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

    Why the Thar Desert on the borders of India and Pakistan is getting greener?

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the News?

    Rajasthan’s barren Thar Desert may turn green, says a recent study in the journal Earth’s Future.

    Thar Desert

    • The Thar Desert is the 18th largest subtropical desert globally and is one of the most densely populated deserts.
    • Approximately 40% of the human population in Rajasthan resides in the Thar Desert.
    • It extends from the Sutlej River and is bounded by the Rann of Kutch, the Aravalli Mountains, and the Indus River.
    • About 85% of the Thar Desert is located in India, with the remainder in Pakistan.
    • In India, it spans across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab as well.
    • Civilizations are believed to have thrived in the Thar region around 50,000 years ago across the extinct Saraswati River.
    • The Desert National Park (home to the endangered Great Indian Bustard, desert fox, desert cat, blackbuck, and Indian gazelle) is situated in the Thar Desert in the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan.

    Why is the Thar desert getting greener?

    • Climate Change Effects:
        • Alteration of Weather Patterns: Climate change is causing shifts in rainfall distribution in the thar desert area.
        • Potential for Vegetation Growth: The increased precipitation could provide favorable conditions for vegetation growth, contributing to the greening of the desert.
    • Indian Monsoon Dynamics:
        • Westward Extension of Indian Monsoon: The Indian monsoon, known for bringing heavy rainfall to eastern India, is now extending further westward into regions like the Thar Desert.
        • Impact on Moisture and Rainfall: This change in monsoon dynamics could lead to increased moisture and rainfall in the desert region, facilitating the growth of vegetation.
    • Expansion of Indian Ocean Warm Pool (IOWP):
        • Influence on Monsoon Patterns: The Indian Ocean Warm Pool (IOWP) influences monsoon patterns and rainfall distribution over the Indian subcontinent.
        • Westward Expansion due to Climate Change: Climate change is causing the IOWP to expand westward, potentially resulting in increased rainfall over semi-arid regions like the Thar Desert and promoting greening.
    • Water Management Practices:
        • Contribution to Greening: Effective water management practices, such as rainwater harvesting and irrigation techniques like johad, kuis, and kunds, may be playing a role in the greening of the Thar Desert.
        • Utilization of Water Resources: By harnessing and efficiently utilizing available water resources, local communities and authorities can support vegetation growth and ecosystem restoration efforts in the desert.
    • Introduction of Irrigation  
      • Commercial Cropping: Irrigation was introduced during British colonial rule in the 19th and 20th centuries to convert arid and semi-arid ecosystems into cropland.
      • Restrictions on Grazing: The right to graze animals was restricted to landowners who cultivated crops, leading to the transformation of nomadic pastoralists into sedentary agro-pastoralists.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which of the following leaf modifications occur(s) in the desert areas to inhibit water loss?

    1. Hard and waxy leaves
    2. Tiny leaves
    3. Thorns instead of leaves

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2020] The process of desertification does not have climate boundaries. Justify with examples.

    [2013] Major hot deserts in northern hemisphere are located between 20-30 degree north and on the western side of the continents. Why?

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    [pib] Launching of LSAM 20 (Yard 130)  

    PIBPrelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Why in the News?

    The Indian Navy has inducted the ‘Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge, LSAM 20 (Yard 130) into its fleet.

    What is LSAM 20?

    • LSAM 20 (Yard 130) is the Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile Barge (Storage) inducted by the Indian Navy.  (built by MSME Shipyard, M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane).
    • LSAM 20 facilitates transportation, embarkation, and disembarkation of articles/ammunition to IN Ships.
    • These Barges are indigenously designed and built under relevant Naval Rules and Regulations of the Indian Register of Shipping.

    Objective 

    • A Torpedo Cum Missile Barge is a specialized vessel used by the Indian Navy to transport various types of ammunition, torpedoes, and missiles to operational areas.
    • These barges play a crucial role in providing logistical support to naval vessels by ensuring the uninterrupted transportation of essential military supplies. 

    PYQ:

    [2016] Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

    (a) Amphibious warfare ship

    (b) Nuclear-powered submarine

    (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

    (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

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  • RBI Notifications

    Towards a Green Growth: On the RBI and a Green Taxonomy

    DOMRExplained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Why in the news?

    Extreme weather conditions may pose a risk to inflation, along with prolonged geopolitical tensions that could keep crude oil prices volatile, the Reserve Bank’s April Bulletin said on April 23.

