The DAE—Homi Bhabha Chair for Distinguished Scientists/Professors was launched in 2021 by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
About DAE – Homi Bhabha Chair Scheme
Details
Aims and Objectives
To recognize outstanding contributions by scientists, including retired professionals, in atomic energy and related technologies.
Allow retired professionals to continue research aligned with the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE).
Focus on research in sensitive atomic energy technologies, benefiting strategic sectors.
Provisions and Features
Honorarium: Rs. 200,000 per month (capped at last drawn salary).
Contingency Grant: Rs. 76,000 per year for secretarial assistance, telephone bills, etc.
Equipment and Book Allowance: Rs. 1,25,000 for equipment and Rs. 10,000 for books.
Transport Allowance: Fixed monthly transport allowance for those without an official vehicle.
Structural Mandate and Implementation
Eligibility: Open to distinguished scientists, including retirees involved in critical atomic technologies.
Tenure: 1 to 5 years, decided by a Selection Committee.
Implementation: Administered by DAE, providing research support and necessary infrastructure.
Present Challenges
Financial Constraints: Budget limitations can affect the scale of research.
Integration of New Technologies: Adapting to the fast-changing technological landscape poses challenges.
Coordination across Stakeholders: Bureaucratic delays and communication issues can arise.
Who was Homi Bhabha?
Homi Jehangir Bhabha (1909–1966) was a pioneering Indian physicist and the father of India’s nuclear programme.
He founded the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in 1945 and the Atomic Energy Establishment, Trombay (later Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, BARC) in 1954.
Bhabha formulated India’s three-stage nuclear power programme in the 1950s and emphasized nuclear power for military and energy purposes.
He was the first Indian to receive the Adams Prize in 1942 and served as the President of the UN Conference on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in 1955.
Bhabha activated Apsara, Asia’s first research reactor, at BARC in 1956, and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1954.
PYQ:
[2015] Indira Gandhi Peace Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for 2014 was given to which of the following?
The Kalyan civil court ruled that Durgadi Fort is owned by the Maharashtra government, dismissing the claims of the Majlis-E-Mushawarat Trust.
The Trust first filed its claim in 1976, arguing that the fort houses a mosque and an idgah (prayer hall) alongside a temple dedicated to Goddess Durga.
Key facts aboutDurgadi Fort:
Historical Significance
It dates back to the 16th century, part of the Bijapur-based Adil Shahi Sultanate, located in Kalyan.
Mentioned in Britishdocuments since 1570, housing a tomb, prayer place, and other structures.
In 1760, after the Marathas captured Kalyan, they built a wooden temple dedicated to Durgadevi and renamed it Durgadi Killa.
After the Britishtook control in 1818, the temple ceased to function, and by 1876, the image of the goddess was stolen.
Geographical Location
Located in Kalyan (Thane district), about 50 km northeast of Mumbai it is situated on elevated ground and offers scenic views over the Ulhas River.
Cultural and Religious Impact
The fort had a significant religious impact on both Hindus and Muslims.
It originally housed a mosque and was later modified to include a Durga temple by the Marathas.
The fort has been a site of communal tensions, reflecting the complex intersection of religious identity and historical heritage in Maharashtra.
It is the shaking of the earth. It is caused due the release of energy, which generates waves that travel in all directions. Mass movement— Surface displacement of earthen materials due to ground shaking triggered by earthquakes.
Nearly 59% of India’s territory is prone to moderate to severe earthquakes.
11% fall in very high-risk zone V.
Seven states in North East, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and part of Eight states/UT (Bihar, Gujarat, HP, Uttarakhand, J&K, Ladakh, Punjab and WB) are in Seismic Zone V i.e., prone to very high damage risk.
Nodal Ministry: Min. of Earth Sciences (MOES).
Types of Earthquakes:
Tectonic Earthquakes: Subtypes include transform, divergent, and convergent plate boundary earthquakes.
