9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Brief 27 Jan, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Evolution of Women Rights in India
Source: The post Evolution of women’s rights in India has been created, based on the article “75th Republic Day of India: The women who fought for our rights” published in “Indian express” on 27th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society- Role of women and women’s organization.
Evolution of Women Rights in India, This article discusses the history of women’s rights in India. It covers their struggle for voting rights, participation in government, social reforms, and economic empowerment. It also highlights key figures and organizations involved in these movements.
How Women Rights Evolved in India Before partition?
Voting Rights: Women’s struggle for voting rights began with the Government of India Act 1919. Madras was the first province to give this right in 1921, followed by Bombay and United Provinces. Bengal initially rejected women’s voting rights (enfranchisement Bill), but after campaigns by Bangiya Nari Samaj, it was granted in 1925. However, these rights were initially limited to women meeting certain property or income criteria.
Legislative Participation: The Nehru Report of 1929 proposed equal civic rights for all. Despite Britain’s reluctance, Indian leaders like Rajkumari Amrit Kaur and Shareefa Hamid Ali advocated for these rights internationally. The Government of India Act 1935 expanded women’s voting rights and allowed them to hold public office, leading to women participating in the 1936-37 elections.
Social Reforms: The All-India Women’s Conference (AIWC), formed in 1927, initially focused on education but later campaigned against child marriage, for raising the age of consent, and against polygamy. They sought to reform religious laws to empower women, including in economic aspects and inheritance rights.
Indian Woman’s Charter of Rights and Duties: Adopted in 1945-46, this charter demanded equality in all areas, especially highlighting economic empowerment and recognition of domestic work. It influenced laws like the Hindu Code Bill, which came into effect a decade later.
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How Did Women Influence Post-Partition Policies?
Opposition to Religious Seat Reservations: Influential leaders like Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, a Christian, and Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul, a Muslim, argued in the Constituent Assembly against reserving seats based on religion.
Advocating for Unified Electorates: The All-India Women’s Conference (AIWC) strongly opposed separate electorates. They believed such systems deepened communal divisions.
Against Women’s Reservation: AIWC also argued against reservations specifically for women in politics, emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach.
Influencing Constitutional Debates: Their arguments and activism were pivotal in shaping post-partition policies, particularly in the framing of the Constitution where reservation was eventually limited to Scheduled Castes and Tribes.
Way forward
The way forward involves continuing the work of earlier feminists by pushing for more inclusive policies and legal reforms. This includes expanding women’s economic rights, advocating for equal property and inheritance laws, and addressing the societal challenges that still hinder women’s full participation in all areas of life.
Question for practice:
Discuss the historical progression of women’s rights in India, encompassing voting rights, legislative participation, and social reforms before partition.
GS PAPER - 2
Water Water Everywhere Mission
Source: This post on the Jal Jeevan Mission has been created based on the article “Water Water Everywhere” published in “Business Standard” on 27th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Governance – Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
Water Water Everywhere Mission, The article discusses the challenges in achieving 100% coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission. It also highlights what needs to be done to ensure it.
A detailed article on the Jal Jeevan Mission can be read here.
Background:
Launched in 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to achieve the objective of providing piped water in adequate quantities and of prescribed quality on a regular and long-term basis to every rural household in India (55 litre per capita per day of water).
Data shows 73.57% of the rural households have already been covered by this flagship scheme.
What are The Challenges in Achieving 100% Coverage?
There are challenges in achieving 100% coverage.
For instance, 3 states — Rajasthan, Jharkhand, and West Bengal — are way below the national average (73%), and even below the halfway mark (50%) of providing functional tap water connections to every household. These challenges include:
1) Geographic Challenges: Rajasthan’s arid and rocky terrain, unlike UP’s plains, is not very conducive to piped water supply. Also, the state has the issue of generally low availability of water.
2) Political Challenges: For instance, change of government in the state in the recent elections has also slowed the implementation in Rajasthan, as per the author.