    RBI’s Monetary Policy Report on the impact of climate shock and extreme weather events on food inflation:

    • Effects of Food Inflation: The report highlights the significance of extreme weather events and climate shocks in affecting not only food inflation but also the broader impact on the natural Rate of Interest and Financial Stability.
    • Broader Economic Impact: Climate shocks and extreme weather events are mentioned to have a broader impact on the economy’s financial stability, indicating that disruptions in food production and supply chains due to these events can lead to inflationary pressures beyond just the food sector.
    • Use of Economic Modeling: The report mentions the utilization of a New-Keynesian model incorporating a physical climate risk damage function to estimate the macroeconomic impact of climate change. This likely includes projections on how climate shocks affect food production and subsequently food inflation.
    • Warning on Long-Term Output Reduction: The report warns that without climate mitigation policies, the long-term economic output could be lower by around 9% by 2050. This suggests that climate shocks and extreme weather events could have lasting effects on food production and inflation.
    • Potential for Inflation Hysteresis: There’s a warning about the potential for inflation hysteresis to become entrenched, which could lead to a de-anchoring of inflation expectations. This implies that persistent disruptions caused by climate shocks could lead to sustained increases in food inflation.

    Way Forward:

    • Need Investment in Climate Resilience: Governments and businesses can invest in climate-resilient agriculture practices and infrastructure to mitigate the adverse effects of extreme weather events on food production.
    • Need Diversification of Food Sources: Diversifying food sources can help reduce reliance on regions prone to climate-related disruptions. This could involve promoting local food production, supporting small-scale farmers, and investing in alternative food production methods such as vertical farming or hydroponics.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q What policy instruments were deployed to contain the great economic depression?

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Anticyclones, hanging even now over India, link warming to heat | Explained

    Explained | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Why in the news?

    The record warming of 2023 has so far not been fully explained since it was much warmer than expected just from the superposition of El Nino on global warming.

    About Anticyclone:

    • An anticyclone is a weather phenomenon defined as a large-scale circulation of winds around a central region of high atmospheric pressure, clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

    The link between ElNino and Anticyclone: 

    • El Nino events can lead to the formation of anticyclone events. During El Niño, the weakening or reversal of the Walker circulation and strengthening of the Hadley circulation caused warm ocean water to develop in the central and east-central equatorial Pacific.

    The link between anticyclone and heat 

    • Stability and Weather Patterns: Anticyclones are areas of high pressure in the atmosphere characterized by descending air, which stop the cloud formation and precipitation. This stable air mass tends to promote clear skies and can lead to prolonged periods of hot and dry weather.
    • Amplification by Global Warming: Studies suggest that global warming can intensify anticyclones, making them stronger and more persistent. Warmer temperatures due to climate change can enhance the evaporation of moisture from land and water surfaces, further reinforcing the stability of anticyclonic conditions.
    • Feedback Loop: Anticyclones can create a feedback loop with global warming. As anticyclones persist, they can exacerbate heatwaves by trapping heat near the surface, preventing it from escaping into the upper atmosphere. This trapped heat can then further strengthen the anticyclone, leading to a self-reinforcing cycle of heat and stability.

    What are the stages of early warnings?

    The stages of early warnings on the ‘ready-set-go’ system for disaster management

    • Ready: This stage involves providing a seasonal outlook based on background states and external factors like global warming and El Niño. The aim is to maximize the accuracy of longer-lead forecasts, enabling organizations like the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and local governments to prepare their disaster response systems accordingly.
    • Set: In this stage, subseasonal predictions for weeks two to four are utilized. Resource allocations are made, and potential hotspots are identified to ensure that disaster preparedness is in place. This step involves moving resources, including personnel, to areas that are identified as at risk based on the extended range forecasts.
    • Go: The final stage, based on short- and medium-range forecasts (days 1-10), involves the activation of disaster response efforts. This includes implementing rescue operations, setting up hydration centers, heat shelters, and other necessary measures to manage the disaster effectively.

    Conclusion: All evidence suggests India’s prediction system and early warning systems continue to improve and the NDMA has worked these details well into its ‘ready-set-go’ system.The remaining challenges are to build resilience for the future by better predicting the trajectory of the weather at every location over India.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q Drought has been recognized as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India.

    https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/anticyclones-hanging-even-now-over-india-link-warming-to-heat/article68117359.ece

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  • Economic Indicators and Various Reports On It- GDP, FD, EODB, WIR etc

    Inequality can no longer be ignored

    Explained | Indian Society | Mains Paper 2: Laws, Institutions & Bodies Constituted For The Vulnerable Sections

    Why in the news?

