Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative (AGNI)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Central Council for Research in Ayurveda Sciences (CCRAS), under the Ministry of Ayush, has introduced the “Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative” (AGNI) to promote research and innovation among Ayurveda practitioners.
Ayurveda Gyan Naipunya Initiative
- AGNI aims to document and validate Ayurvedic medical practices, enhance evidence-based practice culture, and facilitate scientific research in the field.
- It provides a platform for Ayurveda practitioners to share their innovative practices, fostering an evidence-based culture.
- It also supports research to validate pragmatic Ayurvedic practices through scientific methods.
Key functions
- CCRAS will document and publish reported medical practices and therapeutic regimens for educational and academic purposes in consultation with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
- AGNI provides a platform for Ayurveda practitioners to report their innovative practices and experiences across various disease conditions.
- The initiative encourages the culture of evidence-based practice among Ayurveda practitioners, ensuring that their methods are grounded in scientific research.
- AGNI seeks to identify interested Ayurveda practitioners willing to collaborate in creating a comprehensive database through applications.
- Capacity building through research methods and good clinical practice training will also be offered.
- AGNI will undertake research to mainstream pragmatic Ayurvedic practices through scientific validation and evidence-based appraisal.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- NASA’s DSOC experiment onboarded to Psyche spacecraft, recently demonstrated successful transmission of data over near-infrared laser signals to Earth.
- This technology addresses the challenge of transmitting vast amounts of data over long distances from spacecraft, moving at high speeds in deep space.
Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC)
- NASA’s DSOC experiment introduces near-infrared laser signals for spacecraft communication.
- DSOC promises data rates at least 10 times faster than conventional radio communication systems, leading to enhanced data transfer rates, higher-resolution images, increased scientific data volume, and even real-time video streaming.
- DSOC’s laser communication technology is comparable to how fiber optics revolutionized Earth-based telecommunications.
Psyche Spacecraft and DSOC
- The Psyche spacecraft is the first to carry a DSOC transceiver, which will test high-bandwidth optical communication with Earth during its initial two years of travel to the asteroid belt.
- DSOC’s successful “first light” milestone was reached when the transceiver locked onto a powerful laser beacon transmitted from NASA’s Table Mountain Facility in California.
- Achieving high data rates relies on extremely precise pointing, which is akin to hitting a small target from a great distance while both are in motion.
- This precision is necessary for the laser transceiver to track its target despite vibrations on the spacecraft.
Key Components for Success
- The spacecraft must isolate the transceiver from vibrations to maintain precision.
- As Earth and the spacecraft change positions during data transmission, DSOC systems adjust to ensure accurate pointing.
- New signal-processing techniques are essential to extract information from weak laser signals transmitted across vast distances in space.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CREAMS Lab
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Farm fires, particularly paddy crop residue fires, contribute to air pollution in northern India. To monitor and address this issue, satellite data is utilized.
CREAMS Laboratory: Monitoring farm fires
- Agency: The Indian Agricultural Research Institute’s (IARI) Consortium for Research on Agro-ecosystem Monitoring and Modeling from Space (CREAMS) Laboratory is responsible for collecting and disseminating daily bulletins on paddy residue fires.
- Coverage: Data covers Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi.
- Information Provided: The bulletin includes district-wise fire incident numbers, comparative data from previous years, location, satellite details, time, and fire intensity.
Satellite Data Collection
- Satellites: Three NASA satellites (VIIRS on Suomi NPP, MODIS on Terra and Aqua) capture data by recording land surface temperatures.
- Coverage: These satellites pass over the Indian subcontinent twice daily, with varying times.
- Resolution: VIIRS offers higher resolution, while MODIS has coarser resolution.
- Data Use: Satellite data is used to differentiate farm fires from other types, such as forest fires or industrial fires.
Monitoring Protocols
- Standardization: In 2021, a standard protocol for monitoring farm fires using satellite data was established.
- Data Comparison: Comparative data is available from 2020 onwards.
- Punjab’s Data: The Punjab Remote Sensing Centre provides similar data specific to Punjab.
Identifying Paddy Fires
- Reflectance Signature: Paddy crop residue fires are distinguished based on the unique reflectance signature of paddy fields.
- Land Surface Temperature: Active fires are identified based on land surface temperature deviations from surrounding areas.
- Fire Intensity: Intensity, expressed as energy emitted per unit area per unit time, indicates the amount of residue burned.
Bulletin Dissemination
- Recipient Agencies: Bulletins are sent to central and state-level agencies, including the Commission for Air Quality Management, the Ministry of Agriculture, and state agriculture departments.
- Action Measures: Authorities use the data to identify hotspots and plan measures, such as machinery availability, to address farm fires.
- Targets: Some states, like Punjab and Haryana, set targets for reducing farm fire incidents based on satellite data.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: CERT-In, RTI
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Centre has included the Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) in the list of organizations exempted from the Right to Information Act (RTI), 2005.
-
There are 26 other intelligence and security organisations established by the Central government such as the Intelligence Bureau, Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Enforcement, and National Technical Research Organisation that are exempt under RTI.
About Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In)
|
Details |
| Nodal Agency |
Part of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology |
| Establishment |
Formed in 2004 under the Information Technology Act, 2000 Section (70B) |
| Inter-agency Coordination |
Works with NCIIPC (under NTRO and PMO) and NDMA (under Ministry of Home Affairs) |
| Functions |
Monitors cyber-attacks, issues security guidelines, liaises with national cybersecurity bodies |
| Recent Activities |
Hosted ‘Synergy’ exercise in 2022 with international participation |
| International Agreements |
MoUs with UK, Korea, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Uzbekistan; cooperation with Shanghai Cooperation Organisation |
| Notable Incidents |
Reported Android Jelly Bean flaw (2014), Chrome vulnerabilities (2020), WhatsApp vulnerability (2021); investigated AIIMS cyber-attack (2022) |
| Cyberattack Statistics (2021) |
Faced 11.5 million cyberattack incidents including attacks on infrastructure and government |
Back2Basics: Right to Information (RTI) Act
| Enactment |
June 15, 2005 |
| Objective |
Promote transparency and accountability |
| Applicability |
All public authorities at central, state, local levels |
| Scope |
Access to information on matters of public interest, government policies, budgets, etc. |
| RTI Application |
Filed in writing with the concerned public authority |
| Response Time |
Within 30 days (48 hours for life or liberty issues) |
| Exemptions |
Some information exempted to protect national security, privacy, etc.
