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GS Paper: GS3

  • Uniform IGST Rate of 5% on Aircraft and Aircraft Engine Parts

    Why in the News?

    The government has implemented a uniform Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST) rate of 5% on all aircraft and aircraft engine parts.

    Background: 

    • Prior to the implementation of GST in 2017, the taxation of aircraft and aircraft parts was complex, with different central and state taxes being levied.
    • Under the pre-GST regime, aircraft parts attracted a range of taxes, including excise duty, VAT, and additional customs duties, leading to a cascading effect and higher costs for the aviation industry.

    IGST Harmonization for MRO Boost:

    • This move is aimed at boosting Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities in India.
    • Previously, GST rates on aircraft components varied between 5%, 12%, 18%, and 28%, causing several issues.

    MRO Industry in India

    • The Indian MRO industry is projected to become a $4 billion industry by 2030.
    • Currently, India represents only 1% of the global MRO market, which is worth US$45 billion.
    • The industry is divided into airframe maintenance, engine maintenance (50-55% of work value), components maintenance, and line maintenance (weekly checks).
    • Commercial airlines spend 13-15% of their revenues on maintenance, primarily outsourcing heavy maintenance.

    What is Integrated Goods and Services Tax (IGST)?

    • The IGST is a component of the GST system in India.
    • It is levied by the central government on:
    1. Inter-state /UT supply of goods and services;
    2. Imports of goods and services;
    3. Supply of goods and services to/by SEZ units;
    4. Deemed exports (certain transactions where goods supplied do not leave the country but are treated as exports under GST law).
    • IGST is calculated by adding the applicable Central GST (CGST) and State GST (SGST) rates.
    • One thing to remember in IGST is that the importing state gets the accrued benefit of taxes.

    Rationale for the Uniform 5% IGST Rate

    • Simplification of Tax Structure: A uniform 5% IGST rate on aircraft and engine parts simplifies tax compliance and eliminates classification complexities.
    • Cost Efficiency: A lower IGST rate reduces overall tax burden on aviation industry, enhancing affordability of aircraft acquisition and maintenance.
    • Global Alignment: Aligns India’s tax policy with global standards, fostering competitiveness and attractiveness for international aviation investments.
    • Promotion of Aviation Services: Encourages aircraft leasing and MRO activities, supporting India’s aspiration to become a hub for these services.

    PYQ:

    [2017] What is/are the most likely advantages of implementing ‘Goods and Services Tax (GST)’?

    1.  It will replace multiple taxes collected by multiple authorities and will thus create a single market in India.
    2. It will drastically reduce the ‘Current Account Deficit’ of India and will enable it to increase its foreign exchange reserves.
    3. It will enormously increase the growth and size of economy of India and will enable it to overtake China in the near future.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

  • ICAR launches ‘One scientist, One product’ Scheme 

    Why in the News?

    • The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is set to launch its ‘One Scientist-One Product’ program. This initiative aims to enhance research in agriculture and animal husbandry.

    About the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

    • ICAR is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    • It is headquartered in New Delhi.
    • ICAR was formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.
    • It was established in 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 on the basis of the report of the Royal Commission on Agriculture.

    Functions of ICAR:

    • Its primary mandate is to coordinate agricultural education and research in India and provide leadership in agriculture and allied sectors.
    • It is the apex body for coordinating, guiding and managing research and education in agriculture including horticulture, fisheries and animal sciences in the entire country.

    Structure and Organization:

    • ICAR operates under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
    • It consists of a network of research institutes, national bureaus, project directorates, and agricultural universities across the country.
    • The council is governed by a Governing Body and an Executive Committee, which oversee its functioning and activities.
    • ICAR confers prestigious awards, such as: the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award, the Borlaug Award, and the Hari Om Ashram Trust Award, to recognize excellence in agricultural research and education.

    Significant feats achieved by ICAR:

    • Bio-fortified Coverage: In 2023-24, approximately 16 million hectares are cultivated with bio-fortified crop varieties.
    • Crops Mentioned: This includes wheat, rice, pearl millet, lentil, and mustard.
    • Climate Resilience: The deployment of climate-resilient technologies has boosted production, even in abnormal years.
    • Variety Release: From 2014-15 to 2023-24, ICAR has released 2,593 high-yielding varieties, including 2,177 climate-resilient and 150 bio-fortified varieties.

    What is the “One Scientist One Product” Scheme?

