9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 23 February, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
On India-UK Defence Ties – In a tough world, the beacon of U.K.-India strategic ties
Source: This post on India-UK Defence Ties has been created based on the article “In a tough world, the beacon of U.K.-India strategic ties” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
News: The article discusses the converging interests of India and UK in the maritime domain. It also highlights how and why India-UK defence ties are becoming stronger.
A detailed article on India-UK Relations can be read here.
What are the converging interests of India and UK in the maritime domain according to the author?
- Both are outward facing, mercantile and modern societies.
- Although separated by thousands of miles, both are inherently connected by the ocean.
- Trade in food and goods is the reason for mutual prosperity, supporting the lives and livelihoods of many.
Considering this, both nations need to secure and free the seas from aggression and exploitation. It is important because of goods and resources that flow across the seas on which our economies rely. Even the data supporting online banking and capital flows also move via underwater cables.
Why are India-UK defence ties becoming stronger?
1) Converging Interests: The U.K. and India have a common interest in ensuring that violence and disregard for international law are not allowed to become normalised. For example: Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Ukraine conflict.
2) Rise in Importance of Indo-Pacific: The centre of gravity of the global economy by 2050 will be in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
How are India-UK defence ties becoming stronger?
- Increasing Interaction between British and Indian forces: There have been record numbers of U.K. ship visits to India. UK’s Carrier Strike Group will be deployed again to the region in 2025 and will lead to increasing operational capabilities.
- Defence industrial partnership: From electric warship propulsion to complex weaponry to jet engines, cooperation in sharing knowledge and expertise is increasing.
- Military education ties: Officers from all three services of the Indian Armed Forces will be joining British service academies as instructors, sharing their experiences with future military leaders.
Question for practice:
The contemporary global geopolitical developments necessitate the strengthening of India-UK defence ties. Discuss.
Implication of recent Supreme Court decision
Source: The post implication of recent Supreme Court decision has been created, based on the article “Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: On recent Supreme Court verdicts, hold the celebrations” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Indian Polity – Powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies
News: The article discusses recent Supreme Court decisions in India that challenge government actions. These rulings are seen as rare steps towards justice, but the article warns they may not indicate a significant change in the Court’s overall approach to supporting government policies.
What are the recent Indian Supreme Court decisions that challenge government actions?
Electoral Bonds Scheme Unconstitutional: The Supreme Court declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional. This decision challenges a significant government initiative involving political funding.
For more information read Article1, Article2
AAP Wins in Chandigarh Mayoral Race: The Court pronounced the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as the winner in the Chandigarh mayoral race. This decision overturned a local electoral outcome, which is a direct challenge to the administrative actions in the election process.
What are the implications of the recent Supreme Court decision?
Positive Implications:
Strengthening Electoral Democracy: These decisions enhance the integrity of India’s electoral democracy by challenging governmental actions, like the electoral bonds scheme, which was seen as opaque and controversial.
Upholding Constitutional Principles: The rulings reflect the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional principles, especially in high-stakes situations like the Chandigarh mayoral race.
Restoring Public Faith: Such decisions can help restore public faith in the judiciary as an independent institution capable of making unbiased decisions.
Negative Implications:
Limited Political Consequences: Despite the rulings, there’s no substantial political or public backlash against the ruling party, suggesting a lack of significant impact on the political landscape.
Normalization of Institutional Issues: Such occasional rulings don’t address the deeper issues of judicial delays and institutional bias, potentially leading to a normalization of these problems in the Indian political and judicial system.
Way forward
Moving forward, it’s crucial for the Indian judiciary to consistently uphold constitutional principles and ensure impartiality in its decisions. This approach can help rebuild public trust and strengthen democracy, beyond just episodic judgments that seem to counter the government’s actions.
Question for practice:
Evaluate the impact of recent Indian Supreme Court decisions on government actions and institutional integrity.
GS PAPER - 3
On Improving Private Sector Participation in Space – The next frontier
Source: This post on Improving Private Sector Participation in Space has been created based on the article “The next frontier” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Science & Technology – Awareness in the fields of Space.
