{"id":144276,"date":"2021-10-30T21:00:59","date_gmt":"2021-10-30T15:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.forumias.com\/?p=144276"},"modified":"2022-09-08T16:26:50","modified_gmt":"2022-09-08T10:56:50","slug":"9-pm-daily-current-affairs-brief-october-30th-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/9-pm-daily-current-affairs-brief-october-30th-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief \u2013 October 30th, 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"content-box-red\">Dear Friends<br \/>\nWe have initiated some changes in the 9 PM Brief and other postings related to current affairs.\u00a0What we sought to do:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today\u2019s newspaper are readily available to you.<\/li>\n<li>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. Hence, the 9 PM brief now covers the following newspapers:\n<ol>\n<li><strong>The Hindu\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Indian Express\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Livemint\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Business Standard\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Times of India\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Down To Earth<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>PIB<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<li>We have also introduced the relevance part to every article. This ensures that you know why a particular article is important.<\/li>\n<li>Since these changes are new, so initially the number of articles might increase, but they&#8217;ll go down over time.<\/li>\n<li>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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>For previous editions of 9 PM Brief<\/strong> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/9-pm-brief\/\">Click Here<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>For individual articles of 9 PM Brief<\/strong>&#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/daily-current-affairs-summaries-for-upsc-exam\/\">Click Here<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h3 class=\"p-3 mb-2 bg-info text-white text-center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Mains Oriented Articles\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><strong style=\"font-family: var(--heading--font-family); font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: var(--heading--letter-spacing-h3); background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary);\">GS Paper 2<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#gs11\">Why bail proceedings for offences under NDPS Act are complex and open to abuse<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><strong style=\"font-family: var(--heading--font-family); font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: var(--heading--letter-spacing-h3); background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary);\">GS Paper 3<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#gs21\">Cities and climate change: why low-rise buildings are the future \u2013 not skyscrapers<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#gs22\">Facebook deploys hardly any resources in India to tackle misinformation. This must change<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#gs23\">Catch all control that aren&#8217;t likely to end overfishing<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#gs24\">Is India ready for a world where electric vehicles will dominate transportation?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#gs25\">How to create a truly digital public<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p-3 mb-2 bg-info text-white text-center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>Prelims Orie<\/strong><strong>nted Articles (Factly)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#f1\">Launching ceremony of TUSHIL &#8211; P1135.6 follow on Frigate (Ex-Russia)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#f2\">Run-up to COP26: Wonder rice may help reduce emissions, offer good yield<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#f3\">NITI Aayog Releases Report on \u2018Health Insurance for India\u2019s Missing Middle\u2019<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#f4\">DRDO &amp; IAF jointly flight test Long-Range Bomb successfully<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#f5\">Union Health Minister launches the Sixth Edition of National Formulary of India (NFI)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#f6\">Union Minister launches Nationwide expansion of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) under the Universal Immunization Programme(UIP)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#f7\">Zoonotic pathogens threaten humans, snow leopards in High Asia: Policy brief<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#f8\">No money left in MGNREGA coffers; 21 States in the red<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#f9\">Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launches India\u2019s First and Unique Manned Ocean Mission Samudrayan at Chennai<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#f10\">Indian military cannot operate effectively without Russian supplied equipment: CRS report&#8221;<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"p-3 mb-2 bg-info text-red text-center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\">Mains Oriented Articles<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><strong style=\"font-family: var(--heading--font-family); font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: var(--heading--letter-spacing-h3); background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary);\">GS Paper 2<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3><a id=\"gs11\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/why-bail-proceedings-for-offences-under-ndps-act-are-complex-and-open-to-abuse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Why bail proceedings for offences under NDPS Act are complex and open to abuse<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"content-box-blue\">\n<p><strong>Source<\/strong>: This post is based on the article\u00a0<strong>\u201cWhy bail proceedings for offences under NDPS Act are complex and open to abuse&#8221;<\/strong> published in <strong>Indian Express <\/strong>on\u00a0<strong>30th October<\/strong>\u00a0<strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Syllabus:\u00a0<\/strong>GS2 \u2013 Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Relevance<\/strong>: To understand the ambiguities in the NDPS Act.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Synopsis<\/strong>: <span data-contrast=\"auto\">Conditions of granting bail under NDPS act are very stringent.\u00a0Amendments should be introduced to it to make it justiciable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As highlighted by the present case of Aryan Khan, the interpretation of provisions for bail under <a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/narcotics-and-psychotropic-substances-ndps-act\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NDPS act<\/a>\u00a0has resulted in\u00a0many suffering behind bars for years.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 99.8647%;\"><strong>Must Read<\/strong>:\u00a0<a title=\"Drug usage and the NDPS Act \u2013 Explained, pointwise\" href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/drug-usage-and-the-ndps-act\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drug usage and the NDPS Act \u2013 Explained, pointwise<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are the issues related to\u00a0bail under the NDPS Act?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Under this act,\u00a0the innocent-until-proven-guilty principle is reversed to the guilty-until-proven-innocent principle.\u00a0The burden of proof of proving himself innocent is on accused.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Section 37 places limitations on\u00a0granting of bail for offences under the NDPS Act,\u00a0through 2 conditions:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Firstly, that there are<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0reasonable grounds<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0for believing that the accused is not guilty of such an offence.