Judiciary |
| Fees |
Nominal fee varies based on state and information requested |
| First Appellate Authority |
Filed if dissatisfied with the response |
| Second Appeal |
Filed with the relevant Information Commission |
| Whistleblower Protection |
Safeguards against victimization for exposing corruption |
| Impact |
Promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Since the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the global community has struggled to secure adequate funding for biodiversity conservation.
- However, on August 27, 2023, a significant step was taken as countries established the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF).
GBFF: A New Hope for Biodiversity Funding
- Inception: The GBFF was officially established on August 27, 2023, at the 7th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Vancouver, Canada.
- KMGBF Integration: The GBFF’s primary objective is to support countries in achieving the 23 targets outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), which was adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity.
- Funding Needs: COP15 determined that at least $200 billion per year until 2030 is required to fund biodiversity protection programs worldwide.
| 1990: GEF launched with ~US$1 billion; 46% funds for biodiversity.
1996: GEF becomes financial mechanism for the Convention at COP3, Argentina.
2002: GEF’s 3rd replenishment: $3 billion, 30% for biodiversity (2002-06).
2010: COP10 in Japan sets Aichi targets; 5th GEF replenishment: $4.34 billion, $1.15 billion for biodiversity.
2014: GEF’s 6th cycle: $4.43 billion, 6.3% for biodiversity.
2019: IPBES report shows 1 million species at extinction risk.
2023: 7th GEF Assembly ratifies GBFF with $200 million seed capital; $1.92 billion for biodiversity in 8th cycle.
1992: CBD signed at Earth Summit, effective 1993; COP1 in Bahamas.
1998: First GEF Assembly in New Delhi; $418 million allocated for biodiversity.
2006: 4th GEF replenishment: $3.13 billion, 26% for biodiversity.
2012: COP11 in India; IPBES to assess biodiversity status.
2018: COP14 in Egypt assesses Aichi targets; GEF’s 7th cycle: $4.1 billion, 21.8% for biodiversity.
2022: COP15 in Montreal adopts Kunming-Montreal Framework; $200 billion/year needed, Global Biodiversity Framework Fund proposed. |
What makes GBFF unique?
- Diverse Funding Sources: Unlike the GEF, which relied on a limited number of donors, the GBFF will source funds from private, philanthropic, and government investments.
- GEF’s Role: The GEF will manage the GBFF, making it a more robust and versatile funding mechanism.
- Budget Allocation: The GBFF has a cumulative budget of $5.25 billion for 2022-26, with 36% allocated for biodiversity. The remaining funds are dedicated to projects addressing climate change, pollution, land, and ocean health.
- Enhanced Impact: Carlos Manuel Rodríguez, Chairperson of GEF, emphasizes the need not only for increased funds but also for strategic utilization to maximize impact.
- Multilateral Fund Potential: GBFF might receive contributions from a proposed multilateral fund generated from fees related to digital genetic sequence information, potentially generating over $15 billion annually.
Challenges Ahead
- Funding Gap Persists: Despite GBFF’s establishment, the financial gap for biodiversity conservation remains significant. In 2019, global spending on biodiversity conservation was far below the estimated need.
- Domestic Financing Struggles: Relying on domestic funds has been challenging, especially for developing countries.
- Long-Term Funding Concerns: The world faces a projected financing gap of $4.1 trillion for biodiversity by 2050, underscoring the need for sustainable funding mechanisms.
Importance of Domestic Funding
- Diverse Solutions: KMGBF’s Target 19 suggests various nature-based solutions such as payment for ecosystem services, green bonds, and benefit-sharing mechanisms to mobilize domestic funding.
- Challenges of Blended Finance: Blended financing, where public resources catalyze private investment, may not be an ideal solution and takes time to implement.
- Biodiversity Credits: Similar to carbon credits, biodiversity credits (biocredits) have gained popularity. They have the potential to generate the funds needed to meet KMGBF targets.
- Biocredits Challenges: Biocredits are in their infancy, and their implementation, including regulation, certification schemes, and policy systems, is still being discussed.
Challenges in Achieving KMGBF Targets
- Protecting 30% of Land and Waters: Achieving the 30×30 target faces challenges, considering existing protected areas’ effectiveness and the inclusion of OECMs (other effective area-based conservation measures).
- Data Gap: The effectiveness of existing protected areas is unclear due to limited available data.
- Debate over OECMs: OECMs are not fully understood, and there are concerns that they might be designated without proper evaluation.
Way forward
- Inclusion in KMGBF Targets: Indigenous peoples and local communities play a crucial role in conservation. KMGBF explicitly emphasizes the need to respect their rights in achieving targets.
- Funding Allocation: The GEF Assembly has allocated up to 20% of donor funds to support indigenous communities in conservation efforts.
- Capacity Building: To avoid human rights violations, there is a need for substantial investment in building the capacity of indigenous communities.
- Strict Norms: Stricter norms should ensure that biodiversity-rich areas are not diverted for other purposes, such as plantations, which cannot replace old-growth forests.
Conclusion
- The establishment of the GBFF represents a significant step towards addressing the long-standing financial challenges in biodiversity conservation.
- However, challenges, such as securing adequate funds and ensuring equitable conservation practices, persist.
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Central idea
On Constitution Day, voices are emerging to replace India’s Constitution, a unique document created through extensive discussion and amendments.
Comparative Constitutionalism:
- The comparison with other countries like France, Nepal, Chile, and Uzbekistan highlights India’s distinct process of constitution-making.
- Critics label the present Constitution as “colonial,” citing similarities with the Government of India Act 1935, but the historical context and unique influences are acknowledged.
Historical Influences and Unique Drafting Process:
- Dr. Rajendra Prasad asserted that India wasn’t bound to adhere strictly to global constitutional categories, emphasizing the influence of India’s historical realities.
- The Nehru Report’s significance in shaping constitutional ideals, serving as a foundation for future constitutional struggles.
Challenges and Criticisms:
- The challenge lies in addressing criticisms of the Constitution being “colonial” and responding to calls for a rewrite, balancing historical influences with contemporary needs.
- Achieving political consensus, as witnessed in the unique drafting process, is a monumental task, especially considering the diverse opinions and interests.
Back2Basics: The Government of India Act (1935)
- Under Lord Linlithgow’s leadership, a committee drafted the Government of India Act 1935, which was passed by the British Parliament and implemented.
