9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 26th July, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Challenges and opportunities of Indian philanthropy

Source: The post Challenges and opportunities of Indian philanthropy has been created, based on the article “The quality of giving” published in “Indian express” on 26th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-society

Context: This article discusses the recent growth and potential of Indian philanthropy. It highlights increased giving among the wealthy, collaboration, strategic investments in areas like climate action, and the need for philanthropy to address inequality and support sustainable development.

For detailed information on Philanthropy by India’s super rich falls by a third in FY22 read this article here

How Has Indian Philanthropy Evolved?

Historical Giving Culture: India has a long tradition of giving across all communities.

Post-Liberalization Trends: A new form of giving emerged among the newly wealthy and old wealthy with new wealth.

Economic Confidence: With stock market rallies and wealth creation, the rich feel secure to give more.

What Challenges and Opportunities Exist?

1. Challenges:
2. Funding Shortfall: Despite 13% annual growth in social sector spending, India may miss the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
3. Declining Foreign Funding: Thousands of organizations have lost their FCRA licenses, reducing foreign donations.
4. International Donor Hesitation: Some international donors are exiting India or facing mistrust, particularly on climate issues.
5. Trust Issues: Building trust with the government and other stakeholders remains a challenge.
6. Opportunities:
7. Wealthy Contributions: Ultra-high net worth individuals can potentially contribute over Rs 75,000 crores annually, five times the 2023 CSR spend.
8. Strategic Philanthropy: Shift from traditional giving to impactful engagements led by first-generation wealth creators.
9. Collaborative Models: Growth in pooled funding and co-funding, with organizations like the India Climate Collaborative increasing investments.
10. New Entrants: Funders like Mirik Gogri bringing innovative ideas, with family giving up 15% last year.
11. Intermediary Success: Organizations like Dasra and Sattva opening minds and pockets, with Dasra’s GivingPi involving over 300 families in philanthropy.

For detailed information on Reason for increasing women-led philanthropy read this article here

Way forward

Indian philanthropy is at a critical juncture. Increased giving and strategic investments can help address inequality and support sustainable development, contributing to a more equitable society and economy.

Question for practice:

Discuss the evolution of Indian philanthropy and the challenges and opportunities it faces based on the recent trends and developments.

GS PAPER - 2

India’s Prime Minister’s visit to Russia and its implications

Source: The post India’s Prime Minister’s visit to Russia and its implications has been created, based on the article “The ‘geo-calculus’ of the Moscow visit” published in “The Hindu” on 26th July 2024

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

Context: The article discusses Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia and its implications. The visit signals India’s support for Russia despite criticism from the U.S. and Europe. It highlights India’s strategic choices, economic ties, and the geopolitical importance of maintaining a relationship with Russia.

For detailed information on India-Russia Relations read this article here

How did the U.S. and Europe react to India’s Prime Minister’s visit to Russia?

1. The U.S. and Europe reacted with criticism and disappointment to Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia.
2. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy sharply criticized the visit.
3. The U.S. State Department, National Security Adviser, and U.S. Ambassador to India expressed their disappointment.
4. Despite these reactions, India emphasized its “freedom of choice” in foreign relations. India abstained from over 20 United Nations votes condemning Russia, including a recent vote on July 11 after a missile attack on a children’s hospital.

How does this affect India’s relations with other countries?

1. Modi’s visit to Russia signals a priority for relations with Russia over a joint appearance with China’s President at the SCO Summit.
2. This could affect India’s relations with Indo-Pacific partners and its role in groups like Quad (India, Japan, Australia, U.S.) and AUKUS (Australia-U.K.-U.S.).
3. The U.S. has forged new partnerships like AUKUS and engaged “Quad Plus” countries, which may limit India’s influence.
4. The visit underscores India’s strategic autonomy, balancing its ties with Russia and Western countries.

What are the economic implications?

1. Trade between India and Russia grew by 66% to $65 billion last year. India’s imports of discounted Russian oil are a key factor in this trade growth.
2. Both countries are working on payment mechanisms to sustain this trade amid Western sanctions.
3. The joint statement mentioned cooperation in Russia’s Far East, focusing on energy supplies and commodity exports.
4. The Chennai-Vladivostok maritime corridor aims to enhance trade routes.
5. Investments include Rosneft’s $23 billion stake in India’s Vadinar refinery and Indian investments in Russian oil fields worth $15 billion.
6. These economic ties help balance the trade deficit and support mutual investments.

