9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 8 February, 2024
Dear Friends,
9 PM Brief is our prime initiatives for the preparation of current affairs. What we are providing in this initiative:
- Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
- We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing.
It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content, and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.
For previous editions of 9 PM Brief – Click Here
For individual articles of 9 PM Brief– Click Here
| Download Factly and 9 PM Weekly Compilations | Arranged Subject-wise and Topic-wise |
Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
On Preserving India’s Cultural Diversity and UCC – Strike a Fine Balance have a Just Civil Code
Source: This post on Preserving India’s Cultural Diversity and UCC has been created based on the article “Strike a fine balance, have a just civil code” published in “The Hindu” on 8th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 – Indian Society – Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.
News: The article discusses how Indian civil laws and Constitution accommodate its cultural diversity. It also highlights the way forward for a UCC that is just.
A detailed article on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Debate can be read here.
Background:
On February 7, Uttarakhand passed the Uniform Civil Code. Additionally, the Law Commission of India has invited views and proposals from the public about the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
How do Indian Civil Laws and Constitution Accommodate its Cultural Diversity?
1) Religious Personal Laws: Not just Muslims but even Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Sikhs, Parsis, and Jews are governed by their own personal laws based on their religious identity.
For instance, even the reformed Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 insists on solemnisation of marriage, through saptapadi (seven steps around fire) and datta (invocation before fire).
2) Regional Differences in Application of Personal Laws: For instance, Kerala had abolished the Hindu Joint Family in 1975; Muslim marriage and divorces are registered in Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand under the 1876 law, and in Assam under 1935 law.
3) Right to Preserve Cultural Diversity: The fundamental right in Article 29(1) is dedicated exclusively to conserving the distinctive culture of all citizens.
4) Indian Model of Secularism: India decided not to adopt the French model of laïcité, which strictly prohibits bearing any religious outfit or marker in public and considers religion in public as a threat to the nation’s secular fabric.
However, according to the authors, India’s quest of preserving its multicultural diversity is sometimes antithetical with values such as secularism. State assistance to minority cultures has also been seen as ‘appeasement of minorities.’
Read More UPSC Topics-
| Fiscal Centralisation In India- Concerns and Way Forward- Explained Pointwis
|
| Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Debate- In wake of Uttarakhand UCC- Explained Pointwise
|
What Should be The Way Forward for a Just UCC?
1) Ensure Multiculturalism: Law Commission must remember that for a diverse and multicultural polity such as India, the proposed UCC must represent India’s ‘mosaic model’ of multiculturalism.
Note: Mosaic Model describes a society in which cultural groups live and work together maintaining their unique heritages while being included in the larger fabric of society.
2) Removal of Discriminatory Personal Laws: Cultural diversity cannot justify continuation of unjust and discriminatory personal laws. Such provisions of the personal laws must go.
3) Bottom-Up Reform: Since each religious group has cultural autonomy, it is argued that the community should itself come forward to seek reforms by identifying the discriminatory and oppressive issues.
4) Prevent Threat Perception among Communities: When a community feels threatened in any way, community allegiance becomes much stronger. Therefore, the Law Commission should be accommodative and not contribute to the rise of reactive culturalism amongst different communities in India.
The Law Commission should strike a fine balance as it should aim to eliminate only those practices that do not meet the benchmarks set by the Constitution.
Question for practice:
How do Indian civil laws and Constitution accommodate its cultural diversity? What should be the way forward for enacting a suitable UCC in this context?
GS PAPER - 2
Current Process for Choosing Election Commissioners
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Explained: The new process for picking Election Commissioners, what led to it” published in “Indian Express” on 8th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Indian Polity – Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
News: The article discusses the issues with the earlier process of appointing Election Commissioners and the Supreme Court’s ruling regarding this. It also highlights issues with the current method of appointment. Current Process for Choosing Election Commissioners.
A detailed article on Appointments to the Election Commission can be read here.
Background:
The new Election Commissioner will be picked through a consultative process being adopted for the first time after a Supreme Court verdict and a new law.
What were The Issues with The Earlier Process of Appointing Election Commissioners?
- The power to make appointments rested exclusively with the Executive (the Union government).
- Article 324(2) specifies the President’s role in appointing Election Commissioners, with the caveat that this appointment is subject to any law passed by Parliament. However, governments had not enacted such a law.
Thus, the current appointment system was opaque and raised doubts about the institution’s independence.