- The Act drew from the Simon Commission Report, Round Table Conferences, White Paper of 1933, and Joint Select Committees’ reports to formulate its provisions.
Provisions of the GoI Act, 1935:
- All India Federation: Established an All-India Federation comprising British Indian Provinces and Indian States, although its implementation was hindered by lack of princely state participation.
- Provincial Autonomy: Introduced provincial autonomy where provinces functioned as autonomous units with responsible governments, though governors retained significant powers.
- Division of Subjects: Introduced three lists—Federal, Provincial, and Concurrent—to delineate legislative authority between the Centre and provinces, aiming to clarify jurisdictional matters:
|
Description |
Example Subjects |
| Federal List |
Subjects of all-India interest requiring uniform treatment across British India. Only the Federal Legislature had the authority to legislate. |
Defence, Foreign Affairs, Currency, Railways, Taxes on Income |
| Provincial List |
Subjects of local interest where Provincial Legislatures had exclusive jurisdiction. |
Public Health, Police, Local Government, Agriculture, Education |
| Concurrent List |
Subjects of both Provincial and Federal interest, requiring uniformity across the country. Both levels of government could legislate. |
Criminal Law, Marriage and Divorce, Bankruptcy, Trusts, Trade Unions |
|
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Nehru Report: Draft constitution prepared in 1928 as a response to the challenge posed by Lord Birkenhead, emphasizing fundamental rights and democratic principles.
- Government of India Act 1935: Considered by some as a “colonial” precursor to the Indian Constitution, but viewed differently by considering historical context.
Critical Analysis:
- The article navigates the complexities of assessing India’s Constitution, acknowledging historical influences while defending its efficiency in serving the nation.
- The challenges of potential rewriting are highlighted, emphasizing the need for political consensus and the unique historical context.
Way Forward:
- The way forward involves careful consideration of the Constitution’s strengths, historical foundations, and the feasibility of rewriting in the context of contemporary needs.
- Any potential rewriting should uphold the principles of a “fair measure of general agreement” among India’s diverse population, echoing the spirit of the Nehru Report.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: COP 28
Mains level: climate change action is essential for economic sustainability
Central idea
The article emphasizes that climate change action is essential for economic sustainability and counters the notion that it is unaffordable. It highlights the impact of fossil fuels on the cost-of-living crisis and advocates for redirecting funds from fossil fuel subsidies to renewable energy. The author calls for international cooperation at COP28 to triple renewable energy capacity, double energy efficiency, and address climate justice concerns.
Key Highlights:
- Global Cost-of-Living Crisis: Inflation’s widespread impact on billions globally, prompting a false narrative of green initiatives against the interests of the poor.
- Fossil Fuels and Economic Strain: Fossil fuels, a major driver of the cost-of-living crisis, contribute to economic strain, affecting household budgets and impeding growth.
- Worsening Climate Disasters: Amid rising costs, climate disasters intensify, causing economic damage and affecting millions globally.
Key Challenges:
- Fossil Fuel Dependency: Persistent reliance on fossil fuels remains a significant hurdle to addressing the cost-of-living crisis and mitigating climate change.
- Government Spending on Subsidies: Trillions spent on fossil fuel subsidies divert funds from essential services and hinder investments in renewable energy.
Key Terms:
- Cost-of-Living Crisis: Global economic strain exacerbated by inflation.
- Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Government financial support to the fossil fuel industry.
- Renewable Energy: Sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
- Climate Disasters: Increasingly severe climate-related events.
- Energy Access: Ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy.
Key Phrases for value addition:
- “Green versus poor” Narrative: Misleading rhetoric obscuring the need for a sustainable future.
- “Fossil fuel taps can’t be turned off overnight”: Recognizing the gradual nature of transitioning from fossil fuels.
- “Global Stocktake on climate action”: Assessment of progress and tools to speed up climate action.
- “Tripling the world’s renewable energy capacity”: Ambitious goals for renewable energy expansion.
- “Fear Mongering”: Misleading tactics to discourage climate action.
Key Examples and References:
- Impact of Fossil Fuel Prices: Household bills rising up to $1,000 in 2022.
- Government Spending: Trillions spent globally on fossil fuel subsidies in 2022.
Key Facts:
- Climate Predictions: This year projected to be the hottest in 125,000 years.
- Inflation Impact: Disproportionately affecting the poorest households.
- Fossil Fuel Subsidies: Diverting funds from essential services and renewable energy projects.
Key Data:
- Global Spending on Subsidies: Trillions allocated to fossil fuel subsidies.
- Climate Impact: Economic damage and lives affected by escalating climate disasters.
Critical Analysis:
- The article underscores the interconnected challenges of inflation, fossil fuel dependency, and climate change.
- Governments’ hesitation to phase out subsidies is identified as a critical obstacle.
- Emphasis on the imperative shift to renewable energy for economic growth and effective climate action.
Way Forward:
- Advocacy: Push for responsible phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies.
- Encouragement: Support governments in investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions.
- Climate Justice: Back initiatives addressing climate justice and adaptation to climate impacts.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: GHG Emissions
Mains level: climate change and food insecurity
Central idea
The article underscores the critical challenges of climate change and food insecurity facing humanity. It emphasizes the significance of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a holistic approach, promoting sustainable development, resilience to climate change, and greenhouse gas emission reduction.
Key Highlights:
- Global Challenges: Addressing climate change and food insecurity as critical global issues.
- Impact on Agriculture: Discussing the negative effects of climate change on agriculture, leading to increased challenges for farmers.
- Holistic Solution: Introducing climate-smart agriculture (CSA) as a holistic solution to adaptation and mitigation challenges.
- Emphasizing Importance: Highlighting the importance of CSA in enhancing resilience, improving productivity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Government Initiatives: Citing Indian government initiatives promoting CSA, such as the National Adaptation Fund and Soil Health Mission.
Key Challenges:
- Climate Risks: Analyzing the substantial risks posed by climate change to agricultural productivity, with India potentially facing a 9% decline in crop yield.
- Need for Reforms: Discussing the need for significant reforms in the agriculture industry to adapt traditional farming practices to climate change.
- Transformative Approach: Emphasizing the requirement for a radical transformation of the agriculture sector to achieve sustainable development goals.
Key Terms/Phrases:
- Holistic Approach: Exploring the concept of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) and its three pillars.
- Precision Farming: Highlighting the importance of precision farming in optimizing agricultural methods.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Describing the role of CSA in building resilience against climate change.