    • The “One Scientist One Product” initiative is a strategic research plan launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
    • It aims to enhance agricultural productivity by assigning specific research targets to individual scientists within the organization in the next 5 years.

    Key Objectives of the Scheme:

    • Target-Oriented Research: Each scientist is given a specific target to develop a product. For example- seed variety, technology, research paper, or a conceptual model.
    • Avoiding Duplication: The initiative ensures that efforts are not duplicated by carefully mapping and assigning unique research targets to each scientist.
    • Regular Monitoring: Progress will be monitored every three months at the official level and twice a year by the researchers themselves.

    Implementation Details:

    • All 5,521 scientists of ICAR have been registered under this scheme.
    • At the beginning of each year, scientists must identify and inform about the product they aim to develop.
    • While the focus is on individual contributions, there will be instances where a product will be developed by a group of scientists.

    Long-Term Goals:

    • Product Development: The initiative is part of a broader plan to release 100 new seed varieties across various crops within the government’s 100-day plan.
    • Climate-Resilient Crops: A significant target is to increase the area under climate-resilient paddy seeds to 25% of the total kharif acreage, up from the current 15%.

    Announcement of New Crop Varieties

    • Event Details: ICAR will announce the release of 323 new crop varieties during a function in Delhi. The new releases include cereals, oilseeds, forage crops, and sugarcane.
    • Variety Breakdown: Among these, there are 289 climate-resilient varieties and 27 bio-fortified varieties.
    • Upcoming Initiatives: ICAR aims to develop 100 new seed varieties and 100 farm technologies within 100 days as part of a national 100-day action plan.

    Progress in Bio-fortification and Climate Resilience

    • ICAR reports significant progress in the adoption of bio-fortified crop varieties, with a total area of 16 million hectares under these varieties.
    • The organization emphasizes the success of its climate-resilient technologies, noting enhanced production even during years with abnormal weather conditions.

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Appointment of the new Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA)

    Why in the News?

    • A new Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA) was appointed on July 1, 2024, marking the first time this position has been filled. The ANSA will assist the National Security Advisor (NSA) in managing the country’s national security affairs.

    Recent Controversies about the NSA’s Role

    • Recent controversies involving R&AW and the Agniveer initiative have brought the NSA’s role back into focus.
    • Questions remain about the ideal background for the NSA and the prioritization of experience in internal versus external security.

    National Security Advisor (NSA):

    • The NSA is the senior official on the National Security Council of India.
    • The post was created on 19 November 1998 by the Government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
    • He/ She is also the chief adviser to the Prime Minister of India on national security policy and international affairs.
    • Ajit Doval is the current NSA, and has the same rank as a Union Cabinet Minister.
    • The NSA receives all intelligence (RAW, IB, NTRO, MI, DIA, NIA) reports and co-ordinates them to present before the Prime Minister.
    • The NSA serves at the discretion of the Prime Minister of India.

    About the National Security Council of India:

    • NSC is an executive government agency tasked with advising the Prime Minister’s Office on matters of national security and strategic interest.
    • The 3 tier structure of the NSC comprises:
    1. Strategic Policy Group (SPG),
    2. National Security Advisory Board (NSAB) and
    3. National Security Council Secretariat.
    • All aspects of national security are deliberated upon by the National Security Council (NSC), the apex body. 
    • Members: Ministers of Home Affairs, Defence, External Affairs, Finance and Deputy Chairman of the NITI Aayog.
    • The NSA is its Secretary.

    Changes in the National Security Architecture

    Previous Structure New Structure
    Additional National Security Advisor (ANSA) The position was consistently vacant New ANSA appointed for the first time
    NSA’s Role NSA had a more operational role NSA’s role is now more advisory, focusing on strategic policy and advisory outfits
    Reporting Structure CDS, service chiefs, and Union secretaries reported to NSA and their respective ministers CDS, service chiefs, and Union secretaries continue to report to NSA and their ministers; however, ANSA now acts as a gatekeeper
    Size of NSA’s Organization Smaller organization with no ANSA Larger organization with an ANSA and three deputy NSAs
    Daily Security Briefings Directly by NSA Unclear if briefings will be by NSA, ANSA, or both
    Communication Chain Direct communication between mid-level unit heads and NSA ANSA acts as an intermediary between mid-level unit heads and NSA, adding a bureaucratic layer
    Ministerial Reporting NSA interacted with Union ministers and Prime Minister Ministerial bosses also interact directly with respective secretaries, causing potential turf issues
    Speculations and Future Roles Speculations about the continuity and succession of the current NSA Ongoing speculations about the future role and potential succession by the newly appointed ANSA
    Internal Security Management NSA handled internal security along with other duties ANSA now specifically responsible for internal security management and threat analysis
    Overall Security Strategy NSA managed both strategic advisory and operational aspects Separation of strategic advisory role (NSA) and operational internal security role (ANSA)

