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Type: Prelims Only

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

    [pib] India Hosts Digital Health Side Event at World Health Assembly

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: World Health Assembly (WHA)

    Why in the News?

    • India hosted a side event on Digital Health during the 77th World Health Assembly.The event saw participation from Quad countries (Australia, Japan, and the United States of America) and delegates from over 100 countries.

    Key Highlights of the 7th WHA:

    • Transformative Role: India highlighted digital health’s role in ensuring equitable and accessible healthcare services, contributing to Universal Health Coverage and SDG 3.
    • India’s Advancements: WHA noted India’s success in implementing digital public infrastructure at scale, including Aadhaar for digital identities, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) for financial transactions, and Co-WIN for health service delivery during the pandemic.
    • Transition to UWIN: Co-WIN is being transformed into UWIN for the National Immunization Programme, facilitating immunization records for millions of newborns and mothers, as well as Anganwadi and school health records.
    • Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): India highlighted efforts under ABDM to create a robust national digital health ecosystem, with over 618 million Unique Health IDs (ABHA IDs) generated, 268,000 registered health facilities, and 350,000 healthcare professionals enlisted.
    • National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX): GoI is launching NHCX as part of ABDM to transform the insurance payments ecosystem, enabling real-time settlements with auto adjudication of claims through public-private partnerships leveraging digital public infrastructure.

    About World Health Assembly (WHA):

    Details
    Establishment Established in 1948 as the decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO)
    Frequency Typically meets annually in Geneva, Switzerland
    Membership Includes all 194 member states of the WHO, as well as certain international organizations as observers
    Role and Functions
    • Setting Health Policies
    • Adoption of Resolutions
    • Reviewing Reports
    • Collaboration and Partnerships
    Decision-Making Process Decisions made by a simple majority vote of member states present and voting
    Themes and Agendas Each session focuses on specific global health priorities, addressing a wide range of health topics
    Notable Achievements Development and adoption of international health instruments and initiatives, including:

    • International Health Regulations (IHR),
    • Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC),
    • Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP), and
    • Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s, and Adolescents’ Health.
    Challenges Resource constraints, geopolitical tensions, need for greater inclusivity and transparency in decision-making

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] ‘Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres)’, often in the news, is

    (a) A division of World Health Organization.

    (b) A non-governmental international organization.

    (c) An inter-governmental agency sponsored by European Union.

    (d) A specialized agency of the United Nations.

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    Open access is crucial for self-reliance in science

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Mains level: Development of Science and Technology in India;

    Why in the News?

    As per Nature Index” India’s scientific prowess is rising but lacks essential research infrastructure. Initiatives like I-STEM aim to bridge this gap by democratizing access to advanced facilities.

    The Indian Science Ecosystem:

    • Growth in Research: India ranks third globally in research output and eleventh in research quality according to the “Nature Index”.
    • Infrastructure Shortfalls: Despite an increase in the number of universities from 760 in 2014 to 1,113 in 2021, many lack essential resources such as advanced labs, instrumental access, and research literature.

    Why is the Open Access Crucial for Self-Reliance in Science?

    • Open Access (OA) ensures that scientific knowledge is freely available to all, regardless of geographical or financial barriers.
    • It promotes inclusivity and allows researchers from diverse backgrounds to access the latest research findings, fostering collaboration and innovation.

    Initiatives to Address Gaps:

    • I-STEM: Catalogues all publicly funded research facilities nationwide and makes them available to researchers based on need.
    • One Nation, One Subscription (ONOS): Proposes a centralized model of subscription to scientific journals to make them universally available to all publicly funded institutions, addressing the high cost of accessing commercial journals.

    What is the Optimal Solution?

