Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Waterbodies definition, Key stats
Mains level: Water conservation efforts
The Ministry of Jal Shakti has recently released the report of the first census of waterbodies in India.
Waterbodies Census
- It is the first ever process of conducting a comprehensive survey of all the waterbodies in a particular region or country.
- The census aims to identify and classify different types of waterbodies like ponds, tanks, lakes, and reservoirs, among others.
- The information can help in the development of strategies for their conservation and management.
Major highlight: Definition of Waterbodies
- The census defines a waterbody as a unit bounded on all sides that is used for storing water for various purposes.
- These units can be either natural or man-made and may or may not have masonry work.
- Waterbodies are used for a variety of purposes, such as irrigation, industrial use, pisciculture, domestic and drinking water supply, recreation, religious purposes, and groundwater recharge.
- The report states that any structure that accumulates water from ice-melt, streams, springs, rain or drainage of water from residential or other areas or stores water by diversion from a stream, nala or river is also considered a waterbody.
Key facts: Distribution of Waterbodies
According to the report, India has 24.24 lakh water bodies like ponds, tanks, and lakes, with West Bengal having the highest number (7.47 lakh) and Sikkim having the least number (134).
| Waterbody Type |
Percentage of Total Waterbodies |
Number of Waterbodies |
| Ponds |
59.5% |
14,42,993 |
| Tanks |
15.7% |
3,81,805 |
| Reservoirs |
12.1% |
2,92,280 |
| Water Conservation Schemes/Percolation Tanks/Check Dams |
9.3% |
2,26,217 |
| Lakes |
0.9% |
22,361 |
| Others |
2.5% |
58,884 |
State-Wise Distribution of Waterbodies
- The report highlights that West Bengal has the highest number of ponds and reservoirs, while Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of tanks.
- Tamil Nadu has the highest number of lakes, and Maharashtra is the leading state with water conservation schemes.
- South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal has been ranked as the top district having the highest (3.55 lakh) number of waterbodies across the country.
Issues highlighted: Encroachment of Waterbodies
- Total 1.6% of waterbodies reported to be encroached
- 4% of encroached waterbodies in rural areas, 4.6% in urban areas
- 8% of encroached waterbodies have less than 25% area under encroachment
- 8% of waterbodies have more than 75% area under encroachment
Conclusion
- The census provides a comprehensive overview of the distribution of waterbodies in India, highlighting the states and districts with the highest number of waterbodies.
- The data on encroachment of waterbodies can help in identifying areas where conservation efforts are needed to protect these valuable resources.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Interstate border disputes
Central idea
- Ahave had a long-standing border dispute over 123 villages that are located in 12 districts of Arunachal and 8 districts of Assam.
- On April 21, 2022, an MoU was signed between the two states to resolve the dispute.
Genesis of the dispute
- The border dispute between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam has around 1,200 points of conflict along their 804 km boundary, which began in the 1970s and intensified in the 1990s.
- The issue goes back to 1873 when the British government introduced the inner-line permit, vaguely separating the plains from the frontier hills.
- In 1954, the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) was formed, and 3,648 sq. km of the “plain” area of Balipara and Sadiya foothills was transferred to the Darrang and Lakhimpur districts of Assam based on the 1951 report.
- Arunachal has been celebrating its statehood with an eye on China since 1987, and its people living in the transferred patches have been resentful, claiming that the transfer was done arbitrarily.
- However, their counterparts in Assam say the 1951 demarcation is constitutional and legal.
Past efforts to resolve the border issue
- Several efforts were made in the past to resolve the border dispute between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
- In 1979, a high-powered tripartite committee was constituted to delineate the boundary, and around 489 km of the 800 km were demarcated by 1983-84.
- Further demarcation could not take place because Arunachal Pradesh did not accept the recommendations.
- The apex court appointed a local boundary commission in 2006 to resolve the dispute. However, nothing came of it.
Process leading up to the signing of the MoU
- Assam CM and Arunachal CM commenced CM-level talks over the border issue on January 24, 2022.
- In their second meeting on April 20, 2022, they made key decisions.
- The border issues between both the states would be confined to a list of 123 villages which Arunachal Pradesh had claimed before the Local Commission in 2007.
- A boundary line delineated by the high-powered tripartite committee in 1980 would be taken as the notified boundary, and all realignment would be done in relation to it.
- Both states would set up 12 regional committees covering the 12 districts of Arunachal Pradesh and the 8 counterpart districts of Assam for joint verification of the 123 villages.
Extent to which the issue has been resolved
- The MoU has resolved the dispute over 34 villages.
- The village boundaries of 49 of the remaining villages are unresolved.
- The MoU states that in these, the Regional Committees will finalize the boundaries within a period of six months “through continuous dialogue.”
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Hooghly River
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The East-West Metro corridor, the second line of Kolkata’s Metro network that is currently under construction, will connect Kolkata and Howrah, and one of its highlights is India’s first underwater transport tunnel spanning the Hooghly river.
Hooghly River: Some facts
|
Description |
| Name |
Bhagirathi Hooghly River (Anglicized alternatively spelled Hoogli or Hugli) |
| Source |
Close to Giria, north of Baharampur and Palashi, in Murshidabad |
| Length |
260 km |
| Flows through |
West Bengal |
| Endpoint |
Bay of Bengal |
| Importance |
Lifeline for Kolkata, transportation route for goods and people, historical trade route, cultural and ecological resource |
| Challenges |
Changing course, frequent floods, pollution from industrial effluents and sewage |
| Additional Information |
A man-made canal called the Farakka Feeder Canal connects the Ganges to the Bhagirathi to bring the abundant waters of the Himalayan river to the narrow river that rises in West Bengal.
The main course of the Ganges then flows into Bangladesh as the Padma.
The Bhagirathi Hooghly River is also called the Ganga or the Kati-Ganga in the Puranas. |
About the East-West Corridor
- The East-West Corridor is expected to significantly ease congestion in the city.
- The line connects Kolkata’s IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V to the western suburb of Howrah.
- The eastern part of the East-West line is operational while the western portion of the corridor is underground.
- There are 12 stations on the entire route, including the country’s deepest, Howrah, at a depth of 33 meters.
Key feature: Underwater Tunnel
- The tunnels under the Hooghly River are 520 meters long and more than 30 meters below the river surface at its deepest point.
- The trains will have an operational speed of 80 km/h and will cover the half-kilometre stretch under the Hooghly in about 45 seconds.
- The underwater tunnels have an internal diameter of 5.55 meters and an external diameter of 6.1 meters.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Olive RIdley Turtles
Mains level: NA
Millions of baby Olive Ridley Turtles crawled towards the Bay of Bengal after emerging from eggshells along Odisha’s Rushikulyabeach in the Ganjam district.
Olive Ridley Turtles
|
Description |
| Scientific name |
Lepidochelys olivacea |
| Habitat |
Warm and tropical waters |
| Found in |
Pacific and Indian Oceans |
| Nesting sites |
Rushikulya rookery in Odisha |
| Largest mass nesting site |
Coast of Odisha in India |
| Conservation status |
Vulnerable in IUCN Red List |
| Listed in |
Schedule 1 in Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 |
Special feature: Mass nesting
| Notable behavior |
Arribadas |
| Nesting habits |
Synchronized mass nesting and return to the same beach where they hatched |
| Nest structure |
Conical nests about one and a half feet deep, dug with hind flippers |
| Incubation period |
45 to 60 days, influenced by temperature of the sand and atmosphere |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Garbh-INI Program
Mains level: NA
Central idea: The scientists working in the Garbh-Ini program have identified 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or genetic markers that are associated with preterm or premature birth.
What is Garbh-Ini?
- It is an interdisciplinary research program in India that focuses on the advanced research of birth outcomes.
- It is a collaborative initiative under the Department of Biotechnology.
- It is led by DBT-Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI) in the NCR Biotech cluster, Faridabad, in collaboration with DBT-NIBMG, Kalyani, DBT-Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Gurugram Civil Hospital, and other organizations.
- The program aims to use advanced technology to improve maternal and child health outcomes and address the high incidence of preterm births in India.
What are Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs)?
