As the PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) completes 9 years, its remarkable journey is marked by over 50 crore bank accounts and deposits exceeding ₹2 lakh crore.
The scheme’s success lies in its commitment to financial inclusion, creating avenues for underprivileged segments to access banking services and government schemes.
What is PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?
The PMJDY is a financial inclusion program launched by the Indian government in 2014.
It is National Mission for Financial Inclusion to ensure access to financial services, namely, a basic savings & deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, pension in an affordable manner.
Under the scheme, a basic savings bank deposit (BSBD) account can be opened in any bank branch or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet, by persons not having any other account.
Benefits under PMJDY
One basic savings bank account is opened for unbanked person.
There is no requirement to maintain any minimum balance in PMJDY accounts.
Interest is earned on the deposit in PMJDY accounts.
Rupay Debit card is provided to the account holder.
Accident Insurance Cover of Rs.1 lakh (enhanced to Rs. 2 lakh to new PMJDY accounts opened after 28.8.2018) is available with RuPay card issued to the PMJDY account holders.
An overdraft (OD) facility up to Rs. 10,000 to eligible account holders is available.
Is PMJDY a success?
Dormancy of accounts: The PMJDY scheme has led to an increase in the number of bank accounts in rural areas. The percentage of zero-balance accounts has significantly decreased from 58% in March 2015 to a mere 8%, indicating a more active engagement with banking services.
Low or no transactions: Insurance coverage for the account holder is linked to their transaction history, and many accounts remain frozen due to lack of transactions, taking several weeks or months to reactivate.
False promise of overdraft: The promised overdraft facility of Rs 5000 for new account holders has not been provided as promised, leading to scepticism about the scheme’s success.
Payments bottleneck: The lack of proper connectivity, electricity, internet, and ATM facilities in rural areas has hindered the activation of RuPay cards and PIN numbers, which should have been considered before implementing such a large-scale program.
Future prospects
Voluntary Participation: The government aims to persuade PMJDY account holders to opt for voluntary micro-insurance schemes like PMJJBY and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
Persuasion over Compulsion: The focus is on financial literacy campaigns, special drives, and awareness programs conducted by banks to help account holders make informed choices.
Multi-Level Coordination: Collaboration with line ministries, including Anganwadi and Asha workers, enhances awareness campaigns and ensures wider coverage.
Leveraging Databases: Utilization of databases like the E-Shram portal for labour-related information aids in identifying potential beneficiaries.
The emergence of El Nino as a significant climatic phenomenon in India carries dual implications – economic and political – as the country gears up for national elections in April-May 2024.
With its known ability to suppress rainfall and disrupt agricultural cycles, El Nino’s effects are already being felt.
Understanding El Nino and La Nina
El Nino and La Nina are two opposite phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.
ENSO is a naturally occurring phenomenon that involves the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere in the equatorial Pacific.
Here is a detailed comparison of El Nino and La Nina
El Nino
La Nina
Definition
Warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures
Cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures
Frequency
Every two to seven years
Every two to seven years
Duration
Several months to a year or more
Several months to a year or more
Impact on winds
Weakens trade winds, leading to changes in patterns
Strengthens trade winds, leading to changes in patterns
Impact on rains
Reduces rainfall and can cause droughts
Increases rainfall and can cause flooding
Impact on temp.
Warmer-than-average temperatures
Colder-than-average temperatures
Global effects
Droughts in Asia and Africa, floods in Americas
Floods in Asia and Africa, droughts in South America
Impact on India
El Nino
La Nina
Associated with weak monsoons and drought-like conditions in India
Associated with above-normal rainfall and floods in India
Sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean rises above normal levels
Sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean drops below normal levels
Changes in the atmospheric circulation patterns
Changes in the atmospheric circulation patterns
Shift in the location of the jet stream, affecting the strength and direction of the monsoon winds
Increase in the strength of the monsoon winds, bringing more moisture and rainfall to India
Results in reduced rainfall, dry spells, and heatwaves, leading to crop failures and water scarcity
Excessive rainfall can also lead to floods and landslides, causing damage to crops and infrastructure
Broader Implications:
[A] Agriculture
Rainfall Deficit: August’s nationwide rainfall stands at 30.7% below normal, erasing the initial 4.2% surplus from the southwest monsoon.