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Secondly, the person is not likely to commit any offence while on bail.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233279&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><strong>Read more<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/should-the-ndps-act-be-amended\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Should the NDPS Act be amended?<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Words <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">reasonable grounds\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">in the above Act are not defined in the law, so it is subject to judicial intervention. Further, the ambiguity in interpretation and improper ground of denying bail like WhatsApp chats and notes on mobile phones makes it more complicated.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\">\u00a0<i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Chief Justice of India\u00a0spoke\u00a0<\/span><\/i><b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/functioning-of-parliament-challenges-and-way-forward\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the sorry state of affairs<\/a>\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/b><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in\u00a0lawmaking\u00a0at the Independence Day celebrations this year, said\u00a0\u201c\u00a0We\u00a0don\u2019t know for what purpose they(laws) are made.\u00a0They(Laws) are causing a lot of litigation and inconvenience to the people, courts\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 class=\"mb-0\"><strong style=\"font-family: var(--heading--font-family); font-size: 24px; letter-spacing: var(--heading--letter-spacing-h3); background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary);\">GS Paper 3<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3><a id=\"gs21\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/cities-and-climate-change-why-low-rise-buildings-are-the-future-not-skyscrapers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cities and climate change: why low-rise buildings are the future \u2013 not skyscrapers<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"content-box-blue\">\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> This post is based on the article \u201c<strong>Cities and climate change: why low-rise buildings are the future \u2013 not skyscrapers<\/strong>\u201d published in \u201c<strong>Down To Earth<\/strong>\u201d on <strong>29th October 2021<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Syllabus:<\/strong> GS3- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Relevance: <\/strong>To understand the interplay of urban infrastructure and its consequent effects on climate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Synopsis: <\/strong>The plan of urban architecture for accommodating more people needs a change. The new research model offers solutions to both infrastructure and climate.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>More than 50% of the world\u2019s population live in cities and urban areas. By 2050, an additional 2.5 billion will be living there.<\/p>\n<p>Hence, we need a climate proof plan of architecture for urban areas.<\/p>\n<p>There is a popular belief that taller, more densely packed skyscrapers are the way forward, because they optimise the use of space and house more people per square metre and limit urban sprawl.<\/p>\n<p>But as per a new study and given the global commitments to emission-reduction targets and mitigating climate change, this is not the most sustainable solution from a carbon-reduction perspective.<\/p>\n<p>The study found that densely built, low-rise environments are more space and carbon efficient, while high-rise buildings have a drastically higher carbon impact.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>What was the study and its findings?<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>In the study, both operational and \u201cembodied\u201d carbon \u2014 of different buildings and urban environments were studied. Four different urban scenarios were developed:<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/images.theconversation.com\/files\/428609\/original\/file-20211026-15-4cw1gg.png?resize=449%2C290&#038;ssl=1\" width=\"449\" height=\"290\" data-wp-editing=\"1\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">High-density, high-rise (<strong>HDHR<\/strong>)- tall and close together.<\/p>\n<p>low-density, high-rise (<strong>LDHR<\/strong>)- tall but more spread out.<\/p>\n<p>high-density, low-rise (<strong>HDLR<\/strong>)- low and close together.<\/p>\n<p>low-density, low-rise (<strong>LDLR<\/strong>)- low level and more spaced out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Results:<\/strong> The study showed that <strong>HDLR<\/strong> scenario is more space and carbon efficient i.e <strong>more environmentally friendly.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>When moving from a HDLR to HDHR urban environment, the average increase in whole life-cycle carbon (both operational and embodied) emissions is 142%.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><strong>Operational carbon<\/strong> is generated while a building is in service.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Embodied carbon <\/strong>(hidden carbon) is produced during the extraction, production, transport and manufacture of raw materials used to construct a building, plus any produced during maintenance, refurbishment, demolition or replacement.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h5>Why building design is a critical element?<\/h5>\n<p>At a global scale, the construction sector is responsible for a significant impact on the environment. In this, <strong>largest contribution<\/strong> comes from &#8216;consumption of energy and resources&#8217;, which is due to <strong>design stage neglect.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Design is also important because skyscrapers rely heavily on concrete as a structural material. And concrete has highest hidden carbon contribution among construction materials. So the type of materials we use, how much we use, and how we use them is crucial.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>What are the various issues with the present building design frameworks?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Presently, in building design, &#8220;operational efficiency&#8221; is given more importance, however &#8220;<strong>embodied impact assessment&#8221; is voluntary<\/strong> and therefore neglected. The focus is on driving down &#8216;operational energy&#8217; requirement.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><span class=\"ILfuVd\"><span class=\"hgKElc\"><strong>Embodied impact<\/strong> is the impact from the production of materials, their transportation to the construction site, and the construction process itself<\/span><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>However the proportional <strong>share of &#8217;embodied energy&#8217;<\/strong> consumption has been driven <strong>up, <\/strong>as the materials and activities required to build it in first place produce proportionally more impacts across the building\u2019s lifespan.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is the solution?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We need to build more HDLR type buildings rather then HDHR.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"gs22\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/facebook-deploys-hardly-any-resources-in-india-to-tackle-misinformation-this-must-change\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook deploys hardly any resources in India to tackle misinformation. This must change<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"content-box-blue\">\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> This post is based on the article \u201c<strong>Facebook deploys hardly any resources in India to tackle misinformation.This must change<\/strong>\u201d published in \u201c<strong>Indian Express<\/strong>\u201d on <strong>26th October 2021<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Syllabus<\/strong>: GS3 \u2013 Awareness in the fields of IT.