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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Euclid Space Telescope unveils mysteries of Dark Universe

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

    euclid

    Central Idea

    • European astronomers have unveiled the first images captured by the newly launched Euclid space telescope.
    • These groundbreaking images offer a glimpse into Euclid’s extraordinary capabilities, demonstrating its capacity to observe billions of galaxies situated up to 10 billion light years away.

    What is Euclid Mission?

    • Euclid’s mission, led by the European Space Agency (ESA) in partnership with NASA, aims to unravel the enigmatic forces of dark matter and dark energy, which together constitute 95% of the universe.
    • The Euclid Space Telescope is equipped with a 1.2-meter primary mirror, allowing it to capture detailed observations of galaxies.
    • It carries two main scientific instruments: the visible-wavelength camera (VIS) and the near-infrared camera and spectrometer (NISP).
    • By mapping the distribution and evolution of galaxies, Euclid aims to shed light on the fundamental forces shaping the cosmos.

    (1) Mission Scope and Duration

    • Euclid is a space-based mission, equipped with a sophisticated telescope and state-of-the-art scientific instruments.
    • The mission is expected to have a nominal operational lifetime of 6 years, during which it will conduct an extensive survey of the sky.

    (2) Launch and Spacecraft

    • Euclid was launched on July 1, 2023, from Cape Canaveral in Florida using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
    • The spacecraft carries the Euclid Space Telescope, which is designed to observe galaxies across a wide range of wavelengths.

    (3) Investigating Dark Energy and Dark Matter  

    • Dark energy, discovered in 1998, explains the unexpected acceleration of the universe’s expansion.
    • Euclid’s mission aims to provide a more precise measurement of this acceleration, potentially uncovering variations throughout cosmic history.
    • Dark matter, inferred through the gravitational effects it exerts on galaxies and clusters, plays a vital role in preserving their integrity.

    Remarkable Images taken by Euclid

    • Sharper and Clearer: These images are touted as the sharpest of their kind, showcasing Euclid’s precision and ability to capture intricate cosmic details.
    • Perseus cluster: Euclid’s observations span four regions within our relatively nearby universe, including the massive Perseus cluster, which is located just 240 million light-years away and contains over 1,000 galaxies.
    • Horseshoe Nebula: Euclid provided a unique perspective on celestial wonders like the Horsehead Nebula, a region where new stars are born.
    • Dark Matter’s Clues: Scientists believe that organized structures like the Perseus cluster could only have formed if dark matter exists. Dark matter is inferred from its gravitational influence on galaxies, including their rotation and the formation of massive cosmic structures.

    Unraveling the Dark Universe

    • 5% Visible, 95% Dark: The mission emphasizes that our understanding of the universe is limited to merely 5%—the matter we can see. The rest of the universe remains “dark” because it does not emit electromagnetic radiation, but its effects on visible matter are evident.
    • Dark Matter’s Role: Dark matter is suspected to influence galaxies’ rotation, galaxy clusters’ cohesion, and the formation of cosmic structures, further validating its existence.
    • Dark Energy’s Mystery: Dark energy, an even more enigmatic force, was proposed in the 1990s when the universe’s accelerated expansion was discovered. This mysterious energy was awarded a Nobel Prize in 2011.

    Mission Ahead

    • Creating a 3D Map: Following its initial commissioning and overcoming technical challenges, Euclid will construct a 3D map covering approximately one-third of the sky. This map will reveal subtle variations attributable to the dark universe.
    • Cosmic Web Exploration: By gaining insights into dark energy and dark matter, scientists aim to understand the formation and distribution of galaxies within the cosmic web, a network of cosmic structures that make up the universe.

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  • Terrorism and Challenges Related To It

    Realism, not machismo, to counter terror

    op-ed snap | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: External State & Non-State Actors: Challenges To Internal Security.

    How 26/11 Mumbai attack happened in 2008: From first eyewitness to Kasab - India Today

    Central idea

    The article explores India’s strategic decision-making in response to terrorism, highlighting the delicate nature of counter-terrorism efforts, the economic consequences of potential military actions, and the significance of thoughtful strategies in shaping international relations. It emphasizes the importance of strategic wisdom over impulsive actions, showcasing India’s nuanced approach to navigating complex geopolitical challenges.