What is the strategic significance?

1. India’s strategic autonomy was highlighted through this visit. The focus is on new connectivity routes like the North Sea trade route, avoiding reliance on Iran-led corridors.
2. Military hardware imports from Russia are decreasing, but economic strategies strengthen bilateral ties.
3. India’s bet on the enduring relationship with Russia may be tested by future developments in the Ukraine war and global political changes.

Way forward

The visit underscores India’s strategic positioning between major global powers. It shows India’s willingness to maintain and strengthen its ties with Russia, balancing its relationships with Western countries and China, while navigating ongoing global conflicts and economic sanctions.

Question for practice:

Examine how Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Russia reflects India’s approach to balancing its international relations amid global criticisms and economic considerations.

Costs and Benefits of Hosting the Olympics

Source-This post on Costs and Benefits of Hosting the Olympics has been created based on the article “Should India host the Olympics?” published in “LiveMint” on 26 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-2– Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors

Context -India recently expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Olympics at the IOC Session. Economists suggest this interest might be driven more by national pride or political reasons rather than economic benefits. Given India’s current spending on social programs, it’s worth asking if the country should spend so much on hosting the Olympics.

What are the financial implications of hosting the Olympics?

1) High Costs and Financial Burdens -Hosting the Olympics is very costly, with the Summer Games averaging over $8 billion. History shows that host nations often face large financial burdens. For ex- Montreal’s 1976 Olympics left a debt of over CAD$1.5 billion, and Greece’s 2004 Athens Games contributed to the country’s debt crisis.

2) Cost Overrun-The London, Rio, and Tokyo Summer Olympics together cost over $50 billion in 2022 terms, which was 185% more than the budgeted amounts. This does not include extra infrastructure costs.

Read More- Celebrating Play and Learning

What are the arguments against hosting Olympic games by India?

1)  Cost Overruns vs. Olympic Expenses– India is used to cost overruns. By the end of 2023, 580 major projects, each costing over ₹1,000 crore, had exceeded their budgets by 25%, reaching ₹25.84 trillion. However, this is still small compared to the cost overruns often seen with the Olympics.

2) Challenges in Securing Private Sector Funding– Most Olympic funding comes from the private sector, but in India, the government struggles to get companies to increase their spending. It’s unclear if Indian companies will invest billions in hosting the Olympics without seeing direct benefits.

3) Post-Event Venue Neglect -Hosting a multi-city Olympics in India would require significant new infrastructure. However, past events like the post-2010 Commonwealth Games demonstrate that specialized sports venues are  neglected once the event concludes.

4) Limited Economic Impact -The estimated economic gain (Hosting 2024 Olympic) of €11.1 billion translates to about €650 million per year, just 0.03% of France’s 2023 GDP. The National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies has stated there is no clear evidence that hosting major sporting events benefits the host country’s economy.

5) Uncertain Costs of Hosting -True cost of hosting the Olympics is often unclear. For ex-the Oxford Olympics Study 2016 found reliable cost data for only about two-thirds of the Games held since 1960.

6) Lack of Appropriate Benefits of Olympic Infrastructure– Despite the high costs and private investment required, the new infrastructure from hosting the Olympics may not be as useful as hoped. For ex- the 2016 Rio Olympics led to corruption, crumbling stadiums, and worsened the economic crisis.

Question for practice

What are the arguments against hosting Olympic games by India?

India’s Strategic Challenges in the Face of China’s Rise

Source-This post on India’s Strategic Challenges in the Face of China’s Rise has been created based on the article “THE CHINA CHALLENGE” published in “Business Standard” on 26 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2- India and its Neighborhood- Relations.

Context-This article discusses the evolving strategic rivalry between India and China, focusing on the challenges India faces due to China’s growing economic and military might. It emphasizes the need for India to develop a comprehensive strategy to address the power asymmetry and protect its interests.

What are the key aspects of the Sino-Indian strategic and economic asymmetry?

1)  Asymmetric Sino-Indian Rivalry- The Sino-Indian rivalry is both strategic and asymmetric. China far surpasses India in economic development, military modernization, technology, and innovation, with a gap of 3 to 5 times in various indices.

2) Economic Asymmetry- China is India’s largest trading partner, but this has led to a widening trade deficit for India. Additionally, China’s growing trade relationships with India’s neighbors complicate the economic relationship between the two countries.

