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Type: Prelims Only

  • What is Aphelion?

    Why in the News?

    Early on July 5, the Earth reached aphelion, its farthest distance from the sun in our year-long journey around our nearest star.

    What is Aphelion? 

    • Aphelion is a term used in astronomy to denote the point in the orbit of a planet or celestial body where it is farthest from the Sun. 
    • The Earth’s orbit around the Sun is not a perfect circle but rather an ellipse, with the Sun situated at one of the two foci of the ellipse. 
    • Aphelion marks the moment when Earth is at its maximum distance from the Sun along this elliptical path.
    • The concept of aphelion was crucial in Johannes Kepler‘s formulation of his laws of planetary motion during the 17th century.

    How far is the Earth from the Sun at aphelion? 

    • At aphelion, which occurs around July 4th– 5th each year, the Earth is approximately 152.1 million kilometers (about 94.5 million miles) away from the Sun. 
    • This distance is about 3.3% greater than its average distance from the Sun, known as its semi-major axis, which is about 147.1 million kilometers.

    Does aphelion affect temperatures on Earth? 

    • Aphelion has a slight effect on temperatures on Earth, but its impact is minimal compared to other factors such as axial tilt and atmospheric circulation patterns. 
    • Despite being farther from the Sun during aphelion, the Earth’s tilt towards the Sun during the northern hemisphere’s summer results in warmer temperatures for that region. 
    • This phenomenon is primarily responsible for the seasons on Earth.

    What would happen if there were no aphelion? 

    • If Earth’s orbit were perfectly circular, without aphelion or perihelion (the closest point to the Sun), the distance between Earth and the Sun would remain constant throughout the year. 
    • This scenario would result in less variation in seasonal temperatures between the northern and southern hemispheres. 
    • The distinct seasons that we experience today, which are essential for ecological diversity and agricultural cycles, would be significantly altered.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Variations in the length of daytime and night time from season to season are due to-

    (a) The earth’s rotation on its axis

    (b) The earth’s revolution round the sun in an elliptical manner

    (c) Latitudinal position of the place

    (d) Revolution of the earth on a tilted axis

  • Reviving Gharials in Kaziranga

    Why in the News?

    In Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a lone female gharial has emerged as a significant presence, marking a potential revival for the species in the Brahmaputra River.

    About Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve:

    • Located in the state of Assam, Kaziranga is renowned for its biodiversity and conservation efforts.
    • Established in 1905 as a reserve forest and declared a national park in 1974.
    • Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 for its unique natural environment and successful conservation of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros.
    • Kaziranga is home to the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world.
    • It hosts two-thirds of the world’s Great One-Horned Rhinoceros population, a significant conservation success story.
    • The park spans approximately 430 square kilometers (166 square miles) of grasslands, wetlands, and forests.

    One-Horned Rhinoceros:

    • One–Horned Rhinos: IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable; CITES: Appendix I ; WPA, 1972: Schedule I.
    • Mainly found in Assam, West Bengal.
    • Assam hosts about 2,640 rhinos across Pobitora WLS, Rajiv Gandhi Orang NP, Kaziranga NP, and Manas NP.

    About Gharial

    • The Gharial is a fish-eating crocodile native to the Indian subcontinent.
    • They are a crucial indicator of clean river water.
    • It is also found in the rainforest biome of Mahanadi in Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, Odisha.
    • Gharials are ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Species.
    • The species is also listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • National Chambal Sanctuary along the river Chambal in Madhya Pradesh is the biggest protected area of the species.

    Recent findings of Gharial in Kaziranga

    • Gharials, distinguished by their long, narrow snouts, were believed to have disappeared from the Brahmaputra by the 1950s.
    • The female gharial, initially spotted in 2021, has grown to nearly adult size, providing hope for their reintroduction into the ecosystem.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following fauna of India :

    1. Gharial

    2. Leatherback turtle

    3. Swamp deer

    Which of the above is/are endangered?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None

  • Niranjan Panel set up to study Pollution Level in Cauvery

    Why in the News?

    The Karnataka government has formed an expert committee, headed by Niranjan, Chief Environment Officer of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, to study the pollution level in the Cauvery.

