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  • Roads, Highways, Cargo, Air-Cargo and Logistics infrastructure – Bharatmala, LEEP, SetuBharatam, etc.

    ATAL: World’s Longest Highway Tunnel

    5 October 2020 | Prelims Only | Economics
    Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    PM Modi has inaugurated the Atal Tunnel at Rohtang at an altitude of above 3,000 metres in Himachal Pradesh.

    Refer this link to read more about Himalayan passes and rivers

    https://www.civilsdaily.com/the-northern-and-northeastern-mountains-part-1/

    Atal Tunnel

    • The 9.02 km-long-tunnel, built by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), is the world’s longest highway tunnel and connects Manali to Lahaul-Spiti valley.
    • It provides all-weather connectivity to the landlocked valley of Lahaul-Spiti, which remains cut-off for nearly six months in a year as the Rohtang Pass is usually snow-bound between November and April.
    • Before the tunnel construction, the Lahaul Valley used to remain closed for vehicular movement due to bad weather conditions.
    • It reduces the distance by 46 km between Manali and Leh and the travel time by about 4 to 5 hours. It is expected to boost tourism and winter sports in the region.
    • The tunnel, also significant from the military logistics viewpoint, will provide better connectivity to the armed forces in reaching Ladakh.

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  • Indian Missile Program Updates

    Shaurya Missile and India’s K missiles family

    5 October 2020 | Prelims Only | Internal Security
    Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

    A successful trial of the nuclear-capable Shaurya missile was conducted by India.

    Shaurya Missile

    • Shaurya is a land-based parallel of the submarine-launched K-15 missile.
    • It is a land variant of short-range SLBM K-15 Sagarika, which has a range of at least 750 kilometres.
    • These ballistic weapons belong to the K missile family — codenamed after late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam — which is launched from Arihant class of nuclear submarines.
    • Because these missiles are to be launched from submarines, they are lighter, smaller and stealthier than their land-based counterparts; the Agni series.

    A look at what this family of missiles is their strategic importance as a nuclear deterrent and their recent tests.

    K Family of missiles

    • The K family of missiles is primarily Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), which have been indigenously developed by DRDO.
    • These are named after Dr Kalam, the central figure in India’s missile and space programmes who also served as the 11th President of India.
    • The development of this naval platform launched missiles began in the late 1990s as a step towards completing India’s nuclear triad (land, sea and air-based).

    Strategic importance of SLBMs

    • The capability of being able to launch nuclear weapons submarine platforms has great strategic importance in the context of achieving a nuclear triad, especially in the light of ‘no first use’ policy of India.
    • The sea-based underwater nuclear-capable assets significantly increase the second strike capability of a country and thus boosts its nuclear deterrence.
    • These submarines can not only survive the first strike by the adversary but also can launch a strike in retaliation thus achieving Credible Nuclear Deterrence.
    • The development of these capabilities is important in light of India’s relations with the two neighbours China and Pakistan.

    Try this PYQ now:

    What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news? (CSP 2018)

    (a) An Israeli radar system

    (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme

    (c) An American anti-missile system

    (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    What is CBD Oil?

    5 October 2020 | Prelims Only | Science and Technology
    Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    These days, there are diverse opinions rising regarding the legalization of CBD oil in India after recent controversy rose after the alleged suicide of an actor.

    What is CBD oil?

    • CBD oil is an extract from the cannabis plant.
    • The two main active substances in it are cannabidiol or CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
    • The high that is caused by the consumption of cannabis is due to THC.
    • CBD, however, does not cause a “high” or any form of intoxication.
    • CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.

    What are the effects of Cannabidiol?

    • Cannabidiol has effects on the brain, preventing the breakdown of a chemical that aggravates the pain and affects mood, and mental function. It can reduce pain and anxiety.
    • It also reduces psychotic symptoms associated with conditions such as schizophrenia as well as epilepsy.

    Is it legal in India?