Volcanic Earthquakes: these earthquakes occur as magma moves beneath the Earth’s surface.
Induced Earthquakes: Triggered by human activities such as mining, reservoir-induced seismicity, and hydraulic fracturing (fracking).
Types of Mass Movements:
Landslides: Rapid downslope movement of rock, soil, and debris. Subtypes include rockfalls, debris flows, and mudslides.
Avalanches: Rapid downhill movement of snow, ice, and debris. It can be triggered by various factors, including snow instability.
Creep: Slow, continuous movement of soil or rock downslope over time.
Solifluction: This type of creep occurs in areas with permanently frozen ground (permafrost).
The declaration of an earthquake usually involves various stages and considerations:
SeismicEventDetection: First detected by a network of seismometers and seismic monitoring agencies. In India, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is responsible for monitoring and detecting seismic activity.
MagnitudeThreshold: Seismic events below a certain magnitude may not trigger official declarations. The specific magnitude threshold may vary depending on the region and local policies.
IntensityAssessment: The Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) & Ritcher scale is often used to evaluate the impact of the earthquake on the ground.
Post–EventAssessment: to evaluate the extent of damage, the needs of affected communities, and the effectiveness of the response efforts.
Causes:
Natural:
Tectonic movements: Sudden tectonic movements within the Earth’s crust resulting in the release of energy along a fault. Rocks along a fault tend to move in opposite directions (divergent plate boundary). This causes a release of energy, and the energy waves travel in all directions. EQ may also occur in transform boundaries where (Plates slide past each other) and Subduction Zones.
Volcanic activities: The movement of magma and the release of gases can induce volcanic earthquakes.
Landslides and avalanches.
Anthropogenic:
Dams: The filling of large reservoirs behind dams can increase pressure on underlying faults, triggering earthquakes.
Underground Nuclear tests
Geothermal Energy Extraction: The extraction of geothermal fluids from the Earth’s crust can lead to induced seismicity by altering subsurface pressures and permeability.
Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking): injecting fluids into the ground at high pressure to extract oil and gas can induce seismic events by altering subsurface pressure and lubricating fault lines.
Mining: Underground mining operations can induce seismic events when rock masses are destabilized.
Mitigation:
BuildingCodes: Enforce strict construction codes (National building code 2016 guidelines) that ensure buildings and infrastructure can withstand seismic forces.
Retrofitting: Upgrade older buildings to meet current seismic standards.
EarlyWarningSystems: Implement earthquake early warning systems to provide advance notice to residents and businesses.
Emergency Preparedness: Educate the public on earthquake preparedness, including creating emergency kits and evacuation plans.
LandUsePlanning: Restrict development in high-risk areas and consider seismic hazards in urban planning.
Insurance: Encourage earthquake insurance to help with recovery efforts.
SeismicHazardAssessment: Continuously monitor and assess seismic activity to refine risk assessments.
PublicEducation: Raise awareness about earthquake risks and safety measures through campaigns and drills.
CriticalInfrastructureResilience: Strengthen essential infrastructure like hospitals, bridges, and power plants.
InternationalCooperation: Collaborate with neighboring regions to share knowledge and resources for disaster response and recovery.
Strengthen the emergencyresponse capability in earthquake prone areas.
Best Practices:
Agriculture fairSataraMaharashtra– demonstration of the earthquake resistant construction structures in annual fairs, which are also cost-effective. Japan-urgent earthquake detection and alarm system to shut off electricity supply. Traditional Dhajji–Dewari system of building houses in Kashmir.
Way Forward:
Governments and policymakers ought to know better than act in a piecemeal manner.
Programmes like the ongoing Urban 20 meetings are an excellent opportunity for international knowledge exchange on earthquake preparedness.
The Delhi High Court’s directions must act as a reminder for the inclusion of an earthquake preparedness policy in urban renewal programmes such as the SmartCitiesMission.
A policy on earthquake preparedness requires a visionary, radical and transformative approach.