    Thomas Friedman’s Praise:

    • Columnist’s Perspective: Thomas Friedman commends former PM Manmohan Singh for exercising notable restraint in a recent column.
    • Outrage on Social Media: The article triggers heated debates on social platforms, with users expressing strong opinions on India’s past actions.
    • Criticizing Past Inaction: Some perceive India’s historical restraint, post-Mumbai attacks, as an act of cowardice, sparking passionate discussions.

    Understanding the Context:

    • Social Media Dynamics: Vibrant discussions on the Israel-Hamas conflict unfold on social media platforms, reflecting global interest.
    • Traumatic Memory: India’s emotional connection to the conflict emerges from the haunting memories of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
    • Opinion Amplification: Thomas Friedman’s praise triggers intense reactions, amplifying opinions on India’s historical decisions.
    • National Pride: The ongoing discourse is influenced by national pride, especially in the context of India’s military actions, like the Balakot airstrikes.

    Navigating Counter-Terrorism Challenges:

    • Delicate Counter-Terrorism: The article underscores the need for nuanced counter-terrorism strategies, cautioning against impulsive actions.
    • Hypothetical Scenario: Imagining India’s response post-26/11 prompts consideration of potential nuclear risks and their implications.
    • Global Economic Impact: The hypothetical bombing scenario in Pakistan during a global financial crisis raises concerns about broader economic consequences.
    • War Consequences: Evaluating the economic aftermath if Pakistan faced aggressive military action underscores the potential disastrous outcomes.

    Strategic Thinking and Framing Issues:

    • Strategic Counter-Terrorism: Emphasizing the importance of well-thought-out counter-terrorism strategies for effective outcomes.
    • International Response: Crafting responses to terrorism globally requires strategic thinking aligned with prevailing economic conditions.
    • Alignment with ‘War on Terror’: The consequences of aligning with the global ‘war on terror’ shape international relations and diplomatic considerations.
    • Responses Based on Global Conditions: Shaping actions based on economic circumstances highlights the strategic importance of thoughtful decision-making.

    Data, Facts, and Economic Consequences:

    • Market Crash: The impact of the global financial crisis on India’s stock market and the potential economic fallout from a war.
    • Increased U.S. Aid: Rise in U.S. military aid to Pakistan during the ‘war on terror’ and its effects on geopolitical dynamics.
    • Pakistan’s Economic Fallout: Examining Pakistan’s economic decline post-2008-09, indicating repercussions of global narratives.
    • Investment Decline: The substantial drop in Foreign Direct Investment in Pakistan and its significant implications for the nation’s economy.

    Emphasizing Key Phrases:

    • Delicate Counter-Terrorism Actions: Stressing the importance of sensitive responses in counter-terrorism efforts, emphasizing caution and precision.
    • Strategic International Response: Highlighting the significance of thoughtful and planned approaches on the global stage for impactful outcomes.
    • Strength in Deliberation: Recognizing the power and effectiveness in well-thought-out actions and decisions for lasting impacts.

    Analysis and International Relations:

    • Narrative Shift: Changing perceptions of Pakistan as America’s most dangerous ally and the consequential shifts in global narratives.
    • Praise for Responsibility: Recognition of India as a responsible nuclear power with global consequences, influencing diplomatic relations.
    • Operationalizing Agreements: Timing of the India-U.S. Civil Nuclear agreement and its significance in shaping geopolitical dynamics.
    • Economic Consequences: Analyzing the impact on Pakistan’s economic fortunes and India’s sustained growth in the long term.

    The Way Forward:

    • Importance of Strategy: Emphasizing the critical role of a thoughtful counter-terrorism strategy for effectively addressing future challenges.
    • Diplomacy in Action: Acknowledging the instrumental role of diplomatic responses in shaping international outcomes and fostering stability.
    • Air Strikes Significance: Recognizing the strategic significance of well-executed airstrikes as a crucial element in diplomatic and military strategies.
    • Avoiding ‘Boots on the Ground’: Underlining the strategic approach of avoiding ground invasions, emphasizing the importance of wit and strategic maneuvering in conflict resolution.

