Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Important reports in the News; Trends in unemployment
Mains level: Urbanisation and Unemployment;
Why in the news?
A recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Institute for Human Development (IHD) revealed that two out of every three unemployed individuals were young graduates.
Unemployment across Indian States:
- Highest Unemployment Rate: At almost 10%, Goa’s unemployment rate is more than three times the national average of 3.17%.
- Four of the top five states with high unemployment rates (Goa, Kerala, Haryana, and Punjab) are comparatively richer states.
- Lower Unemployment Rates: Maharashtra and Gujarat, which are rich states in western India, experience unemployment rates far less than the national average.
- Unemployment in Northern and Southern states: All northern states (Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Himachal Pradesh) and most southern states have unemployment rates higher than the national average, except Karnataka.
- Unemployment below the National Average: Out of the 27 states considered, 12 states have unemployment rates less than the national average.
- Lower unemployment rates in poorer states: Except for Maharashtra and Gujarat, most states with unemployment rates lower than the national average also have per capita incomes lesser than the national average.
What is the Relationship between Urbanisation and Unemployment? (ILO observations)
- Relationship between Self-employment and Unemployment: The trend line shows a downward slope, indicating a negative relationship between self-employment and unemployment.
- Informal self-employment mainly in Agriculture and Rural Economy: A significant portion of informal self-employment is in agriculture and the rural sector.
- Relationship between Labor Force and Unemployment: Figure 3 illustrates a positive relationship between the urban share of the labor force and the unemployment rate. Highly urbanized states tend to have higher unemployment rates (Positive relationship).
- High Unemployment and Urbanized states: States like Goa and Kerala, which are highly urbanized, experience high unemployment rates. This is attributed to the limited scope for informal jobs in urban settings compared to rural agriculture, which acts as a reserve for absorbing surplus labor.
- Limited Informal Sectors: Although informal sectors exist and thrive in urban settings, they have limited capacity to absorb job-seekers compared to rural agriculture.
- Exceptions states: Gujarat and Maharashtra, despite being highly urbanized, have lower unemployment rates compared to states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
Nexus between Education and Employment:
- Highly educated labor force and unemployment: Kerala, with a highly educated labor force (30% of graduates), faces high unemployment.
- In contrast, Gujarat and Maharashtra have lower proportions of graduates in their labor force (14% and 20% respectively) and experience lower unemployment rates despite being richer and urbanized.
- High unemployment among graduates: Graduates may lack the skills required for the growing modern sector, highlighting the need for improved teaching infrastructure and standards.
- Graduates aspire to high-wage jobs that match their skills, leading to unemployment if the modern sector doesn’t expand enough to absorb them.
|
Conclusion: Addressing youth unemployment necessitates improving education quality to match job market demands, fostering skill development for the modern sector, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing rural employment opportunities. Policy interventions should target these areas for inclusive growth and employment generation.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National One Health Mission; Lumpy Skin disease;
Mains level: Healthcare in India; National One Health Mission;
Why in the news?
In the past, we have seen that there is interdependence between humans, animals, and the environment has been made increasingly evident with the emergence of pandemics such as COVID-19.
- It is not just humans who are affected by pandemics but also livestock — an example being the outbreak of lumpy skin disease that has spread across countries.
Why an integrated idea like the ‘One Health’ Mission is needed?
One Health is an interdisciplinary approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of human health, animal health, and environmental health. It emphasizes collaboration across various sectors, including medicine, veterinary science, ecology, and public health, to address health challenges comprehensively.
Key features of National One Health Mission:
- Intersectoral Collaboration: The mission aims to coordinate, support, and integrate all existing One Health initiatives in the country, including the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Environment, and Science and Technology
- Integrated Disease Surveillance: The mission implements integrated disease surveillance within and across human, animal, and environmental sectors to address communicable diseases, including zoonotic diseases, and improve overall pandemic preparedness and integrated disease control.
- Consolidation of data: The mission creates an integrated, science-based environment where researchers from various disciplines can use laboratories as necessary and generate requisite inputs for One Health Science, including databases and models with a consolidated approach of ecologists, field biologists, epidemiologists, and other scientists.
Challenges in National One Health Mission
- Limited Database: There have been limited efforts to develop databases and models with a consolidated approach of ecologists, field biologists, epidemiologists, and other scientists to understand and respond to the drivers that threaten health and optimize the effectiveness of public health systems in achieving these goals within each sector.