- Genetic markers are specific sequences of DNA that can be used to identify an individual or a particular trait.
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most common type of genetic variation that occurs in the DNA sequence.
- SNPs occur when a single nucleotide (A, C, T, or G) in the DNA sequence is altered.
- These changes can occur in any region of the genome and can be used as genetic markers to identify specific traits or disease susceptibility.
Significance of the Study
- The study is significant as it identifies 19 SNPs or genetic markers that are associated with preterm or premature birth.
- Out of these 19 SNPs, five were found to be associated with an increased risk of early preterm birth (birth before 33 weeks) and can be used to predict premature births.
- This is the first study in South Asia to identify genetic markers associated with preterm births, and it has significant implications for improving maternal and child health outcomes in India.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: LIGO India and other such developments
Mains level: LIGO India and its Significance
Central Idea
The Union Cabinet approved the full budget for the LIGO-India mega-science project, which includes the construction, commissioning and joint scientific operation of a state-of-the-art, advanced Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in India in collaboration with the NSF-funded LIGO Laboratory, USA, operated by Caltech and MIT.
About LIGO-India
- LIGO-India will be the fifth node of this international network of gravitational wave observatories, and possibly the last.
- The instrument is so sensitive that it can easily get influenced by events like earthquakes, landslides, or even the movement of trucks, and produce a false reading.
- That is why multiple observatories are needed to revalidate the signals.
- India’s involvement in LIGO is crucial to demonstrating its intent and capability to pull-off complex science projects independently
Facts for prelims: What is LIGO?
|
What is it?
|
Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO)
|
| Purpose |
Detect and study gravitational waves |
| Cause |
Ripples in spacetime caused by violent and energetic events in the universe |
| Location |
Livingston, Louisiana and Hanford, Washington |
| Detector |
Michelson interferometer |
| Function |
Measure changes in length caused by passing gravitational waves
|
| Benefits |
Improving our understanding of the universe and its origins |
| Discovery |
Detected gravitational waves for the first time in 2015
|
| Significance |
Confirmed a prediction made by Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity
|
| Field |
Gravitational wave astronomy |
| Discoveries |
Many exciting discoveries about the nature of the universe
|
- Advancement in gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics: LIGO-India will significantly enhance global capabilities in the field of gravitational-wave astronomy and astrophysics. The project will enable an entirely new window to our universe and open up opportunities to study the cosmos in ways that were previously impossible.
- Boosting research careers: LIGO-India will provide opportunities for Indian youth to pursue research careers in cutting-edge areas of science and technology, thereby supporting the growth of the Indian science industry and economy.
- Development of cutting-edge technologies: LIGO-India will lead to the development of cutting-edge technologies such as lasers, optics, vacuum, quantum metrology and control-system technologies, which have great national relevance. The project will bring together researchers in fundamental and applied sciences from national research laboratories, IITs and IISERs to universities in partnership with the industry, and attract talent from the large pool of Indian researchers spread worldwide.
- Galvanizing India’s industry: The project will galvanize India’s industry to enhance capability and capacity to engineer and manufacture complex components with precision to meet stringent scientific requirements, thereby enhancing the reputation of Indian industry.
- Contributing to India’s mega-science ventures: LIGO-India is part of India’s mega-science ventures, which aim to lead or partner in very high-science goals through large-scale collaborative efforts requiring highly skilled human resources, significant fiscal capital and infrastructural investment, and close academia-industry partnerships. LIGO-India is expected to extend the legacy of successful world-class facilities such as the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) near Pune and Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT) in Ladakh.
Facts for prelims: Other Important science projects
|
Mega-science Project
|
Description
|
| Large Hadron Collider (LHC) |
Particle accelerator located in Switzerland, aims to study subatomic particles |
| Indian-based Neutrino Observatory (INO) |
A proposed underground neutrino laboratory to be located in Tamil Nadu, India |
| Facility for Antiproton & Ion Research (FAIR) |
A particle accelerator located in Germany, used for research in nuclear and particle physics |
| Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) |
A proposed astronomical observatory, with a mirror diameter of 30 meters, to be located in Hawaii |
| Square Kilometre Array (SKA) |
A radio telescope that will be the largest and most sensitive in the world, to be located in Australia and South Africa |
| Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) |
A facility designed to detect gravitational waves, with observatories located in the USA and India |
Way ahead: Mega-Science Projects and India’s S&T Policy
- Mega-science projects like LIGO-India inculcate invaluable elements of work ethic in the scientific community.
- The key is the ability to create a focused but adequately large well-knit collaborative ecosystem that remains open to growing by bringing in wider participation.
- There is need for a culture within S&T communities to anticipate breakthroughs and appreciate new findings that may often deviate from the current comfort zone for policymakers to be receptive and for executing agencies to create robust mechanisms to assess, evaluate, and respond expeditiously to allow sufficient time to set up the enterprise.
Conclusion
The LIGO-India mega-science project is a significant milestone in India’s contribution to the growth of modern astronomy. The project will prompt Indian S&T in academia, national laboratories, and industries to leapfrog in a range of cutting-edge technologies. It reinforces the view that a healthy sprinkling of mega-science efforts in the overall S&T policy empowers and enriches the nation.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Modernization of IAF
Central idea: The article discusses the challenges faced by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in modernizing its fighter jet fleet due to unending delays in procurement and limited resources.
Why discuss this?
- Against the sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons, the IAF has only 31 squadrons today.
- And this number is expected to remain the same or even decrease by 2029.
- The IAF representative informed the Parliamentary standing committee that the shortfall may not be accomplished anytime soon.
Indian Air Force (IAF): A quick backgrounder
- The IAF was established in 1932, and it played an important role in India’s defence during World War II and later in the 1947-48 Kashmir War.
- It underwent modernization in the 1960s and 70s with the induction of new aircraft and weapons systems.
- Since then, the IAF has grown to become one of the largest air forces in the world, with a significant role to play in India’s defence and security.
Evolution of the IAF
|
Key Events
|
| Pre-Independence Phase |
– Small organization with only six officers and 19 airmen
– Played a crucial role in World War II and the 1947-48 Kashmir War |
| 1947-1962 Phase |
– Expansion and modernization of the IAF
– Acquisition of new aircraft and weapons systems |
| 1962-1980 Phase |
– Involvement in the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars
– Modernization with the induction of new aircraft and missiles |
| 1980-Present Phase |
– Further modernization with the acquisition of new aircraft, missiles, and weapons systems
– Focus on enhancing operational readiness |
Current Status of the IAF
- Large workforce: The IAF has around 1,500 aircraft and 140,000 personnel, making it one of the largest air forces in the world.
- Fleet details: The IAF has a sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons, but the current strength stands at 31 squadrons.
- Victorious wars: It has played an essential role in various conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars and the Kargil conflict in 1999.
- HADR operation: It has also been involved in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, such as the 2004 tsunami and the 2013 Uttarakhand floods.
Challenges faced
The IAF faces multiple challenges in the 21st century.
- Decommissioning aircraft: By the end of the decade, many of the Jaguars, Mirage-2000s, and Mig-29s will begin going out, which is why the decision on Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) is essential to arrest this drawdown.
- Arsenal shortages: The IAF faces a shortage of fighter aircraft, which is a significant concern given the current geopolitical environment.
- Selective modernization: One of the critical issues is modernization, which includes the upgrading of its aircraft and weapons systems.
- Diverse threat: The IAF also needs to ensure operational readiness to address the changing nature of warfare, which involves non-state actors, asymmetrical warfare, and cyber threats.
- Logistic fallouts: Furthermore, the IAF needs to improve its logistics and infrastructure to support its operations effectively.
- Maintenance challenges: There is a slow synergy with vendors for ‘long-term spares and repair contracts’.
Opportunities for the IAF
There are several opportunities for the IAF to enhance its capabilities in the modern era.
- Modernization: The acquisition of new aircraft, weapons systems, and technologies can significantly enhance the IAF’s combat capabilities.
- Joint cooperation: Additionally, the IAF can improve its international cooperation with other air forces to gain experience and enhance its interoperability.
- UAV induction: The IAF can also explore the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat roles.