[2018] Right to Privacy is protected as an intrinsic part of Right to Life and Personal Liberty. Which of the following in the Constitution of India correctly and appropriately imply the above statement? (a) Article 14 and the provisions under the 42nd Amendment to the Constitution. (b) Article 17 and the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV. (c) Article 21 and the freedoms guaranteed in Part III. (d) Article 24 and the provisions under the 44th Amendment to the Constitution.
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on the ‘Right to Life and Personal Liberty’ (in 2018), and ‘scope of Fundamental Rights’ (in 2017).
In the UK parliament, Ms Leadbeater shared a harrowing case of a music teacher’s agonizing death from bile duct cancer to highlight the suffering faced by terminally ill patients during the presentation of the bill. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25, allows terminally ill adults with less than six months to live to seek physician-assisted dying.
Today’s editorial highlights the possible impacts of Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
While presenting the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25 (The Assisted Dying Law) to the British House of Commons, Member of Parliament Kim Leadbeater shared a harrowing account of an “agonising death.”
What are the ethical implications of legalising assisted dying?
Autonomy and Personal Choice: It emphasizes the right of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies and lives, particularly in the context of terminal illness. Advocates argue that respecting personal autonomy is fundamental to human dignity.
Slippery Slope Concern: Critics warn that legalizing assisted dying could lead to broader interpretations of who qualifies for assistance, potentially endangering vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and disabled, who might feel pressured to choose death over being a burden.
Moral Conflict: The issue creates a moral dilemma between the sanctity of life and compassion for those suffering unbearable pain. Opponents often cite religious or philosophical beliefs that uphold the inviolability of life, while proponents argue for compassion and relief from suffering.
How do current legislative proposals address concerns about patient safety and coercion?
Current legislative proposals, such as the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill 2024-25, incorporate several measures aimed at addressing concerns about patient safety and coercion:
Strict Eligibility Criteria: The law only permits assisted dying for terminally ill adults with a prognosis of less than six months to live, ensuring that only those facing imminent death can seek assistance.
Independent Assessments: Requests for assisted dying must be signed off by two independent doctors, which helps safeguard against coercion and ensures that patients are making informed decisions.
Reflection Period: A mandatory 14-day reflection period allows individuals to reconsider their decision, further protecting against impulsive choices made under distress.
Judicial Oversight: Final approval from a High Court judge is required before any assisted dying can occur, adding layer of scrutiny to prevent misuse.
What is the public sentiment regarding assisted dying, and how does it influence policy?
Public sentiment regarding assisted dying is increasingly supportive, influencing policy discussions in several ways:
Growing Acceptance: Surveys indicate a rising acceptance of assisted dying among the public, particularly in cases involving terminal illness. This shift reflects changing attitudes towards end-of-life choices and personal autonomy.
Impact on Lawmakers: As public opinion evolves, lawmakers may feel compelled to act by constituents’ views, leading to legislative proposals like the recent Bill. The release from party whips during voting indicates an acknowledgement of the issue’s complexity and the need for individual conscience in decision-making.
Influence of Personal Stories: Personal narratives shared by advocates, such as Kim Leadbeater’s account of a music teacher’s agonising death, resonate with the public and lawmakers alike, highlighting the real-life implications of assisted dying laws. These stories can sway opinions and catalyze legislative action.
Way forward:
Promote Palliative Care and Awareness: Simultaneously invest in accessible and quality palliative care services to provide comprehensive support for terminally ill patients, while fostering public awareness about end-of-life options to ensure informed and compassionate decision-making.
Strengthen Safeguards and Monitoring: Implement robust mechanisms to prevent misuse, including regular audits, transparent reporting, and enhanced judicial and medical oversight, ensuring the law remains strictly within its intended scope.
Filling DAF 2 is crucial; it forms the heart and soul of your interview preparation. A lot of opinion-based questions stem from this part of the DAF. There are three important components to consider while filling DAF 2: the (7ABCD) section, service preference order, and cadre/state selection. Aspirants often make mistakes in these areas, only to regret them later.