- Lack of Awareness and Understanding: The lack of awareness and understanding of the One Health concept among stakeholders hinders collaborative efforts required to address complex public health issues
- Funding Constraints: Funding constraints are a significant barrier to implementing One Health interventions, especially in low- and middle-income countries that may need more resources to invest in One Health initiatives
Conclusion: To address challenges in the National One Health Mission, efforts must focus on enhancing data collection, raising awareness among the stakeholders, and securing adequate funding. These measures are essential for effective implementation and holistic health management.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: ARC report;
Why in the news?
In the run-up to elections, political parties make allegations of corruption against their rivals to reach out to voters and influence voting patterns. So, let’s see about the corruption trend in India.
What is Corruption?
Corruption refers to dishonest or unethical conduct by individuals or institutions, often involving the misuse of entrusted power or resources for personal gain. It can take various forms, including bribery, embezzlement, fraud, nepotism, cronyism, and favoritism. Corruption undermines the principles of fairness, integrity, and accountability in both public and private sectors. |
Corruption in India (Pre-poll survey of 2024 compared with 2019 Survey):
- Increase in Corruption: According to a pre-poll survey, more than half (55%) of respondents believe that corruption has increased in the past five years.
- The proportion of respondents believing that corruption has decreased has declined significantly, from 37% in 2019 to 19% in 2024.
- Causes for Corruption in India: A majority of respondents (56%) hold both Union and State governments responsible for the increase in corruption, with a higher proportion blaming the Union government specifically.
- Across Spatial Consistency: Regardless of whether respondents live in villages, towns, or cities, the perception of increased corruption is widespread.
- Opinion of Respondents: Both rich and poor respondents largely agree that corruption has increased, though there is a slight increase in the perception of decreased corruption among richer respondents.
What does the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) report say?
- Lack of Transparency: The opacity of government processes and decision-making provides opportunities for corruption.
- Regulatory Environment: Cumbersome and complex regulations create opportunities for rent-seeking behavior by officials and bureaucrats.
- Political Interference: Politicization of administrative processes and appointments leads to patronage networks and favoritism, fostering corruption.
- Lack of Whistleblower Protection: The absence of robust mechanisms to protect whistleblowers discourages individuals from reporting corruption. Fear of retaliation and inadequate legal safeguards inhibit the exposure of corrupt practices.
- Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: Inadequate enforcement of laws and regulations allows corrupt practices to thrive.
Conclusion: To combat rising corruption in India, comprehensive measures including enhancing transparency, simplifying regulations, strengthening enforcement, depoliticizing administration, and implementing robust whistleblower protection are imperative for fostering integrity and accountability in governance.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Agriculture Sector and Farmers Protest;
Mains level: Farmer Demands and Government Initiatives;
Why in the news?
A recent survey conducted by CSDS-Lokniti aimed to gather opinions regarding the ongoing farmer protests.
Opinion about the Farmer Protest:
The major key demands of Farmers in India include:
- On Minimum Support Price (MSP): Farmers demand a legal guarantee for MSP for crops, which is a crucial lifeline for farmers facing market uncertainties.
- On Electricity Act 2020: Farmers are demanding the repeal of the Electricity Act 2020, which they believe will negatively impact their income.
- On Compensation: Farmers are demanding compensation for farmers who died during the previous agitation in Lakhimpur Kheri.
- Withdrawal of Cases: Farmers are demanding the withdrawal of cases registered against farmers during the 2020-21 agitation.
Government Initiatives:
- Negotiations: The government has taken several steps to address the farmer agitation, including negotiations with protesting farmers, proposing the formation of a committee to provide statutory backing to the Minimum Support Price (MSP), and engaging in talks with farmer representatives.
- Demands: Despite promises made to farmers in 2021, the government has not fully responded to their demands, leading to continued tensions and protests. The government’s reaction to the protest still appears to be focused on maintaining law and order rather than proactively addressing the underlying issues raised by the farmers
Conclusion: The CSDS-Lokniti 2024 pre-poll survey highlights divisive opinions on farmer protests, citing demands for an MSP guarantee, repeal of the Electricity Act, and compensation for fatalities. Despite negotiations, unresolved grievances persist, indicating a need for proactive governmental action and dialogue
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Right to Privacy, RPA
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The Supreme Court affirmed a candidate’s right to privacy from voters, stating that candidates need not divulge every aspect of their personal lives and possessions to the electorate.