3) Nuclear Capabilities– China is reportedly doubling its nuclear arsenal and upgrading its missile capabilities. As China closes the gap with the US, India finds it hard to match China’s growing nuclear power. This rivalry impacts the Indo-Pakistan nuclear balance and India’s efforts to achieve parity with China.

4) Space Program– China has a head start and more resources for its space program compared to India. Closing this gap will be challenging.

5) Conventional Forces- The material gaps between the Chinese and Indian forces are significant, with China’s military budget nearly three times larger than India’s. For ex- India’s navy is about one-third the size of China’s and will remain smaller even with future expansions.

Read More- On Potential of India-China Relations: A China-India partnership, its vast global potential

What are the reasons behind territorial contestation between China and India?

1) Challenges at the Line of Actual Control (LAC)-The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is unclear and complex, causing frequent skirmishes and risks. Current confidence-building measures are weakening and failing to ensure peace. Until borders are clearly defined, conflicts and violations will likely continue.

2) Factors Shaping PLA strategy along the LAC-

A) Expansion of road and rail infrastructure in Tibet and Xinjiang for quick troop movement.

B) Improved support infrastructure (electricity, water, etc.) for troops.

C) A new joint theatre command enabling large-scale, integrated use of PLA forces. These developments enhance the PLA’s ability to operate effectively in challenging conditions and respond swiftly in crises.

3) PLA Tactics -The PLA gradually asserts its claims, using Indian responses as reasons to escalate tensions. When standoffs reach a deadlock, they seek negotiations and disengagement. Their strategy is to achieve dominance without engaging in direct conflict.

What should be the way forward?

1) New Agreement-A new agreement is needed to address flaws in current protocols, manage risk-taking behavior, adapt to new technologies, and handle modern military issues like disengagement and troop reduction.

2) Addressing the Strategic Gap with China-

A) The power asymmetry between China and India, which may shift depending on India’s progress and China’s trajectory.

B) India’s timeline to catch up with China, particularly by 2035 and 2049, to avoid being outpaced.

C) Bridging the strategic gap requires political direction, economic reforms, military enhancements, and a clear security strategy. Efforts must be intensified to strengthen India’s position.

3) Defence Preparedness-

A) Ramp up indigenous capacity for strategic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

B) Strengthen strategic infrastructure along the Himalayas.

C) Develop life-sustaining troop infrastructure, including high-quality habitat, electricity, broadband, water, and oil pipelines.

D) Identify and acquire weapon platforms suited for extreme terrain and climatic conditions.

E) Maintain high readiness levels among border troops for quick response to border infractions.

F) Create and position agile and effective reserves for timely deployment.

Question for practice

What are the main elements of the strategic and economic imbalance between China and India? What factors contribute to the territorial disputes between the two countries?

GS PAPER - 3

Hype around new weight loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound

Source: The post hype around new weight loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound has been created, based on the article “Is Ozempic really the miracle weight loss drug we’ve been waiting for?” published in “Indian express” on 26th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

Context: The article discusses the hype around new weight loss and diabetes drugs like Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound. These drugs promise significant weight loss and health benefits but are expensive, have potential side effects, and may not work for everyone. True health requires diet and exercise.

What is the hype around new weight loss drugs?

1. Promising Results: The new weight loss drugs, primarily GLP-1 receptor agonists, offer significant weight loss, between 15% and 24% of body weight, comparable to bariatric surgery results.
2. High Expectations: They are marketed as a breakthrough in combating obesity and diabetes, offering protection against major health issues like heart disease.
3. Widespread Attention: Major pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have seen their market capitalization soar, with Novo Nordisk’s reaching over $570 billion, surpassing the Danish economy.
4. Rising Demand: Despite supply shortages, the demand for these drugs has surged, driven by societal pressures and the allure of easy weight loss, pushing drug prices higher and fueling a grey market.

What are the major concerns related to these drugs?

1. Side Effects: Users report severe nausea, vomiting, stomach paralysis, and depression. Some evidence links these drugs to thyroid cancer and pancreatitis in individuals with certain genetic histories.
2. Long-Term Risks: Side effects may take up to a decade to fully emerge, creating uncertainty about long-term safety.

3.Shift in Focus: Originally intended for diabetes, the emphasis has shifted to weight loss, raising concerns about the true intent of these drugs.