3) Sustainable Source: Unless the source of water is sustainable (such as through replenishment by groundwater recharge), the supply would become a long-term issue.
4) Lack of Urgency: For instance, West Bengal has plenty of water, which may have taken away the urgency required to implement the scheme. It has also led to the problem of contamination, which requires a much greater focus on treatment and supply.
5) Raw Material Supply (Pipes): The more immediate challenge has been the rising demand for duct iron pipes, which are an important raw material for piped water connections and its timely supply.
6) Reaching the Last Mile: Providing clean drinking water for PVTGs is part of the recently launched PM JANMAN scheme. The launch of this initiative makes it necessary to reach far-flung areas, which will be a challenge.
What Should be Done?
- Planning Sustainability of Water Source: This must be done by the panchayat. Villagers do not know how much water there is in the groundwater aquifers. Communities must be empowered in aquifer and groundwater management.
In this respect, states have put in place an implementation support agency to handhold the communities and train them in operation and maintenance of water connections for the next 3-4 years. - Correct Identification of Area: Appropriate area must be selected after field survey to house all three water supply units: The water treatment plan, storage unit, and distribution channel (meaning taps).
- Maintenance of Infrastructure: The Centre has asked states to come up with a plan and decide on a mix of user charges and government subsidy for the upkeep of the drinking water infrastructure.
Records indicate that many states that did not perform well initially have progressed fast in the last two years. For instance, Uttar Pradesh, with only around 20% coverage in 2022, has improved it to above 76%.
According to the author, once everyone has a tap water connection, the way forward would be to ensure the quality is improved alongside the volume of supply.
Question for practice:
What are the challenges in achieving 100% coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission? Suggest steps to ensure 100% coverage.
Claudine Gay’s resignation-Lessons from a high-profile Harvard Exit
Source: The post Claudine Gay’s resignation has been created, based on the article “Lessons from a high-profile Harvard exit” published in “The Hindu” on 27th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Social issues – issues related to education – Laws and mechanisms for protection of vulnerable sections of society
Claudine Gay’s resignation-Lessons from a high-profile Harvard exit, The article discusses the resignation of Claudine Gay, Harvard’s first African American president. It suggests her resignation was influenced by conservative criticism and debates about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in academia.
Background:
Claudine Gay, the first African American president of Harvard and its 30th leader, resigned amid controversies. She was criticized over affirmative action, her response to a Hamas attack on Israel, and plagiarism allegations. Her departure signals challenges for diversity in academia, the rise of right-wing populism, and the impact of politics on academic governance. This resignation might also impact India.
What are The Major Concerns for India After Gay’s Resignation?
Influence on Indian Conservative Politics: Gay’s resignation might encourage the conservative political class in India, reflecting similar occurrences in the U.S.
Concerns Over Academic Freedom: The event raises alarms about the potential for increased political influence in Indian academia, threatening academic independence.
Risks to DEI Initiatives: There’s apprehension that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Indian academic institutions could be jeopardized, influenced by global trends in right-wing politics.
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Neglect of Reservation Policies: The University Grants Commission’s draft regulations for 2023, regarding foreign educational institutions in India. This draft does not address reservations in student admissions and faculty appointments, indicating a possible oversight or intentional exclusion.
Potential for Increased Communal Polarization: The situation in the U.S. could embolden India’s right-wing factions, leading to greater communal and social divides in the academic sector.
Challenge to Secular Academic Traditions: Given the context of India’s freedom struggle and its impact on shaping a secular academic milieu, this development could pose a threat to these long-standing values.
Way forward
Moving forward, it’s vital to reinforce the commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in academia. Upholding academic freedom against political pressures is key. Maintaining a critical stance against undermining ideologies and preserving the secular, inclusive nature of the academic environment aligns with India’s historical values.
Question for practice:
Discuss the potential impact of Claudine Gay’s resignation on India.
GS PAPER - 3
On the Issues with Climate Change Treaties
Source: This post on the Issues with Climate Change Treaties has been created based on the article “How to enforce climate agreements with trade measures” published in “Business Standard” on 27th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation.
