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Type: Prelims Only

  • Labour, Jobs and Employment – Harmonization of labour laws, gender gap, unemployment, etc.

    Maharashtra approves option for Old Pension Scheme

    ExplainedPrelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Old Pension Scheme , NPS

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    pension

    Introduction

    • The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a proposal allowing certain state government employees to opt for the old pension scheme (OPS).
    • The option is extended to employees who joined the service after November 1, 2005, based on recruitment advertisements issued before that date.

    Transition in Pension Schemes

    • Old Pension Scheme (OPS): The OPS guaranteed a pension of half the last basic salary plus dearness allowance after a minimum of 10 years of service, without employee contributions. It also provided family pension and Death cum Retirement Gratuity (DCRG).
    • New Pension Scheme (NPS): Introduced to address the growing pension bill, the NPS is a market-linked, participatory scheme requiring contributions from both employees and employers.

    Background and Implementation of NPS

    • OASIS Project: Initiated in 1999, it led to the recommendation of the NPS by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government in 2003.
    • Scheme Details: Employees contribute 10% of their basic salary, matched up to 14% by the employer. The funds are invested in PFRDA-regulated pension funds with market-linked returns.
    • Account Management: NPS provides a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) for lifelong account management.
    • State Adoption: All states except West Bengal have implemented the NPS. Some opposition-ruled states announced plans to revert to the OPS.

    Rationale Behind NPS Adoption

    • Pension Debt Sustainability: The OPS was a fiscal burden without accumulated funds, whereas the NPS relies on accumulated funds.
    • Addressing Ageing Population: With increasing life expectancy, the OPS became unsustainable.
    • Preventing Early Retirements: The NPS encourages longer service due to its long-term investment fund ideology.
    • Investment and Flexibility: NPS offers flexible investment options and the freedom to switch investment options and fund managers.

    Criticism of NPS

    • Market Risks: The exposure of retirement funds to market uncertainties raises concerns about old age security.
    • Pension Amount Concerns: There is no minimum pension guarantee, and pensions under NPS do not adjust for inflation.
    • Accountability Issues: Questions remain about the security of the invested corpus and accountability in market failures.

    Conclusion

    • State Governments’ Challenge: Reverting to OPS requires careful consideration of financial implications on future generations.
    • Review and Strengthening of NPS: Measures such as introducing inflation-indexed annuities, assuring minimum returns, and ensuring timely registration and contributions can strengthen the NPS.
    • Balanced Approach: A nuanced approach is needed to balance fiscal sustainability with providing adequate social security to retirees.

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  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    Decoding the Adani-Hindenburg Judgment

    Prelims OnlySC Judgements | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Indian Economy

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: NA

    Mains level: Adani-Hindenburg Judgment

    Introduction

    • Recent Order: The Supreme Court’s recent order on the Adani-Hindenburg matter focused on the inquiries conducted by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
    • No Regulatory Failure Found: The apex court concluded that there was no regulatory failure on SEBI’s part, negating the need for a Special Investigating Team (SIT).

    SEBI’s Investigations and the Supreme Court’s Stance

    • Status of Investigations: Out of 24 investigations related to the Adani-Hindenburg matter, SEBI has completed 22.
    • Supreme Court’s Trust in SEBI: The court accepted SEBI’s status report without delving into the details of the investigations, trusting SEBI to bring them to a logical conclusion.

    Concerns and Criticisms of the Supreme Court Judgment

    • Lack of Transparency: The findings of the completed SEBI investigations have not been made public, raising questions about the transparency and accountability of the process.
    • ‘Chicken-and-Egg’ Inquiry: The Supreme Court did not address the “chicken-and-egg situation” where SEBI’s inability to identify the ultimate beneficial owners of certain overseas entities has stalled the investigation.
    • Overlooked Statutory Violations: The judgment did not consider the alleged dilution of regulations that could facilitate the concealment of beneficial ownership, which might be violative of the SEBI Act.

    Implications of the Judgment

    • Continued SEBI Investigation: SEBI has been given an additional three months to conclude its inquiry into the alleged violation of minimum shareholding norms by the Adani group companies.
    • Potential Subversion of Ongoing Investigations: The deficiencies in the Supreme Court judgment could potentially undermine the ongoing investigations into the Adani group.
    • Hindenburg and OCCRP Reports: The judgment has seemingly dismissed the reports by Hindenburg and OCCRP as unrelated or inconclusive, despite their revelations about the Adani group’s financial dealings.

