Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Debate related to national anthem;
Why in the News?
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi walked out of the Legislative Assembly without giving his opening address for the first session of the year, saying the National Anthem was not played before his speech. Last year, he also refused to read his address.
What is the practice followed in the TN Legislative Assembly during and after the Governor’s address?
- Governor’s Address Protocol: Traditionally, the Tamil Thai Vaazhthu (state anthem) is sung at the beginning of the Governor’s address, while the National Anthem is played at the end. This practice was established in July 1991 during the AIADMK government led by Jayalalithaa.
- Recent Incident: Governor R.N. Ravi walked out of the Assembly without delivering his address, citing that only the state anthem was played upon his arrival and not the National Anthem. He expressed that this constituted a disrespect to both the Constitution and the National Anthem.
Is singing the National Anthem mandatory on certain occasions?
- Constitutional Duty: Article 51(A)(a) of the Constitution includes respecting the National Anthem as a fundamental duty of every citizen. However, it does not make its singing or playing mandatory on specific occasions.
- Government Guidelines: The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Orders specify occasions when the National Anthem must be played, such as during civil and military investitures, parades, arrival/departure of the President or Governor, and ceremonial State functions.
- Judicial Clarifications: The courts have observed that while the National Anthem deserves respect, its singing or playing on all occasions is not mandatory unless explicitly specified.
- For instance, during cinema screenings, the Supreme Court ruled that playing the anthem is not obligatory but encouraged.
Can punishment be imposed if it isn’t played at official functions?
- Legal Provisions: The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 penalizes deliberate insult or contempt of the National Anthem with imprisonment up to 3 years, a fine, or both.
- Non-playing or non-singing of the anthem does not attract punishment unless it is a willful act of disrespect.
- Relevant Case Example: In 2019, the Madras High Court dismissed a petition seeking punishment for the non-playing of the National Anthem at an official function, citing the lack of a legal mandate to enforce its singing or playing on all occasions.
Why does the government make the national anthem on major government occasions?
- Fostering Unity and National Pride: Playing the National Anthem at significant government events reinforces a sense of collective identity, unity, and patriotism among citizens. It serves as a symbolic reminder of shared national values and aspirations, transcending regional, linguistic, and cultural differences.
- Respecting Constitutional Ideals: Mandating the National Anthem aligns with Article 51(A)(a) of the Constitution, which enshrines the fundamental duty of every citizen to respect the National Anthem.
- Its inclusion in major events underscores the importance of honouring national symbols and promoting a culture of respect and accountability in public life.
Way forward:
- Establish Uniform Protocols: The government should issue clear and consistent guidelines for playing the National Anthem at official events to avoid confusion and ensure uniformity across states and institutions.
- Promote Awareness and Respect: Conduct awareness campaigns emphasising the significance of the National Anthem as a unifying symbol, fostering voluntary respect and participation without compulsion or controversy.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss the essential conditions for exercise of the legislative powers by the Governor. Discuss the legality of re-promulgation of ordinances by the Governor without placing them before the Legislature. (UPSC IAS/2022)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India USA relations;
Why in the News?
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced that the US is working to remove long-standing rules that have hindered nuclear cooperation between India’s top nuclear entities and American companies.
What are the legal barriers hindering India’s participation in nuclear manufacturing?
- 10CFR810 Authorization: This regulation, part of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, restricts US nuclear vendors from manufacturing nuclear equipment or conducting nuclear design work in India.
- While it allows for the export of equipment under strict safeguards, it prevents India from engaging in the manufacturing value chain and co-producing nuclear components for atomic power projects.
- Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: This Indian legislation establishes a framework for compensating victims of nuclear accidents and allocates liability to equipment suppliers. This provision raises concerns among foreign companies, such as GE-Hitachi and Westinghouse, regarding potential financial exposure and liability risks, which deters investment in India’s nuclear sector.
How does Indian liability law impact the Indo-US nuclear deal?
- Liability Allocation: The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, establishes a framework that assigns strict liability to nuclear operators for damages resulting from nuclear incidents.
- This means that operators are primarily responsible for compensation, which is capped at ₹500 crore (approximately USD 60 million), with the central government liable for additional amounts up to 300 million Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) in case of higher damages.
- Right of Recourse: The Act provides operators with a right of recourse against suppliers, which means that operators can seek compensation from suppliers if they incur costs due to an accident.
- However, this right is not mandatory and is seen as an enabling clause, leading to concerns among suppliers about their financial exposure in the event of an incident.
- Insurance Challenges: The liability law’s structure creates significant challenges for foreign suppliers in obtaining insurance coverage. Many suppliers require a clear legal cap on liability to insure themselves against potential accidents.
- The open-ended nature of liability and the potential for significant financial exposure deter investment from companies like GE-Hitachi and Westinghouse, who are wary of entering a market where they could face unpredictable liabilities.