On the Issues with Climate Change Treaties, The article discusses the issues with climate change treaties and the steps that can be undertaken to tackle them.
A detailed article on UNFCCC COP28 can be read here.
According to the author, the Dubai Agreement, as part of the UN Climate Change Conference in Dubai (COP28), will not have much impact on combating climate change.
What are The Issues with Climate Change Treaties?
1) Voluntary Commitments Not Working: Voluntary commitments entail no accountability. For instance, at the formation of the UNFCCC in 1992, all countries committed to preventing climate change, but emissions have continued to rise.
2) Issues with Economic Models: Economic models that intend to identify optimal climate policies often underestimate the benefits of emissions reductions and overestimate their costs.
3) Not Considered Important: In a world of urgent challenges, policymakers and the public have limited attention for climate change.
4) Non-Cooperative Unilateral Approaches: For instance, EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This prevents cooperation.
What Should be Done to Tackle The Issues with Climate Change Treaties?
As shown by the Montreal Protocol (which bars participating countries from trading in ozone-depleting chemicals (CFCs)) with non-participating countries) and MARPOL (access to ports is restricted to ships that meet certain technical standards), the following steps can make climate change treaties more effective:
1) Targeted Approach: Agreements should aim at achieving progress in narrow, but crucial, economic sectors.
For instance, the Montreal Protocol, which protects the stratospheric ozone layer.
2) Legal Obligations: Unlike the voluntary commitments made at each climate-change COP, these two treaties established binding obligations that can be enforced through international trade markets.
3) Positive Feedback Loop: The more countries that agree to participate, the higher the pressure on others to join.
4) “Common but Differentiated” Responsibilities: To succeed, international climate agreements must be compatible with countries’ economic strategies. They should include provisions whereby richer countries agree to help poorer countries in terms of finance or technology.
These steps should be replicated for other major emissions sources. For instance, Aluminum production.
Through these changes, the world will have a better chance to achieve rapid and equitable transition to net-zero emissions.
Question for practice:
What are the issues with climate change treaties? What should be done to tackle them?
Challenges India Faces in Building Its Military
Source: The post Challenges India Faces in Building Its Military Industry has been created, based on the article “Make in India, Make for Defending India” published in “Times of India” on 27th January 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy – changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.
Challenges India Faces in Building Its Military, The article discusses India’s dependence on foreign arms imports and the challenges it faces in building its own military industry.
What is The Current Status of Arms Imports?
According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI):
India was the largest global arms importer between 2018 and 2022.
As per SIPRI, global military expenditure rose 3.7% in real terms to touch $2.2 trillion in 2022.
As per Financial Times Analysis:
The Financial Times reported a 10% increase in order backlogs for defense contractors, totaling $777 billion in 2022.
Europe’s military spending rose by 30%.
What Challenges is India Facing in Building Its Own Military Industry?
Dependence on Foreign Arms: India’s position as the world’s largest arms importer between 2018 and 2022 reflects its heavy reliance on foreign military technology.
Supply Chain Issues: The global military industrial complex faces challenges in surging production to meet high demand, as seen in Japan’s modified export rules for Patriot missiles and the delay in GE404 engine supplies to India.
Building Surge Capacities: India, like other nations, struggles to quickly increase military production. This is evident from the difficulty faced by even established military industries like those in the U.S.
Lack of Domestic Orders: The Indian military industry needs consistent and substantial orders to maintain a stable and robust supply chain, a challenge highlighted by the sporadic nature of current order patterns.
Minimum War Reserves: India’s strategy of maintaining low levels of war reserves, as seen in the Kargil conflict, stresses the need for a stronger domestic military industry.
What Initiatives have been Taken by India to Overcome these Challenges?
Atmanirbhar (Self-Reliance) Push: The Indian government is promoting self-reliance in defense production, notably through the Atmanirbhar initiative.
Import Bans for Certain Military Items: Implementation of negative lists for imports to stimulate local manufacturing.
