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  • [pib] 10 years of Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX)

    Why in the News?

    The Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX) at Delhi’s IGI Airport, has marked 10 years of pioneering research on dense winter fog in North India.

    [pib] 10 years of Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX)

    About Winter Fog Experiment (WiFEX):

    • Purpose: It is a long-term, open-field research project dedicated to studying winter fog—a major hazard in North India.
    • Launch: Initiated in 2015 at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.
    • Lead Institution: Managed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
    • Supporting Agencies: Supported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting.
    • Objective: To understand fog variability, dynamics, and microphysics, and to improve fog forecasting across the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

    Key Features:

    • Network: Began at Indira Gandhi International Airport; expanded to Jewar Airport (Noida) and Hisar (Haryana).
    • Instruments Used: Includes micrometeorology towers, ceilometers, and high-frequency sensors.
    • Data Collected: Covers temperature profiles, humidity, wind, turbulence, soil heat flux, and aerosol concentrations.
    • Scientific Goal: To model the full fog life cycle and develop operational forecasting systems.
    • Next Phase – WiFEX-II:
      • Will provide localized, runway-specific fog forecasts.
      • Will expand to more airports for real-time winter decision-making.

    Outcomes:

    • Forecasting Model: A high-resolution fog prediction model with 3-km resolution and 85% accuracy for very dense fog (visibility <200 metres).
    • Operational Benefits: Reduced flight delays and diversions; enhanced runway safety.
    • Research Insights: Clarified the role of air pollution, urban heat islands, and land-use changes in fog formation.
    • Significance:
      • Aviation Planning: Helps airlines, pilots, and passengers manage winter fog disruptions.
      • Science-Policy Link: Demonstrates successful collaboration between scientific institutions and public policy to address climate and aviation challenges.
    [UPSC 2014] Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among-

    Options: (a) NO2, O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight ** (b) CO2, O2, and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight (c) CO, CO2, and NO2 at low temperature (d) high concentration of NO2, O3 and CO in the evening

     

  • MiG-21s to retire by September

    MiG-21s to retire by September

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Air Force’s longest-serving combat aircraft, the Russian-origin MiG (Mikoyan and Gurevich)-21, is set to be phased out by September 2025.

    About MiG-21:

    • Type: Single-engine, single-seater, multi-role fighter and ground attack aircraft.
    • Origin: Originally inducted as an interceptor; later upgraded for multi-role capabilities.
    • Key Indian Variants: Type-77, Type-96, MiG-21 BIS and MiG-21 Bison (most advanced variant with upgraded radar, avionics, and missile systems).
    • Safety Concerns:
      • High accident rate, especially in recent decades.
      • Earned the nickname “flying coffin” due to frequent crashes and pilot fatalities.
    • Combat Features:
      • Performance: Known for high speed, agility, and rapid climb capability.
      • Armament: Capable of deploying both air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.
      • War Record: Played key roles in- 1965 War with Pakistan; 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War; 1999 Kargil Conflict.
    • Notable Operation: In 2019, a MiG-21 Bison piloted by Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman shot down a Pakistani F-16 during aerial combat.

    Induction and Retirement:

    • Induction:
      • Timeline: Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 1963 during tensions with China and Pakistan.
      • Assembly: First units assembled in India at Chandigarh with Soviet assistance.
      • Scale: Over 700 MiG-21s were procured, forming the backbone of the Indian Air Force for decades.
    • Retirement:
      • Current Status: As of now, three MiG-21 Bison squadrons remain, each with 16–18 aircraft.
      • Replacement: To be replaced by the indigenously developed Tejas Mark-1A aircraft.

    Back2Basics: LCA Tejas

    • Type: Indian single-engine, fourth-generation, multirole light fighter aircraft.
    • R&D: Designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency in collaboration with the Aircraft Research and Design Centre of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
    • Origins: Developed under the Light Combat Aircraft programme launched in the 1980s to replace India’s ageing MiG-21 fleet.
    • Indigenous Content:
      • By Value: 59.7% of the aircraft’s components are sourced indigenously.
      • By Units: 75.5% of the line replaceable units are domestically produced.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following aircraft:

    1. Rafael 2. MiG-29 3. Tejas MK-1

    How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None*

     

  • India’s FDI challenge: In a world of shrinking investment, rising competition, capital will chase confidence, clarity

    Why in the News?

