Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Siena Galaxy Atlas
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Siena Galaxy Atlas (SGA) is an impressive digital collection showcasing approximately 400,000 galaxies located in the vicinity of our Milky Way.
Siena Galaxy Atlas
- The SGA was created by amalgamating data from 3 distinct astronomical surveys conducted between 2014 and 2017.
- These surveys took place at two observatories, namely the Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO) and the Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO).
- These surveys are collectively known as the DESI Legacy Surveys, laid the foundation for the SGA.
Purpose of this Cosmic Atlas
- Cosmic atlases like the SGA play a crucial role in enabling astronomers to discern intricate patterns within the universe.
- They assist in categorizing various celestial phenomena, including transient stars, and identifying objects that merit further in-depth studies.
- The SGA excels in terms of precision and accuracy, ensuring that it remains aligned with the latest astronomical revelations.
- It facilitates investigations into the birth and evolution of galaxies, the distribution of mysterious dark matter, and the transmission of gravitational waves throughout space.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Alupa Dynasty Inscription
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- An eminent archaeologist made a remarkable discovery during an archaeological expedition near Mangaluru.
- They uncovered a rare inscription linked to the Alupa dynasty, shedding new light on the region’s historical tapestry.
About Alupa Dynasty
- Alupa Dynasty: The inscription marks the first recorded mention of the Alupa dynasty, a historically significant ruling lineage of the region of Tulu Nadu.
- Regal Demise: Notably, the inscription commemorates the death of an Alupa king, providing a unique glimpse into this ancient dynasty’s history.
- Siri Cult References: The inscription also contains terms related to the Siri cult, including Siri, Dalya, and Chattara (Chatra), hinting at cultural and religious practices of the era.
Archaeological Findings
- Keerthi Sthamba: The inscription highlights the role of Kesava in erecting a monument dedicated to Kulashekara Alupendra. A Keerthi sthamba, a pillar, found within the inscription mirrors an original pillar located in Kulashekara, a suburb of Mangaluru.
- Intricate Details: The inscription features two panels at the top, with a Kannada script below, showcasing 12th-century characters and announcing the death of Alupendra I.
- Royal Depictions: Human figures within the inscription represent Kulashekara Alupendra. One panel portrays him in a Tribhanga posture, wielding a sword and holding a gurani (shield). Adjacent to it, the king is depicted seated in a meditative pose, resting his palms on his legs.
Significance in Tuluva History
- Tuluva Culture: This discovery provides valuable insights into the customs, beliefs, and societal structure of the Alupa dynasty’s time.
- Soma Cult: The Soma cult, established by Soma Sharma in the 11th century AD in Gujarat, finds a connection to this region. The Someshwara temple, built in honor of Soma during Kulashekara Alupendra’s reign, stands as a testament to this cultural fusion.
Who was Kulashekara Alupendra?
- The Alupa Legacy: Kulashekara Alupendra I, a prominent ruler of the Alupas in South Canara, played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s history.
- City Establishment: He founded the city of Kulashekara in Mangaluru and enacted stringent regulations for temple administration, which continue to influence temple governance in the region.
- Language and Culture: Alupendra I was a patron of the Tulu language and culture, contributing to their preservation and promotion. His reign spanned from 1156 to 1215 A.D., with this inscription datable to the 12th century based on palaeography.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Vienna Convention
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The India-Canada crisis took a fresh turn as 41 diplomats were withdrawn from the country.
- India insisted that its actions are consistent with the tenets set forth in Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
What is the Vienna Convention?
- The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international treaty signed by 61 countries in 1961.
- It puts forth a framework for diplomatic interactions between independent nations and aims to ensure the ‘development of friendly relations among nations’.
- At present 193 countries are party to the document including India.
Key Features
|
Explanation |
| Diplomatic Immunity (Articles 29 to 36) |
- Diplomats and their families are granted immunity from the jurisdiction of the host country’s legal system for their official actions.
- Extends to criminal and civil matters and ensures that diplomats cannot be prosecuted or sued in the host country’s courts.
|
| Inviolability of Diplomatic Premises (Articles 22 to 27) |
- Diplomatic premises, such as embassies and consulates, are considered inviolable.
- They cannot be entered or searched by the host country’s authorities without the permission of the sending state.
|
| Non-Interference (Article 41) |
- Diplomatic agents are expected not to interfere in the internal affairs of the host country.