News: The article discusses the recent decision of the government to improve private sector participation in space by relaxing FDI limits.
Background:
Space exploration has financial, socio-economic, and geopolitical implications. In this regard, private sector players can complement national agencies, and lead the sector by identifying market opportunities and innovating rapidly.
What has India done in this regard?
- State-led reforms opened India’s space sector to private companies in 2020.
- Release of the ‘Geospatial Guidelines’.
- Released of the ‘Indian Space Policy’, creating the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe).
- Telecommunications Act 2023 that provided for satellite broadband services.
What is the recent decision to improve private sector participation in space?
On February 21, the government took the decision to allow:
- 100% FDI in the “manufacturing of components and systems/sub-systems for satellites, ground segment and user segment”.
- Up to 74% FDI in satellite-manufacturing, operations, and data products.
- Up to 49% FDI in launch vehicles, space ports, and their corresponding systems.
What will be the implications of this decision?
- Raise Private Sector Participation: This will increase the contributions of private space flight operators, technology-developers, and application designers to the national space economy, in line with the Space Policy.
- Ability to Compete with China: The decision gives India the ability to take advantage of China’s strained foreign ties to catch up with China’s more advanced position as a space power.
- Investment in Indian Startups: Nw investments can add to India’s space economy by improving start-ups’ access to talent and capital, boosting local manufacturing, and improving investor confidence.
What should be the way forward?
The government must do the following:
a) Keep the regulatory environment clear.
b) Reduce red tape.
c) Increase public support.
d) Make it easy for Indian companies to access foreign markets.
Question for practice:
What are the decisions taken by the Indian government to improve private sector participation in space?
On the Challenges with the Agnipath Scheme – It is the conditioning of the Agniveer that merits attention
Source: This post on the Challenges with the Agnipath Scheme has been created based on the article “It is the conditioning of the Agniveer that merits attention” published in “The Hindu” on 23rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Internal Security – Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.
News: The article discusses the challenges with the Agnipath Scheme. It also highlights steps that should be undertaken to combat these challenges.
A detailed article on the Agnipath Scheme can be read here.
Background:
The Agnipath scheme was announced on June 14, 2022. The initial batch of Agniveers have already been inducted in armed forces units after completion of their recruit training.
What is the Agnipath Scheme?
The scheme runs on a short-service manpower model, where 75% of the recruited soldiers will leave the service in 4 years. However, 25% of them will be allowed to continue.
The initial feedback on Agniveers from the units in terms of motivation levels, intelligence, physical standards is mostly positive. However, several challenges remain.
What are the challenges with the Agnipath Scheme?
1) Lack of Focus on Psychological Motivation: The basis for soldier discipline, and his motivation and psychology as a team player is related to his/her individual conscience and character. This character builds up unit camaraderie which gives a soldier strength on the battlefield.
2) Technical Capabilities not Enough: Technology-based measures, in terms of weapon platforms and systems, can always be confronted with technology-based counter-measures (as seen in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict). The fact that the Agniveers possess a better technical threshold will be futile unless there is camaraderie and unit cohesion.
3) Competition between Agniveers: Due to the question of retention versus rejection, the Agniveers would try to outdo each other. This can go contrary to the goal of developing unit cohesion.
What should be the way forward?
1) Psychological Assimilation: The unit commanders will have to focus on the psychological assimilation of the Agniveers into the unit fabric and ensure that they are moulded into becoming effective team players.
2) Focus on the Human Element: The facets of the human element in the Agniveers need to be addressed by those assigned the responsibility of training and assessing them. Value-based nurturing, based on unit ethos, needs to be included.
3) Psychological Testing of Recruits: A test of ‘psychology’ can be introduced as part of the recruitment process, in line with the methodology used in the selection of officers in the military. This will help the unit commander manage the human resources available and facilitate the better grooming and assessment of Agniveers.
Question for practice:
What are the challenges with the Agnipath Scheme? What steps should be taken to tackle these challenges?