What was The Supreme Court’s Ruling Regarding This?
The Court observed that it was evident that the founding fathers of the Constitution did not want the Executive to have exclusive authority in appointing Election Commission members.
It ruled that “the appointment shall be made on the advice of a Committee consisting of the PM, the Leader of the Opposition of the Lok Sabha (or the leader of the largest opposition Party in the Lok Sabha in terms of numerical strength), and the CJI.”
However, the Court was careful to specify that these norms were “subject to any law to be made by Parliament’.
What have been Other Recommendations in This Regard?
1) Dinesh Goswami committee: It had recommended that the President consult the CJI and the Leader of the Opposition, or the leader of the largest Opposition group, for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner. For the other two Election Commissioners, the consultation was to involve the CJI, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Election Commissioner.
2) Law Commission’s 255th report: It suggested that a 3-member collegium or selection committee, comprising the PM, the Leader of the Opposition or the leader of the largest Opposition party in the Lok Sabha, and the CJI should be consulted.
What is The Current Procedure because of The SC Judgment?
The Centre introduced a Bill in Parliament last year which establishes a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM.
The selection will be made from 5 names shortlisted by a screening panel headed by the Law Minister and comprising 2 Union secretaries.
Read More UPSC Topics-
What Issues Remain Plague The New Appointment Process?
The appointment process raises concerns regarding its potential to undermine the reforms sought by the Court. For instance, the proposed committee’s composition effectively sidelines the Leader of Opposition, who could be consistently outvoted by the PM and the union minister.
Question for practice:
What are the issues with the current procedure of appointing Election Commissioners in India?
GS PAPER - 3
On R&D Funding and Deep Tech – Why the Union Budget’s plans for deep tech and research funding are significant
Source: This post on R&D Funding and Deep Tech has been created based on the article “Why the Union Budget’s plans for deep tech and research funding are significant” published in “Indian Express” on 8th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology – Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
News: The article discusses the importance of Deep Tech and highlights the government’s initiatives in this regard. It also states the challenges in the funding of Deep Tech projects. Why the Union Budget’s plans for deep tech and research funding are significant?
Background:
The Interim Budget included an announcement of a Rs 1 lakh crore fund to provide long-term, low-cost or zero-interest loans for R&D. A new scheme to strengthen deep-tech capabilities in the defense sector was also announced.
What is Deep Tech?
Deep tech refers to advanced and disruptive technologies that have the potential to cause transformative change and provide solutions for the future. It is used to describe cutting-edge research in nanotechnology, biotechnology, material sciences, quantum technologies, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, data sciences, robotics, 3D printing, etc.
What is The Importance of Deep Tech?
- These technologies can help address complex global challenges like climate change, hunger, epidemics, energy access, mobility, physical and digital infrastructure, and cyber security.
- They can also enhance productivity and drive economic growth and create jobs in coming years.
- There are also associated benefits in terms of spin-off technologies (tech derived from a parent technology), trained manpower, entrepreneurship and technology exports.
With its large base of relatively high-quality science and engineering manpower and a well-established technology culture, India can be one of the frontrunners in Deep Tech.
What has The Government done in This Regard?
The government has tried to incentivize research in these areas by the following:
1) National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage.
3) National Deep Tech Startup Policy: A policy framework to create an enabling environment for companies working in these technology areas was finalized.
4) National Research Foundation (NRF): Rs 1 lakh crore corpus to finance R&D. Startups and other private sector ventures are expected to be the main beneficiaries.
However, there have been only nominal increases in budgetary allocations of India’s science and research departments in the Interim Budget.
What are The Main Provisions of The National Deep Tech Startup Policy?
The policy seeks to address specific challenges faced by technology startups and provide them with a platform to compete and collaborate with the best in the world.
It talks about the following:
A) Create opportunities for long-term funding;
b) A simplified but stronger intellectual property rights regime;
c) Tax incentives;
d) A conducive regulatory framework;
e) Development of standards and certifications;
f) Nurturing of talent;
g) Linkages between industry, research centers, and educational institutions.
Read More UPSC Topics-
What are The Challenges in The Funding of Deep Tech projects?
1) Capital-Intensive Sector: Most deep tech projects are time- and money-intensive, with relatively high funding requirements.
2) India’s Low Expenditure on R&D: It is far below the global average, and significantly lower than the scientifically advanced countries. India currently spends just about 0.65% of GDP on R&D. The global average is about 1.8%.