4. Economic Impact: High demand and limited supply have driven up prices, making these drugs an aspirational luxury and creating a grey market.
5. Temporary Solutions: Weight loss can plateau without diet and exercise. Studies show that weight can return after stopping the drugs.
6. Body Image Issues: These drugs may promote an unhealthy obsession with thinness, overlooking the complex causes of obesity like hormonal imbalances and mental health issues.

Conclusion

True health requires a balance of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. While these drugs can help those with morbid obesity, they are not a cure-all. They may lead to unrealistic expectations and an unhealthy focus on body image.

Question for practice:

Discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of the new weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound.

Issue of illegal coal mining in India

Source: The post issue of illegal coal mining in India has been created, based on the article “India’s illegal coal mining problem” published in “The Hindu” on 26th July 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Infrastructure – Mining

Context:  The article discusses the issue of illegal coal mining in India, highlighting recent worker deaths due to unsafe conditions. It explains that high coal demand, poverty, weak regulations, and political support contribute to the prevalence of illegal mining despite government efforts.

For detailed information on Coming clean on coal read this article here

What is the History of Coal Mining in India?

1. Nationalization Phases: Coal mining was nationalized in two phases: coking coal in 1971-72 and non-coking coal in 1973.
2. Central Legislation: The Coal Mines (Nationalization) Act, 1973, governs coal mining eligibility.
3. State Responsibility: Illegal mining is a law-and-order issue, making state governments responsible for addressing it.
4. Persistent Issue: Despite nationalization, illegal mining remains prevalent due to high coal demand and local economic dependence. For example, recent incidents include worker deaths in Gujarat, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, highlighting ongoing illegal mining activities.

Why is Illegal Coal Mining Common in India?

1. High Coal Demand: Coal meets 55% of India’s energy needs, often outstripping legal supply, prompting illegal mining.
2. Poverty and Unemployment: Coal-rich areas often face poverty and unemployment, driving locals to illegal mining.
3. Weak Regulations: In remote areas, inadequate monitoring and resources lead to weak enforcement of mining regulations.
4. Coal Mafias: Illegal mining is often controlled by “coal mafias,” supported by local authorities, as seen in multiple cases.
5. Political Support: Allegations suggest political leaders support illegal mining. For instance, in Assam, BJP leaders were accused of backing illegal operations.
6. Economic Dependency: Local economies depend on mining, making illegal operations lucrative once legal mines close.

What Makes Illegal Coal Mining Dangerous?

1. Lack of Safety Equipment: Workers often lack helmets, masks, and other safety gear, leading to fatalities from toxic gas inhalation, as seen in the Surendranagar incident.
2. Structural Risks: Illegal mines lack proper support, causing cave-ins and landslides, as occurred in Jharkhand and West Bengal.
3. Toxic Exposure: Miners face high levels of toxic substances like lead and mercury, increasing health risks.
4. Untrained Workers: Many workers are untrained, lacking emergency response skills.
5. Operator Negligence: Exploitation and negligence by mine operators worsen the danger.

Why Is It Hard to Stop Illegal Mining?

Stopping illegal mining is challenging because:

1. It’s mainly a state issue, and the central government often passes responsibility to state authorities.
2. The complex legal framework governing mining creates bureaucratic challenges.
3. Economic dependence on mining in local communities perpetuates the cycle of illegal mining.

Question for practice:

Discuss the reasons behind the prevalence of illegal coal mining in India despite government efforts to curb it.

SEBI’s Proposed New Asset Class for Mutual Funds

Source-This post on Sebi’s Proposed New Asset Class for Mutual Funds has been created based on the article “Filling a gap” published in “Business Standards” on 26 July 2024.

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

Context– The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has proposed a new asset class for mutual fund investors to bridge the gap between portfolio management schemes (PMS) and traditional mutual funds.

What are the Key Features of the Proposed Asset Class?

1) Investment Threshold- The proposed minimum investment is ₹10 lakh, placing it between regular mutual funds and PMS, which requires a ₹50 lakh minimum.

2) Fund Management Requirements-

A) AMCs must appoint chief investment officers with at least 10 years of experience managing assets worth ₹5,000 crore or more.

B) Additional fund managers should have at least seven years of experience handling ₹3,000 crore or more.

C) The AMC itself must have been operational for at least three years with assets of ₹10,000 crore or more.