    The Congress’s party’s election manifesto, the Nyay Patra, has triggered a debate on inequality, concentration of wealth and the measures to address these.

    The reason behind the inequality in India:

      • Taxation Disparities: India’s tax-GDP ratio is comparatively low, standing at 17% as opposed to 25% in Brazil, indicating room for improvement in revenue generation. The taxation structure in India leans towards indirect taxes, which contribute significantly (about two-thirds) to overall tax revenue collection.
      • Regressive Taxation Structure: India’s tax system is described as regressive, indicating that it disproportionately impacts low-income individuals compared to high-income individuals. Indirect taxes, which are a significant component of overall tax revenue, tend to burden lower-income groups more than higher-income groups.
      • Lack in Tax Progressivity: There are concerns about the lack of progressivity in India’s direct tax regime, where higher-profit companies enjoy relatively lower effective tax rates compared to lower-profit companies.

    Welfare spending is low

      • Low Spending on Welfare and Social Sector: India’s expenditure on welfare and the social sector is significantly lower compared to other countries. Public spending on health remains low, approximately 1.3% of GDP, falling short of the National Health Policy (NHP) target of 2.5% of GDP by 2025.
      • Eventual decline Budget Allocations: Major budgetary allocations for programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), education, and budgets for children have either declined as a proportion of total expenditure or GDP.

    Way forward

    • Revenue Mobilization and Spending Priorities: There’s a pressing need to improve revenue mobilization progressively, ensuring that the burden of taxation is distributed fairly and equitably.
      • Simultaneously, increasing spending on areas that directly affect the lives of the poor is crucial. This includes healthcare, education, social protection programs, and employment generation schemes like MGNREGA.
    • Achieving Policy Targets: Meeting targets set by policies like the NHP requires a concerted effort to ramp up healthcare spending in line with national goals.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q) Despite the consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive.  (UPSC IAS/2019)

    Q) Critically discuss the objectives of Bhoodan and Gramdan movements initiated by Acharya Vinoba Bhave and their success.  (UPSC IAS/2013)

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  • Digital India Initiatives

    [PREMIUM] An Overview of the Digitalization in Indian Economy

    Explained | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Why in the news?

    As per RBI findings, India’s core digital economy saw a rise from constituting 8.5% of GVA in 2019 to 12.5% in 2023, marking a growth rate of 15.6% over the span of 2019-2023.

    What is digitisation?

    • Digitization refers to the process of converting information, data, or physical objects into digital format. Digitization enables information to be stored, accessed, and manipulated electronically, often leading to increased efficiency, accessibility, and flexibility compared to traditional analog methods.

    Origin in World 

    • The origin of digitalization can be traced back to the late 19th century when Herman Hollerith developed a punch card system for tabulating data.
    • Alan Turing’s theoretical work on computation in the early 20th century laid the foundation for the development of the first electronic computers in the 1940s, which were pivotal in digitizing various forms of information.

    Origin in India 

    • Late 20th century: The origins of digitalization in India can be traced back to the late 20th century, with the advent of personal computers and the internet.
    • Early 2000s:The government’s concerted efforts to drive digital transformation in the country began in the early 2000s with the launch of the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) in 2006
    • 2015: The NeGP aimed to make government services available to citizens electronically by improving online infrastructure and connectivity. This laid the foundation for the more comprehensive “Digital India” initiative, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015

    Status of Digitalization in the Indian Economy

    • Enhancement of E-Governance: The Digital India initiative has brought about substantial enhancements in e-governance services. Programs such as e-visas and the Digital Locker system have effectively modernized government services, leading to a reduction in paperwork and greater accessibility for citizens.
    • E-Commerce market: India’s e-commerce market is expected to reach $200 billion by 2026. Major players like Flipkart and Amazon have expanded their reach, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating online shopping adoption.
    • Digital transaction: The BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money) app, utilizing the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), has garnered immense popularity, enabling secure peer-to-peer transactions. By August 2023, UPI had processed more than 10 billion monthly transactions, amounting to INR 18 trillion ($204.77 billion).
    • Startup Ecosystem in India: India’s rapidly growing startup ecosystem currently encompasses 110 unicorns valued at $347 billion, featuring prominent companies such as Paytm, Ola, and Zomato. These unicorns exemplify India’s prowess as a technology-driven entrepreneurial center.
    • Digital Financial Inclusion: Digital financial services, propelled by programs such as Jan Dhan Yojana, have advanced financial inclusion by facilitating the opening of millions of bank accounts for those previously excluded from or underrepresented in the banking system.
    • Surge in Broadband and Internet Usage: India has experienced a notable surge in broadband adoption, boasting 825 million mobile broadband subscribers as of July 2023. This uptick has resulted in heightened data consumption and escalated online engagement, especially among Generation Z.