- Agroforestry and Carbon Sequestration: Identifying specific CSA measures for environmental benefits.
- Paris Agreement: Linking CSA to global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Key Examples and References:
- Global Efforts: Noting community-supported agriculture efforts worldwide as examples of CSA in action.
- Specific Measures: Citing studies from the northwest Indo-Gangetic Plain showcasing the benefits of CSA for wheat production.
- Government Support: Referring to government initiatives in India, including the Soil Health Card Scheme.
- International Frameworks: Connecting CSA to international frameworks like the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Key Facts/Data:
- Climate Impact: Highlighting the potential 9% decline in crop yield in India due to climate change.
- GHG Emissions: Noting agriculture’s significant share (17%) in greenhouse gas emissions in 2018.
- Economic Autonomy: Pointing out the economic autonomy gained by farmers through CSA implementation.
- Government Initiatives: Providing data on government spending on initiatives like the National Adaptation Fund.
Critical Analysis:
- Urgency of Action: Emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change’s impact on agriculture and the need for a comprehensive approach like CSA.
- Positive Outcomes: Discussing the positive outcomes of CSA, including economic autonomy for farmers and benefits to biodiversity conservation.
- Localized Responses: Highlighting the importance of localized responses to climate change and the role of CSA in meeting international obligations.
Way Forward:
- Investment in Capacity-Building: Recommending continued investment in capacity-building programs for CSA.
- Knowledge Dissemination: Emphasizing the importance of providing practical tools and knowledge for the adoption of CSA.
- Triple Goals: Stating the role of CSA in ensuring food security, empowering farmers, and protecting ecosystems.
- Unique Juncture in India: Recognizing the unique juncture in India where CSA adoption is essential due to climate vulnerability and agricultural significance.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Justice Fathima Beevi
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- Justice Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge of the Supreme Court of India (also the first Muslim woman Judge of SC), passed away at the age of 96 in Kerala’s Kollam.
Who was Justice Fathima Beevi?
- Early life: Born in 1927, Justice Beevi was the eldest of eight children and came from a family where her father, Annaveetil Meera Sahib, encouraged his daughters’ education despite societal norms.
- Decision for Law: Her father persuaded her to pursue law instead of post-graduation in Chemistry, inspired by the story of Anna Chandy, the first woman judicial officer in Travancore.
- Breaking Barriers: She made history by graduating in law in 1950, becoming the first woman law graduate to receive the gold medal from the Bar Council.
A Symbol of Women’s Empowerment
- Pioneering Achievement: Justice Fathima Beevi’s appointment as the first Muslim woman judge of the Supreme Court was a milestone in India’s legal history.
- Role Model: She became an icon of women’s empowerment, encouraging women to pursue careers in the legal field.
- Recognition for Kerala: Kerala gained recognition as the state that contributed the first female judge to the country through her appointment.
A Trailblazing Legal Career
- Junior Advocate: She began her legal career as a junior advocate at Kollam district court, facing resistance from orthodox elements due to her headscarf.
- Barrier Breaker: Despite initial challenges, Justice Beevi rose through the ranks, eventually joining the judicial service as a munsiff in 1958.
- Remarkable Achievements: She continued to break barriers, becoming the district sessions judge in 1974 and getting elected as a munsiff through a competitive exam.
Political Career
- Judicial Ascension: Justice Beevi’s journey continued as she was appointed as a judge of the Kerala High Court in 1983, and later elevated to the Supreme Court in 1989.
- Champion of Equality: In the Supreme Court, she advocated for equality in significant verdicts, including cases related to reservation and constitutional safeguards against arbitrary state authority.
- Governor of Tamil Nadu: Justice Beevi served as the governor of Tamil Nadu from 1997 to 2001, making headlines for her role in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case and political developments.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has made a crucial recommendation to designate the Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary, adjacent to the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, as a core critical tiger habitat.
Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary
- Location: It is situated in H.D. Kote taluk of Mysuru district, Karnataka.
- Geographic Area: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary encompasses a 30.32 sq km expanse and was officially declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the State.
- Unique Geography: The sanctuary includes the backwaters of Nugu dam on its western side and shares borders with Alaganchi State Forest, a part of Bandipur TR, on the southwest side.
- Flora and Fauna: Despite recovering from past degradation, the flora of Nugu shares similarities with Bandipur. The sanctuary supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, including elephant, tiger, leopard, wild dog, striped hyena, sloth bear, gaur, sambhar, chital, and four-horned antelope.
- Riverine Wildlife: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to two important riverine wildlife species: the smooth-coated otter and the marsh crocodile, emphasizing its rich biodiversity.
Conservation Efforts
- Buffer Area: Nugu Wildlife Sanctuary is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and serves as a buffer area for Bandipur Tiger Reserve.
- Ecological Significance: This sanctuary offers an inviolate and ideal habitat for tigers and elephants, making it a prime candidate for Core/Critical Tiger Habitat status within Bandipur TR.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: International Space Station (ISS)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- This 20th November marked the 25th anniversary of the launch of the International Space Station (ISS), the largest man-made object in the solar system.
- Since its launch on November 20, 1998, the ISS has stood as a testament to the power of international cooperation and has space research.
About the International Space Station (ISS)
- Orbital Marvel: The International Space Station (ISS), orbiting 430 kilometers above Earth, completes 16 orbits daily, witnessing 16 sunrises and sunsets.
- Speed: The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes at 8 kilometers per second.
- Size: Spanning 109 meters, it’s almost as long as an American football field.
- Living Quarters: The ISS includes 6 sleeping areas, two bathrooms, a gym, and a panoramic view bay window.
- Solar Array and Wiring: Its solar array wingspan is 109 meters, and the station houses about 13 kilometers of electrical wiring.
Inception and Key Milestones
- Launch of Zarya: The ISS’s journey began on November 20, 1998, with Russia’s Zarya Control Module.
- Unity Node 1: The U.S. added the Unity Node 1 module on December 4, 1998, marking the start of a functional space lab.
- 42 Assembly Flights: The station evolved into its current form after 42 assembly flights.
- Continuous Habitation: Since its inception, the ISS has been continuously inhabited, hosting astronauts from various countries for groundbreaking research.
Key Activities
- Scientific Research: Astronauts conduct unique experiments, leading to significant discoveries.
- Spacewalks and Maintenance: Regular spacewalks are essential for station upgrades and repairs.
- Health Regimen: Astronauts follow strict routines to combat muscle and bone loss in microgravity, providing valuable data for future space missions.