    Historical Context and Ongoing Concerns

    • Past Allegations: The Adani group has faced similar allegations of share price manipulation and round-tripping in the past, with SEBI itself filing a criminal complaint 15 years ago.
    • Current Investigations: Despite ongoing investigations for over three years, no criminal complaint has been registered against the Adani promoters for the recent allegations.

    Conclusion

    • Need for Reevaluation: The deficiencies in the Supreme Court judgment warrant a reconsideration in the interest of justice and transparency.
    • Public Interest and Justice: Ensuring that the findings of SEBI’s investigations are made public and acted upon is crucial for upholding regulatory integrity and public trust.
    • Future of Adani Investigations: The outcome of the ongoing SEBI investigations and the handling of the Hindenburg and OCCRP reports will be pivotal in determining the course of justice in this high-profile case.

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    [pib] India to participate in Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Project    

    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: Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Project

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    square kilometer array ska

    Introduction

    • India will contribute Rs 1,250 crore to the multinational Square Kilometer Array (SKA) project, a significant international astronomical collaboration.

    Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Project: An Overview

    • Construction Phases: The SKA project is being built in two phases, with the first phase (SKA1) having commenced in December 2022.
    • Project’s Headquarters: The SKA project is headquartered at the Jodrell Bank Observatory in the UK.
    • Site Location: It involves constructing telescope arrays in Australia and South Africa, aiming to map galaxies and explore the universe with unprecedented detail.
    • Operational Timeline: SKA1 is expected to begin operations by 2029.

    Design and Features of the SKA Telescopes

    • Array Composition: The SKA will consist of 197 parabolic radio antennae in South Africa and 131,072 low-frequency antennae in Australia.
    • Antennae Design: The design includes parabolic dishes and dipole antennae capable of detecting faint radio signals from vast distances.
    • Spatial Arrangement: The dishes and antennae will be strategically placed over large areas to calibrate the origin of observed signals effectively.

    Global Collaboration in the SKA Project

    • Consortium Members: The SKA Observatory (SKAO) includes 16 member countries, such as Australia, South Africa, Canada, China, India, Japan, and several European nations.
    • Frequency Range: The South African array will focus on mid-frequency signals, while the Australian telescope will cover low-frequency ranges.
    • Expansion Plans: Additional dishes are planned in neighbouring African countries to enhance the project’s data triangulation and resolution capabilities.

    Scientific Objectives of the SKA

    • Exploring the Universe: The SKA will observe and map galaxies at the edge of the observable universe, providing insights into galaxy formation and evolution.
    • Studying the ‘Dark Ages’: The telescope will delve into the early universe’s ‘Dark Ages’ and investigate phenomena like dark matter and dark energy.
    • Search for Extraterrestrial Life: The SKA will also contribute to the search for life beyond Earth by examining habitable zones around stars.

    India’s Role  

    • Pathfinder Research Partner: India’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, operated by the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) of Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), is a key partner in the project.
    • Consortium Involvement: The SKA India consortium comprises over 20 colleges and universities across India, contributing to various aspects of the project.

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  • Mission Clean Ganga

    Project ‘Devika’: North India’s First River Rejuvenation nears completion

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Project 'Devika'

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    Introduction

    • North India’s first river rejuvenation project, ‘Devika’, is nearing completion and will soon be inaugurated by Prime Minister.

    About Project ‘Devika’

    • Initiation: Launched in February 2019 by the PM, the project is modelled after the ‘Namami Ganga’ initiative.
    • Demand: The project, long demanded for renovation and rejuvenation, gained momentum after 2014, marking a significant development in river rejuvenation efforts in North India.
    • Project Execution: The Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED) of J&K is responsible for the LWM project’s construction.
    • Cultural Importance: The Devika River, revered as the sister of the sacred Ganges, holds great religious significance, particularly in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir.

    Key Features  

    • Liquid Waste Management (LWM): A separate LWM project is being implemented to maintain the river’s sanctity, involving a network of pipes and manholes connecting households.
    • Solid Waste Management (SWM): Alongside LWM, an SWM project is integral to preserving the river’s sanctity.
    • Infrastructure Development: The project includes three sewage treatment plants, a 129.27 km sewerage network, the development of cremation ghats, protection fencing, landscaping, and the establishment of small hydropower and solar power plants.