Strengthening El Nino: July saw the Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) surpass the El Nino threshold, hitting 1 degree Celsius, suggesting an intensification of El Nino.
Projected Persistence: Forecasts predict El Nino’s continuation and possible strengthening during the 2023-24 winter season, potentially impacting the northeast monsoon and winter seasons.
[B] Food Supply Challenges
Crucial Monsoon: Beyond crop yield, the southwest monsoon replenishes reservoirs and recharges groundwater, essential for agricultural success.
Rabi Season Dependence: The success of rabi season crops like wheat, mustard, and chickpea hinges on water reserves, primarily sourced from aquifers and reservoirs.
Supply-Demand Nexus: With rice and wheat stocks at a six-year low and food inflation at 11.5%, El Nino-induced shortfalls may exacerbate food inflation concerns.
[C] Political Implications
Food Inflation: Examining consumer food price inflation leading up to previous Lok Sabha elections reveals its considerable impact on political outcomes.
Electoral Influence: The BJP’s 2019 electoral victory and the UPA’s 2014 defeat were partially attributed to the level of food inflation during those periods.
Government Actions: The Modi administration has already taken steps to ensure food availability, curb hoarding, and address potential food inflation concerns.
Conclusion
El Nino’s emergence as a formidable environmental and political factor underscores the intricate interplay between climate patterns, agriculture, and political dynamics.
India’s ability to manage the far-reaching consequences of El Nino on food production and inflation will determine its capacity to address immediate challenges while considering the longer-term goals.
Designed for Working Professionals and College going UPSC aspirants
The foundation and Ultimate Assessment Program for UPSC 2025 with 3 Layered Super Mentorship Program is built with keeping all the NECESSITIES in mind.
Nothing more, Nothing less.
Aiming for UPSC IAS 2025? Why wait? Seize the Day 0 advantage now! Our early start Foundation/UAP is uniquely designed to give you a jumpstart, guided by a top 50 ranked IAS/IPS mentor. From planning to execution, we’ve got your journey to success meticulously curated. Don’t just prepare—prepare to succeed. Take the Day 0 advantage and turn your IAS dream into reality.
Know how we‘ll curate your UPSC 2025 study plan & about 3 Layers of mentorship
In 2021-23, we connected with over 15,000+ IAS aspirants via our Samanvaya (1 on 1 mentoring) outreach program.
With an average call time of ~40 minutes, we spent ~3.84 lakh minutes (~6,400 hours) understanding you and your preparation strategies.
We’re excited to embark on the journey of eliminating all doubts & difficulties in UPSC/IAS preparation for 2025. With an unwavering commitment to serving aspirants, Civilsdaily offers a one-stop program that equips students with the necessary tools and guidance to clear UPSC in the very 1st attempt.
IAS officers as your UPSC Mentors
Through personalized mentorship, curated study materials, daily current affairs updates, interactive doubt-solving LIVE sessions, and regular evaluation, Civilsdaily strives to create a UPSC ecosystem that fosters growth and ensures success.
With a deep understanding of the challenges most of the aspirants face, our rankers, mentors’ and faculties’ enthusiasm to alleviate doubts and obstacles is constant, making it an invaluable companion on the path to achieving your dreams.
Shishir, AIR 16, UPSC 2022 was our Mentorship Student
UPSC Foundation Timetable
to be updated soon.. (call directly at +91 73033 16700)
3 Layers of Mentorship
We have supercharged our mentorship program for you. In the four layers of mentorship we will have:
IAS Batch Mentors: Top 50 Rankers
UPSC AIR 48, Aaditya Pandey; AIR 50 Abhijit; AIR 22. Pavandatta all three IAS toppers will be taking in a batch of 50 aspirants under them respectively and will handhold them to a top 50 rank in UPSC 2024-25.
These Batch Mentors will guide and oversee your studyplans, targets, progress, shortcomings, and will devise a plan to take you forward.
You will be talking 1-1 with these rankers and learning UPSC relevant skills like answer writing, notemaking, articulation of thoughts, doing current affairs, covering UPSC syllabus, etc.