3) Lack of Private Sector Participation: Expectations of the infusion of private sector money into research have been disappointing. Finance has been both unpredictable and inadequate.
4) Bureaucratic Delays: Even where funds are available, delays and interruptions in disbursal often affect projects. Complex bureaucratic requirements contribute to delays.
Question for practice:
What is Deep Tech? Mention its applications. What are the challenges in the funding of Deep Tech projects?
India’s Dependence on External Oil Suppliers -Ensuring Energy Security
Source: The post India’s dependence on external oil suppliers has been created, based on the article “Ensuring energy security: India must explore both domestic reform and foreign outreach” published in “Business standard” on 8th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Infrastructure-Energy
News: The article explains that the International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts a rise in global oil demand by 2030. India will be the main driver of this demand. India’s dependence on external oil suppliers
What are The Major Findings of The International Energy Agency (IEA)?
The IEA projects global crude oil demand to grow up to the year 2030. India is projected to be the largest driver of this demand growth.
India’s oil consumption is expected to increase by almost 1.2 million barrels a day from 2023 to 2030.
This increase accounts for about one-third of the total global crude oil demand growth.
The total global increase in crude oil demand is expected to be about 3.2 million barrels a day over this period.
By 2030, India’s oil consumption is projected to reach 6.6 million barrels per day.
What are The Concerns for India’s Dependence on External Oil Suppliers?
Economic and Security Vulnerability: India’s reliance on external oil suppliers poses a significant risk to its economy and security. Fluctuations in global oil prices can severely affect India’s external accounts and fiscal situation.
Inflation and Slowed Growth: High oil prices can drive up inflation, slow economic growth, and lead to political unrest.
Geopolitical Tensions Affecting Supply Chains: Fossil fuel supply chains are vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, particularly in West Asia.
Read More UPSC Topics-
What Should be Done?
Increase Domestic Oil Exploration: India should focus on discovering and exploiting domestic oil resources to reduce dependence on external suppliers.
Encourage Private Investment: The government should incentivize private sector investment in oil exploration within the country.
Expand Overseas Operations: Indian oil companies should be encouraged to operate in foreign countries to secure additional oil supply.
Support Renewable Energy: Accelerating the installation of solar and wind power capacity will help diversify India’s energy sources and reduce oil dependency.
Address Policy Issues: Policy efforts should prioritize moderating investor risk and maximizing long-term benefits over short-term revenue generation.
Financial and Diplomatic Support: India should provide financial and diplomatic support to secure its crude oil supply chain, both domestically and abroad.
Question for practice:
Examine the projected trends in global oil demand and India’s role as a driver of this demand growth, as outlined in the International Energy Agency’s findings.
PLI Scheme to Manufacture India’s Mobile Phone Industry
Source: The post India’s mobile phone industry has been created, based on the article “Mobile PLI: Only the long-game matters” published in “Business standard” on 8th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3 – economy-changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
News: This article discusses the growth of India’s mobile phone industry due to government policies like tax cuts and incentives. It covers the industry’s challenges, dependence on imports, and possible future scenarios, including developing local manufacturing and becoming a global player. PLI Scheme to Manufacture India’s Mobile Phone Industry
What is the current state of India’s mobile phone industry?
- India’s mobile phone sector has grown significantly, with exports nearly doubling from $7.2 billion in 2022 to $14 billion in 2023.
- One in four phones produced in India is now exported.
- The government’s reduction of import tariffs on certain mobile phone components from 15% to 10% aims to further bolster this growth.
How have government policies impacted India’s mobile phone industry?
Three key government decisions have boosted the industry:
- A 20% import tax on mobile phones to reduce imports.
- Lower import taxes on components, ranging from 0-10%, created tax arbitrage, attracting manufacturers to produce locally.
- The introduction of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, offering 4-6% cash incentives based on incremental production, further stimulated the industry.
What are the challenges in India’s mobile phone industry?
High Production but Low Investment: The industry has produced mobile phones valued at ₹4.12 trillion with a relatively low investment of only ₹7,400 crore. This indicates that for every rupee invested, ₹55 is generated in production, suggesting a focus on assembly rather than comprehensive manufacturing.
Reliance on Incentives: There’s a concern about the industry’s reliance on government incentives like the PLI scheme. Many manufacturers might reduce or stop production once these incentives are withdrawn, indicating a lack of long-term sustainability.
