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Type: Prelims Only

  • Cabinet approves Prithvi Vigyan Scheme for Earth Sciences

    prithvi

    Introduction

    • The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister, has sanctioned the “Prithvi Vigyan (Prithvi)” scheme, a significant project of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
    • With a budget of Rs 4,797 crore, the scheme is planned for the period from 2021 to 2026.

    About Prithvi Vigyan Scheme

    • Consolidation of Programs: The Prithvi scheme unifies five existing sub-schemes:
    1. Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS),
    2. Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART),
    3. Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER),
    4. Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE),
    5. Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT).
    • Aim: This integration is designed to enhance our understanding of Earth’s systems and apply scientific knowledge for societal, environmental, and economic benefits.

    Objectives and Focus Areas  

    • Comprehensive Observations: The scheme emphasizes long-term monitoring across the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth to track Earth System’s vital signs and changes.
    • Development of Predictive Models: It focuses on creating models for weather, ocean, and climate hazards and advancing climate change science.
    • Exploration Initiatives: Exploration of Polar Regions and high seas is a key aspect, aiming to discover new phenomena and resources.
    • Technological Advancements: The scheme also stresses the development of technology for the sustainable exploitation of oceanic resources for societal applications.

    Role of the Ministry of Earth Sciences

    • Provision of Critical Services: The Ministry is responsible for delivering crucial services related to weather, climate, ocean and coastal states, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards.
    • Support in Disaster Management: These services are essential for issuing forecasts and warnings for natural disasters, thereby aiding in disaster preparedness and risk mitigation.

    Holistic Approach to Earth System Sciences

    • Broad Scope of Study: Earth System Sciences involve studying the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere, and their complex interactions.
    • Integrated Research Efforts: The Prithvi scheme aims to address these components comprehensively, enhancing understanding and providing reliable services for India.

    Impact and Future Prospects

    • Addressing Major Challenges: The scheme’s integrated research and development efforts will tackle significant challenges in various fields like weather, climate, oceanography, cryospheric studies, and seismology.
    • Harnessing Resources Sustainably: It explores sustainable methods to utilize both living and non-living resources, contributing to national development and environmental conservation.

  • In news: DigiYatra Initiative

    DigiYatra

    Central Idea

    • Travellers at Indian airports have raised privacy concerns over the Digi Yatra initiative, which involves collecting facial biometrics without explicit consent.

    About DigiYatra

    • DigiYatra offers paperless airport entry using facial recognition technology.
    • It aims for paperless, contactless airport checkpoints, identifying travelers by facial features linked to boarding passes.
    • This system automates passenger entry at various points like airport entry, security checks, and boarding using facial recognition.
    • Passengers no longer need to present ID cards and boarding passes.
    • The DigiYatra Foundation, a joint venture with stakeholders including the Airports Authority of India and major Indian airports, is implementing the project.
    • The Airports Authority of India holds a 26% stake, while five major airports equally share the remaining 74%.

    How to Use DigiYatra?

    • Passengers register on the DigiYatra app with Aadhaar validation and a self-captured image.
    • Next, they scan their boarding pass, sharing credentials with airport authorities.
    • At the airport e-gate, passengers scan their boarding pass; the facial recognition system validates their identity and travel documents.
    • After validation, passengers can enter through the e-gate.
    • Normal security clearance and boarding procedures still apply.

    Need for DigiYatra

    • Facial recognition technology streamlines flying and reduces airport congestion.
    • This technology, already in use at airports like Dubai, Singapore, Atlanta, and Narita (Japan), enhances efficiency.

    Data Privacy and Security Concerns

    • Data Usage and Deletion: Passenger data will be used only for defined purposes and deleted 24 hours after flight departure.
    • Compliance and Concerns: The FRT system will adhere to India’s data privacy and protection practices. However, concerns have been raised about the adequacy of the Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB), 2019, which falls short of the standards set by the Justice Srikrishna Committee and does not fully align with the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs Union of India judgment on the right of privacy.