    • The optimal solution lies in prioritizing Open Access (OA) initiatives. With a global shift towards OA and increasing mandates from major funding bodies, India should leverage this trend to reduce dependency on costly subscriptions and ensure widespread access to scientific literature.
      • Major funding bodies and countries are pushing for OA, with the U.S. mandating immediate open accessibility of publicly funded research by 2025.
    • Challenges with ONOS: The high cost and oligopolistic academic publishing market make negotiation difficult. OA reduces the necessity of a costly unified subscription. ONOS does not ensure long-term access or global accessibility of Indian research.
    • The Green Open Access: Green Open Access allows authors to deposit a version of their work in a university repository, making it freely accessible globally. Ensures long-term preservation and accessibility of research funded by taxpayer money.

    Limitations:

    • Indian funding agencies have mandated green OA, but it has not been enforced effectively.
    • Recent issues should catalyze a stronger push for green OA.

    Conclusion: India should enhance its journal system, avoiding payment burdens on authors or readers. Utilise digital technology capabilities to create and share low-cost, high-quality scientific publishing infrastructure for the global south.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q  India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which has a database containing formatted information on more than 2 million medicinal formulations is proving a powerful weapon in the country’s fight against erroneous patents. Discuss the pro and cons of making the database available publicly available under open-source licensing. (UPSC IAS/2015)

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  • Genetically Modified (GM) crops – cotton, mustards, etc.

    What is Golden Rice?

    Prelims Only | Agriculture | Mains Paper 3: Major Crops & Cropping Patterns

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Golden Rice, Food Fortification, GM Crops

    Why in the News?

    • The Court of Appeals in the Philippines revoked biosafety permits for GM Golden Rice and BT eggplant, citing safety violations and ordering a halt until issues are resolved.

    Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant in the Philippines 

    What is Golden Rice? 

    • Golden Rice is a variety of rice (Oryza sativa) developed through genetic engineering to produce beta-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A, in the edible parts of the rice.
    • This modification aims to address vitamin A deficiency, particularly in areas where it’s prevalent.
    • The Philippines approved its commercial production in 2021.
    • The Philippines became the first country to officially issue a biosafety permit for commercially propagating golden rice in July 2021.

    Bt Eggplant: Developed by the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), Bt eggplant is engineered to resist pests, aiming to enhance farmer productivity and reduce environmental impact.

     

    Development of Golden Rice:

    • Research for golden rice began as a Rockefeller Foundation initiative in 1982.
    • Peter Bramley discovered in the 1990s that a single phytoene desaturase gene (bacterial CrtI) could be used to produce lycopene from phytoene in genetically modified tomato.
    • Ingo Potrykus of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and Peter Beyer of the University of Freiburg published the scientific details of golden rice in 2000 after an eight-year project.

    Genetics:

    • Golden rice incorporates Psy and CrtI genes from daffodils and a soil bacterium into the rice genome to enhance beta-carotene production in the endosperm.

    Field Trials and Approvals:

    • The first field trials of golden rice cultivars were conducted by Louisiana State University Agricultural Center in 2004.
    • Additional trials were conducted in the Philippines, Taiwan, and Bangladesh.
    • In 2018, Canada and the United States approved golden rice as safe for consumption.
    • In 2019, the Philippines approved golden rice for use as human food, animal feed, or for processing.

    In the context of India 

    • Currently, there is no cultivation or commercialization of Golden Rice in India. Growing and selling GM brinjal remains banned in India.
    • Recently, the Supreme Court has also intervened on the issue of stubble burning and paddy cultivation in India esp, Punjab and Haryana states.
      • India has approved commercial cultivation of only one GM crop, Bt cotton. No GM food crop has ever been approved for commercial cultivation in the country.
      • We can have some lessons from the Philippines.

    Controversy over its Use

    • Legal challenges emerged in the Philippines in 2023 and 2024, leading to a halt in commercial propagation.
    • Critics have raised concerns about its safety, environmental impact, and efficacy compared to other interventions like supplements and dietary diversification.
    • Greenpeace opposes the use of genetically modified organisms in agriculture and opposes the cultivation of golden rice.
    • Vandana Shiva, an Indian anti-GMO activist, has argued against golden rice, citing potential issues with loss of biodiversity and availability of diverse and nutritionally adequate food.