    About Niranjan Panel

    • The panel will review and submit a report within 10 days to ascertain whether the Cauvery River water is polluted due to the inflow of sewage water, solid waste, industrial waste, and other types of pollutants.
    • The Cauvery water has lost its natural quality due to the pollutants and the health of citizens and aquatic animals are being adversely affected.

    About Cauvery River

    • The Cauvery River, also spelled as ‘Kaveri’ and known as ‘Ponni’ in Tamil, originates from Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri range located in Karnataka’s Kodagu district.
    • It spans approximately 800 km, traversing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, until it eventually reaches the Bay of Bengal.
    • The river’s catchment area covers regions in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
    • Key tributaries that join the Cauvery include Harangi, Hemavati, Kabini, Suvarnavathi, and Bhavani.
    • It remains perennial due to its dual reliance on both advancing and retreating monsoons for rainfall.
    • Protected areas in its basin: Cauvery WLS,  Biligirirangan Hills WLS,  Pushpagiri WLS,  Muthathi WLS,  Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary,  Bhimeshwari WLS, Nagarhole NP; Bandipur NP.

    Challenges associated with the Cauvery River:

    • Direct discharge of untreated sewage and domestic waste from towns and cities along the Cauvery contaminates the water, leading to high bacterial loads and nutrient pollution.
    • Industries along the Cauvery, including textiles, dyeing, pharmaceuticals, and others, discharge effluents directly into the river.
    • Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in agricultural fields adjacent to the river are washed into the Cauvery during rain and irrigation.
    • Unregulated sand mining and dredging activities disrupt riverbeds and banks, altering natural flow patterns and habitat structures.
    • Introduction of non-native species like tilapia and African catfish, initially for aquaculture, has led to their proliferation in the Cauvery.

    Cauvery Water Dispute:

    • Since 1892, tensions existed between British-ruled Madras and Mysore. 
    • 1924 Agreement aimed to resolve but set the stage for future conflicts. Post-Independence, dam constructions sparked TN appeal. 
    • Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was established. 
    • Interim orders by the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) in 1998. 
    • CWDT’s 2013 award allocated water quantities among states. 
    • Monthly and annual water shares by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu. 
    • Normal Year, Karnataka must give 177.25 TMC to Tamil Nadu. 
    • Challenges arise during monsoons due to varying rainfall. 
    • Article 262 empowers Parliament for inter-state river disputes. The Seventh Schedule defines legislative authority over water resources. 
    • 2018: Cauvery was termed a “national asset” by SC with river water equality upheld. 
    • The Cauvery Management Board (CMB) was established by the Court for implementation. 
    • CWMA and CWRC were established for water regulation and data collection.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Which of the following Protected Areas are located in the Cauvery basin?

    1. Nagarhole National Park
    2. Papikonda National Park
    3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
    4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • EAM Jaishankar attends SCO Summit

    Why in the News?

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana on behalf of Prime Minister Modi.

    About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

    Details
    Introduction
    • Established in 2001 by China and Russia, the SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security organization.
    • It spans about 80% of Eurasia and encompasses 40% of the world’s population, with a GDP of around 20% of global GDP as of 2021.
    Origins
    • Successor to the Shanghai Five, formed in 1996 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
    • It evolved into the SCO in 2001 with the inclusion of Uzbekistan.
    Expansion
    • India and Pakistan joined in June 2017, followed by Iran in July 2023, and Belarus in July 2024.
    • Several other countries participate as observers and dialogue partners.
    Governance
    • Governed by the Heads of State Council (HSC), the supreme decision-making body that meets annually.
    • Includes the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) as a key component for security coordination.
    Key Structures
    • Heads of State Council: Supreme decision-making body.
    • Heads of Government Council: Discusses multilateral cooperation and approves budgets.
    • Council of Foreign Ministers: Regular meetings on international affairs.
    • Council of National Coordinators: Coordinates multilateral efforts.
    Secretariat
    • Headquartered in Beijing, China, the Secretariat executes organizational decisions, drafts documents, and promotes SCO activities.
    • Secretary-General serves a 3-year term.
    RATS Executive Committee
    • Based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, RATS fosters cooperation against terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
    • The director serves a three-year term overseeing these efforts.
    Official Languages Chinese and Russian are the SCO’s official languages.
    Key Agreements
    • Treaty on Deepening Military Trust in Border Regions (1996)
    • Treaty on Reduction of Military Forces in Border Regions (1997)
    • Declaration on a “multipolar world” (1997)
    Major Activities
    • Annual summits and meetings across member states;
    • Initiatives in transportation, energy, and telecommunications;
    • Regular gatherings of security, defence, economic, and cultural officials.
    International Relations Established partnerships with various global bodies including the UN, ASEAN, CIS, CSTO, ECO, and CICA, reflecting its broad engagement in regional and international affairs.

