to mitigate risks effectively.

Improving Emergency Response: Following Taiwan’s lead, India can establish better emergency response systems and public awareness campaigns to minimize casualties and damages during earthquakes.

For details information on Reflection of Earthquake Source Process in the Ionosphere read here

For details information on How to make India earthquake prepared read here

Question for practice:

Discuss Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness measures and what India can learn from them.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Criminalisation of Indian Politics

Source-This post on Criminalisation of Indian Politics has been created based on the article “‘Accused in criminal cases won more seats in 17th LS’” published in “The Hindu” on 22 April 2024.

Why in the news?

According to a report submitted by amicus curiae to the Supreme Court, candidates with criminal cases have won more seats in the 17th Lok Sabha than those without any criminal records.

Key findings of the amicus curiae’s 20th report

Criminalisation of Indian Politics
Source-iPleaders

1) It cited the report by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) on the Lok Sabha elections 2024 which revealed that in Phase I and Phase II of the elections, out of 2,810 candidates (1,618 in Phase I and 1,192 in Phase II), 18% had criminal cases. Among them, 12% were facing serious charges punishable with 5 years or more of imprisonment.

NOTE-Amicus Curiae meaning– Friend Of the court

2) As per data from the Registrar Generals of State High Courts, till January, there were 4,472 unresolved criminal cases against lawmakers.

3) In the 19th report, the amicus curiae noted that out of 5,175 pending cases as of November 2022, 2,116 cases (40%) had been awaiting trial for over 5 years.

4) Information regarding cases in Special Courts designated to try MPs and MLAs was not available on any websites.

What are the recommendations made by the amicus curiae report?

1) It highlighted the significance of voter’s right to information. Voters have the right to know about lawmakers criminal history, including trial progress and reasons for delays.

2) It highlighted the need for a dedicated tab on the homepages of State High Courts’ websites that gives a specific and detailed information, district wise, of criminal trials against legislators.

3) The Supreme Court may suggest creating a model website, similar to the National Judicial Data Grid, to upload real-time information.

Read more-Criminalisation of politics: causes, impacts and solutions

UPSC Syllabus-Polity and Nation

Exercise Poorvi Lehar

Source-This post on Exercise Poorvi Lehar has been created based on the article “INDIAN NAVY CONDUCTS EXERCISE POORVI LEHAR ON THE EAST COAST” published in “PIB” on 20 April 2024.

Why in the news?

The Indian Navy carried out Exercise Poorvi Lehar on the East Coast under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

About Exercise Poorvi Lehar

Exercise Poorvi Lehar
Source-PIB

Description-It is a maritime exercise conducted by the Indian Navy along the East Coast, under the operational direction of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

Aim of the exercise-The exercise is aimed at assessing the ability of the Indian Navy to handle maritime security challenges in the region by testing its procedures.

Participation-The exercise witnessed participation of Ships, Submarines, Aircraft and Special Forces.

Phases-The exercise had different stages. In one part, there was combat training in a realistic scenario, and in another, they successfully fired various weapons to show the Indian Navy’s ability to hit targets accurately.

Interoperability-Apart from assets from the Eastern Naval Command, the exercise also included assets from the Indian Air Force, Andaman & Nicobar Command, and Coast Guard. This demonstrated a high degree of interoperability amongst the Services

What is the significance of the Exercise Poorvi Lehar?

1) It provided important lessons to the participating forces. This has helped them to prepare themselves in a better way to respond effectively to real maritime challenges in the region.

2) It has helped in maintaining continuous Maritime Domain Awareness throughout the Area of operations by using aircraft from diverse locations.

Read more-Exercise Dosti

UPSC Syllabus-Defence Exercises.

Rules regarding star campaigner

Source-This post on Rules regarding star campaigner has been created based on the article “What are rules around star campaigners?” published in “The Hindu” on 23 April 2024.

Why in the news?

Sunita Kejriwal, wife of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, was recently appointed as a ‘star campaigner’ by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for its campaign in Gujarat.