    Issues with the re-structuring:

    • Bureaucratic Layering: The introduction of the ANSA adds an additional bureaucratic layer, potentially slowing down decision-making.
    • Turf Issues: Potential conflicts between the NSA and the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, especially regarding convening meetings.
    • Lack of clarity in Roles: Uncertainty about whether the NSA or ANSA will conduct daily security briefings, leading to possible communication confusion.
    • Ministerial Reporting Dynamics: Challenges for ministers in managing secretaries’ dual reporting lines to both the NSA and their respective ministers.
    • Operational Efficiency: The NSA’s shift to a more advisory role might affect the operational efficiency in handling immediate security threats.

    Future of the NSA

    • There is speculation about the future of the incumbent NSA, Ajit Doval, and whether his elevation is a precursor to retirement.
    • Questions arise about whether ANSA Rajinder Khanna will succeed Doval or if an outsider will be appointed.

    PYQ:

    [2021] Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.

  • 100 years of Electroencephalography (EEG)

    Why in the News?

    This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first human electroencephalography (EEG) by German physiologist Hans Berger.

    Historical Development of EEG

    • The development of EEG started with Richard Caton in 1875, who first noticed electrical signals in the brains of animals.
    • His work was expanded by Adolf Beck and later by Vladimir Pravdich-Neminsky, who recorded the first EEG of a dog.
    • Hans Berger was the first to record these signals from a human brain in 1924.

    What is EEG?

    • EEG stands for electroencephalography. “Electro” means electricity, “encephalo” refers to the brain, and “graphy” means recording.
    • It tracks the electrical activity in the brain that happens when neurons, the brain’s cells, move tiny charged particles. 
    • This helps doctors tell if the brain is working normally or not.
    • Doctors use EEG to diagnose epilepsy, check how deep a person is under anesthesia, study sleep patterns, and even confirm if a person has passed away.

    Understanding Volume Conduction

    • Volume conduction explains how the brain’s electrical signals move through different layers like skin and bone to reach the electrodes on the scalp.
    • The signals that electrodes pick up need to be cleaned up from any distortions caused by these layers or other noises before doctors can read them accurately.

    How does an EEG Test Works?

    • Neurons interact with their surroundings and sometimes push ions around.
    • This movement creates waves of electrical activity.
    • Electrodes on the head detect these waves and measure how strong they are, which is then recorded as an EEG.
    • Setting up an EEG involves putting gel on the head and placing electrodes accurately, which can be affected by things like having thick hair.

    What EEG Can and Can’t Show?

    • Strengths: EEG is very good at catching fast changes in the brain’s electrical activity, which is helpful for immediate observations.
    • Limitations: It mainly detects signals from the surface of the brain and is better at picking up signals from certain types of cell parts than others.
      • Pinpointing exactly where the brain an activity started can be difficult.

    Cost and Accessibility

    • EEG is simple and affordable compared to other methods like MRI.
    • It’s portable, doesn’t use large equipment, and is safe.

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to ‘Near Field Communication (NFC) Technology’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is a contactless communication technology that uses electromagnetic radio fields.

    2. NFC is designed for use by devices which can be at a distance of even a metre from each other.

    3. NFC can use encryption when sending sensitive information.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • India-based Neutrino Observatory

    Why in the News?

    • Takaaki Kajita, a Nobel laureate has supported India’s pursuit of a neutrino lab.
      • Despite numerous obstacles, Kajita believes that the India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) project, which would rank as one of the largest basic science projects in the country, is still worth pursuing.

    Who is Takaaki Kajita?