Using the right language to fill the (7ABCD) section is important, as the themes you mention in that area often become key topics for static and opinion-based questions in the interview. Additionally, understanding the politics and bureaucracy of the states is crucial before selecting cadres and zones.
It is equally important to have knowledge about other Group A services. Beyond the big three, aspirants should explore the perks and opportunities offered by other services as well.
Join Saket Sir for a free masterclass on filling DAF 2 for 2024 on 12th December, where he will guide you through filling DAF 2 word by word, with special emphasis on service selection, the 7ABCD area, and cadre/state selection.
These Civilsdaily masterclasses are packed with value. They are conducted in private with a closed community. We rarely open these webinars for everyone for free. This time we are keeping it for 300 seats only.
Over a century ago, the Vaikom Struggle broke caste barriers in Travancore, sparking mass movements for religious reform, inspiring Periyar’s Dravidian Movement, and advancing egalitarian principles within Hindu society.
What were the key motivations and outcomes of the Vaikom Satyagraha?
Motivations:
Social Inequality: The primary motivation was to challenge the caste-based discrimination that prohibited backward caste Hindus from accessing streets near the Vaikom Mahadeva temple.
Demand for Equal Rights: A call for equality and dignity for all castes within the Hindu religion.
Religious Reform: The movement sought to highlight the need for social justice through religious reform and temple entry rights.
Political Awareness: It aimed to bring political attention to caste discrimination and mobilize support for broader social changes.
Outcomes:
Immediate Impact: The restrictions on backward castes from walking near the temple were lifted in 1925, marking a significant social reform milestone.
Mass Mobilization: It became one of the first large-scale movements in South India that united people across caste and class lines.
Precedent for Temple Entry Movements: The success of Vaikom inspired subsequent movements across India, including protests led by B.R. Ambedkar.
Legislative Reforms: It influenced the introduction of laws like the Madras Temple Entry Authorization Act (1947), allowing all Hindus to enter temples.
Foundation for Social Justice Policies: The movement set the stage for government interventions in temple management and appointments of priests from backward castes.
How did the leadership of the movement influence its success?
The success of the Vaikom Satyagraha can be attributed largely to its leadership. Key figures included Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, who played a crucial role in mobilising support across various social strata and employing nonviolent methods of protest. His involvement transformed the movement into a mass agitation that attracted participants from all classes.
The support from Mahatma Gandhi, who visited Vaikom in March 1925 and engaged with various caste groups, further amplified its impact. The collaboration among leaders from different backgrounds, including local leaders like T.K. Madhavan and K.P. Kesava Menon, was instrumental in broadening the movement’s appeal and sustaining momentum against state repression.
What lessons can contemporary society learn from the Vaikom Satyagraha regarding caste and social justice?
The Vaikom Satyagraha offers several important lessons for contemporary society regarding caste and social justice:
Collective Action: The movement exemplifies how collective action can effectively challenge systemic injustices. It highlights the importance of unity among diverse groups in advocating for social change.
Nonviolent Protest: The use of nonviolent methods remains a powerful tool for social movements today. The Gandhian approach adopted during the Vaikom Satyagraha serves as a model for contemporary struggles against discrimination and inequality.
State Intervention: The eventual recognition of rights for marginalised communities underscores that government intervention can be necessary to dismantle entrenched social hierarchies. This raises discussions about how modern states can balance secularism with equitable access to public resources.
Continuous Struggle: The resistance faced by reformers during and after the Vaikom Satyagraha illustrates that societal change is often met with opposition. This calls for sustained efforts in advocating for equality and justice in today’s context.
Conclusion: The Vaikom Satyagraha was a landmark movement for caste and social justice, showcasing the power of collective action, nonviolence, and reformist leadership. Its legacy inspires continued efforts toward equality, challenging entrenched discrimination, and fostering inclusive societies.