- Indigenization: The IAF is emphasizing the need for indigenization of its fighter jet production via LCA and Fifth Gen fighter aircraft program.
Challenges in fleet modernisation
- Procurement delay: The IAF faces significant challenges in modernizing its fleet due to delays in procurement and limited resources.
- R&D, Infra bottlenecks: Implementing indigenization is a complex process that involves significant investment in research and development, infrastructure, and human capital.
- Others: Other challenges include a lack of skilled labour, limited funding, and the need for technology transfer from foreign partners.
Way forward
- The IAF needs to prioritize the acquisition of MRFA, focus on increasing the availability rates of the Su-30, and invest in its own industry to achieve self-reliance in the long term.
- Effective collaboration between industry, government, and the armed forces is crucial for the success of indigenization efforts in the defence sector.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Caste census analysis and impact
Central Idea
- The demand for a caste-based census in India has once again brought Mandal politics to the forefront. Mandal politics has succeeded in capturing political power in large parts of India and has shifted the political discourse towards a universal acceptance of OBC reservations. However, the movement has weakened in recent years, and the demand for a caste census is seen as a way for Mandal parties to regain their hold in the public discourse.
- Mandal politics refers to a political movement initiated by historically marginalized Other Backward Classes (OBCs) or Bahujan caste groups in India in the late 1980s and 1990s.
- The movement sought to secure a greater share of political and economic power through reservation in the public sector for the OBCs who had been historically excluded from such opportunities.
- The movement derived its name from the Mandal Commission, a committee appointed by the Indian government in 1979 to identify the socially and educationally backward classes of India and recommend measures for their advancement.
- The Mandal Commission report in 1980 recommended that 27% of jobs in the public sector be reserved for OBCs, a recommendation that was later implemented by the Indian government in 1990.
The outcomes of Mandal politics
Positive outcomes:
- Increased representation: One of the main positive outcomes of Mandal politics is the increased representation of OBCs and other marginalized groups in the political sphere. This has led to greater inclusivity and diversity in government and a more balanced distribution of power.
- Reservation policies: Mandal politics has also led to the introduction and expansion of reservation policies, which aim to provide equal opportunities to marginalized groups in education and employment.
- Recognition of social justice: Mandal politics has brought the issue of social justice to the forefront of political discourse and has highlighted the need for policies that address historic discrimination and disadvantage.
Negative outcomes:
- Caste-based politics: One of the negative outcomes of Mandal politics is the perpetuation of caste-based politics. This has led to the further entrenchment of caste divisions and has hindered the development of a more inclusive and egalitarian society.
- Polarization and conflict: Mandal politics has also led to polarization and conflict between different caste groups, as each group seeks to secure its own interests.
- Resentment and backlash: The policies introduced by Mandal politics have also led to resentment and backlash from certain upper-caste groups, who view the policies as discriminatory and unjust. This has sometimes led to violent protests and social unrest.
What is Caste Census?
- A caste census is basically the counting of people belonging to different castes in a particular marked area.
- With this two-phase exercise, the Bihar government will try to get numbers of people belonging to SC, ST, and OBC communities and their financial status among other important things.
- The exercise is termed ‘Jaati Aadharit Ganana’. People belonging to every religion and caste will be covered during the exercise.
Arguments for caste census
- Enumerating the marginalized: A caste census would actually bring to the particular the number of people who are at the margins, or who are deprived, or the kind of occupations they pursue, or the kind of hold that institutions like caste have on them. The caste census opens up to enumerating Dalits who are not Hindus, such as Dalit Christians and Muslims.
- Data for Policymaking: This information is absolutely necessary for any democratic policymaking. The census will be able to answer real public policy questions and direct policies more effectively towards those who most need state assistance and affirmative action policies.
- Judicial backing: The courts in India have often emphatically said that it is important to have adequate data with regard to the reservation.
- Caste offers privilege: Caste is not only a source of disadvantage; it is also a very important source of privilege and advantage in our society.
- Rids away caste rigidities: Counting of caste doesn’t necessarily perpetuate caste or the caste system. Myths of caste elitisms can be debunked through a caste census.
Arguments against caste census
- 50% breach of reservation cap: It is argued that a Socio-Economic Caste Census is the only way to make a case to breach the 50% cap on reservation and rationalize the reservation matrix in the country.
- Caste within Caste: Given the differences in caste hierarchies across various regions of the country, a comparative reading along with generating a common hierarchy may be a challenge.
- Caste over occupation linked predicaments: Caste linked deprivation or adversity may not be as common as occupation linked predicaments, which become easier to compare across states/regions.
- Anonymity and bias: An intimate and personalised attribute like caste may have its differential exposition between urban and rural residents. Urban residents’ need for anonymity can always bias the reporting on caste.
- Identity crisis: Recognition and adherence to caste identity is to a large extent shaped by progressive ideals, cosmopolitanism and education, which has its own regional divide in the country between the north and the south.
- Hurdle to casteless society: The idea of a national caste census is abhorrent when the stated policy is to strive for a casteless society.
The Impact of a Caste Census: Analysis In brief
Positive impact
- Accurate data: A caste census can provide accurate data on the caste demographics of India, which is necessary for effective policy-making and affirmative action programs.
- Better targeting of government policies: The data from a caste census can help the government target policies and programs more effectively towards the marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society.
- Improved representation: A caste census can help improve representation of underrepresented castes in government bodies and institutions.
- Empowerment of marginalized communities: A caste census can help empower marginalized communities by giving them a voice and recognition in the political and social systems.
Negative impact
- Polarization: A caste census can lead to polarization and tensions between different castes, especially if the data is used to allocate resources or benefits based on caste.
- Stigma and discrimination: There is a risk that the caste census data can be used to further stigmatize and discriminate against marginalized communities.
- Misuse of data: The data from a caste census can be misused by politicians and other groups to further their own agendas, leading to potential conflicts and social unrest.
- Privacy concerns: Some people may be hesitant to disclose their caste, leading to concerns about privacy and data protection.
Conclusion
- The caste census is seen as a way for Mandal parties to regain their hold in the public discourse and direct policies more effectively towards those who most need state assistance and affirmative action policies. However, the demand for a caste census is a double-edged sword that may create conflicts and shift the discourse from historical injustices to distribution. The Mandal movement faces challenges but remains relevant in the ongoing struggle for social justice.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: TB, disease, vaccines and other developments
Mains level: TB elimination strategy
Central Idea
- At the One World TB Summit in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on March 24, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a fresh approach to the global tuberculosis (TB) elimination response, with innovation and research being central drivers of change. This is a critical step as India and the world look to redefine their TB elimination response. India’s recent progress in TB control efforts and COVID-19 response provides a good reflection point, which offers lessons to address the challenges faced in the fight against TB.
- Expanded reach and improved detection measures: India’s National TB Elimination Programme has introduced several measures to find, notify, and treat TB cases, resulting in expanded reach and improved detection measures. As a result, the number of TB case notifications has significantly increased, rising from 15.6 lakh in 2014 to over 24 lakh in 2022.
- Innovative approaches: India has adopted innovative approaches to TB management, including engagement with the private sector, launch of social support provisions, and introduction of diagnostic tools and new drug regimens. These measures have improved TB management in the country.
- Increased investment in health research and development: India has recognized the importance of investing in health research and development, especially in recent years. The Mission COVID Suraksha programme to develop vaccines was a good example of a public-private partnership, with clear goals and outcomes. The country has also established centres of excellence, which will facilitate collaboration between Indian Council of Medical Research laboratories and the private sector.
- Expansion of diagnostic tools: India has been working on expanding access to diagnostic tools for TB. Innovations such as nasal and tongue swab-based tests for TB can be a game changer by reducing diagnostic delays, and handheld digital x-ray machines with artificial intelligence-based software can now be taken to villages and urban settlements to screen large numbers of high-risk individuals.
- Introduction of new therapeutic molecules: India has been investing in the development and introduction of new therapeutic molecules for TB treatment. Shorter, safer, and more effective regimens, such as the 1HP regimen for latent TB infections, the four-month regimen (HPZM) for drug-susceptible TB, and the six-month regimen (BPaL/M) for drug-resistant TB, have been developed.