Scientific Contributions
- Medical Advances: Research on the ISS has enhanced our understanding of diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer.
- Drug Development: Space research has expedited drug development processes.
- Technological Innovations: Innovations in water purification and food production have emerged from ISS experiments.
Future of the ISS
- Current Uncertainties: The Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 casts doubt on the ISS’s future.
- Global Space Ambitions: Countries like Japan, China, and India are aiming for independent space capabilities.
- Continued Commitment: The US and Europe plan to support the ISS through 2030, with NASA focusing on lunar exploration and ESA developing the Starlab space station.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Materialism's Names in India
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- This article explores materialism’s origins, its various cultural names, and its ethical implications.
Introduction to Materialism
- Philosophy as a Life Theory: Known as ‘Darshan’ in Sanskrit, philosophy seeks to explain the universe and guide human actions with a comprehensive worldview.
- Materialism – Bhautikvad: This perspective, called ‘Bhautikvad’ in Sanskrit, views everything as fundamentally material, dismissing the supernatural and valuing empirical observation and perception for knowledge.
Origins of Materialism
- Ancient Beginnings: Materialism has deep roots and appears in different forms across cultures.
- Indian Lokāyata: In India, materialism, known as Lokāyata, was championed by thinkers like Brhaspati, Ajita, and Jābāli. It focused on the physical world, rejecting theism.
- Greek Atomism: Greek philosophers such as Democritus and Epicurus adopted materialism, with Democritus introducing the idea of atoms as reality’s basic elements.
Materialism’s Names in India
- Lokāyata: Meaning ‘worldly philosophy’, it emphasizes worldly objects and entities.
- Chárváka: From ‘charv’, meaning ‘to chew’, it highlights materialism’s hedonic aspects.
- Bhautikvad: From ‘Bhautika’, meaning ‘physical or material’, it underscores the importance of materiality.
- Jadavāda: Focuses on the ‘jada’ or essence of existence.
- Dehātmavāda: Highlights the unity of the self (‘atman’) with the body (‘deha’).
Materialist Ontology
- Perception as Knowledge Basis: Materialists view perception as the cornerstone of knowledge.
- Use of Inference: Contrary to some beliefs, materialists did employ logical inference based on perceptual evidence.
- Disregarding Divine Agency: They dismissed the idea of divine providence and supernatural realms, focusing on the human world.
Ethics of Materialism
- Emphasis on Pleasure: Materialism is often linked with enjoying life’s pleasures.
- Living in the Present: The principle “yāvat jīvēt sukham jīvēt” advocates for a fulfilling present life.
- Human-Created Values: Materialists view values as human constructs, independent of divine morality.
- Action and Responsibility: They stress the impact of one’s actions on themselves and the world, highlighting ethical conduct.
Materialist Views on Heaven and Hell
- Earthly Heaven and Hell: Materialists redefined heaven and hell in worldly terms.
- Heaven as Earthly Enjoyment: Heaven was perceived as enjoying life’s luxuries, akin to the gods’ enjoyment in mythological heavens.
- Hell as Earthly Suffering: Hell was seen as earthly suffering, like diseases and hunger.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Bangladesh's Elections
Central Idea
- In recent months, Western nations, including the US, UK, and EU have been urging Bangladesh to hold free, fair, and participatory elections.
- These calls have been accompanied by pressure on the Sheikh Hasina government to step down and allow a neutral caretaker administration to oversee the upcoming parliamentary elections in January.
- While the US has eased its stance under Indian intervention, the EU continues to exert pressure.
This article explores the intricate dynamics of Bangladesh’s political landscape, the potential consequences of fair elections, and the global interests at stake.
Fair Elections vs. Radical Islamists
- Opposition Demands: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) demands elections under a caretaker government, which the government has rejected.
- Potential Outcome: With the BNP unlikely to participate, the elections may result in a one-sided contest favoring the Awami League, returning Sheikh Hasina to power for the fourth time.
- Anti-Incumbency: After 15 years in power, the Awami League faces significant anti-incumbency, exacerbated by record-high inflation and economic challenges.
- Economic Crisis: Falling forex reserves, currency depreciation, and mounting external debt have created a looming debt crisis.
- Chinese Loans: Much of the infrastructure development relies on high-interest loans from China.
Authoritarianism and Islamist Influence
- Authoritarian Practices: The Awami League’s authoritarian measures, including arrests and harassment of opposition leaders, have fueled resentment among the masses.
- Corruption and Nepotism: Perceived corruption and nepotism within the Awami League have widened the gap between the government and the impoverished population.
- Islamist Influence: The Awami League’s encouragement of Islamist groups like Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh has created a toxic environment within the ruling party.
- Radicalization: Islamist organizations, through religious schools and mosques, have radicalized a significant portion of the population, especially the youth.
- Islamist Opposition: The Islamist parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat, and Islami Oikyo Jote, now fill the opposition space.
- Political Analyst’s Perspective: Political analysts argue that the Awami League’s crackdown on the BNP has inadvertently strengthened Islamist parties, which seek to implement strict Sharia laws and turn Bangladesh into an Islamic state.
Potential Outcomes of Equitable Elections
- Rise of Jihad: Fair and equitable elections may pave the way for radical Islamist parties to come to power.
- Jamaat-e-Islami: Despite being banned from contesting elections, Jamaat nominees may run as Independents or on tickets from other parties, potentially leading to their victory.
- Radicalists Victory: Political observers suggest that non-partisan elections would likely result in Islamist parties sweeping the polls and gaining power.
- Impact on India: The rise of Islamists in Bangladesh could negatively affect India, potentially aligning Bangladesh with Pakistan and China, and posing a threat to India’s interests.
- Global Concerns: An Islamist-controlled Bangladesh could become a breeding ground for jihadis and a potential failed state, posing a danger to global security.
World’s Interest in the Election Process
- Global Implications: Given the far-reaching consequences of Islamist rule in Bangladesh, the world has a vested interest in allowing the election process to proceed with limited interference.
- Focus on Future Actions: While the elections may be flawed or unfair, the priority should be to ensure that after returning to power, the Awami League commits to keeping China at bay, curbing Islamist forces, allowing a responsible and secular opposition to thrive, and cleansing the party of Islamist elements.
- Securing Bangladesh’s Future: Striking a balance between a flawed elections and securing Bangladesh’s democratic and secular future is essential for the world’s stability and security.
Conclusion
- The upcoming elections in Bangladesh present a complex dilemma for both the nation and the world.