Political Support for Key Projects: High-level political commitment to major defense projects, such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
Wider Military Reforms: Introduction of reforms like the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) position and the Agnipath scheme, aimed at streamlining military operations.
Focus on Essential Military Supplies: Greater emphasis on domestic production of critical items, highlighted by India’s recent achievement of self-sufficiency in 155mm ammunition.
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What Should be Done?
1. India must prioritize domestic production for essential military supplies like ammunition and spare parts, learning from past shortages during conflicts like Kargil.
2. Strengthen India’s military-industrial complex (MIC) by ensuring consistent and substantial orders to domestic contractors, preventing fragile supply chains.
3. Maintain higher war wastage reserves, avoiding the ‘bare-bones’ approach, as evidenced by emergency ammunition purchases during border tensions.
4. Balance military investments, considering the need for a robust submarine fleet over acquiring a third aircraft carrier, ensuring the most effective use of the defense budget.
5. Encourage public-private partnerships in defense manufacturing to enhance innovation and efficiency, optimizing resource allocation.
7. Develop strategic, long-term planning in defense expenditure, aligning with India’s geopolitical needs and the global trend of rising military expenditures.
Question for practice:
Examine India’s efforts and challenges in building its own military industry and reducing its dependence on foreign arms imports.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
A New Alloy Developed That Can Act As Alternative Magnetic Refrigerant to Minimize GHGs
Source-This post on new alloy developed has been created based on the article “A new alloy developed can act as alternative magnetic refrigerant for minimizing greenhouse gas emissions” published in “PIB” on 25 January 2024.
Why in The News?
A team from N. Bose National Centre for Basic Science (an autonomous institute of the department of science and Technology (DST)) experimented with a certain type of alloys called all-transition metal based Heusler alloys (magnetic intermetallics with face-centered cubic crystal structure) in their search for material exhibiting giant reversible.
About the Research
Current research is focused on developing new magnetic materials such as refrigerants.
There are 3 critical criteria need to be fulfilled.
1) The material must be capable of operating for millions of cycles without any fatigue and failure
2) The material must have high thermal conductivity
3) The material should respond to external magnetic field of about 2 T (Tesla) which can be generated by permanent magnets.
Since most of the materials developed so far show giant magneto caloric effect (GMCE) only at fields as high as 5 T, there is an urgent need to look for materials in which GMCE is achieved in lower fields.
Researcher have chosen Ni (Co)-Mn-Ti Heusler system because such systems often exhibit multifunctional properties with ultrahigh mechanical stability because of their intrinsic d-d hybridization.
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What is Magnetic Cooling Effect?
Magnetic cooling effect (MCE) is defined as the reversible temperature change of a magnetic material when it is subjected to an external applied magnetic field.
In the magnetic refrigeration cycle, a magnetic field is applied on the magnetic material under an adiabatic process (no exchange of heat with the surrounding).
Initially randomly oriented magnetic moments get aligned along the external magnetic field, resulting in the heating of the magnetic material. This heat is transferred from the material to the ambience.
When the magnetic field is removed during adiabatic demagnetization, the magnetic moments of the material become randomized, resulting in a decrease in temperature below the ambient temperature.
This process causes the material to absorb heat from the surrounding heat-transfer medium.
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What is Magneto Caloric Effect?
Magnetocaloric effect, MCE, is heating or cooling of a magnetic material upon application or removal of magnetic field.
Materials that display a significant MCE are called magnetocaloric materials.
Significance of the research
1) Magnetic refrigeration offers an energy-efficient and environment-friendly cooling technology as an alternative to the vapor-cycle refrigeration technology in use today.
2) Magnetic refrigerators for household, industrial, and technological applications can be fabricated in future.
Heusler compounds-Heusler compounds are magnetic intermetallics with face-centered cubic crystal structure and a composition of XYZ (half-Heuslers) or X2YZ (full-Heuslers), where X and Y are transition metals and Z is in the p-block.