- International Standards Compliance: The Indian liability framework is viewed as an outlier compared to international norms, which typically channel all liabilities to operators rather than suppliers. This divergence complicates foreign participation in India’s nuclear sector and hinders the operationalization of agreements like the Indo-US nuclear deal.
What steps are being taken to enhance Indo-US cooperation in the nuclear sector?
- Removal of Regulatory Barriers: The US is finalizing steps to ease restrictions that have hindered nuclear collaboration since the 2005 deal, enabling closer ties between Indian entities and US private sector players.
- Facilitating Technology Transfer: The regulatory changes will support the transfer of US nuclear technology to India, boosting India’s clean energy expansion efforts.
- Strengthening the iCET Framework: Emphasis on the US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET) to foster collaboration in nuclear technology and other high-tech sectors like AI and quantum computing.
- Addressing Liability Concerns: Discussions to resolve issues related to India’s nuclear liability laws aim to attract foreign suppliers and enhance investment opportunities in India’s nuclear energy sector.
Way forward:
- Policy Reforms for Liability Clarity: Amend India’s Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act to align with international norms by channelling liability solely to operators, reducing suppliers’ financial risks and encouraging foreign investment.
- Promote Joint Ventures and Technology Transfer: Facilitate joint manufacturing and R&D collaborations under the iCET framework, leveraging US expertise in light water reactor technology and India’s manufacturing capabilities to achieve shared clean energy goals.
Mains PYQ:
Q What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Digital Governance;
Why in the News?
Recently, India has started a big effort to move towards digital governance which aims to make services better for citizens and improve the skills of government workers.
What are the key challenges facing the implementation of digital governance in India?
- Resistance to Change: Some segments of the government workforce are hesitant to adopt new technologies, leading to slow adaptation within bureaucratic structures. This resistance can hinder the overall effectiveness of digital initiatives.
- Digital Divide: There is a significant disparity in internet access and digital literacy between urban and rural areas. Many rural employees lack the necessary infrastructure and skills to engage with digital platforms, potentially leaving them behind in the digital transformation process.
- Incentive Structures: Current initiatives, such as the iGOT Karmayogi platform, risk becoming mere attendance trackers without meaningful outcomes. The lack of incentives for employees to apply new skills can undermine the effectiveness of training programs.
- Cybersecurity Risks: As government operations increasingly move online, the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks escalates. Ensuring robust cybersecurity measures is essential to protect sensitive information and build trust in digital governance.
- Need for Continuous Learning: The rapid evolution of technology necessitates ongoing training and upskilling opportunities for government employees to keep pace with new tools and platforms.
How can technology be leveraged to improve public service delivery and citizen engagement?
- Streamlined Workflows: Initiatives like e-Office digitize workflows, reducing reliance on paperwork and enhancing operational efficiency, which leads to faster service delivery.
- Enhanced Communication: Digital platforms facilitate real-time communication between government officials and citizens, improving transparency and responsiveness to public needs.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: Technologies such as data analytics enable informed decision-making by providing insights into citizen needs and service effectiveness.
- Citizen-Centric Platforms: Tools like MyGov allow for direct interaction between citizens and the government, fostering greater engagement and participation in governance processes.
- Online Procurement Systems: Platforms like the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) streamline procurement processes, making them more transparent and efficient.
What role does collaboration play in successful digital governance?
- Multi-Stakeholder Engagement: Effective digital governance requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, community leaders, and citizens, to ensure that diverse perspectives are considered.
- Capacity Building: Collaborative efforts in training and capacity building can help equip government employees with the necessary skills to navigate digital tools effectively.
- Sharing Best Practices: Partnerships with private sector entities can facilitate knowledge sharing and the adoption of innovative solutions that enhance public service delivery.
- Policy Development: Collaborative frameworks can aid in developing policies that address challenges such as the digital divide and cybersecurity threats, ensuring a comprehensive approach to digital governance.
- Feedback Mechanisms: Establishing channels for citizen feedback enhances accountability and allows for continuous improvement in digital governance initiatives.
Way forward:
- Strengthening Digital Infrastructure and Training: Invest in improving digital infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and provide continuous, targeted training to government employees to bridge the skill gap and ensure effective use of technology.
- Enhancing Collaboration and Incentives: Foster stronger collaboration between government, private sector, and communities while creating incentive structures that encourage employees to apply newly acquired skills, ensuring the tangible impact of digital governance initiatives.
Mains PYQ:
Q “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) hasinitiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0
Why in the News?
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla inaugurated “Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0” which seeks to give insight into the Constitution and parliamentary procedures to over 500 women representatives from Panchayati Raj institutions from across the country.
About “Panchayat Se Parliament”
- The second edition of the program was organized by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with the Lok Sabha Secretariat and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
- The program brought together 502 elected women representatives from Scheduled Tribes, hailing from 22 states and Union Territories across India.
