9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 25th July, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Urban Transformation in India
Source-This post on Urban Transformation in India has been created based on the article “An outlining of urban transformation strategies” published in “The Hindu” on 25 July 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-1- Urbanization, their problems and their remedies.
Context- About 50 crore people, or 36% of India’s population, live in cities, with urbanization growing at 2% to 2.5% annually. The Budget stresses continuous investment in urban areas, identifying them as key growth centers. It offers substantial financial allocations and opportunities to foster planned development and city growth.
What initiatives are announced in the budget to ensure sustainable urbanization?
1) The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) -It proposes to construct another one crore housing units in urban areas with an investment of ₹10 lakh crore. Which include substantial central assistance and interest subsidies for affordable loans.
2) Industrial Workers– It introduces rental housing projects with dormitory-style accommodation for industrial workers. These projects will be developed through public-private partnerships (PPP) with financial backing, including Viability Gap Funding (VGF) from both central and state governments.
3) The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)- It allocates ₹8,000 crore for essential infrastructure such as water supply, sanitation, roads, and sewerage systems. It also promotes PPP models for infrastructure development with VGF support.
4) Capex-It allocates ₹11.11 lakh crore for infrastructure capital expenditure, which includes highways and urban infrastructure. It also offers states an interest-free loan of ₹1.50 lakh crore for infrastructure development.
5) National Urban Digital Mission (NUDM)- It introduces the NUDM with ₹1,150 crore for digitizing property and tax records using GIS mapping. This aims to enhance financial management for urban local bodies and property owners.
6) Weekly Haats- The Budget suggests creating 100 weekly street food hubs in some cities. States are urged to assist all cities in planning and setting up these hubs to meet local demands.
Read More- Street Vendors Act
7) Solid Waste Management-It is a major challenge for cities. The Budget plans to introduce bankable SWM projects with state governments and financial institutions. States and municipalities can use VGF for this. Cities like Indore have made SWM financially viable.
How is city planning being addressed in the Budget?
1) Prioritization and Funding -It prioritizes planned city development, allocating ₹25,653 crore as normal Financial Commission grants to municipalities. It also sets aside ₹500 crore for incubating new cities.
2) Mobility and Economic Planning -It focuses on creating effective mobility plans to connect cities with peri-urban and new areas. This will enhance economic and transit planning through orderly town planning schemes.
3) Promotion of Electric Bus Systems– ₹1,300 crore is allocated to promote electric bus systems in cities, offering cost-effective and eco-friendly operations despite higher initial costs.
Way ahead– Cities, led by municipalities and supported by state governments, must demonstrate vision and determination to utilize resources effectively, including those from the Union Budget and their own revenues.
Question for practice
What measures are introduced in the budget to promote sustainable urban development? How is urban planning addressed in the Budget?
GS PAPER - 2
India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act
Source-This post on India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act has been created based on the article “Businesses should adapt quickly to India’s privacy law” published in “Live Mint” on 25 July 2024.
UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-2– Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.
Context-The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDP Act) of 2023 is set to revolutionize how businesses handle personal data in India. This new legislation has raised concerns among sales teams and organizations about their traditional marketing and data collection practices.
Companies mostly gather large datasets of personal information to generate sales leads. Call centers then use this data to contact potential customers, leading to frequent interruptions from unsolicited sales calls and online ads. This data acquisition process sometimes raises ethical concerns.
What are the Key Provisions of the DPDP Act?
1) Legitimate Grounds for Data Processing -Personal data must have a valid reason for processing, usually obtained through consent. This consent must be specific to the intended use of the data. Sharing or repurposing data without explicit consent is not allowed.
2) Rights of Data Principals– Individuals have the right to access information about how their personal data is being processed. They can also inquire about sharing their data sets with others.
c) Obligations of Data Fiduciaries– Organizations must track all purposes for which personal data is used. They must show that they have obtained consent for any data transfers.
d) Penalties: Each breach of the DPDP Act can result in penalties up to ₹250 crore.
A detailed article on Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 can be read here.
What will be the impact of this Act on Business Operations?
a) Sales and Marketing-
A) Traditional “spray-and-pray” marketing approaches may become unsustainable.
B) Businesses selling datasets of personal information will likely shut down.