    India is in the spotlight as recent UNCTAD data reveals a significant decline in net FDI inflows, falling to a 15-year low in FY24, even though gross inflows remain strong.

    What are the key reasons behind the global decline in FDI flows, particularly to EMDEs?

    • Geopolitical Instability: Rising geopolitical tensions such as the Russia-Ukraine war, Middle East conflicts, and US-China rivalries have weakened investor confidence, especially in Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs) due to increased risk perception. Eg: After the Ukraine war, many European investors pulled out from Eastern European nations due to security concerns.
    • Protectionist Policies: Countries have adopted more protectionist measures, including tighter FDI regulations, screening laws, and withdrawal from bilateral investment treaties (BITs), limiting foreign investor access. Eg: India terminated several Bilateral Investment Treaties post-2016, including with the Netherlands and Germany, leading to investor uncertainty.
    • Supply Chain Realignment: Due to disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and rising geopolitical tensions, companies are shifting towards nearshoring and friend-shoring, bypassing many EMDEs. Eg: Several U.S. firms moved manufacturing from China to Mexico or Vietnam rather than to India or African countries.

    Why has India experienced a sharp fall in net FDI despite rising gross inflows?

    • High Repatriation of Earnings: While gross FDI inflows have increased, foreign investors are repatriating more profits, dividends, and disinvestments, leading to a decline in net FDI. Eg: In FY24, gross inflows were around $71 billion, but outflows (disinvestment/repatriation) rose sharply, reducing net FDI to $10.6 billion.
    • Increased Disinvestment by Foreign Investors: Foreign companies have sold off stakes or exited Indian ventures due to regulatory uncertainties or global consolidation strategies. Eg: Vodafone’s reduction in stake in Vodafone Idea and exits by foreign private equity firms.
    • Shift in Investment Strategy: There is a growing trend toward private equity and venture capital, which often involves short-term investments and quicker exits compared to traditional FDI. Eg: Start-up funding peaked in 2021–22 but many investors exited via IPOs or mergers within 2–3 years.

    How can trade agreements and FTAs boost India’s FDI inflows and global integration?

    • Market Access and Investor Confidence: Trade agreements and FTAs offer preferential market access, reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers, and provide a stable regulatory environment, encouraging foreign investors. Eg: The India-UAE CEPA (2022) led to a 34% rise in bilateral trade and boosted UAE investments in sectors like logistics and infrastructure.
    • Integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs): FTAs help India plug into regional and global supply chains, making it a more attractive hub for FDI in manufacturing and exports. Eg: The India-ASEAN FTA improved electronics and automobile component exports, drawing FDI from Japan and South Korea into India.
    • Legal and Dispute Resolution Frameworks: Comprehensive FTAs often include investment protection clauses and dispute resolution mechanisms, which reduce investor risk and boost inflows. Eg: India’s negotiation of Investment Protection Agreements (IPAs) with the EU has raised interest among European investors in clean energy and pharma.

    Why is state-level reform crucial in India’s strategy to enhance FDI inflows?

    • Ease of Doing Business at Ground Level: State-level reforms simplify land acquisition, labour regulations, and approval processes, making local environments more investor-friendly. Eg: Andhra Pradesh ranked top in the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP) 2020 for streamlining industrial approvals and digitizing services.
    • Sector-Specific Policy Innovation: States can tailor sectoral incentives, infrastructure, and skill policies to attract targeted FDI in areas like textiles, electronics, or renewable energy. Eg: Tamil Nadu’s Electric Vehicle Policy attracted investments from Ola Electric and Hyundai in the EV sector.
    • Healthy Inter-State Competition: Reform-oriented states create competitive pressure, encouraging others to improve investment climates, creating a national uplift in FDI appeal. Eg: Gujarat’s proactive approach in renewable energy prompted states like Rajasthan to fast-track their solar park approvals.

    Way forward: 

    • Institutionalize Competitive Federalism: Strengthen the ranking framework for states based on FDI-related reforms (like BRAP), and link a portion of central incentives or grants to reform performance.
    • Build State-Capacity for Investor Facilitation: Enhance training for state-level bureaucrats, establish single-window clearance systems, and promote public-private dialogue platforms to address investor concerns proactively.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2014] Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the Government is mulling over the proposal for in creased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.