    • Takaaki Kajita is a Japanese physicist who was awarded the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics for discovering the oscillations of neutrinos from one flavour to another, which proved that those subatomic particles have mass.
    • He shared the prize with Canadian physicist Arthur B. McDonald.16 May 2024

    About India-based Neutrino Observatory (INO):

    Details
    Location INO Peak near Theni, Tamil Nadu, India
    Objective Study atmospheric neutrinos and provide precise measurements of neutrino mixing parameters
    Project Scope One of the largest experimental particle physics projects in India
    Initial Completion Date Originally planned for 2015
    Key Equipment
    • Iron Calorimeter (ICAL) Detector, designed to probe Earth matter effects on neutrino propagation and determine neutrino oscillation parameters.
    • 50,000 tonnes, the world’s largest magnet, four times larger than CERN’s CMS detector magnet
    Research Goals
    • Neutrino Oscillation Parameters: Unambiguous and precise determination using atmospheric neutrinos.
    • Matter Effects: Study through electric charge identification to determine the sign of mass differences.
    • CP Violation: Investigate charge-conjugation and parity violations in the leptonic sector.
    • CPT Violation: Possible studies of charge-conjugation, parity, and time-reversal violations.
    • Kolar Events: Study possible identification of very-high-energy neutrinos and multi-muon events in Kolar Gold Fields.
    Historical Discussions Initial discussions in 1989, formal collaboration in 2001, and MoU signed in 2002
    Current Status Construction stalled as of July 2021 due to local opposition and environmental concerns; ongoing legal and governmental deliberations

     

    What is Neutrinos?

    Neutrinos, often referred to as “ghost particles,” are subatomic particles with nearly zero mass and no electric charge.

    Other issues in space:

    Last week, ISRO Chairman S Somanath expressed the possibility of engaging with the asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth at a distance of 32,000 km in 2029.

    What is Apophis?

    • Apophis is classified as a near-Earth asteroid (NEA), specifically a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA) due to its size and proximity to Earth’s orbit.
    • Apophis is approximately 335 meters (1,100 feet) in diameter, making it one of the larger near-Earth asteroids.
    • Discovered in 2004, Apophis initially posed a 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth, raising alarms due to its size (about 450 m wide).
    • Subsequent observations ruled out immediate collision risks in 2029, 2036, and 2068, but it will pass close to Earth in 2029 at 32,000 km.

     

    PYQ:

    [2010] India-based Neutrino Observatory is included by the planning commission as a mega-science project under the 11th Five-year plan. In this context, consider the following statements:

    1. Neutrinos are chargeless elementary particles that travel close to the speed of light.
    2. Neutrinos are created in nuclear reactions of beta decay.
    3. Neutrinos have a negligible, but non-zero mass.
    4. Trillions of Neutrinos pass through the human body every second.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2, 3 and 4

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Squalus hima: A new deep-water Dogfish Shark discovered in Kerala

    Why in the News?

    Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of deep-water dogfish shark, Squalus hima, from the Sakthikulangara fishing harbour in Kerala along the Arabian Sea.

    About Squalus hima

    • Squalus is a genus of dogfish sharks in the family Squalidae, commonly known as spurdogs, characterized by smooth dorsal fin spines.
    • The new species, Squalus hima sp. nov., has been misidentified with S. mitsukurii and S. lalannei in the past.
    • Squalus hima differs from other species by the number of precaudal vertebrae, total vertebrae, teeth count, trunk and head heights, fin structure, and fin colour.

    Comparison with Other Species

    • On the Indian coast, two species of Squalus are found from the southwest coast of India.
    • The new species, Squalus hima n.sp., is very similar to Squalus lalannei but differs in many characteristics.
    • Species in the Squalus megalops group are characterized by an angular short snout, a small mouth almost as wide as the snout, the first dorsal fin origin behind the pectoral fins, and a body without any spots.

    Economic and Conservation Implications

    • Sharks in the genus Squalus and Centrophorus are exploited for their liver oil, which contains high levels of squalene, used in high-end cosmetic and anti-cancer products.
    • Fishermen from southern India and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands harvest these sharks for their liver oil, making conservation of these species critical.

    Importance of the Discovery

    • The discovery of Squalus hima is significant for the conservation of shark species exploited for commercial purposes.
    • Dogfish sharks are commercially important for their fins, liver oil, and meat and are sometimes caught as by-catch in fisheries targeting other species.

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following pairs:

    Wildlife Naturally found in
    1. Blue-finned Mahseer Cauvery River
    2. Irrawaddy Dolphin Chambal River
    3. Rusty-spotted Cat Eastern Ghats

    Which of the pairs given correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • RBI Circular on Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

    Why in the News?

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has broadened the regulations governing remittances to International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). The RBI’s circular authorizes “authorised persons” to facilitate remittances for all permissible purposes under LRS to IFSCs.

