9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 17th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

On Building National Character – Building Bharat’s national character

Source: This post on Building National Character has been created based on the article “Building Bharat’s national character” published in Business Standard on 17^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Indian Society – Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India.

News: This article discusses the importance of building a national character for the country. It also suggests steps to transform the national character of India.

What is meant by national character?

“National character” is used to describe the enduring personality characteristics and unique lifestyles found among the populations of nation-states.

National character can include: Shared beliefs, Personality characteristics, Self-perception, Sensibilities, Conduct, Lifestyles, etc.

According to the Prime Minister, “The countries that have made progress in the world, the countries that have come out after crossing the crisis, there has been an important catalytic agent, that has been the national character”.

What are the issues with the national character of India?

Lack of Respect for Rule of Law: The attitude that “rules are meant to be broken” has become a norm for many, especially the affluent and the powerful.

Corruption in Public Life: When respect for the law is absent, corruption is a by-product.

Non-Performance of Duties: The fundamental duties prescribed in the Constitution have not been embraced.

Status of Women in Society: In today’s social landscape, women continue to grapple with unsafe streets, unequal employment conditions, and the practice of mourning the birth of a girl child. A true measure of a society’s character is reflected in how it upholds the dignity and respect of its women.

What are some important factors which can help transform national character?

1. Education: It is widely acknowledged that education can play a pivotal role in transforming national character. Under this, the following can play an important role:
2. Sainik Schools: Renowned for their excellence in both academics and character building.
   b. NCC: National Cadet Corps (NCC) has a well-established record of shaping the personality and character of students.
3. Serving in the armed forces: Agniveers returning to society after serving 4 years in the army will carry a deep sense of patriotism and discipline. This will have a significant influence on the surrounding community.
4. Gratitude: Cultivating a feeling of gratitude towards what others do for us will also be important. For example, the show of appreciation for healthcare workers during Covid-19.
5. Strong Sense of Self-worth and Confidence: Knowing and appreciating our past achievements, heritage, culture and values can foster a sense of identity and pride. This can be done by removing any signs of British colonialism.

Question for practice:

‘Transforming India’s national character is necessary to support its visions of becoming a Vishwaguru’. Suggest the necessary steps which can be undertaken to achieve the same.

GS PAPER - 2

On the Impact of US-China Summit on India – The US-China truce

Source: This post on is based on the article “The US-China truce: Where India needs to assess the changes in great power relations” published in Indian Express on 17^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: The article discusses the recent meeting between US President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. They discussed issues like artificial intelligence regulation and regional security, without major breakthroughs. India should watch these developments and maintain strong relationships with Western countries and China.

What was the recent US-China summit about?

It occurred on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.

Key discussion topics included – a) the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) and regional security issues, b) High-level political and military communication channels between the US and China were agreed to be renewed, c) The summit focused on managing the US-China competition rather than forming a strategic partnership, d) The discussions also touched on the crises in the Middle East and the Ukraine war.

How does this affect India?

Impact on Indo-Pacific Strategy: India’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific is influenced by the summit, as it involves two major players in the region, the US and China. This discussion may affect the balance of power and alliances in the region, impacting India’s strategic positioning.

Economic Implications for India: Xi Jinping’s push to re-engage US businesses could challenge India’s efforts to attract Western investment. India must enhance its economic appeal to remain a viable alternative to China for Western businesses.

Strategic and Security Concerns: The talks between Biden and Xi about regional security, including the Indo-Pacific region, are crucial for India to monitor, impacting its own security strategies.

Improve India’s ties with both US and China: Better US-China ties will allow for better balancing act by India. It can improve ties with both nations while maintaining strategic autonomy.

Question for practice:

What is the impact of the recent US-China summit on India?

 

On Domestic Violence – What can a domestic violence survivor do when the justice system lets her down?

Source: This post on Domestic Violence is based on the article “What can a domestic violence survivor do when the justice system lets her down?” published in Indian Express on 17^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Governance – Mechanisms, laws, institutions and bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections.