    Linkage:  Evaluating the “pros and cons” necessitates an understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with foreign investment inflows, reflecting a part of India’s FDI challenge in attracting and managing capital effectively. This question directly related to the implications of increasing FDI in a specific sector.

  • Gujarat’s Tribal Genome Sequencing Project

    Why in the News?

    Gujarat has launched India’s first Tribal Genome Sequencing Project to map tribal genetic data, contributing to the national Genome India Project (GIP).

    About the Gujarat Tribal Genome Project:

    • Launch & Duration: Announced in Gujarat’s 2025–26 budget; spans 5 years under Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC).
    • Target Population: Focuses on genome sequencing of tribal communities forming ~15% of Gujarat’s population (~1 crore).
    • Objective: Addresses under-representation in Genome India Project (GIP), which had only ~100 tribal samples from Gujarat.
    • Sample Size: Involves 4,158 individuals, including 378 trio families, to create a 2,000-sample reference genome panel.
    • Data Collection: Includes blood, stool, genealogical, physiological, and lifestyle information.

    Key Features:

    • Precision Medicine Applications
      • Early Detection: Enables screening for sickle cell anaemia, G6PD deficiency, BRCA-linked cancers.
      • Gene-Trait Mapping: Explores genetic links to traits like agility and archery.
    • Genomic Sampling Protocol
      • Filtering: Uses SNP genotyping to remove closely related samples.
      • Sequencing: Conducts Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) on 2,000 diverse samples via Illumina NovaSeq 6000.
      • Data Security: Employs double encryption for privacy and anonymity.

    About the Genome India Project (GIP):

    • Launch: Initiated in January 2020 by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
    • Structure: Multi-institutional consortium involving top Indian research bodies.
    • Objectives
      • Diversity Mapping: Decode genetic variation across Indian population.
      • Reference Panel: Build Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) -based haplotype database for Indian genomes.
      • Biobank Creation: Establish DNA reserves for research and therapy development.
    • Key Achievements
      • Sequencing Scale: 10,074 genomes sequenced from 99 ethnic groups.
      • Data Storage: Securely stored at Indian Biological Data Centre (IBDC), Faridabad.
      • Insights: Revealed rare traits aiding affordable diagnostics and predictive tools.
    • Significance
      • Global Impact: Offers India-specific insights to global genomics research.
      • Healthcare Value: Enables evidence-based, genetically informed policy and diagnosis.
    [UPSC 2017] With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?

    1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants

    2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants

    3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • BioEmu AI tool for Protein Flexibility Modelling

    Why in the News?

    In a breakthrough, scientists have developed BioEmu—an AI tool that predicts the full range of protein shapes, offering faster and scalable insights into protein dynamics.

    BioEmu AI tool for Protein Flexibility Modelling

    What is BioEmu?

    • Overview: It is a deep learning tool that predicts the equilibrium ensemble of a protein — meaning all the different shapes a protein can naturally take.
    • It works like diffusion models, starting with random/noisy inputs and learning to rebuild protein shapes.
    • Training: It was trained on-
      • AlphaFold structures (millions of predicted proteins)
      • Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation data (200 ms)
      • 500,000 mutant sequences from lab experiments
    • Speed: Once trained, BioEmu can quickly create thousands of 3D protein structures on a single GPU in just minutes to hours.

    Key Features of BioEmu:

    • Flexibility Capture: Shows how proteins change shape, fold/unfold, or form hidden binding pockets.
    • Accuracy:
      • Detects 83% of large and 70–81% of small shape changes.
      • Predicts open/closed forms of enzymes like adenylate kinase.
    • Mutation Analysis: Helps see how mutations affect protein structure and stability.
    • Fast & Scalable: Much faster than traditional MD simulations; works on thousands of proteins using less computing power.
    • Snapshots Only: Gives static 3D shapes, not full motion timelines.
    • Limitations: Can’t handle membrane proteins, drug molecules, or multi-chain complexes.

    Why is BioEmu Important?