- Objectives: The primary objectives of Panchayat Se Parliament 2.0 were to:
- Empower women representatives by enhancing their understanding of constitutional provisions, parliamentary procedures, and governance frameworks.
- Recognize the contributions of women leaders in areas such as education, rural development, and community welfare.
- The first edition of the program, Panchayat Se Parliament 1.0, was held in January 2024.
- It involved over 500 women sarpanches from across India and was organized by the National Commission for Women (NCW) in collaboration with the Lok Sabha Secretariat.
About National Commission for Women (NCW)
-
- The NCW is a statutory body formed on 31 January 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, to address women’s issues.
- First Chairperson: Jayanti Patnaik.
- Constitutional Provisions: Articles 15(3), 14, and 21 provide gender-neutral safeguards.
- Objectives:
-
- Represent women’s rights in India and provide a platform for their concerns.
- Campaign topics: Dowry, politics, labor exploitation, police abuses, and equal representation in jobs.
- Composition:
-
- Chairperson: Nominated by the Central Government.
- Five Members: Experts from fields like law, education, health, and women’s welfare.
- Special Representation: One member each from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- Powers:
-
- Provide policy consultations.
- Issue summons and requisition public records.
- Receive evidence on affidavits and enforce attendance.
- Functions:
-
- Annual Reports: Submit reports on women’s safeguards.
- Investigation: Examine laws and constitutional protections.
- Scrutiny: Review laws and recommend amendments.
- Complaint Handling: Address rights violations and welfare laws.
- Development Assessment: Monitor progress at national and state levels.
- Systemic Improvements: Identify and resolve limitations in women’s welfare systems.
|
PYQ:
[2017] Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nanopore-Based Tool
Why in the News?
Researchers at the University of California, have developed a nanopore-based diagnostic tool capable of detecting illnesses more quickly and accurately by analyzing signals from individual molecules.
What is the Nanopore-Based Tool?
- The Nanopore-Based Tool is a groundbreaking innovation developed by UC Riverside scientists for disease diagnostics.
- It leverages nanopores, which are tiny openings capable of detecting individual molecules like DNA and proteins.
- By measuring electrical signals generated as molecules pass through the nanopore, the tool enables ultra-sensitive and precise detection of illnesses.
How does it Work?
- Biological samples mixed with salts are introduced into the system.
- Salts dissociate into ions, creating a flow through the nanopore.
- As a DNA or protein molecule passes through the nanopore, it blocks the flow of ions.
- This blockage reduces the flow, creating electrical signals.
- The system measures the reduction in ion flow to identify the molecule.
- Advanced circuitry accounts for missed signals, ensuring precise detection.
- Nanopores filter out background noise, unlike traditional systems that require external filters, preserving critical data for accurate diagnostics.
Significance and Features of Nanopore Technology
- It helps detect infections within 24 to 48 hours, much faster than traditional methods.
- It is crucial for fast-spreading diseases, enabling timely intervention.
- It captures signals from single molecules, eliminating the need for large biological samples.
- It could revolutionize home testing and clinic-based diagnostics.
- It helps Identify subtle differences in proteins, aiding in personalized treatment plans.
- It promotes deeper understanding of how proteins impact health and disease.
- It paves the way for single-molecule protein sequencing, offering insights beyond DNA sequencing.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to the use of nanotechnology in health sector, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. Targeted drug delivery is made possible by nanotechnology.
2. Nanotechnology can largely contribute to gene therapy.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Key highlights of FAO Statistical Yearbook, 2024
Why in the News?
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has released its 2024 Statistical Yearbook, providing a comprehensive analysis of global agrifood systems.
Key Highlights from the Yearbook
- Economic Dimensions of Agriculture:
- Global agricultural value increased by 89% in real terms between 2000 and 2022, reaching $3.8 trillion.
- The proportion of the global workforce employed in agriculture dropped from 40% in 2000 to 26% in 2022, reflecting economic diversification.
- Food Security and Nutrition:
- In 2023, between 713 and 757 million people were undernourished, with a midpoint estimate of 733 million, marking an increase of 152 million since 2019.
- Obesity rates are rising, with over 25% of adults in the Americas, Europe, and Oceania classified as obese.
- Crop and Meat Production:
- Primary crop production grew by 56% from 2000 to 2022, reaching 9.6 billion tonnes, with staples like sugarcane, maize, wheat, and rice accounting for nearly half.
- Meat production rose by 55%, with chicken surpassing pork as the most produced meat globally in 2022.
- Agricultural Inputs:
- Pesticide use increased by 70% from 2000 to 2022, with the Americas accounting for half of global usage.
- Inorganic fertilizers reached 185 million tonnes in 2022, a 37% increase since 2000.