News: The article discusses how in India, the legal system and police often don’t support women facing domestic violence. Laws exist, but they’re not effectively used. There’s also criticism of the courts and media for suggesting women misuse these laws, which discourages them from seeking help.

What is domestic violence?

According to the Domestic Violence Act, domestic violence is defined as any harm or damage to a woman in a domestic relationship, encompassing physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and financial abuse. It also includes threats of abuse and harassment related to illegal dowry demands.

According to National Crime Records Bureau of India, a crime against a woman in committed every three minutes.

The 2019 National Crime Records Bureau report shows around 400,000 registered domestic violence cases.

What are the challenges faced in the fight against domestic violence in India?

Widespread Occurrence: The National Family Health Survey 5 (2019-20) indicates that 30% of Indian women aged 18-49 have experienced physical violence since age 15, highlighting the extensive nature of the problem.

Dowry-Related Deaths: According to the 2015 National Crime Records Bureau report, an average of 21 women dies every day in India due to dowry-related violence.

Ineffective Legal Support: A study of over 400,000 FIRs in Haryana found that the legal process, from filing FIRs to obtaining convictions, often disadvantages women in domestic violence cases.

Police Reluctance: There’s a significant reluctance among police to file FIRs for domestic violence, often advising victims to resolve issues through counseling, reflecting a patriarchal bias.

Judicial Prejudices: Judicial comments, as seen in the Rakesh and Reena Rajput v The State of Jharkhand case, suggest a perception of women misusing domestic violence laws, which can discourage victims from seeking legal redress.

What government initiatives are in place to combat domestic violence in India?

One Stop Centres (OSCs): Established to provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, including domestic violence.

Ujjawala Homes and SwadharGreh: Residential facilities providing shelter, food, clothing, and counseling to women victims of domestic violence.

Emergency Response Support System (112): A unified emergency number for immediate assistance in cases of domestic violence.

What are the legal provisions aimed at combating domestic violence in India?

The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961: Criminalizes the giving and receiving of dowries, addressing a significant root cause of domestic violence.

Indian Penal Code Amendments: Introduction of Section 498A in 1983 and Section 304B in 1986, specifically targeting domestic violence and dowry-related deaths.

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act (PWDVA), 2005: A comprehensive law that defines domestic violence to include physical, emotional, sexual, verbal, and economic abuse. It offers protection and legal recourse to victims.

What should be done?

A report by Standing Committee on Home Affairs on ‘Atrocities and Crimes against Women and Children (2021)’ gave the following recommendations:

Report-Based Registration Enhancements: Implement strategies like decoy operations and online FIR registration for timely action on domestic violence cases.

Boosting Conviction Rates: The report suggests establishing fast-track courts and employing the Online Investigation Tracking System.

Support for Marginalized Groups: The Committee advises including specific provisions for women from disadvantaged communities.

Helpline and Shelter Homes: A recommendation for a nationwide helpline and more shelter homes.

Cyber-crime Measures: Enhanced training for law enforcement in cyber tools.

Increasing Female Police Representation: Recruitment drives to increase women in the police force are recommended.

Institutional and Legal Reforms: Creation of databases for criminals and vulnerable groups and amending laws for effectiveness.

Utilizing Nirbhaya Fund: Proper allocation and utilization of the Nirbhaya Fund for women’s safety initiatives.

Terminology used:

Decoys: A decoy is someone from the police who talks to a suspect and helps catch them or gather information about the crime they might commit.

Question for practice:

Discuss the effectiveness of government initiatives and legal provisions in India aimed at combating domestic violence.

 

On Generic medicines – Branded, generic and the missing ingredient of quality

Source: This post on generic medicines has been created based on the article “Branded, generic and the missing ingredient of quality” published in The Hindu on 17^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health.

News: This article discusses the issues with prescribing generic medicines without appropriate quality checks. It also highlights reforms needed to ensure access to affordable medicines in India.

Recently, the National Medical Council (NMC) directed all doctors to prescribe only generic names instead of brand names, which led to protests. The NMC has since withdrawn the order.

What are generic medicines?