Dependency on Imported Components: The industry heavily depends on importing high-end components, which is a significant vulnerability.
Past Instances of Disruption: Examples like Nokia, which faced major tax disputes and labor issues leading to the closure of its plant, show the potential for regulatory and labor challenges within the industry.
Read More UPSC Topics-
What are The Potential Growth Scenarios of India’s Mobile Phone Industry?
Continuation of Current Trends: India might keep extending incentives like the PLI scheme and further reduce import duties. But this would uphold high production and export figures but wouldn’t greatly advance manufacturing depth or technological prowess.
Potential Disruption: There’s a risk that major mobile phone companies could cease their operations in India if they find more attractive incentives elsewhere. A crucial factor that could disrupt the industry is the potential compliance with a World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling that may require India to reduce its mobile phone tariffs from 20% to zero, challenging the existing tax benefits that have been boosting local manufacturing. Additionally, India’s heavy reliance on China for essential mobile phone components could be a significant vulnerability.
Development of a Local Component Ecosystem: The most sustainable growth scenario involves following Nokia’s example to foster a local ecosystem for component manufacturing. By incentivizing companies to produce key components locally, India could reduce import reliance and aim to become a global supplier in specific high-value areas, thereby achieving a more robust and self-sufficient industry.
Question for practice:
Examine the potential challenges and growth scenarios for India’s mobile phone industry and their implications for long-term sustainability.
Express View on India’s CAR T-cell therapy
Source: The post CAR T-cell therapy has been created, based on the article “Express View on India’s CAR T-cell therapy: Taking cancer on” published in “Indian express” on 8th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Science and technology developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
News: India has approved a new CAR T-cell therapy developed at Tata Memorial Centre and IIT Bombay. This therapy customizes T-cells from the patient’s body to fight cancer. Express View on India’s CAR T-cell therapy
What is CAR T- cell?
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies represent a quantum leap in the sophistication of cancer treatment.
For more information read here
What is CAR T-cell therapy?
CAR T-cell therapy is a personalized cancer treatment. It involves taking a patient’s own T-cells, a type of immune cell, and modifying them in a laboratory to target cancer cells. These enhanced cells are then put back into the patient’s body to fight the cancer. This method has shown success in treating advanced leukemias and lymphomas. In India, a 64-year-old former army doctor became cancer-free after receiving this therapy, marking a significant achievement.
For more information read here
What are The Benefits of The New CAR T-cell Therapy Developed by India?
Targeted Therapy: CAR T-cell therapy involves modifying a patient’s T-cells to target and fight cancer cells specifically.
Effective Against Advanced Cancer: It has shown success in eradicating advanced leukemias and lymphomas, as evidenced by the treatment of a 64-year-old former army doctor in India.
Less Harsh than Chemotherapy: This therapy is less demanding and has fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
Affordability in India: In India, this therapy costs about Rs 40 lakh, which is about a tenth of its cost in the US, making it a more affordable cancer treatment option in the Indian context.
Customized for Each Patient: The treatment is personalized, with T-cells being grown and modified for each individual patient.
Question for practice:
Examine the significance of CAR T-cell therapy in treating advanced cancers, considering its personalized approach and affordability in India compared to the US.
Phasing out fossil fuels equitably – Equity concerns in banning fossil fuel extraction
Source: The post phasing out fossil fuels equitably has been created, based on the article “Equity concerns in banning fossil fuel extraction” published in “The Hindu” on 8th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
News: The article discusses the challenges and debates surrounding the reduction of fossil fuel use to combat climate change. It highlights the different capacities and needs of various countries in transitioning away from fossil fuels, considering economic and legal aspects. Phasing out fossil fuels equitably – Equity concerns in banning fossil fuel extraction
What is The Current State of Climate Change Litigation and Fossil Fuel Policies?
Inadequate Response to Climate Change: Governments and corporations have not effectively tackled climate change, leading to increased climate change litigation worldwide.
Momentum is also growing in favor of a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
For more information on Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Read This Article
Coal Elimination Proposal: An academic proposal recommends ending coal mining and burning by 2030. This aligns with the Production Gap Report, highlighting a discrepancy between current fossil fuel production plans (produce 110% more fossil fuels by 2030) and the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit warming to 1.5° Celsius.