Why there is a Need for Disruptive Approaches and New Tools in TB elimination response?
- Lack of widespread awareness: Despite the progress made by India’s National TB Elimination Programme, there is still a lack of widespread awareness about the disease, which has led to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
- Access to quality care: Many people with TB in India and other developing countries do not have access to quality care, which has led to high rates of morbidity and mortality.
- Limited diagnostic tools: There is a need to expand access to diagnostic tools for TB, especially in rural and remote areas.
- Drug-resistant TB: The emergence of drug-resistant TB has made treatment more difficult, requiring the development of new therapeutic molecules and regimens.
- Need for innovative approaches: Innovative approaches are needed to change the way TB is prevented, diagnosed, and treated.
- Rapidly evolving technology: Advances in technology, such as point-of-care tests, artificial intelligence-based software, and handheld digital x-ray machines, have made it possible to develop new tools to combat TB.
- For example: Innovative technologies such as handheld digital x-ray machines with artificial intelligence-based software and nasal and tongue swab-based tests for TB can reduce diagnostic delays and provide rapid, low-cost diagnostics. Similarly, newer and more effective regimens and repurposed existing drugs for TB can play a crucial role in the long run.
Importance of Prioritizing TB Vaccine Trials
- Vaccines are key to ending the TB epidemic: Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to prevent infectious diseases. For TB, a vaccine would be a critical tool for ending the epidemic, especially for those who are at the highest risk of developing and spreading TB.
- BCG vaccine is not effective for all: The current TB vaccine, Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG), is not effective for everyone, especially adolescents and adults who are at the highest risk of developing and spreading TB. Therefore, new and effective vaccines are needed to provide adequate protection.
- Multiple TB vaccine candidates in the pipeline: There are currently over 15 TB vaccine candidates in the pipeline, which have shown promise in pre-clinical and clinical trials. Prioritizing these clinical trials will help identify the most effective vaccine candidates for various community settings and different target groups.
- Cost-effectiveness: Vaccines are a cost-effective way to prevent diseases, and a TB vaccine would be no different. Investing in TB vaccine trials and development would save resources in the long run by reducing the burden of TB on health systems and economies.
- Global impact: TB is a global public health issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. The development of a new TB vaccine would have a significant impact not only in India but also in other high-burden countries.
Facts for prelims: Types of vaccine technologies
|
Vaccine Technology
|
Explanation |
Examples
|
| Inactivated or killed vaccines |
Use viruses or bacteria that have been inactivated or killed so that they can no longer cause disease |
Inactivated polio vaccine, hepatitis A vaccine |
| Live attenuated vaccines |
Use viruses or bacteria that have been weakened so that they can’t cause disease in healthy people |
Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, yellow fever vaccine |
| Protein subunit vaccines |
Use pieces of the virus or bacteria, such as proteins or sugar molecules, to stimulate an immune response |
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine |
| Nucleic acid vaccines |
Use genetic material from the virus or bacteria, such as DNA or RNA, to stimulate the immune system |
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna |
| Viral vector vaccines |
Use harmless viruses, such as adenoviruses, to deliver genetic material from the target virus or bacteria into the body to stimulate an immune response |
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, Ebola vaccine developed by Merck |
How Testing and Diagnosis of TB can be improved?
- Increased access to diagnostic tools: There is a need to increase access to diagnostic tools for TB, especially in rural and remote areas. Innovative approaches such as point-of-care tests (POCTs), including home-based tests, can provide decentralized, rapid, and low-cost diagnostics to provide results within minutes.
- Introduction of new diagnostic tools: New innovations such as nasal and tongue swab-based tests for TB can be a game changer by reducing diagnostic delays. Further, handheld digital x-ray machines (with artificial intelligence-based software) can now be taken to villages and urban settlements to screen large numbers of high-risk individuals, safely and conveniently.
- Strengthening the laboratory network: It is essential to strengthen the laboratory network in India to ensure quality diagnostics, especially in the private sector. Accreditation of private laboratories for TB diagnosis and linking them with the public sector is essential.
- Integration with other healthcare services: TB testing and diagnosis need to be integrated with other healthcare services to improve access and reduce stigma. For example, TB screening can be done in conjunction with diabetes or HIV screening.
- Empowering patients: Empowering patients with knowledge about TB symptoms and diagnostic tests can help increase awareness and improve early diagnosis. TB awareness campaigns can also help reduce stigma associated with the disease.
- Collaboration between public and private sectors: Collaboration between the public and private sectors can improve access to diagnostic tools and reduce the time required for TB testing and diagnosis. The private sector can be leveraged to provide affordable and quality TB diagnostics and treatment.
Need for Appropriate Policy Frameworks
- Smoothening the rollout of proven tools: Creating regulatory and policy frameworks can smoothen the rollout of proven tools to reach people with as little delay as possible. This requires greater collaboration between policymakers, scientists, product developers, and clinical researchers across the country and even across regions.
- Harmonization of standards and regulatory processes: Harmonization of standards and regulatory processes between countries can enable mutual recognition of evidence-based standards and licenses and save critical time towards rollout.
- Addressing the regulatory challenges: Appropriate policy frameworks can address the regulatory challenges of introducing new tools and approaches. This can help reduce the time and cost of clinical trials and shorten the time to market for new tools and products.
- Encouraging innovation: Policy frameworks that incentivize innovation can encourage the private sector to invest in TB research and development. This can lead to the development of new and effective tools for TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Supporting public-private partnerships: Appropriate policy frameworks can support public-private partnerships that can bring together the strengths of both sectors to develop and scale up innovative solutions for TB control.
Conclusion
- India’s scientific ingenuity during the COVID-19 pandemic has cemented its position as pioneers in innovation in the life sciences. India must use its G-20 presidency to build a global health architecture that creates equitable access for all. India must use this opportunity to call for the collaborative development of transformational tools and approaches that cater to not only India’s needs but also those of the under-represented but disproportionately affected developing world. TB should no longer be the leading infectious disease killer globally in the 21st century, and India can lead the way.
Mains Question
Q. At the One World TB Summit held at in Varanasi recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a fresh approach to the global tuberculosis (TB) elimination response. In this light discuss India’s Progress in TB Control Efforts and the need for disruptive approaches and new tools in TB elimination response.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Heat Budget of Earth
Mains level: Read the attached story
The study published in the journal Earth System Science Data estimates that almost 90% of the warming that has occurred in the last 50 years has been absorbed by the ocean, with the remaining heat absorbed by the land, cryosphere and atmosphere.
Earth’s energy balance: A quick recap
- It is the balance between the amount of energy that Earth receives from the Sun and the amount of energy that Earth radiates back into space.
- It is also known as the radiation budget.
- The energy from the Sun that Earth receives is mainly in the form of visible light and ultraviolet radiation.
- This energy is absorbed by the Earth’s surface and atmosphere, which then radiate it back into space in the form of infrared radiation.
- The balance between incoming and outgoing radiation is crucial for maintaining the Earth’s temperature and climate.
- Any imbalance between the two can lead to global warming and climate change.
|
Description |
| Total incoming solar radiation |
Approximately 342 W/m² reaches Earth’s atmosphere |
| Albedo |
About 30% of incoming solar radiation is reflected back to space |
| Greenhouse effect |
Remaining 70% of incoming solar radiation is absorbed by Earth’s surface and atmosphere, creating the greenhouse effect |
| Atmospheric heat |
Atmosphere contains only 0.001% of Earth’s heat energy, but is crucial in regulating heat budget |
Key highlights of the Study: Heat Accumulation
- The study estimates that approximately 381 zettajoules (ZJ) of heat accumulated on the planet from 1971-2020 due to anthropogenic emissions.
- This roughly equals a heating rate of approximately 0.48 watts per square metre (Earth Energy Imbalance or EEI). EEI is the difference between incoming and outgoing solar radiation.
- According to the study, about 89% of the accumulated heat is stored in the ocean, 6% on land, a percent in the atmosphere, and about 4% available for melting the cryosphere.
Implications
(1) Land Heat Accumulation
- Heat accumulated on land drives up ground surface temperatures, which may increase soil respiration, releasing carbon dioxide in the process.