- It held that Voters Right to Know about the electors is NOT ABSOLUTE.
Right to Privacy in India:
- The Right to Privacy under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution is interpreted as an intrinsic part of the fundamental right to life and personal liberty.
- Article 21 states that “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law.”
- In the landmark judgment of Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India (2017), the Supreme Court explicitly recognized the Right to Privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21.
- The court held that privacy is an essential aspect of personal liberty and dignity, encompassing informational privacy, decisional autonomy, bodily integrity, and spatial privacy.
- This right protects individuals against unwarranted intrusions into their private lives by the state or any other entity.
- It includes the right to keep personal information confidential, to make decisions about one’s life and body without interference, and to maintain physical and spatial autonomy.
|
A candidate doesn’t need to declare every item of movable property, such as clothing, shoes, crockery, stationery, and furniture, unless these items are of such value as to constitute a sizeable asset in itself or reflect upon the candidate’s candidature in terms of their lifestyle – Supreme Court.
What are Corrupt Practices under the RPA?
- Section 123 of the Representation of People Act, 1951 defines “corrupt practices” to include bribery, undue influence, false information, and promotion of enmity among citizens based on religion, race, caste, etc.
- Section 123(2) deals with “undue influence,” involving interference with electoral rights through threats or promises.
- Undue influence can manifest in various forms, including threats of physical harm, coercion, intimidation, promises of reward or benefit, or exploitation of vulnerabilities.
Supreme Court’s Verdict
- Emphasis on Candidate’s Right to Privacy:
- Upholding the appeal, the Supreme Court emphasized the candidate’s right to privacy, stating that not every non-disclosure automatically constitutes a defect.
- The court highlighted that a candidate is not required to disclose every item of movable property unless it reflects upon their candidature or lifestyle.
- Case-specific Evaluation:
- The court emphasized that each case must be judged on its own merits, without applying a blanket rule.
- The Court emphasized that non-disclosure of certain personal possessions does not amount to a “defect of a substantial nature” under Section 36(4) of the 1951 Act.
- Example of “High-value” Assets:
- Suppression of high-priced assets, indicating a lavish lifestyle, would constitute undue influence.
- However, ownership of simple, low-value items may not be considered a defect.
PYQ:
[2017] For election to the Lok Sabha, a nomination paper can be filed by-
(a) Anyone residing in India.
(b) A resident of the constituency from which the election is to be contested.
(c) Any citizen of India whose name appears in the electoral roll of a constituency.
(d) Any citizen of India. |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Coordinated Lunar Time, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- The White House directed NASA to establish a time standard for the Moon, named Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) by the end of 2026.
- This move aims to facilitate coordination among international bodies and private companies operating on the lunar surface.
Timekeeping on the Moon
- The Moon has its own day and night cycle, which lasts about 29.5 Earth days.
- Currently, the time on the Moon is measured using Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is the same timekeeping system used on the Earth.
- However, because the Moon’s day is much longer than Earth’s day, it would be difficult to use UTC for day-to-day activities on the Moon.
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
- UTC is a time standard introduced on January 1, 1960.
- It is based on International Atomic Time (TAI), which is maintained by atomic clocks around the world.
- It is the primary time standard used by many countries, international organizations, and scientific research institutions.
- It is expressed as a 24-hour clock and is used to indicate the time offset from Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+0).
- Time zones are defined as an offset from UTC, with some time zones being ahead of UTC (UTC+1, UTC+2, etc.) and others being behind UTC (UTC-1, UTC-2, etc.).
- It is adjusted periodically to account for changes in the Earth’s rotation, which can cause variations in the length of a day.
- These adjustments are made through the addition of leap seconds to UTC, which help to keep the time standard synchronized with the Earth’s rotation.
|
Need for a Lunar Time Standard
- Earth’s Time Standard:
- Earth’s time standard is primarily based on Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), set by the International Bureau of Weights and Measures in Paris, France.
- UTC is determined by a weighted average of over 400 atomic clocks worldwide, providing a universally agreed-upon standard for time measurement.
- Challenges with Earth’s Time Standard on the Moon:
- Time on the Moon differs from Earth due to factors like gravity and the Moon’s rotation.