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  • Electoral Reforms In India

    Debate on VVPAT Verification in Indian Elections

    ExplainedPrelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Representation Of People’s Act

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: VVPAT

    Mains level: Free and Fair Elections

    vvpat

    Introduction

    • Recent Developments: A political alliance, has requested a meeting with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to discuss and suggest changes regarding the use of Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines.
    • Proposal: The alliance proposes that VVPAT slips be handed to voters to place in a separate ballot box, with 100% counting of these slips, to enhance trust in the electoral process.

    What are VVPATs?

    • Function and Purpose: VVPAT machines, attached to EVMs, print a slip showing the voter’s choice, allowing voters to verify their vote for seven seconds before the slip drops into a secured box.
    • Development History: The concept emerged in 2010, leading to the creation of prototypes by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Electronics Corporation of India (ECIL). After trials and feedback, the design was approved in February 2013.
    • Implementation: The Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, were amended to incorporate VVPATs. They were first used in Nagaland’s Noksen Assembly constituency in 2013 and were implemented in all polling stations by the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

    Current VVPAT Slip Counting Protocol

    • EC’s Decision Process: In 2018, the ECI consulted the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI) to determine a statistically robust sample size for VVPAT slip verification.
    • Existing Protocol: Initially, VVPAT slips of one randomly selected polling station per Assembly constituency were counted. This was increased to five polling stations per Assembly seat after a Supreme Court judgment in 2019.
    • ISI Recommendation: The ISI suggested counting VVPAT slips from 479 EVMs to ensure a high confidence level that the proportion of defective EVMs is less than 2%.

    Election Commission’s Stance

    • Current Verification Adequacy: The EC argues that the current practice of verifying VVPATs from five polling stations per Assembly seat exceeds the ISI’s recommendation.
    • Reliability Record: The EC highlights that in past elections, no cases of vote misattribution were detected in VVPAT checks, attributing discrepancies to human errors.
    • Concerns over Full Verification: The EC views 100% VVPAT verification as regressive, time-consuming, and prone to human error, akin to manual ballot voting.

    Conclusion

    • Debate on Electoral Integrity: The discussion around VVPAT verification reflects ongoing concerns about ensuring electoral integrity and public trust in the voting process.
    • Challenges Ahead: Balancing the need for efficient electoral processes with the imperative of maintaining voter confidence remains a critical challenge for the ECI and political parties in India.

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  • International Space Agencies – Missions and Discoveries

    Space Missions to Watch in 2024

    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: Various Missions mentioned

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    space

    Introduction

    • 2023 Milestones: NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission returned a sample from an asteroid, and India’s Chandrayaan-3 explored the lunar South Pole.
    • 2024 Prospects: The year is set to be thrilling for space exploration, with several missions under NASA’s Artemis plan and Commercial Lunar Payload Services targeting the moon.

    Key Missions to Follow in 2024

    [1] Europa Clipper: Unveiling Jupiter’s Moon

    • Mission Overview: NASA’s Europa Clipper aims to explore Europa, one of Jupiter’s largest moons, known for its icy surface and potential subsurface saltwater ocean.
    • Scientific Goals: The mission will conduct close flybys to study Europa’s ice shell, geology, and subsurface ocean, seeking signs of habitability.
    • Launch Window: Scheduled for October 10, 2024, with 21 days, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.

    [2] Artemis II: Human Return to the Moon

    • Program Background: Artemis II is part of NASA’s Artemis program, aiming to send humans back to the moon and establish a sustained presence for future Mars missions.
    • Mission Details: Artemis II will carry four astronauts on a 10-day mission orbiting the Moon, building upon the uncrewed Artemis I mission.
    • Launch Timeline: Planned for as early as November 2024, with potential delays to 2025.

    [3] VIPER: Searching for Lunar Water

    • Mission Purpose: VIPER, a golf cart-sized rover, will explore the moon’s south pole to search for water and other volatiles.
    • Technical Challenges: The mission will navigate extreme lunar temperatures and shadowed regions during its 100-day mission.
    • Launch Schedule: Set for November 2024, following a delay for additional lander system tests.