- This principle promotes peaceful coexistence and respectful relations between states.
|
| Protection of Diplomatic Missions (Articles 22 to 27) |
- Host country is responsible for ensuring the security and protection of diplomatic missions and their staff.
- Includes safeguarding the physical premises and preventing any intrusion or damage.
|
| Termination of Diplomatic Relations (Articles 45 to 50) |
- Outlines procedures for the termination of diplomatic relations between states.
- Includes orderly withdrawal of diplomatic personnel and the closure of diplomatic missions.
|
What is Article 11.1 about?
- It deals with the size of international missions within other countries.
- In the absence of a specific agreement as to the size of the mission, the receiving State may require that the size of a mission be kept within limits considered to be reasonable and normal.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Types of Questions in Parliament
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- A Parliamentarian is being questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, in her alleged involvement in ‘cash for query’ allegations.
- This has thrust the spotlight on the importance and procedure of asking questions in the Lok Sabha.
Procedure for Raising Questions
- Rules and Directions: The process of raising questions is governed by Rules 32 to 54 of the “Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha” and Directions 10 to 18 issued by the Speaker, Lok Sabha.
- Notice Submission: MPs initiate the process by submitting a notice addressed to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha, specifying the question’s text, the relevant Minister, desired answer date, and order of preference if multiple questions are tabled.
- Limitations: MPs are allowed to submit a maximum of five notices for oral and written answers combined, per day, with any excess notices considered for the subsequent session days.
- Notice Period: The notice period for a question is usually not less than 15 days.
- Submission Modes: MPs can submit notices through the online ‘Member’s Portal’ using their login credentials or physical forms available in the Parliamentary Notice Office.
Conditions for Admissibility of Questions
- Admissibility Rules: Various rules govern the admissibility of questions, such as a limit of 150 words, prohibition of arguments or defamatory statements, avoidance of character or conduct references except in official capacity, and disallowance of policy-related queries.
- Legal Matters: Questions concerning subjects under court consideration or those that may compromise national unity and integrity are inadmissible.
Types of Questions
- Starred Questions: MPs pose starred questions for oral responses from the Minister-in-charge. These questions require submission at least 15 days in advance, with a maximum of 20 listed for oral answers each day.
- Unstarred Questions: Unstarred questions receive written replies from the Ministry and must also be submitted 15 days ahead. A daily limit of 230 unanswered questions for written answers exists.
- Short Notice Questions: Pertaining to urgent public concerns, these questions can be asked with less than 10 days’ notice, accompanied by a valid reason.
- Questions to Private Members: Addressed to the MP themselves, these are posed when the subject relates to bills, resolutions, or House-related matters under that MP’s responsibility.
Importance of Raising Questions
- Parliamentary Right: MPs have an inherent and unrestricted parliamentary right to raise questions, serving as a legislative control mechanism over executive actions.
- Information and Critique: Questions help obtain administration and government activity details, critique government policies, expose lapses, and prompt ministers to take corrective actions.
- Government Feedback: For the government, questions gauge public sentiment towards policies, and administration, and can lead to parliamentary commissions, inquiries, or legislative actions in response.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Durga Puja
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- India is joyously celebrating the festival of Navratri and Durga Puja.
- While this festival holds deep religious significance, its roots in modern times are intertwined with the colonial era.
Robert Clive and the Mythical Beginning
- Multiple Origin Stories: Durga Puja has various origin stories, with one popular tale linked to the aftermath of the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
- Robert Clive’s Role: Following his victory over Nawab Siraj ud Daula, Robert Clive wished to express gratitude to God. In the absence of a church, Nabakishan Deb, Clive’s Persian translator, suggested offering prayers to Goddess Durga. This marked the initiation of Calcutta’s first Durga Puja.
- Historical Scrutiny: While this narrative is widely known, historical records raise doubts about its accuracy. Nevertheless, it symbolizes the social beginnings of Durga Puja in Calcutta, driven by the connections between Bengali zamindars, merchants, and the East India Company.
Sociological Changes under Colonial Rule
- Rise of Zamindars: With the decline of the Mughal Empire, Bengal’s zamindars, hereditary landowners, gained authority, effectively governing their territories. The Permanent Settlement Act of 1793 formalized their role as intermediaries.
