Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Issues related to retraction;
Why in the News?
The ‘Retraction Watch’ database reports an Indian scientist in Lucknow with 45 retractions, while a Kolkata researcher, who published 300 papers in a year, had six papers retracted.
What is retraction?
- A retraction is when a scientific journal officially takes back a research paper because it contains serious mistakes or was found to be dishonest (like using fake data).
- It’s like saying, “This paper shouldn’t be trusted,” to make sure other scientists don’t rely on wrong information.
What is retraction index?
- The retraction index is a way to measure how often papers are retracted in a particular journal.
- It helps to see the rate of retractions compared to the total number of papers published by the journal.
How It’s Calculated:
- It is calculated by multiplying the number of retractions by 1,000 and dividing it by the total number of papers published in that journal during a specific time period.
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What are the primary reasons for retraction?
- Plagiarism: Copying or presenting someone else’s work without proper attribution.
- Fabrication/Falsification: Deliberate manipulation of data, experiments, or results to present false findings.
- Image Manipulation: Altering figures or graphical representations, especially in fields like biology and medicine.
- Paper Mills: Fake or low-quality papers produced by organizations and sold to researchers to inflate publication counts.
- Ethical Violations: Including authorship disputes, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and failure to obtain proper consent for studies.
- Errors in Data: Honest mistakes in data collection, interpretation, or analysis that render the findings invalid.
How do retractions affect the credibility of scientific research?
- Erosion of Trust: Scientific integrity relies on trust; retracted papers can cause scientists to lose confidence in published research.
- Hindrance to Scientific Progress: Retractions delay progress, as future research may be based on faulty or retracted studies.
- Impact on the Reputation of Researchers and Institutions: Scientists and institutions involved in retractions often face damage to their credibility and career prospects.
- High-Impact Journals at Greater Risk: More retractions occur in high-impact journals, suggesting a vulnerability due to the pressure to publish groundbreaking work quickly.
- Harm to Public Perception: High-profile retractions, especially in fields like medicine, can damage public trust in science and scientific institutions.
What is the process of retracting a paper?
- Detection: Retractions are often initiated when errors or misconduct are identified through peer reviews, investigations, or by other researchers who question the validity of the work.
- Investigation: The journal and, in some cases, the author’s institution will conduct an inquiry to determine whether the issues warrant retraction.
- Notification: Once a decision is made, the journal issues a notice of retraction. This document typically explains why the paper is being retracted (e.g., misconduct or error).
- Publication of Retraction Notice: The retraction notice is published in the journal, often linked to the original paper. The original article is marked as retracted but remains in the journal archives for transparency.
- Database Update: Retractions are indexed in databases like PubMed, Retraction Watch, and others, so researchers are informed of flawed studies.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Peer Review and Use AI Tools: Implement advanced AI tools to detect plagiarism, data manipulation, and image alteration during the peer review process to prevent flawed papers from being published.
- Shift Focus from Quantity to Quality: Encourage institutions to prioritize the quality of research over the sheer number of publications to reduce the pressure on researchers and discourage reliance on paper mills.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Cross-border insolvency cases;
Why in the News?
It is essential to incorporate the significance of insolvency laws into global trade discussions through both multilateral and bilateral channels.
What are the key challenges in managing cross-border insolvency cases?
- Jurisdictional Conflicts: Difficulty in determining which country’s courts have jurisdiction over insolvency proceedings, especially when a company has assets and creditors in multiple countries.
- Recognition of Foreign Proceedings: Some countries may not recognize foreign insolvency proceedings, leading to inconsistent outcomes.
- Coordination Issues: Lack of cooperation between courts and administrators in different countries can complicate the resolution of cross-border insolvency cases.
- Legal and Cultural Differences: Variations in legal systems, insolvency laws, and business practices across countries make harmonization challenging.
- Enforcement of Judgments: Difficulty in enforcing insolvency-related judgments or agreements across different jurisdictions.
How does the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) address cross-border insolvency in India?
- Limited Provisions: The IBC, 2016, has provisions for handling cross-border insolvency on a case-by-case basis through bilateral agreements, but it lacks a comprehensive framework.
- Bilateral Arrangements: India’s approach currently relies on ad hoc bilateral agreements to manage cross-border insolvency cases, making the process fragmented and less efficient.
- No Adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law: Despite several recommendations by committees, India has yet to adopt the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, which would provide a more standardized and efficient resolution mechanism.
What international frameworks exist to facilitate cross-border insolvency resolutions?
- UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency (1997): A widely recognized framework designed to facilitate cooperation between courts and administrators in different countries.
- It operates on four pillars: access, recognition, cooperation, and coordination. It has been adopted by over 60 countries.
- EU Insolvency Regulation: Provides a framework for handling insolvency within EU member states, facilitating the recognition of insolvency proceedings across borders within the EU.
- NAFTA/US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): Includes provisions for resolving insolvencies with cross-border implications between member countries.