Recent Climate Conferences’ Stance: COP26 in Glasgow (2021) and COP28 in Dubai (2023) focused on reducing coal use and transitioning to net-zero emissions by 2050.
What are The Challenges in Phasing out Fossil Fuels Equitably?
Economic Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Countries like Azerbaijan, Congo, Iraq, Nigeria, Oman, and Timor Leste heavily rely on fossil fuel revenues, making it challenging to phase out without impacting their economies.
Diversification of Economy: Wealthier nations such as Canada, the USA, and the UK have more diversified economies and higher per capita incomes, facilitating easier transition from fossil fuels.
Employment Concerns: In countries with a significant number of jobs tied to the fossil fuel sector, like India, phasing out fossil fuels could lead to major employment challenges.
Aligning with Climate Change Principles: The challenge lies in integrating the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty with the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) of the climate change regime. This involves balancing global objectives with individual countries’ unique circumstances and capacities.
What does International Law Say About Fossil Fuel Use?
Rights to Natural Resources: International law allows states to use their natural resources for economic development.
Obligation to Prevent Harm: There’s a caveat that states must not cause significant harm to other states, especially in the context of trans-boundary natural resources.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA): The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Pulp Mills Case (2010) declared conducting trans-boundary EIAs as part of customary international law.
Global Commons Uncertainty: The application of these laws to global issues like fossil fuel extraction and its impact on global warming is less clear.
Human Rights Considerations: Western scholars argue for the need to conduct EIAs for fossil fuel extraction’s impact on global warming and its human rights consequences on local and indigenous populations.
Read More UPSC Topics-
What is India’s Situation in The Fossil Fuel Transition?
Heavy Reliance on Fossil Fuels: India predominantly depends on fossil fuels for energy, with a significant part of its power sector rooted in coal.
Employment Impact: Nearly 3.6 million people across 159 districts are employed directly or indirectly in the coal mining and power sector.
COP26 Stance: India advocated for “phasing down” rather than “phasing out” coal, indicating a preference for a gradual transition.
Subsidy Scrutiny: India’s subsidies on kerosene oil have been criticized for inconsistency with the Paris Agreement, highlighting the complexities in balancing economic needs with environmental commitments.
Question for practice:
Examine India’s stance on coal transition and its impact, considering heavy reliance on fossil fuels and employment effects.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Annual Survey of Industries
Source-This post on Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) has been created based on the article “Manufacturing sector saw employment, profits improve despite pandemic blows: Survey” published in “The Indian Express” on 6 February 2024.
Why in the news?
MoSPI has recently released the results of Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) for the reference periods April 2020 to March 2021.
About Annual Survey of Industries (ASI)
Introduction-It is the primary source of industrial statistics in the country.
Statutory provision-From ASI 2010-11 onwards, the survey is being conducted annually under the statutory provisions of the Collection of Statistics (COS) Act, 2008.
Conducted by– Central Statistics Office (CSO) Industrial Statistics (IS) wing under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Scope and coverage
1) The ASI extends to the entire country.
2) It covers all factories registered under Sections 2(m)(i) and 2(m)(ii) of the Factories Act, 1948.
3) The survey also covers Bidi and cigar manufacturing establishments registered under the Bidi and Cigar Workers (Conditions of Employment) Act 1966.
4) All electricity undertakings engaged in generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, not registered with the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) are also covered under ASI.
5) Units with 100 or more employees registered in the Business Register of Establishments (BRE) prepared and maintained by the State Governments.
6) It does not cover unorganised or unregistered or informal sector enterprises.
Key finding of recent survey
1) Gross Value Added grew by 8.8% in current prices in the year 2020-21 and by 26.6% in the year 2021-22 over the respective previous years
2) Industrial output grew by more than 35% in 2021-22 over the previous year
3) Total estimated employment in the sector showed a robust growth of 7.0 % in 2021-22 over the previous year.
4) Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh were among the top five states contributing significantly to manufacturing GVA and employment in both years.
UPSC Syllabus-Indian economy.
SMART food grain storage system technology
Source-This post on SMART food grain storage system (SAFEETY) technology has been created based on the article “MeitY transfers SMART food grain storage system technology to Paras Defense” published in “Economic Times” on 6 February 2024.
Why in the news?
MeitY has recently transferred SMART food grain storage system technology to Paras Defense to pave the way for innovation in digital India.
