In 2023, the government replaced numerous opaque science awards with the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP), a streamlined set with clear criteria. It aimed to address concerns about transparency by involving committees led by respected scientists.
Introduction of Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP):
In 2023, the government replaced multiple science-related awards with the RVP, a consolidated and streamlined set of awards.
RVP introduced specific categories and clear eligibility criteria to enhance transparency and reduce opacity in the selection process.
Committees led by reputed scientists were tasked with finalizing the awardees, a measure intended to address concerns about bureaucratic interference.
Concerns Over Selection Process:
Chance of political interference: The modification of rules overnight and the omission of some scientists from the final list, despite being shortlisted by the RVP committee, created suspicion of political interference.
Omission of the critic of Govt policy: Notably, some of the omitted scientists had previously criticized government policies, leading to concerns that the awards process might be used to marginalize dissenting voices within the scientific community.
Shift in Authority:
Original Process: Initially, the RVP committee head had the authority to finalize the awardees.
Recent Change: A last-minute rule modification allowed the committee head to only “recommend” the final list to the Science Ministry, increasing the possibility of government intervention in the selection process.
Recognition Framework: The RVP awards are categorized into four main types: Vigyan Ratna for lifetime achievements, Vigyan Shri for distinguished contributions,Vigyan Yuva for young scientists, and Vigyan Team for collaborative efforts.
Impact on the Scientific Community
Concerns Over Transparency: The modification of selection criteria just before the announcement of awardees has led to suspicions that political motives might influence who receives recognition.
Notably, some scientists who were initially included in the recommended list were omitted from the final public announcement, prompting questions about whether political pressures were involved.
Exclusion of Dissenting Voices: Many excluded scientists had previously expressed dissent against government policies. This trend suggests a troubling pattern where recognition is contingent upon alignment with governmental perspectives, potentially stifling academic freedom and critical discourse within the scientific community.
Way forward:Ā
Strengthen Transparency and Autonomy: Establish an independent, non-governmental oversight body to ensure that the selection process remains transparent and free from political interference.
Safeguard Academic Freedom: Implement safeguards to prevent exclusion based on political or ideological views, ensuring that recognition is purely merit-based.
The 8th edition of Exercise KAZIND-2024 has commenced in Uttarakhand.
About Exercise KAZIND-2024
Exercise KAZIND is an annual joint military exercise between India and Kazakhstan.
It was first initiated as Exercise PRABAL DOSTYK in 2016 and later renamed Exercise KAZIND after the second edition.
The exercise involves Army contingents from both countries and, since 2023, also includes Air Force personnel, making it a Bi-service Exercise.
Focus Areas:
It focuses on Counter Terrorism operations in sub-conventional environments under the United Nations mandate.
Tactical drills practiced include Raid, Search and Destroy Operations, Small Team Insertion and Extraction, and Counter Unmanned Aerial System Operations.
Significance:
The exercise aims to develop skills, resilience, and coordination for joint military operations in semi-urban and urban environments.
It allows both countries to share best practices, enhance mutual cooperation, and strengthen military ties.
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about the Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023 is/ are correct?
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.
The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment revealed that as we continue to push the boundaries of dark matter detection, the issue of neutrino fog becomes increasingly significant.
What is theLUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) Experiment?
The LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment is a cutting-edge dark matterdetection project located deep underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in South Dakota, USA.
It is one of the most sensitive experiments in the world designed to detect dark matter particles, which are believed to make up about 85% of the matter in the universe but have not yet been directly observed.
The heart of the LZ experiment is a tank filled with 10 tonnes of liquid xenon, a very dense and pure material.
The idea is that if a dark matter particle collides with a xenon atom, it will produce a tiny burst of light and free electrons.
These interactions are then detected by sensitive equipment surrounding the xenon.
The experiment is located 1.5 km below the Earth’s surface.
What is Neutrino Fog?