A generic drug is a pharmaceutical drug that contains the same chemical substance (active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)) as a drug that was originally protected by chemical patents. Generic drugs are allowed for sale after the patents on the original drugs expire.

It may differ in some characteristics such as the manufacturing process, formulation, excipients, color, taste, and packaging.

What are the allegations against big pharmaceutical brands?

1. High Costs: Many brands are costly. Generics are relatively more affordable.
2. Unethical practices by big pharma: According to the 1975 Hathi Committee, branded companies propagate the myth that only they have good quality through propaganda and unethical marketing techniques.
3. Nexus between Pharma companies and Doctors: This alleged nexus can indulge in unethical marketing and promotional offers or kick-backs.

What are the challenges associated with generic medicines?

1. Underqualified Pharmacists: In over-the-counter sales in India, an underqualified salesperson can decide the brand of generic medicine to be given.
2. Doctor’s Vast Experience negated: The prescribing doctor has no freedom to mention a brand in which he has invested his faith in terms of quality.
3. Lack of Quality Compliance: There is a lack of coordination between manufacturers, networks of pharmaceutical industries and price control authorities in ensuring quality compliance.
4. Prevalence of Substandard Drugs: The prevalence rate of spurious and “not standard quality” medicines, stands at 3-4%. Drugs must be 100% quality test-passed.
5. Profit Considerations: The underqualified chemist or sales boy at the retail store may decide the generic brand primarily on the basis of profits to be gained, and not the best one.

What should be done?

No Compromise on Quality: The government must ensure the quality of medicines produced, procured, and supplied. For this, there has to be periodic lifting of samples for testing.
TN Case Study: All supplied medicines are kept under quarantine till double blinded samples are cleared in quality testing by government and private sector laboratories.

Allow Recommendation of Generic Brand: Till such time as the government is able to ensure quality, doctors should be allowed to use the name of the company of confidence.

What are some other reforms which can improve access to affordable medicines in India?

1. Tackling Availability of Essential Medicines: The availability rate of all essential medicines must be above 90%. However, there is a lack of availability due to low profit margins.
2. Banning Unscientific Medicine Combinations: There must also be a ban on unscientific combinations of medicines.
3. Expanding the network of Janaushadhi Kendras: To ensure affordable medicines for all under Universal Health Care, free medicines and free diagnostics are required. For this, the network of Janaushadhi kendras needs to be expanded.
   More on Janaushadhi Yojana here.
4. Fixing Profit margins: Approved norms of the profit margin for wholesale agents and retailers must be limited to a fixed percentage.

Question for practice:

An increased focus on Generic medicines can bring down the cost of healthcare in India, however, it is not without its challenges. Elaborate.

GS PAPER - 3

On the Impact of Soft Power on Indian Economy – India’s economic rise

Source: This post on the Impact of Soft Power on Indian Economy is based on the article “India’s economic rise: How to capitalise on the moment” published in Indian Express on 17^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Growth and development

News: The article discusses India’s impressive economic growth and its increasing influence on the global stage. It highlights the nation’s achievements in various areas, including sports, film industry, diplomacy, and cultural exports, emphasizing the importance of “soft power” in shaping India’s positive impact worldwide.

About India’s economy

India is currently the fastest-growing large economy in the world. This rapid growth trajectory is a testament to its robust economic policies and market dynamics.

The country is on track to become a 5 trillion dollar economy before the end of the decade.

India is moving towards securing the third spot in the global economic pecking order.

India’s aim to become a developed nation by 2047 guides its long-term economic strategy.

What factors are contributing to India’s economic growth?

1. Strong Market Foundations

Large Domestic Market: India’s vast domestic market is essential in driving economic growth.

Sustained Reforms: Continuous improvements in various sectors boost the economy’s efficiency and competitiveness. Recent initiatives comprise the Atmanirbhar Bharat package, the production-linked incentive scheme, the national infrastructure pipeline, and the labor code bills, among others.

Favorable Demographics (Demographic Dividend): A young (1.4 billion people, with more than 40% below the age of 25) and increasing population supports a dynamic workforce and consumer base.