Know how we‘ll curate your UPSC 2024-25 study plan & about 3 Layers of mentorship
The core academic team led by Pravin sir, Venus ma’am, Sumit sir, Zeeshan sir, Dinesh sir through various programs like Samachar Manthan current affairs, Essay program, Dominate Prelims program, Ethics program, etc will be mentoring you and connecting with you at every stage of your UPSC preparation.
Dedicated Mentors
This is where the magic actually happens. These dedicated mentors who were the actual mentors of UPSC rankers like Aaditya Pandey, AIR 48, AIR 22 Pavandatta, AIR 16 Shishir, AIR 50 Abhijit, and many more UPSC Toppers will provide handholding support and holistic UPSC preparation management.
Know how we‘ll curate your UPSC 2024-25 study plan & about 3 Layers of mentorship
You want a perfect timetable that adapts according to your learning curve.
want a Holistic UPSC Preparation Program covering all the bases- Lectures, Tests, Notes, Personalized Mentorship, Etc.
Want to adapt and prepare according to Recent UPSC Trends?
You want to prepare under the same roof with IAS Rankers in a strategic, time-bound, and targeted manner.
were unsuccessful in Prelims or Mains in your previous attempt, and want to guarantee ultimate success in UPSC-2025.
You Seek productivity, consistency, efficiency, relevance, continuous evaluation, and kill Doubt in your UPSC Preparation journey.
You think news & static concepts should be tied together for better retention.
You are fine with self-study modules but need motivation boosters to keep you on the right track.
You want your preparation to be non-judgemental.
You want a community of like-minded, sincere aspirants so that you can feed off each other’s energy.
You love active learning.
You love active doubt resolutions.
You are patient with your progress as long as it is assured.
Key Outcomes
Total GS and Current Affairs syllabus, multiple rounds of revision, and tests will be covered on time.
Advanced UPSC-level (Prelims and Mains) conceptual clarity through lectures.
With a dedicated Super Mentor (an IAS/IPS ranker) and in-house mentor, you will have consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness in your UPSC preparation
Under your Super Mentor (IAS/UPSC Rankers), in-house senior IAS mentors/faculties, you will be well equipped with intelligent MCQs solving skills (including elimination skills), will have solid strategy on ‘How to attempt Prelims to score 120+‘
Under Civilsdaily mains team led by Arvind sir, Pravin sir, and Other in-house senior IAS mentors/faculties, you will be well equipped with awesome answer writing skills. You’ll have a solid strategy on how to attempt Mains papers.
You will clear UPSC Prelims 2025, then Mains 2025 comfortably.
Know how we‘ll curate your UPSC 2025 study plan & about 3 Layers of mentorship
Masterclass covers 100 percent static syllabus from basic to advanced.
Focus on developing an interest in the subject.
Better language & explainers to ensure conceptual clarity
Comparative analysis with quick reference tables
Flowcharts, Listicles & Mind maps for easy recall
Note4Students in every chapter to establish relevance
Previous Year Questions to ensure you understand the level of depth required to crack the UPSC Mains.
UAP: Ultimate Assessment Program
Comprehensive Assessment Program that includes Test Series for both Prelims and Mains, Current Affairs and Weekly Answer Writing and Essay Program
Five Components of UAP 2025:
UPSC Prime Prelims Test Series
Mains Essential Program
Samachar Manthan 2025 – Current Affairs and Answer Writing program
Dominate Prelims 2025 by Zeeshan sir
Essay Program
2. Civilsdaily 3 Layered 1-1 Mentorship
3. Dominate Prelims:
Dominate Prelims 2025, is a comprehensive year-long program for UPSC Prelims 2025.
This holistic program offers time-bound syllabus (GS+CA) coverage, advanced conceptual clarity, AI-powered Replica-based Test Series, personalized mentorship, strategy sessions by Zeeshan sir and Rankers, and periodic performance evaluations, to help you overcome all your critical gaps.
4. Mains Essential Program:
It’s a 3-phased UPSC Mains answer writing and test series. The focus is on identifying and highlighting the issues with your preparation (information/analysis/ utilization). According to your strengths and weaknesses, a tailor-made strategy is developed. It is worked on under Arvind sir’s strict monitoring, aiming for incremental improvements every day.
No Cost EMI Facility for Students Enrolling in Civilsdaily’s Foundation Course 2024. This ensures that financial burden has not remained a concern for your preparation.