- Higher soil respiration will likely decrease soil water, depending on climatic and meteorological conditions and factors.
(2) Inland Water Bodies and Permafrost Thawing
- Heat storage within inland water bodies has increased to roughly 0.2 ZJ since 1960. For permafrost thawing, it was about 2 ZJ.
- The accumulation of heat in inland water increases lake water temperatures, making conditions ripe for algal blooms.
- Permafrost heat content could inject methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, the researchers warned.
(3) Ocean and Troposphere heating
- The upper ocean (0-300 and 0-700 meters depth) has taken up a major fraction of heat, according to the new estimates.
- During 2006-2020, ocean warming rates for the 0-2,000 meters depth reached record rates of roughly 1.03 watts per square meter.
- The troposphere is also warming up due to increased heat accumulation.
(4) Cryosphere heating
- The cryosphere – the frozen water part of the Earth system – gained roughly 14 ZJ of heat from 1971-2020.
- Half of the uptake triggered the melting of grounded ice, while the remaining half is linked to the melting of floating ice.
- The Antarctic Ice Sheet contributed about 33% to the total cryosphere heat gain, while Arctic sea ice stood second, having contributed 26%.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: EELS Mission
Mains level: NA
NASA is developing a snake-like robot- Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS), which it says can boost space exploration through its diverse adaptability to various terrains.
Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS)
|
Details |
| Purpose |
Designed to explore internal and enclosed dynamic terrain structures to assess evidence for life. |
| Focus |
To explore ocean-world-inspired terrain, and besides Enceladus, it can explore Martian polar caps and descending crevasses in Earth’s ice sheets. |
| Enceladus and EELS system |
Enceladus is a small and icy body, and the Cassini spacecraft dubbed it to be one of the most scientifically interesting destinations in the solar system. |
| Scientific investigations |
Work is underway to identify high-priority and high-impact scientific investigations to show the capabilities of the snake-like robot. |
Features of EELS Robot
|
Details |
| Propulsion and gripping mechanism |
EELS robot has an actuation and propulsion mechanism, driven by power and communication electronics.
It uses a rotating propulsion unit that acts as tracks, while the gripping mechanism and propeller unit help it to access a plume vent exit. |
| Adaptability |
The robot’s adaptability to various terrains and its unique features make it capable of exploring areas that were once inaccessible. |
| Enceladus |
Geyser-like jets spew water vapor and ice particles from an underground ocean beneath Enceladus’s icy crust, making it a promising lead for NASA in its search for life. |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: INIOCHOS-23
Mains level: NA
The Indian Air Force (IAF) will be participating in a multi-national air exercise called Exercise INIOCHOS-23, which will be hosted by the Greece Air Force.
Ex. INIOCHOS-23
- Exercise INIOCHOS-23 will be conducted at the Andravida Air Base in Greece.
- The IAF will be participating with four Su-30 MKI and two C-17 aircraft.
- The objective of the exercise is to enhance international cooperation, synergy, and interoperability among the participating Air Forces, as stated by the IAF in a statement.
Strategic significance
- The exercise will be conducted in a realistic combat scenario involving multiple types of air and surface assets
- This will provide valuable insight into each other’s best practices and enable the participating contingents to interact professionally.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Critical Minerals
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central idea
- A recent working paper from Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) extends the earlier minerals assessment for 23 minerals by assessing the criticality levels of 43 select minerals for India.
- This is based on their economic importance (demand-side factors) and supply risks (supply-side factors) which are determined through the evaluation of specific indicators.
What are Critical Minerals?
- Critical minerals are elements that are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk of supply chain disruptions.
- These minerals are used in making mobile phones, computers, batteries, electric vehicles, and green technologies like solar panels and wind turbines.
- Minerals such as antimony, cobalt, gallium, graphite, lithium, nickel, niobium, and strontium are among the 22 assessed to be critical for India.
- Many of these are required to meet the manufacturing needs of green technologies, high-tech equipment, aviation, and national defence.
Why are these resources critical?
- Clean energy transition: Critical minerals are essential to the ecosystem that fuels the world’s transition towards clean energy and digital economy.
- Strategic nature: Any supply shock can severely imperil the economy and strategic autonomy of a country that is over-dependent on others to procure critical minerals.
- Rare availability: Supply risks exist due to rare availability, growing demand, and complex processing value chain.
What is the China ‘threat’?
- Dominant role: China is the world’s largest producer of 16 critical minerals, including cobalt and rare earth elements.
- Monopoly in processing: The country has a strong presence across the board in processing operations, with a share of refining around 35% for nickel, 50-70% for lithium and cobalt, and nearly 90% for rare earth elements.
- Control over offshore mines: China also controls cobalt mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo, from where 70% of this mineral is sourced.
- Supply chain dominance: The country’s dominance in critical minerals production and processing raises concerns of a supply disruption in case of a geopolitical conflict.
Challenges in ensuring resilient critical minerals supply
- Limited availability of critical minerals: The rare availability of critical minerals poses a challenge in meeting the growing demand for these minerals.
- Geopolitical risks: Complex supply chains can be disrupted by hostile regimes or politically unstable regions, leading to supply chain disruptions.
- Dominance of certain countries: A few countries, such as China, are the dominant producers of critical minerals, leading to concerns over supply disruptions in case of a geopolitical conflict.
- Increasing demand for critical minerals: With the shift towards renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles, the demand for critical minerals such as copper, lithium, and rare earth elements is increasing rapidly.
- Reliance on foreign partners: Countries with limited reserves and higher requirements for critical minerals may have to rely on foreign partners to meet their domestic needs, leading to supply chain vulnerabilities.
- Environmental and social concerns: The extraction and processing of critical minerals can have negative environmental and social impacts, leading to challenges in meeting sustainability goals.
What are countries around the world doing about it?
Several countries are taking measures to ensure a consistent supply of critical minerals to their domestic markets.
- India: It has set up Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL), a joint venture of three public sector companies, to ensure a consistent supply of critical and strategic minerals to the Indian domestic market.
- US: It has ordered a review of vulnerabilities in its critical minerals supply chains and shifted its focus on expanding domestic mining, production, processing, and recycling of critical minerals and materials.
- Australia: Its Critical Minerals Facilitation Office (CMFO) and KABIL had recently signed an MoU aimed at ensuring reliable supply of critical minerals to India.
- UK: It has unveiled its new Critical Minerals Intelligence Centre to study the future demand for and supply of these minerals, and its critical mineral strategy will be unveiled later this year.
What should India do to ensure resilient supply?
- Developing domestic sources of critical minerals: This can be achieved by promoting exploration and mining activities, both by public and private sector entities.
- Encouraging responsible mining practices: The Indian government should encourage responsible mining practices that minimize negative environmental and social impacts of mining activities.
- Developing recycling capabilities: This can be achieved by promoting research and development in recycling technologies and incentivizing the adoption of recycling practices.
- Promoting transparency in the supply chain: India should promote transparency in the critical minerals supply chain by ensuring the traceability of minerals from the point of extraction to the point of end-use.
- Investing in research and development: India should invest in research and development to develop new technologies and processes for efficient extraction, processing, and recycling of critical minerals.
- Developing a national critical minerals strategy: India should develop a national critical minerals strategy that identifies priority minerals, promotes domestic exploration and mining, and promotes sustainable and responsible mining practices.
Conclusion
- India has a significant mineral geological potential, many minerals are not readily available domestically.
- Hence, India needs to develop a national strategy to ensure resilient critical minerals supply chains, which focuses on minerals found to be critical in this study.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Private sector startups and recent developments
Mains level: Indian Space Policy 2023, Role of private sector, advantages and potential drawbacks
Central Idea
- The Indian Space Policy 2023 has been approved by the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security. The policy has opened up the Indian space sector, facilitating an enhanced role for the private sector to augment the development and competitiveness of the Indian space program.
All you need to know about Indian Space Policy 2023
- Clear roles and responsibilities: The Indian Space Policy 2023 policy clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe), as well as that of the private players in the Indian space sector.