- Bilateral and Multilateral Trade Agreements: Some international agreements include limited provisions on cross-border insolvency, though most focus on general trade and dispute resolution, leaving a gap in addressing insolvency directly.
Way forward:
- Adopt the UNCITRAL Model Law: India should expedite the adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency to establish a standardized framework, improving cooperation, recognition, and legal certainty in international insolvency cases.
- Integrate Cross-Border Insolvency in Trade Agreements: India should incorporate cross-border insolvency provisions in Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) to ensure seamless insolvency resolution in international trade.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Land issues in Urban;
Why in the News?
On Monday, September 24, the Karnataka High Court permitted an investigation into Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in connection with the alleged Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam.
What was the MUDA scam case?
- The Allegations: In July 2023, anti-corruption activists approached Karnataka Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, alleging that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s wife, Parvathi, received 14 housing sites from the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).
- This was allegedly in exchange for a 3.16-acre plot of land that MUDA illegally acquired in 2021, during the tenure of the BJP-led government. The scam allegedly caused a loss of ₹55.80 crore to the state.
- Governor’s Action: In response, the Governor issued a show-cause notice to Siddaramaiah and later sanctioned an investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (PCA) and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
What were the grounds for Siddaramaiah’s challenge?
- Council of Ministers’ Advice: The Chief Minister argued that the Governor was bound by the Council of Ministers’ August 1, 2023 resolution, advising withdrawal of the show-cause notice.
- Governor’s Discretion: Siddaramaiah contended that the Governor’s sanction was unjustified, biased, and exceeded his discretionary powers, which could only be invoked if the Council’s decision was irrational.
What did the court decide?
- The Karnataka High Court upheld the Governor’s sanction for the investigation, stating that the circumstances justified the Governor’s actions under “exceptional circumstances.”
- The court observed that the Governor’s decision was not made in haste but after careful consideration of the allegations and relevant facts.
- The court clarified that private individuals (complainants) can seek approval to investigate public officials under the Prevention of Corruption Act, and the Governor’s approval can be granted even in such cases.
- The court lifted the interim embargo on the investigation against Siddaramaiah, allowing the inquiry to continue into the alleged MUDA scam.
Conclusion: The Karnataka High Court upheld Governor Gehlot’s sanction for an investigation into the alleged MUDA scam, rejecting Siddaramaiah’s challenge. The court ruled that exceptional circumstances justified the Governor’s actions, allowing the inquiry to proceed.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chang’e-5 Mission and its outcomes
Why in the News?
- Scientists long believed that volcanic activity on the moon ceased about a billion years ago.
- However, a study based on China’s Chang’e-5 mission samples has questioned this belief with evidence suggesting the moon had active volcanoes as recently as 120 million years ago.
Chang’e-5 Mission: Overview and Recent Findings
- Chang’e-5 is a mission launched in November 2020 as part of the Chang’e lunar exploration program.
- It was designed to:
- Collect samples from the moon’s surface and bring them back to Earth for analysis.
- Study the geology and mineral composition of the moon.
- It successfully landed on the “Mons Rumker region”, a volcanic complex in the Oceanus Procellarum (the ‘Ocean of Storms’) area on the moon’s near side, and returned about 1.7 kg of lunar material to Earth in December 2020.
Recent Findings Based on Chang’e-5 Mission
- Recent studies of samples have revealed evidence of volcanic activity on the moon as recently as 116-135 million years ago.
- It challenges the previous belief that the moon’s volcanic activity ceased about a billion years ago.
- The analysis of lunar glass beads collected by Chang’e-5 has provided insights into both volcanic eruptions and asteroid impacts that shaped the moon’s surface.
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What are the Beads on the Moon?
- Lunar glass beads are small, spherical or egg-shaped glass particles found on the moon’s surface.
- These beads are formed in two main ways:
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- Volcanic Activity: During volcanic eruptions, molten lava fragments are thrown into the air, where they cool rapidly and form glass beads.
- Impact Events: When asteroids or meteorites hit the moon’s surface, the intense pressure and heat melt the surface material. The molten material cools quickly, forming glass beads as it lands back on the surface.
- These beads are important because they:
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- Provide clues about the moon’s geological history.
- Help scientists determine the age of volcanic eruptions.
- Offer insights into the formation of the moon’s surface and its volcanic and impact events.
Key characteristics of Lunar Glass Beads
- Composition: These beads are primarily made of silicon, magnesium, and iron, with trace amounts of other elements such as potassium, titanium, and uranium.
- Volcanic vs. Impact Beads: Volcanic glass beads tend to be more uniform, while impact beads may show fractures or deformations caused by high-energy impacts. Volcanic beads often contain more volatile elements like sulphur, which are released during eruptions.
PYQ:
[2012] What do you understand by the term Aitken basin?
(a) It is a desert in the southern Chile which is known to be the only location on earth where no rainfall takes place.
(b) It is an impact crater on the far side of the Moon.
(c) It is a Pacific coast basin, which is known to house large amounts of oil and gas.