Mains PYQ:
Q Since the decade of the 1920s, the national movement acquired various ideological strands and thereby expanded its social base. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
The growing reliance on space technologies for climate monitoring highlights urgent environmental concerns, including orbital debris and system interference, necessitating swift international regulations to ensure sustainable space exploration practices.
How do Rockets affect the environment?
Emissions from Launches: Every rocket launch releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide, black carbon, and water vapour into the atmosphere. Black carbon is particularly concerning as it absorbs sunlight much more effectively than carbon dioxide, exacerbating global warming.
Ozone Layer Depletion: Rocket propellants, especially those containing chlorine-based chemicals, contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer at high altitudes. This increases ground-level exposure to ultraviolet radiation and disrupts atmospheric circulation, negatively impacting global climate.
Satellite Ash: When satellites re-enter the atmosphere at the end of their missions, they burn up and release metallic ash into the middle layers of the atmosphere, which can harm the atmosphere and potentially alter climate patterns.
Manufacturing Footprint: The production of satellites involves energy-intensive processes that have large carbon footprints due to the extraction and processing of metals and composite materials.
Space Mining Potential: Future activities such as space mining could lead to increased industrial activity both in space and on Earth, further contributing to environmental impacts.
What are the Barriers to space sustainability?
Lack of Regulation: Current space activities operate outside international sustainability frameworks like the Paris Agreement. There are no clear guidelines for emissions from rockets and satellites, allowing unchecked growth that contributes to global warming.
Overcrowding in Low Earth Orbit (LEO): The increasing number of satellites and debris threatens to overcrowd LEO, making future missions more expensive and complicating access to space as a shared resource.
Need for International Cooperation: Effective regulation requires collaboration through international bodies like the Committee on the Peaceful Use of Outer Space (COPUOS) to create enforceable standards for emissions and debris management.
Outdated Treaties: Existing frameworks such as the Outer Space Treaty lack binding provisions that address environmental impacts, limiting their effectiveness in promoting responsible space use.
What would be the innovative solutions?
Reusable Rockets: Developing reusable rockets can significantly reduce manufacturing waste and lower costs by allowing components to be used in multiple missions. However, these rockets may be heavier, increasing fuel consumption, and require costly refurbishments.
Cleaner Fuels: Transitioning to cleaner fuels such as liquid hydrogen or biofuels can minimize harmful emissions during launches. However, current hydrogen production methods often rely on non-renewable energy sources, undermining its environmental benefits.
Biodegradable Satellites: Designing satellites with biodegradable materials that disintegrate upon re-entry could help prevent long-term debris accumulation. However, these materials currently lack durability for space conditions and face high development costs.
Autonomous Debris Removal (ADR): Technologies like robotic arms and laser systems show promise for cleaning up orbital debris but require significant investment and legal clarity before implementation.
Global Traffic Monitoring System: Establishing a real-time monitoring system for satellites and debris could reduce collision risks and optimize orbital use. However, data-sharing concerns due to security and commercial interests hinder its development.
Way forward:
Establish Binding International Frameworks: Governments should collaborate through COPUOS and other international platforms to create enforceable regulations for emissions, debris mitigation, and sustainable practices in space exploration.
Promote Innovation Through Incentives: Public and private entities should prioritize funding for green technologies, such as cleaner fuels, biodegradable satellites, and debris removal systems. Financial incentives like subsidies, tax benefits, or penalties can accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in the space sector.
Mains PYQ:
Q Why is Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) needed? How does it help in navigation? (UPSC IAS/2018)
The Opposition in Rajya Sabha is preparing to move a motion for impeachment of Allahabad High Court Judge for his controversial remarks inciting communal hatred.
Impeachment Processfor Judges in India:
About
The process involves Parliament passing an address to the President to remove the judge.
To pass the motion, two–thirds of the MPs present and voting in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha;
Must approve it, with a majority of more than 50% of the total membership of each House.