    • Improves Protein Modelling: Adds to what AlphaFold does by showing how proteins move, not just what they look like.
    • Helps Drug Discovery: Finds hidden drug binding sites — speeding up the search for new medicines.
    • More Accessible: Works on basic hardware, making advanced protein modelling available to more researchers.
    • Combines with Other Tools: Can be used with molecular dynamics for deeper study.
    • Future of Research: Encourages students and scientists to learn a mix of AI, biology, and physics.
    [UPSC 2020] Which of the following statements are correct regarding the general difference between plant and animal cells?

    1. Plant cells have cellulose cell walls whilst animal cells do not.

    2. Plant cells do not have plasma membrane unlike animal cells which do.

    3. Mature plant cell has one large vacuole vacuoles.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only, (b) 2 and 3 only, (c) 1 and 3 only * (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • International Moon Day

    Why in the News?

    Observed every year on July 20, the International Moon Day marks the historic first human landing on the Moon by the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.

    moon day

    About International Moon Day:

    • Date & Purpose: Observed annually on July 20 to mark the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969.
    • UN Recognition: Declared by the UN General Assembly in 2021 on the recommendation of COPUOS.
    • First Observance: Officially celebrated for the first time on July 20, 2022.
    • Activities: Includes sky-gazing, science outreach, and student competitions to promote space awareness.
    • Date Controversy: While the lunar module landed on July 20, Neil Armstrong stepped onto the Moon at 2:56 UTC on July 21—yet July 20 remains the official date.

    Significance:

    • Historic Milestone: Celebrates Apollo 11 and humanity’s first step on the Moon by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin.
    • Peaceful Space Use: Promotes the Moon as a shared heritage and fosters international cooperation in outer space.
    • Sustainability Focus: Encourages responsible and eco-friendly exploration of lunar resources.
    • Global Unity: Reflects the UN’s vision of peaceful space collaboration under themes like “One Moon, One Vision, One Future”.
    [UPSC 2009] India has recently landed its Moon Impact Probe on the Moon. Among the following countries, which one landed such probe on the Moon earlier?

    Options: (a) Australia (b) Canada (c) China* (d) Japan

     

  • Piezo- Photocatalytic Water Filter

    Why in the News?

    Indian scientists from INST Mohali, IIT-Dharwad, and IIT-Kharagpur have developed a low-cost, reusable water filter that removes toxic industrial dyes using a process called piezo-photocatalysis.

    About the Light-Induced Water Filter:

    • Material Used: Built using 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) sheets (a biodegradable plastic); Sheets coated with bismuth ferrite (BFO) nanoparticles.
    • Working: It works in two ways. Together, this is called piezo-photocatalysis.
      • Photocatalysis: Uses sunlight to break dye molecules.
      • Piezoelectric effect: Uses vibrations (ultrasound) to work even in the dark.
    • Reusable: Can be used 5 times with only 3% loss in performance.
    • Lab tests showed:
      • 99% Congo Red removal
      • 74% Methylene Blue removal (in 90 minutes)

    Significance:

    • Eco-Friendly Solution: Removes harmful dyes without harmful chemicals or electricity.
    • Cost-Effective: Cheaper and safer than ozone or chemical-intensive treatments.
    • Green Energy Use: Operates using sunlight and mechanical vibrations—no external power needed.
    • Policy Alignment: Supports Namami Gange, Jal Nigam, and Aatmanirbhar Bharat missions.
    • Scalability: Ideal for deployment near textile treatment plants as a sustainable technology.
    [UPSC 2023] With reference to the role of biofilters in the Recirculating Aquaculture System, consider the following statements:

    1. Biofilters provide waste treatment by removing uneaten fish feed

    2.Biofilters convert ammonia present in fish waste to nitrate

    3.Biofilters increase phosphorus as nutrient for fish in water

    How many of the statements given above are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two* (c) All three (d) None

     

  • All in one Agriculture needs more public spending, not just one umbrella scheme

    Why in the News?

    The Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY) was recently approved by the Union Cabinet as a major reform initiative in the agriculture sector. It aims to converge 36 existing schemes across 11 departments to address regional disparities in agricultural productivity.

    What are the aims of PMDDKY (Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana)?