C) Storing pre-existing data without legitimate grounds becomes a violation.
b) Customer Verification Processes- Updating KYC with alternate phone numbers can raise compliance issues. Businesses will have to redesign processes to avoid unnecessary collection of personal data.
What should be the Way ahead?
A) Organizations need to revise their operations to ensure compliance.
B) Alternative marketing strategies that respect data privacy must be developed.
Question for practice
What are the Key Provisions of the DPDP Act? What will be the impact of this Act on Business Operations?
GS PAPER - 3
Household sector savings are crucial for financing corporate investment
Source: The post household sector savings are crucial for financing corporate investment has been created, based on the article “The worrying trend in household savings” published in “Business Standard” on 25th July 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Economy-mobilisation of resources
Context: The article discusses how household sector savings are crucial for financing corporate investment. It highlights that net financial savings of households have declined, which may constrain corporate investments. It also mentions the need for government support through fiscal consolidation.
For detailed information on Issue with Indian household savings read this article here
What is the Status of Saving in India?
- Household Savings: Household savings are essential for funding corporate investments. These savings have declined from 7.3% of GDP in 2021-22 to 5.2% in 2022-23, which is the lowest rate in the last five decades.
- Corporate Sector: The private corporate sector’s savings rate has improved to 10.1% of GDP in the last eight years. However, this is still not enough for their investment needs.
- Government Efforts: The government has reduced its fiscal deficit from 13.1% of GDP in 2020-21 to 8.6% in 2023-24, aiming for further reductions to 4.5% by 2025-26. This fiscal consolidation helps free up resources for corporate investment.
Is Rising Household Indebtedness a Concern?
- Concerns about rising household indebtedness are largely misplaced.
- At least 25% of financial liabilities in 2022-23 were for investment purposes like housing and education loans.
- In March 2023, households’ financial assets were 2.7 times their liabilities, indicating a healthy balance sheet.
- The debt servicing burden of Indian households declined from 6.9% in March 2021 to 6.7% in March 2023, one of the lowest in the world.
What are the Concerns Related to the Finances of Households?
- Increased Financial Liabilities: Liabilities rose from 3.8% to 5.7% of GDP, reducing net savings.
- Rising Personal Loans: Personal loans from banks grew by 28% in 2023-24, after a 21% rise in 2022-23.
- Debt Servicing Burden: Though lower than before, debt servicing still impacts future savings.
- Volatile Physical Savings: Savings in physical assets have been unpredictable, peaking at 70% of gross savings in 2022-23.
Question for practice:
Discuss how the decline in household savings and the rise in household indebtedness impact corporate investments in India.
Changes in India’s tax regime for capital gains
Source: The post changes in India’s tax regime for capital gains has been created, based on the article “Capital gains: Why deny an inflation adjustment?” published in “Live Mints” on 25th July 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Economy-mobilisation of resources
Context: The article discusses changes in India’s tax regime for capital gains. It explains that both short- and long-term capital gains tax rates have increased. The removal of indexation benefits for non-financial assets like property is criticized, suggesting it could lead to unfair taxation.
For detailed information on Issues with India’s capital gains tax regime read this article here
What Changes Were Made to India’s Tax Regime?
- Short-Term Capital Gains Tax: If an investor sells shares within a year, they now pay 20% tax instead of 15%.
- Long-Term Capital Gains Tax: Selling shares held for more than a year now incurs a 12.5% tax, up from 10%.
- Removal of Indexation Benefits: For non-financial assets like property, except those acquired before 2001.
- Tax Rate Uniformity: Aimed to simplify recall of tax rules across different asset classes.
- Impact on Inflation Adjustment: Ignoring inflation’s compounding effect could lead to higher tax liabilities. Without indexation, a property’s real value increase is not considered, leading to a higher tax bill.
What Are the Arguments for and Against the Changes?
Arguments For:
- The tax hikes align with progressive taxation, targeting those who can afford to pay more.
- Asset values have risen significantly, justifying higher taxes.
- Reducing speculation in real estate could increase housing supply. For example, investors might shift from property to equities, addressing actual housing needs.
Arguments Against:
- Removal of indexation for properties bought after 2001 is seen as unfair.
- Indexation helps offset inflation, reflecting the real gain from asset sales. For example, a house bought for ₹1 crore 20 years ago, considering 6.5% average annual inflation, is now worth much less. Without indexation, tax bills become unreasonably high.