- While free and fair elections could bring radical Islamists to power, their absence could lead to continued authoritarianism.
- Striking the right balance and securing Bangladesh’s future as a democratic and secular nation is paramount to global stability and peace.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Southern Annular Mode (SAM)
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), a division under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has made a significant discovery regarding the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), a crucial climate pattern.
- Their research has revealed that SAM plays a pivotal role in influencing sea conditions across the Indian Ocean.
What is Southern Annular Mode (SAM)?
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Description
|
| Idea behind |
- Mode of atmospheric variability representing north-south movement of the westerly wind belt around Antarctica.
- Also known as Antarctic Oscillation (AAO).
|
| Phases |
- Positive Phase: Wind belt contracts towards Antarctica.
- Negative Phase: Wind belt expands towards the equator.
|
| Impact on Weather Patterns |
- Influences temperature, rainfall, and storm intensity in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Causes difference in the zonal mean sea level pressure at 40°S (mid-latitudes) and 65°S (Antarctica).
|
| Influence on Indian Ocean |
Affects ocean currents and sea surface temperatures, impacting regional weather and marine life. |
| Climate Change Connection |
Trend towards more positive phases in recent decades, influenced by human-induced climate change. |
| Effect on Antarctic Ice |
Impacts Antarctic ice sheets and sea ice extent through changes in wind patterns. |
| Global Climate Interaction |
Interacts with other climate phenomena like ENSO. |
| Predictability and Variability |
Exhibits seasonal predictability and interannual variability, important for long-term forecasting. |
| Marine Ecosystems |
Affects marine ecosystems in the Southern Ocean, influencing productivity and species distribution. |
Role of Ocean Surface Waves
- Coastal Processes: Ocean surface waves are key players in shaping coastal processes, impacting shoreline erosion, sediment transport, coastal engineering, and recreational activities.
- Scientific Approach: The scientific team leveraged 40 years of data (1979 to 2018) from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast.
Positive and Negative SAM Phases
- Positive SAM Phase: During a positive SAM phase, a cyclic pattern of warm sea surface temperature anomalies emerges, accompanied by strong winds that increase wave activity in the Indian Ocean. A new swell generation region along the east African coast contributes to heightened wave heights in the Arabian Sea.
- Negative SAM Phase: Conversely, during a negative SAM phase, the eastern tropical southern Indian Ocean becomes the primary region for generating swells, resulting in reduced wave heights in the Arabian Sea.
Significance of SAM
- Coastal Planning: Understanding SAM allows for better coastal planning, helping coastal communities prepare for the impact of changing sea conditions.
- Resource Management: SAM insights can aid in more efficient resource management, optimizing the utilization of marine resources.
- Disaster Preparedness: Knowledge of SAM patterns can enhance disaster preparedness efforts, enabling timely response to potential ocean-related disasters.
- Wave Predictions: The research contributes to improving wave predictions, offering advanced forecasting capabilities.
- Benefiting Stakeholders: Stakeholders in the blue economy, including shipping, maritime boards, and the oil industry, can optimize their multi-million-dollar operations at sea based on SAM insights.
Implications for Various Sectors
- Monsoon Season Impact: Typically, inland vessel operations and oil exploration activities face restrictions during the monsoon season.
- Fair Sea State Windows: Predicting SAM phases through the Ocean Forecasting System can identify “Fair Sea state windows” during monsoons.
- Impact on Blue Economy: These fair windows can be leveraged by oil and shipping industries, making a significant contribution to blue economy activities along the Indian coast
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna.
Mains level: India's ambitious pursuit of a $5 trillion GDP by 2028
Central idea
The article critically examines India’s ambitious pursuit of a $5 trillion GDP by 2028, juxtaposing it with Japan’s economic trajectory. It highlights concerns about wealth disparity, inclusivity in high-tech sectors, and questions the impact on marginalized citizens.
Key Highlights:
- Extension of Welfare Scheme: Prime Minister Modi’s announcement to extend the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna by five years.
- Concerns about Hunger: Raised concerns about persistent hunger despite the ambitious target of achieving a $5 trillion GDP by 2028.
- Japan’s Economic Challenges: Comparison with Japan’s economic growth and the social challenges faced, including suicide rates and social withdrawal.
- Reliance on GDP Growth: Emphasis on India’s economic growth relying on capital, productivity, and labor.
- Wealth Disparity: Identification of significant wealth disparity, with 1% of the population owning a substantial portion of the nation’s wealth.
- Government’s Economic Tools: Government’s identification of sectors and tools, such as the digital economy, fintech, and climate change initiatives.
Key Challenges:
- Impact on Marginalized Citizens: Expressing concerns about the potential adverse impact on marginalized citizens in the race towards a $5 trillion economy.
- Wealth Inequality: Highlighting the wealth disparity issue, with 1% of the population owning a significant portion of the nation’s wealth.
- Inclusivity in High-Tech Sectors: Concerns about the ability of a large segment of the population to participate in cutting-edge sectors such as AI, data science, and fintech.
- Lack of Per Capita Income Estimates: Criticism regarding the absence of estimates on India’s per capita income at the $5 trillion GDP mark.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna: Specific welfare scheme providing free foodgrains.
- Hikikomori: Term referring to severe social withdrawal in Japan.
- Kodokushi: Japanese term for lonely deaths.
- GST (Goods and Services Tax): Mention of the significant contribution from the bottom 50% of the population.
- Inclusive Growth: Government’s emphasis on growth that includes all segments of society.
- Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code: Part of the identified tools for achieving the $5 trillion goal.
- Make in India: Mention of one of the identified sectors for economic growth.
- Start-Up India: Highlighting a sector emphasized for achieving economic targets.
- Production Linked Incentives: Part of the government’s strategy for economic growth.
Key Examples and References:
- Japan’s Societal Challenges: Referring to suicide rates, social withdrawal, and lonely deaths in Japan as examples.
- Wealth Distribution Statistics: Citing wealth distribution statistics from Oxfam.
- Minister Chaudhri’s Identification: Referring to the government’s identification of tools and sectors for achieving the $5 trillion goal.
- Per Capita Income Comparison: Comparing per capita income between Japan, China, and India.
Key Facts and Data:
- Welfare Scheme Extension: Mentioning the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Ann Yojna.
- Japan’s Economic History: Referring to Japan’s economic history and challenges post-2008.
- Wealth Distribution Data: Citing wealth distribution data from Oxfam.