(d) It is a deep hyper saline anoxic basin where no aquatic animals are found. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: AH-64E Apache Helicopters
Why in the News?
The Indian Army is set to receive its first batch of three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing in December.
About AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopters:
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Details |
| Name and Origin |
AH-64E Apache (Apache Guardian) is a highly advanced multi-role combat helicopter and lies in a heavy category.
Manufactured by Boeing, originating from the US. |
| India’s Acquisition |
In February 2020, India signed a deal for six AH-64E helicopters, with an additional six contracted later. |
| Countries Operating |
Operated by India, Egypt, Israel, Japan, South Korea, UAE, UK, and others. |
| Indigenous Production |
Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), a joint venture, produces fuselages in Hyderabad, set to become the sole global producer, sourcing 90% of parts from India. |
| Combat Features |
Features open architecture for advanced systems, enhanced thrust and lift, digital interoperability, improved survivability, and advanced infrared and night vision capabilities. |
Deployment Plans for Apache
- The Apaches are primarily suited for countering armour and will be deployed in desert regions.
- However, due to their operational limitations at high altitudes, they won’t be used in regions like Ladakh.
- Instead, the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd., will be deployed in Ladakh by 2024-25.
- The LCH is designed specifically for high-altitude conditions.
PYQ:
[2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?
(a) Amphibious warfare ship
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine
(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel
(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Oscar Awards, Film Federation of India (FFI)
Why in the News?
India has announced its official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy (Oscar) Awards, set to take place early next year.
About the Film Federation of India (FFI)
- The FFI is the main body representing the interests of the Indian film industry, including producers, distributors, and exhibitors.
- It was established in 1951.
- The FFI’s primary goal is to promote and protect the Indian film industry, both in India and internationally.
- It plays a key role in selecting India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the Oscar Awards.
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How does the FFI make the choice?
- Submission Process: The FFI invites filmmakers to submit their films for consideration. To be eligible, the film must:
- Be at least 40 minutes long.
- Have more than 50% of its dialogue in a non-English language.
- Have had a theatrical release of at least seven days between November 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024.
- Jury Selection: The FFI appoints a 13-member jury made up of experienced individuals from the creative field, who evaluate the films and select India’s entry.
- The jury chairperson is nominated by the FFI and oversees the selection process.
- Screening and Voting: The jury watches all the submissions and conducts discussions before making a final decision via voting.
Why has the FFI come under criticism?
- All-Male Jury: The FFI’s current jury has drawn criticism for being composed entirely of men. This led to public discussions about the absence of women on the jury, especially since India’s official entry for the 97th Oscars focuses on women’s issues.
- Arbitrary Process: FFI’s selection process can be arbitrary, and there have been calls for greater transparency and inclusiveness in choosing films for international awards like the Oscars.
PYQ:
[2014] What do understand by the concept “freedom of speech and expression”? Does it cover hate speech also? Why do the films in India stand on a slightly different plane from other forms of expression? Discuss. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Spices Board of India, Spices traded by India
Why in the News?
- The Spices Board of India aims to achieve $25 billion in annual exports of spices and spice-based products by 2047, a significant increase from the current $4.4 billion.
- Current consumption is 10 million tonnes, with 1.42 million tonnes exported annually. By 2047, the export target is 2.7 million tonnes.
About Spices Board of India
- The merger of the erstwhile Cardamom Board and Spices Export Promotion Council on 26th February 1987, under the Spices Board Act 1986 led to the formation of the Spice Board of India.
- The Board functions as an International link between the Indian exporters and the importers abroad with a nodal Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- It is headed by a Chairman, a rank equivalent to Joint Secretary to the GoI.
- Headquartered in Kochi, it has regional laboratories in Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, Tuticorin, Kandla and Guntur.
- Main Functions:
- It promotes organic production, processing, and certification of spices.
- Responsible for the overall development of Cardamom.
- It focuses on post-harvest improvement programs to improve the quality of the 52 scheduled spices for export.
- These programs are included under the head ‘Export Oriented Production’.
Present Scenario of Spices
- Production:
- Major producing states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
- During 2022-23, the export of spices from India stood at US$ 3.73 billion, up from US$ 3.46 billion in 2021-22.
- India produces about 75 of the 109 varieties listed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- Major Produced and Exported Spices by India:
- Pepper, cardamom, chili, ginger, turmeric, coriander, cumin, celery, fennel, fenugreek, garlic, nutmeg & mace, curry powder, spice oils, and oleoresins.
- Out of these spices, chili, cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander make up about 76% of the total production.
- Chilli is the leading export earner, generating $1.1 billion annually.
- Ginger exports have a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27%.
- Export:
- In 2023-24, India’s spice exports totalled $4.25 billion, accounting for a 12% share of the global spice exports (till February 2024 data).
- India exported spices and spice products to 159 destinations worldwide as of 2023-24. The top destinations were China, the USA, Bangladesh, the UAE, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the UK, and Sri Lanka. These countries accounted for more than 70% of total exports.
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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 |
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