- The policy change contradicts the expectation of stable tax rules.
- Could lead to increased cash deals and black money usage.
- Complicated tax avoidance strategies, like reinvesting in a transit house, reflect poorly on the tax system.
What Should be Done?
- Reintroduce indexation benefits for all non-financial assets, not just for properties bought before 2001.
- Address the issue of speculative investments in real estate through other measures.
- Ensure tax policies are stable to maintain trust among investors.
- Promote evenly applied levies within asset classes to adhere to the cardinal principle of taxation.
Question for practice:
Examine the arguments for and against the recent changes in India’s tax regime for capital gains, including the impact of removing indexation benefits for non-financial assets.
India’s Economic Survey criticize international climate change framework
Source: The post India’s Economic Survey criticize international climate change framework has been created, based on the article “Why Economic Survey argues for climate adaptation, not mitigation” published in “Indian Express” on 25th July 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Environment- conservation
Context: The article critiques the international climate change framework for its ineffectiveness and inequities. It discusses India’s Economic Survey, which calls for focusing on adaptation and resilience rather than just mitigation. The article also criticizes developed countries for failing to meet emission targets and contributing to global inequities.
For detailed information on Just Transition Framework read this article here
Why is the Current Climate Framework Criticized?
- Targets Not Met: The international framework has failed to achieve its climate targets. For instance, no targets set under this system have ever been met.
- Unfair Pressure on Developing Nations: The focus on achieving the 1.5-degree Celsius target imposes undue pressure on developing countries. This pressure diverts resources from improving people’s lives in these nations.
- Developed Countries’ Failures: Developed countries, especially the U.S., have not met emission reduction goals. In 2019, U.S. emissions were 6% higher than in 1990, and developed countries have not fulfilled their financial or technological commitments to developing nations.
- Inequitable International System:
- a) The system often perpetuates the dominance of the rich countries, as seen when the Kyoto Protocol was replaced by the Paris Agreement.
- b) Scientific models used by the IPCC are criticized for disregarding historical responsibilities and future needs of developing nations.
What Alternatives Does the Economic Survey Propose?
- The Economic Survey advocates for focusing on adaptation alongside mitigation. It suggests that since the 1.5-degree target will likely be breached, improving resilience and overall well-being is crucial.
- It proposes incorporating lifestyle and behavioral changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- The Survey argues that adaptation should receive equal importance as mitigation because climate impacts are already unfolding.
- It challenges the notion that achieving the 1.5-degree target at all costs is necessary, suggesting a warmer world could be more equitable and resilient.
- The Survey also calls for a shift in India’s energy transition strategy, emphasizing rapid development and adaptation over strict adherence to temperature targets.
How Is India Addressing Climate Change?
- India’s Economic Survey emphasizes improving climate resilience in infrastructure projects.
- The Central Vista redevelopment is a significant project, but it remains uncertain if it will be a leading model for climate-friendly buildings.
- The Smart City plans, started nine years ago, include climate-proofing elements, but many cities are still struggling with sewage management.
- New railway stations being built are expected to be better than existing ones but may not be the most climate-friendly.
- India promotes Mission Life, focusing on lifestyle and behavioral changes, but it has not yet become a mass movement.
- The Survey suggests that current efforts, like these, are not sufficiently fast or comprehensive in addressing climate change.
Question for practice:
Examine how the Economic Survey proposes to address the challenges posed by the current international climate framework.
Split verdict by the Supreme Court on the Genetically Modified (GM) mustard
Source: The post split verdict by the Supreme Court on the Genetically Modified (GM) mustard has been created, based on the article “Why SC couldn’t agree on environmental release of GM mustard” published in “Indian Express” on 25th July 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 -Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
Context: The article discusses a split verdict by the Supreme Court on allowing the environmental release of the Genetically Modified (GM) mustard variety DMH (Dhara Mustard Hybrid)-11. The judges disagreed on the GEAC’s approval process. They directed the government to create a national policy on GM crops, involving experts and stakeholders.
For detailed information on Transgenic Crops in India read this article here
What is the History of GM Mustard?
2015: Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) sought GEAC’s approval for GM mustard.
2016: GEAC published a report and invited comments.
2017: GEAC recommended the environmental release of GM mustard.