About SMART food grain storage system (SAFEETY) technology
Developed by-It is developed by Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research(SAMEER) under MeitY’s guidance.
Salient Features of this technology
1) It boasts cutting-edge features such as conveyorized loading and unloading of grain bags.
2) Grain bags are tagged with RFID for ensuring its traceability.
3) It can measure weight and moisture of food grain online.
4) By employing radio frequency, it can remove moisture from grain.
Significance of this technology
1) Sustainability: Smart storage facilities are designed with sustainability in mind. From energy-efficient systems to reduced waste through precise monitoring, these facilities contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to food grain storage.
2) Increased Productivity: Automation and predictive analytics significantly boost productivity. With streamlined processes and reduced downtime, smart storage solutions enable facilities to handle larger quantities of grains with greater efficiency.
3) Enhanced Food Security: By minimizing losses due to spoilage and ensuring the traceability of grains, smart storage facilities play a pivotal role in enhancing food security. This is especially critical in a world where global supply chains are intricately connected.
4) Cost Efficiency: While the initial investment in smart storage infrastructure may be higher, the long-term cost benefits are substantial. Improved efficiency, reduced waste, and minimized manual labor contribute to a more cost-effective approach to grain storage.
5) This state-of-the-art system has a remarkable capacity, efficiently handling almost one truckload (approximately 28 tons) of grains in just 40 minutes.
6) The transfer of SAFEETY technology to Paras Defense and Space Technology Ltd signifies a step towards realizing the Innovation, Science, and Technology theme of Viksit Bharat @2047.
UPSC Syllabus-Science & technology
Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
Source- This post on Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary has been created based on the article “Tripura’s Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary gets new batch of animals including two tigers” published in” INDIA TODAY” on 6 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary of Tripura recently welcomed two Royal Bengal tigers, two leopards and four golden pigeons.
About Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary
| Aspect | Details |
| Location | It is located around 25 km from Agartala, Tripura. |
| Established | It came into existence in 1972. |
| Vegetation | It has moist deciduous forest |
| Lakes | It has two natural lakes, namely Abasarika and Amrit Sagar. |
| Flora | The sanctuary has around 456 plant species; many kinds of bamboo and a variety of grasses and medicinal plants also grow in the sanctuary |
| Fauna | It is the habitat of different species of primates like Rhesus macaque, Pigtailed macaque, Capped langur, Spectacled monkey, Slow loris and several other wild animals like Leopard, Clouded leopard, Jungle fowl, Civets, Barking, Deer, Wild pig, etc. |
| Important fact | Clouded Leopard National Park, established in 2007, is a part of this wildlife sanctuary. |
About Clouded Leopard
1) It is a wild cat inhabiting dense forests of the Himalayas through mainland Southeast Asia into South China
2) The clouded leopard is categorised into two species: the mainland clouded leopard distributed from central Nepal to peninsular Malaysia, and the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi) native to Borneo and Sumatra
3) It also has rotating rear ankles that enable it to climb down head first from trees, unlike the other felines
4) It is the State animal of Meghalaya.
5) It is classified as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List.
6) It is placed under Schedule 1st of the Wildlife (protection) act of 1972.
7) Some important wildlife sanctuaries in Tripura-Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary,Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary,Gomati Wildlife Sanctuary etc.
UPSC Syllabus-Environment
India’s first hypervelocity test facility
Source-This post on India’s first hypervelocity test facility has been based created based on the article “IIT Kanpur breaks ground with India’s first hypervelocity test facility, S2” published in “INDIA TODAY” on 5 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K) has successfully established and tested India’s first Hypervelocity Expansion Tunnel Test Facility recently.
About India’s first hypervelocity test facility
Location-The S2, nicknamed ‘Jigarthanda‘, is a 24-meter-long facility located at IIT Kanpur’s Hypersonic Experimental Aerodynamics Laboratory (HEAL) within the Department of Aerospace Engineering.
Designed by-It was indigenously designed and developed over three years by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and IIT Kanpur.
Funding-The development of the facility was supported by the Fund for Improvement in S&T Infrastructure (FIST) of the Department of Science & Technology (DST) with a sum of Rs 4.5 Crores in 2018.
Speed range-It is capable of generating flight speeds between 3-10 km/s. It can simulate the hypersonic conditions encountered during the atmospheric entry of vehicles, asteroid entry, scramjet flights, and ballistic missiles.