    Key challenges related to digitalisation in India:

    • Lack of skills: Rapid technological change increase the demand of skilled workforce. Only 42% of India’s workforce possesses digital skills, highlighting the need for digital literacy and upskilling.
    • Regulatory challenges: For businesses, especially startups, grappling with intricate digital regulations, e-commerce taxation, and intellectual property matters continues to present significant challenges.
    • Privacy issues:The surge in digital transactions and data exchange has sparked notable concerns regarding privacy and data security. These concerns are being tackled by the Personal Data Protection Bill, which introduces regulatory intricacies.
    • Cybersecurity: As digitization increases, the risk of cyber threats and attacks grows. India faced 91 lakh cybersecurity incidents in 2022, ranking third globally in the average cost of data breaches.
    • Digital Divide: Despite advancements, there remains a digital gap, with rural areas experiencing restricted internet and technology accessibility, resulting in approximately 50% of the population being offline.

    Measures to address these challenges:

    • Digital Skills Development: Implement comprehensive digital literacy programs to enhance the skills of the workforce.
    • Regulatory Simplification:Streamline digital regulations, especially for startups, to reduce complexities and facilitate smoother operations.Provide guidance and support to businesses on e-commerce taxation and intellectual property matters.
    • Privacy and Data Security: Enforce the Personal Data Protection Bill to address privacy concerns and ensure data security.Enhance awareness campaigns to educate the public about data privacy and protection measures.
    • Cybersecurity Measures: Strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure to combat the increasing cyber threats and attacks.Invest in advanced cybersecurity technologies and training programs to build a resilient defense system.
    • Closing the Digital Divide:Expand digital infrastructure in rural areas to improve internet and technology accessibility.

     Steps taken by government:

    • Cybersecurity Framework: Enhance cybersecurity infrastructure and awareness, emphasizing collaboration between government agencies and the private sector under National Cyber Security Policy of 2021.
    • Data Protection Laws: Enacted data protection laws and regulations, like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, of 2023, to ensure privacy and responsible data handling.
    • Expansion of Broadband : Accelerate efforts to expand broadband connectivity in rural and remote areas, leveraging public-private partnerships like the BharatNet project.
    • Digital initiative: Comprehensive digital literacy initiatives targeting both urban and rural communities, exemplified by programs like the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA).

    Conclusion: 

    Need to Implement widespread digital literacy programs to equip individuals with the necessary skills to navigate the digital landscape and emphasize upskilling and reskilling initiatives to meet the demands of rapid technological advancements.Encourage collaboration between the government and the private sector to drive digitization initiatives.

     

    Mains PYQ

    Q Implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) based projects/programmes usually suffers in terms of certain vital factors. Identify these factors and suggest measures for their effective implementation. (UPSC IAS/2019)

    Q Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification.(UPSC IAS/2021)

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  • Human Rights Issues

    In news: National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) Accreditation 

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Statutory, Regulatory & Various Quasi-Judicial Bodies

    Why in the news?

    • The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is gearing up to defend India’s human rights processes at a critical meeting of Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) in Geneva.
    • A decision on retaining India’s NHRC’s “A status” accreditation is imminent at this summit.