About Star campaigners

Star campaigners
Source-The New Indian Express

Description-A star campaigner is a celebrity vote seeker in an election for a party. This person can be anyone, a politician or even a film star. However, as per the RP Act,1951, these star campaigners have to be members of the political parties that appoint them.

Legal provisions-

1) Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act) provides for law relating to expenditure incurred by ‘leaders of a political party.

2) As per the Act, a recognised political party (national or State) can appoint a maximum of 40-star campaigners, whereas a registered unrecognised political party can appoint up to 20.

3) These names must be shared with the Election Commission (EC) and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the States within 7 days from the announcement of election dates. 

Benefits enjoyed by the political parties-

1) The RP Act states that money spent by “leaders of a political party or star campaigner” for travelling, whether by air or other means, to campaign for their party, doesn’t get included as part of a candidate’s election expenses for that party.
However, this is applicable only if the star campaigners limit themselves to general campaigning for the party.

What are the issues with the star campaigners?

1) The star campaigners of all parties have been guilty of using inappropriate and abusive words against leaders of other political parties.

2) They have appealed to caste/communal feelings of electors and made allegations without evidences.

3) The Election Commission of India does not have power to revoke the status of star campaigners.

4) The reported expenses of star campaigners are often much lower than what was actually spent because of inaccurate assessment of the expenses for the rallies or meetings of these star campaigners.

What should be the way forward?

1) The EC must be empowered to revoke the ‘star campaigner’ status of a leader, in case of any serious violation of the Model Code of Conduct.

2) The evaluation and division of expenses for rallies or meetings where star campaigners campaign for specific candidates should be made more robust.

Read more-Model Code of Conduct

UPSC Syllabus-Polity & Nation

Workers and the climate change risk

Source-This post on Workers and the climate change risk has been created based on the article “More than 70% global workers exposed to climate change risks: ILO” published in “Business Standard” on 23 April 2024.

Why in the news?

As per the report of International Labour Organization (ILO), over 70% of workers worldwide face climate change risks, leading to hundreds of thousands of deaths yearly.

Key Findings of ILO report

ILO report
Source-Business Standard

1) ILO in its report titled “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate” observed that many workers are already facing climate change risks at work, and these numbers may increase in the future.

2)  There is a need to review current laws or make new rules and advice in the backdrop of rising number of natural hazards due to climate change.

3) The number of workers facing rising temperatures has increased by about 5% in the last 20 years to 70.9%, the report found. It also mentioned other climate risks, like UV radiation and air pollution, affecting around 1.6 billion people each.

4) Air pollution leads to about 860,000 work-related deaths yearly for outdoor workers. Excessive heat causes around 18,970 occupational deaths annually, while UV radiation causes roughly 18,960 deaths due to non-melanoma skin cancer.

5) The report mentions that technologies aimed at combating climate change, such as solar panels and lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, can sometimes pose new risks because they contain harmful chemicals.

6) The report highlighted that the working poor, those in informal jobs, seasonal workers, and employees of small businesses will be the most affected by these changes.

Read more-ILO Report: “A Call for safer and healthier working environments

UPSC Syllabus-Index/Reports.

Rampage Missile

Source-This post on Rampage Missile has been created based on the article “Israel used locally developed missile ‘Rampage’ in Iran attack” published in “The Times of India” on 23 April 2024.

Why in the news?

Israel has recently used the Rampage missile to attack an Iranian military base. Rampage missile is a powerful air-to-surface missile.

About Rampage Missile

Rampage Missile
Source-Army Recognition
Aspect Details
Description  It is a long-range, supersonic, air-to-ground, seekerless, precision strike missile.
Developed by  It was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries and Israeli Military Industries Systems.
Objective To destroy high-quality, well-protected targets, such as communication and command centres, air force bases, maintenance centres, and infrastructure.
Features 1) Length-It is 4.7m (15.4ft) long and has a total weight of 570kg.
2) Speed-It may travel at supersonic speeds, making it difficult to identify and intercept with air defence systems.
3) Range-It has a range of over 190 miles.
5) Delivery-It can be fired from an aircraft or as a stand-alone system and uses GPS/INS guidance navigation and anti-jamming capabilities.
6) It can adjust its path mid-flight, to precisely hit the target it was programmed to hit.
7) It can operate in any weather conditions, day or night.