Varieties of capitalism seen around the world-Capitalism varies across as well as within individual countries
Source: The post varieties of capitalism seen around the world has been created, based on the article “Capitalism varies across as well as within individual countries” published in “Live mints” on 23rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Economy- investment model
News: This article discusses how different types of capitalism exist within countries. It describes how businesses operate in various sectors: informal (like small shops), formal competitive (medium-sized businesses), and formal oligopolistic (large, influential companies).
What are the varieties of capitalism seen around the world?
There are polar models of capitalism– Liberal Market Economies (LMEs) and Coordinated Market Economies (CMEs)
Liberal Market Economies (LMEs): Examples include the US, UK, and Canada, where firms interact mainly through market mechanisms. These economies emphasize free market principles and minimal state intervention.
Coordinated Market Economies (CMEs): Found in countries like Germany and Japan, where firms rely more on non-market relationships for coordination. These economies often feature strong labor unions and close collaboration between government and industry.
Intermediate Models Between LMEs and CMEs:
Mediterranean Capitalism: Found in countries like Spain and Italy, it combines elements from both LMEs and CMEs, with a notable presence of family businesses and state intervention.
East Asian Capitalism: Seen in South Korea and Singapore, this model mixes state-guided policies with market operations, often focusing on export-driven growth.
Social Capitalism: Characteristic of Sweden, where there’s a blend of market mechanisms and strong social welfare systems.
State-Guided Capitalism: Exemplified by China, where the state plays a crucial role in controlling and guiding the economy, often through ownership of key sectors.
What are the different types of capitalism varieties within a country?
- Informal Sector: Small, labor-intensive businesses like local shops, with less than 20 employees. These operate in competitive markets, like the perfect competition model.
- Formal Sector:
- Formal Competitive Sector: Medium-sized enterprises, employing up to 100 workers. They operate in competitive markets as price-takers, without significant market power.
- Formal Oligopolistic Sector: It comprises a small number of large firms, each with a significant market share in its industry or field of service. Sometimes, these are conglomerates operating in multiple industries or services. This sector is characterized by variations in labor, capital intensity, and productivity. It is further divided into two:
a) Non-Politically Connected Firms: Large companies with substantial market shares but without direct influence over government policies.
b) Politically Connected Oligopolistic Sector: A subset of the oligopolistic sector, where firms wield both market power and political influence, capable of impacting government policies. This exists in both advanced and developing countries.
Question for practice:
Discuss the various types of capitalism varieties within a country.
RBI research about economic growth and fiscal consolidation-Recalibrating spend
Source: The post implication of recent Supreme Court decision has been created, based on the article “Recalibrating spend: RBI paper redefines the capex-revenue debate” published in “Business standard” on 23rd February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment.
News: The article discusses how the Indian government’s budget focuses on reducing debt and improving spending on long-term growth areas like technology, health, and education. It highlights RBI research on how this approach can lead to economic growth despite short-term challenges.
What are the government’s plans for fiscal deficit and borrowing?
Fiscal Deficit Goal: The government intends to bring the gross fiscal deficit down to 5.1% of GDP for FY25, a consolidation from the previous fiscal year.
Limiting Foreign Borrowing: Emphasis is on reducing reliance on external borrowing, focusing on domestic fiscal management.
Increase in Tax-GDP Ratio: There’s been a rise in the tax-GDP ratio, from 10.1% in FY14 to 11.7% in FY25, reflecting improved tax revenue efficiency.
Prioritizing Capital Expenditure: The government is shifting its spending towards capital expenditure over routine revenue expenses, indicating a focus on long-term infrastructural investments.
Developmental Expenditure (DE): A broader approach to capital expenditure is proposed, with DE including allocations for health, education, and digitization, expected to be around 4.2% of GDP in FY25.
What does RBI research say about economic growth and fiscal consolidation?
Linking Fiscal Consolidation and Growth: The Reserve Bank of India’s research explores how fiscal consolidation can positively impact economic growth.
