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Fostering India’s demographic dividend by upskilling
What’s the news?
- India has a unique window of opportunity to unlock the potential of its youth with 1.1 billion people estimated to be in the working age group (15-64) by 2047.
Central idea
- World Youth Skills Day, observed annually since 2014, highlights the importance of investing in the skills of youth to foster future employment and entrepreneurial spirit. With a significant youth population, India stands poised to unlock the potential of working-age individuals. However, without sufficient opportunities, the youth bulge could transform into a demographic bomb.
What is demographic dividend?
- Demographic dividend, as defined by the United Nations Population Fund, is the economic growth potential that can result from shifts in a population’s age structure, mainly when the share of the working-age population is larger than the non-working-age share of the population
India’s robust youth skills program
- The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) operates its umbrella scheme, the Skill India Mission launched in 2015- objective to develop a skilful youth workforce of the future- Providing proper skillset training to over 400 million young people by the year 2022
- Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)– a skill certification scheme of the MSDE implemented by- National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)- aims to mobilise and equip the youth population with the necessary skill sets training.
- National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF)- to enable candidates to acquire desired competency levels
- Recognition of Prior Learning Learning (RPL)—skill certification for youth, especially in the unregulated sectors
- Kaushal—a hands-on awareness-based approach with the intention of attracting potential candidates for skill training
- Rozgar Mela—a career placement fair for young jobs seekers.
- PMKVY 2.0, which ran from 2016 to 2020, aimed to equip 10 million young people with demand-driven skill sets through short-term training and Recognition of Prior Learning.
- PMKVY 3.0, launched in 2020-21, provided training to over 7.36 lakh candidates, including a specialized crash course for COVID warriors.
- Skill Hub Initiative was introduced to align vocational training with the National Education Policy 2020 and create a skilled workforce aligned with industry needs.
- PMKVY 4.0 will be launched soon to take skill development to a wider young segment- it will also cover niche new age technologies such as coding, Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, mechanotrics, Internet of Things (IOT), 3D-printing, drones, and developing other soft skills.
- The NAPS launched in 2016 has been promoting Apprenticeship in the country through financial incentives, technology, and advocacy support.
- PM-YUVA was launched in 2016 as an all-India scheme to promote business studies, and facilitate access to entrepreneurship support networks and start-ups ideas for the youth.
- Project AMBER strives to provide holistic skilling to foster quality jobs, improved employment opportunities and retention methods.
- The Skill Loan Scheme was launched in July 2015 to provide finance to the youth for enrolment in skill development courses
Challenges regarding India’s youth skills enabling journey
- According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), India is projected to face a significant skill deficit of 29 million by 2030.
- Skill development programs have suffered from underutilization of funds and high dropout rates.
- Gender disparity in India’s workforce, with a female labor participation rate of only 22
- Only a fraction of certified individuals has found jobs through the skill development programs.
Way forward
- Enhance the effectiveness of basic education– incorporating relevant and practical skills training, updating curricula– align with industry needs, and promoting experiential learning approaches.
- Foster closer collaboration between skill development initiatives and industries to ensure the relevance of training programs.
- Promote gender equality in skill development programs– encouraging more women to participate in training, providing support systems tailored to their needs, and creating opportunities for women to enter non-traditional sectors.
- Address the funding gap and ensure effective utilization of resources in skill development initiatives.
- Develop robust job placement and retention strategies, including establishing strong linkages with industries, facilitating internships and apprenticeships.
- Regularly assess labor market needs and trends to update skill training programs.
- Conduct public awareness campaigns to promote vocational skills as aspirational career choices
Conclusion
- India’s journey towards youth skill development has witnessed commendable efforts. However, addressing the skill deficit and unlocking the true potential of the youth requires continued investment, policy enhancements, and stakeholder collaboration. Through concerted efforts, India can maximize its demographic dividend for the workforce of the future.
Also read:
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Genetic Resources Commission gathers in Rome
Central Idea
- Delegates from around the world have convened in Rome, Italy for the 19th session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA).
What is Commission on Genetic Resources?
Description Establishment Established in 1983 by the FAO Membership 181 member countries including India Governing Body Bureau consisting of Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and FAO representative Mandate Promote conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture ITPGRFA Responsible for implementing the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Functions Address specific areas such as plant genetic resources, animal genetic resources, and digital sequence information Global Goals Contributes to SDG 2 on Zero Hunger and sustainable agricultural development Focus areas
- The session will focus on three main topics:
- Review of work on biodiversity, nutrition, and human health.