    • Address productivity disparities: The scheme aims to reduce inter-State and intra-State disparities in agricultural productivity.
    • Improve productivity & self-reliance: Focus on higher agricultural productivity, value addition, local livelihood creation, and increased domestic production to ensure self-sufficiency.
    • Holistic development: Enhance outcomes in agriculture and allied sectors through targeted intervention and convergence of schemes.
    • Private participation: Encourage local public-private partnerships for enhanced implementation and innovation.

    Why is scheme convergence under PMDDKY needed?

    • Eliminates Fragmentation of Efforts: Earlier, agricultural schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and Soil Health Card Scheme operated in silos. Eg: A farmer receiving income support under PM-KISAN might not be covered under insurance if PMFBY was poorly implemented in that region. Convergence ensures coordinated benefits.
    • Targets Low Productivity Districts: PMDDKY identifies 100 low-productivity districts using criteria like cropping intensity, credit flow, and yield gaps. Eg: A district with only 70% of national average yield can be provided tailored interventions by combining schemes like RKVY and Micro-Irrigation Fund.
    • Improves Resource Efficiency: Unified schemes allow for better fund utilisation, avoiding duplication of services or spending. Eg: Instead of running separate capacity-building programs under different departments, single training programs can be run using pooled funds from both Extension Services and Digital Agriculture Initiatives.
    • Ensures Uniform Implementation Standards: PMDDKY seeks national uniformity while allowing local customization. Eg: While standards for soil health management may be set centrally, implementation can be adapted to local conditions using district-specific plans.
    • Compensates for Declining Budget Share: Public investment in agriculture is falling (from 3.53% in 2021-22 to 2.51% in 2025-26 of the Central Plan outlay). Eg: Convergence helps make the most of limited resources by integrating multiple schemes under a single implementation umbrella.

    How do ‘District Plans’ aid agricultural reform?

    •  Localized Problem Solving: District Plans allow for the identification of region-specific challenges such as water scarcity, pest outbreaks, or poor seed quality. Eg: In Latur district (Maharashtra), which faces frequent droughts, the district plan prioritized micro-irrigation and watershed development, leading to improved water-use efficiency.
    • Customised Crop Diversification: District-level planning helps align cropping patterns with agro-climatic conditions and market demand, reducing monoculture dependency. Eg: In Koraput district (Odisha), known for tribal farming, the plan introduced millet promotion and value chain linkages, increasing income and nutritional security.
    • Efficient Use of Resources and Schemes: Integration of multiple schemes under district plans ensures better fund allocation, resource convergence, and monitoring. Eg: In Barabanki district (Uttar Pradesh), convergence of Soil Health Card, PM-KUSUM, and FPO promotion led to more sustainable and solar-powered farming practices.

    What challenges may hinder PMDDKY?

    • Administrative Coordination Across Departments: With 36 schemes under 11 departments converging, bureaucratic silos and lack of inter-departmental coordination can delay execution. Eg: In Jharkhand, similar convergence under NRLM and agriculture failed initially due to poor communication between the Rural Development and Agriculture departments.
    • Data Gaps and Poor Baseline Assessment: District-level planning requires granular, updated data on land use, cropping patterns, and farmer needs — often missing or outdated. Eg: In Dantewada (Chhattisgarh), poor digital records led to misallocation of subsidies under earlier agri-reform efforts.
    • Weak Local Institutions: PACS (Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies) and local self-governments may lack the capacity to implement and monitor complex plans. Eg: In Banda district (U.P.), PACS struggled to handle seed distribution due to lack of trained staff and digital infrastructure.
    • Limited Private Sector Engagement in Remote Areas: Private partners may hesitate to invest in low-productivity districts due to poor infrastructure or lack of assured returns. Eg: In Kiphire (Nagaland), agri-businesses withdrew from a millet-processing initiative due to transport and power issues.
    • Farmer Awareness and Participation: Without sustained IEC (Information, Education, Communication) campaigns, farmers may not understand how to benefit from the converged schemes. Eg: In Barmer (Rajasthan), uptake of soil health and credit-linked schemes remained low due to lack of farmer outreach in vernacular languages.

    Way forward: 

    • Ensure Adequate and Sustained Funding: Increase the budgetary allocation for agriculture to reverse the current decline (only 2.51% of Central Plan outlay in 2023-24). Sufficient and stable funding will support better implementation of integrated District Plans.
    • Leverage Technology and Real-Time Monitoring: Implement digital dashboards for tracking the 117 indicators under PMDDKY and promote data-driven decision-making. This will help improve accountability, efficiency, and timely course corrections.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2016] Considering the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).