3)  Investment Options and Flexibility-

A) These funds will offer systematic investment plans (SIPs), systematic withdrawal plans, and systematic transfer plans, similar to traditional mutual funds.

B) Fund managers will have the flexibility to use derivative strategies for purposes beyond hedging.

4) Branding and Investor Awareness -The new asset class will have a unique branding to stand out from low-risk mutual funds and ensure investor clarity.

5) Redemption and Liquidity-

A) More flexibility in tailoring redemption frequency to manage liquidity constraints.

B) Proposal to list units on stock exchanges, like exchange-traded funds (ETFs), for easier entry and exit.

6) Investment Strategies- This new class of funds will use “Long-Short” portfolios to benefit from both rising and falling share prices and may create “Inverse ETFs” that move opposite to a benchmark ETF.

Read More- Changes made by India’s Securities and Exchange Board (SEBI) for NRIs and OCIs

What is the significance of Proposed New Asset Class for Mutual Fund?

1) Meeting Investor Needs-It caters to investors with higher risk appetites and financial capacities by offering them regulated access to high-risk, high-return strategies.

2) Combating Unauthorized Schemes- It will minimize the attraction of unregistered and unauthorized entities that promise unrealistic returns by establishing a regulated environment.

3) Investor Protection– It offers a modicum of protection to investors who might otherwise be drawn to unregulated schemes.

4) Market Gap Fulfillment– It offers a regulated choice for investors looking for higher-risk strategies, filling a market gap.

Conclusion-Sebi’s proposed new asset class for mutual funds represents a significant development in India’s financial markets. However, if this new asset class becomes popular, Sebi and the exchanges will have to manage increased derivatives volumes and improve surveillance and margin systems.

Question for practice

What are the main characteristics of the proposed asset class, and why is it important for mutual funds?

The Environmental Impact of Artificial Intelligence

Source-This post on The Environmental Impact of Artificial Intelligence has been created based on the article “Why AI’s present and future bring some serious environmental concerns” published in “The Indian Express” on 26 July 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-3- Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics and Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Context– AI has the potential to transform climate change efforts. However, Google’s annual environment report revealed a 13% increase in its emissions footprint in 2023 compared to the previous year. This rise was mainly attributed to increased electricity consumption in data centers and supply chains due to the growing deployment and usage of AI tools.

What are the reasons for higher energy consumption of AI models?

1) Performing Complex Operation– They perform more complex operations than simple search engines, even when addressing the same query. They process vast amounts of data while formulating appropriate responses, resulting in more electrical signals for data processing, storage, and retrieval.

2) Heat Generation and Cooling Requirements -The increased computational work generates more heat, requiring stronger cooling systems in data centers and increasing energy use.

What are the Environmental Impacts of Artificial Intelligence?

1) Enhances Electricity Demand– Data centers currently use 1% to 1.3% of global electricity, and this could increase to 1.5% to 3% by 2026, according to the International Energy Agency. In some countries, data centers use over 10% of national electricity. In Ireland, it’s 18% due to tax incentives, while in the U.S., it ranges from 1.3% to 4.5%.

Read More- European Union adopts first AI Law

2) Energy Intensive– AI queries, like those to ChatGPT, use 10 to 33 times more energy than a regular Google search, with image-based searches being even more energy-intensive.

3) Water Resource Concerns- There are increasing concerns about water use for cooling data centers. For instance, a data center for OpenAI’s GPT-4 in Iowa used 6% of the local water supply in July 2022.

What should be the way forward?

1) Need for Sustainable Planning- As India adopts AI technology, experts stress the need for careful planning to reduce environmental impacts. This means data centers should use efficient processes and minimize emissions.

2) Benefits of AI in Emissions Reduction – Studies suggest that widespread AI use in corporate and industrial practices could cut global emissions by 5-10% by 2030, according to Boston Consulting Group.

3) Monitoring and Predicting– AI can cut emissions by monitoring, predicting, and optimizing processes to reduce waste and inefficiencies.

Question for practice

What are the reasons for higher energy consumption of AI models? What are the Environmental Impacts of Artificial Intelligence?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

National Mission for Manuscripts

Source- This post on the National Mission for Manuscripts has been created based on the article “NATIONAL MISSION FOR MANUSCRIPTS” published in “PIB” on 26 July 2024.