Why & How Civilsdaily’s Foundation program stands apart?
LECTURE CONTENT PREPARED based on PYQ (Highly effective). Only those areas will be focussed where UPSC can ask questions.
Lectures are covered in a storytelling format (No boring factual stuff in lectures). The focus will be on concept building.
Value addition points will be discussed in the lecture to enhance UPSC Mains answer writing.
Lectures will segregate the Prelims and Mains portions.
Domain experts: Geography Ph.D. for Geography, Historian for History, Economist for Economics
Special Lectures by Rankers
Linkage with current affairs
Note-making through lectures
Trusted by Rank 1 & 2:
This is what our students have to say..
Have queries? Or Want to know how we‘ll curate your UPSC 2025 study plan & about 3 Layers of mentorship
What makes a UPSC topper? Is it the countless hours of study, the meticulous note-making, luck? or something else entirely?
How is it that some aspirants take multiple attempts—3, 4, even 6—struggling year after year, while very few of them manage to top the UPSC exam in their very first attempt?
The journey to cracking the UPSC exams is a tale of ambition, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s not just an academic marathon but also a test of your mental fortitude, character, emotional intelligence and ability to stay calm under extreme pressure.
With over 13 lakh aspirants applying each year and only a handful making it to the finish line, one can’t help but wonder what sets the toppers apart. Could it be luck, or is there a specific mindset and strategy that ensures success?
Understanding how to excel in one of India’s most challenging exams goes beyond hard work. It demands strategic planning, emotional intelligence, and above all, insights from those who’ve been there, and done that.
This is where experts like Gautam Mohakul sir, Civil Servant with 7 yrs of experience in the administration and a seasoned UPSC interviewer, come into play. With a wealth of experience and an intimate understanding of the UPSC interview process, Gautam Sir has become a guiding light for countless UPSC aspirants. He has invaluable experience in helping candidates develop a winning mindset.
Gautam sir’s wisdom is not just theoretical; nearly 90% of those who appear for UPSC interviews take mock interviews under his guidance.
Topic: Strategies to develop mindset, attitude and UPSC prep approach like an IAS Topper
Date: 26th August 2023 (Satday)
Time: 7:00 pm Onwards
Zoom Meeting Link will be sent via your registered email address.
Who should attend this webinar?
Beginner Aspirants: Those who are just starting their UPSC journey and need strategic guidance. College or working professionals- 1st attempt aspirants
Intermediate Aspirants: Candidates who have some experience but wish to move from mediocrity to excellence- 1 to 2 attempt aspirants
Advanced Aspirants: Those who are in the last leg of their preparation and looking to fine-tune their strategies.
Previous Year Candidates: Aspirants who could not clear the exam in previous attempts and want to understand what they were lacking.
UPSC Mentors: For a better understanding of what makes an aspirant, a topper.
Aspirants who want to crack a top 50 rank in UPSC 2024-25
Anyone who is aiming to break free from the feeling of unfulfillment and aimlessness in their preparation.
Aspirants who are not able to decipher the pattern and ‘new ways of UPSC’.
Someone who has failed in earlier attempts – aiming to understand and fill critical gaps in your preparation.
Candidates looking for practical strategies rather than generic guidance.
What can you expect to learn from the session?
Mindset Mechanics: Learn what kind of mindset differentiates an average aspirant from a UPSC topper.
Strategic Planning: Gain insights into crafting a highly effective and personalized study plan.
Purpose-driven study and prep: Whatever these toppers study is under an outcome-oriented plan.
Time Management and Priority setting: Understand how to allocate time efficiently across subjects and maximize productivity.
Adaptability: Tips on how to be flexible and adapt your strategy as per your performance and new UPSC trends.
Handling Stress: Master the art of stress management to keep your preparation and exam-day performance optimal.
Always progressing, never regressing
7 pitfalls that an aspirant must avoid that might kill your UPSC dream
Real-Life Examples: Hear anecdotes and case studies of past aspirants who successfully navigated their UPSC journey.
We’ll be sharing a personalized study plan after the webinar
CivilsDaily’s FREE Current Affairs package& Personalized UPSC studyplan
Post-webinar you will get your Personalized study plan, important PDFs, timetable framework, and mentorship session.