    About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

    Details
    Establishment
    • A Statutory Body;
    • Established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
    Functions
    • Inquire into any violation of human rights
    • Recommend immediate interim relief to victims or their families
    • Intervene in court proceedings involving human rights violations
    • Review constitutional and legal safeguards for human rights
    • Study international instruments on human rights
    • Promote human rights literacy
    • Support the efforts of NGOs working in the field of human rights
    Powers
    • Regulate its own procedure
    • Possess all the powers of a civil court
    • Proceedings have a judicial character
    Chairperson
    • Must be a former Justice of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
    • Appointed by the President of India
    Members
    • Four full-time members;
    • Chairperson: former Supreme Court Justice or Chief Justice;
    • Other Member: former Judge of the Supreme Court;
    • Other Member: former Chief Justice of a High Court;
    • Three Members: with knowledge or experience in human rights, including at least one woman –
    • Seven ex-officio members:  Chairpersons of National Commissions viz., National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, National Commission for Women , National Commission for Minorities, National Commission for Backward Classes, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights; and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.
    Appointment
    • Appointed by the President, based on a committee recommendation including the Prime Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Home Minister, Leaders of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, and others
    • Consultation with the Chief Justice of India for judicial appointments
    Removal
    • Removal by order of the President of India
    • Consultation with the Supreme Court before removal
    Terms of Office
    • Hold office for a term of three years or until the age of 70
    • Ineligibility for further government employment after office
    • Eligible for reappointment
    Salaries Determined by the Central government
    Reporting
    • Submits annual or special reports to the Central government and the concerned State government
    • Reports laid before the respective legislatures, along with a memorandum of action taken on the recommendations and reasons for non-acceptance of any recommendations
    Limitations
    • The commission is not empowered to inquire into any matter after the expiry of one year from the date on which the act constituting the violation of human rights is alleged to have been committed
    • Functions are recommendatory in nature, with no power to punish or award relief to violators
    • Limited role concerning armed forces violations

     

    GANHRI Concerns about India’s NHRC

    India’s NHRC faced a potential downgrade in its accreditation status in 2023 due to concerns raised by the SCA regarding its operational independence and composition.

    • Political Interference: The NHRC-India faced objections related to political interference in appointments, compromising its independence.
    • Police Involvement: Involving the police in probes into human rights violations raised concerns about impartiality and fair investigations.
    • Lack of Cooperation: The NHRC’s poor cooperation with civil society was criticized, hindering its effectiveness in protecting human rights.
    • Lack of Diversity: The GANHRI highlighted the lack of diversity in staff and leadership positions within the NHRC. There is also lack of gender and minority representation.
    • Insufficient Protection of Marginalized Groups: The NHRC was found to have taken insufficient action to protect marginalized groups, contrary to the U.N.’s principles on national institutions (the ‘Paris Principles).

    Back2Basics: GANHRI (Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions)
    Purpose Promote and protect human rights globally
    Year Established 1993
    Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
    Members National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) from 114 member institutions
    Key Functions
    • Promoting and strengthening NHRIs worldwide
    • Advocating for human rights at national, regional, and global levels
    • Facilitating cooperation and sharing of best practices among NHRIs
    • Providing capacity-building support to NHRIs etc.
    Organizational Structure
    • President: Elected from GANHRI members for a specified term
    • Bureau: Assists the President in overseeing GANHRI’s work
    • Sub-Committees: Focused on specific thematic or regional issues
    Key Documents
    • Paris Principles: Provide guidance for the establishment and operation of NHRIs
    • GANHRI Strategy: Outlines the organization’s strategic objectives and actions
    Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA)
    • Part of a five-year peer evaluation cycle for all 114 member institutions of GANHRI.
    • Accreditation status holds significance as it determines its voting rights at international human rights forums.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Consider the following:

    1. Right to education.
    2. Right to equal access to public service.
    3. Right to food.

    Which of the above is/are Human Right/Rights under “Universal Declaration of Human Rights”?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) Project

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Why in the news?

    NASA has launched its Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) spacecraft that uses sunlight for propulsion from New Zealand into space.

    About Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3) Project

    • The spacecraft is slated to orbit 1,000 kilometers above Earth, deploying an 80-square-meter solar sail approximately 25 minutes after liftoff.
    • It harnesses sunlight as a renewable propulsion source, marking a novel advancement in space exploration.
    • It uses a compact CubeSat, similar in size to an oven, which facilitates propulsion by capturing solar particle energy.
    • Operational Phases:
    • The initial flight phase spans two months and involves subsystems checkout and solar sail deployment.
    • A series of pointing maneuvers will showcase orbit raising and lowering, validating the effectiveness of sunlight pressure on the sail.

    The Technology Behind: Solar Sailing

    • Solar sails typically consist of lightweight, reflective materials such as Mylar or aluminized Kapton, which are deployed in space to capture sunlight.
    • The sail is often configured as a large, thin membrane with a large surface area to maximize the amount of sunlight it can intercept.
    • When sunlight reflects off a shiny solar sail, some of its momentum is transferred, giving the sail a small push.