The National Mission for Manuscripts aims to document, conserve, digitize, and disseminate India’s manuscript heritage.

About National Mission for Manuscripts

1. The National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) is an autonomous body under the Culture Ministry.

2. It was launched in 2003.

3. NMM’s mandate includes identifying, documenting, conserving, and making accessible India’s manuscript heritage.

4. The manuscripts encompass a variety of themes, textures, aesthetics, scripts, languages, calligraphies, illuminations, and illustrations.

5.  NMM’s motto is ‘conserving the past for the future’.

6.  Approximately 75% of existing manuscripts are in Sanskrit, while 25% are in regional languages.

7. NMM has digitised 3.3 lakh manuscripts, containing about 3.1 crore folios. Over 1.18 lakh manuscripts have been uploaded, but only about 70,000 are available online for public access.

8. The mission has documented approximately 5.2 million manuscripts across India. The mission has conserved 90 million folios of manuscripts. The mission has digitized 3.5 lakh manuscripts, amounting to 3.5 crore pages.

9. The mission has uploaded 1.4 lakh manuscripts on its web portal, out of which 75,000 manuscripts are available online for free access to researchers and the public. The mission has conducted over 100 conservation workshops.

10. The mission has published more than 100 books since its inception, with the list of these publications available in Annexure-I.  The mission has established over 100 Manuscripts Resource Centres and Manuscripts Conservation Centres across India.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture

Tinzaparin drug

Source- This post on the Tinzaparin has been created based on the article “Drug used to treat clots can protect against cobra venom damage” published in “The Hindu” on 26 July 2024.

Researchers have discovered that tinzaparin significantly reduces damage to human cells caused by spitting cobra venom.

About Tinzaparin

i) Tinzaparin is a drug used to treat serious blood clots and can reduce cell damage caused by spitting cobra venom.

ii)  It is a low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) with antithrombotic properties.

iii) It is used for treating deep venous thrombosis, a condition where harmful blood clots form in the blood vessels of the legs.

Highlights of the Research

i) Tinzaparin blocks the interaction between the venom and its receptor in the cell by binding to venom molecules.

ii) The toxicity of snake venom depends on the biological pathway that synthesizes heparan sulfate. Artificially stopping this pathway can reduce the venom’s toxic effects.

iii) Introducing molecules that closely resemble heparan sulfate can trick the body into shutting down the pathways responsible for its synthesis. Tinzaparin is one such molecule.

iv) When tinzaparin was introduced immediately after exposing cells to the snake venom, the cells survived.

About Heparan Sulfate

1. Heparan sulfate is found on the surface of human and animal cells.

2.  It is released from cells when the immune system responds to a threat.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Sangameswara Temple

Source- This post on the Sangameswara Temple has been created based on the article “Sangameswara shrine submerges in Krishna river” published in “The Hindu” on 25 July 2024.

The Sangameswara Temple has recently submerged in the backwaters of the Srisailam project in Nandyal district following heavy inflow from the Krishna River.

 About Sangameswara Temple

1. Location: It is situated in Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh. It is positioned on the banks of the Krishna River.

2. Historical Significance:

i) It is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was originally built in 740 AD by Chalukya ruler Pulakesi II.

ii) Initially located at the confluence of the Tungabhadra and Krishna Rivers, 10 km from its current site.

iii)The temple was dismantled and reassembled rock-by-rock at its present location in 1979 due to submergence caused by the Srisailam Dam construction.

3. Features:

i) Architectural Style: It is built in the Nagara style. It has elevated platform with a fortified wall surrounding the temple.

ii) Structure: It has a large hall supported by 12 pillars leading to the sanctum. It has also a circumambulatory path around the sanctum for performing pradakshinas (ritual circumambulation). The ceiling features a large relief of Nagaraja, characteristic of Chalukya temples.

iii) Pillars in the hall are adorned with intricate engravings of Lord Vishnu, Brahma, Kumaraswamy, and celestial couples. Each corner of the temple features carvings of crocodiles.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture

Revamped Model Skill Loan Scheme

Source- This post on the Revamped Model Skill Loan Scheme has been created based on the article “Minister launches revamped Model Skill Loan Scheme” published in “The Hindu” on 26 July 2024.

The revamped Model Skill Loan scheme was launched recently with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announcing the revision in her budget speech.