Based on your UPSC prep situation (working aspirant, full-time aspirant), your learning style, previous attempts, and other such factors, we will be preparing and sharing a personalized PDF study plan for you.
The Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) has been officially ratified and inaugurated during the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) held in Vancouver, Canada.
Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)
Key Points
Establishment
Ratified and inaugurated during the Seventh Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
Purpose
Channels financial resources to achieve goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework established by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), by the year 2030.
Financial Contributions
Canada: 200 million Canadian dollars, United Kingdom: 10 million pounds.
Alignment with Framework
Accelerates progress towards halting biodiversity decline by 2030.
Inclusivity and Indigenous Initiatives
Allocates up to 20% for projects led by Indigenous communities.
Focus on Vulnerable Nations
Over a third of resources dedicated to support Small Island Developing States.
Fulfilling Targets
Contributes to commitment of $200 billion annually by 2030.
Funding Requirements
Approximately $40 million needed for operationalization by end of 2023.
Future Contributions
Dependent on domestic fiscal processes of key donors.
Council Meetings
First meeting in January 2024, aims to approve inaugural work program in June.
Impact and Action
Timely disbursement crucial for launching projects under the fund.
About Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Establishment: The GEF was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, also known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED).
Purpose: The GEF serves as an international financial institution that funds projects to address global environmental challenges, including biodiversity loss, climate change, land degradation, and pollution.
Funding Mechanism: It operates as a financial mechanism for several international environmental conventions, including:
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD),
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and
United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Structure: It has a governing body known as the GEF Council. The GEF is structured as a partnership between three main institutions:
the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and
World Bank.
Funding Sources: The GEF is funded by contributions from its member countries, known as “donors.” Donors include both developed and developing nations, as well as international organizations.
Japan has begun discharging treated radioactive wastewater from the disabled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the Pacific Ocean in a plan endorsed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
IAEA is an international organization that plays a pivotal role in promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy while preventing the proliferation of nuclear weapons.
It was established in 1957 as an autonomous agency under the UN is headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the principles outlined in the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1970.
Despite its independent treaty, the IAEA remains accountable to both the UN General Assembly and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
What does it do?
Promotion of Peaceful Nuclear Energy: Established amidst the Cold War’s geopolitical tension, the IAEA’s core mission centers on promoting the constructive application of nuclear energy.
Prevention of Military Use: The agency’s fundamental role is to prevent the diversion of nuclear programs for military intentions, ensuring compliance with international agreements.
IAEA’s Tri-fold Missions
Peaceful Utilization: Fostering member states’ constructive adoption of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes constitutes a pivotal aspect of IAEA’s mission.
Safeguarding Measures: A cornerstone role of the IAEA involves implementing measures to verify the non-military use of nuclear energy, particularly through assessing declared nuclear activities and materials.
Nuclear Safety: The IAEA takes an active stance in advocating stringent standards of nuclear safety to prevent accidents and ensure public and environmental protection.
Significant feature: IAEA’s Safeguards
Purpose of Safeguards: IAEA’s safeguards are mechanisms designed to affirm that a nation adheres to its international commitment against exploiting nuclear programs for weaponry purposes.
Verification Approach: Safeguards are founded on the meticulous examination of a state’s reported nuclear materials and activities, evaluating their accuracy and completeness.
Varied Verification Measures: The agency employs a range of verification tools, including on-site inspections, visits, and ongoing monitoring, ensuring rigorous oversight.
Dual Dimensions of Safeguards
Declared Nuclear Material Verification: Through the inspection of reported nuclear materials and activities, IAEA ensures that a state remains transparent in its nuclear endeavors.
Non-Diversion Assurance: A significant facet is the assurance of the absence of undeclared nuclear materials or activities, thereby averting any unauthorized deviation from peaceful usage.
A study conducted by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) in 2022 examines the relationship between diverse urban forms and their reactions to heat, offering insights that could guide India’s urban centers in combatting heat-related challenges.
Distinct Urban Forms and Heat Resilience
Crucial Consideration: Urban form encompasses a city’s unique blend of natural and built components, shaping its activities and infrastructure.
Diverse Parameters: Urban form’s defining elements include urban morphology, aspect ratio, sky view factor (SVF), blue/green infrastructure (B/GI), floor space index (FSI), and street orientation.