Key Constitutional Provisions
Article 124(4): The judge can only be removed by a Presidential order, passed after a majority vote in both Houses of Parliament.
The vote must come from two-thirds of the members present and voting.
Articles 218 of the Constitution extends the same rules to High Court judges.
The impeachment process ensures judicial independence by maintaining a high bar for removal, limiting political influence.
Grounds for Impeachment
A judge of the Supreme Court or High Court can be impeached on two grounds: “proved misbehaviour” or “incapacity” as per the Constitution of India.
Further clarified in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, including:
Misuse of office
Grave offences that undermine the judge’s integrity
Contravention of the provisions of the Constitution.
What does the process entail?
Procedure under the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968:
Initial Step: The impeachment motion must be signed by at least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha and 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha.
Committee Formation: Once the motion is introduced, the Speaker or Chairperson of the respective House forms a three-member inquiry committee:
Headed by the Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge.
The second member is usually a Chief Justice of any High Court.
The third member is a distinguished jurist, appointed by the Speaker or Chairman.
Inquiry Process: The committee investigates the charges, cross-examines witnesses, and regulates its procedure.
The committee may also request a medical test if the charge relates to mental incapacity.
Outcome: If the committee finds the judge not guilty, the motion is dismissed. If found guilty, it will be reported back to the House for further action.
Instances of Impeachment in India:
1993: Justice V Ramaswami (Supreme Court) faced impeachment proceedings on financial impropriety. The motion was unsuccessful despite a guilty finding.
2011: Justice Soumitra Sen (Calcutta High Court) was impeached for corruption but resigned before Lok Sabha could take up the matter.
2015: Justice S K Gangele (Madhya Pradesh High Court) faced impeachment on charges of sexual harassment, but the committee cleared him in 2017.
2015: Justice J B Pardiwala (Gujarat High Court) faced impeachment for controversial remarks about reservation but the motion was dropped after the judge expunged the remarks.
2017: Justice C V Nagarjuna (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana High Court) faced impeachment for financial misconduct and victimizing a Dalit judge, but the motion was not pursued.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (inquiry) Act, 1968.
2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what constitutes ‘incapacity and proved misbehaviour’ of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Union Health Ministry has urged states to make snakebites a Notifiable Disease, meaning both private and public hospitals must report it to the government.
Snakebites Menace in India:
Snakebites are a significant public health concern in India, with approximately 3 to 4 millioncases reported annually.
It causes an estimated 58,000 deaths every year, according to the 2020 Indian Million Death Study.
States such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Gujarat report the highest number of snakebites.
The National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming (NAPSE), launched by the government earlier in 2024, aims to halve snakebite deaths by 2030 and includes making snakebites notifiable.
What are Notifiable Diseases?
Notifiable diseases are those that must be reported to the government for effective public health monitoring and management. These are typically:
Infectious diseases likely to cause outbreaks.
Diseases that result in deaths or require quick action to prevent wider transmission.
Legal Basis:
According to WHO’s International Health Regulations, 1969, disease reporting is mandatory for global surveillance.
The primary law governing notifiable diseases is the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 which outlines the reporting requirements for diseases considered a public health threat.
However, the specific list of notifiable diseases can vary across different states and is typically determined by the respective state governments under their individual public health acts.
Common examples of notifiable diseases include tuberculosis, HIV, cholera, malaria, dengue, and hepatitis.
Why snakebite is considered a Notifiable Disease?
Snakebites can cause severe health issues, including paralysis, fatal hemorrhages, and tissue damage, making it crucial for timely intervention.
Victims need immediate antivenom treatment to prevent death and long-term effects.
In 2009, the WHO added snakebite to its list of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD), acknowledging its widespread impact on public health.
Making snakebites a notifiable disease will enhance surveillance, help track case numbers, and improve treatment strategies across the country.
It will ensure the availability of adequate antivenoms in regions where snakebites are frequent.
Medical staff will receive training to handle snakebite cases effectively, reducing mortality rates.