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  • Health Sector – UHC, National Health Policy, Family Planning, Health Insurance, etc.

    Remission of diabetes, desirable, but not essential

    op-ed snap | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Health & Education

    Preventing Diabetes Complications & Health Problems

    Central idea

    The article highlights the importance of using precise terms like “remission” rather than “reversal” in discussing diabetes. It introduces the ABCDE criteria for potential remission, emphasizing factors like A1c, BMI, and duration. The author advocates a disciplined approach (ABCD: A1c, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Discipline) for a healthy life, addressing India’s substantial diabetes challenges.

    Key Highlights:

    • Redefining ‘Reversal’: Dr. V. Mohan demystifies the trend of claiming ‘diabetes reversal,’ emphasizing the more accurate term ‘remission.’
      • Remission: Temporary relief or improvement from diabetes without a permanent cure.
    • ABCDE Criteria for Remission: Identification of crucial factors—A1c, BMI, C-Peptide, Duration, and Enthusiasm—that influence the likelihood of remission in type 2 diabetes.
      • A1c: Glycated hemoglobin, a measure of average blood sugar levels over the past three months.
      • BMI: Body Mass Index, a measure indicating body fat based on weight and height.
      • C-Peptide: A marker for insulin secretion, indicating the body’s ability to produce insulin.
      • Duration: Period of time since the onset of diabetes.
      • Enthusiasm: Eagerness and commitment towards achieving remission.
    • Legacy Effect: Recognizing the enduring benefits of achieving even short-term remission in diabetes and its role in preventing complications.
      • Legacy Effect: Long-lasting positive impact resulting from past actions or conditions.
    • Lifestyle Discipline: Advocating a disciplined lifestyle, with A1c below 7%, controlled blood pressure, and cholesterol as key components for a healthy life with diabetes.

    Challenges:

    • Deceptive Claims: Cautioning against misleading claims by commercial entities promoting diabetes reversal.
    • Individual Variations: Highlighting the diverse likelihoods of achieving remission among individuals with type 2 diabetes.
    • Post-Remission Severity: Noting the common occurrence of increased diabetes severity upon its recurrence post-remission.
      • Post-Remission Severity: Worsening of diabetes conditions after a period of temporary relief.
    • Long-term Remission Challenges: Acknowledging the difficulty for a majority in achieving and sustaining long-term remission.

    Key Phrases:

    • ABCDE Benchmark: Proposing the ABCDE criteria as a pivotal benchmark for assessing the potential for remission in type 2 diabetes.
    • Short-Term Remission Benefits: Underlining the lasting benefits, both physical and preventive, derived from short-term diabetes remission.
    • Disciplined Lifestyle Advocacy: Advocating for a disciplined lifestyle encompassing A1c control, blood pressure regulation, and cholesterol management.
    • Remission Duration Impact: Recognizing that even temporary remission contributes significantly to safeguarding against diabetes-related complications.

    Analysis:

    • Holistic Diabetes Management: Dr. Mohan stresses the importance of holistic diabetes management that extends beyond the pursuit of remission.
      • Holistic Management: Comprehensive and integrated approach addressing various aspects of diabetes care.
    • Remission Realities: Acknowledging the challenge for many individuals to achieve and sustain long-term remission in type 2 diabetes.
    • Guidelines Adherence: Reinforcing the significance of adhering to ABCD guidelines for a healthy life despite diabetes.
    • Balancing Expectations: Encouraging a balanced perspective on diabetes management, considering the varied responses to remission efforts.

    Key Data:

    • Diabetes Landscape: A snapshot of diabetes prevalence in India, with 101 million people diagnosed and 136 million in the prediabetes stage.
      • Diabetes Prevalence: The proportion of the population affected by diabetes.
    • Prediabetes Management: Recognizing the potential for delaying the onset of diabetes through lifestyle modifications in individuals with prediabetes.
      • Prediabetes: A condition preceding diabetes, indicating higher-than-normal blood sugar levels.