    [4] Lunar Trailblazer and PRIME-1: Water Mapping and Drilling

    • SIMPLEx Missions: As part of NASA’s low-cost planetary missions, Lunar Trailblazer will orbit the moon to map water locations, while PRIME-1 will test drilling technology.
    • Launch Dependencies: Both missions are secondary payloads, with their launch timing contingent on the readiness of primary payloads.

    [5] JAXA’s Martian Moon eXploration (MMX) Mission

    • Mission Focus: MMX aims to study Mars’ moons, Phobos and Deimos, to determine their origin and collect a sample from Phobos.
    • Scientific Objectives: The mission will spend three years conducting science operations around Mars and its moons.
    • Launch Plan: Scheduled for around September 2024.

    [6] ESA’s Hera Mission: Asteroid Defense Study

    • Mission Context: Hera will follow up on NASA’s DART mission to the Didymos-Dimorphos asteroid system, where DART tested the kinetic impact technique for planetary defense.
    • Research Goals: Hera will study the physical properties of the asteroids and assess the impact of the DART collision.
    • Launch and Arrival: Set for October 2024, with arrival at the asteroid system expected in late 2026.

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  • ISRO Missions and Discoveries

    Crucial Role of Karman Line in Space Defense Strategies

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Karman Line

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    Introduction

    • The Karman line, the theoretical boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space, plays a crucial role in space defense and satellite communications.

    Understanding the Karman Line

    • The Karman Line is an abstract boundary positioned at an altitude of 100 kilometers above sea level.
    • Its primary function is to establish the separation between Earth’s atmosphere and the vast expanse of space.
    • Although not universally accepted by all scientists and space explorers, the majority of countries and space organizations acknowledge this demarcation.
    • It was formally established in 1960s by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), a body responsible for record-keeping.
    • Crossing the Karman Line designates an individual as an astronaut.

    Potential Threats from Dominating the Karman Line

    • Anti-Satellite Weapons: Control over the Karman line could enable adversaries to deploy weapons targeting satellites, disrupting communication links.
    • Jamming and Interference: Adversaries might use systems to disrupt satellite communications, causing blackouts or degraded performance.
    • Hacking and Cyber-attacks: Unauthorized access to satellite systems could lead to data breaches or manipulation of communication signals.
    • Physical Interception or Tampering: The ability to physically reach satellites could allow adversaries to alter orbits, damage components, or eavesdrop on communications.
    • Space Debris and Kinetic Kill Vehicles: Creating debris or deploying kinetic kill vehicles could disrupt satellite networks.
    • Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Weapons: EMPs could damage satellite electronics, rendering them inoperable.
    • Denial of Access to Space: Dominating the Karman line could enable adversaries to deny space access to certain countries or entities.
    • Spoofing and Deception: Manipulating satellite communication signals could mislead or deceive users.
    • Space-based Cyber-Physical Attacks: Combining cyber and physical methods could disrupt or manipulate satellite operations.
    • Policy and Regulatory Challenges: Dominance could lead to geopolitical challenges and affect international agreements related to space activities.

    Historical Context and Recent Developments

    • First Breach by V-2 Missile: On June 20, 1944, the V-2 became the first object to breach the Karman line, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.
    • Superpower Dominance: Both the United States and the Soviet Union have historically sought to dominate space for military and reconnaissance purposes, leading to the development of anti-satellite weapons and ballistic missiles.

    India’s Evolving Space Program

    • Shift in Focus: India’s space program has transitioned from a developmental focus to incorporating space for national security objectives, particularly in response to China’s counter-space capabilities.
    • Military and Security Considerations: India’s approach now includes robust launch capabilities, military satellites, and an emphasis on self-reliance and situational awareness.

    Conclusion

    • Strategic Importance: The Karman line’s significance extends beyond scientific understanding to encompass crucial defense strategies in space.
    • Need for Vigilance and Cooperation: Nations must protect their space-based assets and collaborate internationally to address the multifaceted threats associated with dominating this critical boundary.
    • Future of Space Defense: As space becomes increasingly contested, understanding and securing the Karman line is vital for maintaining and defending capabilities in outer space.

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  • Telecom and Postal Sector – Spectrum Allocation, Call Drops, Predatory Pricing, etc

    Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) Technology in India

    ExplainedPrelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways Etc.