    Concerns Over Biometric Scanning at Airports

    • Privacy and Consent: Issues of data storage, access, and the option to opt-out raise privacy concerns among passengers.
    • Biometric Data Misuse: Without clear regulations, there’s a risk of personal data being accessed or misused by unauthorized entities.

    Issues with Biometric Scanning Technologies

    • Inherent Bias: Research indicates that FRT and AI can be biased, with higher misidentification rates for non-white individuals.
    • Algorithmic Discrimination: Studies have shown that machine learning algorithms can discriminate based on race and gender.

    Conclusion

    • Advancements in Air Travel: The implementation of FRT in Indian airports marks a significant technological advancement in air travel.
    • Addressing Privacy Concerns: Ensuring robust data privacy measures and addressing inherent biases in technology are crucial for the successful and ethical implementation of FRT systems.
    • Future of Air Travel Security: As FRT becomes more prevalent, continuous evaluation and improvement of these systems will be essential to safeguard passenger privacy and enhance travel efficiency.

    Try this PYQ from CSP 2022:

    Consider the following (2022)

    1. Aarogya Setu
    2. CoWIN
    3. Digi Locker
    4. DIKSHA

    Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”cd2k92y5dx” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • Justice BR Gavai appointed as Chairman of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee

    Supreme Court Legal Services Committee

    Introduction

    • Justice BR Gavai has been appointed as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna.

    Understanding the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee

    • Constitution and Purpose: The SCLSC, established under Section 3A of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, aims to provide free legal services to weaker sections of society in cases under the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction.
    • Composition: Chaired by a sitting Supreme Court judge, the committee includes members with prescribed experience and qualifications, all nominated by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

    Composition and Functioning of the SCLSC

    • Current Members: As of now, the SCLSC comprises Chairperson BR Gavai and nine other members appointed by the CJI.
    • Staffing and Administration: The Committee can appoint officers and employees as per the Centre’s guidelines, in consultation with the CJI.

    Need for Legal Services in India

    • Constitutional Basis: The Indian Constitution, particularly Article 39A, emphasizes the state’s role in ensuring legal justice is accessible to all citizens, regardless of economic or other disabilities.
    • Historical Development: The concept of legal aid in India evolved over decades, with significant progress marked by the establishment of a national committee under Justice PN Bhagwati in 1980.

    Legal Services Authorities Act and Its Provisions

    • Statutory Framework: The 1987 Act provides a legal basis for offering free and competent legal services to eligible groups, including women, children, SC/ST, EWS categories, and others.
    • Establishment of NALSA: Formed in 1995, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) oversees legal aid programs and formulates policies for legal services.
    • Nationwide Network: The Act envisions a network across India for legal aid, with State Legal Services Authorities (SLSAs) and District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) implementing these services at state and district levels, respectively.

    Role of State and District Legal Services Authorities

    • State-Level Implementation: Each SLSA, led by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court, executes NALSA’s policies and provides free legal services.
    • District and Taluk Committees: DLSAs and Taluk Legal Services Committees, chaired by district and senior civil judges respectively, conduct legal awareness programs and provide various legal services.

  • Zosurabalpin: Antibiotic against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

    Introduction

    • New Antibiotic Class: Researchers have identified zosurabalpin, a new class of antibiotics showing potential against the drug-resistant bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii.
    • Effective against CRAB: Zosurabalpin has been found effective against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB)-induced pneumonia and sepsis in mouse models.

    About Zosurabalpin

    • Development Process: The antibiotic originated from a tethered macrocyclic peptide (MCP) selectively targeting A. baumannii and was optimized for efficacy and tolerability.
    • Novel Mode of Action: Zosurabalpin operates through a previously unknown mechanism, inhibiting the transport of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in bacteria.
    • Inhibition of LPS Transport: By blocking a protein complex essential for LPS transport to the bacterial surface, zosurabalpin disrupts the outer membrane structure of Gram-negative bacteria, leading to bacterial death.