- Time on the Moon ticks slightly faster due to lower gravity (about 56 microseconds every day) as per Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity.
Establishing a Lunar Time Standard:
- Technical Considerations:
- LTC cannot be based on UTC due to the time differences between Earth and the Moon.
- Current lunar missions operate on independent timescales linked to UTC, but this approach becomes challenging with multiple space crafts on the Moon.
- Deployment of Atomic Clocks:
- Like on Earth, atomic clocks can be deployed on the lunar surface to establish a time standard.
- A 2023 report suggests placing at least three atomic clocks on the Moon’s surface, accounting for variations in lunar rotation and local gravity.
- Synthesizing Time Measurements:
- Atomic clocks placed at different lunar locations will tick at the Moon’s natural pace.
- Output from these clocks will be combined using algorithms to generate a unified time standard for the Moon, tied back to UTC for Earth operations.
Earth’s Latitudinal Variations on Time
- On Earth, atomic clocks placed at different latitudes experience variations in time due to differences in rotational speed of Earth.
- Earth rotates faster at the Equator compared to the poles, resulting in different time measurements.
|
Benefits offered by Lunar Time
- Having a lunar time zone would also make it easier for scientists and researchers to conduct experiments and collect data on the Moon.
- It would also help to prevent confusion and errors that could arise from using different timekeeping systems on Earth and the Moon.
PYQ:
[2015] Tides occur in the oceans and seas due to which among the following?
1. The gravitational force of the Sun
2. The gravitational force of the Moon
3. The centrifugal force of the Earth
Select the correct option using the code given below:
(a) 1 Only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Invasive Alien Species
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration sought assistance from the Wildlife Institute of India to manage the increasing population of chital (spotted deer) in Ross Island, officially known as the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island.
Chital in Andaman Islands
- The Chital, originally native to mainland India, were introduced to Ross Island (0.3 sq km) by the British in the early 20th century.
- Lacking natural predators or competitors and possessing strong swimming abilities, the Chital rapidly proliferated across the Andamans.
About Chital(spotted deer)
- The Spotted Deer, scientifically known as Axis axis, is a species of deer native to the Indian subcontinent.
- It is characterized by its reddish-brown coat adorned with white spots, particularly prominent in juveniles.
- Spotted Deer inhabit various types of forest habitats, including dry and moist deciduous forests, grasslands, and open woodlands.
- The Spotted Deer is classified as a species of Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List and Schedule II animal under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
|
Definition of Invasive Alien Species (IAS):
- The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines invasive alien species (IAS) as species whose introduction and/or spread outside their natural past or present distribution poses a threat to biological diversity.
- These species encompass animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms, and can affect various types of ecosystems.
- According to the CBD, characteristics of IAS include their ability to “arrive, survive, and thrive” in new environments.
- The Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) is a global network of scientific and policy experts on invasive species, organized under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Legal Definition in India:
- In India, the legal definition of IAS, as per the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 (amended in 2022), is narrower.
- It refers to species of animal or plant not native to India whose introduction or spread may threaten or adversely impact wildlife or its habitat.
- Notably, this definition EXCLUDES species within India that may be invasive to specific regions, such as the chital in the Andamans.
Examples of Invasive Wildlife in India:
- Fish Species:
- Examples include the African catfish, Nile tilapia, red-bellied piranha, and alligator gar.
- These species were introduced to fulfill the demand for maintaining aquariums.
- Reports indicate their presence in various inland systems and lakes in India.
- Turtle Species:
- Notably, the red-eared slider, a favored exotic pet in India, is often abandoned in local water bodies.
- Originating from North America, this species is known for outcompeting local freshwater species due to its rapid reproduction.
Impact of IAS on Native Flora and Fauna
- Disruption of Ecosystem Balance:
- Invasive species act as disruptors in the food chain, disturbing the balance of ecosystems.
- In habitats lacking competition, invasive species can dominate the entire ecosystem.
- Specific Examples:
- In Keoladeo Park, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the African catfish has been observed preying on waterfowl and migratory birds.
- Studies have shown that the proliferation of chital in the Andamans has negatively impacted the regeneration of native vegetation, as these deer are known to consume seeds and seedlings.
IAS’ Economic Impact:
- Global Perspective:
- A report by the UN-founded Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) in September 2023 revealed that approximately 37,000 established alien species were introduced worldwide, with roughly 200 new alien species introduced annually.