    Golden Rice 2:

    • In 2005, researchers at Syngenta developed Golden Rice 2, which contains the phytoene synthase (psy) gene from maise combined with the crtl gene from the original golden rice.
    • Golden Rice 2 produces significantly higher levels of carotenoids, particularly beta-carotene, compared to the original golden rice.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:

    1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest resistance to a wide variety of pests.
    2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridisation.
    3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2021] What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society?

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  • RBI Notifications

    RBI launches PRAVAAH, Retail Direct mobile app and FinTech Repository

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PRAVAAH, Retail Direct Mobile App, G-Secs, EmTech Repository

    Why in the News?

    • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently introduced three significant initiatives: the PRAVAAH portal, the RBI Retail Direct mobile application, and the FinTech Repository.
      • These initiatives aim to streamline regulatory processes, empower retail investors, and provide insights into the fintech sector.

    1. PRAVAAH Portal:

    • The PRAVAAH portal (Platform for Regulatory Application, VAlidation, and AutHorisation) serves as a centralised web-based platform for individuals and entities to seek regulatory approvals from the RBI.
    • Offering features like online application submission and status tracking, the portal covers 60 different application forms across various regulatory departments, ensuring efficiency and transparency in the authorisation process.

    2. RBI Retail Direct Mobile App:

    • The RBI Retail Direct Mobile App provides retail investors with convenient access to government securities (G-Secs) trading directly from their smartphones.
    • Accessible on both Android and iOS platforms, the app simplifies transactions in both primary and secondary markets, empowering retail investors to participate more actively in the securities market.

    3. FinTech Repository:

    The FinTech Repository aims to provide comprehensive data on Indian fintech firms, facilitating better regulatory understanding and policy formulation in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.

    Other initiatives launched:

    • EmTech Repository: It focuses on RBI-regulated entities’ adoption of emerging technologies like AI, ML, Cloud Computing, and Quantum, providing valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
    • Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH): Both repositories are managed by the RBIH, underscoring the central bank’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the financial sector.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] In the context of the Indian economy, ‘Open Market Operations’ refers to:

    (a) borrowing by scheduled banks from the RBI

    (b) lending by commercial banks to industry and trade

    (c) purchase and sale of government securities by the RBI

    (d) None of the above

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  • Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

    Kanyakumari’s Vivekananda Rock

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Vivekananda Rock, Kanyakumari

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his plan to visit and meditate at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu marking the culmination of the Lok Sabha election campaign.

    About Vivekananda Rock:

    • Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located in Kanyakumari’s Vavathurai beach, Tamil Nadu.
    • It is situated on a rock island at the southernmost tip of the Indian Peninsula, where the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean meet.
    • The memorial consists of two main structures: the Vivekananda Mandapam and the Shripada Mandapam.

    Historic Significance of Kanyakumari:

    • Swami Vivekananda is said to have meditated on this rock for two days in December 1892, as he journeyed across India after his return from the West.
    • Eknath Ranade, the founder of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial Committee, proposed the idea of constructing a memorial on the rock.
    • The foundation stone for the memorial was laid on September 1, 1964, by then-President of India, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
    • The memorial was inaugurated on September 2, 1970, by then-President of India, V. V. Giri.

    About Swami Vivekananda

    Details
    Birth and Death Narendranath Datta (1862-1902)
    Message Spread Ramakrishna’s message, reconciled it with contemporary Indian society, preached neo-Hinduism
    Spiritual Foundation Based on the spiritual experiences of Ramakrishna, teachings of Upanishads and Gita, examples of Buddha and Jesus
    Philosophical Beliefs Subscribed to Vedanta, believed in fundamental oneness of God, advocated for blending of Hinduism and Islam
    Advocacy for Social Action Emphasised social action, criticised religion’s approval of oppression of the poor, called for secular and spiritual knowledge for upliftment
    Balance between Spiritualism and Materialism Advocated for a healthy balance between spiritualism and materialism, called for a blend of Western materialism and Eastern spiritualism for global happiness
    Establishment of Ramakrishna Mission Founded Ramakrishna Mission in 1897, used it for humanitarian relief and social work, stands for religious and social reform, advocated service as worship, not a proselytizing body
    Philosophy of Ramakrishna Mission Believes in using technology and modern science for mankind’s service, recognizes the utility of image worship, emphasizes Vedanta philosophy as a unifying force for all religions, open to all men regardless of caste or creed
    Physical Establishment Acquired land at Belur in 1898, shifted Ramakrishna Math there.