Redefinition of Capex: The paper suggests a broader approach to capital expenditure by considering developmental expenditure (DE), which includes spending on health, education, skilling, digitisation, and climate-risk mitigation.
Growth Impact of DE: A 1% increase in real DE is expected to produce a cumulative 5% rise in GDP over four years.
Employment and Productivity: Increasing employment by 5% in high labor productivity sectors, like chemicals, financial services, and transport, could add more than 1 percentage point to GDP growth between 2024 and 2031.
Digitisation and Energy Efficiency: The research highlights that digitisation and reduced energy intensity can enhance growth by improving labor and capital technology.
Balancing Short-term and Long-term Effects: The study acknowledges short-term pains, like a sharp rise in debt-GDP ratio, but emphasizes that long-run gains outweigh these costs.
Way forward
Moving forward, the government should continue focusing on developmental expenditure in areas like health, education, and digitisation. This approach, as RBI research shows, can lead to a significant GDP increase. Investing in high-productivity sectors and enhancing labor skills are essential for sustainable economic growth and long-term fiscal health.
Question for practice:
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Indian government’s approach to fiscal deficit reduction and increased developmental expenditure in fostering long-term economic growth, referencing the findings from the RBI research.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Pigeon Pea
Source-This post on Pigeon Pea is based on the article “New protocol can reduce breeding cycle of pigeonpea by 3-5 years, important for nutritional security in drylands” published in “DownToEarth” on 21st February 2024.
Why in the News?
According to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), a new fast-breeding method will make it easier for scientists to improve pigeonpea quality more quickly.
What is Pigeon Pea?
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Aspect | Details |
About | 1. It serves as a significant legume crop and a protein-rich food, mainly consumed as dal in India. 2. In India, it is alternatively known as arhar and tur. |
Cultivation | Primarily grown in tropical regions, it is predominantly cultivated in the semi-arid areas of India. |
Climate conditions | 1. Rain– It needs an annual rainfall of 600-650mm, along with moisture during the initial eight weeks and dry conditions during its flowering and pod development phase. 2. Temperature– It can be grown between 26°C to 30°C during the rainy season and 17°C to 22°C in the post-rainy season (November to March). 3. Soil– It can be grown in any soil type, but sandy loam or loam soil is best for its cultivation. Note– It is highly sensitive to low radiation during pod development, so flowering in the monsoon or cloudy weather results in weak pod formation. |
Intercropping | It is often grown alongside various crops. In India, around 80-90% of pigeonpea is intercropped. |
Concern | 1. Long growth cycle– Breeding efforts for Pigeonpea have been limited due to its long growth cycle and sensitivity to day length. Only around 250 varieties have been released worldwide in the past sixty years. 2. Disease– Key diseases of pigeon pea include wilt, sterility mosaic disease, phytophthora blight, alternaria blight, and powdery mildew, among others. |
Health Benefits | It possesses a low glycemic index and boasts abundant levels of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, folate, vitamin A, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. |
Major Pigeon Pea Producing States | Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Jharkhand |
What is the significance of the new method developed by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)?
1. The new convention promises to significantly reduce the time needed to cultivate new Pigeonpea varieties with desirable traits, ultimately expediting food delivery to dryland communities.
2. The new method speeds up breeding by managing factors like photoperiod, temperature, humidity, and breeding cycle, completing it in 2 to 4 years compared to the traditional 13-year process for Pigeonpea breeding.
UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy (Agriculture)
Solar Maximum
Source-This post on Solar Maximum has been created based on the article “See the sun’s surface rage as solar maximum approaches” published in “SPACE” on 22 February 2024.
Why in the news?
A new visualization from the European Space Agency (ESA) has recently shown the increase in activity on the sun’s surface as it approaches solar maximum this year.
About Solar Maximum
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1) The sun goes through a natural solar cycle approximately every 11 years. The cycle is marked by the increase and decrease of sunspots, which are visible as dark blemishes on the sun’s surface.
2) The greatest number of sunspots in any given solar cycle is designated as “solar maximum.” Solar maximum occurs roughly in the middle of each cycle.