    Key Facts:

    • Complications Risk: Highlighting the risks of sub-optimal diabetes control, contributing to severe complications.
    • Expert Insight Impact: Dr. Mohan’s insights, drawn from extensive experience, underscore the potential for a healthy life despite diabetes.
    • National Health Objective: Reinforcing the national health objective of achieving a ‘diabetes complications-free India.

    Way Forward:

    • World Diabetes Day Pledge: Urging a renewed commitment on World Diabetes Day to prevent diabetes complications and promote overall well-being.
    • Dream of Complications-Free India: Aspiring toward realizing a ‘diabetes complications-free India’ by navigating existing challenges with determination and awareness.

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    Enhancing representation, for a just electoral system

    op-ed snap | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Constitutional Bodies

    New Parliament Building of India - Interesting Facts & Controversies

    Central idea

    The article discusses the inadequate representation of citizens by Members of Parliament in India, highlighting challenges of malapportionment and proposing solutions such as delimitation, state reorganization, and local governance empowerment. It emphasizes the need for a more representative and efficient electoral system to strengthen India’s democracy.

    What is Malapportionment?

    • Malapportionment refers to the unequal distribution of representation or political power among different constituencies or districts within a legislative body.
    • It occurs when the number of representatives assigned to a particular area is not proportionate to its population or voting strength.

    Key Highlights:

    • Representation Disparity: The article highlights the disproportionate representation of citizens by Members of Parliament (MPs) in India, compared to the U.S. and other countries.
    • Malapportionment Concerns: Malapportionment, favoring certain states, is discussed as a potential issue in India’s political system.
    • Delimitation Challenge: The potential consequences of delimitation, freezing the number of Lok Sabha seats until 2031, are examined, considering the changing demographics of states.
    • Federalism Promotion: The need for promoting federalism in India’s electoral system is emphasized to give states better representation and a platform to voice their interests.
    • Electoral System Reform: Suggestions for electoral system reforms include reconsidering the Rajya Sabha’s representation method and exploring proportional representation for more equitable outcomes.
    • State Reorganization Proposal: Proposes the idea of creating more states in India, addressing concerns about governance efficiency and democratic accountability.

    Challenges:

    • Representation Deficit: India faces a deficit in adequate representation at various levels of governance, impacting the ability to address critical issues and make effective laws.
    • Malapportionment Risks: The political system in India is at risk of malapportionment, especially with the growing political culture differences between the south, northeast, and the rest of India.
    • Consequences of Delimitation: Delimitation, while necessary, might lead to biases favoring certain regions and political outfits over others.

    Key data from article for mains value addition

    • An average Indian Member of Parliament (MP) represents approximately 2.5 million citizens.
    • In contrast, a U.S. House of Representatives member represents around 700,000 citizens.
    • India has around 4,126 Members of the Legislative Assembly.
    • Proposed increase in parliamentary seats to at least 848 to avoid any state losing seats during delimitation.
    • Potential rise in seats for certain states, e.g., Karnataka by 11%, and for northern states like Uttar Pradesh by 63%.
    • Suggests the potential creation of more states, moving from 29 to 50 or even 75 states.
    • Calls for a New State Reorganization Commission to evaluate the viability of new states.
    • The 2021 Census, delayed and likely to be conducted in 2024, with results potentially published by 2026, provides a window for delimitation.

    Key Phrases for improving your mains score:

    • Malapportionment in the U.S. Senate.
    • Disproportionate allocation of power.
    • Consequences of unleashing delimitation.
    • Historical form of delimitation.
    • Fiscal impact of delimitation on future transfers to States.
    • Promotion of federalism.
    • Electoral system reforms.
    • Proportional representation consideration.

    Analysis:

    • Representation Deficit Impact: Limited representation in India’s democratic setup is identified as a default preference, impacting the effectiveness of governance.
    • Malapportionment Dynamics: India’s heterogeneous political system raises concerns about the potential bias in favor of certain political outfits due to malapportionment.
    • Delimitation Challenges: Delimitation is seen as a potential solution but must be approached cautiously to minimize deleterious consequences.