Significance of India’s first hypervelocity test facility
1) It will be a critical asset for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
2) It will serve as a testing ground for ongoing missions of ISRO and DRDO like Gaganyaan, Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLV), and hypersonic cruise missiles. This will enable the development of more advanced and reliable aerospace technologies.
3) It puts India amongst a handful of countries with this advanced hypersonic testing capability.
4) It is a major capacity boost for India’s space and defense sectors. It also puts India in a better position to develop advanced hypersonic technologies.
NOTE-Aeronautical Research and Development Board (ARDB)– It is the national body for coordinating and funding futuristic research/development programmes in Aeronautics.
It was established on recommendation of Subramanian Committee report and was constituted by the Government of India in 1971.
UPSC Syllabus-Science & technology.
SAMARTH Centres
Source-This post on SAMARTH Centres has been created based on the article “SAMARTH Centres providing assistance to the MSMEs to train the workforce and make them aware about Industry 4.0 technologies” published in “PIB” on 6 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The Minister of State for Heavy Industries has recently informed the Lok Sabha about SAMARTH Centres.
About SAMARTH Centres
Established– The Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Transformation Hub (SAMARTH) centres are set up under the Scheme for “Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector”.
Objective-To provide assistance to the MSMEs to train the workforce and make them aware about Industry 4.0 technologies.
Methods of training– These centres have been using the following methods-
1) Organizing Seminars/ Workshops and knowledge sharing events on Industry 4.0.
2) Training industries to create awareness about Industry 4.0.
3) Providing consultancy (in areas such as IOT Hardware, Software development, data analytics)
4) Incubation support to start-ups including MSMEs.
About the Enhancement of Competitiveness in the Indian Capital Goods Sector scheme
Launched by– Ministry of Heavy Industries
Objective– To address the technological obsolescence, limited access to quality industrial infrastructure and common facilities.
Components of the Scheme–
1) Identification of Technologies through Technology Innovation Portals
2) Setting up of four New Advanced Centres of Excellence and augmentation of Existing Centres of Excellence
3) Promotion of skilling in Capital Goods Sector–creation of Qualification packages for skill levels 6 and above.
4) Setting up of four Common Engineering Facility Centres (CEFCs) and augmentation of existing CEFCs
5) Augmentation of Existing Testing and Certification Centres
6) Setting up of ten Industry Accelerators for Technology Development
NOTE- SAMARTH PORTAL– It is a purpose built platform for Universities and HEIs to deploy a digital framework of good governance.
SAMARTH SCHEME– It is a demand driven and placement-oriented umbrella skilling programme of Ministry of Textiles.
UPSC Syllabus-Schemes and programmes.
The Healthy Indian Project
Source- This post on The Healthy Indian Project has been created based on the article “The Healthy Indian Project (THIP) Joins WHO’s vaccine safety net” published in “FE healthcare” on 5 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The Healthy Indian Project (THIP), a health information platform in India, has recently been included as a member of the World Health Organization’s Vaccine Safety Net (VSN).
What is “The Healthy Indian Project”?
About– It is a health information and fact-checking platform in India.
Objective– To enhance health literacy among Indians by delivering credible and evidence-based content in multiple Indian languages.
Website language– It is available in 5 Indian languages namely English, Hindi, Bengali, Punjabi and Gujarati.
VSN membership– Since 2023.
Website’s sponsorship policy– This is privately funded by its directors. The company is not affiliated to any political institution.
Significance of The Healthy Indian Project
1) Through fact-checking, it will dispel misinformation surrounding vaccines.
2) THIP Care, the platform’s app, will simplify individualized health and vaccine record-keeping for citizens of India.
3) THIP BOT also known as RAKSHA is a popular chatbot built to empower citizens to cross-check any misinformation regarding vaccine.
4) This contributes to the ongoing effort to combat vaccine hesitancy and promote widespread vaccine acceptance across the country.
5) This user-friendly application assists in maintaining digital profiles for parents and children. It also serves as a valuable resource for addressing vaccination-related queries.
About Vaccine Safety Net
1) Origin-Various non-governmental organizations , United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and WHO came together in 2003 to start the Vaccine Safety Net Project (VSN).
2) Established by– World Health Organization. This is a global network of websites.
3) Objective– To provide scientifically based information on vaccine safety in various languages.