- Access and benefit-sharing for food and agriculture.
- Digital sequence information for food and agriculture.
- Biodiversity for food and agriculture.
- The role of genetic resources in mitigating and adapting to climate change.
- Forest genetic resources.
- Microorganism and invertebrate genetic resources, including pollinators and biological control agents.
- Animal genetic resources
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India achieves record DPT3 vaccination coverage in 2022: WHO
Central Idea
- The coverage rate for DPT3 vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) in India reached an all-time high of 93% in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 91% in 2019.
- This significant increase from the 85% coverage in 2021 was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO).
What is DPT3?
- DPT3 vaccines refer to a combination vaccine that provides protection against three infectious diseases: diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), and tetanus.
- The “DPT” in DPT3 stands for the initials of these three diseases:
- Diphtheria: It is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. It can cause severe throat and nose congestion, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, it can lead to heart and nerve damage.
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough): It is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. It is characterized by severe coughing fits, often accompanied by a “whooping” sound when gasping for breath. Pertussis can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children.
- Tetanus: Also known as lockjaw, is a bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It enters the body through wounds or cuts and produces a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness and spasms, particularly in the jaw and neck muscles.
WHO records on immunization
- DPT3 Coverage Recovery: The WHO South-East Asia Region saw the DPT3 coverage recover to pre-pandemic levels of 91% in 2022, a significant increase from 82% in 2021.
- Measles Vaccine Coverage: The region also witnessed a six percent improvement in measles vaccine coverage, rising to 92% in 2022 from 86% in 2021.
- Zero-Dose Children: The number of zero-dose children (those who have not received even the first dose of the DPT vaccine) halved from 4.6 million in 2021 to 2.3 million in 2022.
- Partially Vaccinated Children: The number of partially vaccinated children (those who received at least one dose but not the complete three-dose series) decreased from 1.3 million in 2021 to 650,000 in 2022.
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EC to issue Online Airtime Vouchers for Campaigning
Central Idea
- The Election Commission of India has implemented a fully online process for allotting airtime to political parties for campaigning on Akashvani and Doordarshan.
- The new system replaces the traditional method of collecting physical vouchers and instead issues digital time vouchers through an online platform.
Airtime Vouchers for Campaigning
- Objective: To provide equitable access to government-owned electronic media during elections for campaigning purposes.
- Legal basis: The allotment of time on public broadcasters during campaigning is governed by a scheme notified in January 1998, based on Section 39A of the Representation of People Act, 1951.
- Allotment Criteria: Each National party and recognized State party receive an equitable base time on Doordarshan (DD) and Akashvani.
- Scope for additional time: Factors such as past electoral performance, representation in the legislature, and the number of candidates fielded by the party are considered to ensure equitable distribution of airtime.
- Predefined Schedule: The date and time for telecasts and broadcasts by authorized party representatives are predetermined by Prasar Bharati, in consultation with EC and in the presence of party representatives.
Regulation of these Vouchers
- Scrutiny of Party Transcripts: Party transcripts undergo scrutiny to ensure compliance with relevant codes. These codes prohibit content that criticizes other countries, attacks religions or communities, incites violence, or engages in personal attacks.
- Role of Apex Committee: Disagreements over vetted content are referred to an Apex Committee comprising members from Akashvani and DD. The committee’s decision is final.
Significance of Digital Vouchers
- Process Improvement: The decision reflects its commitment to leveraging technology for an improved electoral process and enhanced convenience for all stakeholders.
- Eliminating Physical Collection: Political parties will no longer need to send representatives to the commission’s offices to collect time vouchers during elections.
Operational Challenges
- Limited Access: The scheme is exclusively available to national and recognized State parties, leading to concerns about its true equity.
- Conflict of Interest in the Apex Committee: The Apex Committee consists of officials from Akashvani and DD, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
- Row over transcript content: These officials are expected to review their own decisions when conflicts arise with political parties over the transcript content.
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India- UAE Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS)
Central Idea
- India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a pact during PM Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi.
- It established a framework for promoting the use of the Indian rupee (INR) and UAE Dirham (AED) in cross-border transactions.
Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS)
- LCSS Establishment: The framework aims to establish a Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS) between India and the UAE.
- Domestic Currency Transactions: LCSS enables exporters and importers to invoice and pay in their respective domestic currencies.
- Foreign Exchange Market Development: LCSS facilitates the development of an INR-AED foreign exchange market.
- Transaction Optimization: The use of local currencies optimizes transaction costs and settlement time.
- Remittance Benefits: LCSS benefits remittances from Indians residing in the UAE.
Interlinking of Payment Systems: UPI-IPP Linkage
- Payment System Linkage: The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) includes the linking of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the UAE’s Instant Payment Platform (IPP).
- Card Switches and Messaging Systems: It explores linking the card switches (RuPay switch and UAESWITCH) and messaging systems of both countries.
- Efficient Cross-Border Fund Transfers: UPI-IPP linkage facilitates fast, convenient, safe, and cost-effective cross-border fund transfers.
- Mutual Acceptance of Domestic Cards: The agreement enables the mutual acceptance of domestic cards and processing of card transactions.
Impact of the Move
- Trade boost: Bilateral trade between India and the UAE reached around $85 billion in FY23.
- Exchange Rate Risk Management: The agreement helps Indian exporters’ hedge exchange rate risks in rupee-based trade.
- Internationalization of the Rupee: It supports India’s efforts to internationalize the rupee and reduce dependence on the US dollar.
- Interest from Other Countries: Countries in Africa, the Gulf region, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh have shown interest in trading in rupee terms.
Significance for Exporters
- Denominating in Local Currencies: Denominating export contracts and invoices in local currencies minimizes exchange-rate risks and aids in competitive pricing.
- Enhanced Cooperation: Enhanced cooperation between the banking systems of India and the UAE supports trade and economic activity.
- Major Export Categories: Major Indian exports to the UAE include mineral fuels, pearls, precious stones, electrical machinery, and equipment.
- Trade Growth and Destination: The UAE is India’s second-largest export destination, and India-UAE trade reached $85 billion in 2022.
Benefits for Remittances
- Reduced Transaction Costs: The agreement reduces high transaction costs and exchange rate margins associated with remittances.
- Affordable and Efficient Remittances: It makes remittances more affordable and efficient, particularly for low-wage earners.
- Increased Remittance Inflows: In 2022, India experienced a 24.4% increase in remittances to $111 billion, accounting for 3.3% of GDP.
- Contribution of GCC Countries: Remittance inflows from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries contribute significantly to India’s total remittance inflows.
Larger Impact
- Reducing Dollar Dependence: The agreement promotes the use of local currencies, reducing dependence on the US dollar in international transactions.
- Strengthening Economic Ties: Strengthened economic ties between India and the UAE encourage investments, remittances, and trade growth.
- Rupee Internationalization: The agreement aligns with India’s goal of internationalizing the rupee and expanding its global acceptance.
- Similar Cross-Border Efforts: Similar efforts, such as collaboration with Singapore’s PayNow, have been undertaken to facilitate cross-border transactions.
Conclusion
- The agreement positively impacts bilateral trade, facilitates remittances, and supports India’s goal of internationalizing the rupee.
- By reducing transaction costs and enhancing financial connectivity, the agreement strengthens economic relations between India and the UAE, fostering trade growth and cooperation.
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India to launch Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)
Central Idea
- The upcoming 14th Clean Energy Ministerial and Eighth Mission Innovation (CEM14/MI-8) conference, taking place in Goa from July 19-22, 2023, aims to establish the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).
What are Biofuels?
- Biofuels are a type of renewable energy derived from organic materials, such as plants, crops, and agricultural waste.
- They are considered an alternative to traditional fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, because they areproduced from renewable biomass sources.
There are several types of biofuels, including:
- Ethanol: It is a biofuel produced by fermenting and distilling sugars or starches found in crops like corn, sugarcane, and wheat. It is commonly used as a blending component in gasoline and can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, known as E85 (85% ethanol and 15% gasoline).
- Biodiesel: It is a renewable fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled cooking oils. It is typically used as a substitute for diesel fuel and can be blended with petroleum diesel or used in its pureform. Biodiesel has lower emissions of pollutants compared to petroleum diesel and can be used in conventional diesel engines without any modifications.