1. India’s Soft Power Contributing-

International Recognition to Yoga: Celebration of International Yoga Day on 21^st June every year, as proposed by the Indian Prime Minister, showcases its cultural heritage globally.

Diversified Sports Sector: The expansion of sports beyond cricket, to include football, kabaddi, and other sports, not only diversifies India’s sports portfolio but also attracts substantial investments and international attention.

Global Film Industry Achievements: The international success of Indian films, exemplified by ‘RRR’ and its Oscar-winning song ‘Naatu Naatu’, highlights the global appeal and cultural influence of India’s film industry.

1. Active International Engagement

Leadership in G20: Under its G20 presidency, India demonstrated its ability to navigate complex geopolitical landscapes, culminating in a joint declaration that underscores its diplomatic acumen.

Involvement in Quad and IPEF: India’s active participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) and the Indo-Pacific Economic Forum (IPEF) highlights its commitment to regional security and economic collaboration. These efforts are crucial for maintaining stability and fostering economic growth in the Indo-Pacific region.

‘Lifestyle for the Environment’ (LiFE) Initiative: India’s Prime Minister introduced the LiFE concept at COP26 in Glasgow. This initiative calls for an international mass movement focused on environmental protection, showcasing India’s leadership in addressing climate change.

Voice of the Global South: India champions fair and sustainable solutions globally, particularly in areas like energy security, representing the Global South’s interests.

Terminology used:

Soft power: Soft power is defined as power of attraction between the countries through culture, political ideas, and policies rather than military powers.

Read more on the benefits of Soft Power here.

Question for practice:

Examine how India’s use of soft power contributes to its economic growth and enhances its global influence.

On the Issues with NFSA – The National Food Security Act has been starved of key support

Source: This post on the Issues with NFSA has been created based on the article “The National Food Security Act has been starved of key support” published in Live Mint on 17^th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Agriculture – Public Distribution System – objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; Issues of food security.
GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues relating to hunger.

News: This article discusses the issues with the current style of implementation of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) as just a free-ration scheme.

A detailed article on India’s Public Distribution System can be read here.

The National Food Security Act, 2013 came in the backdrop of India’s slow performance on the nutritional front, despite rapid economic growth. It laid down the framework for a comprehensive food-security system aimed at improving nutrition and access to food.

According to the author, the Public Distribution System was an important part of it, however, the main reason behind the NFSA was to move beyond the limited nature of the PDS.

What is the PMGKAY Scheme?

PMGKAY is a free food grain scheme that covers over 57% of India’s population.

Under PMGKAY, started in April 2020 in the wake of the COVID pandemic, each beneficiary got free 5 kg of food grain per month, in addition to the PDS scheme (an extra 5 kg of food grain per month supplied at a subsidised price).

Recently, the Hon’ble PM announced an extension of the PMGKAY scheme for another five years.

Read more on PMGKAY here and the recent PMGKAY Extension here.

What are the issues in the implementation of the NFSA currently?

According to the author, there are various issues with the NFSA in its current form:

1. Cereal-centric Policy: The excessive focus on rice and wheat goes against the stated objective of the Act, which mandates an expansion of the food basket to include pulses, edible oil and other nutritious food.
   It has contributed to a skewed production structure, whereby India is a large importer of pulses and edible oil, though self-sufficient in rice and wheat.
2. Has become a Political Instrument: It has become a political instrument (example: the latest extension of PMGKAY). It has come at the cost of dilution of several provisions in the original law.
3. Exclusion of Beneficaries: Beneficiary coverage remains fixed at 2011 census levels, excluding more than 100 million beneficiaries.
4. Limited Maternity Benefits: As against a provision of maternity benefits for all pregnant women, the scheme has been restricted to only 1 childbirth. The amount has remained frozen at Rs. 6,000 per delivery, with no increase in the last decade.
5. Limited Hikes for Child-related Provisions: Both the Integrated Child Development Scheme and the Mid-Day-Meal scheme have seen insignificant hikes.
6. Regionally Skewed Distribution: Unlike the Act’s provision for the decentralization and expansion of public procurement, it remains largely concentrated, such as in the states like Puniab and Haryana.
7. Environmental Consequences: The environmental consequences of paddy cultivation have led to declining water tables, and pollution due to stubble burning.