- Opportunities for private sector players: One of the key aspects of the new policy is to open up the Indian space sector to provide opportunities for private sector players to play an active role in augmenting the development and competitiveness of the Indian space program. This will allow ISRO to focus on non-commercial missions, such as research and development of advanced space technologies and space exploration.
- Enhance overall ISRO missions: The policy is expected to enhance overall ISRO missions with greater participation of non-government entities, including academia, the research community, startups, and industry.
- Institutional setups: Strategic activities within the space sector will be handled by NSIL, an institutional set up within the Department of Space that will address these activities in a demand-driven mode. The other recent institutional set up that will be critical in coordination between the public sector and the private players is IN-SPACe.
- Framework for use of ISRO facilities: The policy outlines a framework under which the private sector can use ISRO facilities for a small fee.
- Making Indian space programme competitive: The private players are also expected to create new infrastructure in the space sector. This will be critical in ensuring that the Indian space program becomes more competitive and developed.
- ISRO will focus on research and development: In a significant move, ISRO has stated that it will not do any operational and production work for the space sector and will instead focus its energies on developing new technologies, new systems, and research and development. This essentially means that the routine production and launches that the ISRO was involved in until now will be handled by the private sector completely.
- An Open Space Policy refers to a policy that allows for open and transparent participation in space activities.
- It involves the collaboration between public and private entities in the exploration and use of space.
- The goal of an open space policy is to promote innovation, competition, and the growth of the space industry while ensuring the safety and security of space activities.
- This policy allows for the development of new technologies, research and development, and increased cooperation and collaboration between different countries and organizations.
Facts for prelims: Private space sector startups in India
|
Company Name
|
Area of Specialization |
Recent Developments
|
| Skyroot Aerospace, Hyderabad |
Launch Vehicles for Small Satellites |
Successfully launched their first indigenously designed and developed launch vehicle, Vikram I. Vikram S (Mission Prarambh) rocket recently launched as first privately built Indian rocket to make it to space |
| Agnikul Cosmos, Chennai |
Launch Vehicles for Small Satellites |
Successfully tested their fully 3D printed rocket engine, the Agnilet, in January 2021. |
| Bellatrix Aerospace, Bangalore |
Electric Propulsion Systems |
Signed an agreement with Skyroot Aerospace for the use of electric propulsion technology in their launch vehicles. |
| Pixxel, Bangalore |
Earth Observation Satellites |
Launched their first satellite, Anand, in February 2021, and plans to launch a constellation of 30 satellites by 2023. |
| Kawa Space, Mumbai |
Space-Related Technologies |
Developed a ground station in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, to track and receive data from satellites. |
| Skylo, Bangalore |
Low-Cost Satellite-Connected Devices for IoT |
Raised $103 million in Series B funding round led by SoftBank Group Corp in August 2021. |
| SatSure, Bangalore |
Data Analytics Services for Agriculture Industry |
Launched their new product, SatSure Agri, in May 2021 to provide crop yield forecasting services to farmers. |
| Dhruva Space, Bangalore |
Satellite-Based Communication Solutions |
Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ananth Technologies in October 2021 to provide satellite-based communication services to the aviation industry. |
Benefits of having an open space policy
- Messaging tool: An open space policy can be used as a messaging tool, both for friends and potential foes. It can demonstrate India’s commitment to the peaceful use of outer space and build confidence among other nations.
- Moderating fears and concerns: An open space policy can help to moderate fears and concerns about India’s space activities, by providing greater clarity on India’s space objectives and priorities.
- Rebuilding confidence: An open space policy can help to rebuild confidence among other nations that India is committed to the peaceful use of outer space.
- Outlining objectives: An open space policy can provide a clear outline of India’s short-term and long-term space objectives and priorities.
- Better resource allocation: An open space policy can help to ensure better resource allocation for India’s space program, by providing a clear framework for decision-making and prioritization.
Potential drawbacks of open space policy
- Increased competition: An open space policy could lead to increased competition among countries and private entities to gain access to space and its resources. This could lead to a potential arms race in space and increased tensions between countries.
- Security concerns: Open access to space could also create security concerns, as countries may develop space weapons or use space to conduct surveillance on other countries.
- Environmental impact: An open space policy could also have environmental consequences, as increased space activity could lead to more space debris and pollution, potentially harming the Earth’s orbit and its environment.
- Lack of regulation: Without proper regulation, an open space policy could lead to the exploitation of space resources, such as minerals and water, which could negatively impact the environment and lead to unfair distribution of resources.
- Cost: Increased space activity and access could also lead to higher costs for countries and private entities, which may not be sustainable in the long run.
Conclusion
- The new policy is expected to bring about significant changes in the Indian space ecosystem, including greater private sector participation, better resource allocation, and institutional clarity. This is an important step towards an open space policy that integrates both commercial and national security requirements in a balanced fashion.
Mains Question
Q. The Indian Space Policy 2023 has been approved by the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security. Note down some of its key aspects. What do you understand by mean open space policy? Discuss its advantages and potential drawbacks.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Initiatives for private investment and labour force participation
Mains level: India’s Growth Prospects, Private Investment and challenges
Central Idea
- India has had an established track record of high growth, with an average annual GDP growth of 6.6% in the decade leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic. In fiscal 2023, India is seen growing at 7%, making it the fastest-growing large economy. But with an imminent global slowdown and the full manifestation of the lagged impact of interest rate hikes since May 2022, the economy is expected to decelerate and grow at 6% in fiscal 2024.
- Growth accounting: Growth accounting provides a useful framework to analyse medium-term prospects by decomposing their drivers into the contribution of capital, labour and efficiency.
- Economic growth next five years: Indian economy expected to grow at 6.8 per cent per year for the next five years with 52 per cent of it from capital, 38 per cent from efficiency and 10 per cent from labour.
- Changing growth model: The growth model is changing to an infrastructure and manufacturing-driven one.
- Capital spending: The Union Budget has raised capital spending by almost a third in high-multiplier infrastructure segments. But such support to capex will moderate in the years to come, given fiscal consolidation pressures.
- Investment ratio: Investment as a percentage of GDP has already touched a decadal high of 34 per cent in fiscal 2023. So far, the onus to lift the investment ratio has been shouldered by the government. The contribution of the private sector to investments is set to improve, primed as it is with healthier balance sheets, cash reserves and low leverage.
- Contribution of productivity to growth: The creation of physical and digital infrastructure in conjunction with efficiency-enhancing reforms will raise the contribution of productivity to growth. The economy is expected to continue seeing efficiency gains from reforms such as GST and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
What is holding back a swift and broad-based lift in private investments?
- Economic uncertainty, primarily, and geopolitical events to a lesser extent.
- Sustainability challenge looms for the manufacturing sector as manufacturing and infrastructure growth are carbon-intensive.
- Low-quality skilling of the workforce is holding back its contribution to growth.
- Quality and the skilling of the workforce
- Falling labour force participation of women
What is holding back in Labour’s contribution to growth?
- Labour’s contribution to growth is likely to be low not because India does not have sufficient people in the working-age group, this cohort is 67 per cent of the population and is set to expand by 100 million over the next decade. It is the quality and skilling of the workforce that is holding it back.
Why private investment is essential for Indian economic growth?
- Capital formation: Private investment helps in creating capital formation, which is essential for economic growth. It helps in building infrastructure, creating jobs, and generating income, which in turn drives consumer spending and boosts economic growth.
- Innovation: Private investment is often associated with innovation and technological advancements. Companies that invest in research and development (R&D) can develop new products and processes that can boost productivity and create new markets. This, in turn, can lead to increased profits and more investment in R&D, creating a virtuous cycle of innovation and growth.
- Employment: Private investment creates jobs, which is critical for economic growth and development. When companies invest in new projects or expand their operations, they often need to hire additional workers, which reduces unemployment and boosts consumer spending.
- Foreign investment: Private investment is also an important driver of foreign investment. When companies invest in India, they often bring new technology, skills, and expertise that can help boost local industries and drive economic growth.
- Tax revenue: Private investment can also help increase tax revenues, which can be used by the government to fund public goods and services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Steps taken by the government to encourage private investment
- Investment-Friendly Policies: The Indian government has launched several investment-friendly policies, such as Make in India, Start-up India, and Digital India, to encourage private investment in the country.