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Relevance: <\/strong>To understand the challenges put by technology.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Synopsis: <\/strong>Social media platforms in India are being used to spread hate against minorities and to serve petty political ends. Moreover, platforms like Facebook are not taking serious steps to address these issues as clear by the recent revelations.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Since 2016, Facebook has been under the scanner for its alleged involvement in encouraging fake news, to the extent of affecting elections, promoting hate speech and emboldening prejudice.<\/p>\n<p>Now, for the first time, leaked internal reports have made it clear that the issues that plague social media in the US are also true for India, the company\u2019s largest market.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>What are the concerns w.r.t usage of Facebook in India and its policies towards Indian market?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Bots (AI) and fake accounts tied to political parties and cultural organisations tried to spread <strong>fake news<\/strong>, to impact the elections.<\/p>\n<p>Facebook spends 87% of its global budget earmarked for tackling misinformation in North America where only 10% of its users reside. Given the resources it deploys in US and other countries, it is clear that the well-being of <strong>some users and geographies matters more<\/strong> than others.<\/p>\n<p>Political parties and their proxies \u2014 groups representing narrow community interests \u2014 have used the platform to great effect for their own ends.<\/p>\n<p>Facebook did little to curb reported instances of <strong>hate speech<\/strong> against minority communities.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>What is the way forward?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Social media must be more transparent and proactive in addressing the fundamentals of its algorithms and business models, which can clearly cause social harm.<\/p>\n<p>For impartial and reasonable regulation of the digital sphere, the political class, too, must be willing to sacrifice the quick gains it has reaped on social media.<\/p>\n<p>Instead of focusing on polarization of the general public, political parties should utilize digital media for evidence-based discussions.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"gs23\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/catch-all-control-that-arent-likely-to-end-overfishing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Catch all control that aren&#8217;t likely to end overfishing<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"content-box-blue\">\n<p dir=\"auto\"><strong>Source: <\/strong>This post is based on the article<strong> &#8220;Catch all control that aren&#8217;t likely to end overfishing&#8221; <\/strong>published in<strong> Livemint <\/strong>on<strong> 26th October 2021.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\"><strong>Subject<\/strong>: GS3- Resources of economic importance.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Relevance<\/strong>: Understanding the issue of over-exploitation of fisheries.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Synopsis:<\/strong> Overexploitation of fish resources needs to be addressed urgently.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The world faces many global or common problems ranging from climate change to over-exploitation of common resources like fisheries. According to <a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/food-and-agriculture-organization-fao\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)<\/a> more than a third of the marine resources have been depleted beyond a point which it cannot replace itself.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Why fisheries segment is important?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>39 million people depend on fisheries for their livelihood. Fisheries meet about 1\/5 of the animal-proteins requirement of about 42% of the population of the world.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What are the ways to solve the fisheries&#8217; problem?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/world-trade-organization-wto\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">World Trade Organization (WTO)<\/a> should focus on <strong>ending subsidies<\/strong> for activities that promote deep-sea fishing. For example, ending subsidies on cheap fuel for Deep Sea trawlers.<\/p>\n<p>Countries need to control the illegal or unregulated high-volume mechanized deep sea fishing.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><strong>Read more:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/differential-treatment-on-fisheries-subsidies-issue-at-wto\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Differential treatment: On fisheries subsidies issue at WTO<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>For territorial waters, it should be left to the country to manage the resources. For example, India.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>What should be the way forward?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Though ending the subsidies would be difficult, WTO should still take up the issue.\u00a0 The developed countries, which have caused maximum harm, need to take up more responsibility in overcoming this crisis.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3 class=\"yj6qo ajU\"><a id=\"gs24\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/is-india-ready-for-a-world-where-electric-vehicles-will-dominate-transportation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Is India ready for a world where electric vehicles will dominate transportation?<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Source<\/strong>: This post is based on the article \u201c<strong>Driving a New World Order<\/strong>\u201d published in <strong>Indian Express<\/strong> on <strong>30th October<\/strong> 2021.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Syllabus<\/strong>&#8211; GS3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation<\/p>\n<p><strong>Relevance:<\/strong> Significance of Electric Vehicles<\/p>\n<p><strong>Synopsis<\/strong>: India needs Electric Vehicles to protect the environment and acquire a permanent place in the new global order.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fossil-fuel-based transportation has resulted in pollution around the world. India has nine of the 10 most polluted cities in the world I.e., Greater Noida, Noida, Lucknow, and Delhi, etc. Thus, the government is steadily encouraging electric vehicles.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How Electric Vehicles are beneficial compared to combustion engines?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An EV operates on an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine.\u00a0and has a battery instead of a fuel tank.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">1) It does not emit environmentally harmful gases. 2) It&#8217;s cost of running is 80 paise per kilometer compared to 7-8 per kilometer for petrol-based vehicles. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Initiatives to promote EV<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Government Initiatives: 1)\u00a0National Electric Mobility Mission Plan<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0aims at least 30 per cent of vehicles on our streets by 2030, would be electric.\u00a02)\u00a0<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) scheme:\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It provides for\u00a0road and registration tax subsidies and technological support\u00a0to encourage the manufacturing and purchase of electric vehicles.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Private initiatives:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Companies like Amazon,\u00a0Swiggy, Zomato,\u00a0and Ikea are deploying EVs for deliveries.