- Biogas: It is produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste materials such as agricultural residues, food waste, and animal manure. It primarily consists of methane and carbon dioxide. Biogas can be used for heating, electricity generation, or as a vehicle fuel after purification.
What is Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)?
- G20 Priority: The GBA is a crucial priority under India’s G20 Presidency.
- Learning from ISA: The GBA draws inspiration from the International Solar Alliance (ISA), jointly initiated by India and France in 2015 to combat climate change through solar energy adoption.
- Objective: This alliance will focus on promoting international collaboration and cooperation to encourage the acceptance and utilization of biofuels.
- Core Members: The GBA, comprising Brazil, the US, and India, aims to impact the global energy architecture and achieve net-zero emissions.
- Membership and Endorsement: Other nations can join the GBA by endorsing the foundation document, and membership is open to non-G20 countries.
Focus Areas of GBA
- Focus areas of the GBA include:
- The GBA will focus on strengthening markets and facilitating global biofuel trade.
- Concrete policy lessons will be shared, and technical support will be provided for national biofuel programs worldwide.
- The alliance will highlight successful cases and best practices in the biofuel industry.
Significance of GBA
- Addressing OPEC+: The initiative signals India’s focus on reducing dependence on conventional hydrocarbons and calls for increased production by the OPEC+
- Transformative Opportunities: GBA offer transformative opportunities for economic growth, rural development, energy self-sufficiency, reduced air pollution, and clean energy transition.
- Adoption of Sustainable Biofuels: The alliance aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable biofuels.
India’s Biofuel Achievements
- Milestone Achieved: In the fiscal year 2020-21, India produced 4.08 billion litres of ethanol, achieving a blending rate of 10.02% and resulting in a reduction of 2.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.
- Goals and Targets: India aims to achieve a blending rate of 12% by 2022-23 and a goal of 20% blending by 2025, requiring an expanded production capacity of ethanol to 17 billion litres.
- Focus on Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG): India actively promotes compressed bio-gas (CBG) derived from waste through the Sustainable Alternative towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) program.
- Target Deadline: India aims to install 5,000 CBG plants across the country by 2024.
Biofuel Advancements in Aviation
- First Commercial Passenger Flight: India conducted its first commercial passenger flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blend produced domestically.
- Program Committee Established: The Bio-Aviation Turbine Fuel Programme Committee has been established to advance the use of SAF in the aviation sector.
- Blending Targets: India aims to achieve a 1% SAF blend in jet fuel by 2025, requiring 140 million liters of SAF per year, and a more ambitious target of a 5% blend would need approximately 700 million liters per year.
Global response
- Brazil’s Support: Brazil expressed support for the GBA and its goals to expand and strengthen sustainable biofuels markets.
- Saudi Arabia’s Focus: Saudi, a major oil producer, has a focus on conventional hydrocarbons and has not favored the GBA.
- Russia’s Opec+ Involvement: Russia, as part of the Opec+ group, has been implementing production cuts despite fragile global economic recovery.
- China’s Opposition: China, a major biofuel producer, opposed the India-led initiative and boycotted a G20 meeting on tourism held in Srinagar.
Conclusion
- The establishment of GBA represents a significant step towards promoting international collaboration and the adoption of sustainable biofuels.
- India’s achievements in biofuel production and advancements in aviation fuel provide a strong foundation for the alliance’s objectives.
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Day 3 of 14-Day Ethics Challenge | Daily Answer Writing Enhancement
On Day 3 of 14 Days Ethics Challenge these questions were discussed in the closed Telegram group. You are also expected to attempt and submit these in the comment section below.
Para A- Attitude: content, structure, function; its influence and relation with thought and behaviour; moral and political attitudes; social influence and persuasion.