    Way Forward:

    • Increase in Parliamentary Seats: Proposes a significant increase in the number of seats in Parliament to enhance democratic representation ratios.
    • Consideration Beyond Population: Delimitation should consider factors like geographical determinism, economic productivity, linguistic history, and fairness, not solely based on population.
    • State Reorganization Commission: Suggests the creation of a new State Reorganization Commission to evaluate the socio-economic and administrative viability of potential new states.
    • Empowerment of Local Governance: Advocates for direct elections of mayors in urban areas with enhanced decision-making powers, promoting efficiency and accountability.
    • Focus on Local Democratic Representation: Enhancing local democratic representation is seen as a crucial step to strengthen India’s democracy.

    In essence, the article emphasizes the need for a more representative and efficient electoral system in India, advocating for reforms in delimitation, federalism promotion, state reorganization, and empowerment of local governance.

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  • Innovations in Sciences, IT, Computers, Robotics and Nanotechnology

    500-Years of Aldrovandi’s Herbarium

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

    Aldrovandi's Herbarium

    Central Idea

    • Researchers have found a 500-year-old herbarium from Italy, particularly Bologna in the north.
    • This collection, meticulously crafted by Italian naturalist Ulisse Aldrovandi between 1551 and 1586, offered a window into the past.

    Aldrovandi’s Herbarium

    • Floristic Changes: The herbarium, containing 5,000 specimens, unveiled a tapestry of historical changes in Italy’s flora over five centuries.
    • Human Impact: Clues of human disturbance, habitat loss, transformation, and the invasion of alien species emerged from the pressed and preserved plant specimens.
    • Climate Change: The collection allowed insights into the impact of climate change on Italy’s botanical landscape.
    • Demographic Trends: European demographic shifts, excluding the European part of the former USSR, were reflected in the herbarium.
    • Extinct and Unknown Species: The herbarium hinted at species, both native and alien, that have vanished or remain undiscovered in contemporary times.

    Legacy of Transformation

    • New World Influence: Aldrovandi’s herbarium holds the memory of Europe’s first encounters with species from the Americas, which later invaded the continent.
    • Transforming Flora: It documents the initial signs of a profound transformation in European flora and habitats, paving the way for the introduction of new species and ecological shifts.

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Ben Gurion Canal Project: Joining Red Sea with Mediterranean

    Prelims Only | Trivia | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

    Ben Gurion Canal Project

    Central Idea

    • Israel’s aspirations to gain full control over the Gaza Strip and eliminate Hamas may be linked to an ambitious economic opportunity—the creation of the Ben Gurion Canal Project.

    Ben Gurion Canal Project

    • Vision: Named after Israel’s founding father, David Ben-Gurion, the Ben Gurion Canal Project remains an ambitious infrastructure proposal.
    • Route: It envisions cutting a canal through the Negev Desert to connect the Gulf of Aqaba with the Eastern Mediterranean, challenging Egypt’s dominance over the Suez Canal.
    • History: A declassified 1963 US government memorandum explored the idea of using nuclear explosives for digging the canal.
    • Need: It would offer an alternative route to connect Europe and Asia, bypassing the Suez Canal.
    • Transformational Impact: If realized, this project could reshape global trade dynamics by breaking Egypt’s monopoly over the shortest trade route.

    Bypassing the Suez

    • Historical Significance: The Suez Canal, opened in 1869, revolutionized global maritime trade by reducing travel distances between Europe and Asia.
    • Congestion Issues: Despite expansion efforts, the Suez Canal remains congested, causing significant delays and economic losses.
    • Political Conflicts: Egypt’s control over the canal has led to conflicts and wars, impacting global geopolitics.

    Logistical and Political Challenges

    • Complexity and Cost: Building the Ben Gurion Canal is a massive and costly endeavour, potentially exceeding $100 billion.
    • Route Length: The proposed canal route is over 100 km longer than the Suez Canal, primarily due to terrain limitations.
    • Security Concerns: Constant military threats, such as Hamas rockets or Israeli attacks, would pose a significant challenge to the canal’s operation.

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  • Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

    I&B Ministry introduces draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023

    Bills/Act/Laws | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Central Idea

    • The Information & Broadcasting Ministry recently unveiled the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, a transformative legislation designed to modernize and streamline the broadcasting sector in India.
    • This bill presents a unified regulatory framework encompassing traditional broadcasting, OTT content, digital news, and current affairs.

    Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023

    Description
    What is it about? – Replaces outdated laws, including the 1995 Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act.

    – Extends regulatory oversight to emerging broadcasting technologies (OTT, Digital Media, DTH, IPTV).
    Structure and Definitions – Comprises six chapters, 48 sections, and three schedules.

    – Provides clear definitions for modern broadcasting terms and formally defines technical terms.
    Self-Regulation and Advisory Bodies – Introduces “Content evaluation committees” for self-regulation within the broadcasting industry.

    – Establishes the Broadcast Advisory Council to advise the government on program and advertisement code violations.
    Penalties and Fairness – Operators and broadcasters may face penalties such as advisory warnings, censure, or monetary fines based on the seriousness of offenses.

    – Imprisonment and fines are reserved for severe violations and are commensurate with the entity’s financial capacity.
    Inclusivity for Disabilities – Promotes broadcasting accessibility for individuals with disabilities through subtitles, audio descriptors, and sign language.

    – Provides for the appointment of a “Disability Grievance Officer” to address disabled individuals’ concerns.
    Infrastructure Sharing and Dispute Resolution – Facilitates infrastructure sharing among broadcasting network operators.

    – Streamlines the “Right of Way” section, improving efficiency in addressing relocation and alterations.

    – Establishes a structured dispute resolution mechanism.

     

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  • Gravitational Wave Observations

    Insights into White Holes, Time, and the Universe

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

    white hole

    Central Idea

    • In a discussion with a theoretical physicist, we explore the intriguing concepts of white holes, the nature of time, and their profound implications for our comprehension of the cosmos.
    • We delve into theories, from the transition of black holes to white holes to the fundamental granularity of space-time, providing a glimpse into the forefront of contemporary physics.

    White Holes and Their Significance

    • Reverse of Black Holes: White holes are essentially the opposite of black holes, with objects entering them behaving like a reversed movie.
    • Simplicity in Behavior: White holes exhibit a straightforward behaviour: objects fall in, rebound, and ascend along the same path with reduced velocity.
    • Quantum Mechanics Role: Quantum mechanics introduces the concept of a bounce within black holes, resulting in the formation of white holes.
    • Altering Space-Time: White holes challenge conventional notions of space-time, suggesting that it undergoes quantum leaps and is not uniform or local.

    Universe Emerging from a White Hole

    • Analogous to a Bouncing Ball: The transition from a black hole to a white hole shares similarities with a ball bouncing back from the ground, albeit with reduced energy.
    • Energy Dissipation: Energy dissipates as heat during this transition, a concept pioneered by Stephen Hawking known as Hawking radiation.
    • Black Hole to Big Bang: The theory posits that a universe entering a black hole could bounce and generate an event akin to the Big Bang, potentially leading to the creation of our universe.

    Understanding Time

    • Relativity of Time: Time does not progress uniformly for all observers; it varies based on factors such as velocity.
    • Einstein’s Insight: Albert Einstein introduced the idea that time is not a fixed entity like a clock but rather a flexible concept, akin to a stretchable rubber band.
    • The Time Field: Einstein envisioned time as an integral component of a gravitational field, influenced by mass and gravity.
    • Granular Space-Time: Combining quantum mechanics and gravity suggests that space-time is granular, consisting of discrete “time-steps,” challenging the notion of continuous space-time.

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  • Agricultural Sector and Marketing Reforms – eNAM, Model APMC Act, Eco Survey Reco, etc.

    PM-Kisan Bhai (Bhandaran Incentive) Scheme

    Schemes | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Agriculture and related issues

    Central Idea

    • In a bid to empower small and marginal farmers and break the influence of traders in price determination, the Indian government is poised to launch the PM-Kisan Bhai (Bhandaran Incentive) scheme.

    PM-Kisan Bhai Scheme

    • This scheme aims to incentivize farmers to retain their produce for a minimum of three months post-harvest, granting them the autonomy to decide when and where to sell their crops.
    • It seeks to break the monopoly of traders in setting crop prices, giving farmers greater control over their produce.
    • This initiative grants farmers the autonomy to decide when to sell, in contrast to the current practice where most crops are sold around harvest, typically spanning 23 months.