\u00a0Car manufacturers like Mahindra and Tata Motors are making\u00a0partnerships with mobility companies Ola and blue smart mobility respectively, to\u00a0ensure more EV delivery and ride-hailing services.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Challenges in the adoption of electric vehicles in India<\/span><\/b><\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">lack of charging infrastructure<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0in India is a major issue.\u00a0At present,\u00a0there are only 427 charging stations around the country.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Uninterrupted supply of electricity<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> will also be a challenge\u00a0in the adoption of EVs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">India will be dependent upon foreign countries like\u00a0China\u00a0and Korea for<\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/indias-race-to-secure-lithium-opportunities-and-challenges-explained-pointwise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">lithium-based EV batteries<\/a><\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. Its manufacturing in India is at a nominal stage. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"gs25\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-truly-digital-public\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to create a truly digital public<\/a><\/h3>\n<div class=\"content-box-blue\">\n<p><strong>Source<\/strong>: This post is based on the article \u201c<strong>How to create a truly digital public<\/strong>\u201d published in <strong>The Indian Express<\/strong> on <strong>30th Oct 2021.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Syllabus<\/strong>: GS3 &#8211; Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Relevance<\/strong>: Utilizing technology for governance, Building trust of the marginalized on digital tech<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Synopsis:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Technological solutions for social services should be more citizen centric. At present these solutions are more suitable for elite class instead of marginalised class.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><b><\/b><b><\/b><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Introduction<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Government has recognized the power of technology in ensuring\u00a0inclusion at a massive scale. Technology is being\u00a0used for social services such as\u00a0receiving vaccines and rations to paying for cooking gas and applying for fertilizer subsidies.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">However, the technology of such services is not designed, keeping in mind the ordinary citizens of the country. It is more suitable for \u201celite\u201d citizen\u00a0I.e.,\u00a0male, urban, upper class.\u00a0The term used in law, un-ironically, is \u201creasonable man\u201d.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are the issues in technological designs of services?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Accessibility and trust deficit<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">:\u00a0Large segments of Indians either\u00a0do not trust or don\u2019t have access to\u00a0the digital model of services and hence rely upon\u00a0trusted human intermediaries.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gender digital divide:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0social commerce entrepreneurs are not able to take the benefit of technology due to gender divide.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What are the suggestions to make digital spaces truly public?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Encouraging human-centric design:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> A shift from the default \u201cbuild first and then disseminate\u201d approach is required. Designs should be\u00a0human-centric and its assessment by users should be mandatory before its rollout. For example,\u00a0UPI payments app, BHIM and\u00a0Postman Savings products have been successful among\u00a0non \u201cdigital natives\u201d due to their simple and pro-poor designs.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Using\u00a0trusted human interface:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0Local intermediaries like\u00a0community leaders and civil society organizations and\u00a0existing networks like ASHAs\u00a0should be used to bridge the digital divide. These intermediaries are trusted by those who are not comfortable or don\u2019t trust the technology.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Institutionalize an anchor entity:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0This entity will\u00a0bring together innovators, policymakers, civil society organisations and researchers to ensure\u00a0citizen-centricity in GovTech. One such platform is\u00a0Citizen Lab in Denmark.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:259}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p-3 mb-2 bg-info text-red text-center\" style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><strong>Prelims Orie<\/strong><strong>nted Articles (Factly)<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><a id=\"f1\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/launching-ceremony-of-tushil-p1135-6-follow-on-frigate-ex-russia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Launching ceremony of TUSHIL &#8211; P1135.6 follow on Frigate (Ex-Russia)<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Source:<\/strong> This post is based on the article \u201c<strong>Launching ceremony of TUSHIL &#8211; P1135.6 follow on Frigate (Ex-Russia)<\/strong>\u201d published in \u201c<strong>PIB<\/strong>\u201d on <strong>29th October 2021<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>What is the News?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>The 7th Indian Navy <strong>Frigate<\/strong> of <strong>P1135.6 class<\/strong> was launched at Yantar Shipyard, Russia. The ship is formally named as \u2018<strong>Tushil<\/strong>\u2019-a Sanskrit word meaning Protector Shield.<\/p>\n<p>The construction of ships is based on an Inter-Governmental Agreement between the India and Russian Federation for construction of two ships of Project 1135.6 ships in Russia and two ships in India at M\/s Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).<\/p>\n<h5><strong>More about the Frigate-Tushil<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>The construction of these ships is based on Indian Navy\u2019s specific requirements to <strong>meet the entire spectrum<\/strong> of naval warfare in all three dimensions of Air, Surface and Sub-surface.<\/p>\n<p>The ships with a potent combination of state-of-art Indian and Russian Weapons and Sensors are equipped to <strong>operate in Littoral and Blue waters,<\/strong> both as a single unit and as consort in a naval task force.<\/p>\n<p>They feature \u201c<strong>stealth technology<\/strong>\u201d in terms of low radar and under water noise signatures.<\/p>\n<p>These ships are being equipped with major Indian supplied equipment such as Surface to Surface Missiles, Sonar system, Surface Surveillance Radar, Communication Suite and ASW system along with Russian Surface to Air Missiles and gun mounts.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"f2\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/run-up-to-cop26-wonder-rice-may-help-reduce-emissions-offer-good-yield\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Run-up to COP26: Wonder rice may help reduce emissions, offer good yield<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Source<\/strong>: This post is based on the article \u201c<strong>Run-up to COP26: Wonder rice may help reduce emissions, offer good yield<\/strong>\u201d published in <strong>Business Standard<\/strong> on <strong>30th Oct 2021<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>What is the news?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span class=\"p-content paywall\">Scientists at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Manila have come up with new DSR rice varieties.