Reducing the Act to a free PDS scheme may help the majority of our population gain access to free food, vielding political dividends, but it should not come at the cost of implementing key provisions of the NFSA – that of providing a framework for improving nutritional and food security.

Question for practice:

Critically analyse the effectiveness of NFSA in addressing food security in India.

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Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day: 

Already covered  
Challenging the Electoral Bond Scheme 
Link- Electoral Bond Scheme 
Today’s Article as part of 7 PM   Article- Should Elections be state funded? 
7 PM Article - State Funding of Election- Explained Pointwise

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

India’s heft in MSCIEM index: what it means

Source– This post is based on the article “India’s heft in MSCIEM index: what it means” published in “Live mint” on 17th November 2023.

Why in the News?

India’s weightage on the MSCI Emerging Markets(EM) index will rise after inclusion of nine Indian stocks.

What is MSCI Emerging Markets Index?

Aspect	Details
What is it?	It is a NYSE(New York Stock Exchange) listed global index that is designed to track the financial performance of key companies in fast-growing nations.
Launched by	MSCI Inc., formerly Morgan Stanley Capital International in 1988.
Significance	1. Its stock indices widely tracked by global asset managers, banks, insurance companies, corporates and various other entities to allocate funds across global markets. 2. The MSCI Emerging Markets Index reflects the performance of large-cap and medium-cap companies in 25 nations. 3. It is also used by emerging market Exchange Traded Funds and mutual funds as a benchmark to measure their own performance.
How stocks are  included?	1. The stock weight on EM index are based on free float market capitalization(capital available for trade in the stock market). 2. The higher the market capitalization, the higher the weight and the allocation by investors.

How India performed in the Index?

1. India included in the index in 1994.

2. After inclusion of nine Indian stocks, India’s current representation in MSCI EM index will reached to 131 stocks.

3. India, has the second-highest weightage in the index after China’s.

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

ASCI moots guidelines to check ‘greenwashing’ by companies

Source– This post is based on the article “ASCI moots guidelines to check ‘greenwashing’ by companies” published in “Live mint” on 17th November 2023.

Why in the News?

The Advertising Standards Council of India(ASCI) released various guidelines to avoid ‘greenwashing’ by companies.

What is ‘greenwashing’?

It’s a deceitful marketing gimmick used by companies to exaggerate their environmentally friendly actions. It is intended to mislead consumers who prefer to buy goods and services from environmentally conscious brands.

What is Advertising Council of India?

What is it?	It is a “voluntary, self-regulatory council” which has been registered as a non-profit company.
Aim	It aims to protect consumers from misleading claims made by companies with descriptive trademarks, which may be false and dishonest.
Established in	In the year 1985 under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956.
Composition	1. The ASCI team consists of a Board of Governors, members of the Consumer Complaints Council and a Secretariat. 2. ASCI has 16 members in its Board of Governors, four each representing the key sectors such as Advertisers, advertising agencies, media etc.
Important Function	It invites complaints from consumers against any such unfair and false claims and advertisements; all such complaints are examined independently by the Consumer Complaints Council.

Note– The proposed guidelines issued directions to companies regarding claiming of their product impact which must be supported with high level of substantiation.

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation & Environment

Innovation Handshake: India and US launch ‘Innovation Handshake’ to deepen bilateral tech ties

Source: The post is based on the article “Innovation Handshake: India and US launch ‘Innovation Handshake’ to deepen bilateral tech ties” published in “Business Standard” on 17th November 2023

Why in the News?

India has signed a memorandum of understanding(MoU) with the US on “Enhancing Innovation Ecosystems through an Innovation Handshake”.

What is an Innovation Handshake?