Neutrinos, often referred to as āghost particles,ā are subatomic particles with nearly zero mass and no electric charge.Ā
āNeutrino Fogā refers to the interference caused by neutrinosāsubatomic particles that rarely interact with matterāin dark matter detection experiments.
Neutrinos are produced naturally in the Sun’s core, supernovae, and even Earthās atmosphere.
Though they pass through most matter undetected, their weak interactions can cause small disturbances in highly sensitive detectors.
As dark matter detectors become larger and more sensitive, they are more likely to detect neutrinos, leading to a “fog” of signals that can obscure or mimic potential dark matter interactions.
PYQ:
[2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about āIceCubeā, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:
1. It is the worldās largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter
3. It is buried deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Recent research indicates that pigs may act as a transmission vehicle for a strain of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) commonly found in rats, known as Rocahepevirus ratti, or rat HEV.
Role of Pigs in Transmission
HEV Reservoir: Pigs naturally carry hepatitis E virus (HEV), particularly strains that can infect humans.
Transmission via Pork: Humans can contract HEV by consuming raw or undercooked pork from infected pigs.
Environmental Contamination: Infected pigs shed HEV in faeces, contaminating the environment and water sources, potentially spreading the virus to humans.
Poor sanitation in pig farms facilitates HEV transmission between pigs and increases the risk of human infection through the food chain.
Cross-Species Transmission: Pigs may also act as intermediaries for rat HEV, transmitting the virus from rats to humans in farm environments.
AboutHepatitis E Virus (HEV):
Hepatitis E is caused by the Hepatitis E Virus (HEV), which is a positive-sense, single-stranded, non-enveloped RNA virus.
HEV is classified under the family Hepeviridae, genus Orthohepevirus.
It was first identified during an outbreak among Soviet soldiers in Afghanistan in 1983.
The earliest well-documented HEV epidemic occurred in New Delhi, India, in 1955, retrospectively identified as HEV.
Transmission:
The primary route of transmission is fecal-oral, especially through contaminated water and food.
Zoonotic transmission is possible with genotypes 3 and 4, commonly spread through undercooked meat or direct animal contact.
Symptoms:
Jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and elevated liver enzymes.
Severe cases can lead to liver failure, especially in pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals.
Prevention and Cure:
A vaccine, HEV 239, is approved for use in China, but no vaccine is widely available or approved in most countries, including the United States.
There is no specific antiviral treatment for acute HEV.
Prevention relies on improved sanitation, safe drinking water, and proper food handling.
PYQ:
[2019] Which one of the following statements is not correct?
(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV.
(b) Hepatitis B, unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine.
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses are several times more than those infected with HIV.
(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years.
A study conducted at Moorea, French Polynesia, has revealed that the network of dead coral skeletons left behind by bleaching events prevents reefs from regenerating.
About Corals
Corals are marine invertebrates made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps.
Polyps have a mutualistic relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae that live within their tissues.
Zooxanthellae perform photosynthesis, providing the corals with carbohydrates, while the corals offer compounds needed for photosynthesis.
Corals have calcium carbonate skeletons, which help in building the reef structure.
Thousands of polyps combine to form coral colonies, which multiply and grow over time.
Coral reefs are underwater ecosystems formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate skeletons from corals.
Known as the “rainforests of the seas”, they provide habitat and protection for a wide variety of marine life.
Coral reefs are built by both hard and soft corals and grow over time as more corals attach to the reef structure.
They are the largest living structures on the planet, vital for marine biodiversity.
Challenges due to Dead Corals
Shelter for Seaweed: Dead coral skeletons create a complex structure that offers protection to macroalgae (seaweed) from herbivores. This allows seaweed to colonize the reef quickly, outcompeting young coral.
Impeded Herbivory: The complex landscape of dead corals prevents herbivores, which normally graze on algae, from accessing the macroalgae effectively. This leads to unchecked algae growth.
Increased Competition: Macroalgae grow faster and reproduce more frequently than coral, leading to increased competition for space, light, and nutrients, which further inhibits young coral from settling and growing.