- Emergence of Prosperous Merchants: Calcutta, as a growing urban center, witnessed the swift rise of affluent Bengali merchants during Company rule. Economic opportunities led to rapid wealth accumulation by families like the Tagores and the Mullicks.
- Conspicuous Consumption: Durga Puja became a platform for the nouveau riche to flaunt their affluence. Lavish celebrations, gold-adorned idols, and entertainment from nautch girls characterized these grand events, fostering competition among rival families.
Durga Puja Takes a Nationalistic Turn
- Late 19th-Century Nationalism: In the late 19th century, feelings of nationalism began to surge among the Bengali intelligentsia. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s “Ananda Math,” published in 1882, popularized the phrase “Bande Mataram” and introduced the concept of the “mother” nation.
- Durga as a Symbol: Goddess Durga, revered as “Ma” (mother) Durga, came to symbolize the nation and its potential saviour from foreign rule. Durga Puja became an integral part of the burgeoning nationalist movement.
- Response to Partition: Lord Curzon’s decision to Partition Bengal in 1905 fueled the Swadeshi Movement, with “Bande Mataram” as its rallying cry. Communal festivities, including Durga Puja, played a pivotal role in forging collective consciousness and action.
- Swadeshi Symbolism: Durga Puja underwent a transformation during this period, with advertisements promoting indigenous products and festivities emphasizing indigenous values. British elites became less welcome at the pujas, reflecting a growing sense of nationalism.
Shift towards Public Celebrations
- 1920s Transformation: In the 1920s, public Durga Pujas emerged, marking a shift from exclusive festivals for the wealthy elite to inclusive celebrations for all. The first “sarbojanin” or “universal” Puja was organized in 1926 in Calcutta’s Maniktala area.
- Inclusive Tradition: These public Pujas, organized by locality, welcomed people regardless of their caste or residence. Temporary temples, known as pandals, sprung up in public spaces, making the festivities accessible to a broader audience.
Conclusion
- The evolution of Durga Puja, from its colonial-era origins to a celebration of nationalism and inclusivity, reflects the dynamic nature of culture and society.
- It has transformed from an occasion for the elite to showcase wealth to a festival that unites people across backgrounds, embracing unity in diversity.
- Durga Puja continues to be a cherished tradition that weaves together history, culture, and the essence of Bengal.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Digital Health initiatives
Mains level: Digital Health's Transformative Potential and the Role of the G20
Central idea
- Digital health, a transformative force, can revolutionize global healthcare by improving quality, accessibility, and efficiency, with the G20 nations wielding substantial influence due to their GDP and population share.
Digital Health
- Digital health encompasses the use of digital technologies and data to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes. This field includes electronic health records, mobile health applications, telemedicine, wearable health devices, health analytics, and more.
- The goal is to make healthcare more personalized, efficient, accessible, and cost-effective by integrating technology into various aspects of patient care and health management
Key challenges facing digital health within the G20
- Disparities in National Digital Health Strategies: Different G20 member states have varying levels of advancement in their digital health strategies. These disparities can hinder collaboration and the development of a unified approach to digital health.
- Data Privacy Concerns: The collection and processing of sensitive personal health information in digital health systems raise significant data privacy concerns.
- Interoperability Issues: Interoperability, especially between electronic health record (EHR) systems, is crucial for the seamless exchange of health data. Inconsistencies in standards and infrastructure pose challenges to data sharing and healthcare coordination.
- Coordination During Global Health Crises: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for coordinated responses to global health crises. Uneven responses and a lack of coordination among countries and healthcare providers can impede efforts to effectively manage pandemics.
The G20’s Approach
- Emphasized digital health since the initiation of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2016.
- Prioritized addressing challenges since the Argentine presidency of 2018.
- Endeavor to design consistent e-health systems, data protection measures, and interoperability improvements.
- Introduced the G20 Digital Health Task Force in 2020 for a tech-augmented pandemic response approach.
Measures to Strengthen Digital Health
- Common Minimum Framework (CMF) for Health Data Protection:
- Map existing data protection provisions and customize for health data.
- Review the roles of data control agencies.
- Enhance the security and resilience of health data systems.
- Promote awareness of health data privacy.
- Secure Cross-Border Health Data Exchange:
- Study successful cross-border data sharing initiatives.
- Develop guidelines for countries to share specific health data for research.
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for Health:
- Extend the emphasis on DPI to health sector-specific DPIs.