Specifications	Details
Launched by	India and US
Launched under	It is a concept developed under the US-India Commercial Dialogue
Aim	To bring the two governments together with venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and industry players. They will have open discussions to explore opportunities and tackle challenges in key sectors highlighted in the US-India Critical and Emerging Technology initiative.
Objectives	1) To connect the two sides’ dynamic startup ecosystems 2)To address specific regulatory hurdles to cooperation 3)To share information and best practices for startup fundraising 4)To promote innovation and job growth, particularly in critical and emerging technologies(CET)

What is US-India Commercial Dialogue?

Commercial Dialogue(CD) is a dialogue at Ministerial level between India and the U.S.It involves regular government-to-government meetings to be held alongside private sector meetings.

Aim: To facilitate trade and maximize investment opportunities across a broad range of economic sectors.

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX): National Health Authority (NHA) organizes Accelerator Workshops on ABDM Integration and NHCX Adoption in association with IRDAI

Source: The post is based on the article “National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX): National Health Authority (NHA) organizes Accelerator Workshops on ABDM Integration and NHCX Adoption in association with IRDAI” published in “PIB” on 17th November 2023

Why in the News?

The National Health Authority (NHA) and the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India(IRDAI) collaborated to operationalize the National Health Claim Exchange (NHCX).

What is the National Health Claim Exchange(NHCX)?

Developed by: National Health Authority

Purpose: It is a digital health claims platform that serves as a gateway for exchanging claims-related information among various stakeholders in the healthcare and health insurance ecosystem.

Significance: This will enhance efficiency and transparency in health claims processing.

What is the National Health Authority(NHA)?

Specifications	Details
Established in	2019
Nodal Ministry	It is an attached office of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare with full functional autonomy.
Replaced	National Health Agency
Mandate	1)Responsible for implementing Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana 2)To oversee the design, technological infrastructure and implementation of the “National Digital Health Mission”
Governing Board chairman	Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.

UPSC Syllabus: Health related schemes

Risk Weighted Assets: RBI raises risk weights on consumer credit exposure of banks, NBFCs to 125%

Source: The post is based on the article “Risk Weighted Assets: RBI raises risk weights on consumer credit exposure of banks, NBFCs to 125%” published in “The Hindu” on 17th November 2023

Why in the News?

Reserve Bank of India(RBI) has increased the risk weights of assets for the unsecured lending issued by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

What are Risk Weighted Assets(RWA)?

1)Risk-weighted assets are used to determine the minimum amount of capital a bank must hold in relation to the risk profile of its lending activities and other assets.

2)This is done in order to reduce the risk of insolvency and protect depositors. The more risk a bank has, the more capital it needs on hand.

3)The capital requirement is based on a risk assessment for each type of bank asset. For example, a loan that is secured by a letter of credit is considered to be riskier than a mortgage loan that is secured with collateral and thus requires more capital.

Why has RBI increased the Risk Weighted Assets(RWA) on unsecured loans?

Indian Banks are experiencing a significant increase in unsecured loans, particularly in personal loans and credit cards. This increase is happening faster than the overall growth of bank credit.

That’s why, RBI has increased the risk weighted assets on unsecured loans.

Impact of this move: Loans may become a bit expensive.

UPSC Syllabus: Economy

Annapurna Certificate Programme

Source: The post is based on the article “Annapurna Certificate Programme” published in “Indian Express” on 17th November 2023

Why in the News?

Annapurna Certificate Programme has recognized six Indian restaurants worldwide for promoting Indian culinary traditions.

What is Annapurna Certificate Programme?

Specifications	Details
Launched by	Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
Aim	To recognize Indian restaurants abroad that are promoting Indian culture through their culinary contributions.
Significance	This certification will help the people abroad identify authentic Indian restaurants.

What is the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)?

Specifications	Details
Type	It is an autonomous body under the administrative control of the Ministry of External Affairs
Founded in	1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad who was the first Education Minister of independent India.
Objectives	1)To formulate and implement policies and programmes pertaining to India’s external cultural relations 2)To strengthen cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other countries 3)To promote cultural exchanges with other countries and people and to develop relations with nations.
Significance	ICCR has been assigned the responsibility of facilitating the celebration of the International Day of Yoga by Indian Missions/Posts abroad since 2015.
Headquarters	New Delhi

UPSC Syllabus: Initiatives/Organizations

High rainfall afforded resilience to tropical rainforests around 50 million years ago

Source: The post is based on the article “High rainfall afforded resilience to tropical rainforests around 50 million years ago” published in “PIB” on 17th November 2023

Why in the News?