     

    PYQ:

    What does each of the following quotations mean to you?

    1. [2021] Every work has got to pass through hundreds of difficulties before succeeding. Those that persevere will see the light, sooner or later.- Swami Vivekananda.
    2. [2020] Condemn none: if you can stretch out a helping hand, do so. If not, fold your hands, bless your brothers, and let them go their own way. – Swami Vivekananda. (2020)

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  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    In news: Sharavathi River

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Sharavathi River, Sand Mining Regulations

    Why in the News?

    The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the mines and geology department to stop any unlawful/illegal sand mining in the Sharavathi River coastal zone.

    About National Green Tribunal (NGT)

    Description
    Establishment Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act as a statutory body.
    Objective
    • To deal with cases related to environmental issues and ensure speedy implementation of decisions.
    • Responsible for giving many prominent decisions aimed at environmental protection, including addressing air pollution in Delhi and canceling coal block clearances.
    Composition
    • Headquartered in Delhi, chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge
    • Included Judicial Members and Expert Panel.
    Powers Empowered to decide on questions related to various environmental laws and hear civil cases concerning environmental issues:

    1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974;
    2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977;
    3. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
    4. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981;
    5. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
    6. The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991;
    7. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
    Exceptions Prohibited to hear any issues which are covered under:

    1. The Indian Forest Act, 1927,
    2. The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and
    3. Any other laws made by States which are related to protection of trees, forests, etc.
    Places
    • Principal bench in Delhi;
    • Additional benches in Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai.
    Governing Principles
    • Governed by principles of natural justice, not bound by Indian Evidence Act.
    • Applies principles of sustainable development, precautionary, and polluter pays.
    Review and Challenge
    • NGT orders can be reviewed as per Rule 22 of NGT Rules.
    • Can be challenged before the Supreme Court within 90 days.
    Jurisdiction
    • Jurisdiction over all civil cases involving a substantial question relating to environment.
    • Powers vested are the same as in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
    • Decisions are binding.
    Disposal of Cases Disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing of the same.

    About Sharavathi River

    • It originates and flows entirely within Karnataka.
    • It is among the few westward-flowing rivers in the country and a significant part of its basin lies in the Western Ghats.
    • Origin: The river originates at Ambutheertha in the Thirthahalli taluk.
    • Legend: According to ancient legend, the god Rama shot an arrow (Ambu) into the ground to quench his wife Sita’s thirst. The water that poured out was named “Thirtha,” hence the river’s name “Sharavati,” with “Shara” meaning arrow.

    Geography and Length:

    • The river stretches about 128 km (80 mi) and joins the Arabian Sea at Honnavar in Uttara Kannada district.
    • Jog Falls, formed by the Sharavati River, is located approximately 25 km from Siddapura.

    Tributaries and Basin:

    • Major tributaries: Nandihole, Haridravathi, Mavinahole, Hilkunji, Yennehole, Hurlihole, and Nagodihole.
    • River basin: divided between Uttara Kannada and Shimoga districts.
    • Pre-Cambrian rocks, including the Dharwar system and peninsular gneiss, dominate the basin.

    Soils and Agriculture:

    • Soils in the basin are predominantly lateritic and tend to be acidic, ranging from clay loamy to loamy.
    • Four soil orders are found: ultisols, alfisols, inceptisols, and entisols.