- Infrastructure Development: The government is investing heavily in infrastructure development, including roads, railways, airports, and ports, to create a conducive environment for private investment.
- Tax Reforms: The Indian government has implemented several tax reforms, such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), to simplify the tax structure and make it more investor-friendly.
- FDI Liberalization: The government has liberalized foreign direct investment (FDI) norms in several sectors, including defense, insurance, and retail, to attract more foreign investment.
- Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC): The government has implemented the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), which has made it easier for businesses to exit, and has increased investor confidence in the Indian economy.
- Production Linked Incentives (PLI): The government has launched the Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme to encourage manufacturing in India and make it more competitive globally.
- Easing of Business Regulations: The Indian government has eased several business regulations to improve the ease of doing business in the country and attract more private investment.
- Skill Development: The government has launched several initiatives, such as Skill India and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, to develop the skills of the Indian workforce and make it more attractive to investors.
Facts for prelims: Steps taken by the government to encourage labour force participation of women
|
Initiatives
|
Description
|
| Maternity Benefit Programme |
A scheme to provide financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers for their health and nutrition needs. |
| Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana |
A scheme to provide LPG connections to women from Below Poverty Line households. |
| National Urban Livelihood Mission |
A programme to provide self-employment opportunities and skill development training to urban poor women. |
| National Rural Livelihood Mission |
A scheme to provide self-employment opportunities and skill development training to rural women. |
| Mahila E-Haat |
A digital platform to provide a market for women entrepreneurs to sell their products online. |
| Beti Bachao Beti Padhao |
A campaign to address the declining child sex ratio and to promote education among girls. |
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana |
A savings scheme for the girl child to ensure their education and marriage expenses are taken care of. |
Way ahead
- Focus on green transition: As the manufacturing and infrastructure growth are carbon-intensive, so it’s important to have a significant and simultaneous focus on green transition. Having a high sustainability quotient can only embellish India’s credentials as a production destination.
- For instance: Research suggests that between fiscals 2023 and 2027, over 15 per cent of India’s capex could be towards green initiatives involving renewable energy, transportation, altering the fuel mix, and green hydrogen. In the fragmented geopolitical milieu, which is shifting towards supply-chain diversification and friend shoring, India can attract foreign investments.
- Enhancing labour force participation of women: The labour force participation of women is falling. This will have to be reversed through employment policies and investing in the health and education of women.
- For instance: According to a World Bank report in 2018, India could add 1.5 percentage points to its GDP growth by improving the participation of women in its workforce.
Conclusion
- India is going to become a $5 trillion economy by fiscal 2029, given the current growth dynamics. However, the impact of climate risk mitigation will be felt across revenue, commodity prices, export markets, and capital spending. To win the growth marathon, India’s focus must be sharp on the drivers of pace.
Mains Question
Q. Highlight India’s growth prospects in the next five years? Discuss the significance of private investment for economic growth and enlist factors that holding back the private investment.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Quantum Computing, National Quantum Mission (NQM)
Mains level: National Quantum Mission (NQM)
Central idea: The Union Cabinet has approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a budget of ₹6,003 crore. The mission aims to fund research and development in quantum computing technology and associated applications.
What is Quantum Computing?
|
Explanation |
| What is it? |
A type of computing that uses quantum-mechanical phenomena to perform operations on data. |
| Qubits |
Quantum bits, which can be 0, 1, or both simultaneously (a superposition of 0 and 1). |
| Computational speed |
It can perform certain calculations much faster than traditional computing, especially for complex algorithms and large amounts of data. |
| Entanglement |
The use of entanglement allows quantum computing to process multiple pieces of data simultaneously, further increasing computational power. |
| Research |
Governments, universities, and private companies around the world are researching quantum computing. |
| Challenges |
Building practical quantum computers is a major challenge due to the fragility of qubits and the difficulty of controlling and measuring them accurately. |
| Development stage |
Quantum computing is still in its early stages of development. |
National Quantum Mission (NQM)
| Mission duration |
2023-2031 |
| Total cost |
Rs. 6,003.65 crore |
| Leading Department |
Department of Science and Technology (DST) |
| Supporting departments |
Other government departments |
| Focus |
Development of physical qubit-based quantum computers |
| Applications |
Healthcare and diagnostics, defense, energy, and data security |
| India’s positioning |
Among the top six nations involved in quantum research and development |
Key focus areas
(1) Thematic Hubs
- The mission will be structured around four broad themes:
- Quantum Computing,
- Quantum Communication,
- Quantum Sensing and Metrology, and
- Quantum Material and Devices.
- Thematic hubs will be established at research institutes and R&D centres already working in the field.
- The effort is to create an ecosystem that favours quantum technology development in the country.
(2) Satellite-based Communication
- One of the key areas of focus for the NQM will be the development of satellite-based secure communication between ground stations and receivers located within a 3,000 km range over the first three years.
- NQM will lay communication lines using Quantum Key Distribution over 2,000 km for satellite-based communication within Indian cities.
- Tests will be conducted in the coming years for long-distance quantum communication, especially with other countries.
(3) Quantum Computing
- The mission will focus on developing quantum computers (qubit) with physical qubit capacities ranging between 50 – 1000 qubits, developed over the next eight years.
- The development of computers up to 50 physical qubits will take three years.
- 50 – 100 physical qubits will be developed in five years, and computers up to 1000 physical qubits will be developed in eight years.
Applications
- The mission would have a wide range of applications, including in healthcare and diagnostics, defense, energy, and data security.
- Quantum technologies are expected to be far more powerful than traditional computing systems and capable of performing the most complex problems in a highly secure manner.
Various challenges
- Sub-zero temperatures: Current prototype systems require extremely cold (close to -273 C) conditions to work, along with developing the materials capable of such computations.
- Still evolving: Quantum computers are still a work in progress globally, and no one has built a practical computer that can actually work and solve meaningful problems.
- No global breakthrough: IBM, D-Wave of Canada or China’s Zuchongzhi 2.1, all of whom have prototype systems, have not built a quantum computer that can solve a problem that anybody cares about.
Conclusion
- The NQM represents a significant step forward for India’s research and development efforts in the quantum technology sector.
- By focusing on the development of quantum computers and related technologies, the country is positioning itself as a key player in this field, with wide-ranging applications across multiple sectors.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get the Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Freedom of speech and reasonable restrictions
Mains level: Global population trends
Central idea: India is set to overtake China as the world’s most populous country by mid-2023, according to data released by the United Nations.
State of World Population Report
- The report is an annual report published by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which provides a global overview of population trends and issues.
- The report covers a wide range of topics related to the population, such as fertility, mortality, migration, family planning, and gender equality.
- It also includes analysis and recommendations for policymakers and governments to address population challenges and promote sustainable development.
- The report is widely regarded as a key reference for researchers, policymakers, and international organizations working on population and development issues.
Highlights of the 2023 report
Facts
|
Data
|
| World Population (2022) |
8 billion |
| Most populous regions |
Eastern and Southeastern Asia, Central and Southern Asia |
| World Population Growth Rate (since 2020) |
Less than 1% |
| Fertility Rate (replacement level) |
2.1 children per woman |
| Population aged 65 years or above (2050) |
16% |
| Persons aged 65 years and above (2050) |
More than double that of 5-year-olds and same as 12-year-olds |
| Regions with fertility rate at or below 2.1 |
60% |
| Top countries accounting for global population increase by 2050 |
DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Tanzania |
Population anxieties in India
|
Facts |
| India’s population |
India is now the most populous country in the world, having overtaken China in population, with 1,428.6 million people. |
| Age distribution |
68% of India’s population belongs to the 15-64 years category, and 26% in the 10-24 years group, making India one of the youngest countries in the world. |
| Fertility rate |
National Family Health 5 Survey (2019-21) found that India attained a Total Fertility Rate of 2.0 for the first time, less than the replacement level of 2.1, falling from 2.2 in NFHS 4 (2015-16). |
| Life expectancy |
Life expectancy for men in India is 71 years, the same as the global life expectancy, while it is marginally lower for women at 74 years. |
| Population growth |
India’s population growth rate has decreased from 2.3% in 1972 to less than 1% now. |
| Demographic dividend |
With 68% of its population as youth, and working population, India could have one of the largest workforces in the world, giving it a global advantage. |
Way forward
The UNFPA report strongly recommended that governments introduce policies with gender equality and rights at their heart to address changing demographics. These recommendations include:
- Parental leave programs: Introducing parental leave programs that provide paid leave to both mothers and fathers after the birth or adoption of a child. This can help promote gender equality in the workplace and support families in raising children.