Localized Study: CSE’s ongoing study focuses on 10 cities, such as Pune, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Jaipur, each revealing trends that could inform heat mitigation strategies.
Unveiling Key Parameters and Findings
Urban Morphology: Varied urban morphologies, from open highrise to compact midrise, demonstrate lower land surface temperatures (LST) among heat pockets. Lowrise areas exhibit higher LST due to sparse vegetation and heat-trapping roofing materials, suggesting the potential for improvement.
Aspect Ratio: The ratio of building height to street width impacts heat retention. Higher aspect ratios correlate with lower LST, indicating the significance of narrower streets for reduced heat gain.
Sky View Factor: The visibility of sky between buildings influences heat dissipation. Elevated sky view factors increase LST by up to 10°C, highlighting the role of factors like road intersections and open parking lots.
Blue/Green Infrastructure: Vegetation significantly impacts microclimates. Effective vegetation cover (EVC), with a focus on trees, grass, and shrubs, can reduce LST by 2-4°C, demonstrating the need to prioritize tree-heavy greens.
Policy Implications for Enhanced Heat Resilience
FSI and Urban Cooling: Higher floor space index (FSI) inversely correlates with LST, suggesting that denser urban configurations can alleviate heat.
Street Orientation: The orientation of streets affects sun exposure and wind, leading to differences in thermal comfort. North-south streets expose higher LST due to east-west sun exposure.
Contextual Cooling Solutions: Urban form-based codes can offer targeted cooling solutions. Diverse zones with customized regulations—shaded walkways, cool roofs, or high EVC—can cater to varied needs.
Way Forward
Incorporating Learning: Urban planning must integrate findings from the study into building by-laws and master plans. Pune’s experience showcases the impact of SVF, aspect ratio, EVC, and urban morphology on heat gain.
Adaptation for Other Cities: Each city may face distinct drivers influencing heat resilience, necessitating customized solutions and urban planning modifications.
Economic Benefits: A 1°C temperature reduction corresponds to a 2% drop in the city’s power consumption, highlighting the financial advantages of heat mitigation strategies.
Amidst an escalating confrontation, Punjab Governor gave stern warning of invoking Article 356 (President’s Rule) in the state.
Grim Situation in Punjab
Rampant Drug Abuse: The Governor cites reports from various agencies indicating widespread drug abuse in Punjab, raising significant concerns.
New Drug Sales Trend: An emerging trend of selling drugs within government-controlled liquor vends is noted by the Governor.
Ludhiana Liquor Vend Incident: Specific instances like the sealing of 66 liquor vends in Ludhiana by the Narcotics Control Bureau [NCB] and Chandigarh Police highlight the gravity of the issue.
Disturbing Law and Order Indicators: The Governor references a recent report by the Parliamentary Standing Committee indicating alarming drug exposure or addiction levels, implying a breakdown in law and order.
Public Response: The Governor underscores villagers’ resorting to street protests and forming their own defence committees against drug-related threats.
Governor’s Discontent
Unfulfilled Information Requests: The Governor expresses dissatisfaction with CM’s reluctance to provide the requested information, highlighting Article 167’s mandate for the CM to respond to the Governor’s requests.
Alleged Deliberate Silence: The Governor implies that the Chief Minister’s apparent failure to respond might be a deliberate act of evasion.
About President’s Rule
Article 356 of the Indian Constitution, commonly known as President’s Rule, empowers the President to impose central rule in a state where the constitutional machinery has broken down.
While initially intended for extraordinary circumstances, it has often been misused by central governments for political purposes.
Provisions of Article 356:
Imposition of President’s Rule: Article 356 allows the President to withdraw the executive and legislative powers of a state government when it cannot function in accordance with the Constitution.
Triggering factors: The President can invoke Article 356 based on a report from the Governor or suo motu if the constitutional machinery has broken down in the state.
Duration: It can be imposed for six months at a time, with a maximum duration of three years.
Parliamentary approval: Every six months, Parliament’s approval is required to continue the imposition of the President’s Rule.
Historical Origins
Inspiration from the Government of India Act, 1935: Article 356 was inspired by Section 93 of this act, which allowed the Governor of a province to assume the powers of the government under certain circumstances.