    Linkage: The article explicitly states that the PMDDKY will subsume existing Central schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). Therefore, a question about PMFBY is directly relevant to understanding a key component of this new “one umbrella scheme” approach.

  • [pib] INS Nistar Diving Support Vessel

    Why in the News?

    Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar, the country’s first indigenously designed and constructed Diving Support Vessel (DSV).

    [pib] INS Nistar Diving Support Vessel

    About INS Nistar:

    • Project Origin: First of two Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) ordered by the Navy in 2018.
    • Developer: Built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd with input from 120 Indian MSMEs.
    • Commissioning: Inducted at Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam.
    • Legacy Name: Named after the Soviet-origin INS Nistar (1971–1989).
    • Indigenization: Over 80% indigenous content, in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
    • Sister Ship: INS Nipun, launched in 2022, will join soon.

    Key Features:

    • Rescue Depth: Supports diving and submarine rescue operations up to 300 metres.
    • Rescue Equipment: Equipped with ROVs, Hyperbaric Lifeboats, and Diving Chambers.
    • DSRV Role: Functions as mothership for Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles.
    • Size: 120 metres long with a displacement of ~10,500 tonnes.
    • Endurance: Can stay at sea for over 60 days.
    • Utility Gear: Fitted with a 15-tonne subsea crane and helipad facilities.
    • Medical Support: Includes OT, ICU, hospital beds, and hyperbaric treatment units.

    Significance for India:

    • Submarine Rescue: Provides independent submarine rescue capability.
    • Operational Autonomy: Ends reliance on leased rescue platforms.
    • Strategic Status: Places India among 12 countries with full submarine rescue capability.
    • Regional Role: Strengthens India’s position as Net Security Provider in the Indian Ocean.
    [UPSC 2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    Options: (a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel* (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

     

  • MoSPI to integrate 8th Economic Census with 16th Population Census

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) is preparing for India’s 8th Economic Census by integrating it with the upcoming 16th Population Census.

    About the Economic Census:

    • Conducting Body: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
    • Purpose: Creates a detailed database of non-agricultural economic establishments in India.
    • Key Data Captured: Covers location, clustering, ownership, employment size, and type of economic activity.
    • Unorganised Sector Inclusion: Includes informal units, vital for understanding employment dynamics.
    • Historical Background:
      • Economic Enquiry Committee: Proposed by Visvesvaraya Committee (1925); Setup by Bowley-Robertson Committee (1934).
      • Outcome: Led to the creation of the Central Statistical Office (CSO) in 1951 and national statistical systems.
      • First Census: Conducted in 1977 (excluding Lakshadweep), targeting non-agricultural units with at least one hired worker.
    • Timeline of Economic Censuses:
      • Years Conducted: 1980, 1990, 1998, 2005, 2013, and 2019–21 (7th Census).
      • Integration with Population Census: 2nd and 3rd rounds were aligned with the 1981 and 1991 Population Censuses.
      • 7th Census Status: Completed in 2021, but results pending due to COVID-related data quality issues.
      • Execution Support: MoSPI partnered with the CSC (Common Service Centre) network for grassroots-level implementation.

    Integration with the 16th Population Census:

    • Objective: Improve efficiency and reduce costs by leveraging shared field operations.
    • Data Collection: Enumerators will note household-based economic activity for MoSPI processing.
    • Census Schedule:
      • Oct 1, 2026: Snow-bound and remote regions (e.g., Ladakh, J&K, HP, Uttarakhand).
      • Mar 1, 2027: Rest of the country.
    • Preparatory Work: State and district committees have been formed to plan the 8th Census.
    [UPSC 2018] As per the NSSO 70th Round “Situation Assessment Survey of Agriculture Households”, consider the following statements:

    1.Rajasthan has the highest percentage share of agriculture households among its rural households.

    2.Out of the total households in the country, a little over 60 percent being to OBCs.

    3.In Kerala, a little over 60 percent of agriculture households reported to have received maximum income from sources other than agriculture activities.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 2 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only* (d) 1, 2 and 3