    About Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

    • LRS is governed by the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999, regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
    • The scheme was introduced by the RBI in 2004 to facilitate outward remittances from India.
    • LRS allows resident individuals, including minors, to remit a specified amount of money abroad each financial year (April – March).
    • Currently, individuals are allowed to remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year under LRS.
    • Funds remitted under LRS can be used for permissible current or capital account transactions, or a combination of both.
    • Permissible Uses:
      • Expenses related to travel (private or for business).
      • Medical treatment abroad.
      • Payment of fees for education abroad.
      • Gifts and donations.
      • Maintenance of close relatives.
      • Investment in shares, debt instruments, and immovable properties overseas.
    • Accounts: Individuals can open and maintain foreign currency accounts with banks outside India for transactions permitted under LRS.
    • Exclusions: LRS is NOT available to corporations, partnership firms, Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), trusts, etc.

    Prohibited Transactions:

    • Remittances for activities prohibited under Schedule-I of FEMA, such as purchase of lottery tickets, sweepstakes, proscribed magazines, etc.
    • Trading in foreign exchange abroad.
    • Remittances to countries identified as non-cooperative by the FATF.
    • Remittances to individuals/entities identified as posing a terrorism risk by the RBI.

    Significance of the move

    • The RBI’s decision reinforces GIFT IFSC’s position as a prominent international financial services hub.
    • By broadening the scope of LRS, GIFT IFSC aims to attract more diverse investments and transactions, contributing to the growth of India’s financial sector.

  • Species in News

    Description

    Cyrtobagus salvinia
    • Context: Used to eradicate the invasive weed Salvinia molesta from the Sarani reservoir in Betul district, Madhya Pradesh.
    • Biological Details: Exotic beetle from Brazil, targets and eradicates Salvinia molesta, dies naturally post-eradication.
    • Bioremediation: Implemented by ICAR-DWR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Directorate of Weed Research), started in April 2022, completed within 15 to 18 months.
    • Economic and Social Impact: Restored livelihoods for fishermen by reviving fish populations; initial challenges included high cost and impracticality of manual removal.
    • Conservation Status: No risk, as the beetle dies naturally after eradicating the weed.

    Squalus hima

     
    • Context: Newly discovered species of deep-water dogfish shark found in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Kerala.
    • Biological Details: Genus Squalus, family Squalidae, commonly known as spurdogs; differs in vertebrae count, teeth, and fin structure from other species.
    • Discovery: Discovered by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) at Sakthikulangara fishing harbour, Kerala; significant for new species identification and conservation.
    • Economic and Social Impact: Important for commercial products like liver oil used in cosmetics and anti-cancer products; challenges include high exploitation for liver oil, fins, and meat.
    • Conservation Status: Critical due to high commercial exploitation for liver oil, fins, and meat; important for conservation efforts.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Why is a plant called Prosopis juliflora often mentioned in the news?

    (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics.

    (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grows.

    (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides.

    (d) None of the above.

     

    [2019] Consider the following pairs:

    Wildlife Naturally found in
    1. Blue-finned Mahseer Cauvery River
    2. Irrawaddy Dolphin Chambal River
    3. Rusty-spotted Cat Eastern Ghats

    Which of the pairs given correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • The PDS impact on household expenditure   

    Why in the news? 

    The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey Data provides an opportunity to analyze the effects of social transfers.

    About Public Distribution System (PDS):

    • The Public Distribution System (PDS) aims to ensure food security by providing subsidized foodgrains to economically vulnerable sections of society. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population are eligible for subsidized foodgrains.
    • Foodgrains procured by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) are distributed through a network of Fair Price Shops (FPS).

    Its structural mandate: 

    • Procurement and Distribution: The PDS operates through the procurement of foodgrains by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) from farmers at Minimum Support Prices (MSP). These foodgrains are then allocated to states and union territories based on their requirements and distributed to Fair Price Shops (FPS), which deliver subsidized foodgrains to eligible beneficiaries.
    • Identification and Subsidy: Beneficiaries are identified based on the Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) data, classifying households into Priority Households and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, eligible households receive rice at ₹3 per kg, wheat at ₹2 per kg, and coarse grains at ₹1 per kg. The system aims to ensure that food security is maintained for the economically vulnerable sections of society.

    Observations made by the HCES:2022-23 report  

    • The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 provides insights into the coverage of social welfare programs, including the Public Distribution System (PDS).
    • The survey highlights discrepancies between administrative data and survey estimates due to inclusion and exclusion errors, offering detailed characteristics of households benefiting from these programs.