- GST Contribution: Highlighting the significant contribution of different income groups to GST.
Critical Analysis:
- Societal and Economic Impact: Analyzing the potential impact of the $5 trillion goal on marginalized citizens and society.
- Wealth Disparity and Inclusive Growth: Critical evaluation of wealth distribution and the need for inclusive economic policies.
- Capability Mismatch: Examining the mismatch between targeted sectors/tools and the capabilities of a significant population segment.
- Per Capita Income Concerns: Critically assessing the absence of estimates on per capita income and concerns about the inequality index.
Way Forward:
- Addressing Wealth Disparity: Emphasizing the need to address wealth disparity through inclusive economic policies.
- Ensuring Inclusive Growth: Focusing on ensuring that economic growth benefits all segments of the population.
- Skill Development and Education: Highlighting the importance of skill development and education to enable participation in emerging sectors.
- Regular Assessment and Recalibration: Emphasizing the need for regular assessment and recalibration of economic goals to align with societal well-being.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Indian Inflation
Mains level: Economic Resilience and Stability
Central idea
The article discusses positive economic indicators in India, including potential GDP growth, easing inflation, and successful festive season trading. It emphasizes the need for careful monitoring of oil prices, external demand, political developments, and continued policy coordination to sustain economic resilience and growth.
Key Highlights:
- Macroeconomic Positivity: November brings positive trends in India’s macroeconomic perspective, with optimism about second-quarter GDP growth.
- Geopolitical Developments: Ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas and a summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and China’s President Xi Jinping signal positive global geopolitical shifts.
- Inflation Trends: Global inflation rates, particularly in the U.S. and the European Union, ease, contributing to reduced bond yields and increased equity market performance.
- Indian Economic Signals: India experiences a decline in retail inflation and wholesale price index, with encouraging signals from festive season trading.
Key Challenges:
- Continued Monitoring: Factors such as oil prices, external demand, and political developments require continued monitoring for potential impacts on India’s economic trajectory.
- Global Trade Weakness: The global trade environment remains weak, with projections indicating a decline in world trade growth.
- Political Influences: Focus on general elections after state election results may influence government and private sector activities.
- Policy Coordination: Maintaining monetary and fiscal policy coordination is crucial, considering global risks and persistent inflation threats.
Key Terms:
- GDP (Gross Domestic Product)
- Inflation
- Bond Yields
- Geopolitics
- Macro and Financial Stability
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Fiscal Deficit
- OPEC+ (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies)
Key Phrases:
- “Economic Resilience and Stability.”
- “Sequential Changes for Meaningful Analysis.”
- “Crucial Policy Coordination in a Shock-Prone World.”
Key Examples and References:
- Geopolitical Shifts: Ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, U.S.-China summit.
- Global Inflation Trends: Positive trends in global inflation rates.
- Indian Economic Signals: Decline in retail inflation, wholesale price index, and record festive season retail trading.
Key Facts and Data:
- U.S. Inflation: Consumer price index at 3.2% in October.
- EU Inflation: Drops to 2.9% from 4.3%.
- Indian Inflation: Retail inflation at a four-month low of 4.9%.
- Expected GDP Growth: India’s GDP growth for Q2 expected to exceed 6.5%.
Critical Analysis:
- Emphasis on Fundamentals: Need for sound macroeconomic fundamentals and close monitoring of economic indicators.
- Identification of Challenges: Recognition of potential challenges such as oil price fluctuations, weak external demand, and political uncertainties.
- Policy Coordination: Importance of monetary and fiscal policy coordination in navigating a complex economic environment.
Way Forward:
- Economic Resilience: Continued focus on maintaining economic resilience and stability.
- Monitoring and Response: Continuous monitoring and responsive measures for global and domestic economic challenges.
- Policy Emphasis: Continued emphasis on policy coordination for sustained growth.
- Preserving Global Standing: Importance of prudent economic management for preserving India’s relative global standing.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gaza strip
Mains level: education's potential to mitigate the impact of violent imagery children's minds.
Central idea
The article emphasizes the profound psychological impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on children, drawing insights from educational thinkers like Maria Montessori and Elias Canetti. It highlights challenges such as potential long-term repercussions, the failure of current education systems, and the need for inclusive educational initiatives.
Key Highlights:
- Montessori’s Perspective: Maria Montessori’s insights on the impact of childhood experiences, particularly exposure to violence, on the cycle of revenge and its contribution to the root causes of war.
- Canetti’s Argument: Elias Canetti’s exploration of the child’s mind, emphasizing the development of revengeful thoughts from violent experiences and its potential evolution into adult rebellion.
- Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The psychological aftermath of Israel’s assault on Gaza, with a focus on the predicted impact on Palestinian children, especially adolescents, facing forced displacement and an uncertain future.
- Educational Philosophies: Montessori’s pedagogic philosophy linking childhood experiences to major societal issues and the inter-war movement’s attempt to use education to combat the culture of war.
Key Challenges:
- Psychological Impact: Predicted long-term psychological repercussions on Palestinian children due to the trauma of conflict, displacement, and loss of childhood.
- Failure of Education Systems: Critique of current education systems worldwide for lacking the energy and focus needed to mitigate the political impact of dangerous ideologies and nurture peace.
- Historical Hostilities: The perpetuation of divisive ideas through education, contributing to the reinforcement of historical hostilities in contiguously located hostile nations.
- Political Ignorance: Leaders’ disregard for educational messages promoting peace, as exemplified by Israel’s leaders ignoring Montessori’s insights amid conflict.
Key Examples discussed in article for your value addition in answers:
- Reference to Maria Montessori’s classics, including “The Secret of Childhood” and “The Absorbent Mind.”
- Collection of Montessori’s war and peace lectures during the 1930s in the book titled “Education and Peace.”
- Elias Canetti’s insights in “Crowds and Power,” highlighting the impact of violence on the child’s mind and the development of revengeful thoughts.
- Montessori and Rabindranath Tagore’s involvement in an inter-war movement using education to combat the culture of war.
Key Terms and Phrases:
- Cycle of Revenge: Montessori’s concept that a child’s encounter with violence sets off a cycle of revenge, identified as a root cause of war.
- Resistance to Social Norms: Canetti’s notion that violence experienced in childhood can lead to adult resistance, transforming into rebellion.
- Culture of War: The inter-war movement’s initiative, involving educators like Montessori and Tagore, aimed at using education to combat the culture of war.