    Strategic Significance of SCO for India

    • Open-door for bilateral: Membership facilitates India’s engagement with Central Asian nations and major regional powers like China and Russia on shared security challenges.
    • China-Russia Dynamics: SCO serves as a platform for China and Russia to assert influence and counter Western dominance in international forums.
    • Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Dispute: India’s stance against endorsing BRI projects through SCO reflects its concerns over sovereignty, particularly regarding CPEC passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

    About Kazakhstan

    • Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country and the ninth-largest country by land area, spanning an area of 2.7 million square kilometres.
    • It borders Russia to the north and west, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the southwest

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Consider the following:

    1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
    2. Missile Technology Control Regime
    3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

    India is a member of which of the above?

    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 3 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2021] Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?

  • Afforestation in Delhi Ridge

    Why in the News?

    The Delhi High Court is set to physically inspect the Central and Southern parts of Delhi Ridge to assess the extent of afforestation and cutting of trees in the area.

    Deforestation in Delhi Ridge:

    Over 308 hectares of the ecologically sensitive Delhi Ridge area has been encroached and another 183 hectares “diverted” for “non-forestry purposes”. ( Data by Central Empowered Committee (CEC) report to the Supreme Court, 2023.)

    About Delhi Ridge

    • Delhi Ridge is located in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, extending as a northern extension of the ancient Aravalli Range.
      • Composed primarily of quartzite rocks, it spans approximately 35 kilometres from Tughlaqabad in the southeast to Wazirabad in the north along the Yamuna River.
    • Ecological Significance:
      • It acts as the “green lungs” of Delhi, providing crucial ecological services such as carbon sequestration and habitat for wildlife.
      • It protects Delhi from the hot desert winds originating from Rajasthan to the west.
      • It supports diverse flora and fauna, making Delhi one of the world’s most bird-rich capital cities.
      • Efforts are ongoing to maintain biodiversity through biodiversity parks and wildlife sanctuaries like the Northern Ridge Biodiversity Park and Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary.

    Geographical Features

    • The ridge is believed to be over 1.5 billion years old, making it an ancient geological formation compared to the Himalayas (50 million years old).
    • It functions as a watershed, dividing the Indus Plain to the west from the Gangetic Plain to the east within the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

    Administrative Divisions:

    • Divided into four main zones: Northern, Central, South-Central, and Southern Ridge.
    • Each zone has distinct characteristics and faces varying degrees of urban encroachment and conservation efforts.

  • Issues with ‘mandir’ tag for Ayushman Health and Wellness Centres

    Why in the News?

    Following Mizoram and Nagaland, Meghalaya has also refused to rename its health and wellness centres as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs as per the Centre’s directive.

    Context: Demographic composition of NE and its implications on policy decisions 

    • Christian Majority: About 75% of Meghalaya’s population practices Christianity, similar to the demographics of Mizoram (90%) and Nagaland (90%).
    • State Asserts Autonomy: Meghalaya’s Health Minister emphasized that health being a State subject grants them the right to decide independently of the Centre’s advisory.

    About Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs)

    • AB-HWCs were launched to move away from selective health care to a more comprehensive range of services spanning preventive, promotive, curative, rehabilitative and palliative care for all ages.
    • There are 1.6 lakh such centres across India under this initiative.
    • The National Health Policy of 2017 envisioned these centres as the foundation of India’s health system.
    • The Union Health Ministry renamed AB-HWCs as Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) with the tagline ‘Arogyam Parmam Dhanam’.
    • States and Union Territories were urged to complete the rebranding by the end of 2023.