2018: Ministry of Environment asked GEAC to re-examine the proposal.
2022: CGMCP urged the Minister for Environment to accept GEAC’s recommendation, and the Centre approved the proposal in October.
Environmentalist challenged the decision: Environmentalist and the research and advocacy organisation Gene Campaign challenged the decision to approve the environmental release of GM mustard before the Supreme Court.
2024: On July 23, a two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on the environmental release of Genetically Modified (GM) mustard.
For detailed information on All About Commercialization of GM Mustard read this article here
What Did Justices B V Nagarathna and Sanjay Karol Disagree On?
Justices B V Nagarathna:
- She argued that the GEAC did not conduct required field tests and ignored the precautionary principle, thus violating public trust.
- She highlighted that no long-term studies on the effects of GM mustard were conducted, which she saw as a failure to ensure environmental safety.
Justices Sanjay Karol:
- He believed the GEAC’s process was thorough and supported scientific development.
- He argued that field tests are necessary to assess the crop’s impact on health and biodiversity.
- He also noted that other government departments recommended the release of GM mustard and that honeybees did not avoid GM crops like genetically engineered canola.
Question for practice:
Discuss the main points of disagreement between Justices B V Nagarathna and Sanjay Karol regarding the environmental release of GM mustard.
Critical mineral strategy
Source-This post on Critical mineral strategy has been created based on the article “Critical mineral strategy: Boost for EV sector but experts flag policy gaps” published in “Business Standard” on 25 July 2024.
UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3– Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Context– The Ministry of Mines has auctioned more than 50 critical mineral blocks across four rounds. But there has been limited participation from mining firms due to the absence of a processing and refining industry.
The Indian government has taken significant steps in the recent Budget to position India as a key manufacturing hub for advanced technologies, particularly in the electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage sectors.
Critical minerals like lithium, chromium, nickel etc. and rare earth elements are important for industries such as electronics, electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, defense, and high-tech telecommunications. The increasing sales of EVs are driving higher demand for batteries, which has been steadily rising in recent years.
What are the Key Budget Announcements?
1) Customs Duty Removal- Customs duties on 25 critical minerals, such as lithium, nickel, copper, and cobalt, have been removed to enhance domestic manufacturing of advanced technologies like electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems.
Read More- Lithium Reserves in India
2) Concessional Customs Duty Extension -The concessional customs duty of 5% on lithium-ion cells has been extended until March 2026.
3) Critical Mineral Mission (CMM)-This has been launched to promote domestic production and recycling of critical minerals.
What has been the reaction and expectations of Indian Industry?
1) Long-term Benefits- Industry executives view these measures as positive for the ‘Make in India’ initiative. Benefits will materialize in the long term.
2) Short-term Concerns– There are no additional incentives to support the EV ecosystem and encourage its greater adoption.
3) Impact on Vehicle Costs: -In the short term, removing duties on raw materials alone won’t help the sector because it still imports cells.
4) Policy Inconsistency: – There was absence of FAME-III policy and special EV incentives in the Budget. As per experts, there should have been continuity of FAME policy to realize the government’s vision for the electric vehicle sector.
5) Need for Domestic Processing: There is a necessity of developing domestic critical mineral processing and refining capabilities under CMM.
Question for practice
What are the main budgetary announcements? What are the reaction and expectations of the Indian industry?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Climate Finance Taxonomy
Source- This post on the Climate Finance Taxonomy has been created based on the article “What is a climate finance taxonomy, announced by FM Sitharaman?” published in “Indian Express” on 25 July 2024.
Why in the news?
The Union Budget for 2024-25 included an announcement by the finance minister about developing a ‘climate finance taxonomy’ in India.
About Climate Finance Taxonomy:
1. About: It is a system that classifies which parts of the economy can be marketed as sustainable investments.
2. Purpose: To guides investors and banks in channeling funds toward impactful investments to combat climate change.
3. Uses: To sets standards for climate-related financial instruments (like green bonds) and serves in climate risk management, net-zero transition planning, and climate disclosure.
4. Global Examples: Countries like South Africa, Colombia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union have developed their own taxonomies.