3) As the sun approaches the solar maximum, more brilliant explosions, dark sunspots, loops of plasma, and swirls of super-hot gas are observed.
What is the impact of Solar Maximum?
1) The increased solar activity can cause extreme space weather events, including solar flares and eruptions.
2) It can also disrupt radio communications and the power grid and have serious health consequences for astronauts.
What are Sunspots?
Description– These are areas that appear dark on the surface of the Sun (photosphere). They appear dark because they are cooler than other parts of the Sun’s surface.
Size- These can be as large as 50,000 km in diameter.
Strength of magnetic field– These are relatively cool because they are formed at areas where magnetic fields are particularly strong. These magnetic fields are so strong that they keep some of the heat within the Sun from reaching the surface. The magnetic field in such areas is about 2,500 times stronger than Earth’s.
Region– These consist of a dark region called the ‘umbra’, which is surrounded by a lighter region called the ‘penumbra’.
Impact– These can cause disturbances such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
Read more about- Solar flares
UPSC Syllabus-Science & Technology.
Open Book Examination- CBSE Plan
Source-This post on Open Book Examination- CBSE Plan has been created based on the article “CBSE’s open book exam plan: What is it, why now, how it can impact students” published in “The Indian Express” on 23 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recently proposed a pilot study to check the feasibility of open book exams for Classes 9 to 12.
Where will the pilot study be held?
The pilot will be held in select schools in November-December for subjects like English, Mathematics and Science for Classes 9 and 10, and English, Mathematics and Biology for Classes 11 and 12.
What is an open book examination?
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This is an examination pattern where students are allowed to refer to their books and notes to answer questions. The CBSE has proposed this form of assessment based on the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) released last year.
What are the types of open book examination?
There are 2 types of open book examination.
1) Restricted open book assessment– Students are allowed to refer only the study material approved by the exam-conducting authority.
2) Free type open book assessment – Students are allowed to bring any material of their choice.
Is this a new concept for Indian students?
Open-book exams are not a new idea. For ex- In 2014, CBSE had introduced an Open Text Based Assessment (OBTA). Further, in 2019, the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) allowed open book exams in engineering colleges.
What is the need to introduce open book examination?
1) It ensures transitions from rote memorisation to competency-based learning.
2) NCF SC (National Curriculum Framework for School Education) has also recommended that there is a need for change in assessments process.
What are advantages of open book examination?
1) It can help in cultivating “critical abilities” among students.
2) They have the benefit of being less stressful.
3) It can accommodate different learning styles of students, provide constructive feedback, and support learning outcomes.
What are the disadvantages of open book examination?
1) There are issues related to network connectivity.
2) As per the study conducted by Nirma University, the universities do not focus on developing the skills required for a student to crack an Open Book Examination.
Read more about- New Education Policy
UPSC Syllabus- Schemes & programmes.
Laser cooling of Positronium at CERN
Source– This post on Laser cooling of Positronium at CERN has been created based on the article “In a first, CERN scientists carry out laser cooling of Positronium” published in “The Indian Express” on 23 February 2024.
Why in the news?
An international team of physicists from the Anti-hydrogen Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, Spectroscopy (AEgIS) collaboration has recently achieved a breakthrough by demonstrating the laser cooling of Positronium.
About Positronium
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Aspect | Details |
Description | It is a fundamental atomic system that comprises a bound electron (e-) and positron (e+). |
Properties | Mass-Its mass is twice the electron mass and enjoys the unique distinction of being a pure leptonic atom. Half life-Due to its very short life, it annihilates with a half life of 142 nano-seconds. |
Significance | This hydrogen-like system, with halved frequencies for excitation, makes it useful for attempting laser cooling. This can help in performing tests of fundamental theories in physics. |
What is AEgIS experiment?
Antihydrogen Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, Spectroscopy (AEgIS) is the direct measurement of the Earth’s gravitational acceleration on antihydrogen.
AEgIS is a collaboration of physicists from a number of countries in Europe and from India. This team has achieved a breakthrough by demonstrating the laser cooling of Positronium.