    Effectiveness and Clinical Trials

    • Laboratory and Animal Studies: Zosurabalpin demonstrated effectiveness against over 100 CRAB clinical samples in the lab and significantly reduced bacterial levels in mice with CRAB-induced pneumonia and sepsis.
    • Phase I Clinical Trials: The antibiotic has undergone evaluation in two phase I clinical trials, marking the initial steps towards potential human use.

    Implications and Future Prospects

    • Addressing Antibiotic Resistance: The discovery of zosurabalpin offers hope in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a growing global health concern.
    • Potential Clinical Application: If further trials are successful, zosurabalpin could become a vital tool in treating infections caused by drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
    • Continued Research: Ongoing and future studies will be crucial to fully understand the antibiotic’s safety, efficacy, and potential resistance mechanisms.

  • [pib] Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC) Project

    kochi

    Introduction

    • The Prime Minister has inaugurated Kochi-Lakshadweep islands submarine optical fiber connection (KLI-SOFC) project.

    About KLI-SOFC Project

    • The KLI-SOFC project extends submarine cable connectivity from Kochi to eleven Lakshadweep Islands, including Kavaratti, Agatti, and Minicoy.
    • The project aims to provide high-speed wireline broadband connectivity through FTTH and 5G/4G Mobile networks to the Lakshadweep Islands population.
    • Funded by the Universal Services Obligation Fund (USOF), Department of Telecommunication.
    • The total link distance of the project is 1,868 kms.
    • Implementing agencies include BSNL as the Project Executing Agency and M/s NEC Corporation India Pvt Ltd for contract work.

    Benefits of the Project

    • Contributes to ‘Digital India’ and ‘National Broadband Mission’, enabling e-governance projects in Lakshadweep.
    • Boosts E-Governance, Tourism, Education, Health, Commerce, and Industries, potentially improving living standards and accelerating social and economic development.
    • The bandwidth created will be available to all Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) to enhance telecom services in the Lakshadweep Islands.

  • Tiger Sightings in Buxa National Park

    buxa

    Introduction

    • Camera traps in the Buxa National Park, West Bengal captured images of a tiger, reigniting hopes among forest officials and experts.
    • The last sighting before December 2021 was 23 years ago, indicating the tiger’s absence from the reserve for decades.

    Buxa Tiger Reserve: Geography and Ecology

    Details
    Location Alipurduar district, West Bengal, India. Near the Bhutan border.
    Establishment Created in 1983 as a tiger reserve; declared a national park in January 1992.
    Area Total area of approx. 760 sq km (core area: 390 sq km, buffer zone: 370 sq km).
    Ecological Significance Part of the Eastern Himalayan subregion, known for its unique biodiversity.
    Geographical Connectivity Shares a northern boundary with Bhutan. Connected with Bhutanese forests, Kochugaon forests, Manas Tiger Reserve, and Jaldapara National Park.

    Reasons for the Tiger’s Return

    • Habitat Improvement: Efforts to reduce human interference, expand grasslands, and increase the prey base have created a more suitable habitat for tigers.
    • Conservation Measures: The introduction of chital (spotted deer) as prey and the creation of watering holes have been part of these efforts.

    Conservation Initiatives and Future Plans

    • Tiger Augmentation Project: Launched in 2018, this project involves the state forest department, Wildlife Institute of India, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
    • Village Relocation: Plans to relocate villages from the core area aim to reduce human presence and further improve the habitat.
    • Expert Insights: Scientists note the importance of habitat connectivity between Bhutan and Buxa and the reduction of human disturbances as key factors in attracting tigers back to Buxa.

  • Maharashtra approves option for Old Pension Scheme

    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.

  • Decoding the 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.

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

    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.

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

    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.