- Child tax credits: Providing tax credits or financial support to families with children to help them meet the costs of raising children. This can help address child poverty and support families in providing for their children’s basic needs.
- Policies to promote gender equality at workplace: Implementing policies and practices that promote gender equality in the workplace, such as equal pay for equal work, flexible work arrangements, and anti-discrimination policies.
- Universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights: Ensuring that all people have access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, maternal health services, etc. This can help prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce maternal mortality, and promote the health and well-being of individuals and families.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Windfall Tax
Mains level: Not Much
The government has revised a windfall tax on domestically-produced crude oil. According to an official notification, the windfall tax rate of Rs 6,400 per tonne.
What is a Windfall Tax?
- Windfall taxes are designed to tax the profits a company derives from an external, sometimes unprecedented event — for instance, the energy price-rise as a result of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- These are profits that cannot be attributed to something the firm actively did, like an investment strategy or an expansion of business.
- The US Congressional Research Service (CRS) defines a windfall as an “unearned, unanticipated gain in income through no additional effort or expense”.
- One area where such taxes have routinely been discussed is oil markets, where price fluctuation leads to volatile or erratic profits for the industry.
Features of Windfall Tax
- Imposed on unanticipated and unearned gains: Windfall tax is imposed on the profits or gains that a company earns from external events or factors beyond their control, which they did not actively seek or pursue.
- One-time tax: It is typically imposed as a one-time tax retrospectively, over and above the normal rates of tax, and is not a regular or ongoing tax.
- Imposed on specific sectors or industries: Windfall taxes are usually imposed on specific sectors or industries where there is a significant increase in profits due to external factors such as price fluctuations, supply disruptions, or changes in regulations.
- Rationale for imposition: The imposition of windfall taxes is based on the rationale of redistributing unexpected gains, funding social welfare schemes, and creating a supplementary revenue stream for the government.
- Design problems: Introducing windfall taxes may suffer from design problems, given their expedient and political nature.
- Potential impact on investment: Windfall taxes may lead to uncertainty in the market and negatively impact future investment, as companies may feel uncertain about investing in a sector with an unstable tax regime.
When did India introduce this?
- In July 2022, India announced a windfall tax on domestic crude oil producers who it believed were reaping the benefits of the high oil prices.
- It also imposed an additional excise levy on diesel, petrol and air turbine fuel (ATF) exports.
- Also, India’s case was different from other countries, as it was still importing discounted Russian oil.
How is it levied?
- Governments typically levy this as a one-off tax retrospectively over and above the normal rates of tax.
- The Central government has introduced a windfall profit tax of ₹23,250 per tonne on domestic crude oil production, which was subsequently revised fortnightly four times so far.
- The latest revision was on August 31, when it was hiked to ₹13,300 per tonne from ₹13,000.
Reasons for re-introduction
- There have been varying rationales for governments worldwide to introduce windfall taxes like:
- Redistribution of unexpected gains when high prices benefit producers at the expense of consumers,
- Funding social welfare schemes, and
- Supplementary revenue stream for the government
Issues with imposing such taxes
- Design problems: Windfall taxes may suffer from design problems, given their expedient and political nature. There is also the issue of determining what constitutes true windfall profits and who should be taxed, which raises questions about the threshold for exemption of smaller companies.
- Potential impact on investment: Windfall taxes may lead to uncertainty in the market and negatively impact future investment, as companies may feel uncertain about investing in a sector with an unstable tax regime.
- Internalization of potential taxes: Introducing a temporary windfall profit tax may reduce future investment since prospective investors may internalize the likelihood of potential taxes when making investment decisions.
- Threshold for exemption of smaller companies: Determining the threshold for exemption of smaller companies raises questions about which companies should be taxed and what level of profit is normal or excessive.
- Difficulty in determining true windfall profits: There is also the issue of determining what constitutes true windfall profits, as it may be challenging to differentiate between profits attributable to external events versus those attributable to a company’s active investment strategy or business expansion.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Web 3.0
Mains level: Not Much
Central idea: The article discusses the key features of Web3, including its decentralized nature, peer-to-peer transactions, and greater control over data and digital assets for users.
What is Web3?
- Web3, also known as Web 3.0, is the next generation of the World Wide Web that emphasizes decentralization, security, and user privacy.
- It is essentially a vision of the internet where users have more control over their data, identities, and online interactions.
- It is built on blockchain technology, which enables peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries such as banks, governments, or other third parties.
- This decentralized approach to the web allows for greater transparency and trust, as well as more secure and private transactions.
- Web3 technologies include blockchain platforms like Ethereum, IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) for distributed file storage, decentralized identity systems like uPort, and decentralized marketplaces like OpenBazaar.
Features of Web 3
Feature
|
Web3
|
Web2
|
|
Centralisation
|
Decentralised |
Centralised |
|
Intermediaries
|
Peer-to-peer |
Rely on intermediaries |
|
Data ownership and control
|
Users have control |
Large corporations have control |
Challenges for Web3:
|
Challenge
|
Scalability
|
Current blockchain infrastructure can only handle a limited number of transactions per second. |
User Adoption
|
Despite being around for over a decade, blockchain technology is still relatively unknown to the general public. |
Interoperability
|
Web3 is being developed by different organisations, each with their own unique vision for the technology, leading to challenges in integration. |
Complexity
|
Technical expertise is required to use and understand Web3, which may be a barrier for some users. |
Examples of Web3 use:
|
Use
|
|
Cryptocurrencies
|
Built on blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies enable secure, decentralised transactions without the need for intermediaries. |
|
Decentralised Finance
|
Aims to build a new financial system on top of blockchain technology. DeFi applications enable users to borrow, lend, and trade crypto. |
|
Decentralised storage
|
Used to create decentralised social networks and develop decentralised identity verification systems. |
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: YZ Ceti exoplanet , Exoplanets
Mains level: NA
Central idea: Astronomers have detected a repeating radio signal from the YZ Ceti exoplanet that suggests the presence of a magnetic field around it.
What is YZ Ceti b?
- YZ Ceti b is an earth-sized exoplanet (a planet that orbits a star other than our sun).
- It is located barely 12 light-years from Earth, and it rotates around a small red dwarf star called YZ Ceti.
How was the discovery made?
- The researchers had to make multiple rounds of observations before they could detect the radio signals from the star YZ Ceti, which seemed to match the orbital period of the planet YZ Ceti b.
- From this, they deduced that the signals were a result of the interaction between the planet’s magnetic field and the star.
Why does the magnetic field matter?
- Intense bursts of energy from the YZ Ceti star-exoplanet exchange produce spectacular auroral lights, similar to the energy surges from the sun that disrupt telecommunications on earth.
- The radio waves confirmed the existence of an exoplanetary magnetic field.
- This can only be produced if the exoplanet orbits very close to its parent star and has its own magnetic field to influence the stellar wind and generate the signals.
What’s the implication for YZ Ceti b?
- The small orbit of YZ Ceti b indicates that the planet takes just a couple of earth days to circle its star.
- Nearly half of all the stars visible in the sky could potentially harbor rocky, earth-sized planets in habitable orbits around them.
- Astronomers indicated that the possibility of the existence of a magnetic field on the Earth-like exoplanet, called YZ Ceti b, probably hints at the habitability of life on that planet.
How common are such magnetic fields?
- Planetary scientists have never been able to identify magnetic fields on smaller, rocky exoplanets until now.
- The survival of a planet’s atmosphere may depend on its having, or not having, a strong magnetic field, since the field protects its atmosphere from being eroded by the charged particles blowing in from its star.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your personal mentor for UPSC 2024 | Schedule your FREE session and get Prelims prep Toolkit!
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