UPSC SYLLABUS:-SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (YASASVI)
Source-This post on PMYASASVI scheme has been created based on the article “PM Young Achievers’ Scholarship Award Scheme for a Vibrant India (PM YASASVI) for OBC, EBC and DNT Students” published in “PIB” on 25 January 2024.
Why in the news
PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India, The government has recently released Rs 32.44 Crore for Pre-matric Scholarship and Rs 387.27 Crore for Post-Matric Scholarship to States/UTs under PM YASASVI scheme.
About PM-YASASVI(PM YOUNG ACHIEVERS’ SCHOLARSHIP AWARD SCHEME FOR VIBRANT INDIA)
Aspect | Details |
About | PM YASASVI is a Scholarship scheme for Other Backward Class (OBCs), Economically Backward Class (EBC) and Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT) Students |
Concerned Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India |
Objective | To provide financial assistance to the OBC, EBC and DNT students studying at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to help them complete their education. |
Eligibility | 1. Applicant students must be a permanent resident of India to get benefits under the PM Yashasvi Scheme. 2. Candidate students should belong to any one of OBC, EBC, DNT SAR, NT or SNT community. 3. Only students studying in class 9 or class 11 will be considered eligible to get this scholarship. 4. The family annual income of the applicant students should be maximum 2.5 lakh rupees to get this scholarship. 5. Students of all genders will be eligible to get the benefits under PM Yashasvi Scheme 2023. |
Benefits | Financial assistance of Rs 75,000 per year is provided to the eligible students of class IX in the form of scholarship. An amount of Rs 125,000 per year is provided to the students of class 11th as financial assistance. |
Selection | To get the benefits of this scheme, the candidate students have to pass the computer based entrance test. |
Testing Agency | National Testing Agency has been entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the YASASVI ENTRANCE TEST |
Sub-scheme | There are five sub-Schemes under the Scheme. 1. Pre-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students Eligibility- for students studying in class IX and X on a full-time basis in Government Schools only. Benefit-The students shall be given a consolidated academic allowance of Rs. 4000/- per annum 2. Post-Matric Scholarship for OBC, EBC and DNT Students. Eligibility- for students studying at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage to enable them to complete their education. Benefits-allowance from Rs.5000 to Rs.20000 is awarded to students as per category of course. 3. Top Class School Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students Eligibility-for meritorious students belonging to OBC, EBC and DNT categories from Class 9 onwards till they complete Class 12. Benefits-Scholarship is awarded for tuition fee, hostel fee and other charges subject to a maximum of Rs. 75,000/- per annum per student of class 9 and 10 and Rs. 1,25,000/- per annum per student of class 11 and 12. 4. Top Class College Education for OBC, EBC and DNT Students Eligibility-for students belonging to OBC, EBC and DNT categories. Benefits-by providing full financial support that include tuition fee,living expenses,books and stationaries etcs. 5. Construction of Hostel for OBC Boys and Girls Aim-To provide hostel facilities to students belonging to socially and educationally backward classes, especially from rural areas, to enable them to pursue secondary and higher education in the Govt. schools, universities, institutions and institutes located at a reasonable distance. |
UPSC SYLLABUS: SCHEMES IN NEWS
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About Padma Awards 2024
Source-This post on Padma award has been created based on the article “Padma Awards 2024 announced” published in “PIB” on 25 January 2024.
Why in the news?
About Padma Awards 2024, Recently Padma Awards – one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.