    Back2Basics: Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY)

    Details
    Details
    • World’s largest fully government-funded health insurance scheme.
    • Launched in 2018.
    • Provides Rs 5 lakh per family for secondary and tertiary care.
    Health Benefit Package
    • Covers the cost of surgery, medical and daycare treatments, medications, and diagnostics.
    • 3 days of pre-hospitalisation and 15 days of post-hospitalisation, including diagnostic care and expenses on medicines.
    • No restriction on family size, age or gender.
    • All pre-existing conditions are covered from day one.
    Beneficiaries
    • An entitlement-based scheme targeting beneficiaries identified by the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data.
    • Flexibility for States/UTs to use non-SECC data with a similar socio-economic profile to identify remaining SECC families.
    Financing
    • Jointly funded scheme: 60:40 between Centre and legislature for all States and UTs.
    • 90:10 for North-Eastern States, J&K, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
    • 100% central funding for Union Territories without legislature.
    Nucleus Agency
    • The National Health Authority (NHA) is an autonomous body under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, responsible for the effective implementation of PM-JAY.
    • State Health Agency (SHA) is the apex body of the State Government responsible for implementing AB-PMJAY in the State.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements:

    1. Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
    2. As it aims to achieve universal health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
    3. It has seamless portability across the country.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • What makes mosquitoes suck blood?

    Why in the News?

    A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) 1 has suggested that a pair of hormones work together to activate or suppress mosquitoes’ blood cravings.

    Mosquito Species and Behavior

    • There are around 3500 mosquito species globally, found on every continent except Antarctica.
    • Female mosquitoes consume blood to aid in egg development.
    • After feeding, female mosquitoes lose their appetite for blood until they lay their eggs.

    Research by Michael Strand and Team

    • Strand observed that levels of the mosquito gut hormone F (NPF) spiked when mosquitoes were seeking a host and dropped after feeding.
    • Their study analyzed mosquito enteroendocrine cells responsible for gut hormone production.
    • Hormonal Mechanisms:
      • NPF levels increased before blood meals and decreased six hours after feeding.
      • Another gut hormone, RYamide, was found to influence mosquitoes’ blood lust. As NPF levels decreased after a blood meal, RYamide levels increased, and vice versa.
      • The researchers concluded that NPF and RYamide work together to regulate mosquitoes’ attraction to humans and other hosts.

    Implications of the Study

    • Controlling the Deadliest Animal: Mosquitoes are the deadliest animal on the planet, acting as vectors for diseases such as malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis, which collectively kill more people than any other creature.
    • Pesticide Development: The discovery could lead to new pesticide targets for preventing mosquito reproduction and disease transmission.

    Note: Mosquitoes are responsible for over 1 million human deaths per year worldwide. They transmit deadly diseases like malaria, yellow fever, dengue, and Zika virus

    PYQ:

    [2023] ‘Wolbachia method’ is sometimes talked about with reference to which one of the following?

    (a) Controlling the viral diseases spread by mosquitoes
    (b) Converting crop residues into packing material
    (c) Producing biodegradable plastics
    (d) Producing biochar from thermo-chemical conversion of biomass

  • Universe had Spiral Galaxies 4 billion years sooner than expected: Study

    Why in the News?

    A new study has revealed more spiral galaxies in the universe’s youth than astronomers had previously expected.

    Universe’s Age and Galaxy Types

    • The universe is about 13.8 billion years old and hosts various kinds of galaxies, from spiral to elliptical.
    • Astronomers believed spiral galaxies formed about 6 billion years ago, but the new study calls this into question.
    • Younger galaxies tend to spiral, while older ones have a variety of shapes, making the study of older galaxies more challenging due to fainter light.

    Back2Basics: Spiral Galaxy

    • Spiral galaxies are a type of galaxy characterized by their spiral structure.
    • They are among the most common types of galaxies in the universe.
    • Our own Milky Way is a classic example of a spiral galaxy.

    Key Characteristics:

    • Central Bulge: A dense, spherical structure at the centre composed mainly of older stars.
    • Disk: Surrounding the bulge is a flat, rotating disk of stars, gas, and dust. The disk contains younger stars and spiral arms.
    • Spiral Arms: These are the defining features, winding outward from the central bulge. The arms are sites of active star formation and appear brighter due to the presence of young, hot stars.
    • Halo: A roughly spherical region surrounding the disk, containing old stars and globular clusters.