Controlled democracy: The provision provided some autonomy to provincial governments while enabling British authorities to exercise ultimate power when necessary.
Political Misuse of Article 356
Early instances: During Congress’s dominance, Article 356 was used against governments of the Left and regional parties in states. Jawaharlal Nehru’s government utilized it six times until 1959, including to dislodge Kerala’s elected communist government.
Increasing misuse: In subsequent decades, Article 356 was used frequently against state governments by various central governments, including those led by Indira Gandhi and the Janata Party.
Landmark Judgment: S R Bommai Case
Landmark Supreme Court ruling: In the 1994 R. Bommai v. Union of India case, the Supreme Court provided detailed guidelines on the use of Article 356.
Specific instances for imposition: The court stated that the President’s Rule can be invoked in cases of physical breakdown of the government or a ‘hung assembly.’
Curbing arbitrary use: The judgment emphasized the need to give the state government a chance to prove its majority or instances of violent breakdown before imposing the President’s Rule.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission’s recent lunar landing has sparked curiosity about the moon’s various sides – near, far, and even the intriguing ‘dark’ side.
Delving into these distinctions sheds light on the moon’s enigmatic nature and how space exploration helps us unravel its mysteries.
Facts for Prelims
Impact/Landing point names on Moon:
1. Chandrayaan 1: Jawahar Point
2. Chandrayaan 2: Tiranga Point
3. Chandrayaan 3: Shivshakti Point
Moon’s Visible and Hidden Faces
Near and Far Sides: The moon’s ‘near side,’ visible from Earth, covers around 60% of its surface. In contrast, the ‘far side’ remained hidden from us until modern spacecraft brought it into view.
Clarifying the ‘Dark’ Side: Often misconstrued as constantly dark, the ‘dark side’ simply refers to the unseen side. It gets illuminated during the ‘new moon’ phase, challenging the misconception of its perpetual darkness.
Why is their composition different?
The composition of the Moon’s near and far sides is different, and scientists believe they have identified the reasons behind this discrepancy.
A study published in the journal Nature Geoscience reveals that the presence of KREEP, a rock enriched in potassium (K), rare-earth elements (REE), and phosphorus (P), plays a crucial role.
Key Points from the Study:
Moons Near and Far Sides: The Moon’s near side, always facing Earth, has visible dark and light patches known as “maria.” Telescopic observations showed that these were not seas as early astronomers thought, but rather craters or volcanic features. The far side of the Moon has fewer maria than the near side.
Moon’s Formation: The uneven distribution of volcanism and the KREEP signature between the near and far sides of the Moon puzzled scientists.
Radioactive Unstable Elements: Potassium (K), thorium (Th), and uranium (U) are unstable, radioactive elements that have various isotopes with different numbers of neutrons. The radioactive decay of these elements generates heat that can melt rocks and contribute to volcanic activity.
Heat and Melting: The study found that the inclusion of KREEP in rocks not only enhances heating but also lowers their melting temperature. This combination increases volcanic activity beyond what is predicted by radiogenic decay models.
Geological Record: The Moon’s surface preserves geological events from the early history of the Solar System due to the absence of erosion processes. Concentrations of radioactive elements like uranium (U) and thorium (Th) on the near side provide insights into the Moon’s formation and early Earth conditions.
Phases and Illumination
New Moon Phase: The ‘new moon’ phase unveils the moon’s ‘far side,’ exposing it to sunlight for about two weeks.
Historic Revelation: In 1968, astronauts aboard Apollo 8 became the first humans to observe the ‘far side,’ demystifying its hidden features.
Chandrayaan-3’s Approach
Closest South Pole Landing: Chandrayaan-3’s landing at coordinates 69.36 S and 32.34 E marks the closest approach to the lunar South Pole.
Exploring Permanently Shadowed Regions: The strategic landing aimed to study regions that never receive sunlight, potentially containing frozen water ice and other lunar resources.
Sunlight Necessity: Vikram’s nearness to the South Pole ensures sunlight for solar battery recharging, crucial for its operation.
Choice of Landing Site: The decision to land on the ‘near side’ was driven by mission objectives, including real-time communication with Earth. Landing on the ‘far side’ would have required relay satellites and introduced delays.