- Promote knowledge-sharing, innovation, and public-private partnerships.
- Centers of Excellence (CoEs) in Health-Tech:
- Establish CoEs specializing in AI and emerging tech for healthcare.
- Ensure ethical and inclusive health-tech development.
- Telemedicine Task Force:
- Create a dedicated task force to promote telemedicine.
- Identify best practices, develop ethical guidelines, and explore investment opportunities.
- Financing Digital Health Innovations:
- Create a US$ 150-million fund (potentially within WHO) to support global-impact digital health startups.
- Address digital gender gap and health access for marginalized communities.
- Joint Responses to Health Crises:
- Establish an international health-tech-focused think tank.
- Led by WHO, focus on tech-enabled pandemic response strategies and capacity building.
- Digital Health Repository:
- Create a G20 Digital Health Policy Repository (DHPR) for open-access knowledge sharing.
- Host digital health laws, policies, and data protection regulations.
Conclusion
- The G20’s commitment to an interconnected digital health ecosystem is crucial. As the G20 health ministers emphasized, existing initiatives should be coordinated to maximize their impact, ensuring that digital health becomes a cornerstone of future healthcare systems.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: FPOs
Mains level: Significant role of FPOs in Indian agriculture, UP case study
What’s the news?
- The Indian government’s multidimensional approach to augment farmers’ income has spotlighted the role of Farmer Producers’ Organisations (FPOs).
Central idea
- The government is employing multiple strategies to elevate farmers’ income, including productivity boosts and climate-resilient techniques. Historically, fragmented landholdings have impeded growth and investment. FPOs are introduced as a remedy to this challenge.
What are FPOs?
- FPOs are clusters of farmers grouped by geography.
- They can register as a company or a cooperative.
- Their potential lies in enabling cluster-based farming, technological adoption, quality assurance, and helping farmers in marketing produce.
Formation and Growth of FPOs
- The central government has taken proactive steps by launching a scheme aimed at creating and promoting 10,000 FPOs.
- These organizations encourage collaboration among farmers in various aspects, such as input management, value addition, and market linkages.
FPO’s: Engines of agri-innovation in UP
- Uttar Pradesh has established a dedicated FPO cell to facilitate the development of FPOs.
- With a synergy of central and state-sponsored schemes, the state plans to form one FPO in each of its 826 blocks annually for five years, commencing in 2022-23.
- The FPO Shakti portal is a noteworthy initiative that serves as a centralized platform for active FPOs in Uttar Pradesh. It offers solutions for grievance redressal, business partnerships, and convergence among various stakeholders.
- Currently, the portal boasts the participation of nearly 1,600 FPOs, collectively generating a turnover of Rs 229 crore, benefiting over six lakh farmers.
- UP government introduced the flagship scheme, One District One Product.
|
Financial Incentives and Support
- Interest Subvention: The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, constituted by the central government, provides a 3% interest subvention for credit extended to develop post-harvest infrastructure. Uttar Pradesh’s state government offers an additional 3% subvention to FPO’s and agriculture entrepreneurs, effectively reducing the interest rate to approximately 3%.
- Convergence of Schemes: The government is actively fostering the convergence of various schemes related to farm mechanization, seed production and processing, agri-marketing, MSP-based procurement, nutrition mission, and supply of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, technological interventions, and organic farming.
Success Stories and Innovations
- Crop Diversification: FPOs have played a pivotal role in crop diversification and value addition in Uttar Pradesh. They are involved in various sectors, including cereals, horticulture, pulses, oilseeds, millets, medicinal and aromatic crops, and sugarcane-based products. Seed processing units, Farm Machinery Banks, and climate-resilient strategies like direct seeding of rice are being facilitated through FPOs.
- Nutrition Enhancement: FPOs are promoting nutrition-rich agri-products like millets, mushrooms, moringa, and fortified cereals. Collaborations with district administrations have improved nutritive outcomes in the region.
- Business Collaborations: Over 200 MoUs have been signed between FPOs and companies for commodity marketing, input supply, technical dealership, and financial linkage. These collaborations are facilitated by the government and have led to the registration of local products under Geographical Indications (GI), further promoting indigenous agriculture.
Conclusion
- FPO’s are the evolving backbone of Indian agriculture. Their role is pivotal in modernizing practices, introducing innovations, and reshaping the agrarian landscape to be more sustainable and profitable.
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