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><strong>Must Read<\/strong>: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/punjab-farmers-find-a-better-way-to-grow-paddy\/\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">What is Direct Seeded Method (DSR) of growing rice?<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h5>Why were new varieties developed?<\/h5>\n<p><span class=\"p-content paywall\">Rice-growing is resource-intensive as it covers 11% of the Earth\u2019s arable land and consumes one-third of irrigation water. Moreover, paddy farming is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Hence, DSR method of rice cultivation is being incentivized.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"p-content paywall\">But, the <strong>Direct Seeded Method (DSR)<\/strong> despite being eco-friendly has not witnessed large scale adoption due to complaints of low yields and increased susceptibility to pests. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>Hence, scientists at IRRI developed new varieties <span class=\"p-content paywall\">which not only give higher yields than the traditional<strong> puddling method<\/strong> but are also resistant to pests.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>What are key features of the new varieties being developed?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><span class=\"p-content paywall\">The new varieties have the following features:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"p-content paywall\"><strong>&#8211; The crop takes less time to mature<\/strong>, giving farmers ample time to do residue management. Hence, these varieties can address the problem of stubble management.<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<div><strong>&#8211; Higher yield: <\/strong>These varieties not only germinate quickly in extreme dry conditions but also give a yield of around 4-5.5 tonnes per hectare. If the same variety is grown through puddling, the yield level goes up even further to almost seven tonnes per hectare, researchers claim.<\/div>\n<h5>At which locations the newly developed varieties are being tested?<\/h5>\n<p><span class=\"p-content paywall\">The varieties being tested at the IRRI in various agro-climatic zones across Asia. The cross-country trials are being conducted across 29 sites in Asia and Africa including India where the first trials are currently close to harvest in states such as Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Odisha.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"f3\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/niti-aayog-releases-report-on-health-insurance-for-indias-missing-middle\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NITI Aayog Releases Report on \u2018Health Insurance for India\u2019s Missing Middle\u2019<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><b>Source: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This post is based on the following articles:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>\u201c<\/b><b>NITI Aayog Releases Report on \u2018Health Insurance for India\u2019s Missing Middle<\/b><b>\u201d <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">published in <\/span><b>PIB on 30th October 2021<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><b>\u201c<\/b><b>At least 40 cr individuals don\u2019t have any financial protection for health: Niti Aayog<\/b><b>\u201d <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">published in <\/span><b>Financial Express on 30th October 2021.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><b>What is the News?<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Niti Aayog has released a report titled \u2018Health Insurance for India\u2019s Missing Middle\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>What are the key Findings of the report?<\/b><\/h5>\n<p>At least 30% of the population, or 40 crore individuals \u2013 called the missing middle are devoid of any financial protection for health:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Ayushman Bharat \u2013 Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana(AB-PMJAY) and State Government schemes provide comprehensive hospitalization cover to the bottom 50% of the population.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another 20% of the population are covered through social health insurance and private voluntary health insurance.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But the remaining 30% of the population or 40 crore individuals are without any health insurance. This uncovered population is termed as the <\/span><b>missing middle.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Missing middle predominantly constitutes the self-employed (agriculture and non-agriculture), the informal sector in rural areas and a broad array of occupations \u2013 informal, semi-formal, and formal \u2013 in urban areas.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><b>What should be done to cover the missing middle? <\/b><\/h5>\n<p>The report has recommended three models.<\/p>\n<p><b>First Model: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It focuses on increasing consumer awareness of health insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Second Model:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is about developing a modified, standardized health insurance product like \u2018Arogya Sanjeevani\u2019. It is a standardised health insurance product launched by the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India, IRDAI) in 2020.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Third Model:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This model recommends the expansion of PMJAY to a wider set of beneficiaries. This is the only model out of three proposed which has fiscal implications for the Government.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>What are the other Suggestions in the Report?<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The report has suggested sharing of the government scheme data with the private insurance companies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Government databases such as National Food Security Act (NFSA), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana or the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) for agricultural households can be shared with private insurers after taking consent from these households.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Such databases will help ease the identification of and outreach to potential customers by insurers.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"f4\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/drdo-iaf-jointly-flight-test-long-range-bomb-successfully\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DRDO &amp; IAF jointly flight test Long-Range Bomb successfully<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><b>Source: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This post is based on the article <\/span><b>\u201c<\/b><b>DRDO &amp; IAF jointly flight test Long-Range Bomb successfully<\/b><b>\u201d <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">published in <\/span><b>PIB <\/b><b>on <\/b><b>29th October 2021.<\/b><\/p>\n<h5><b>What is the News?<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Defence Research and Development Organisation(DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF) have jointly flight-tested Long-Range Bomb(LRB).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What is a Long Range Bomb(LRB)?<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Long Range Bomb is <strong>India\u2019s first indigenously-developed guided bomb<\/strong>.It will be used to attack land-based targets at a long-range with greater accuracy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"color: var(--global--color-primary); font-family: var(--global--font-secondary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);\">Developed by:\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It has been designed and developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), a DRDO laboratory located at Hyderabad in coordination with other DRDO laboratories.