    • The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis.
    • The NDPS Act, however, does not apply to the leaves and seeds of cannabis plants. In case the CBD is extracted from the leaves of the cannabis, then technically it is not illegal.
    • CBD oil manufactured under a licence issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 can be legally used.
    • However, the use of cannabis as a medicine is not much prevalent in India.

    Now try this PYQ:

    Q. Widespread resistance of malarial parasite to drugs like chloroquine has prompted attempts to develop a malarial vaccine to combat malaria. Why is it difficult to develop an effective malaria vaccine?

    A) Malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium

    B) Man does not develop immunity to malaria during natural infection

    C) Vaccines can be developed only against bacteria

    D) Man is only an intermediate host and not the definitive host

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  • Places in news: Kamchatka Peninsula

    5 October 2020 | National Parks/WS | Environment
    Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    An ‘ecological disaster’ of sorts is unfolding on a black volcanic beach of the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East, according to a report.

    Note the features of the map and surrounding seas.

    About Kamchatka Peninsula

    • The Kamchatka Peninsula is a 1,250-kilometre-long peninsula in the Russian Far East.
    • The Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk make up the peninsula’s eastern and western coastlines, respectively.
    • Immediately offshore along the Pacific coast of the peninsula runs the 10,500-metre-deep Kuril–Kamchatka Trench.
    • The Kamchatka Peninsula, the Commander Islands, and Karaginsky Island constitute the Kamchatka Krai of the Russian Federation.
    • The vast majority of the 322,079 inhabitants are ethnic Russians, although about 13,000 are Koryaks (2014).
    • The Kamchatka peninsula contains the volcanoes of Kamchatka, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    Why in news?

    • Then, sea animals begin to die in large numbers, their bodies littering the beach.
    • These included octopuses, seals, sea urchins, stars, crabs and fish.
    • Examination of the seawater by the administration has shown that levels of phenols and oil compounds have spiked.

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  • New Species of Plants and Animals Discovered

    Species in news: Madhuca Diplostemon

    5 October 2020 | Species | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    A tree species, long believed extinct, has been rediscovered after a gap of more than 180 years from a sacred grove in Kollam district.

    Try this PYQ:

    Q.Consider the following statements:

    1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical regions.
    2. India has four biodiversity hotspots i.e., Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and Andaman and the Nicobar Islands.

    Which of the above statements is/ are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

    Madhuca diplostemon

    • Scientists have identified the tree as Madhuca diplostemon (family Sapotaceae), a threatened species of the Western Ghats whose specimen was first collected in 1835.
    • In 1835, Robert Wight, a surgeon-botanist with the East India Company, had collected three specimens of the species.
    • Only one mature tree has been found so far, which makes this remarkable rediscovery extremely valuable from a scientific, environmental and conservation point of view.
    • Since the species is represented only by one specimen in a single locality, it is eligible to be categorised ‘Critically Endangered’ by the IUCN.

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  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    JAL JEEVAN MISSION (PIB)

    3 October 2020 | PIB |
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    What is Jal Jeevan Mission ?

    The Union Minister of Jal Shakti launched a special mission mode campaign to provide potable piped water supply in all schools and anganwadi centres across the nation within 100 days.

    About Jal Jeevan Mission

    • This mission was envisaged by the Prime Minister on 29th September, 2020 while releasing the ‘Margdarshika’ for Gram Panchayats and Paani Samitis for implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).
    • Provisions have been made under Jal Jeevan Mission for ensuring safe water through tap water connection in schools, anganwadi centres, health care centres, etc.
    • National Jal Jeevan Mission has reached out to States/ UTs to ensure that during this campaign, Gram Sabhas are convened at the earliest to pass a resolution for providing safe water in all schools, anganwadi centres and other public institutions in the village in the next 100 days.
    • These facilities will be operated and maintained by the Gram Panchayat and/ or its sub-committee i.e. Village Water & Sanitation Committee or Paani Samiti.
    • Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) aims at the universal coverage of provision of tap water connection to every rural home by 2024. Under the mission, special focus is on women and children.