    Solar sailing offers several advantages over traditional propulsion methods, including:

    1. Efficiency: Solar sailing does not require onboard fuel, making it a highly efficient and sustainable propulsion method for long-duration missions.
    2. Continuous thrust: Unlike chemical rockets, which provide brief bursts of acceleration, solar sails can provide continuous thrust as long as they are exposed to sunlight.
    3. Maneuverability: Solar sails can change their trajectory by adjusting the orientation of the sail relative to the direction of incoming sunlight. This allows for precise navigation and maneuvering in space.
    4. Interstellar travel: Solar sailing has the potential to enable interstellar missions by gradually accelerating spacecraft to very high velocities over time, allowing them to explore distant star systems.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

    (a) Electric plane tested by NASA

    (b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

    (c) Space observatory launched by China

    (d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    India’s growing dependence on Chinese Imports

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

    Why in the news?

    • India’s imports from China surged to over $101 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, marking a significant increase from approximately $70 billion recorded in 2018-19.
    • The proportion of China’s industrial goods imports to India has risen from 21% to 30% over a span of 15 years, as highlighted in a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI).

    India’s Import: GTRI study

    • The GTRI study revealed that imports from China have grown at a pace 2.3 times faster than India’s overall imports during the 15-year period.
    • Contrary to common belief, China has emerged as the top supplier in eight core industrial sectors, encompassing machinery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and textiles, among others.
    • India is experiencing stagnant exports valued at around $16 billion annually.
    • Over a six-year period spanning from 2018-2019 to 2023-24, India’s cumulative trade deficit with China surpassed $387 billion, prompting apprehension among policymakers.

    China’s Share of India’s Imports:

    • China accounted for 15% of India’s overall imports in 2023-24, with $101.8 billion out of a total of $677.2 billion.
    • Sector-wise Contributions:
    1. Electronics, Telecom, and Electrical Products: China’s contribution was 38.4% in April-January 2023-24.
    2. Clothing: Nearly 42% of India’s textile and clothing imports accounted from China.
    3. Machinery Sector: China accounted for 39.6% of India’s overall imports.
    4. Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sector: China’s share was 29.2%.
    5. Plastics and Related Articles: China provided articles worth $4.8 billion, accounting for 25.8% of total imports in this sector.

    Back2Basics: Top Importers of India

    S. No Importer Share of India’s Imports
    1. China (Biggest Importer in India) 15.43%
    2. United Arab Emirates 7.31%
    3. United States 7.07%
    4. Switzerland 3.82%
    5. Hong Kong 3.12%
    6. Singapore 3.09%
    7. Indonesia 2.89%
    8. South Korea 2.85%

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] ‘China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia’, In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor.

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  • Disasters and Disaster Management – Sendai Framework, Floods, Cyclones, etc.

    In news: Pripyat River

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Salient Features Of World’S Physical Geography

    Why in the news?

    • The WWF has issued a stark warning regarding the dredging of the Pripyat River, adjacent to the Chernobyl nuclear disaster site.
    • Concerns mount as the Pripyat River could transform into a permanent repository of radioactive substances, contaminating the water and food sources.

    About Pripyat River

    • Pripyat River is a significant waterway in Eastern Europe. It flows through Ukraine, Belarus, and a small portion of Russia.
    • It is primarily situated within the Polesian Lowland, a region characterized by marshes, wetlands, and forests.
    • The Pripyat River is approximately 761 km (473 miles) long.
    • Physical Features:
    • Tributaries: It has numerous tributaries, including the Stokhid River, Styr River, and Horyn River. The largest tributary of the Pripyat is the Teterev River, which joins it from the right bank.
    • Drainage Basin: Its basin covers an area of around 121,000 square kilometers (46,700 square miles). It is one of the major tributaries of the Dnieper River, which eventually flows into the Black Sea.

    Notable event: The Pripyat River gained international attention due to its proximity to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, where the catastrophic nuclear accident occurred in 1986.

    About Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster

    • The Chernobyl Disaster occurred on April 26, 1986.
    • It took place at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, near the town of Pripyat in northern Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union.
    • The explosion and subsequent fire released a large amount of radioactive material such as cesium-137 and strontium-90 into the atmosphere, resulting in widespread contamination.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following pairs?

    River — Flows into

    1. Mekong — Andaman sea
    2. Thames — Irish Sea
    3. Volga — Caspian Sea
    4. Zambezi — Indian Ocean

    Which of the pairs above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Only 3

    (d) None of the above/More than one of the above

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