- Impact of Dangerous Ideologies: Critique of education’s perceived inability to reverse the political impact of ideologies contributing to conflict.
Critical Analysis:
- Educational Potential: Acknowledgment of education’s potential to mitigate the impact of violent imagery, coupled with frustration over the perceived lack of energy in current education systems.
- Global Disappointment with Education: Growing disappointment with education’s ability to nurture basic good sense, exemplified by the failure to prevent conflicts in Russia, Israel, and the U.S.
- Focus on Politics: Critique of current discussions about the future of Gaza, primarily focused on politics, with a call to include considerations for the future of education in the region.
- Reinforcement of Divisive Ideas: Observation that education often reinforces and perpetuates divisive ideas, preparing the adult mind to accept such ideas as the only way forward.
Way Forward:
- Inclusive Educational Initiatives: Emphasis on inclusive educational initiatives to combat the culture of war and break the cycle of historical influences on children’s minds.
- Integration of Philosophical Perspectives: Advocacy for integrating educational and philosophical perspectives to pave the way for a more peaceful future, particularly in conflict-ridden regions.
- Global Reassessment of Education: Urgent need for a global reassessment of education’s power to inculcate basic good sense and contribute to peace-building.
- Educational Focus in Political Discussions: Call to include discussions about the future of education alongside political considerations in conflict-ridden regions like Gaza and Israel.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sutlej River, Tantalum
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Researchers from IIT-Ropar have found the presence of tantalum in Punjab’s Soil in Sutlej River Basin.
- Although the source of tantalum in Sutlej is not clear yet. It could be due to movement of tectonic plates in the Himalayan region that is likely to contain the rare metal.
Sutlej River
- Origin: Starts from Lake Rakshastal in Tibet, near Mount Kailash.
- Length: About 1,500 kilometres (930 miles); Longest of the five rivers of Punjab.
- Path: Flows through Tibet, India (Himachal Pradesh, Punjab), and Pakistan.
- Tributaries: Major tributary includes the Beas River in India.
- Indus River System: Part of this system, joins the Chenab River in Pakistan.
- Economic Role: Crucial for irrigation, and hydroelectric power (e.g., Bhakra Nangal Dam).
- International River: Governed by treaties like the Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan.
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About Tantalum
- A Rare and Valuable Metal: Tantalum, with the atomic number 73, is a rare metal crucial in electronics and semiconductors. It is a dense, hard, gray metal, known for being one of the most resistant to corrosion.
- Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Tantalum’s resistance to corrosion comes from its ability to form a protective oxide layer when exposed to air. This layer holds up even in very acidic environments.
- Flexible and Durable: Pure tantalum is ductile, meaning it can be stretched into thin wires without breaking. It resists chemical damage below 150°C but is vulnerable to hydrofluoric acid and certain other substances.
Historical Background
- Swedish Discovery: Tantalum was first identified by Swedish chemist Anders Gustaf Ekenberg in 1802 in Ytterby, Sweden. Initially, it was confused with niobium, a similar element.
- Differentiating Tantalum and Niobium: In 1866, Swiss chemist Jean Charles Galissard de Marignac established that tantalum and niobium are distinct elements.
- Behind the name: The metal is named after Tantalus, a character from Greek mythology, known for his eternal punishment of being unable to reach the water and fruit around him. The name reflects the metal’s property of being ‘tantalizingly’ insoluble in acids.
Uses of Tantalum
- Tantalum capacitors are key in electronics, known for their ability to store a lot of electricity in a small space with minimal leakage. They’re used in smartphones, laptops, and cameras.
- High melting point makes tantalum a substitute for platinum in various industries, including chemical and nuclear plants, aerospace, and missile systems.
- Its non-reactive nature makes it perfect for surgical tools and implants, like artificial joints.
- Tantalum carbide, when mixed with graphite, forms one of the hardest materials, used to enhance the cutting edges of high-speed machine tools.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Risk Weights
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently raised risk weights for unsecured loans, including credit cards, consumer durable loans, and personal loans.
- Risk weights for bank lending to non-banking finance companies (NBFCs) serving this segment were increased to 125% from the existing 100%.
What are Risk Weights?
- Capital Implication: Every rupee lent by a bank has an impact on its capital position.
- Attribution to Risk: Risk weights are assigned to loans and assets based on their nature and associated risk.
- Capital Coverage: Banks must ensure that their capital is sufficient to cover these risk-weighted assets.
- Varying Risk Weights: Different asset classes have varying risk weights. For example, home loans may have risk weights ranging from 50% to 75%, while corporate loans are assigned 100% risk weight.
How does it impact Borrowers?
- Interest Rates: Lower risk weights result in lower interest rates for borrowers. This principle guides the pricing of loans.
- Examples: Home loans generally have lower interest rates due to their lower risk weights, while personal loans and credit cards carry higher interest rates due to their risk profile.
RBI Decision: Concerns about Consumer Loans
- Rising Share: Unsecured loans have seen rapid growth, constituting 10% of the banking system’s portfolio.
- Fastest-Growing Segment: This segment has been the fastest-growing in recent years.
- Unsecured Nature: Loans like consumer durable loans lack income-generating assets, making it challenging to ascertain borrowers’ true repayment capacity.
- Granular Nature: While small-ticket in nature, the significant growth in this segment has raised regulatory concerns.
https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/blexplainer/bl-explainer-what-rbis-increase-in-risk-weights-mean-to-the-borrower/article67554070.ece
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ghol Fish
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The Gujarat government’s decision to declare the ‘Ghol’ as the state fish highlights its uniqueness and economic value.
About Ghol Fish
- The Ghol fish or the Blackspotted Croaker, is a significant species in marine fisheries.
- It belongs to the family Sciaenidae and is scientifically known as Protonibea diacanthus.
- It is commonly found in the Indo-Pacific region, ranging from the Persian Gulf to Indonesia and north to Japan.
- The Ghol fish is characterized by its robust body, brownish color, and the presence of black spots on its sides.
- It has a large mouth and a slightly protruding lower jaw.
- This species can grow quite large, with some individuals reaching up to 1 meter in length and weighing around 25 kilograms.
Economic Value of Ghol
- The Ghol fish is highly valued, especially for its fish maw (dried swim bladder), which is a delicacy and used in traditional medicines, particularly in East Asian markets.
- The fish maw is believed to have various health benefits and is often used in soups and stews.
- It can fetch high prices in the market, sometimes as much as Rs 25,000 per kilogram.
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