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) Technology

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    Direct-to-Mobile (D2M)

    Introduction

    • The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC) has identified significant challenges in implementing direct-to-mobile (D2M) technology, which allows streaming TV content directly to mobile phones without an internet connection.
    • The proposal for D2M has faced opposition from technology companies like Qualcomm, Samsung, Ericsson, Nokia, and telecom operators.

    About Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) Technology

    • Direct-to-mobile (D2M) technology is a method of transmitting content directly to mobile devices using broadcast signals. Here are the key points to understand about D2M technology:
    • D2M uses broadcast networks, similar to those for TV and radio, to send content directly to mobile devices, bypassing traditional cellular or internet data networks.
    • This technology is efficient for delivering the same content to many users simultaneously, reducing the load on cellular networks and making it ideal for live events or popular broadcasts.
    • Mobile devices need to be equipped with specific hardware to receive and decode broadcast signals, which may require new standards in smartphone manufacturing.
    • D2M can offer high-quality video and audio streaming, as it doesn’t depend on the variable speed and stability of an internet connection.

    Key Challenges Identified by TEC

    • Integration Issues: Integrating smartphones with D2M and digital terrestrial TV to mobile devices (DTT2M) technologies is a major challenge.
    • Infrastructure Requirements: Implementing technologies like Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) 3.0 (NextGen TV) may necessitate a new nationwide network for indoor coverage, adding complexity.
    • Increased Costs: The adoption of D2M technology could lead to higher costs for smartphone manufacturers and, consequently, higher phone prices.
    • Ecosystem and Viability Concerns: Challenges include the availability of a handset ecosystem, scalability, business viability, and spectrum requirements.

    TEC’s Report and Consultation Findings

    • Device Ecosystem: Success in adopting D2M technology hinges on enabling service on mobile devices, particularly smartphones or tablets, and creating an open-market, low-cost device ecosystem.
    • Need for Compatible Standards: A standard compatible with existing mobile handsets is essential for cost-effectiveness and leveraging the existing ecosystem.
    • Offloading Broadcasting Traffic: The standard should facilitate offloading broadcasting traffic over phones and guide the design and manufacture of smartphones for direct broadcast signal reception.

    Government’s Intent and Potential Uses of D2M

    • Convergence of Services: The government aims to explore the convergence of broadcasting and broadband services through D2M technology.
    • Direct Broadcasting Benefits: Users could receive terrestrial digital TV content on handsets, similar to FM radio. The technology could broadcast emergency alerts, public safety messages, and social services.
    • Traffic Offloading: Telcos could offload video content to broadcasting networks, reducing network congestion.

    Global Context and Trials

    • Lack of Available Devices: Currently, no mobile devices support these broadcasting technologies or standards globally.
    • International Trials: Countries like the USA, Brazil, Mexico, and Canada are conducting trials for D2M technology.

    Stakeholder Concerns and Consultation Feedback

    • Hasty Implementation Worries: Stakeholders expressed concerns about the government’s rushed approach to implementing a technology still in its early stages.
    • Telcos’ Revenue Concerns: Telecom operators are apprehensive about potential revenue losses from their data business if mobiles pick up signals from D2M technology.

    Conclusion

    • Critical Factors: The success of D2M in India will depend on the development of a device ecosystem and the ability to broadcast to a vast number of open-market mobile devices.
    • Navigating Implementation Challenges: Addressing the identified challenges and considering stakeholder concerns will be crucial in determining the feasibility and success of D2M technology in India.

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  • Promoting Science and Technology – Missions,Policies & Schemes

    Indian Science Congress Postponement: Significance and Implications

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Indian Science Congress

    Mains level: NA

    Introduction

    • The Indian Science Congress, a significant annual event for scientists and science students in India, has been postponed from its usual start date of January 3.