    Formation and Evolution:

    • Spiral galaxies are thought to form from the gravitational collapse of gas and dust in the early universe.
    • They maintain their structure through the rotation of the disk and the gravitational influence of the central bulge and halo.
    • Interactions and mergers with other galaxies can distort or destroy their spiral structure, potentially transforming them into elliptical galaxies.

    Formation of Galaxies

    • As the universe cooled from a dense plasma state, hot gas formed clumps that became galaxies.
    • These early galaxies had irregular shapes and lacked disks.
    • Spiral Formation Theory:
      • The traditional theory suggested that it took billions of years for hot, thick disks to become thinner and form spiral arms.
      • The new study suggests that cooling and spiral formation occur around the same cosmic time.

    How is this verified?

    • Astronomers observe star formation in real time but study galaxy evolution through “astronomical archaeology.”
      • Understanding the fraction of spiral galaxies helps astronomers trace the biography of galaxies.
      • Infrared and optical wavelengths are used to detect early galaxies, requiring powerful telescopes due to the faint light of older galaxies.
    • Study Methodology:
      • The University of Missouri team used the JWST to study 873 galaxies and identified at least 216 spiral galaxies, some dating to 1.5 billion years after the universe’s birth.
      • Each of the six authors classified the images as spiral or non-spiral, ensuring the result is free of human bias.

    Findings and Implications

    • The fraction of spiral galaxies increased from about 8% to 48% between 3 billion and 7 billion years after the Big Bang, higher than previously observed.
    • The study challenges existing models and suggests that galaxy formation theories need to be more complex.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?

  • Significance of ‘Abhaya Mudra’

     

    Why in the News?

    The Leader of Opposition invoked the Abhaya Mudra in his inaugural address as Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.

    What is Abhay Mudra?

    • Abhaya mudra, the motif of an open palm (gesturing to stop), is prevalent across many South Asian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
    • Known as the ‘fearlessness gesture’, ‘abhaya’ in Sanskrit means fearlessness. The gesture symbolizes protection and peace.
    • In yoga circles, the abhaya mudra is believed to promote courage and reduce fear and anxiety.
    • While common across many religions, the abhaya mudra is most prominently featured in Buddhism, especially in Thailand and Laos, where it is associated with images of the walking Buddha.

    Origins of the Gesture

    • According to Stanford University, the gesture of an open palm pointed outwards appears to be a natural gesture used since prehistoric times as a sign of good intentions and peace.
    • The gesture also asserted power in antiquity, similar to the magna manus of the Roman Emperors who legislated and gave peace simultaneously.
    • The motif likely originated from a universal gesture associated with human communication, eventually integrating into major South Asian religions.

    Evolution of Mudras in Buddhism

    • For about 500 years after the Buddha, he was not depicted in physical form.
    • Early representations appeared around the first millennium, influenced by Gandhara and Gupta art.
    • With the evolution of these Buddhist traditions, hundreds of mudras entered Buddhist iconography.
    • In tantric Buddhist traditions, mudras symbolized material offerings, enacted forms of worship, or relationships with visualized deities. (as shown in the above diagram)

    Significance of ‘Abhaya Mudra’ in Buddhism: 

    • In Buddhism, the abhaya mudra is linked to a legend involving Devadatta, a cousin of the Buddha, who tried to murder the Buddha by losing a rampaging elephant into his path.
    • The Buddha calmed the elephant by displaying the abhaya mudra, indicating appeasement of the senses and the absence of fear.
    • The gesture is popularly pronounced in Buddhist cultures, symbolizing fearlessness and peace.