- The economic cost of IAS globally surpassed $423 billion annually in 2019, primarily due to the damage inflicted on natural ecosystems.
- Local Implications:
- In India, the National Biodiversity Action Plan of 2019, published by the National Biodiversity Authority, highlighted the economic impact of invasive species such as the cotton mealybug (Phenacoccus solenopsis).
- This invasive species, native to North America, has significantly affected cotton crops in the Deccan region, leading to substantial yield losses.
PYQ:
[2023] Invasive Species Specialist Group’ (that develops Global Invasive Species Database) belongs to which one of the following organizations?
(a) The International Union for Conservation of Nature
(b) The United Nations Environment Programme
(c) The United Nations World Commission for Environment and Development
(d) The World Wide Fund for Nature |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cluster Development Programme (CDP), CDP-SURAKSHA
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The government has introduced a new platform called CDP-SURAKSHA for disbursing subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP).
India’s Horticulture Sector:
- India’s horticulture sector contributes nearly 1/3rd to the agriculture GVA, making a substantial economic contribution.
- The total production of horticulture crops has increased, from 240.53 million tonnes in 2010-11 to 334.60 million tonnes in 2020-21.
|
What is CDP-SURAKSHA?
- CDP-SURAKSHA is a digital platform acronym for “System for Unified Resource Allocation, Knowledge, and Secure Horticulture Assistance.”
- It facilitates instant subsidy disbursal to farmers’ bank accounts using the e-RUPI voucher from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- It provides upfront subsidies during material purchase, and vendors receive payment only after farmers verify delivery.
Key Features include database integration with PM-KISAN, cloud-based server space from NIC, UIDAI validation, eRUPI integration, LGD, content management system, geotagging, and geo-fencing.
Operational Mechanism of CDP-SURAKSHA
- Farmer Interaction:
- Farmers, vendors, implementing agencies (IA), cluster development agencies (CDAs), and National Horticulture Board (NHB) officials can access the platform.
- Farmers can log in using their mobile number, place orders for planting material, and contribute their share of the cost.
- Subsidy Disbursement:
- After raising the demand, farmers receive the subsidy amount automatically on the screen.
- Upon paying their contribution, an e-RUPI voucher is generated and received by the vendor, who supplies the planting material.
- Farmers verify the delivery through geo-tagged media, following which the IA releases payment to the vendor.
Significance of e-RUPI
- e-RUPI is a one-time payment mechanism redeemable without cards or digital payment apps, used for specific purposes.
- It is shared with beneficiaries via SMS or QR code and accepted at merchants supporting e-RUPI.
Old System vs. CDP-SURAKSHA:
- Previously, farmers purchased planting materials independently and then approached officials for subsidy release.
Cluster Development Program (CDP)
- CDP, under National Horticulture Board (NHB), aims to leverage horticulture clusters’ geographical specialization for integrated development.
- It is a Central Sector Scheme aimed at growing and developing identified horticulture clusters to make them globally competitive.
- 55 clusters have been identified, with 12 selected for the pilot phase, covering 9 lakh hectares and 10 lakh farmers.
- It provides government assistance based on cluster size—up to Rs 25 crore for mini clusters, Rs 50 crore for medium, and Rs 100 crore for mega clusters.
|
PYQ:
[2019]Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years?
(a) Spices
(b) Fresh fruits
(c) Pulses
(d) Vegetable oils |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Jenu Kuruba Tribals
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
This newscard is an excerpt from an articles which delves into the historical and social context of the Jenu Kuruba community, including their displacement from their traditional lands in the Western Ghats due to conservation efforts.
About Jenu Kuruba
- The Jenu Kuruba tribe, numbering around 37,000, resides primarily in the Nilgiris region, bordering Kerala and Karnataka.
- Their traditional occupation involves collecting honey in the forest, reflected in their name where ‘Jenu’ means ‘honey’ in Kannada.
- In the early 20th century, they lived in forest huts and engaged in cultivation.
Social organization of Jenu Kurubas’
- They speak the Jenu Kurumba language, which is related to Kodava or considered a rural dialect of Kannada.
- Historically, they engaged in activities like food gathering, collecting minor forest produce, and handling elephants.
- They typically reside in small settlements known as Hadi and practice shifting cultivation.