    About Indian Science Congress

    Details
    Headquarters Kolkata, West Bengal, India
    Establishment 1914 in Kolkata
    Annual Meeting First week of January
    Membership More than 30,000 scientists
    First Congress 1914 at the Asiatic Society in Calcutta
    Recent Policy Change Speakers at future conferences to be vetted; scrutinizes content of talks due to past controversies
    Notable Participants Prominent Indian and foreign scientists, including Nobel laureates
    Genesis Initiated by British chemists Professor J. L. Simonsen and Professor P. S. MacMahon
    Objectives Advance and promote science in India

    Hold an annual congress

    Publish proceedings and journals

    Manage funds for science promotion

    Perform acts conducive to these objectives
    Sections, Committees, and Forums Grown from 16 sections in 2000 to 14 sections, including various scientific disciplines
    International Interaction Represented in various foreign scientific academies/associations
    Internal Challenges Discussions on corruption, need for transparency and overhaul of bureaucratic agencies

     

    Historical Context and Importance

    • Consistent Occurrence: Held every year since 1914, except for 2021 and 2022 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 108th edition took place in Nagpur from January 3-7, 2023.
    • Prime Minister’s Involvement: Traditionally inaugurated by the Prime Minister, the congress is a key event in the PM’s calendar and is often their first public engagement of the New Year.

    Reasons behind the Postponement

    • Funding Dispute: The postponement is a result of a disagreement between the Indian Science Congress Association (ISCA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST) over alleged “financial irregularities” and funding withdrawal.
    • Venue Change and Withdrawal: The ISCA’s decision to move the event from Lucknow University to Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Jalandhar, which later withdrew its offer to host, contributed to the crisis.

    Decline of the Indian Science Congress

    • Loss of Prestige: In recent years, the Congress has been criticized for promoting pseudoscience and failing to reflect advancements in science, leading to a decline in participation from top scientists and institutions.
    • Calls for Discontinuation: Some scientists have suggested discontinuing the event or withdrawing government support due to its diminishing scientific credibility.

    Government’s Dilemma and Actions

    • Limited Influence: While the government funds the ISCA and the Congress, it has no direct role in the event’s organization, leading to challenges in addressing controversies.
    • Scaling Down Involvement: The government has reduced its involvement, such as no longer presenting awards at the inaugural session and limiting stage sharing with the PM.

    Future of the Indian Science Congress

    • Potential for Resumption: ISCA general secretary Ranjit Kumar Verma expressed hope for organizing the congress before March 31, with possible attendance by the Prime Minister.
    • Continued Government Support: A government official indicated that financial support for future events might resume, despite disagreements over this year’s funding.

    Way Forward

    • Alternative Scientific Forums: Scientists suggest creating alternative forums to discuss the latest scientific developments and foster scientific temper, similar to events in other countries.
    • Enhancing Indian Science: Such forums could increase the competitiveness of Indian science and encourage collaborative research with leading global institutions.

    Conclusion

    • Assessing the Impact: The postponement of the Indian Science Congress reflects broader issues in India’s scientific community and the need for reform.
    • Opportunity for Revitalization: This situation presents an opportunity to revitalize scientific discourse in India, potentially leading to more impactful and globally recognized scientific forums.

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  • Indian Missile Program Updates

    Akash Missile System: India’s Iron Dome

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Indigenization Of Technology

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Akash Missile System

    Mains level: Indigenization in Defence

    akash missile

    Central Idea

    • India demonstrated the firepower of its Akash surface-to-air (SAM) weapon system, where a single firing unit simultaneously engaged and destroyed four unmanned targets during the recent Exercise Astrashakti 2023.
    • Countries like Armenia, Brazil, and Egypt have shown interest in acquiring the Akash SAM.

    About Akash Missile System

    Details
    Development and Production Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), produced by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL).
    Type Short-range Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM).
    Engagement Capacity Engages four aerial targets simultaneously at a range of 25 km from a single firing unit.
    Target Engagement Capable of targeting multiple threats concurrently in group or autonomous modes.
    Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) Equipped to counter enemy jamming and evasion tactics.
    Mobility and Agility Configured on mobile platforms for rapid deployment and relocation.
    Operational Use In service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF).
    Range and Altitude Effective range of 4.5 km to 25 km, with an altitude range of 100 meters to 20 km.
    Physical Dimensions Length: 5,870 mm; Diameter: 350 mm; Weight: 710 kg.
    Automation and Response Fully automated with quick response from target detection to neutralization.
    System Architecture Open-system architecture for adaptability to current and future air defense environments.

    Comparison with Israel’s Iron Dome

    • Interception Capabilities: Akash is often compared to Israel’s Iron Dome due to its ability to intercept UAVs, smaller projectiles, helicopters, and aircraft.
    • Defensive Role: While similar to the Iron Dome, Akash is primarily designed for defense against larger aerial threats like aircraft, rather than small rockets.

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