Read more-India’s Nuclear Deterrence and Agni-V

UPSC Syllabus-Defence

Mount Erebus

Source-This post on Mount Erebus has been created based on the article “Home News
It’s Raining GOLD Worth $6000 Everyday In Antarctica From Mount Erebus, Watch Video” published in “India.com” on 21 April 2024.

Why in the news?

Mount Erebus, an active volcano in Antarctica, has been in the news for emitting gold dust valued at $6000 daily.

About Mount Erebus

Mount Erebus
Source-Wikipedia

Description-It is the most southerly active volcano on Earth. It was discovered in 1841 by the British explorer Sir James Clark Ross, who named it after his ship, the Erebus.

Location-It is situated on Ross Island, Antarctica.

Type of volcano-It’s a stratovolcano that is characterized by a conical shape and layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash.

Lava lake-It is known for its persistent lava lake. The lake has been active since at least 1972 and is one of only a few long-lived lava lakes on Earth.

Frequency of eruption-It constantly churns and occasionally spews bombs of molten rock in Strombolian eruptions. It is being monitored by satellites, primarily because of its remote location.

What is a Stratovolcano?

Description-It is a tall, steep, and cone-shaped type of volcano. Unlike flat shield volcanoes, they have higher peaks. At the top, stratovolcanoes usually have a small crater. It may hold water, ice, or even a volcanic dome when it’s not very active.

Location-They’re usually found above subduction zones and are part of big, volcanic areas like the Ring of Fire around much of the Pacific Ocean.

Type of lava-Strata Volcanoes make up about 60% of the Earth’s volcanoes. They mostly erupt with andesite and dacite, which are cooler and viscous lavas compared to basalt.
These more viscous lavas allow gas pressures to build up to high levels. Therefore, these volcanoes often suffer explosive eruptions.

NOTE-Strombolian eruptions

1) They are moderately explosive eruptions of basaltic magma with moderate gas content.

2) They consist of intermittent, discrete explosive bursts which eject pyroclasts as high as hundreds of feet into the air in firework-like incandescent rooster-tails. Strombolian eruptions are louder than Hawaiian eruptions, and generally are of more viscous magma.

Read more-Volcanic Vortex Rings

UPSC Syllabus-Geography in news

BFI Biome Virtual Network Program

Source-This post on BFI Biome Virtual Network Program has been created based on the article “C-CAMP joins BFI Biome Virtual Network Program to accelerate transformative healthcare solutions” published in “The Hindu” on 22 April 2024.

Why in the news?

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) has joined the Blockchain for Impact (BFI) Biome Virtual Network Program to speed up healthcare advancements through biomedical innovation.

About BFI Biome Virtual Network Program

BFI Biome Virtual Network Program
Source-Pune news

Objective-To support advanced biomedical science and innovation and speed up the impact of significant scientific breakthroughs to tackle healthcare issues in India

Features-
1) It’s working on many important biomedical innovations, including infectious disease tests, fighting drug resistance, cell therapy for cancer, regenerative tissues, and digital health technology, among others.

2) It brings together incubators and research institutes to encourage collaboration in transforming research into real-world solutions.

Funding-BFI will allocate more than $200,000 over three years. It will leverage C-CAMP’s knowledge to create important programs for healthcare startups.

What is C-CAMP?

Description-It is an initiative supported by the Department of Biotechnology under the Ministry of Science. Since 2009, it has been a driving force behind advanced research and innovation in life sciences.

Mandate-It is mandated to promote entrepreneurship and innovation.

Significance-It has encouraged an entrepreneur-friendly atmosphere in academic and research settings by supporting startups through seed funding programs.

Read moreBiotechnology Research and Innovation Council

UPSC Syllabus-Science & Technology.

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