5. Significance:
i) Net-Zero Economy: It helps countries transition to a net-zero economy, balancing the production and removal of greenhouse gases (GHG).
ii) Alignment with Science: It ensures economic activities align with credible, science-based transition pathways.
iii) Climate Capital Deployment: It encourages the flow of funds toward climate adaptation and mitigation.
iv) Greenwashing Prevention: It reduces the risk of misleading claims about environmental benefits (greenwashing).
v) Capital Availability: It increases capital for climate initiatives, aiding India in meeting its climate commitments and green transition goals.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Temples
Source- This post on the Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Temples has been created based on the article “Bihar’s Vishnupad and Mahabodhi temples, for which corridor projects were announced” published in “The Hindu” on 25 July 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, the finance minister announced during her Union Budget speech that corridor projects will be built for the Vishnupad Temple in Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, both located in Bihar.
About Vishnupad Temple
1. Location: The Vishnupad Temple is situated in Bihar, on the banks of the Falgu River. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
2. The temple was built in 1787 on the orders of Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Ahmadnagar.
3. Architecturally, the temple is around 100 feet tall and has 44 pillars.
4. Cultural Significance: Devotees visit the temple during Pitra Paksh, a period in the Hindu calendar when people take part in rituals to remember their ancestors.
About Mahabodhi Temple
1. Location: The Mahabodhi Temple is located in Bodh Gaya, central Bihar, on the banks of the Niranjana River.
2. Historical Background:
i) The temple stands to the east of the Mahabodhi Tree, where Gautam Buddha is believed to have attained nirvana.
ii) The Mahabodhi Temple Complex was first built by Emperor Asoka in the 3rd century B.C. The present temple dates back to the 5th–6th centuries.
3. Architecture:
i) The temple has a unique shape and a height of 170 feet.
ii) It is one of the earliest Buddhist temples built entirely in brick from the late Gupta period.
iii) This temple is considered to have had significant influence on the development of brick architecture over the centuries.
4. The Mahabodhi Temple was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.
UPSC Syllabus: Art and architecture
Angel Tax
Source- This post on the Angel Tax has been created based on the article “ANGEL TAX’ ABOLISHED FOR ALL CLASSES OF INVESTORS” published in “PIB” on 25 July 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, the Union Minister for Finance proposed to abolish the ‘angel tax’ for all classes of investors while presenting the Union Budget 2024-25 in Parliament.
About Angel Tax
1. Angel tax was levied on the capital raised via the issue of shares by unlisted companies from an Indian investor if the share price of issued shares exceeded the fair market value of the company.
2. The excess funds raised at prices above fair value were treated as income, on which tax was levied.
3. The tax derives its genesis from section 56(2) (viib) of the Income Tax Act, 1961. It was first introduced in 2012 to prevent black money laundering through share sales.
4. It was levied at a rate of 30.9% on net investments in excess of the fair market value.
5. Exemptions for Startups (Announced in 2019)
i) Eligible Startups: Startups should be recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) as eligible startups.
ii) Capital Limit: The aggregate amount of paid-up share capital and share premium of the startup cannot be more than ₹25 crores. This amount does not include money raised from Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Venture Capital Firms, and specified companies.
6. Angel Investors: For angel investors, the amount of investment that exceeds the fair market value could be claimed for a 100% tax exemption. The investor must have a net worth of ₹2 crores or an income of more than ₹25 lakh in the past 3 fiscal years.
UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy
Lab-Grown Meat
Source- This post on the Lab-Grown Meat has been created based on the article “In Singapore, customers can now buy meat grown in a lab” published in “Indian Express” on 25 July 2024.
Why in the news?
Singapore is currently the only country in the world where lab-grown meat is available for purchase.
What is Lab-Grown Meat?
1. About: Lab-grown meat, also known as cultivated meat, is produced by growing animal cells in a lab rather than raising and slaughtering animals.
2. Advantages: It requires less land and water. It can lower greenhouse gas emissions. It can also reduce the need for traditional livestock farming.
3. Challenges: Its productivity cost is high. There is difficulty in scaling up.
How is Lab-Grown Meat Cultivated?
1. Cell Collection: Animal cells, such as muscle cells, are collected from a live animal.
2. Cell Culturing: These cells are placed in a nutrient-rich culture medium. The medium contains essential nutrients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
3.Bioreactors: Cells are grown in bioreactors, which are large vessels that provide a controlled environment for cell growth. Bioreactors can range from small lab-scale sizes to large industrial-scale units.