    Dams:

    • The Linganamakki Dam, constructed in 1964, spans the Sharavati River, with a catchment area of nearly 1,991.71 km2.
    • The Gerusoppa Dam, completed in 2002, primarily serves for electricity generation.

    Flora and Fauna:

    • The Sharavati Valley Wildlife Sanctuary declared in 1972, protects diverse ecosystems and endangered species.
    • The river basin is rich in biodiversity, home to rare species of flora and fauna.

    Regulation of Sand Mining in India:

    Mines and Minerals Act, 1957
    Definition of Sand as a Minor Mineral Sand is categorized as a minor mineral under section 3(e) of the MMDR Act.
    State Governments’ Role Section 15 empowers state governments to regulate mineral concessions for minor minerals, leading to the formulation of state-specific concession rules.
    Control of Illegal Mining Section 23C places the jurisdiction over controlling illegal mining under the purview of state governments.

    Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines, 2016
    Purpose Released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, aims to promote scientific and environmentally friendly sand mining practices.
    Recommendations Emphasizes sustainable sand extraction, monitoring, and district-wise mapping of sand availability.

    Sand Mining Framework, 2018
    Issued by Released by the Ministry of Mines, provides states with guidance for policy formulation and combating illegal sand mining.
    Recommended Measures Suggests geo-fencing, GPS-enabled transportation tracking, price control, involvement of women’s self-help groups, and exploration of alternative sand sources.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which of the following is/are the possible consequence/s of heavy sand mining in riverbeds?

    1. Decreased salinity in the river
    2. Pollution of groundwater
    3. Lowering of the water-table

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2019] With reference to the management of minor minerals in India, consider the following statements :

    1. Sand is a ‘minor mineral’ according to the prevailing law in the country.
    2. State governments have the power to grant mining leases of minor minerals, but the powers regarding the formation of rules related to the grant of minor minerals lie with the Central Government.
    3. State Governments have the power to frame rules to prevent illegal mining of minor minerals.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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

    Genetic Mysteries of Microcephaly: The Role of SASS6 Gene

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Microcephaly, SASS6 Gene, Ile62Thr Mutation

    Why in the News?

    A gene called SASS6 (Spindle Assembly Abnormal Protein 6) and its variants have been found to play a key role in a developmental process that causes “Microcephaly”.

    What is Microcephaly?

    • Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than normal.
    • It is associated with a smaller brain, poor motor skills, poor speech, abnormal facial features, and intellectual disabilities.
    • Developmental Roots:
      • The condition is believed to start during the peak phase of brain development in the embryo. Cells that are supposed to become neurons fail to divide normally.
    • Diagnosis:
      • Microcephaly can be diagnosed before birth using foetal ultrasound and MRI.

    Role of SASS6 gene 

    • Since 2014, the SASS6 gene and its variants have been linked to microcephaly.

    A recent study in China:(On March 19, 2024)

    • The study of a consanguine couple revealed microcephaly and fetal growth issues. Confirming the SASS6 gene’s role in microcephaly, findings suggest embryo survival requires at least one functional gene copy.

    The University of Cologne Study (February 2024):

    • Researchers removed all functional SASS6 genes from mouse embryo-derived cells.
    • Even without the genes, cells could make abnormal but passable centrioles (structures needed for cell division).
    • When these cells were prompted to become neurons, the centrioles disappeared, preventing the cells from becoming neurons.

    Consanguinity and Genetic Risk of Microcephaly

    • Expert Insight:
      • Researchers explained that over 70% of congenital microcephaly cases come from consanguineous marriages.
      • Such marriages increase the risk of inheriting mutated genes from both parents.
    • Genetic Causes:
      • Mutations in 30 genes cause microcephaly.
      • 10 of these genes create proteins needed for centrioles, which are crucial for cell division.