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b style=\"color: var(--global--color-primary); font-family: var(--global--font-secondary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);\">Range:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> The bomb has <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a range of around 100 kilometres.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Significance:<\/strong>\u00a0<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This development is important as India in the past has been using Israeli laser-guided bombs<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Hence<\/span><span style=\"color: var(--global--color-primary); font-family: var(--global--font-secondary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base); background-color: var(--global--color-background);\">, the successful test of the LR Bomb makes India capable of staying well within its territory and hitting enemy targets at 100 kilometres with high accuracy.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"f5\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/union-health-minister-launches-the-sixth-edition-of-national-formulary-of-india-nfi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Union Health Minister launches the Sixth Edition of National Formulary of India (NFI)<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><b>Source: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This post is based on the article <\/span><b>\u201c<\/b><b>Union Health Minister launches the Sixth Edition of National Formulary of India (NFI)<\/b><b>\u201d <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">published in <\/span><b>PIB on 28th October 2021.<\/b><\/p>\n<h5><b>What is the News?<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has launched the Sixth Edition of the National Formulary of India (NFI).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>About National Formulary of India(NFI)<\/b><\/h5>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Published by: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission(IPC)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Aim:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">promote rational use of medicines in the country.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><strong>Significance:<\/strong> The NFI will be very beneficial for Clinicians and Healthcare professionals while prescribing the medicines to the patients.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><b>Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission(IPC)<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">IPC is an Autonomous Institution of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Functions of IPC:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To set standards of drugs in the country.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To update regularly the standards of drugs commonly required for the treatment of diseases prevailing in this region.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To publish official documents for improving the Quality of Medicines by way of adding new and updating existing monographs in the form of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP).<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To further promote rational use of generic medicines by publishing the National Formulary of India.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To prescribe standards for identity, purity and strength of drugs essentially required from the health care perspective of human beings and animals.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"f6\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/union-minister-launches-nationwide-expansion-of-pneumococcal-conjugate-vaccine-pcv-under-the-universal-immunization-programmeuip\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Union Minister launches Nationwide expansion of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) under the Universal Immunization Programme(UIP)<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><b>Source: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This post is based on the following articles:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>\u201c<\/b><b>Union Minister <\/b><b>launches Nationwide expansion of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) under the Universal Immunization Programme(UIP)\u201d <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">published in <\/span><b>PIB on 30th October 2021<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>\u201cNationwide PCV drive launched\u201d <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">published in <\/span><b>The Hindu on 30th October 2021.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><b>What is the News?<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has launched the nationwide expansion of <strong>Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)<\/strong> under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>About Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine(PCV)\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is given to prevent pneumococcal disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pneumococcal disease refers to any illness caused by pneumococcal bacteria. These bacteria can cause many types of illnesses, including pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children under-5 years old, globally and in India. In India around 16%\u00a0 of deaths in Children occur due to pneumonia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hence, the nationwide rollout of PCV will reduce child mortality by around 60%.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Note: <\/b><b>\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So far, PCV vaccine through government hospitals was available only in five states \u2014 Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. On the other hand, two states, Haryana and Goa were offering the PCV vaccine from the state government funds.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>About <\/b><b>Universal Immunisation Programme(UIP)<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><b>Universal Immunisation Programme(UIP)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a vaccination programme launched by the Government of India in <\/span><b>1985.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><b>Under UIP<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, immunization is being provided free of cost against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Nationally against 10 diseases <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&#8211; Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis, Rotavirus diarrhea, Hepatitis B and Meningitis &amp; Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus Influenzae type B<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Sub-nationally against 2 diseases<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> &#8211; Pneumococcal Pneumonia and Japanese Encephalitis. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Among these, Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine is nationally expanded while JE vaccine is provided only in endemic districts.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"f7\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/zoonotic-pathogens-threaten-humans-snow-leopards-in-high-asia-policy-brief\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Zoonotic pathogens threaten humans, snow leopards in High Asia: Policy brief<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><b>Source: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This post is based on the article <\/span><b>\u201c<\/b><b>Zoonotic pathogens threaten humans, snow leopards in High Asia: Policy brief<\/b><b>\u201d <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">published in<\/span><b> Down To Earth <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">on <\/span><b>30th October 2021.<\/b><\/p>\n<h5><b>What is the News?