Annual Coral Reproduction: Coral typically spawns only once a year, while algae reproduce continuously. This gives algae a competitive advantage in newly available spaces left by dead coral skeletons.
Altered Ecosystem Balance: The presence of dead coral shifts the balance between herbivores, algae, and coral, making it difficult for the reef to regenerate naturally.
Conditions for Reef Regeneration
Flat Substrate: After events like cyclones, which remove coral but leave behind a flat surface, reefs tend to recover more easily, as young coral can settle and regrow without much competition from macroalgae.
Herbivore Activity: Active herbivory is crucial for reef recovery, as herbivores control the growth of macroalgae, allowing space for coral recruits to settle and thrive.
Clear Space for Coral Recruits: To regenerate effectively, coral needs open space free from excessive algae. Removing dead coral skeletons might help create these conditions.
Frequent Disturbances: Coral reefs are better adapted to recover from frequent but non-lethal disturbances like storms, which scrape off coral and allow for fresh regrowth, compared to bleaching events, which leave the dead coral structure intact.
Water Quality and Temperature: Coral recovery depends on optimal water conditions, including the absence of pollutants and suitable temperatures.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following statements
Most of the worldās coral reefs are in tropical waters.
More than one-third of the worldās coral reefs are located in the territories of Australia, Indonesia and Philippines.
Coral reefs host far more number of animal phyla than those hosted by tropical rainforests.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q). Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with respect to Indiaās energy needs for economic growth. (UPSC CSE 2014) Q). In the view of the declining average size of land holdings in India which has made agriculture non ā viable for a majority of farmers should contract farming and land leasing be promoted in agriculture? critically evaluate the pros and cons. (UPSC CSE 2015) Q). Sikkim is the first āOrganic Stateā in India. What are the ecological and economical benefits of Organic State? (UPSC CSE 2018)
Prelims:
In the context of India, which of the following is/are considered to be practice(s) of eco-friendly agriculture? (UPSC CSE 2020) 1. Crop diversification 2. Legume intensification 3. Tensiometer use 4. Vertical farmingSelect the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 3 only (c) 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Mentorās Comment: Agroforestry plays a crucial role in enhancing the resilience of Indian agriculture through various mechanisms. By integrating trees with crops and livestock, agroforestry provides farmers with multiple income streams, reducing dependence on single crops and mitigating the impact of market fluctuations. The integration of trees provides shade and wind protection, making agricultural systems more resilient to extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. This adaptability is vital for farmers facing unpredictable climate patterns. In todayās editorial, we will focus on Indian-centric issues.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recent studies indicate that with the right policies and financial support, India could sequester an additional 2.5 billion tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030 in the agroforestry sector.
Currently, agro-forestry represents 8.65% of India’s land and contributes 19.3% of its carbon stocks, playing a vital role in both environmental sustainability and economic growth.
India is poised to increase agroforestry area from 28.4 million hectares to 53 million hectares by 2050.
CASE STUDY of UP:
ā¢ In Uttar Pradesh, a new agroforestry project aims to connect local farming with the global carbon credit market, potentially generating 4.5 million carbon credits valued at around Rs 230 crore. ā¢ This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance rural incomes while increasing the state’s green cover from 9.23% to 15% by 2027. ā¢ The success of these projects hinges on adapting carbon finance standards to better suit India’s unique agricultural landscape, which could unlock further opportunities for smallholder farmers.
How does the āPolluter Pays Principleāapply to carbon credits in agro-forestry?
The Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) is a fundamental concept in environmental economics that holds polluters responsible for the costs associated with their environmental impact.
Responsibility for Emissions: Industries that emit greenhouse gases are required to compensate for their emissions by purchasing carbon credits.
Each credit represents one ton of CO2 or its equivalent that has been sequestered or reduced, which creates a financial incentive for these industries to invest in carbon offset projects like agroforestry.
Market Dynamics: The carbon credit market operates on the principle that companies must buy credits to offset their emissions, thus internalizing the external costs of pollution.