    Ile62Thr Mutation

    • 2004 Discovery: The SASS6 gene was discovered in the roundworm C. elegans, showing its conserved function across animals.
    • Gene Suppression in C. elegans:
      • Suppressing the SASS6 gene halted new centriole assembly, stopping development.
    • 2014 Study on a Pakistani Family: Researchers found four family members with microcephaly due to the Ile62Thr mutation in the SASS6 gene.
    • The Ile62Thr mutation was introduced into the C. elegans SASS6 gene.
    • The mutation alone did not significantly impair centriole function but became deadly when combined with another mutation.
    • In humans, this mutation causes microcephaly due to its impact on centriole function.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016]  In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term ‘transcriptome’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to-

    (a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing

    (b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism

    (c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression

    (d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    NASA’s PREFIRE Mission to study Earth’s Polar Regions

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: PREFIRE Mission, Cubesats, Heat Budget of Earth

    Why in the News?

    NASA launched the ” PREFIRE mission”, deploying twin CubeSats to study heat emissions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, aiming to enhance climate research.

    What are CubeSats?

    • CubeSats are essentially miniature satellites whose basic design is a 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm (which makes up for “one unit” or “1U”) cube — just a little bigger than a Rubik’s cube.
    • weight not more than 1.33 kg.

    • These satellites were first developed in 1999 by California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) and Stanford University as educational tools. 
    • However, owing to their low cost and less mass in comparison to traditional satellites, they began to be put in orbit for technology demonstrations, scientific research, and commercial purposes.

    About PREFIRE Mission

    • Jointly developed by NASA and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 
    • It aims to investigate and comprehend the intricate dynamics of heat emissions from Earth’s Polar Regions, specifically focusing on the Arctic and Antarctica.

    Components:

    • CubeSats: PREFIRE employs shoebox-sized CubeSats, each measuring around 6U (6 units), equipped with advanced instrumentation to facilitate data collection.
      • They measure around 90 cm in height and nearly 120 cm in width when the solar panels, which will power the satellite, are deployed.
      • The two satellites will be placed in a near-polar orbit (a type of low Earth orbit) at an altitude of about 525 kilometres.
    • Thermal Infrared Spectrometers (TIRS): Each CubeSat is outfitted with a Thermal Infrared Spectrometer, meticulously engineered to measure far-infrared radiation emitted by the Polar Regions.

    Mission Objectives:

    1. Investigate heat radiated from Earth’s Polar Regions into space and its impact on climate.
    2. Employ thermal infrared spectrometers to measure far-infrared energy emitted by Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
    3. Improve understanding of the greenhouse effect at the poles and its implications for climate change.
    4. Enhance climate and ice models to predict changes in sea level, weather, snow, and ice cover in a warming world.

    Why study heat budget of the Poles?

    • A large amount of the heat radiated from the Arctic and Antarctica is emitted as far-infrared radiation wavelengths of 3 μm to 1,000 μm within the infrared range of electromagnetic radiation.
    • However, there is currently no way to measure this type of energy.
    • As a result, there is a gap in knowledge about the planet’s energy budget.

    Significance of PREFIRE

    • PREFIRE’s observations will enhance predictions of climate and environmental changes, aiding in mitigating the effects of global warming.
    • Data collected will contribute to updating climate models and improving understanding of Earth’s atmospheric dynamics.

    PYQ:

    [2017] What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

    (a) To detect neutrinos

    (b) To detect gravitational waves

    (c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system

    (d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Pacific Island Nations

    Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: FIPIC and its member countries; Act East Policy

    Why in the News?

    • India as a member of FIPIC, has pledged $1 million for relief efforts in flood-hit “Papua New Guinea” showcasing solidarity with the affected nation.

    What is the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)?

    • The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) is a multilateral platform established by India to enhance cooperation with the Pacific Island countries.
    • FIPIC was established by India in 2014 during the first FIPIC Summit held in Suva, Fiji.
    • The initiative was announced by PM Narendra Modi as part of India’s broader “Act East” policy to strengthen engagement with the Pacific Island countries.

    Overview

    • Purpose: To enhance India’s engagement with Pacific Island nations and support their development priorities through cooperative projects and initiatives.
    • Members: Includes India and 14 Pacific Islands nations (Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu).