- Social organization within the community is semi-nomadic, with decentralized authority led by a head-man (yajamana) and a ritual head or shaman (gudda).
Their rehabilitation
- The tribe has fought for their rights to live in reserved forests, most recently in 2020 under the Forest Rights Act.
- In 2021, protests continued against the forest department for promoting eco-tourism and safaris, which are deemed illegal under Indian and international laws.
- From the 1970s onwards, many Jenu Kurubas have been evicted from their homes due to conservation efforts in tiger reserves like Nagarhole and Bandipur.
- Those relocated outside the forest often work as daily wagers, agricultural laborers, or on coffee estates in Kodagu.
PYQ:
[2013] Consider the following pairs :
Tribe: State
1. Limboo Limbu : Sikkim
2. Karbi : Himachal
3. Dongaria Kondh : Odisha
4. Bonda : Tamil Nadu
Which of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
[2014] With reference to ‘Changpa’ community of India, consider the following statement :
1. They live mainly in the State of Uttarakhand.
2. They rear the Pashmina goats that yield a fine wool.
3. They are kept in the category of Scheduled Tribes.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Magnesium - Copper -Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- Researchers at the University of Kerala have devised an eco-friendly fuel cell that primarily utilizes air and seawater to generate power.
Magnesium – Copper -Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell
- A semiconducting layer of Cupric Oxide grown over Copper substrate was used in a Magnesium- Sodium Chloride based fuel cell.
- It breathes air; produces only electricity and heat during its operation and emits pure water.
- The prototype, measuring 3 cm × 1.5 cm × 1 cm, delivered a voltage of 0.7 V and a current of 0.35 A for a duration of 10 minutes, showcasing the potential for practical application.
What is a Fuel Cell?
- A fuel cell is an electrochemical cell that converts the chemical energy into electricity of a fuel and an oxidizing agent.
- It generates electrical energy from fuel through an electrochemical reaction, offering high efficiency and zero emissions.
- They are an innovative technology poised to revolutionize electricity generation, often referred to as the “battery of the future“.
- Fuel cells provide high efficiency, low emissions, and can be used in various applications.
- Note: Any electrochemical cell generates DC (Direct Current) output.
|
Significance of the Device
- This innovative fuel cell technology is anticipated to disrupt the market dominance of Lithium-ion batteries, offering a higher power output.
- Unlike conventional batteries, the Magnesium-based fuel cells utilized in this research operate by utilizing saline water as fuel and extracting oxygen from the surrounding air.
PYQ:
2015:
With reference to ‘fuel cells’ in which hydrogen-rich fuel and oxygen are used to generate electricity, consider the following statements :
1. If pure hydrogen is used as a fuel, the fuel cell emits heat and water as by-products.
2. Fuel cells can be used for powering buildings and not for small devices like laptop computers.
3. Fuel cells produce electricity in the form of Alternating Current (AC).
Which of the statements given above is / are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INCB, Its composition, key functions
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Mrs. Jagjit Pavadia (IRS) India’s nominee has been re-elected for a third term to the INCB for the period of 2025-2030.
About International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)
|
Description |
| Establishment |
Established in 1968 by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961. |
| Headquarters |
Based in Vienna, Austria, with a Secretariat supporting its activities. |
| Membership |
Consists of 13 members elected by ECOSOC, experts in drug control and related fields. |
| Role and Mandate |
Independent body monitoring compliance with UN drug control conventions. |
| Functions |
Assess global drug situation, evaluate licit drug production, and publish annual reports. |
| Collaboration |
Works with governments and international organizations on drug control issues. |
| Control Measures |
Monitors and evaluates national drug control measures for treaty compliance. |
| Advocacy and Awareness |
Promotes adherence to drug treaties and raises awareness on global drug issues. |
| Cooperation |
Collaborates with UN agencies like WHO and UNODC to address drug-related challenges. |
India’s Election to Key UN Bodies
India’s proactive engagement at the United Nations resulted in its election to several pivotal bodies:
1. Commission on the Status of Women (2025-2029)
2. Executive Board of UNICEF (2025-2027)
3. Executive Board of UNDP and UNFPA (2025-2027)
4. UN Office for Project Services (2025-2027)
5. Executive Board of UN Women (2025-2027)
6. Executive Board of the World Food Programme (2025-2027) |
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
1. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
2. The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
3. A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
4. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4 |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now