- Environmental Pressures:
- Greenhouse gas emissions from agrifood systems grew by 10% from 2000 to 2022, with livestock contributing 54% of farm-gate emissions.
- Water scarcity is a critical issue in regions like the Near East and North Africa, with countries withdrawing up to 40 times their renewable freshwater resources annually.
About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
- The FAO is a specialized agency of the United Nations focused on eradicating hunger, improving nutrition, and ensuring food security worldwide.
- Established in 1945, the FAO is headquartered in Rome, Italy, and works in collaboration with member states, organizations, and communities.
- Mandate and Goals:
-
- Hunger Eradication: Reduce global hunger and malnutrition through sustainable agricultural practices.
- Agrifood System Development: Support member states in developing resilient and sustainable food systems.
- Data and Analysis: Provide accurate, timely, and high-quality statistical data for policymaking and monitoring.
- Key Functions:
-
- Research and Policy Recommendations: Conducts research to address pressing issues in agriculture and food systems.
- Capacity Building: Supports countries with training and resources for sustainable agriculture.
- Monitoring Global Trends: Publishes annual reports and statistical yearbooks to track trends and challenges in agrifood systems.
|
PYQ:
[2017] Consider the following statements:
1. The Standard Mark of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is mandatory for automotive tyres and tubes.
2. AGMARK is a quality Certification Mark issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: UJALA scheme
Why in the News?
The UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) scheme, launched on January 5, 2015 has completed a decade of remarkable success.
About UJALA Scheme:
| Launch Details |
- Launched on 5th January 2015 by PM Narendra Modi.
- Originally called the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP).
- Aims to promote energy-efficient LED appliances in households.
- Recognized as the world’s largest zero-subsidy domestic lighting initiative.
|
| Structural Mandate and Implementation |
- Implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Ministry of Power.
- Competitive bidding ensures reduced prices for LED appliances.
- LED appliances distributed via DISCOMs and designated centers.
- Real-time e-procurement and transparency audits ensure accountability.
|
| Significant Features |
- Affordability: LED prices significantly lower than market rates (e.g., ₹70 per bulb, ₹220 per tube light).
- Energy Efficiency: LEDs consume 90% less energy than incandescent lamps (ICLs) and 50% less than CFLs.
- Cost Savings: Reduced electricity bills and lower annual ownership costs.
- Market Transformation: Sale of over 407 crore LED bulbs in India.
- Environmental Impact: Reduction in carbon emissions, aligning with India’s climate goals.
|
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps?
- Sodium lamps produce light in 360 degrees but it is not so in the case of LED lamps.
- As street lights, sodium lamps have a longer lifespan than LED lamps.
- The spectrum of visible light from sodium lamps is almost monochromatic while LED lamps offer significant colour advantages in street lighting.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
(a) 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: HMPV and its causes
Why in the News?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently become a topic of widespread discussion in India, fueled by sensational media reports. These reports claim the emergence of a “new dangerous virus” from China, leading to unnecessary public panic and misinformation.
What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
- Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that primarily causes mild to moderate respiratory infections.
- It belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family, the same group of viruses that includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and parainfluenza.
- HMPV was first identified in 2001 and has been circulating globally for decades.
- Most infections are mild and self-limiting, but HMPV can cause severe illness in vulnerable groups such as:
- Elderly individuals.
- Young children (especially under five years).
- Immunocompromised individuals or those with chronic illnesses.
- Transmission:
- Spread primarily through respiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces, or close contact with infected individuals.
- Diagnosis:
- Advanced PCR-based respiratory panels can detect HMPV. However, these tests are not routinely performed unless required in vulnerable patients or during hospital outbreaks.
Symptoms and Treatment for HMPV:
- HMPV symptoms overlap with those of other respiratory viruses like influenza and RSV.
- Mild Symptoms: Runny nose; Sore throat; Cough; Fever; Fatigue.
- Severe Symptoms (in vulnerable populations): Bronchitis; Wheezing; Pneumonia; Difficulty breathing; Hypoxia in extreme cases.
- No Specific Antiviral or Vaccine: Unlike flu and RSV, there is no targeted antiviral therapy or vaccine for HMPV.
- Supportive Care: Rest and hydration; Over-the-counter medications to manage fever and pain (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen).
- For Severe Cases: Hospitalization may be required for oxygen therapy, nebulization, or other supportive measures.
Present Scenario- Global and National:
- HMPV is one of the leading causes of respiratory infections worldwide, following influenza and RSV.
- Studies indicate HMPV accounts for 5-10% of respiratory infections in children and vulnerable adults annually.
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently reported two HMPV cases in Karnataka involving babies with a history of bronchopneumonia.
- These are the first cases identified using PCR diagnostic tools after a surge in HMPV cases in China.
PYQ:
[2022] In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:
1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using a vector-based platform.
3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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