    Significance of ‘Abhaya Mudra’ in Hindu Religion:

    • The Buddha was absorbed into the Hindu pantheon as the 9th incarnation of Vishnu.
    • Hindus regarded the Buddha as an avatar of Vishnu between AD 450 and the sixth century, with the first mention in the Vishnu Purana (400-500 CE).
    • The abhaya mudra appears in depictions of Hindu deities, commonly seen in images of Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Ganesha.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Lord Buddha’s image is sometimes shown with a hand gesture called ‘Bhumisparsha Mudra’. It symbolizes:

    (a) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to watch over Mara and to prevent Mara from disturbing his meditation

    (b) Buddha’s calling of the Earth to witness his purity and chastity despite the temptations of Mara

    (c) Buddha’s reminder to his followers that they all arise from the Earth and finally dissolve into the Earth and thus this life is transitory

    (d) Both the statements ‘a’ and ‘b’ are correct in this context

    [2014] Gandhara sculpture owed as much to the Romans as to the Greeks. Explain.

    [2016] Early Buddhist Stupa-art, while depicting folk motifs and narratives, successfully expounds Buddhist ideals. Elucidate.

  • ICEA calls for reduction in Import Duties to Boost Mobile Phone Sector

    Why in the News?

    • The Indian Cellular & Electronics Association (ICEA), representing domestic electronics manufacturers, called for a reduction of import duties in the upcoming Union budget.
      • ICEA highlighted that the growth of the mobile phone sector now depends on demand in the global market rather than domestic demand, facilitated by supportive policies like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

    About India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) 

    • The ICEA is the apex industry body representing the interests of the mobile and electronics sector in India.
    • It was established in 2017.
    • It plays a crucial role in shaping policies and promoting the growth of the industry through advocacy, policy formulation, and strategic initiatives.
    • Membership:
      • ICEA comprises leading mobile handset manufacturers, electronics companies, and industry stakeholders.
      • This includes both Indian and global companies operating in the electronics sector.
    • Collaborations:
      • ICEA works closely with government bodies, regulatory authorities, and other industry associations to align its initiatives with national economic goals.

    ICEA’s Key Demands

    • Reduction of Import Duties: ICEA is calling for a reduction in import duties on manufacturing inputs for electronics, particularly in the mobile phone sector.
      • Current high tariffs are increasing manufacturing costs in India by 7-7.5% on the bill of materials.
    • Alignment with Global Standards: The demand includes aligning tariffs with those of countries like China and Vietnam, which have lower tariffs on fewer components.
    • Improvement of Customs Procedures: ICEA is urging for streamlined customs procedures to prevent delays in the shipment of key components.

    Significance of ICEA’s Demands

    • Reducing import duties enhances competitiveness, boosts exports, stimulates investment and job creation, reduces trade deficit, and fosters long-term growth in India’s electronics and mobile phone manufacturing sectors.

    Key Initiatives and Programs by ICEA

    • Electronics Manufacturing Clusters: ICEA promotes the development of electronics manufacturing clusters to create a robust supply chain and manufacturing base in India.
    • Skill Development: The association emphasizes the need for skill development in the electronics sector to ensure a skilled workforce capable of supporting industry growth.
    • R&D and Innovation: ICEA encourages research and development (R&D) and innovation within the sector to maintain competitiveness and technological advancement.

    Boost in Mobile Phone Exports from India

    • ICEA Report: According to ICEA, mobile phone exports from India have doubled to surpass Rs 90,000 crore (about USD 11.12 billion) in FY 2022-23 from Rs 45,000 crore in FY22.
    • Government Targets: The government has set a target of USD 10 billion worth of mobile phone exports, with an ambitious goal of achieving USD 300 billion worth of electronics manufacturing by 2025-26, of which USD 120 billion is expected from exports.

    Major Contributors to Export Growth:

    • Apple’s Contribution: Apple is estimated to have a 50% share of mobile phone exports from India, contributing USD 5.5 billion (about Rs 45,000 crore).
    • Samsung’s Contribution: Samsung accounts for approximately 40% of exports, worth Rs 36,000 crore.
    • Third-Party Exports: Third-party exports contributed around USD 1.1 billion to the total export, comprising phones of various brands made in India.

    Future Projections:

    • Export Contribution: Mobile phones are anticipated to contribute more than USD 50 billion worth of exports by 2025-26.
    • Overall Contribution: Mobile phone exports now account for 46% of the overall electronic goods exports, according to ICEA.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] Recently, India’s first ‘National Investment and Manufacturing Zone’ was proposed to be set up in:

    (a) Andhra Pradesh

    (b) Gujarat

    (c) Maharashtra

    (d) Uttar Pradesh