About Padma awards
Aspects | Detail |
History | 1) The Government of India instituted two civilian awards-Bharat Ratna & Padma Vibhushan in 1954. 2) Padma Vibhushan had three classes namely Pahela Varg, Dusra Varg and Tisra Varg. 3) These were subsequently renamed as Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri vide Presidential Notification issued on January 8, 1955. |
About | 1) The Padma Awards are one of the highest civilian honours of India. 2) They are announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. 3) These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March / April every year. |
Ministry | The awards come under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs. |
Objective | To acknowledge achievements in all fields of activities or discipline where element of public service is involved. |
Categories | The Awards are given in three categories: 1) Padma Vibhushan (for exceptional and distinguished service), 2) Padma Bhushan (distinguished service of higher-order) and 3) Padma Shri (distinguished service). Padma Vibhushan is highest in the hierarchy of Padma Awards followed by Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri. |
Discipline | The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities, viz.- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, music etc. |
Eligibility | All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. |
Selection process | 1) All nominations received for the Padma Awards are placed before the Padma Awards Committee constituted by the Prime Minister every year. 2) The Padma Awards Committee is headed by the Cabinet Secretary and includes the Home Secretary, the Secretary to the President, and four to six eminent persons as members. 3) The recommendations of the committee are submitted to the Prime Minister and the President of India for approval. |
Some important facts | 1) The total number of awards to be given in a year (excluding posthumous awards and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs) should not be more than 120. 2) The award does not amount to title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name. 3) These were discontinued in 1978 and 1979 and from 1993 to 1997. |
UPSC SYLLABUS: Art and Culture in News
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Dynamic Wireless Charging Technology
Source-This post on Dynamic wireless charging technology has been based on the article “Induction charging on ‘golden quadrilateral’ can make travel between India’s metros cheap, easy” published in “Down to Earth” on 23 January 2024.
Why in the news?
Dynamic Wireless Charging Technology, The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is mulling over the electrification of the Golden Quadrilateral, as part of its Vision 2030: PM Public Transport Sewa.
What is Dynamic Wireless Charging Technology?
1) Dynamic wireless charging technology refers to a system that enables electric vehicles (EVs) to charge while moving by using base pads embedded under the surface of the road.
2) Dynamic wireless charging allows EVs to receive power continuously as they do not need to stop to refuel or recharge.
3) This technology relies on inductive transfer of energy. The base pads installed under the road’s surface generate a magnetic field, and a corresponding pad on the vehicle receives this energy, ensuring charging without physical connections.
What are Advantages and Disadvantages of This Technology?
Advantages | Disadvantages |
1) Continuous electric vehicle battery charging can minimize range anxiety because vehicles can charge as they move, potentially boosting their market share. | 1) More research is needed to boost the power levels and efficiency of the existing technology. |
2) It can reduce the need for plug-in charging stations, saving space. | 2) Finding the space for the charging pad and equipment on the underside of an existing vehicle can be challenging. |
3) Ongoing charging allows for a smaller EV battery size with reduced weight, helping to decrease the cost of EVs and conserving materials. | 3) Overcoming technological challenges related to vehicle body interference with power transfer efficiency. |
4) It would help in decarbonising the transportation sector. | 4) Retrofitting infrastructure with this charging technology for widespread implementation would be costly. |
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Some Other Initiative to Promote E Mobility
1) Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME)scheme II
2) National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP)
3) National Mission on Transformative Mobility and Battery Storage
4) Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme
5) Vehicle Scrappage Policy
6) Go Electric campaign
Golden Quadrilateral
It is a network of highways connecting the four metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata.
UPSC SYLLABUS:SCIENCE&TECHNOLOGY
Standards Machine Applicable Readable and Transferable (SMART)
Source:-This post on Standards Machine Applicable Readable and Transferable (SMART) has been created based on the article “Two day workshop on ‘Digital Transformation’ concludes at Yashobhoomi” published in “PIB” on 23 January 2024.
Why in The News?
Standards Machine Applicable Readable and Transferable, Recently The Bureau of Indian Standards in association with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) conducted two days IEC/ISO Workshop on Digital Transformation at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka.
About Standards Machine Applicable Readable and Transferable (SMART) approach
1) Standards Machine Applicable Readable and Transferable (SMART) is the joint programme of ISO and IEC to drive the digital evolution of international standards.
2) SMART standards will allow machines to exchange data and undergo processes outlined in the standards.
3) They ensure greater precision in operations, providing more time to users for innovation-led work.
What are The Issues with Current Standards?
1) Experts and industry stakeholders are unable to participate because of voluminous, highly technical and not easy to read standards.