How was laser cooling of Positronium achieved?
Experimentalists achieved laser cooling of Positronium atoms initially from ~380 Kelvin to ~170 Kelvin, and demonstrated the cooling in one dimension using a 70-nanosecond pulse of the alexandrite-based laser system.
The lasers deployed were either in the deep ultraviolet or in the infrared frequency bands
What is the significance of laser cooling of Positronium?
1) Measurement of Earth’s gravitational acceleration– This is an important precursor experiment to the formation of anti-Hydrogen and the measurement of Earth’s gravitational acceleration on antihydrogen in the AEgIS experiment.
2) Gamma-ray laser– It could open prospects to produce a gamma-ray laser that would eventually allow researchers to look inside the atomic nucleus and have applications beyond physics.
3) Quantum Electrodynamics (QED)– It will pave the way for performing spectroscopic comparisons required for the Quantum Electrodynamics (QED), the study of the light and its interaction with charged matter.
4) Bose–Einstein condensate– It allows the production of a positronium Bose–Einstein condensate, in which all constituents occupy the same quantum state. It can be an incredible tool for both fundamental and applied research.
Read more about –CERN
UPSC Syllabus-Science & Technology.
Kiru Hydel Project
Source– This post on Kiru Hydel Project has been created based on the article “CBI raids places linked to Satya Pal Malik: What is the Kiru Hydel Project, focus of corruption allegations?” published in “The Indian Express” on 23 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recently conducted raids at 30 locations at three places linked to former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik.
About Kiru Hydel Project
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Aspect | Details |
Location | It is being developed over the Chenab River in Kishtwar district, Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). |
Capacity | It is a 624MW run-of-river project. |
Developed by | The project is being developed by Chenab Valley Power Projects (CVPP). It is a joint venture between National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC, 49%), Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC, 49%) and Power Trading Corporation (PTC, 2%). |
Beneficiary states | J&K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Rajasthan, Union territories of Chandigarh & Delhi. |
Key features of project | 1) Type of dam-It is a 135m-high concrete gravity dam near Kiru. 2) Catchment area-The project will have a catchment area of 10,225km², while the reservoir will be 6.5km-long and 1.03km² in area. 3) Diversion tunnel-It will have one 700m-long horse-shoe shaped diversion tunnel with two openings to divert the flow of the river to enable the dam construction. |
What is run-of-river project?
They are hydroelectric systems that harvest the energy from flowing water to generate electricity in the absence of a large dam and reservoir.
Read more about-Ratle Hydel Project
UPSC Syllabus-Geography in news.
Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana
Source-This post on Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana is based on the article “Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates the Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana under Skill India Mission, empowering PM Svanidhi Beneficiaries” published in “PIB” on 21st February 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, the Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship launched the Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana in Sambalpur, Odisha.
What is Rashtriya Udyamita Vikas Pariyojana?
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1. About– Designed for PM SVANidhi scheme beneficiaries, this unique National Entrepreneurship Development Project under Skill India Mission reflects the government’s commitment to fostering job creation across the nation.
2. Objective:
a. Its goal is to provide individuals with comprehensive entrepreneurship training, creating job providers instead of job seekers.
b. This initiative emphasizes the reskilling and upskilling of employees to boost their competitiveness and adaptability in an age of disruptive technology.
4. Training:
a. It will provide extensive entrepreneurship training for 22 weeks, integrating theoretical understanding with practical experience through hands-on learning.
b. The training will be delivered via offline, online, and hybrid methods. The certificates granted upon completion to enhance the course’s credibility and significance.
5. Collaboration– The Government of India has collaborated with Flipkart to provide training to street vendors and small shopkeepers.
6. Pilot phase– In the pilot program, street vendors from 10 major cities across the country will receive both training and a stipend to help expand their businesses.
Note– In the pilot phase, the project focuses on ensuring 40% participation by women.
What is PM SVANidhi Scheme?