What are the present issues for the Indian Market?
In carbon finance, “common practice” assesses the projects that have additional regional activities (larger areas), meaning they are disqualified from earning carbon credits if they don’t provide additional environmental benefits.
For example, standards like Verra’s VCS and Goldās current definitions reflect large-scale agricultural practices in regions like Latin America and the U.S., overlooking India’s context of small, fragmented landholdings.
However, in India, approximately 86.1% of farmers have less than two hectares, often practicing agroforestry in a non-systematic manner, which may not meet the additionality criteria. Many Indian farmers are excluded from ARR carbon finance projects due to this.
Why is there a need for an India-centric approach?
Revising standards to fit India’s fragmented small-holder model could allow more farmers to participate in carbon finance projects.
Enhanced Income Streams: Integrating agroforestry with Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) initiatives provides farmers with additional income through carbon credits, diversifying their revenue sources.
This integration helps tackle issues such as low productivity, small land holdings, dependence on monsoons, and environmental degradation by promoting sustainable land management practices.
Soil and Ecosystem Health: Agro-forestry practices improve soil quality, enhance water retention, and mitigate erosion, contributing to overall ecosystem health and agricultural productivity.
Biodiversity Conservation: The integration encourages greater biodiversity by incorporating various tree species alongside crops, promoting ecological balance within agricultural landscapes.
Alignment with National Goals: The integration supports India’s climate goals and commitments under international agreements by increasing carbon sequestration potential and enhancing green cover.
Long-Term Sustainability: By establishing a systematic approach to agroforestry through ARR initiatives, farmers can achieve sustainable agricultural practices that ensure long-term productivity and environmental health.
Way Forward:
TheEnergy and Resources Institute (TERI)has launched 19 ARR projects across seven states in India, benefiting over 56,600 farmers.
To scale these initiatives, international carbon finance platforms must revise their standards to align with the realities of Indian agriculture.
A systematic approach to agro-forestry supported by carbon finance can help farmers diversify their income, making them more resilient to climate variability.
PM has dedicated three āPARAM Rudraā Supercomputers along with High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, āArkaā and āArunikaā, to the nation.
What areHigh-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems?
HPC systems are powerful computational systems that perform large-scale and complex computations at incredibly high speeds.
HPC Arka system at IITM has 11.77 Peta Flop capacity and will, for the first time, help improve the countryās horizontal resolution of its global weather prediction models to 6 km from the existing 12 km.
HPC Arunika comes with 8.24 Peta Flop capacity. This HPC will prove beneficial in upgrading weather forecast resolution at block levels.
What is PARAM Rudra?
PARAM Rudra is a high-performance computing (HPC) system and part of India’s PARAM series of supercomputers.
It is developed indigenously by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).
Applications of PARAM Rudra
Astronomy: Used by the Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune to study Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena.
Atomic Physics and Material Science: The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi uses PARAM Rudra for research in these areas.
Physics, Cosmology, and Earth Sciences: The supercomputer at the SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in Kolkata supports advanced studies in these domains.
Weather Forecasting and Agriculture: The supercomputers enhance weather forecasting, benefiting industries like agriculture, where improved predictions help farmers make informed decisions.
To enhance India’s research capacities by creating a Supercomputing grid supported by the National Knowledge Network (NKN)
To position India as a global leader in supercomputing technology by boosting research, development, and innovation
Nodal Agency
Department of Science and Technology (DST);
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Implementation Agencies
C-DAC, PuneĀ and IISc, Bengaluru
Phases
1. Phase I: Assembling supercomputers
2. Phase II: Manufacturing components in India
3. Phase III: Designing an indigenous supercomputer
Historical Context
Indiaās supercomputer program began after the USA’s technology embargo in the late 1980s, leading to the creation of C-DAC and the unveiling of PARAM 800 in 1991 (second-fastest globally at the time)
Notable Supercomputers
AI Supercomputer’ AIRAWAT’ and PARAM Siddhi ā AI are currently the fastest supercomputers in India.