Q1. What factors affect the formation of a person’s attitude towards social problems? In our society, contrasting attitudes are prevalent about many social problems. what contrasting attitudes do you notice about the caste system in our society? How do you explain the existence of these contrasting attitudes? (150 Words) 2014
Q2. A positive attitude is considered to be an essential characteristic of a civil servant who is often required to function under extreme stress. What contributes to a positive attitude in a person? (150 Words) 2020
Q.3 Young people with ethical conduct are not willing to come forward to join active politics. Suggest steps to motivate them to come forward. (150 words) 2017
Q.4 How could social influence and persuasion contribute to the success of Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?. (150 Words) 2016
Part B- Theme: Ethics in private and public relationships
You are recently posted as district development officer of a district. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in the rural areas of your district on the issue of sending girls to schools. The elders of the village feel that many problems have come up because girls are being educated and they are stepping out of the safe environment of the household. They are the view that the girls should be quickly married off with minimum education. The girls are also competing for jobs after education, which have traditionally remained in boys’ exclusive domain, adding to unemployment amongst male population. The younger generation feels that in the present era, girls should have equal opportunities for education and employment, and other means of livelihood. The entire locality is divided between sexes in both generations. You come to know that in Panchayat or in other local bodies or even in busy crosswords, the issue is being acrimoniously debated.One day you are informed that an unpleasant incident has taken place. Some girls were molested, when they were en route to schools. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen. The elder after heated discussion have taken a joint decision not to allow girls to go to school and to socially boycott all such families, which do not follow their dictate.
(a) What steps would you take to ensure girls’ safety without disrupting their education?
(b) How would you manage and mould patriarchic attitude of the village elders to ensure harmony in the inter- generational relations? (250 words) (UPSC 2014) -
Day 4 of IAS Conclave: Rote Learning is Irrelevant for UPSC Prelims 2024-25 | Competitive Edge through Creative Knowledge | Webinar by Sajal sir
📢4-Day FREE Workshop (Online/Offline) in Pune by AIR 48, AIR-218, and Sajal Sir (Mentor of 250+ Rankers)
Entry is FREE but seats are limited (only 100)
As we enter the peak time for UPSC 2024-25 preparation, this conclave is the perfect platform for aspiring civil servants to gain valuable insights, guidance, and strategies for their journey ahead. Whether you are a beginner or looking to improve your preparation, this event will provide you with the necessary tools, expert advice, and a supportive community to help you excel in your UPSC endeavors.
These sessions are distinct from the routine topper talk; instead, they take you into the depths of detailed strategy-making and concrete action points. Our IAS ranker students will share the precise tactics that brought them success, and the strategic inputs provided by their mentors.
Entry is FREE but seats are limited (only 100)
This workshop is tailored to deliver practical insights and actionable plans, which can significantly elevate your UPSC preparation.
Table of Content:
- Who should attend this Conclave?
- How to attend the Conclave?
- 15 July : 20 Mains Answer writing Commandants Implemented by 250+ Rankers | By Soham Mandhare IAS and Sajal sir
- 16th July: Understanding A to Z, 26 Critical Gaps in UPSC Prep, and How to overcome them for IAS in 2023-24 | By Sajal sir and Aditya Pandey, IAS
- 17th July: Learn the trick of completing daily current affairs from 4 newspapers in 45 minutes | By Sajal sir and Pratik Korde IRS
- 19th July: UPSC PRELIMS: Rote Learning is irrelevant now. Only Creative Knowledge gives edge | By Sajal sir & Pravin sir
- Civilsdaily FREE Study Material and prep package
Civilsdaily Hall Of Fame 2022 
IAS 2022 Toppers (including AIR 48), Sajal sir (mentor of 250+ rankers), and other Senior IAS Mentors will be taking LIVE workshop | Register for the 4-Day Conclave today! Details below
Entry is FREE but seats are limited (only 100)
Who should attend this Workshop?
- UPSC 2024 aspirants who will be starting from scratch
- Aspirants who are not able to decipher the pattern and ‘new ways of UPSC’
- UPSC aspirants aiming for 2023-24, who need a holistic view of their preparation.
- Candidates looking for practical strategies rather than generic guidance.
- Aspirants who seek to understand the value of strategic mentorship in UPSC success.
- Those who aim to overcome specific challenges in their UPSC preparation.
- UPSC 2024 aspirants who want effectiveness, efficiency, and consistency in their preparation
Schedule of sessions:
15th July, 5 pm – Sajal Sir and IAS, Soham
Topic: 20 UPSC Mains Answer Writing Commandments Tested and Perfected by 250+ IAS Rankers
What can you expect to learn in the session?
Students can expect to gain valuable insights and practical guidance to enhance their answer writing skills for the UPSC mains exam. Some of the key takeaways from this session include:
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the UPSC mains answer writing format and requirements.
- Learn effective time management strategies and develop a structured approach to answer writing.