4. Tissue Formation: Cells multiply and form muscle tissue. Techniques like scaffolding and tissue engineering help cells grow into structured meat products.
5. Harvesting: The cultivated meat is harvested from the bioreactors. It is then processed into various meat products like burgers, chicken nuggets, or minced meat.
6. International Trends: Countries like the U.S., Israel, Australia, and China are also exploring lab-grown meat. Investments in the industry have fluctuated, with a significant drop in global funding recently.
7. Future Prospects: The industry aims to reach cost parity with conventional meat by 2030.
– Potential market value of about $25 billion by 2030.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
National Cooperative Policy
Source-This post on National Cooperative Policy has been created based on the article “Budget 2024: Government to introduce a national cooperation policy for the cooperative sector to boost rural economy” published in “Mint” on 24 July 2024.
Why in the news?
The Centre will introduce a national cooperation policy to systematically and comprehensively develop the cooperative sector.
About National Cooperative Policy
Background-A 48-member committee, led by Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, was set up to develop the New National Cooperation Policy. The committee has drafted the policy report, which is now being finalized.
Objective-To promote a cooperative-based economic development model where technology, skills and education work together.
Recommendation of Committee-
A) A national innovation fund be set up to encourage entrepreneurship in agricultural credit societies to strengthen rural economy.
B) There is a need to strengthen cooperative credit systems and financing, build infrastructure and technology, promote quality education, training, and research, and establish effective governance and networks
Significance –
A) It will help in realising the vision of ‘Sahakar se Samriddhi’, promoting a cooperative-based economic development model.
B) It will bolster the cooperative movement in the country and deepen its reach in the grassroots.
What are the steps taken by the government recently to boost cooperative sector?
1) The Ministry of Cooperation is collaborating with State Governments with the spirit of cooperative federalism to promote the cooperative sector’s development nationwide.
2) The Ministry has urged NABARD(National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) to devise a scheme/action plan to establish new District Central Cooperative Banks (DCCBs) in districts without coverage.
3)The government approved a plan to set up new multipurpose PACS or primary dairy/fishery cooperative societies in all uncovered Panchayats/villages over the next five years. This initiative will integrate multiple Government of India schemes such as DIDF, NPDD, PMMSY, and FIDF.
Read More-Ministry of Cooperation
UPSC Syllabus-Governance
Discovery of traces of water in lunar soil by Chang’e-5 mission
Source- This post on the Discovery of traces of water in lunar soil by Chang’e-5 mission has been created based on the article “Chinese scientists find traces of water in lunar soil brought by Chang’e-5 mission” published in “Indian Express” on 25 July 2024.
Why in the news?
Chinese scientists have discovered water molecules in lunar soil samples brought back by the Chang’e-5 mission.
About the Discovery
1. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and other institutions found a hydrated mineral in the lunar soil.
2. This mineral, containing molecular water, was isolated and identified as a plate-like transparent crystal named “unknown lunar mineral” (ULM-1). The study ruled out contamination from Earth or rocket exhaust.
Background
1. The Chang’e-5 mission is China’s first lunar sample-return mission which collected lunar soil in 2020.
2. Previous missions, including India’s Chandrayaan-1 in 2009 was detected signs of water in the form of hydrated minerals.
Significance
1. The discovery adds to the understanding of water on the Moon, initially detected by NASA in 2020 in the Clavius crater.
2. Previous studies lacked samples from high latitude and polar regions, leaving the origin and chemical form of lunar hydrogen undetermined.
Future Research
1. Chinese scientists isolated over 1,000 mineral clasts, suggesting more water-bearing minerals could be found.
2. The Chang’e-6 mission, which returned to Earth with 2kg of lunar material from the Moon’s far side, is expected to provide more insights.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
‘Triput’ class advance frigates
Source- This post on the ‘Triput’ class advance frigates has been created based on the article “Two Russian stealth frigates for Indian Navy launched” published in “The Hindu” on 25 July 2024.
Why in the news?
Recently, the first of two advanced frigates being built by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for the Indian Navy was launched at GSL, Goa.
About ‘Triput’ class advance frigates
1. The frigate is named Triput, symbolising the Indian Navy’s strength and ability to strike effectively.
2. The contract for constructing two Triput class advance frigates was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Goa Shipyard Limited on January 25, 2019.