2) Micro and Small sectors, which form over 80% of the BIS licences, find it difficult to understand the standards due to their technical complexity.
Key Benefits of SMART Approach
1) Manufacturers can integrate SMART standards into their entire product and service lifecycles, reducing costs and ensuring compliance with the latest regulation.
2) The content is tailored to users specific needs, ensuring that they receive relevant information with ease.
3) This will automate the process, thus allows them to focus on content creation in a more effective manner.
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About Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS):
Established– under the BIS Act 2016
Objective– To ensure harmonious development of the activities of standardization, marking and quality certification of goods.
Concerned ministry-Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
Headquarters- New Delhi, and its 5 regional Offices (ROs) are at Kolkata (Eastern), Chennai (Southern), Mumbai (Western), Chandigarh (Northern) and Delhi (Central).
Recent initiatives- It is creating awareness about standards at the grassroots level and conducting training program for village panchayats.
About International Organization for Standardization (ISO):
1) It is an independent, non-governmental international organization.
2) It has membership of 170 national standards bodies.
3) The body brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market-relevant International Standards to support innovation.
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC):
Founded– In 1906
It is a global, not-for-profit membership organization with more than 170 countries and provides a global, neutral and independent standardization platform for experts globally.
UPSC SYLLABUS-SCHEME AND PROGRAMMES OF THE GOVERNMENT IN THE NEWS.
India and France Defence Industrial Roadmap
Source-This post is based on the article “India-France defence ties take a bigger leap” published in “The Hindu” on 27th January 2024.
Why in the News?
India and France Defence Industrial Roadmap, During the recent visit of the French President, India and France have announced a ‘defense industrial roadmap’.
What is The Defence Industrial Roadmap?
1) It enables the joint development and production of vital military hardware and platforms.
2) It will also foster technology collaboration across various domains such as space, land warfare, cyberspace, and artificial intelligence.
Note– The road map was part of a number of agreements signed between the two countries during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Jaipur
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What are The Other key Agreements Signed?
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1) The two parties also entered into a fresh agreement establishing a defense-space partnership, under which they will collaborate on ‘space situational awareness’.
2) An MoU was signed to coordinate satellite launches.
3) The two nations will collaborate on producing a multi-mission helicopter in India.
4) Safran, the French engine manufacturer, has announced its intention to fully transfer technology for building fighter jet engines within India.
5) Additional agreements focusing on partnerships in energy, digital health, agriculture, and education were also signed.
Note– The two countries didn’t announce progress on negotiations for significant government-to-government deals on fighter jets, engines, and submarines mentioned during Mr. Modi’s visit to Paris last July.
UPSC Syllabus- International Relations
ICJ Israel Must Prevent Genocide in Gaza
Source-This post is based on the article “ICJ orders Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza” published in “The Hindu” on 26th January 2024.
Why in The News?
Recently, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel must prevent genocidal acts in Gaza and allow the entry of humanitarian aid into the region.
What Ruling Did The ICJ Issue?
The ICJ did not determine if Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, that process will likely take several years. However, it recognized the dire humanitarian situation and issued emergency measures to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
1) Israel is required to “take all measures within its capacity” to prevent genocidal acts and to cease officials from making declarations that incite genocide.
2) The court urged Israel to promptly implement effective measures to facilitate the provision of urgently required basic services and humanitarian assistance.
Note– The case before the ICJ was brought by South Africa, which accuses Israel of breaching the UN’s Genocide Convention.
What is The UN’s Genocide Convention?
1) It is an instrument of international law that codified the crime of genocide for the first time.
2) It was the first human rights treaty adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 9 December 1948.
3) The Convention was established in response to the atrocities committed during World War II, particularly the Holocaust, and it aimed to prevent and punish acts of genocide.
4) According to the Genocide Convention, genocide is a crime that can take place both in time of war and in time of peace.
For more information on UN’s Genocide Convention Click here to read |
What is The International Court of Justice (ICJ)?
1) About– The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began work in April 1946.
2) Seat of the ICJ– ICJ is situated at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands). Of the six principal organs of the United Nations, it is the only one not located in New York (United States of America).