    Summits

    1. First Summit – Suva, Fiji (November 2014)
      • Context: Initiated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the re-establishment of democracy in Fiji.
      • Significance: The summit highlighted the geopolitical interest of major powers in the Pacific, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping visiting Fiji shortly after Modi.
    2. Second Summit – Jaipur, India (August 2015)
      • Follow-up: As a continuation of the first summit, Modi invited the leaders of the 14 Pacific Islands to Jaipur.
      • Discussions: Covered cooperation in areas such as the blue economy, oil and natural gas, IT, healthcare, fishing, and marine research. Modi also assured to address their climate change concerns at the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris.
    3. Third Summit – Papua New Guinea (May 2023)
      • Current Status: Most recent summit, emphasizing ongoing cooperation and collaboration between India and the Pacific Island nations.

    Back2Basics: India’s Act East Policy

    Details
    Launched in November 2014, by PM Modi
    Objective
    • To promote economic cooperation, cultural ties, and develop a strategic relationship with countries in the Indo-Pacific region;
    • Enhancing India’s influence and economic development, especially in the North Eastern Region (NER).
    Scope
    • Extends beyond ASEAN to include East Asian countries.
    • Intensive and continuous engagement in connectivity, trade, culture, defense, and people-to-people contact at bilateral, regional, and multilateral levels.
    Key Dimensions (4C’s)
    1. Culture
    2. Commerce
    3. Connectivity
    4. Capacity building
    Security Focus
    • Enhanced security cooperation, particularly in the context of Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea and Indian Ocean.
    • Promoting freedom of navigation and securing India’s role in the region.
    Historical Context (Look East Policy)
    • Look East Policy initiated in 1992 by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.
    • Focused on strengthening economic integration and cultural ties primarily with ASEAN countries.
    • Aimed to bolster India’s role as a regional power and counter China’s strategic influence.
    Evolution from Look East Policy Act East Policy is an upgrade and expansion of the Look East Policy, incorporating more comprehensive engagement strategies, including security cooperation and broader geographical focus.
    Significant Engagements
    • India’s active participation in regional forums like the East Asia Summit (EAS), ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), and informal groupings such as the Quad.
    • Strategic partnerships and dialogues at various international platforms.
    Major Projects Major projects under the policy include:

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. 

    [2011] With reference to “Look East Policy” of India, consider the following statements:

    1. India wants to establish itself as an important regional player in East Asian affairs.
    2. India wants to plug the vacuum created by the termination of Cold War.
    3. India wants to restore the historical and cultural ties with its neighbours in Southeast and East Asia.

    Which of the statements given above is / are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    What is Zero Debris Charter?

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Zero Debris Charter; Kessler syndrome.

    Why in the News?

    • The Zero Debris Charter was signed by twelve nations and the European Space Agency (ESA) at the ESA/EU Space Council.

    Zero Debris Charter

      • The Zero Debris Charter was unveiled at the ESA Space Summit in Seville, Spain, in November 2023.
      • The Charter was facilitated by ESA’s “Protection of Space Assets” Accelerator and developed through extensive collaboration among various space actors.
    • Objectives:
    • To achieve debris neutrality in space by 2030.
    • Long-term sustainability of human activities in Earth orbit.
    • Members:
      • The signatory countries are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
      • The ESA signed as an International Organization.

    Community Support and Leadership

    • Over 100 organizations are expected to sign the Charter in the coming months.
    • This includes national space agencies, satellite manufacturers, space startups, and astronomical societies.

    Space Debris Challenges

    • ESA estimates over one million pieces of space debris larger than 1 cm in Earth orbit.
    • These debris pieces pose significant risks to satellites and astronauts.

    Threats posed by Space Debris

    Space debris also leads to two major risks:

    1. It creates unusable regions of the orbit due to excessive debris, and
    2. Leads to the ‘Kessler syndrome’ – the creation of more debris due to cascading collisions resulting from one collision.

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