Scientists at Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) have discovered how equatorial forests survived in much warmer times on Earth. 

Background:

Around 50 million years ago, Earth was around 13°C warmer than present and carbon dioxide concentration was more than 1000 ppmv (parts per million volume).

This affected the survival of mid- and high latitude forests due to changes in the hydrological cycle.

But the equatorial forests survived successfully at that time.

How did equatorial forests survive successfully during this warm period?

Equatorial rainforests managed to survive this warm period due to high rainfall, crucial for their resilience.

The heightened rainfall likely boosted the water efficiency of plants, aiding their survival in warm conditions and high carbon dioxide levels.

What is the significance of these findings?

1.This will help in developing a tool to understand ancient tropical climates.

2.This study is also useful in understanding how climatic and biotic changes occur at present and in the future.

UPSC Syllabus: Geography in News

UGC to bring out a new curriculum for PG programmes, offers flexibility to students

Source: The post is based on the article “UGC to bring out a new curriculum for PG programmes, offers flexibility to students” published in “The Hindu” on 17th November 2023

Why in the News?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a draft document titled “Curriculum and Credit Framework for Postgraduate Programmes”.

What are the key provisions of the UGC Draft Curriculum on Postgraduate Programmes?

Specifications	Details
Programme Types	UGC plans to introduce three postgraduate programme options: 1)Two-year program with the second year dedicated to research (for graduates of three-year undergraduate programs). 2)One-year program (for graduates of four-year undergraduate courses). 3)Integrated five-year Bachelor’s/Master’s programme.
Exit Options	Students in the two-year PG program will have a single exit opportunity after the first year, receiving a Postgraduate Diploma upon exit.
Online Learning	UGC proposes an entirely online postgraduate program to enable participation alongside current responsibilities. This facilitates earning a postgraduate degree while working.
Flexibility in choosing programmes	Irrespective of the major or minor disciplines chosen by a student in a UG programme, a student is eligible for admission in any discipline of Master’s programmes if the student qualifies the National level or University level entrance examination in the discipline of the Master’s programme.
Two Programmes simultaneously	Students are allowed the flexibility to simultaneously pursue two academic programs provided there is no overlap of class timings.
Aligned with the credit system	The postgraduate framework will be in sync with the National Credit Framework (NCrF) for the “creditisation” of all learning and assignment, accumulation, storage, transfer and redemption of credits.

UPSC Syllabus: Policies/Education

Ixchiq: How was the first vaccine for chikungunya approved?

Source: The post is based on the article “Ixchiq: How was the first vaccine for chikungunya approved?” published in “The Hindu” on 17th November 2023

Why in the News?

The United States(US) has approved the world’s first vaccine for chikungunya named Ixchiq.

What is Chikungunya?

Specifications	Details
What is it	Mosquito borne Viral Disease
Caused by	Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an RNA virus in the alphavirus genus of the family Togaviridae.
Transmitted through	Mosquitoes most commonly Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus which can also transmit dengue and Zika viruses.
First Identified in	United Republic of Tanzania in 1952 and subsequently in other countries
Symptoms	Fever and joint pain,headache, muscle pain, joint swelling or rash
Treatment	Currently, there is no cure, only symptomatic relief with medicines.

What is Ixchiq?

Specifications	Details
What is it	World’s first vaccine for chikungunya
Vaccine Type	Contains a live, weakened version of the chikungunya virus
Administration	Single dose, administered by injection into the muscle
Side Effects	Headache, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, fever, nausea and tenderness at the injection site.
Significance	This approval will help in deployment of the vaccine especially in countries with high chikungunya prevalence like Brazil, Paraguay, and India. As per the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control, India had 93,455 suspected chikungunya cases until September in 2023.

UPSC Syllabus: Diseases in News