About Revamped Model Skill Loan Scheme

1. The government has introduced a revamped ‘model skill loan scheme’ for skill development courses.

2. The Model skill loan scheme was launched in 2015. The previous scheme saw low uptake due to the low maximum loan limit and increasing course fees. Data showed that loans amounting to Rs 115.75 crore were extended to 10,077 borrowers until March 31 this year.

3. The revised model skill loan scheme aims to provide better financial support for skill development courses, addressing previous limitations and expanding access to a wider range of courses and institutions.

New Features:

i) The loan scheme now includes non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), NBFC-MFIs (micro-finance institutions), and small finance banks as eligible lending institutions, in addition to private, public, and foreign banks.

ii) The revised scheme will cover more skill courses, including non-NSQF (National Skill Qualification Framework) courses that are onboarded on the Skill India Digital Hub platform.

iii) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship emphasized the need for adapting to future technologies and job market changes.

iv)The government is strategically planning for the country’s future up to 2047, aiming to have a significant impact on the job market and people’s lives through this revised scheme.

v) The maximum loan limit has been increased to Rs 7.5 lakh from the previous Rs 1.5 lakh. The revised scheme is expected to help 25,000 students annually.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programme

 No Pollution Control Permits for ‘White Category’ Sectors

Source- This post on the  No Pollution Control Permits for ‘White Category’ Sectors has been created based on the article “No pollution control permits for ‘white category’ sectors now” published in “Indian Express” on 26 July 2024.

The Ministry of Environment has issued draft notifications proposing the removal of certain pollution control permits for ‘white category’ industries. These industries are considered practically non-polluting and include projects like wind and solar power, air cooler assembly, and bicycle assembly.

Key Changes:

1) Consent to Establish (CTE) and Consent to Operate (CTO): These permits, previously required under the Air Act, 1981, and Water Act, 1974, are used to regulate industries discharging effluents or emitting pollutants. The Ministry proposes to eliminate the CTE permit for projects needing prior environmental clearance (EC). Conditions of CTE might be merged with the environmental clearance granted by the Ministry.

2) Impact on Industries:

i) Industries in the ‘white category’ are defined by a Pollution Index (PI) score of up to 20. These industries are exempt from the requirements of CTE and CTO permits.

ii) Sectors that fall under this category include wind and solar power projects, air cooler assembly, and bicycle assembly.

iii) The Ministry of Environment has issued two draft notifications under the Air Act, 1981, and Water Act, 1974. The public is invited to submit comments and objections on these notifications within 60 days of their issuance.

iv) Industries that are exempt from the CTE and CTO permits must inform the state pollution control boards about their operations through self-declarations, as stated in the draft notifications.

Note: The permissions officially known as ‘consent to establish’ (CTE) and ‘consent to operate’ (CTO) are granted to regulate industries that discharge effluents or emit pollutants into the environment.

v) The CTE permit is required before construction activities commence, and the CTO permit is required before operations begin. These permits ensure adherence to pollution norms by imposing standard or specific conditions.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance

Listeria and Listeriosis Disease Outbreak

Source- This post on the Listeria Outbreaks in the US and Canada has been created based on the article “What to know about the Listeria outbreaks in the US and Canada” published in “Indian Express” on 26 July 2024.

Recently, two separate outbreaks of listeria have been reported in the United States and Canada, resulting in four deaths (two in each country) and several hospitalizations.

About Listeria and Listeriosis

i) About: Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria found in soil, water, vegetation, and animal feces, which can lead to an infection called listeriosis when ingested through contaminated food.

ii) Symptoms: Symptoms of listeriosis include vomiting, nausea, cramps, severe headache, constipation, and fever, and can appear up to two months after consuming the contaminated food.

iii) High-risk groups for listeriosis include immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and the elderly, with the median age in the US outbreak being 75.

iv) Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable, being 10 times more likely to develop a listeria infection, which can lead to pregnancy loss, premature birth, or life-threatening infection in newborns.

v) Treatment and Prevention: Treatment for listeriosis depends on the severity of the infection. Mild cases, where the bacteria remain in the intestines, may resolve with standard treatments for stomach infections, including antibiotics. However, if the infection spreads beyond the intestines, it leads to invasive listeriosis, presenting severe symptoms two weeks after consuming contaminated food.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024

Source- This post on the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill, 2024 has been created based on the article “Is the Maharashtra Special Public Security Bill draconian?” published in “The Hindu” on 26 July 2024.