- Enhance critical thinking and analytical skills to craft well-supported and coherent answers.
- Improve language, grammar, and presentation to make answers impactful and concise.
- Receive personalized feedback and guidance, along with practical tips for revision and self-evaluation.
Entry is FREE but seats are limited (only 100)
16th July, 5 pm – Sajal sir and AIR 48, Aaditya Pandey IAS
Topic: Understanding A to Z, 26 Critical Gaps in UPSC prep, and how to overcome them for IAS in 2023-24.
What can you expect to learn in the session?
Sajal sir will identify all these gaps and tell us how to fill A to Z critical gaps in UPSC Prep
- A-Awareness Gap
- B-Behavioral gap
- C- Confidence gap
- D-Delivery Gap
- E-Excessiveness/Exclusiveness Gap
- F-Focus gap
- G-Generic approach gap
- H-Herd mentality gap
- I-Introvert nature gap
- J-Juggling multiple things
- K-Knowledge gap
- L- Learning Gap
- M- Mentoring Gap
- N- Narrative Gap
- O-Objectivity gap
- P-Practice gap
- Q-Quantification gap
- R-Revision gap
- S-Smartwork gap
- T-Testing gap
- U- Understanding Gap
- V-Vanity issue gap
- W- Wrong attitude gap
- X-X-Factor gap
- Y-Yardstick approach gap
- Z-Zealous approach gap
Entry is FREE but seats are limited (only 100)
17th July, 5 pm – Sajal Sir and IRS, Pratik Korde
Topic: How to cover UPSC Current Affairs from 4 different newspapers in just 45 mins/day?
- What is the basic funda to cover the Newspaper daily in a maximum of 45 minutes?
- How to maintain consistency in daily newspaper reading?
- How to take out case studies, anecdotes, examples, and facts for mains answers and essays?
- How to cover current affairs holistically for Prelims, Mains, and Interviews?
- How to supplement Newspapers with Magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, etc, and make notes from them.
- How to focus on these:
- Socio-economic issues like Women’s issues, Education or Health related issues, Issues or policies affecting vulnerable sections, etc.
- Issues of national and international importance.
- Political issues related to Indian Constitution, Legislative and Administrative processes.
- Supreme Court or High Court verdicts.
- Good analysis of current issues.
- Parliamentary Debates.
- Government policies and orders.
- What is the basic funda to cover the Newspaper daily in a maximum of 45 minutes?
- How to maintain consistency in daily newspaper reading?
- How to take out case studies, anecdotes, examples, and facts for mains answers and essays?
- How to cover current affairs holistically for Prelims, Mains, and Interviews?
- How to supplement Newspapers with Magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, etc, and make notes from them?
- How to focus on these:
- Socio-economic issues like Women’s issues, Education or Health related issues, Issues or policies affecting vulnerable sections, etc.
- Issues of national and international importance.
- Political issues related to Indian Constitution, Legislative and Administrative processes.
- Supreme Court or High Court verdicts.
- Good analysis of current issues.
- Parliamentary Debates.
- Government policies and orders.
- How to pick important news topics for UPSC. How to Update all notes, etc after reading repeating News.
Entry is FREE but seats are limited (only 100)
19th July, 5 pm – Sajal sir and Pravin Garje sir
Topic: UPSC Prelims 2024-25 – Rote Learning is irrelevant now. Only creative knowledge gives edge
What can you expect to learn from this webinar?
- Detailed analysis of how UPSC tests candidates’ common sense in Prelims.
- Strategies to develop and showcase your stress response skills during the examination.
- Understanding the role of risk appetite in Prelims and how to optimally manage it.
- Practical tips on how to enhance these skills in the run-up to UPSC Prelims 2024.
- Real-life examples and anecdotes from past UPSC Prelims illustrate these points.
- An interactive Q&A session, where you can clarify your doubts and get personalized advice from Sajal sir and Pravin sir.
How to attend?
These sessions are FREE and Open to all, and will be held in Online/Offline mode.
Offline Mode – Address: Civilsdaily IAS, First floor, 518, Ramprasad, opposite Radhika Bhel, Sadashiv Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030
Note: These sessions are conducted by Civilsdaily Pune hence Offline sessions are available only in Pune center.
Aspirants from rest of India can join it in Online mode through Zoom. Link will be shared post-registration.