     

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  • Swachh Bharat Mission

    Swachh Bharat Puraskar (PIB)

    3 October 2020 | PIB |
    Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    What are Swachh Bharat Puruskar ?

    • he Swachh Bharat (2020) Awards were conferred to the best performing States/UTs, districts, blocks, GPs and others in various categories marking six years of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) launch.
    • The awards were given by Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DDWS).
    • Top Awards were conferred upon Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab& others.
    • Gujarat was felicitated with the first prize in the state category; Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu as best district; Khachrod, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh as best block; and Chinnaur, (Salem) as the best Gram Panchayat for Swachh Sundar Samudayik Shauchalaya (SSSS) campaign organized from 1st Nov 2019 to 30th April 2020.
    • For the week-long Gandagi Se Mukt campaign launched by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 8th August 2020, Telangana received the top award for maximum Shramdaan participation.

     

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Wildlife Week

    3 October 2020 | Prelims Only | Environment
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Celebrating Wildlife Week

    • Wildlife Week is celebrated every year in India between October 1 and 8.
    • The annual theme of the campaign is to promote the preservation of fauna – i.e. animal life.
    • Wildlife Week was conceptualized in 1952 with the overall goal of raising awareness to serve the long-term goal of safeguarding the lives of wildlife through critical action.
    • In addition, the Indian Government established an Indian Board of Wild Life which works to improve awareness towards the preservation of wildlife.

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    China’S Climate Commitment

    3 October 2020 | Explained |
    Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Context- Speaking at the UN General Assembly, Chinese President Xi Jinping made two promises that came as a welcome surprise to climate change watchers.

    What has China announced ?

    • First, Xi said, China would become carbon net-zero by the year 2060.
      • Net-zero is a state in which a country’s emissions are compensated by absorptions and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
      • Absorption can be increased by creating more carbon sinks such as forests, while removal involves application of technologies such as carbon capture and storage.
    • Second, the Chinese President announced a small but important change in China’s already committed target for letting its emissions “peak”, from “by 2030” to “before 2030”.
      • That means China would not allow its greenhouse gas emissions to grow beyond that point.
      • Xi did not specify how soon “before 2030” means, but even this much is being seen as a very positive move from the world’s largest emitter.

    How significant is China’s commitment?

    • China is the world’s largest emitter of greenhouse gases. It accounts for almost 30% of global emissions, more than the combined emissions in the United States, the European Union and India, the three next biggest emitters.
    • Getting China to commit itself to a net-zero target is a big breakthrough, especially since countries have been reluctant to pledge themselves to such long term commitments.
    • So far, the European Union was the only big emitter to have committed itself to a net-zero emission status by 2050.

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    CBD Oil

    3 October 2020 | Explained |
    Mains Paper 3: Health & Education

    Context- Earlier this week, late actor Irrfan Khan’s wife Sutapa Sikdar made an appeal to legalise CBD oil in India for its potential to treat cancer. Her appeal followed the criticism of actor Rhea Chakrabaorty after it was reported that she had administered CBD oil, used as a pain reliever for some, to Sushant Singh Rajput when he was alive.

    About CBD oil ?

    • CBD oil is an extract from the cannabis plant. The two main active substances in it are cannabidiol or CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
    • The high that is caused by the consumption of cannabis is due to THC. CBD, however, does not cause a “high” or any form of intoxication.
    • CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from the cannabis plant, then diluting it with a carrier oil like coconut or hemp seed oil.
    • Cannabidiol can reduce pain and anxiety. It also reduces psychotic symptoms associated with conditions such as schizophrenia as well as epilepsy.
    • There is not enough robust scientific evidence to prove that CBD oil can safely and effectively treat cancer.
    • CBD oil manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 can be legally used. However, the use of cannabis as a medicine is not much prevalent in India.

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