For more information on ICJ Click here to read |
Rare golden tiger snapped in Kaziranga
Source-This post is based on the article “Rare golden tiger snapped in Kaziranga” published in “The Hindu” on 26th January 2024.
Why in the News?
A wildlife photographer recently captured an image of a tiger with a golden coat during a safari in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.
What is a Golden Tiger?
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1) A golden tiger (also known as a golden tabby tiger) is a Bengal tiger exhibiting a color variation resulting from a recessive gene.
2) The golden tiger’s coloring originates from a recessive trait known as ‘wideband,’ which influences the production of black pigments during the hair growth cycle.
3) Golden tigers are not a separate subspecies but rather a result of genetic variation within Bengal tigers.
4) They are exceptionally rare in the wild and even rarer in captivity.
About Kaziranga National Park
1) Location: It is located in the State of Assam. It is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain.
2) UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Park was declared as a National Park in 1974. In 1985, the park was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Further, it was also declared as a Tiger Reserve in 2006.
3) Important Bird Area: It is also recognized as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International for the conservation of avifaunal species.
For more information on Kaziranga National Park Click here to read |
UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in News)
Execution using Nitrogen Gas
Source-This post is based on the article “Why has Alabama executed a man using nitrogen gas?” published in “BBC” on 27th January 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, the US state of Alabama used nitrogen gas to execute a man as directed by a federal appeals court.
What is the Process?
1) Nitrogen gas execution entails administering pure nitrogen to the individual facing execution.
2) This method usually involves placing a respirator-type face mask over the nose and mouth, displacing breathable air with nitrogen. It will ultimately lead to death due to oxygen deprivation. (This process is also called nitrogen hypoxia)
3) The state anticipates that the gas will induce unconsciousness in the inmate within seconds, followed by death within minutes.
4) Critics say the new method may be risky and violate constitutional bans on cruel punishment.
About Nitrogen gas
1) Nitrogen gas is a colorless, odorless gas that makes up a significant portion of Earth’s atmosphere.
2) It is composed mainly of nitrogen molecules (N2) and is essential for various biological and industrial processes
3) It is commonly used in industries such as food packaging, electronics manufacturing, and as an inert gas for various purposes.
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
Soda Lakes
Source-This post is based on the article “Shallow soda lakes show promise as cradles of life on Earth” published in “Physics.Org” on 22th January 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, researchers have found that a shallow ‘soda lake’ in western Canada bears resemblance to Darwin’s concept of “warm little ponds,”. It is believed to be a potential environment where life originated on early Earth.
What is a Soda lake?
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Aspect | Details |
About & Characteristics | 1. It is a lake typically characterized by a pH level ranging between 9 and 11. 2. The alkalinity of the water is primarily due to the high concentration of carbonate, particularly sodium carbonate. 3. It may also have lots of sodium chloride and other salts, making it a salty or hypersaline lake. 4. These ecosystems are notably productive compared to freshwater lakes. 5. It represent some of the Earth’s most productive aquatic environments due to the abundance of dissolved carbon dioxide. 6. They naturally occur in both arid and semi-arid regions. |
Biodiversity | 1. Biodiversity in soda lakes is primarily led by prokaryotes like bacteria and archaea, particularly in lakes with elevated alkalinity levels. 2. Multicellular organisms like brine shrimp and fish are abundant in many soda lakes. |
Examples | 1. Africa and Asia host the largest number of soda lakes due to their extensive desert conditions, which favor the formation of such lakes. 2. The majority of soda lakes in Africa are situated in Eastern Africa, notably in Kenya, Tanzania, and Ethiopia. 3. Lake Natron in Tanzania stands out as one of the most remarkable soda lakes in Africa. 4. In Asia, India and China boast the highest count of soda lakes. 5. Notable soda lakes in Asia include Lake Van, Tso Kar Salt Lake, Pangong Salt Lake, and Lake Zabuye. |
UPSC Syllabus- Geography and Places in News/ Environment