Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Alligator Gar
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) discovered a rare type of fish known as “Alligator Gar” for the first time during the ongoing cleaning of famous Dal Lake in Srinagar.
Alligator Gar
|
Information |
| Scientific Name |
Atractosteus spatula |
| Size and Weight |
Up to 8 feet in length, over 300 pounds |
| Appearance |
Long, narrow body; crocodile-like head; sharp teeth |
| Distribution |
Central and North America, freshwater habitats |
| Fossil Record |
Traces back to the Early Cretaceous, over 100 million years ago |
| Feeding Habits |
Voracious predator, feeds on fish, turtles, waterfowl, etc. |
| Coloration |
Brown or olive on upper body, lighter underside |
| Longevity |
Can live for several decades |
| Conservation Status |
Least Concerned (IUCN) |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pokhran-II nuclear tests
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea: The article provides a historical context for India’s nuclear program and focuses specifically on the Pokhran-II nuclear tests conducted in 1998. This year is special, marking 25 years since we started celebrating National Technology Day.
India’s Nuclear Journey: A quick recap
- India conducted nuclear bomb test explosions at Pokhran Test Range in 1998.
- Codenamed Operation Shakti, these tests showcased India’s capability to build nuclear weapons.
- The tests marked the culmination of a long journey that began in the 1940s-50s.
- Physicist Homi J Bhaba played a crucial role in laying the foundations of India’s nuclear program.
- Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru supported Bhaba’s efforts and established the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in 1954.
Reasons: Threat of China and Pakistan
- India’s perspective on nuclear weapons changed after the 1962 Sino-Indian War and China’s nuclear bomb test in 1964.
- The political establishment realized the need for self-sufficiency in the face of an unfriendly China and Pakistan.
- India sought nuclear guarantees from established nuclear weapons states but was unsuccessful.
- The path to obtaining nuclear weapons became a priority for India.
The “Discriminatory” NPT
- The Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) was established in 1968, creating a divide between nuclear-weapon states and non-nuclear states.
- India refused to sign the treaty, as it felt it did not address its concerns about reciprocal obligations from nuclear weapons states.
- The NPT gained widespread international acceptance, but India remained one of the few non-signatories.
Pokhran-I and its Aftermath
- In 1974, India conducted its first nuclear test at Pokhran, known as Pokhran-I or Operation Smiling Buddha.
- The test was described as a “peaceful nuclear explosion” but faced international condemnation and sanctions.
- Political instability, including the Emergency in 1975, hindered India’s nuclear program’s progress.
- Clamor for nuclear weapons resurfaced in the 1980s due to Pakistan’s advancing nuclear capabilities.
The Period between the Two Tests
- India faced challenges due to domestic political instability and changing international dynamics.
- The fall of the USSR in 1991 weakened India’s military alliances.
- The US continued to support Pakistan despite concerns about its nuclear program.
- India faced pressure to quickly develop nuclear weapons as the window of opportunity appeared to be closing.
Pokhran-II: Projecting India’s Strength
- In 1998, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) came to power under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Operation Shakti, conducted as a response to Pakistan’s missile launch, marked the culmination of India’s nuclear weaponization.
- India declared itself a nuclear weapons state following Pokhran-II.
- The tests faced some sanctions, but India’s growing economy and market potential helped it withstand international pressure.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Chheligada Irrigation Project
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: Officials recently directed to begin construction of the multipurpose irrigation project at Chheligada, Odisha.
Chheligada Irrigation Project
- The project is a multipurpose medium project located near the village of Chheligada in the Gajapati District of Odisha.
- The project involves the construction of a 250m long and 30m high dam across the River Badjhore, a tributary of the River Vamsadhara.
- It aims to preserve 5201 hectares of water and provide irrigation to 5760 hectares of land in Ganjam and 500 hectares of land in Gajapati districts.
- The project will also supply drinking water to Brahampur City.
- Furthermore, it includes the development of a mini hydel project at Shiali Loti, Kankata, and Dekili in the Gajapati district, with a capacity to generate 36 MW of electricity.
Salient features of the project
- A centrally located Ogee-type gated spillway with a length of 90m.
- Construction of a 1.13 km long tunnel connecting the Chheligada reservoir with the Ghodahada river.
- Establishment of a canal system to facilitate irrigation in the Gajapati district directly from the dam.
- Implementation of a pipeline network for supplying drinking water to Berhampur in the Ganjam district.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Anganwadi scheme
Mains level: Nutrition support in early childhood
Central Idea: The Centre is planning to promote ‘Early Childhood Care and Education’ through anganwadi centres as part of the ‘Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi’ slogan announced by the Women and Child Development Minister.
What is Anganwadi scheme?
- The scheme was started in 1975 and aims at the holistic development of children and empowerment of mother.
- It is a Centrally-Sponsored scheme. The scheme primarily runs through the Anganwadi centre.
- The scheme is under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Moto: Poshan Bhi, Padhai Bhi
- The focus will be on both nutrition and early learning for children under 6 years, with a particular emphasis on those under 3 years.
- Early learning has been neglected in the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) and seen as secondary to nutrition.
- Anganwadi centres will be repositioned as pre-schools to provide early learning access to socially and educationally backward communities.
Why such move?
- Two emerging trends are noted: young children shifting to private pre-schools and under-age children being admitted to Class 1 in some states.
- The quality of services provided at Anganwadi centres is perceived as inferior, leading to the shift to private nursery schools.
Task Force and Recommendations
- Rebranding anganwadis: The task force recommends a “mission-mode approach” to rebranding anganwadis, including infrastructure upgrades, materials, play equipment, etc.
- Focus on volunteer support: It suggests involving panchayat raj institutions, women’s self-help groups, local NGOs, and college volunteers to enhance the learning environment.
- Boost to Anganwadi sisters: The task force proposes re-designating anganwadi workers as anganwadi teachers and helpers as childcare workers.
- Nutrition boost: Infrastructure improvements, additional nutrition supplements (such as eggs and milk), extended timings, creches, and day care services are recommended.
- MGNREGS liasion: The task force suggests leveraging funds from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
Major target: Improve Child Nutrition
- The task force highlights that over 35% of young children in India are stunted, according to the latest NFHS data.
- Although there has been a reduction, India still has the largest population of stunted children globally.
- Child stunting affects developmental outcomes and the ability to learn at school.
- NFHS-5 reveals that only 11.3% of children below 2 years receive an adequate diet.
- The task force recommends introducing eggs as an effective intervention for nutrition.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Santiniketan
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- The article announces that Santiniketan, the home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in West Bengal, has been recommended for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
About Santiniketan
Santiniketan is a renowned cultural and heritage place located in Birbhum District, West Bengal, India. It holds historical significance and is known for its association with Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Here are key points about Santiniketan:
- It was the home of Rabindranath Tagore, where he lived and composed many of his literary works, including songs, poems, and novels.
- The Santiniketan campus is adorned with splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings created by renowned artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay, and others.
- The region of Birbhum District, where Santiniketan is located, is also famous for its fairs and festivals. Some notable ones are Poush Mela (December), Joydev Mela (January), Basanta Utsav (Holi) in March, and the famous mystic Baul Singers.
- Special cultural events are held during Bengali New Year and Rabindra Janmotsav (birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore) in the Bengali month of Boisakh with great enthusiasm.
- Santiniketan celebrates unique festivals like Briksharopan (festival of Planting Saplings) and Halakarshan (festival of Plowing the Fields) on the 22nd and 23rd days of Sravana (August), respectively.
- Varshamangal, the festival of rains, is celebrated during August/September.
- Poush Mela is an annual fair and festival held in Santiniketan, starting on the 7th day of the month of Poush. The fair officially lasts for three days, but vendors may stay until the end of the month. It is known for live performances of Bengali folk music, particularly by bauls (traditional wandering minstrels), and also features tribal dances like Santali.
Recommendation by ICOMOS
- The recommendation for Santiniketan’s inclusion was made by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), which is the advisory body to the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
- ICOMOS is a France-based international cultural body dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of global architectural and landscape heritage.
West Bengal’s Representation in World Heritage List
- If selected, Santiniketan would be the second cultural symbol from West Bengal to be included in the UNESCO list.
- In 2021, UNESCO included ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites
|
Description |
| UNESCO World Heritage Sites |
Landmarks or areas selected by UNESCO for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other significant value, legally protected by international treaties. |
| Importance |
World Heritage Sites represent collective and preservative interests of humanity, signifying remarkable accomplishments and intellectual history. |
| Selection Criteria |
Sites must be already-classified landmarks, unique and significant culturally or physically, such as ancient ruins, historical structures, cities, monuments, etc. |
| Conservation |
World Heritage Sites require practical conservation to protect them from risks like trespassing, uncontrolled access, or administrative negligence. |
| World Heritage Committee |
Selects and monitors World Heritage Sites, manages the World Heritage Fund, and provides financial assistance. Composed of 21 states parties elected for a four-year term. |
| Membership |
India is not a member of the World Heritage Committee. |
Note: “States parties” refer to the countries that have ratified the World Heritage Convention and participate in the decision-making process.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Namami Gange Program
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea: The article discusses the results of an analysis of the sludge found in Indian sewage treatment plants (STP) that were set up to treat polluted water from the Ganga under National Mission for Clean Ganga.
About National Mission for Clean Ganga
|
Description |
| Launch |
2014 |
| Aim |
Cleaning and rejuvenating the Ganga river |
| Interventions |
Development of sewage treatment infrastructure, riverfront development, and public awareness campaigns |
| Approach |
River basin approach, identifying pollution hotspots and implementing targeted interventions |
| Implementing Agency |
NMCG |
| Responsibilities |
Coordinating efforts across stakeholders, including state governments, municipalities, and civil society organizations |
| Objective |
Improve water quality and ensure ecological and socio-economic sustainability of the Ganga river |
Sludge classification
- India doesn’t yet have standards classifying sludge as class A or B.
- Treated sludge can be classified as class A or class B, as per the standards of the United States Environment Protection Agency.
- Class A sludge: It is safe to be disposed of in the open and useful as organic fertilizer.
- Class B sludge: It can be used in restricted agricultural applications, with the edible parts of the crop not exposed to the sludge-mixed soil, and animals and people not come into extensive contact.
Current sludge disposal practices
- Currently, those awarded contracts for developing and maintaining STPs under the Namami Ganga Mission are also apportioned land for disposing off sludge.
- However, the sludge is rarely treated, and during rains, it often makes its way back into rivers and local water sources.
Study’s findings
- The sludge analysed after drying fell into the class B category.
- Nitrogen and phosphorus levels were higher than those recommended by India’s fertilizer standards, but potassium levels of some sludges were less than recommended.
- The degree of pathogens, as well as heavy metal contamination, was above the recommended fertilizer standards.
- The calorific value of sludge ranged from 1,000-3,500 kcal/kg, which is lower than the average calorific value of Indian coal.
Recommendations to improve sludge quality
- The report recommends storing the sludge for at least three months to kill pathogens and blending it with cattle manure and husk or local soil to reduce heavy metal.
- However, this would still put it in class B, and converting it into grade A sludge would require far more extensive treatment.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Meerut, 1857 Uprising
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The article highlights the historical significance of Meerut, a city in western Uttar Pradesh.
- Alamgirpur, the easternmost settlement of the Harappa civilization, is located in Meerut and has archaeological importance.
- However, Meerut gained fame for its role in India’s First War of Independence on May 10, 1857, also known as the Indian Mutiny or Revolt.
Meerut: Historical origins and name
- Meerut has historical origins, possibly deriving its name from Mayarashtra, the capital of Mayasura, who was Ravana’s father-in-law.
- The archaeological site of Vidura-ka-tila, located northeast of Meerut, is believed to be the remains of Hastinapur, the ancient capital of the Kauravas and Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
- Meerut was ruled by the Scindias before being ceded to the British in 1803, which eventually paved the way for the British exit from India.
The 1857 Rebellion
- The rebellion in Meerut was sparked by the introduction of the Enfield rifle and the use of cartridges rumored to be greased with a mixture of cow and pig fat.
- Sepoys (Indian soldiers) who refused to use the cartridges were punished and stripped of their uniforms.
- This incident led to a rebellion among the sepoys and a call for the uprising against British rule.
Outbreak of the Mutiny
- On May 10, 1857, while the European residents of Meerut were attending church, the sound of musketry and columns of smoke signalled the revolt of the native troops.
- The sepoys, having revolted, marched towards Delhi, considering it the power center and the capital of Mughal India.
Meerut’s Significance
- Meerut played a crucial role in the Indian Mutiny, serving as the starting point for the rebellion that spread across the country.
- The mutiny in Meerut inspired and influenced the subsequent events of the uprising.
- D. Savarkar later referred to the Mutiny as the First War of Independence.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Uniforms, Ranks and Insignia
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: A decision has been taken at the recent Army Commanders Conference to change the uniforms worn by senior Army officers.
Changes in Uniform
- All officers of the rank of Brigadier and above will now wear common uniform items.
- The common uniform items include berets, badges of rank, belt buckle, and pattern of shoes.
- Regimental lanyards and shoulder flashes will no longer be worn by officers of these higher ranks.
- There will be no item of uniform that will identify them as belonging to a particular Regiment or Corps.
Present Uniform Accoutrements
- Officers from the rank of Lieutenant to General currently wear uniform accoutrements as per their regimental or corps affiliation.
- Each Infantry Regiment and Corps has its own pattern of lanyard, badges of rank, buttons, and belt buckle as per regimental traditions.
Reason for Change
- Regimental service in the Army ends at the rank of Colonel for most officers who rise further.
- Senior officers commanding troops of mixed regimental lineage should present themselves in a neutral uniform rather than a regimental one.
Reversion to Past Practice
- The Army is now reverting to the practice that was followed almost 40 years ago, when the changes towards wearing regimental affiliations took hold in the service.
- Until about the mid-1980s, officers of the rank of Colonel and above had common uniform patterns and insignia.
Tradition in Other Armies
- In the British army, the uniform worn by officers of the rank of Colonel and above is referred to as the Staff uniform, to distinguish it from the Regimental uniform.
- Among neighbouring countries, the Pakistan and Bangladesh armies follow the same pattern as the British army.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Types of coal
Mains level: India's coal import
Central Idea
- India’s coal imports increased by 30% to 162.46 million tonnes in the 2022-23 financial year compared to 124.99 MT in the previous year, according to a report.
- The report was released by mjunction, a B2B e-commerce platform that is a joint venture between Steel Authority of India (SAIL) and Tata Steel.
India’s coal production and consumption
- India is among the top five coal-producing countries in the world.
- Despite being a major producer, India also imports coal to meet some of its demand.
- India is a significant consumer of coal, which is used for power generation and industrial processes.
Import of Coking Coal
- Coking Coal: The import of coking coal rose by 5.44% to 54.46 MT over 51.65 MT in FY22, as per the report by mjunction. Coking coal is a key raw material used in steel making.
- Non-coking coal: In March 2023, non-coking coal import stood at 13.88 MT against 12.61 MT in the same month last year.
- Other imports: The total imports of various types of coal like anthracite, pulverised coal injection (PCI coal), met coke and pet coke, along with coking and non-coking coal, were at 249.06 MT in FY23, up from 200.71 MT in FY22, a rise of over 24%.
Key inferences from this
- The high demand for steam coal in India and the weakening of seaborne prices led to increased volumes during March.
- This trend might continue in the coming months due to above-normal average temperatures expected during the summer.
Why does India import coal?
India imports coal primarily due to the following reasons:
- Lack of good quality coal: India’s domestic coal reserves have limitations in terms of quality, and the country does not have sufficient reserves of good quality coking coal, which is used in steelmaking and allied industries. Therefore, India imports coal to compensate for the lack of good quality coal.
- Growing energy demand: India’s energy demand is continuously increasing due to population growth and rapid urbanization. Coal is a significant contributor to India’s energy mix, and the country needs to import coal to meet its growing energy demand.
- Infrastructure constraints: India’s domestic coal production is limited due to various factors such as geological constraints, land acquisition issues, and environmental regulations. Moreover, India’s domestic coal transport infrastructure is insufficient, and many power plants are located far away from the coal mines, making imports a more viable option.
- Better quality and cost-effectiveness: Importing coal from other countries can sometimes be more cost-effective than producing it domestically, especially when the quality of imported coal is better than domestic coal.
Key terminologies
Coking coal: a type of coal that is used in the production of steel.
Anthracite: a hard and compact type of coal that has a high carbon content.
Pulverised coal injection (PCI coal): a method of injecting pulverized coal into a blast furnace to improve the efficiency of the iron-making process.
Met coke: a type of coke made by heating coal in the absence of air, which is used as a fuel in blast furnaces to produce iron.
Pet coke: a carbon-rich solid material that is derived from oil refining. It is used as a fuel in industrial processes. |
Try this PYQ from CSP 2012:
Despite having large reserves of coal, why does India import millions of tonnes of coal?
- It is the policy of India to save its own coal reserves for the future, and import them from other countries for the present use.
- Most of the power plants in India are coal-based and they are not able to get sufficient supplies of coal from within the country.
- Steel companies need a large quantity of coking coal which has to be imported.
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
Post your answers here
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gold Reserves
Mains level: India's forex reserves and its implications
Central Idea: The RBI has increased its gold reserves by 34.22 tonnes YoY to reach 794.64 tonnes at the end of March 2023, according to the central bank’s data.
What are Gold Reserves?
- Gold reserves refer to the physical gold holdings that a central bank or a country holds as a part of its foreign exchange reserves.
- Central banks may acquire gold reserves through various means, including purchases from other central banks, international organizations, or commercial banks, and from domestic production or importation.
- Gold reserves are typically held in the form of gold bars, which are stored in secure vaults or depositories.
Why Gold?
- Gold is considered a safe-haven asset and has been historically used to back a country’s currency.
- Holding gold reserves is seen as a way to hedge against inflation, currency fluctuations, and other economic uncertainties.
Significance of Gold Reserves
- Economic stability: Gold reserves are often seen as a symbol of economic stability and confidence, especially during times of financial crisis or uncertainty. Holding gold reserves can help central banks to maintain the stability of their currency and the economy.
- Diversification: Gold is considered a safe-haven asset and can provide diversification to a country’s foreign exchange reserves portfolio. Diversification helps to reduce the risks associated with any single asset class.
- Hedge against inflation: Gold is considered an inflation hedge as its value tends to increase during times of high inflation or when the value of a currency is depreciating. Holding gold reserves can help to protect the purchasing power of a country’s currency.
- International transactions: Gold reserves can be used as collateral for loans and international transactions. Countries can also use gold reserves to settle international debts.
- Confidence-building: The level of a country’s gold reserves can be an indicator of the country’s financial strength and stability. High levels of gold reserves can help to build confidence among investors and other countries.
Breakdown of RBI’s gold reserves
- Total: As of March-end 2023, the RBI held 794.64 metric tonnes of gold, including gold deposits of 56.32 metric tonnes.
- Domestic and abroad: Out of the total gold reserves, 437.22 metric tonnes of gold is held overseas in safe custody with the Bank of England and the Bank of International Settlements (BIS), while 301.10 metric tonnes of gold is held domestically.
How much do these gold reserves value?
- In value terms (USD), the share of gold in the total foreign exchange reserves increased from about 7.06% as of September-end 2022 to about 7.81% as of March-end 2023, as per the RBI’s report.
- During the half-year period, the reserves increased from $532.66 billion as of September-end 2022 to $578.45 billion as of March-end 2023.
New terminologies
Foreign currency assets (FCA): a component of forex reserves that includes major traded currencies held by the central bank of a country.
Special drawing rights (SDRs): an international reserve asset created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to supplement member countries’ official reserves.
Reserve tranche position: a component of IMF’s financial accounts that represents a country’s reserve position in the organization. |
Back2Basics: Foreign Exchange (Forex) Reserve
- Foreign exchange reserves are important assets held by the central bank in foreign currencies as reserves.
- They are commonly used to support the exchange rate and set monetary policy.
- In India’s case, foreign reserves include Gold, Dollars, and the IMF’s quota for Special Drawing Rights.
- Most of the reserves are usually held in US dollars, given the currency’s importance in the international financial and trading system.
- Some central banks keep reserves in Euros, British pounds, Japanese yen, or Chinese yuan, in addition to their US dollar reserves.
India’s forex reserves cover:
- Foreign Currency Assets (FCAs)
- Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)
- Gold Reserves
- Reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Drug Recalls
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- Abbot published a public notice in newspapers, alerting people about a mislabelled batch of medicine that it had inadvertently shipped to the market.
- Such recalls take place regularly in the US but it is uncommon in India for domestic or foreign pharmaceutical companies to recall substandard or mislabelled drugs.
Recall of Medicines: India story
India has been mulling the creation of a mandatory recall law for substandard drugs since 1976.
- Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) meeting in 1976: Resolved to have greater cooperation between state drug controllers to recall and destroy drugs that failed tests.
- DCC meetings in 1989, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2007, and 2011: Issue of recalls came up but resulted in no amendments to the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.
- CDSCO proposes draft recall guidelines in 2012: National regulator lacks power to convert guidelines into binding law
- DCC and Drugs Technical Advisory Board meetings in 2016 and 2018-2019: Issue of recalls resurfaces but India still lacks a recall law, 46 years on.
Why there is no concrete law in India?
- Complex drug regulatory issues: The Drug Regulation Section of the Union health ministry is not equipped to tackle complex drug regulatory issues.
- Multiple agencies: India has highly fragmented regulatory structure, with each state having its own drug regulator.
- Exposing the loopholes: India’s drug regulators are aware that a mandatory drug recall system, will bring to public attention the poor state of affairs in India’s pharmaceutical industry.
- Evading accountability: The delay in implementing a recall law exposes the lack of accountability and interest in protecting public health.
Consequences of delay
- Drug failure hazard: Dozens of drugs fail random testing in government laboratories every month.
- Substandard quality: The lack of a mandatory recall law means substandard drugs, even those with dangerous consequences for consumers, can circulate in the market.
- Public health crisis: People, including children, are likely dying or suffering from adverse health events because substandard drugs are not swiftly removed from the market.
Reasons behind
The lack of a mandatory recall law in India can be attributed to various factors, including-
- Lack of expertise
- Apathy
- Vested interests in enabling the growth of the pharmaceutical industry.
Way forward
- Implementation of a mandatory drug recall law: The Indian government can take steps to implement a mandatory drug recall law. This law should have teeth to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their products.
- Centralization of regulatory powers: To create an effective recall mechanism, the responsibility of recalling drugs has to be centralized, with one authority that has the legal power to hold companies liable for failures to recall drugs from across the country, and further, to also search and seize batches of failed medicine.
- Streamlining of regulatory processes: The Indian government can take steps to streamline regulatory processes to reduce the time taken for approvals and ensure that drugs are tested thoroughly before they enter the market.
- Capacity building of regulatory bodies: The Drug Regulation Section of the Union health ministry should be equipped with the necessary resources, expertise and mandate to tackle complex drug regulatory issues.
- Encouragement of ethical pharmaceutical companies: The Indian government can encourage ethical pharmaceutical companies by providing incentives to companies that comply with regulatory standards, penalizing those that do not, and promoting transparency in drug pricing.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cyclone Mocha
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a developing cyclonic or low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal. It would be named Cyclone Mocha (pronounced ‘Mokha’).
What is a cyclone and how are they formed?
- A cyclone is a low-pressure system that forms over warm waters.
- Warm seas present ripe conditions for the development and strengthening of cyclones.
- The air rises and blows in an anticlockwise direction around the low in the northern hemisphere and in a clockwise direction in the southern hemisphere.
- As warm air rises and cools, water vapour condenses to form clouds and this can lead to rains.
- Cyclones can cause significant impacts on life and property, including storm surge, flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes and lightning.
Requirements for a Cyclone to form
There are six main requirements for tropical cyclogenesis:
- Sufficiently warm sea surface temperatures
- Atmospheric instability
- High humidity in the lower to middle levels of the troposphere
- Enough Coriolis force to develop a low-pressure centre
- A pre-existing low-level focus or disturbance
- Low vertical wind shear
How are cyclones named?
- Cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world are named by the regional specialized meteorological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs).
- The IMD names the cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean after following a standard procedure.
- In 2000, a group of nations called WMO/ESCAP decided to start naming cyclones in the region.
- After each country sent in suggestions, the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) finalized the list.
- This cyclone will be named Mocha (Mokha), a name suggested by Yemen after the Red Sea port city, which is known to have introduced coffee to the world over 500 years ago.
Why is it important to name cyclones?
- Adopting names for cyclones makes it easier for people to remember, as opposed to numbers and technical terms.
- It’s easier and less confusing to say “Cyclone Titli” than remember the storm’s number or its longitude and latitude.
- Apart from the general public, it also helps the scientific community, the media, disaster managers etc.
- With a name, it is also easy to identify individual cyclones, create awareness of its development, rapidly disseminate warnings to increase community preparedness etc.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Sovereignty
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The article revolves around the issue of a political party filing a complaint against a politician of foreign origin with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
- She had allegedly been advocating the secession of Karnataka from India in her election speeches.
Definition of sovereignty
- Sovereignty is the idea of having supreme authority over a defined territory.
- In Western philosophy, the concept is used to describe the supremacy of the state over the people being governed.
- The state has a legitimate claim to sovereignty in exchange for providing protection to its citizens, keeping society cohesive and at peace, and controlling law and order.
Sovereignty in India’s Constitution
- The word sovereignty appears in the beginning of the Preamble to the Constitution of India as the first attribute of the independent republic of India.
- Its placement as the first among the core principles of the republic underlines its importance in the Constitution.
- Sovereignty is invoked in the Indian Constitution to “declare the ultimate sovereignty of the people of India and that the Constitution rests on their authority.”
- It is mentioned in the Constitution under Fundamental Duties, and citizens have a duty to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.
Relationship of Indian states with the sovereign Union
- The Indian political system is described as “quasi-federal.”
- India is a Union of States, and the component units have no freedom to secede or break away from it.
- The Indian setup is more unitary in nature than the federal one, and the central government has more powers than the states.
- The choice of a unitary bias that the Constitution makers made was possibly rooted in the difficulty of getting around 600 princely states to accede to India.
Provisions attesting to the superior position of the Centre
- The States in India need not be consulted in the matter of amendment to the bulk of the Constitution.
- Governors in states are appointed “during the pleasure” of the President and are seen as representatives of the Union in the States.
- The Sixteenth Amendment of 1963 laid down that even the advocacy of succession under Article 19 (1) will not be protected under law in the name of Freedom of Speech as directed under Article 19 (2).
- The right to alter the boundaries of states and to create new states lies with Parliament alone.
- The Constitution offers no guarantee to the States against their territorial integrity without their consent since it was not a result of an ‘agreement’ between the States.
These provisions demonstrate the superior position of the Centre in the Indian political system.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Project Dantak
Mains level: NA
The Prime Minister has praised the initiative by Border Roads Organisation Project Dantak to commemorate 64th Raising Day.
What is Project Dantak?
|
Description |
| Establishment |
Established on April 24, 1961, as per the agreement between the third king of Bhutan and then Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru. |
| Objective |
Identify the most important aspects of connectivity and spur the socio-economic development and growth of Bhutan. |
| Responsibility |
Construct and maintain roads suitable for motorised transportation in Bhutan. |
| Legal Provision |
Established under the provision of the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1949. |
Works and Involvement
|
Description |
| Infrastructure Development |
Constructing infrastructure in adjoining Indian districts, including Sherbathang–Nathu La road, Gangtok–Sherbathang road, and Sevoke–Gangtok road. |
| Establishment of Facilities |
Establishing medical and education facilities in outlying areas, which were the first in those regions. |
| Takthi Canteen |
Takthi Canteen, commonly known as the DANTAK canteen, is a major stop for travelers midway between Phuentsholing and Thimphu. |
| Recruitment of Workers |
Recruiting local workers from Bhutan and Indian workers from adjoining districts like Jaigaon, Alipurduar, and other parts of Eastern and North-Eastern India under a basic monthly wage. |
| Supervision of Work |
Posting officials from India for the supervision of work. |
Controversies and Incidents
- The Bhutanese Government accused DANTAK of installing Indian tricolour-themed raised pavement markers or reflectors on the highway railings. DANTAK confirmed their presence, and those reflectors were immediately replaced.
- A 204 meters long bridge in Haa along the Damchu-Haa road collapsed in February 2021, leaving 3 workers dead and 6 missing. The bridge was handed over to Project DANTAK by the contractor.
- The project has faced criticisms for its approach to hiring practices and labor management.
Major projects undertaken
- Paro Airport: Built in 1968 as an airstrip for on-call helicopter services for the Indian Armed Forces. Now used as an international airport.
- Yonphula Airfield: Domestic Airport in Bhutan
- Thimphu – Trashigang Highway: Major Highway in Bhutan
- Damchu-Chukha Road: Major Road in Bhutan
- India House Estate: The Indian Embassy in Bhutan.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Respiratory Syncytial Virus, F Protein
Mains level: NA
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first vaccine ‘Arexvy’ for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to lower respiratory tract disease in people older than 60 years.
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus?
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause illness in people of all ages.
- It is the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children, and it can also affect older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
- RSV is highly contagious and spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching one’s face.
- Symptoms of RSV can range from mild to severe, including runny nose, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing, and difficulty breathing.
- In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia, bronchiolitis, or death.
Identification of Protein F
- In 2013, Barney Graham and other scientists identified the key protein, protein F, responsible for the RSV virus to infect human cells.
- The protein, introduced in humans, elicited neutralizing antibodies against the virus.
Approval and Efficacy of Arexvy
- The FDA has approved Arexvy, the first RSV vaccine to be approved anywhere in the world, manufactured by GSK.
- The approval was based on a phase-3 trial carried out on nearly 25,000 participants.
- It showed a single dose of the vaccine reduced the risk of developing lower respiratory tract disease caused by the RSV virus by 82.6% and severe disease by 94.1% in people older than 60 years.
- The vaccine will be available for older adults in the U.S. before the 2023-2024 RSV season.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Molecular Motor
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea: Researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences have discovered a new kind of molecular motor that has potential applications in biology and medicine.
What is a molecular motor?
- Cells use molecular motors to move things like organelles and molecules, and disruption of these processes can lead to diseases.
- Molecular motors use biochemical energy to do mechanical work.
What did the new study find?
- The study found that EEA1, a long protein, can regain its rigid shape to create a new kind of two-part molecular motor.
- EEA1 regains its rigid shape through a reaction called GTP hydrolysis, mediated by enzymes called GTPases.
- The researchers believe this could mark a new class of molecular machines that operate as motors in a unique way with novel collective effects.
Why is the finding significant?
- The motor is different from most motors because it doesn’t produce a lever-like back-and-forth action and it uses GTP instead of ATP (Adenosine Tri Phosphate) for energy.
- EEA1 exerts an entropic force on the membranes that it pulls, which is a unique feature.
- The finding could have potential applications for understanding membrane fusion and for many other mechanochemical proteins or assemblies.
What are the potential applications?
- The discovery of the molecular motor could have potential applications in biology and medicine.
- The study provides a general mechanism that is applicable to many mechanochemical proteins or assemblies that harness chemical energy for mechanical work in cells.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) , Navratna status
Mains level: Public Sector Enterprises
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) was recently granted Navratna status by the Ministry of Railways.
About RVNL
- RVNL was incorporated in 2003 with the aim of implementing rail infrastructure projects quickly and raising extra budgetary resources for SPV projects.
- The company started operating in 2005 after the appointment of its board of directors.
- RVNL was granted Mini-Ratna status in 2013.
RVNL’s functions
- RVNL has been assigned to undertake project development and execution of works covering the full project lifecycle.
- The company will create project-specific SPVs for individual works if required.
- RVNL will hand over completed railway projects to the concerned zonal railway for operation and maintenance.
Major projects undertaken
RVNL has implemented various projects in the rail sector, including:
- Doubling and electrification of existing lines
- Construction of new lines
- Gauge conversion projects.
Navratna status and its benefits
- Navratna’s status will give RVNL more operational freedom and financial autonomy.
- Enhanced delegation of powers will also be granted to the company.
- Navratna’s status will be a huge boost to RVNL’s progress.
- This status will be especially beneficial for the company as it expands its operations beyond the railway’s sector and into international projects.
Back2Basics: Central Public Sector Enterprises
- The Government runs the CPSEs under the Department of Public Enterprises of Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.
- The government grants them the status of Navratna, Miniratna and Maharatna based upon the profit made by these CPSEs.
- The Maharatna category has been the most recent one since 2009, other two have been in function since 1997.
| |
Maharatna |
Navratna |
Miniratna Category-I |
Miniratna Category-II |
| Eligibility |
Net profit of ₹2,500 crore per annum OR
Net worth of ₹10,000 crore for 3 yrs. |
Score of 60 based on financial parameters AND be a Miniratna with 4 independent directors
Net profit of ₹30 crore per annum for last 3 years |
Net profit of ₹30 crore per annum OR |
Positive net worth and profit for last 3 years |
| Benefits for investment |
₹1,000-5,000 crore or 15% of net worth |
Up to ₹1,000 crore or 15% of net worth on a project OR 30% of net worth per annum |
Up to ₹500 crore or net worth, whichever is lower |
Up to ₹300 crore or 50% of net worth, whichever is lower |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: All India Radio
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The Centre has ordered that public broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) be exclusively referred to as Akashvani in all broadcasts and programmes.
All India Radio: Through history
- The journey of radio broadcasting in India began with the first commercial transmission sent out by the Radio Club of Bombay in 1923.
- In 1927, the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was established and in 1930, the Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS) was set up.
- In 1936, ISBS was renamed as All India Radio (AIR).
- At the time of Independence, AIR covered only two percent of India’s land area and reached just 11 percent of its population.
- Today, AIR has a network of over 262 radio stations, covering 92% of India’s area and nearly all of its population.
- It broadcasts in 23 languages and 146 dialects and also has an External Services Division which broadcasts in 11 Indian and 16 foreign languages, reaching out to more than 100 countries.
- AIR’s News Services Division broadcasts 647 bulletins daily for a total duration of nearly 56 hours.
- FM broadcasting began in 1977 in Chennai and today, AIR has 18 FM stereo channels.
Why the name change?
- The order to exclusively refer to AIR as Akashvani is in line with the provisions of the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990, passed by Parliament.
- Listeners have more of a connect with Akashvani and that the name change is in tune with the law which came into being in 1997.
Importance of AIR
- AIR played a crucial role in communicating momentous events in India’s recent history, prior to the advent of television or digital media.
- AIR’s place in history is cemented due to its role in broadcasting Jawaharlal Nehru’s iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech in 1947 and Kapil Dev’s mythical 175 run knock in 1983, among other events.
- For many Indians, the Akashvani jingle evokes nostalgia and memories of a bygone era when they woke up to the sounds of the jingle at the break of dawn and started their day with AIR programming.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Clearing Corporations
Mains level: NA
Central Idea
- The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has de-recognised 6 clearing corporations in India as Third Country Central Counterparty (TC-CCP) with effect from April 30.
- However, it allowed European banks to continue business with them till April 2023 without penal consequences.
What are Clearing Corporations?
- Clearing corporations, also known as central counterparties (CCPs), are financial institutions that act as intermediaries between buyers and sellers in financial markets.
- They help to manage the risk of default by ensuring that each party involved in a trade has the necessary funds or securities to fulfil their obligations.
- Clearing corporations also ensure that trades are settled in a timely and efficient manner.
- In the context of this article, clearing corporations refer to those involved in the clearing and settlement of trades in India’s cash and derivatives market.
Decisions by ESMA
- ESMA has withdrawn recognition of six Indian clearing corporations including- CCIL, Indian Clearing Corporation Ltd, NSE Clearing Ltd, Multi Commodity Exchange Clearing, India International Clearing Corporation, and NSE IFSC Clearing Corporation.
- ESMA asked Indian regulators to sign an agreement to give it the power to monitor and supervise the clearing corporations.
- Indian regulators refused to give supervisory power to foreign entities in Indian clearing corporations.
- ESMA recognised these clearing corporations as Third Country Central Counterparty (TC-CCP) in the EU region.
India’s rebuttal
- ESMA had asked the RBI and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to sign an agreement giving it the power to monitor and supervise the clearing corporations.
- Indian regulators did not agree to give supervisory power to a foreign entity on Indian clearing corporations.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Cantonments
Mains level: ULBs in India
Central Idea: The Union government has kicked off a plan to abolish the 62 cantonments around the country as “archaic colonial legacies”. The first cantonment to be renamed a military station is Yol in Himachal Pradesh.
What is the plan?
- The plan is to carve out the military areas in all cantonments and convert them into “exclusive military stations” with the Army exercising “absolute control” over them.
- The civilian areas, in turn, will be merged with the local municipalities, which will be responsible for their maintenance among other things.
- The Army moved away from the concept of cantonments after independence, mainly due to the friction between military and civilian authorities.
- But some major cantonments continued to exist. Ex. Pune Cantonment, Agra Cantonment etc.
What are Cantonments?
- Cantonments in India are permanent military stations where a group of military personnel are stationed for administrative purposes.
- These cantonments are governed by the Cantonments Act, 2006 which provides for municipal administration and control of these areas.
- There are 62 cantonments in India which are located in various states across the country.
- These areas are maintained by the Defence Estates Organization (DEO) under the Ministry of Defence, and are distinct from military bases or barracks which are temporary locations for military personnel.
- Cantonments are generally considered to be areas with better infrastructure and facilities compared to other parts of the country.
Their features
- Cantonment Boards are democratic bodies comprising elected and nominated members.
- In terms of Entry 3 of the Union List (Schedule VII) of the Constitution of India, Urban Self Governance of the Cantonments and the Housing Accommodation therein is the subject matter of the Union.
- The Station Commander of the Cantonment is the ex-officio President of the Board, and an officer of the IDES or Defence Estates Organisation is the Chief Executive Officer who is also the Member-Secretary of the Board.
- They have equal representation of elected and nominated/ex-officio members to balance official representation with democratic composition.
- They maintain ecological balance while providing better civic facilities to the residents.
History of establishments
- The Cantonments Act, 1924 was enacted by the British to regulate the municipal administration of Cantonments.
- After India’s independence, the Cantonments Act, 1924, was modified to suit the democratic setup of the country.
- The Cantonments Act, 2006, replaced the Cantonments Act, 1924, and aims to provide greater autonomy and accountability to the Cantonment Boards.
Categories
There are four categories of Cantonments, depending on the size of the population residing inside a Cantonment:
- Category I: Cantonments having a population of more than 50,000.
- Category II: Cantonments having a population of 10,000 to 50,000.
- Category III: Cantonments having a population of less than 10,000.
- Category IV: Industrial or training Cantonments, irrespective of their population size.
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