<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to a report, the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">remote mountains of <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">inner Asia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> could witness future pandemics which could threaten both humans as well as non-human species such as <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">snow leopards<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>About Snow Leopard<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-144228 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/170px-Uncia_uncia.jpg?resize=170%2C255&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"170\" height=\"255\" \/><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; Scientific Name:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Panthera uncia<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; Habitat:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lives at high altitudes in the steep mountains of Central and Southern Asia, where the climate is extremely cold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; Diet:<\/b> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Snow leopards are carnivores that actively hunt their prey.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; Range Countries:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is found in 12 range countries namely Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; India<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: It is found in higher Himalayan and trans-Himalayan landscape in the states\/union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; State Animal:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> It is the State animal of Himachal Pradesh<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; Indicator Species: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Snow Leopard (also known as Ghost of the mountains) acts as an indicator of the health of the mountain ecosystem in which they live. It is because of their position as the top predator in the food web.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; Snow Leopard capital of the world:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Hemis, Ladakh.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; IUCN Red list Status:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Vulnerable (VU)<br \/>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; CITES<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Appendix I<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Schedule I<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>&#8211; <\/strong>It is also listed in the <strong>Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).<\/strong><\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><strong>Must Read<\/strong>: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/international-snow-leopard-day\/\"><span style=\"color: #0000ff;\">International Snow Leopard Day<\/span><\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h5><b>About Global Snow Leopard and Ecosystem Protection Program (GSLEP)\u00a0<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>&#8211;<\/strong> GSLEP is a unique alliance of range country governments and non-governmental partners established in 2013.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; Origin:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> In the 2013 <strong>Bishkek Declaration,<\/strong> the 12 snow leopard range countries endorsed a comprehensive, long-term Global Snow Leopard Conservation Program.This led to the launch of GSLEP<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; Aim<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: To address high-mountain development issues using the conservation of the charismatic and endangered snow leopard as a flagship.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>&#8211; Secretariat:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Its program <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secretariat is based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"f8\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/no-money-left-in-mgnrega-coffers-21-states-in-the-red\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">No money left in MGNREGA coffers; 21 States in the red<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><b>Source: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This post is based on the article<\/span><b> \u201c<\/b><b>No money left in MGNREGA coffers; 21 States in the red<\/b><b>\u201d<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> published in<\/span><b> PIB on 28th October 2021.<\/b><\/p>\n<h5><b>What is the News?<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">he<a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/mgnrega-issues-and-significance-explained-pointwise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)<\/a> scheme has run out of funds halfway through the financial year. Moreover, supplementary budgetary allocations cannot be allocated for at least another month when the next Parliamentary session begins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>What is the issue?<\/b><\/h5>\n<figure id=\"attachment_144211\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-144211\" style=\"width: 670px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-144211 \" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/RuralJobs-fund.jpeg?resize=670%2C302&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" width=\"670\" height=\"302\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/RuralJobs-fund.jpeg?w=730&amp;ssl=1 730w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/RuralJobs-fund.jpeg?resize=300%2C135&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 670px) 100vw, 670px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-144211\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: The Hindu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, the scheme was given its highest budget allocation. But the 2021-22 budget has not allocated sufficient amounts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to this, the MGNREGA scheme has run out of funds halfway through the financial year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Already, 21 States are showing a negative net balance with Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal faring the worst.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><b>What is the impact?<\/b><\/h5>\n<p><b>Firstly, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">this will mean that payments for MGNREGA workers as well as material costs will be delayed unless States provide their own funds.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Secondly, <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">activists have said that by delaying wage payments, the Centre is making workers do \u201cforced labour\u201d at a time of economic distress.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Thirdly,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> delay in wage payments is a violation of a 2016 judgement of the Supreme Court, which described pending wage payments under MGNREGA as a clear constitutional breach committed by the State and a modern form of <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">begar<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Lastly,<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> when there is no money, State governments tend to stop generating work. As MGNREGA data shows that 13% of households who demanded work under the scheme were not provided work.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"f9\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/union-minister-dr-jitendra-singh-launches-indias-first-and-unique-manned-ocean-mission-samudrayan-at-chennai\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launches India\u2019s First and Unique Manned Ocean Mission Samudrayan at Chennai<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Source:\u00a0<\/strong>This post is based on the article &#8220;<strong>Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh launches India\u2019s First and Unique Manned Ocean Mission Samudrayan at Chennai<\/strong>&#8221; published in the\u00a0<strong>PIB <\/strong>on\u00a0<strong>29th October 2021.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h5><strong>What is the news?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>India recently unveiled its <strong>First Manned Ocean Mission, Samudrayan<\/strong> in Chennai.