Features
1. The Triput class frigates follow the Teg and Talwar class ships acquired from Russia. This marks the first indigenous construction of frigates by an Indian shipyard.
2. Triput class ships are designed for combat against enemy surface ships, submarines, and aircraft.
3. They measure 124.8 meters in length, 15.2 meters in width, with a draught of 4.5 meters.
4. These frigates have a displacement of approximately 3600 tons and can reach a maximum speed of 28 knots.
5. They are equipped with advanced stealth features, weapon systems, sensors, and platform management systems.
6. A significant portion of the equipment fit, including weapons and sensors, is of indigenous origin, supporting India’s ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
7. This initiative aims to boost defence production within India, creating jobs and enhancing the country’s capabilities in defence manufacturing.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
Project Cheetah- Next Phase in Gujarat
Source- This post on the Project Cheetah- Next Phase in Gujarat has been created based on the article “Grasslands in Kutch likely to host cheetahs from Africa” published in “The Hindu” on 24 July 2024.
Why in the news?
As per the environment ministry, Grasslands in Kutch may become home to cheetahs from Africa.
Next Phase of Project Cheetah in Gujarat
1. Some of the cheetahs being brought from Africa for the next phase of Project Cheetah might be sent to a new cheetah-breeding and conservation center in Banni, Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
3. Compared to Kuno and Gandhi Sagar, Banni offers more space but currently lacks sufficient prey to support a viable cheetah population.
4. The Gujarat government is actively working to set up suitable enclosures in Banni to facilitate cheetah breeding.
5. Challenges: One significant challenge in Banni is the insufficient number of prey animals, such as chinkara and blackbuck, which are essential for the cheetahs.
About Banni Grassland
1. Location: The Banni Grassland is located along the northern border of the Kachchh district in the state of Gujarat, India.
2. Size: With an area of over 2,500 square kilometers, the Banni Grassland is one of the largest grasslands in the Indian subcontinent.
3. Environmental Factors: Several factors have shaped the Banni Grassland over time, including the damming of rivers, the introduction and spread of the invasive Prosopis juliflora tree, and the varying composition and density of livestock that have grazed these grasslands for many centuries.
4. Population: The Banni Grassland is home to 22 ethnic groups, most of whom are pastoralists, living across 48 settlements in 19 Panchayats, with a population of close to 40,000 people.
5. Protected Areas: The Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning an area of 380 square kilometers, and the recently notified 227 square kilometer Chhari Dhand Conservation Reserve are part of the Banni Grasslands.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
ICMR’s New TB Detection System
Source- This post on the ICMR’s New TB Detection System has been created based on the article “ICMR ready to transfer technology of a ‘breakthrough’ TB detection system” published in “The Hindu” on 25 July 2024.
Why in the news?
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is working to spread a new, affordable, fast, and easy-to-use TB detection technology. This initiative aims to transfer the technology to organizations, companies, and manufacturers for commercial use.
ICMR’s New TB Detection System
1. The CRISPR Cas-based TB detection system, developed by the ICMR Regional Medical Research Centre in Dibrugarh, is considered the world’s cheapest TB testing system.
2. Purpose: It detects the TB bacterium using DNA from saliva, can identify TB with preliminary symptoms, and is capable of testing over 1,500 samples within two hours.
3. The system is simple enough to be used in village primary health centers.
TB in India
1. Tuberculosis (TB) kills approximately 4,80,000 Indians annually, which equates to over 1,400 deaths daily.
2. Over a million TB cases remain undiagnosed or inadequately diagnosed each year, especially in the private sector, presenting a significant challenge.
3. India’s progress in reducing TB cases and deaths has slowed recently.
4. The Health Ministry is revising protocols for TB medication and treatment duration. The goal is to eliminate TB by 2025, aiming for zero deaths, disease, and poverty due to TB.
ICMR’s Role and Support
1. ICMR can form agreements with manufacturing companies to produce the TB detection system, governed by the ICMR IP Policy.
2. The Dibrugarh center will provide expert guidance and technical support throughout the production phases.
3. ICMR will support research and development (R&D) and clinical studies in collaboration with companies or institutions. Additionally, ICMR will facilitate technology validation under mutually agreed terms and conditions.
4.There will be no financial implications for ICMR unless specified otherwise.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology