Distribution: weekly

Vibrant Villages Programme Gets An Upgrade
Central Idea
- The Indian government has recently announced a significant allocation of funds to improve infrastructure and living conditions in villages along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Under a “Vibrant Villages” programme, the government will spend Rs 4,800 crore for infrastructure development and to provide livelihood opportunities in the areas bordering China.
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What is Vibrant Villages Programme?
- Improve infrastructure in villages along India’s border with China: The Vibrant Villages program is a government initiative aimed at improving infrastructure and creating job opportunities in villages situated along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.
- Overview: The program involves a significant allocation of funds, i.e., Rs 4,800 crore, to upgrade 633 villages situated in five states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Union Territory of Ladakh. Under the programme, residential and tourist centres will be constructed.
- Objectives of the program: The program aims to enhance the living conditions of the people residing in the border areas and improve the security situation along the LAC with China.
- Expected Benefits: The Vibrant Villages program aims to provide better facilities like schools, 24×7 electricity, and more 4G telecommunication towers in the border areas to match what is available in settlements across the LAC.
- Strategy to enhance security: The Vibrant Villages program is part of the broader Indian government strategy to enhance security along the border with China. The investment in developing infrastructure and creating job opportunities is a crucial step towards improving the living conditions of the people in the border areas and enhancing the security situation along the LAC with China.
- Program is modelled after Chinese actions on LAC: The program is modelled after the Chinese military and civilian authorities’ actions on their side of the LAC to build permanent population settlements along the border.
What is the upgraded plan?
- Over a third of allocation towards road infrastructure in border areas: The plan is to upgrade 633 villages in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Ladakh. Over a third of the allocation will go towards road building in the border areas. A new 4.1 km all-weather tunnel will connect Himachal Pradesh to Ladakh making troops movement easier.
- Sports and tourism for livelihood opportunities: Tourism and sporting activities are being planned in these areas to provide livelihood opportunities for local people.
- New battalions of ITBP to deploy on border: Further, the government will spend Rs 1,800 crore to raise seven new battalions of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) that means 9,000 personnel chiefly deployed along India’s borders with China alongside the Army.
What are the concerns for India?
- National Security: India has long been concerned about China’s territorial claims and military build-up in the region. The development of Chinese villages along the LAC is viewed by India as a part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the region, which could pose a threat to India’s national security.
- Military and Strategic Concerns: India is concerned that the villages built by China along the LAC have a dual purpose, i.e., they serve as civilian settlements as well as military outposts. These villages, therefore, give China an edge in terms of strategic advantage and troop deployment in the region.
- Incursions and Border Disputes: China has been carrying out frequent incursions into Indian territory in the region, leading to increased tensions between the two countries. The development of Chinese villages along the LAC raises concerns that these could be used as bases for future incursions into Indian territory.
- Environmental and Ecological Concerns: India has expressed concerns over the environmental impact of China’s development of villages along the LAC, as these areas are ecologically sensitive and prone to landslides, flash floods, and earthquakes. The construction of infrastructure such as roads, tunnels, and buildings can have a severe impact on the environment and ecosystem of the region.
What are the challenges for developing villages along the LAC?
- Harsh Terrains: The areas along the LAC are characterized by high-altitude terrain, rugged mountains, and harsh weather conditions. These factors pose significant challenges to the construction of infrastructure and provision of services in these regions.
- Security Concerns: The LAC border region has been the site of numerous border disputes and conflicts between India and China. Developing villages in this region requires addressing security concerns to ensure the safety of local people and government infrastructure.
- Environmental Impact: The development of infrastructure and facilities in the border regions could have an adverse impact on the environment, including the degradation of natural habitats and the loss of biodiversity. Mitigating these impacts is necessary for sustainable development in these regions.
- Cooperation from Local Communities: The success of the Vibrant Villages program depends on the cooperation of local communities in the border regions. Building trust and collaboration with these communities is crucial to the program’s success.
Conclusion
- China’s incursion in Arunachal Pradesh highlights the present danger that India faces along the LAC with China. India can no longer afford to waste time as the PLA determines when and where to inflict harm on the country. Developing infrastructure and building vibrant villages is an essential step towards enhancing security and better living conditions in the border areas. Steps taken so far in the right direction however, India requires a more comprehensive defence strategy with an all-of-government approach to ensure its territorial integrity.
Mains question

Q. What is Vibrant Villages Programme? Discuss the challenges for developing villages along the LAC?

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February 17, 2023

Amendments to Organ Transplant Rules

In a major tweak to the organ donation policy, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that the clause that people beyond 65 years could not receive cadaver organ transplants had been removed.

What are the changes introduced?

(1) No Age Bar

Now an individual of any age can register for organ transplant.
People beyond 65 years in need of an organ donation will also be eligible to get one.
The government has decided to do away with a clause in the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) guidelines as the clause violates the Right to Life.

(2) Doing away with domicile compulsion

Earlier an organ recipient could register for a prospective transplant in domicile State.
States like Gujarat had made it mandatory for registered patients to furnish a domicile certificate to be eligible for a transplant.
In November last year, the Gujarat High Court quashed the discriminatory policy of the State government.

Organ transplant in India: Key statistics

According to data accessed from the Health Ministry, the number of organ transplants have increased by over three times from 4,990 in 2013 to 15,561 in 2022.
Of the 15,561 transplants, a majority — 12,791 (82%) — are from live donors and 2,765 (18%) are from cadavers (the dead).
Up to 11,423 of the 15,561 organ transplants are for the kidney, followed by liver (766), heart (250), lung (138), pancreas (24) and small bowel transplants (3).
Most of these transplants occur in private hospitals, the numbers in government hospitals are relatively lower.

Challenges to Organ Donation in India

Lack of awareness: There is a lack of awareness among the general public about the importance of organ donation, the legal framework governing it, and the procedures involved. This can limit the number of potential donors.
Cultural beliefs and superstitions: In India, there are several cultural beliefs and superstitions that discourage organ donation. Some people believe that organ donation is against religious beliefs, or that it can impact the soul or afterlife.
Lack of infrastructure: India faces a shortage of hospitals and medical facilities that are equipped to handle organ transplantation. This can limit the availability of organs for transplantation.
Regulatory bottlenecks: While the legal framework exists, there is a lack of implementation and enforcement of the law. This can lead to issues such as organ trafficking and black market activities.

Way ahead

To address these challenges, the government and other stakeholders are working to raise awareness, improve infrastructure, and strengthen the legal framework governing organ donation.
Campaigns and initiatives are being undertaken to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of organ donation, and to dispel myths and misconceptions.
Efforts are also being made to improve the infrastructure and facilities for organ transplantation, and to enhance the regulatory framework to prevent illegal activities.
These steps are aimed at promoting organ donation and increasing the availability of organs for transplantation, which can save lives and improve the quality of life for many people in India.

About National Organ Transplant Programme (NOTP)

In 2019, the GoI implemented the NOTP for promoting deceased organ donation.
Organ donation in India is regulated by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994.

Types of Organ Donations

The law allows both deceased and living donors to donate their organs.
It also identifies brain death as a form of death.
Living donors must be over 18 years of age and are limited to donating only to their immediate blood relatives or, in some special cases, out of affection and attachment towards the recipient.

(1) Deceased donors:

They may donate six life-saving organs: kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, pancreas, and intestine.
Uterus transplant is also performed, but it is not regarded as a life-saving organ.
Organs and tissues from a person declared legally dead can be donated after consent from the family has been obtained.
Brainstem death is also recognized as a form of death in India, as in many other countries.
After a natural cardiac death, organs that can be donated are cornea, bone, skin, and blood vessels, whereas after brainstem death about 37 different organs and tissues can be donated, including the above six life-saving organs

(2) Living donors:

They are permitted to donate the following:

one of their kidneys
portion of pancreas
part of the liver

Features of the NOTP

Under the NOTP a National Level Tissue Bank (Biomaterial Centre) for storing tissues has been established at National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO), New Delhi.
Further, under the NOTP, a provision has also been made for providing financial support to the States for setting up of Bio- material centre.
As of now a Regional Bio-material centre has been established at Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (ROTTO), Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Back2Basics: National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO)

NOTTO is a national-level organization set up under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

1. National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network

2. National Biomaterial Centre (National Tissue Bank)

[I] National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network

This has been mandated as per the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011.
The network will be established initially for Delhi and gradually expanded to include other States and Regions of the country.
Thus, this division of the NOTTO is the nodal networking agency for Delhi and shall network for the Procurement Allocation and Distribution of Organs and Tissues in Delhi.
It functions as apex centre for All India activities of coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of Organs and Tissues and registry of Organs and Tissues Donation and Transplantation in the country.

[II] National Biomaterial Centre (National Tissue Bank)

The Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011 has included the component of tissue donation and registration of tissue Banks.
It becomes imperative under the changed circumstances to establish National level Tissue Bank to fulfil the demands of tissue transplantation including activities for procurement, storage and fulfil distribution of biomaterials.
The main thrust & objective of establishing the centre is to fill up the gap between ‘Demand’ and ‘Supply’ as well as ‘Quality Assurance’ in the availability of various tissues.

The centre will take care of the following Tissue allografts:

1. Bone and bone products

2. Skin graft

3. Cornea

4. Heart valves and vessels

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February 17, 2023

Latest spike in Inflation and RBI’s efforts
Central Idea
- India’s post-pandemic economic recovery has hit a roadblock with the resurgence of inflation, hindering progress despite three consecutive months of softening. Recent significant spike in inflation, leading the Reserve Bank of India to adopt an inflation-targeting stance by raising interest rates. However, the battle to curb inflation is still ongoing, and the latest data raises doubts about whether the RBI’s efforts are sufficient.
What is Inflation?
- Inflation is an increase in the level of prices of the goods and services that households buy. It is measured as the rate of change of those prices.
- Typically, prices rise over time, but prices can also fall (a situation called deflation).
Consumer Price Index (CPI)
- CPI is used to monitor changes in the cost of living over time.
- When the CPI rises, the average Indian family has to spend more on goods and services to maintain the same standard of living.
- The economic term used to define such a rising prices of goods and services is Inflation.
Inflation outlook
- RBI’s Inflation target: The inflation targeting framework mandates the RBI to achieve a CPI consumer price index inflation target of 4 per cent.
- Inflation during the pandemic was still within the target band: During the pandemic period of March 2020 to September 2021, CPI inflation averaged 5.9 per cent. This was higher than the point target of 4 per cent but still within the inflation targeting band of 2-6 per cent.
- Inflation outlook has been worsening: In 2022, CPI inflation was above the upper threshold of the RBI’s targeting band for 10 consecutive months, which meant the target was not achieved for three quarters in a row.
- Optimism that the Inflation began softening: By December 2022, CPI inflation was down to 5.7 per cent. This led many to believe that the inflation peak had passed, and that inflation was on its way to the official target.
- This optimism was misplaced: Underlying inflationary pressures still persist. The softening of inflation in November and December 2022 was largely driven by a steep fall in vegetable prices. Excluding vegetables, CPI inflation was in fact more than 7 per cent.
- The misplaced optimism has now become evident: The January 2023 CPI inflation came out to be 6.5 per cent, once again crossing the upper threshold of the RBI’s inflation targeting band.
Back to basics: Core Inflation
- The core inflation rate measures rising prices in everything except food and energy.
- That’s because gas prices tend to escalate now and then. Higher gas costs increase the price of food and anything else that has large transportation costs.
What contributed to the latest spike in inflation?
- Rise in food prices: With food accounting for 46 per cent of the overall CPI basket, a rise in food inflation from roughly 4 per cent in December 2022 to almost 6 per cent in January 2023 has played an important role in overall inflation going up.
- Cereal inflation is soaring high: Within food, one component that has proved rather stubborn is cereal inflation. Between May and December 2022, year-on-year cereal inflation nearly doubled from 5 per cent to 14 per cent. In January 2023, this increased to 16 per cent. Within cereals, inflation in wheat has been steadily going up. Between May and December 2022, wheat inflation increased from 9 per cent to 22 per cent. It increased even further to 25 per cent in January 2023.
- The steep rise in wheat prices reflects shortages: Data from the Food Corporation of India shows that stocks in government warehouses declined. The government has recently approved a release of three million tonnes in the open market. However, this is insufficient to restore market supplies.
- Persistently high core inflation: Second, core (non-food, non-fuel) inflation in January came out to be 6.2 percent. This is consistent with the unyielding core inflation of 6 per cent for nearly three years now. A persistently high core inflation implies that price pressures have become entrenched in the system.
- External factors also play a role: Inflation in developed countries continues to be high (6.4 per cent in the US; 8.5 per cent in the EU; 10.5 per cent in the UK). India is importing some of this elevated inflation through international trade in goods and services. Moreover, with China gradually opening up its economy after nearly three years of zero-Covid restrictions, commodity prices are likely to go up, which could exert renewed pressures on India’s inflation.
What have the policymakers been doing to address the inflationary concerns?
- The government has done its bit by announcing a conservative Union budget for 2023-24: It has accorded primacy to much needed fiscal consolidation, and has refrained from announcing populist measures that could have arguably fuelled demand, and hence inflation.
- The RBI has been doing its job as well: It increased the policy repo rate from a pandemic low of 4 per cent to 6.5 per cent in a span of 10 months. Unlike last year, when despite rising inflation, the monetary policy statements did not contain any forward guidance, the RBI, in its February 2023 statement, emphasised the importance to remain alert on inflation, thereby hinting that the monetary tightening cycle is not over yet.
Conclusion
- Inflation has been a challenge for India’s economy post-pandemic, despite the RBI’s attempt to control it by raising interest rates. A credible glide path to bring inflation down is essential today.
Mains question

Q. Despite of RBI’s efforts there is significant spike in inflation In India. Discuss the factors that contributed to the latest spike in inflation in India and what are the policymakers doing to address inflationary concerns?

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February 16, 2023
Startup20 Engagement Group On India’s Proposal
“A small group of determined and like-minded people can change the course of history.”-M.K. Gandhi

Central Idea
- By agreeing to India’s proposal to create the Startup20 Engagement Group, the only new group by which G20 has turned itself into an ambidextrous institution, one where both large corporations and startups have an equal voice in taking the economies forward. In the new architecture, while the existing B20 Engagement Group continues its focus on corporations, the Startup20 takes on the policy issues concerning the global startup ecosystem, with the necessary linkages between the two groups.
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What is meant by ambidexterity?
- Ambidexterity is the ability to use both hands with equal skill and ease.
- In the context of organizations, it is the ability to simultaneously pursue both exploratory and exploitative strategies. This means being able to balance the need for innovation and new opportunities with the need for efficiency and optimization of current operations.
- For example, Indian IT services companies like TCS and Infosys are investing in areas like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the IoT, even as they continue to deliver traditional IT services to their clients.
What is B20 Engagement Group?
- Official G20 dialogue forum representing the global business community: The B20 (Business 20) Engagement Group is a forum for international business leaders from the G20 countries.
- Established in 2010: It is among the most prominent Engagement Groups in G20, with companies and business organizations as participants.
- A single voice for the entire G20 business community: The B20 leads the process of galvanizing global business leaders for their views on issues of global economic and trade governance and speaks in a single voice for the entire G20 business community.
- Aim is to provide recommendations: The group’s aim is to provide recommendations to the G20 on issues such as economic growth, trade, investment, digitalization, sustainability, and job creation.
- Platform for different stakeholders: The B20 is one of several engagement groups, which also include groups representing civil society, labor, think tanks, and youth, that provide a platform for different stakeholders to share their views and insights with the G20.
- B20 Secretariat: Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has been designated as the Business 20 (B20) Secretariat for the India’s G20 Presidency.
What is Startup20?
- Initiated under India’s G20 Presidency: The Startup20 Engagement Group has been initiated under India’s G20 Presidency in 2023.
- Aims to support Startups: The group aims to create a global narrative for supporting startups and enabling synergies between startups, corporates, investors, innovation agencies and other key ecosystem stakeholders.
- Three taskforces: The engagement group comprises of three taskforces, namely Foundation & Alliance, Finance, and Inclusion & Sustainability, where delegates will come together to discuss efficient policy frameworks to promote scaling up of startups in the G20 nations.
How these taskforces will work?
1. Foundation and Alliances Taskforce:
- Promotes consensus-based ecosystem: The Foundation and Alliances Taskforce will work to harmonize the global Startup ecosystem through consensus-based definitions and promote a global community of knowledge sharing among the Startup ecosystems to explore opportunities.
- Help to bridge the knowledge gaps: It will also bridge the knowledge gap between the Startup ecosystems of G20 member countries and emerging economies through partnerships to enable more industry players across G20 nations to work with Startups and concrete solutions.
- To create supportive policies and point of contact: It will aim to create supportive policies for industry players and government organizations to work with Startups and provide points of contact for the participating G20 countries sustained collaboration.
1. The Finance Taskforce:
- To provide financing and investment platforms: The finance taskforce will aim to increase access to capital for Startups by providing financing and investment platforms specifically for early-stage Startups to broaden the array of financial instruments available to Startups.
- Networking opportunities: It will also create pitching and networking opportunities for Startups with the global investor community.
- Best practices for funding ecosystem: It will work to provide a framework built upon best practices for global investors to fund Startups across G20 member nations, helping build suggestive frameworks that could be implemented in emerging ecosystems for building investment capabilities.
1. Taskforce for Inclusion and Sustainability
- Women led startups and community inclusive: For Inclusion and Sustainability, the roadmap involves increasing support for women led Startups and organizations; promotion of Startups working on making communities more inclusive and to promote Startups working on SDGs in areas of global interest.
- Encouraging investors to invest in startups built upon sustainable practices: This Task Force aims to enable more investors to invest responsibly in Startups built upon sustainable practices and to encourage mentorship support to the Startup ecosystems of the G20 member countries and emerging economies.
Conclusion
- Some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today require innovative solutions at scale. The need for solutions to global problems such as climate change, food security, and energy security is urgent. However, by leveraging global ambidexterity and taking advantage of the G20’s new architecture of B20 and Startup20, we can be optimistic about our ability to systematically solve these problems. With deliberate efforts and focused action, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.
Mains question

Q. What is Startup20 engagement group initiated under India’s G20 presidency? How this framework will work to boost startup ecosystem globally?

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February 16, 2023
Industry pushes separate Ministry for Microenterprises
Central Idea: The Consortium of Indian Associations (CIA) has suggested the formation of an independent ministry for the self-employed and microenterprises to address specific issues concerning the sector.

Why demand for new Ministry?
- Micro entrepreneurs continue to be governed by complicated and outdated laws and dispensable compliance burdens.
- Despite the government’s efforts, MSMEs in India face several challenges such as access to finance, lack of skilled labor, and inadequate infrastructure.
- New ministry might help in providing different types of support and benefits from the government, such as access to credit, subsidies, and tax exemptions.
What are Microenterprises?
- Microenterprises are small businesses that typically have a small number of employees, limited assets, and low levels of annual turnover or revenue.
- The term “microenterprise” is often used interchangeably with “microbusiness” or “micro firm.”
- Microenterprises can be found in a wide range of sectors, including retail, manufacturing, and services.
- Examples of microenterprises include small retail shops, food stalls, street vendors, small manufacturing units, and service providers such as plumbers, electricians, and small-scale service providers.
Features of Microenterprises
- In general, microenterprises are considered the smallest type of business.
- They are typically characterized by their low capital investment and simple production processes.
- These businesses are often started by entrepreneurs who are seeking self-employment and a means to earn a livelihood.
Why are they important?
- Employability: Microenterprises are an important part of many economies, especially in developing countries, where they can provide vital employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.
- Scale of business: Such enterprises have huge potential of business penetration at household and domestic level by providing a range of services.
Microenterprises in India
- According to the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), there are approximately 6.3 crore (63 million) MSMEs in India, which employ around 11 crore (110 million) people.
- In India, MSMEs are classified based on their investment in plant and machinery or equipment, as well as their annual turnover.
- The classification of MSMEs is as follows:
1. Micro Enterprises: Micro enterprises are the smallest type of enterprises and have a lower investment limit than the other two categories. For manufacturing enterprises, the investment limit is up to Rs. 1 crore in plant and machinery, while for service enterprises, the investment limit is up to Rs. 50 lakh. The turnover limit for both types of enterprises is up to Rs. 5 crore.
2. Small Enterprises: Small enterprises are those that have an investment in plant and machinery or equipment between Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 10 crore. For service enterprises, the investment limit is between Rs. 50 lakh to Rs. 2 crore. The turnover limit for both types of enterprises is between Rs. 5 crore to Rs. 50 crore.
3. Medium Enterprises: Medium enterprises have a higher investment limit than small enterprises. For manufacturing enterprises, the investment limit is between Rs. 10 crore to Rs. 50 crore, while for service enterprises, the investment limit is between Rs. 2 crore to Rs. 5 crore. The turnover limit for both types of enterprises is between Rs. 50 crore to Rs. 250 crore.
Various initiatives

The government of India has taken several initiatives to support the growth of MSMEs in the country, such as:
- Udyam Portal: The government has introduced a new registration process called Udyam Registration to make it easier for MSMEs to register and avail of various government schemes and benefits.
- Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme: The Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme provides collateral-free loans to MSMEs from banks and other financial institutions.
- Cluster Development Programme: The government has launched the Cluster Development Programme to enhance the competitiveness of MSMEs by providing support for infrastructure, technology, and marketing.
- National SC-ST Hub: The National SC-ST Hub aims to promote entrepreneurship among Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes by providing support for capacity building, market linkages, and access to finance.
- Technology Upgradation: The government provides financial support to MSMEs for technology upgradation through various schemes such as the Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme and the Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme.
Way forward

If the govt. is to consider creating a separate ministry for microenterprises, there are several steps that could be taken to ensure its effectiveness:
- Defining clear objectives: This should be based on a thorough understanding of the challenges faced by microenterprises and the opportunities available to them.
- Coordination with other ministries: The new ministry should coordinate with other ministries to ensure that the policies and initiatives developed are aligned with the broader economic and social objectives of the government.
- Developing policies and initiatives: The ministry should develop policies and initiatives that address the specific needs of microenterprises in India such as access to finance, technology, and markets.
- Strengthening institutional capacity: The ministry should have a strong institutional capacity to implement policies and initiatives effectively. This could involve recruiting experts in the field of microenterprises and strengthening the capacity of existing institutions.
- Creating awareness: The ministry should create awareness among microenterprises about the support and services available to them. This could involve organizing workshops and training programs, as well as leveraging digital platforms to disseminate information.
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February 16, 2023
Thwaites glacier at mercy of sea warmth increase
The new research suggests that even low amounts of melting can potentially push Thwaites glacier further along the path toward eventual disappearance.

Thwaites Glacier
- Called the Thwaites Glacier, it is 120 km wide at its broadest, fast-moving, and melting fast over the years.
- Because of its size (1.9 lakh square km), it contains enough water to raise the world sea level by more than half a meter.
- Studies have found the amount of ice flowing out of it has nearly doubled over the past 30 years.
- Thwaites’s melting already contributes 4% to global sea-level rise each year. It is estimated that it would collapse into the sea in 200-900 years.
- Thwaites is important for Antarctica as it slows the ice behind it from freely flowing into the ocean. Because of the risk it faces — and poses — Thwaites is often called the Doomsday Glacier.
How is Thwaites glacier melting?
- Thwaites Glacier is melting due to a combination of warming ocean currents and a weakening of the ice shelf that acts as a barrier between the glacier and the ocean.
- The cause of the melting is thought to be the influx of relatively warm bottom water drawn in from the wider ocean.
- In the 1990s it was losing just over 10 billion tonnes of ice a year. Today, it’s more like 80 billion tonnes.
Why is this glacier so important?
- Huge size: Flowing off the west of the Antarctic continent, Thwaites is almost as big as Great Britain. It is one of the largest and most important glaciers in Antarctica, as it acts as a gateway to a vast area of the continent.
- Melting faster: It’s a majestic sight, with its buoyant front, or “ice shelf”, pushing far out to sea and kicking off huge icebergs. But satellite monitoring indicates this glacier is melting at an accelerating rate.
- Seal level rise: Thwaites’ ice loss contributes approximately 4% to the annual rise in global sea-levels, with the potential to add 65cm in total should the whole glacier collapse. Its melting could also destabilize the entire West Antarctic Ice Sheet, leading to a further rise in sea levels.
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February 16, 2023
Ring around a dwarf planet lies in Roche Limit: What it means, why it matters
Central idea: A new study shows that a dwarf planet, named Quaoar, has a ring system that exists within its Roche limit.

What is the news?
- Astronomers have found a ring around a dwarf planet, located in the Kuiper Belt at the solar system’s edge, called Quaoar, according to a new study.
- The ring, however, is positioned much further away from the planet than is usual and defies theoretical explanations.
About Quaoar
- With an estimated radius of 555 km, Quaoar is roughly half the size of Pluto and orbits beyond Neptune.
- It also has a moon of its own, which is known as Weywot.
- As the dwarf planet is too small and too distant to be observed directly, the researchers detected the ring with the help of a phenomenon called stellar occultation.
How was the ring discovered?
- A stellar occultation occurs when, as seen from Earth, a bright star passes behind a planet.
- This allows astronomers or anybody on Earth to observe the sharp silhouette of the planet for a brief period of time.
- The phenomenon, which rarely occurs, is used by researchers to analyze a planet’s atmosphere and determine if it has a ring around it — in 1977, scientists discovered the Uranian ring system with the help of stellar occultation.
What is the Roche limit?
- The most intriguing part of the findings is the distance between Quaoar and its ring.
- Located 2,500 miles away from the dwarf planet, the ring is around 1,400 miles further away from the Roche limit, as per the calculations of the scientists.
- It suggests that at such a distance, the particles of the ring should have come together to form a moon.
- For a further understanding of the Roche limit, let’s look at the Earth and the moon. The Earth’s gravity pulls on the moon.
- However, one side of the moon is closer to the planet and hence, the pull is stronger on the side facing the Earth.
- The result is the so-called tidal force, which either stretches or compresses the moon from all sides.
What is the reason behind Quaoar’s far-out ring?
- As of now, nobody exactly knows how Quaoar’s ring has managed to remain stable at such a distance from the Roche limit.
- The researchers said that there can be a variety of possible explanations but they aren’t sure about any one of them.
- It might be possible that Quaoar’s moon, Weywot, or some other unseen moon contributes gravity that somehow holds the ring stable.
- Another potential explanation can be that the particles of the ring are colliding with each other in such a way that they are avoiding to coalesce into a moon.
Try this MCQ:

Q.What is the Roche limit?

A) The distance from a planet where its gravity is balanced by the gravitational force of another celestial body

B) The minimum distance from a planet that a moon can orbit without being pulled apart by tidal forces

C) The distance from the sun at which a planet can have a stable orbit

D) The distance from the earth where meteoroids burn up upon entering the atmosphere

[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”xg9sjvh66m” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

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February 16, 2023
Folk dance in news: Lavani
Central idea: The article is based on the controversy surrounding the Maharashtra folk dance form, Lavani, which has come under criticism for being ‘vulgar’ and ‘obscene’.

What is the Lavani folk art form?
- The word Lavani comes from ‘lavanya’ or beauty.
- Lavani is a traditional folk art form in which women dancers wearing nine-yard-long sarees in bright colours, make-up, and ghunghroos perform on dholak beats on a stage before a live audience.
- As an indigenous art form, Lavani has a history going back several centuries, and it attained particular popularity in the Peshwa era in the 18th century.
- Traditionally, performances were held in front of kings or lords, and for the entertainment of tired soldiers resting during breaks in fighting.
Genres of Lavani
- There are several types of Lavani, of which the most popular is the Shringarik (erotic) kind, in which the lyrics are often teasing, with sensuous dance steps and delicate gestures employed to convey erotic meaning.
- Over the years, Lavani has gained more acceptability among the people, even though certain taboos around it continue.
- The audience has historically been all-male, but in recent years, some women too have begun to attend performances.
Why is it under fire these days?
- Lost its original form: Some also argue that the commercialization of Lavani has led to a loss of authenticity and cultural significance.
- Objectifying women: The criticism of Lavani dance centres on the traditional dance form’s alleged objectification and commodification of women’s bodies.
- Public obscenity: It has been accused of promoting obscenity and vulgarity and reinforcing patriarchal attitudes towards women.
- Communalizing/Stereotyping: Critics have also argued that the dance form perpetuates negative stereotypes of women from marginalized communities, such as the notion that Dalit women are “loose” or sexually promiscuous.
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February 16, 2023
Japan-India Combat Exercise and the Chinese Concerns
Central Idea
- Japan and India have launched their second Joint Air Defense Exercise called “Veer Guardian 2023” to conduct multi-domain air combat operations in a complex environment and deepen their mutual operational understanding while fostering closer defence cooperation. This increased military collaboration between Japan and India under US guidance in the Indo-Pacific is causing subdued panic among Chinese commentators.
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All you need to know about Veer Guardian 2023
- Bilateral exercise: Veer Guardian is a bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
- Fourth edition: The exercise took place at Hyakuri Air Base, near Tokyo in Japan in January 2023 and was the fourth edition of the Veer Guardian series.
- Participation: The IAF participated with six Sukhoi Su-30MKI multirole fighters and two C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, while the JASDF deployed six Mitsubishi F-2 fighters.
- The primary objectives of the exercise: To enhance interoperability between the two air forces, exchange best practices and operational experiences, and improve understanding of each other’s tactics and procedures.
- Drills: The exercise included various aerial manoeuvres, air combat scenarios, air-to-ground strikes, and close air support operations. The Indian side also participated in a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) drill, which involved the C-17 aircraft dropping relief supplies to a simulated disaster-hit area.
Japan-India collusion against China
- Japan’s Pursuit of Allies: Japan has been actively seeking allies to counterbalance China’s rise in the Indo-Pacific region. It has formed alliances with several countries, including the US, Germany, the UK, Australia, and India.
- Japan-India Security Cooperation: Japan and India have a reciprocal access agreement in place since 2020. They have regularly been conducting joint military exercises in naval, ground and air domains.
- Opportunities for India to gain experience: India, having faced a three-year-long border standoff with China, sees the joint air exercises with Japan as a rare opportunity to gain experience over the East China Sea. Therefore, the joint drill with Japan can become a stepping stone to future quadrilateral air exercises.
Why China is concerned about the increasing collaboration between Japan and India?
- Japan’s National Security Strategy: The NSS sees China as Japan’s biggest challenge ever seen and recommends a counter-strike capability by 2027.
- Japan’s strategy to counter China’s increasing influence in the Indo-Pacific region: The Chinese government believes that Japan is exaggerating the China Threat Theory as evidenced by Japan’s recently published National Security Strategy (NSS).
- Limiting Strategic manoeuvrability: A stronger India poses a major threat to China’s west while Japan in the east remains a major threat. As both India and Japan are significant players in the Asia-Pacific region, their collaboration could potentially limit China’s strategic maneuverability.
- Balance of power: Together, India and Japan can bring a paradigmatic shift in the region’s security. The increasing collaboration with India is one of the ways in which Japan is seeking to balance its power with China.
- Concern for national security: Moreover, China sees Japan’s recent efforts to court allies and introduce NATO forces in the Asia-Pacific region as potentially leading to a resurgence of Japan’s militarist past, which is a concern for China’s national security.
Conclusion
- In sum, the Japan-India joint air drill will impart crucial combat experience to both air forces. It will also further Japan’s approach to involve India deeper in the East Asian security architecture. However, for China, the air drill comes as an ominous portent for the future.
Mains question

Q. What is the significance of the Veer Guardian 2023 joint air exercise between India and Japan, and why is China concerned about the increasing collaboration between these two countries? Discuss

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February 15, 2023
Divyang friendly digital infrastructure in India
Central Idea
- The estimation in Census 2011, that 2.21% of India’s population is disabled is a gross underestimation. According to the World Health Organization, about 16% of the global population is disabled. While technology has enormous potential to level the playing field for the disabled, it can, at the same time, reinforce the barriers that the disabled otherwise face if it is not designed with their needs in mind.
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Smartphone users with disabilities in India
- It is difficult to determine the exact number of smartphone users with disabilities in India, as there is no specific data available on this.
- However, according to the 2011 Census of India, there are approximately 2.68 crore (26.8 million) people with disabilities in the country.
- India, it is reported, had 750 million Internet/smartphone users in 2020.
- Applying the 16% figure here, this works out to be roughly 120 million (12 crore) Internet/smartphone users with disabilities.
A Report on Accessibility of Apps
- Evaluation of the most widely used apps: A report that evaluates the accessibility of 10 of the most widely used apps in India, across five sectors. The apps were Zomato, Swiggy, PayTM, PhonePe, Amazon, Flipkart, Uber, Ola, WhatsApp and Telegram.
- Goal for launching this report is to start discussion on digital accessibility: 1. Objective assessment of the digital accessibility of the apps. 2. To work with these service providers and help them design practices and processes that will not only improve app accessibility but also educate their stakeholders about accessibility and people with disabilities.
- Findings of the report: Based on the number of violations, categories developed on the level of accessibility of the apps as high, medium and low. Report found that four out of the 10 apps ranked low, while five were in the medium category.
key efforts for Divyanga friendly digital infrastructure
- Guidelines for Indian Government Websites: The Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) has developed guidelines for making government websites accessible to people with disabilities. The guidelines cover various aspects of website design and development, such as colour contrast, keyboard accessibility, and assistive technology compatibility.
- Accessible India Campaign/ Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan: The Campaign was launched by the government in 2015 to make public spaces, including government buildings, transportation, and information and communication technologies (ICT), more accessible to people with disabilities.
- Bharat Interconnectivity Limited (BIL): BIL is a subsidiary of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) that provides accessible internet and telecom services to people with disabilities. It offers services such as audiobooks, sign language interpretation, and accessible websites and mobile applications.
- National Institute of Speech and Hearing (NISH): NISH is an autonomous institute under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It provides training and research in the field of speech and hearing disabilities and also offers services like audiobooks and accessible software.
- Making assistive technology more affordable and accessible: The government has also taken steps to make assistive technology more affordable and accessible to people with disabilities.
- For example: The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities provides financial assistance to purchase assistive devices and the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA) has been established to promote research and development of assistive technology.
Measures to improve the accessibility of digital services
- Promoting education and awareness: Steps must be taken to raise awareness about the needs and capabilities of people with disabilities. This could include providing training to developers and designers on how to create accessible digital products and services.
- Enforcing web accessibility standards: The government should ensure that all websites and mobile applications comply with web accessibility standards such as the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). This will make it easier for people with disabilities to access digital services.
- Encouraging inclusive design: Designing products and services that are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities, should be an essential part of the design process. Companies and developers should be encouraged to incorporate inclusive design principles into their products from the beginning.
- Conducting regular accessibility audits: Regular accessibility audits should be conducted to ensure that digital products and services are accessible to people with disabilities. This can help identify barriers and areas of improvement.
Conclusion
- Core to the project of securing a more disabled friendly digital ecosystem must be the conviction that, everything digital must be accessible to everyone. This starts with incorporating the principles of accessibility and inclusive design into every digital offering, right from inception. India needs to be truly accessible for all people with disabilities. Organisations, companies, civil society, the government and the courts must make this happen.
Mains question

Q. Discuss the efforts of the Indian government towards creating a Divyanga-friendly digital infrastructure and suggest measures to improve the accessibility of digital services.

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February 15, 2023