    Implementation of the scheme

    • Initial Rollout: The scheme may be piloted in states such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
    • Two Key Components:
    1. Warehousing Rental Subsidy (WRS): Small farmers and farmer producer organizations (FPOs) can avail a WRS benefit of ₹4 per quintal per month for a maximum of three months, irrespective of warehousing charges.
    2. Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI): The government proposes to extend a 3% additional interest subvention under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme for farmers pledging their produce and obtaining loans at subsidized interest rates.
    • The government has proposed that the storage incentive will be provided for a maximum of three months.
    • Besides, produce stored for 15 days or less will not be eligible for the subsidy.
    • The incentive will be calculated on day to day basis.

    Benefits offered

    • Resisting Price Dictation: With monetary support for storage during the harvest season, farmers can refuse prices dictated by buyers.
    • Access to a Wider Market: Promoting e-Negotiable Warehouse Receipt (eNWR) trade through platforms like e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM) will connect farmers to a broader range of buyers across the country.

    Need for such a scheme

    • Pledge Finance Facility: While a pledge finance facility is currently available to farmers, its effectiveness is limited due to high carryover costs on farmers and credit risk to bankers.
    • Incentivizing Scientific Warehousing: The scheme aims to incentivize the storage of farmers’ produce in scientifically built warehouses, reducing interest rates on pledge finance.

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Governors can’t sit on Bills passed by Assembly: Supreme Court

    SC Judgements | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    governor

    Central Idea

    • In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has asserted that a State Governor cannot obstruct crucial bills passed by a State Legislature.
    • The court delivered this verdict in response to a writ petition filed by the Punjab government.
    • The Punjab government approached the Supreme Court, challenging Governor Banwarilal Purohit’s decision to withhold some bills, alleging the legislative session’s illegitimacy.

    SC Ruling on Governors Bill Withholding

    • Court’s Warning: The court sternly warned the Governor that he was “playing with fire” and directed him to make a decision regarding these pending bills presented to him for assent.
    • Power of Elected Representatives: Emphasizing the supremacy of elected representatives in a parliamentary democracy, the court highlighted that real power resides with them.
    • Governor’s actual Role: The court underscored that the Governor’s role is that of a constitutional statesman guiding the government on constitutional matters.

    Governor’s Grounds for Delay

    • Governor’s Grounds: Governor Purohit contended that the Assembly session was “patently illegal” because the Speaker had adjourned the Budget Session sine die in March without proroguing it.
    • Special Assembly Sitting: He refused to consider the proposed laws passed in a special June sitting, arguing that they were in breach of Punjab Vidhan Sabha Rules.
    • Court’s Disagreement: The court disagreed with the Governor’s claims, stating that the Speaker acted within his rights in adjourning the House sine die.
    • Constitutional Validity: The court upheld the Speaker’s authority and stressed that it was not constitutionally valid for the Governor to question how the Speaker conducted the House’s affairs.

    Court’s Disagreement with the Governor

    • House’s Autonomy: The court affirmed that each legislative house has the right to be the sole judge of the legality of its own proceedings.
    • Legitimate Session: It found that the June 19-20 legislative session adhered to Rule 16 of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Rules, rejecting any doubts cast on its legitimacy.
    • Democratic Peril Warning: The court cautioned that any attempts to challenge the legislative session could pose a grave peril to democracy.

    Governor’s Role Defined

    • No Judgment on Prorogation: The court questioned the Governor’s right to sit in judgment on whether the session was prorogued and emphasized that the Speaker’s decisions on adjournments governed the House.
    • Avoiding Perpetual Session: While acknowledging the Speaker’s authority, the court cautioned against exploiting the sine die adjournment to perpetually avoid prorogation.

    Conclusion

    • The Supreme Court’s verdict reiterates the importance of upholding legislative proceedings and the authority of elected representatives.
    • It underscores that Governors should respect the autonomy of legislative houses and not obstruct the passage of bills based on perceived procedural violations.
    • This landmark decision ensures the preservation of democratic principles and the effective functioning of State Legislatures.

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