Launched in: 2020
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)
Type: Central Sector Scheme
Purpose: It is a micro credit scheme for urban street vendors that aims to provide collateral-free working capital loans up to ₹50,000.
Read more– PM SVANidhi Scheme |
UPSC Syllabus- Schemes & programmes
Green Anaconda
Source-This post on Green Anaconda is based on the article “Scientists find the world’s biggest snake yet, a new species of green anaconda” published in “The Hindu” on 20th February 2024.
Why in the News?
A National Geographic expedition in the Amazon led to the reclassification of Green Anaconda into two genetically distinct species: the southern green anaconda and the newly-discovered northern green anaconda (Eunectes akayima).
About Green Anaconda
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Aspect | Details |
About | 1. It is the world’s biggest snake when you consider both weight and length. 2. It can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) long and weigh as much as 227 kilograms. |
Types | Southern green anaconda and the northern green anaconda |
Distribution | 1. The northern green anaconda resides in countries like Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana. 2. The southern green anaconda can be found in regions such as Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil. |
Habitat | They usually inhabit tropical rainforests and prefer shallow, slow-moving waters like streams, rivers, and flooded grasslands. |
Conservation Status | IUCN: Least Concern |
Characteristics | 1. The green anaconda belongs to a group of snakes known as constrictors, which aren’t venomous. 2. Instead of using venom, constrictors wrap around their prey and squeeze until it stops breathing. Then, they open their mouths wide to swallow their prey whole. 3. They are well-suited for aquatic life with their nose and eyes positioned on the top of their heads, aiding in seeing and breathing while swimming. 4. Typically, females are larger than males. |
UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in news)
Rani Chennamma
Source-This post on Rani Chennamma is based on the article “How Rani Chennamma’s revolt against the British inspired a national campaign for women’s rights” published in “The Indian Express” on 20th February 2024.
Why in the News?
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Rani Chennamma’s rebellion against the British, various social groups across the country are organizing a national campaign called “Naanoo Rani Chennamma” (I am Rani Chennamma too).
The campaign aims to empower women to oppose patriarchal, anti-democratic, and casteist forces in the country, inspired by Rani Chennamma’s legacy of bravery and defiance.
About Rani Chennamma
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1. About:
a. Rani Chennamma was an Indian freedom fighter and Rani of the Kittur, a former princely state in Karnataka.
b. She led the Kittur revolt of 1824, which stands as one of the earliest woman-led anti-colonial struggles against British rule in India.
2. Birth– She was born on October 23, 1778, in Kagati, a small village in Belagavi district of Karnataka.
3. Marriage– She married Raja Mallasarja of Kittur at 15 and played a crucial role in defending her kingdom after his death.
4. Struggle against the British:
a. She initiated a rebellion against the British in 1824 after they declined to acknowledge her adopted son as the successor according to the ‘doctrine of lapse‘.
b. Although she was initially successful, the British captured Kittur Fort in their third attempt in December 1824, resulting in Rani Chennamma’s imprisonment and eventual death in 1829.
5. Significance– Her brave resistance to colonial oppression has made her a symbol in Karnataka’s political imagination and an important figure in Indian history.
What is Doctrine of Lapse?
1. The doctrine of lapse was an annexation policy applied by the British East India Company in India until 1859.
2. Under the doctrine, the ruler of an independent state died childless, the right of ruling the State reverted or ‘lapsed’ to the sovereign.
3. The policy is most commonly associated with Lord Dalhousie who was the Governor General of the East India Company in India between 1848 and 1856.
4. However, it was not solely his invention. The East India Company had annexed Kittur in 1824, Mandvi in 1839, Kolaba and Jalaun in 1840 and Surat in 1842 by imposing a ‘doctrine of lapse’.
Additional Facts: About Kittur Utsav: a. Kittur Utsav is a three-day festival which celebrates the Queen Rani Chennamma’s victory over East India’s company in 1824. b. The festival organizes sports, cultural programmes and lectures by resource persons on the kingdom of Rani Channamma. |
UPSC Syllabus- History and Art & Culture/Personalities in news