Register FREE for 4 Days UPSC Workshop by UPSC 2022 Rankers, Academic Director Sajal Sir
Entry is FREE but seats are limited (only 100)
CivilsDaily’s FREE Webinar package
Post-webinar we will share important PDFs, timetable framework, and notes.
- UPSC 2022 Toppers’ Timetable
- Atomic Notes for UPSC Current Affairs PDF
- Prelims 2024 Toolkit
- Mains 2023-2024 Toolkit
- Samachar Manthan FREE Module
Other than this a strategy package will be emailed to you.
What The Hindu opined about Civilsdaily Mentorship
Entry is FREE but seats are limited (only 100)
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Radio collars are killing the cheetahs in Kuno. Here is how — and why
What’s the news?
- Till now, eight translocated cheetahs at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park (KNP) have died.
Central idea
- The recent deaths of two cheetahs in Kuno due to suspected septicaemia from festering neck wounds caused by radio collars have raised concerns about the reintroduction project. Similar injuries have been observed in three other cheetahs. This unexpected setback has puzzled experts familiar with the routine use of collars for monitoring and research purposes in both India and Africa.
What are collars on animals?
- Collars on animals refer to devices worn around the neck or attached to the neck area of an animal. These collars serve various purposes depending on the specific context and the type of animal involved.
What are Radio Collars used on Cheetahs?
- Radio collars are like tracking collars which utilizes radio signals for monitoring animals.
- They are commonly used in wildlife research to gather information about animal movements, home ranges, and social interactions.
- Radio collars can provide valuable insights into the behaviour and ecology of animals in the wild.
The Problem with Collars
- Carrying a device on the body for an extended period can have adverse effects.
- A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research highlighted the higher presence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the wrists of watch wearers, which can lead to sepsis or death.
- Similarly, domestic dogs often develop acute moist dermatitis or hot spots under collars, worsened by tick or flea bites.
- Moreover, tight-fitting collars can cause pressure necrosis and hair loss around the neck, resembling bedsores
Factors Influencing Vulnerability of Cheetahs in Kuno
- Cheetahs possess a furrier winter coat compared to tigers or leopards, which retains more water and takes longer to dry.
- This prolonged moisture exposure weakens the skin over time.
- A study criticized the 3% collar weight rule for not considering animal athleticism.
- Accelerometer-based research revealed that collars exert forces on cheetahs during movement equivalent to up to 18 times the collar’s weight.
- This weight burden, particularly on a wet coat, may have adverse effects on cheetahs during high-speed sprints.
- Cheetahs may be vulnerable to local pathogens to which Indian tigers and leopards are immune.
- Alternatively, the cheetahs might have carried dormant pathogens that thrived under new conditions, given their weakened immunity due to stress
What needs to be done?
- An immediate action is to track, immobilize, and evaluate all cheetahs for neck injuries caused by the radio collars.
- Reevaluating the use of radio collars and exploring collar modifications or alternatives.
- Developing lighter collars and ensuring proper fitting to minimize the risk of collar-induced injuries.
- Non-invasive tracking methods that do not require collars could be explored.
- Providing appropriate veterinary care and treatment
- Understand and identify the specific pathogens causing collar-induced infections in the cheetahs of Kuno
- Collaboration among wildlife biologists, veterinarians, researchers, and conservationists is crucial. Consultation and sharing knowledge and experiences.
FYI: Some common types of collars used on animals
- Identification Collars: Collars with tags or labels are often used on domestic pets such as dogs and cats for identification purposes.
- Tracking Collars: Tracking collars are commonly used in wildlife research and conservation Equipped with GPS or radio transmitters – monitor movement and behavior of animals.
- Electric Fencing Collars: To train livestock and other animals to avoid crossing designated boundaries. Electric fencing systems and deliver a mild electric shock
- Training Collars: Training collars, also known as e-collars or shock collars, are used in dog training to aid in obedience training or behavior correction- mild electrical stimulation or vibrations to reinforce desired actions
Conclusion
- The recent collar-induced injuries and deaths of cheetahs in Kuno have posed a significant challenge to the reintroduction project. It is crucial to address the issues to ensure the success and well-being of the cheetahs. However, finding a solution that balances collar use with the cheetahs’ safety and health remains a complex task.
Also read: The impact of cheetahs on India’s grasslands