4) Membership– It has 110 websites from 45 countries. They provide vaccine safety information in 43 languages.
| Read More- World Health Summit 2023 |
UPSC Syllabus- International organization
Vidyanjali Scholarship Programme
Source-This post on Vidyanjali Scholarship Programme is based on the article “Shri Dharmendra Pradhan launches EdCIL Vidyanjali Scholarship Programme” published in “PIB” on 6th February 2024.
Why in the News?
The Union Minister of Education recently launched the EdCIL Vidyanjali Scholarship Programme.
What is Vidyanjali Scholarship Programme?
| Aspect | Details |
| About | 1. This initiative ensures that meritorious Navodaya Vidyalaya students lacking financial means have access to high-quality learning systems. 2. It facilitates a smooth transition from secondary to higher education while also providing financial support. |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Implementing agency | EdCIL (Educational Consultants India Limited) |
| Funding | It secures support and funding from non-governmental partners and private entities, including CSR grants, national and international donors, as well as impact investors. |
| Beneficiaries | Students of Class XI and XII attending Navodaya Vidyalayas nationwide. |
| Features | 1. A fintech platform created for Vidyanjali will distribute sponsorships directly to students through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). 2. This platform will be instrumental for collecting data, managing student applications, monitoring student progress, tracking grant distribution, overseeing fund usage, creating impact reports for SDG progress, recognizing notable student achievements, and publicly thanking funders, among other functions. |
What is EdCIL (Educational Consultants India Limited)?
1. It is the sole Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Education.
2. It was incorporated under the Companies Act of 1956, on June 17, 1981.
3. It is classified as a ‘Mini Ratna Organization‘ by the Government of India.
4. It provides consulting and technical services in Education and Human Resource Development, both domestically and internationally.
UPSC Syllabus- Schemes & Programmes
390-Year-Old Deepastambham (Lamp Post)
Source-This post on 390-Year-Old Deepastambham (Lamp Post) is based on the article “390-year-old lamp post in Nalgonda dedicated to Kasi Viswanatha unravels trade links of Telangana” published in “The Hindu” on 7th February 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, archaeologists discovered a 390-year-old Deepastambham (lamp post) on the banks of the River Krishna in Nalgonda district, Telangana. This discovery sheds new light on trade ties in the region during early medieval times.
About the Deepastambham (lamp post)
1. According to the inscription found on the lamp post, the pillar can be dated back to June 1635.
2. The inscription, comprising a fusion of Telugu and Tamil languages which suggests that the pillar was dedicated to Kasi Viswanatha.
3. The impressive height of the pillar hints at its possible role as a a lighthouse, aiding ships along the riverine trade route in the early medieval era.
What is the history of the Nalgonda region?
1. During the construction of the lamp post, the region was governed by the Qutb Shahi dynasty.
2. European travelers like the French diamond trader Tavernier, who visited the Hyderabad kingdom has also made note of these land trade routes.
About Krishna river
1. It is the third-longest river in India, after the Ganges and Godavari.
2. It is the fourth-largest in India in terms of water inflows and river basin area after the Ganges, Indus, and Godavari.
3. Its Basin extends over Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka.
4. Left Bank tributaries – Bhima, Dindi, Peddavagu, Musi, Paleru, Munneru.
5. Right Bank tributaries – Kudali (Niranjna) Venna, Koyna, Panchganga, Dudhaganga, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha and Tungabhadra (largest tributary).
UPSC Syllabus- History and Art & Culture
Satellite-based toll collection
Source-This post on Satellite-based GPS toll collection is based on the article “Satellite-based toll collection likely before Lok Sabha polls” published in “The Hindu” on 7th February 2024.
Why in the News?
The government recently reiterated its intention to introduce satellite-based toll collection on highways prior to the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct for the Lok Sabha election.
What is Satellite-based toll collection system?
1. It is a GPS based toll collection system.
2. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will implement this system.
3. It will enable vehicles to move freely without the need to stop for toll payments.
4. It will capture the vehicle’s registration plate photo and debit the toll amount based on the actual distance traveled by the vehicle on the highway.
5. Every vehicle in this GPS-based toll collection system will need an onboard unit (OBU) linked to a constellation of satellites.. The OBU will also connect to a wallet for toll deductions.
6. It will replace the existing radio frequency identification-based FASTag system (Fastag was rolled out in 2016 and it was made mandatory from January 2021).
Note– Currently, this GPS based toll collection system is in the trial phase.
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