AIRAWAT has been ranked 75th in the world as of June 2023.
Global Context
Frontier (USA) is the worldās fastest supercomputer since December 2023.
The āNanjangud Rasabale bananaā has been revived after a drastic decline in cultivation, despite receiving Geographical Indication (GI) certification in 2006 for its unique taste and aroma.
About Nanjangud Rasabale Banana
Details
Origin
Devarasanahalli village near Nanjangud, Mysore district, Karnataka
Unique Features
Unique taste, aroma, small size, buttery soft texture
5-8 cm in length, 2-3 cm in diameter
Cultivation
In 2006-07, 180 farmers cultivated on 100 hectares; dropped to 15 farmers on 10 hectares by 2019-20.
By the end of 2023-24, 200 farmers cultivating on 75 hectares.
SoilĀ
Black saline alluvial soil along the banks of the Kapila River
Significance
Popular in traditional festivals, religious ceremonies, and Kannada literature
Cultural Reference
Mentioned in Kayyar Kinhanna Rai’s poem, a notable Kannada literary work
Challenges
Decline in quality due to heavy use of chemical fertilizers
Economic Impact
Significant for local farmers, high demand due to limited availability
PYQ:
[2016] Recently, our scientists have discovered a new and distinct species of banana plant which attains a height of about 11 metres and has orange coloured fruit pulp. In which part of India has it been discovered?
The Supreme Court has criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its lack of concrete action to curb stubble burning in states neighboring Delhi.
Key issues as per SC:Ā
Non-Compliance and Ineffectiveness: The Supreme Court criticized the CAQM for failing to enforce the CAQM Act, highlighting a lack of concrete measures against stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.
Lack of Accountability: The Court questioned the CAQMās accountability, emphasizing the need for concrete actions and consequences for officials who fail to enforce anti-pollution laws.
Staffing and Representation Issues: The Court expressed concerns over staffing shortages in pollution control boards and inadequate representation in CAQM sub-committees, hindering effective operation.
Scepticism on Pollution Reduction Claims: Despite claims of improved air quality and reduced stubble burning, the Court remained doubtful, citing ongoing instances of stubble burning and demanding detailed explanations from the CAQM.
AbouttheCommission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):
Details
Formation
Established in 2021;
Statutory body under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021
Objective
To manage air quality in the NCR and adjoining areas comprehensively
Composition
Headed by a full-time chairperson, with members from various states, ministries, and sectors like agriculture, industry, transport, and construction
Powers
Authority to issue directions, inspect industries, entertain complaints, restrict industries, and shut down non-compliant units
Jurisdiction
National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan
Functions
Coordinates and monitors air quality, sets pollution control parameters, identifies violators, monitors industries, and can overrule state directives
PYQ:
[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
[2022]The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.
[2015] Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?
In an effort to promote anime and manga culture in India, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has launched the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!).
About the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest
The WAM! is an innovative initiative launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI).
The contest is part of Create in India Challenge and is aimed at nurturing local creative talent in anime and manga production.
It provides a unique platform for Indian creators to produce localized versions of Japanese art styles, targeting both domestic and global audiences.
The contest offers marketing support and opportunities for global recognition, helping creators showcase their talent in manga, webtoon, and anime.
WAM! features 3 key categories:
Manga (Japanese style comics): Individual participation for both students and professionals.
Webtoon (Vertical comics for digital mediums): Individual participation for students and professionals.
Anime (Japanese style animation): Team participation (up to 4 members) for students and professionals.
About the Create in India Challenge
The Create in India Challenge aligns with Prime Ministers vision of “Design in India, Design for the World”, emphasizing the development of creative industries in India.
It is part of the broader effort to make India a global hub for design, innovation, and creative production.
It is a precursor to the WAVES Summit, a large-scale event aimed at promoting creativity and technology in media and entertainment.
PYQ:
[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 increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.