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>About the mission<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>It is India\u2019s first unique manned ocean mission that aims to send men into the deep sea in a submersible vehicle for deep-ocean exploration and mining of rare minerals.<\/p>\n<p>It will send three persons in a manned submersible vehicle MATSYA 6000 to a depth of 6000 metres into the sea for deep underwater studies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Note<\/strong>: India completed the preliminary design of MATSYA 6000 and started the realization of the vehicle. The deepwater manned submersible will be ready for trials by the second quarter of 2024.<\/p>\n<p>With this, India will join the elite club of nations such as the USA, Russia, Japan, France and China to have such underwater vehicles for carrying out subsea activities.<\/p>\n<h5><span style=\"background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary); font-family: var(--global--font-secondary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);\"><b>What will be the design of the submersible vehicle?<\/b><\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span style=\"background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary); font-family: var(--global--font-secondary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);\">India has vast experience in developing unmanned submersible vehicles for a depth of 6000 m. This will be used to develop a manned submersible with a depth capability of 6000 m under the aegis of a deep ocean mission.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\">It will have a titanium alloy personnel sphere, Human support and safety system in enclosed space, low-density buoyancy modules, Ballast and Trim System.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"auto\"><span style=\"background-color: var(--global--color-background); color: var(--global--color-primary); font-family: var(--global--font-secondary); font-size: var(--global--font-size-base);\"> It will also have an operational to support emergency insurance up to 96 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><strong>What are the advantages of a submersible vehicle?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>It will help in <strong>carrying out deep ocean exploration<\/strong> of the non-living resources such as polymetallic manganese nodules, gas hydrates etc located at a depth between 1000 and 5500 meters.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><a id=\"f10\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/indian-military-cannot-operate-effectively-without-russian-supplied-equipment-crs-report\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indian military cannot operate effectively without Russian supplied equipment: CRS report&#8221;<\/a><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Source:\u00a0<\/strong>This post is based on the article &#8220;<strong>Indian military cannot operate effectively without Russian supplied equipment: CRS report<\/strong>&#8221; published in the\u00a0<strong>Indian Express\u00a0<\/strong>on\u00a0<strong>27th October 2021.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h5 class=\"aju\"><b>What is the news?<\/b><\/h5>\n<p>Recently, Congressional Research Service (CRS) report has said that the Indian military cannot operate effectively without Russian-supplied equipment and will continue to rely on Russian weapons systems in the near and middle terms.<\/p>\n<div class=\"gs\">\n<div class=\"\">\n<div id=\":yh\" class=\"ii gt adO\">\n<div id=\":yb\" class=\"a3s aiL \">\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><strong>Read more<\/strong>:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/us-cautions-india-over-s-400-deal-with-russia-cites-strategic-partnership-choices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">US cautions India over S-400 deal with Russia, cites strategic partnership choices<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h5><strong>About the CRS report?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>CRS is a public policy research institute of the United States Congress. The CRS prepares periodic reports on various issues using independent subject experts. Its reports are not official reports of Congress and are prepared to help lawmakers make informed decisions.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>What does the CRS report say about India-Russia arms sales?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Since 2010 Russia has been the source of nearly 2\/3 of all Indian arms imports. India has been the largest importer of Russian arms. India\u2019s major military equipment\u2019s from tanks to aircraft carriers are of Russian origin.<\/p>\n<p>Since 2015 there has been a consistent drop in the import of equipment from Russia. But the Indian military cannot operate effectively without Russian-supplied equipment.<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Why defence relation is important for both Russia and India?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Arms purchase is one of the leverage that India has over Russia. Moreover, Russia supplies advanced technologies to India which no other countries would supply. So this creates Russian leverage over India. Thus, this relation is mutually beneficial for both countries, and both countries would like to sustain it.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><strong>Read more:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/reviving-india-russia-relationship-explained-pointwise\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Reviving India-Russia Relationship \u2013 Explained, Pointwise<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h5><strong>What are the recent Indian deals with Russia?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>In 2019 India submitted US$800 million for the S 400 systems. The total value of the sale is estimated to be $5.4 billion.<\/p>\n<p>India has also entered a contract for indigenous production of Russian T 90 tanks.<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 100%;\"><strong>Read here:\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/what-is-caatsa-or-countering-americas-adversaries-through-sanctions-act\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">What is \u201cCAATSA\u201d or Countering America\u2019s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act?<\/a><\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>This report would thus help US lawmakers decide on the issue of CAATSA in the wake of India purchasing S-400 systems from Russia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dear Friends We have initiated some changes in the 9 PM Brief and other postings related to current affairs.\u00a0What we sought to do: Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today\u2019s newspaper are readily available to you. We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and&hellip; <a class=\"more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/9-pm-daily-current-affairs-brief-october-30th-2021\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief \u2013 October 30th, 2021<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":61,"featured_media":80068,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"9pm-brief-template.php","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14,9],"tags":[8032,1542,8033],"class_list":["post-144276","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-9-pm-brief","category-public","tag-current-affairs-for-upsc","tag-daily-current-affairs-for-upsc","tag-upsc-current-affairs","entry"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/9-PM-Brief-1-e1615452440806.png?fit=600%2C335&ssl=1","views":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144276","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/61"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=144276"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/144276\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/80068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=144276"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=144276"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=144276"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}