    Imputation of values for food and non-food items    

    Note: Imputation of values for food and non-food items refers to the process of assigning a monetary value to items received by households for free or at a subsidised rate through social welfare programs like the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India.

    • Purpose: Imputation is done to estimate the total consumption expenditure of households more accurately. It accounts for the fact that households receive goods (such as foodgrains from PDS) without directly paying for them, thus impacting their overall consumption.
    • Methodology: The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and other agencies use statistical methods to assign a value to these items. This involves determining the modal (most common) or percentile prices of the items received, which may vary by state and rural/urban classification.
    • Types of Items Imputed: Imputation covers both food and non-food items. In the context of the PDS, it primarily includes foodgrains but can extend to other essential commodities provided through government schemes.
    • Data Sources: Data for imputation can come from surveys like the HCES, where households report receiving these items. NSSO surveys typically provide detailed guidelines on how imputation values are derived and applied in their reports.
    • Impact on Analysis: Imputing values allows analysts to compute metrics like the Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) accurately, reflecting the true economic status and welfare impact of households.

     Implications for Poverty

    • Economic Relief for Poorer Households: By providing foodgrains at highly subsidized rates, the PDS reduces the financial burden on poorer households, allowing them to allocate their limited resources to other essential needs.
    • Enhanced Measurement of Poverty: Imputing the value of free or subsidised items received through programs like the PDS allows for a more comprehensive assessment of household consumption. Including these imputed values in poverty measurements provides a more accurate reflection of the economic well-being of households.
    • Policy Insights and Targeting: Understanding how imputed values impact poverty metrics helps policymakers in targeting social welfare programs more effectively.
    • Diversification of Diet: Access to subsidized foodgrains from the PDS allows households to free up resources, potentially enabling them to purchase a more diverse range of nutrient and protein-rich foods such as vegetables, milk, pulses, eggs, fish, and meat

    Way forward: 

    • Enhancing Efficiency and Targeting: Improve the identification and targeting of beneficiaries through updated and accurate data collection methods. Continuous validation and updating of Socio-Economic and Caste Census (SECC) data can help in reducing inclusion and exclusion errors.
    • Promoting Nutritional Security and Health Outcomes: Expand the scope of subsidized items beyond basic grains to include more nutritious food options like pulses, edible oils, and fruits.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What are the major challenges of Public Distribution System (PDS) in India? How can it be made effective and transparent? (2022)

    Q Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. (2013)

  • ISRO’s plans to venture into planetary defence 

    Why in the news? 

    Last week, ISRO Chairman S Somanath expressed the possibility of engaging with the asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth at a distance of 32,000 km in 2029. However, the specific manner of ISRO’s involvement has not yet been determined.

    Space objects: 


    The asteroid Apophis may pose a threat:

    • Initial Concerns: Discovered in 2004, Apophis initially posed a 2.7% chance of colliding with Earth, raising alarms due to its size (about 450 m wide).
    • Revised Risk: Subsequent observations ruled out immediate collision risks in 2029, 2036, and 2068, but it will pass close to Earth in 2029 at 32,000 km.
    • Potential Impact: Its size could cause significant damage if it were to collide with Earth, though recent observations suggest no imminent danger.

    Other possible incoming threats from space:

    • Daily Encounters: Thousands of asteroids enter Earth’s atmosphere daily, most burning up due to friction, causing phenomena like fireballs.
    • Russian Example: In 2013, a 20-meter asteroid exploded above Russia, releasing significant energy and causing damage and injuries.
    • Detection Challenges: Some asteroids are detected only upon entering the atmosphere, especially those coming from the direction of the Sun, which can obscure detection.

    ISRO’s plan: From sci-fi to reality:

    • Planetary Defense Initiative: ISRO aims to develop capabilities in planetary defense, potentially participating in missions to study and potentially deflect asteroids.
    • Collaboration: Considering sending its own spacecraft or collaborating with other space agencies, like NASA, which has already redirected a spacecraft to study Apophis in 2029.
    • Evolution of ISRO: Reflects ISRO’s evolution as a space agency, transitioning from aspirations to reality in tackling global space objectives, demonstrating growing confidence and capabilities.

    Way forward: 

    • Form Partnerships: ISRO should actively seek partnerships with leading space agencies like NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and others involved in asteroid detection and planetary defense.
    • Joint Missions: Collaborate on joint missions to study and potentially mitigate asteroid threats. This could include sharing resources, technology, and expertise to maximize effectiveness and minimize costs.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC IAS/2019)