💥UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (April Batch) + Access XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

Type: Prelims Only

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

    Tele-MANAS counsels 2 Lakh distressed people

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Tele-MANAS

    Mains level: Mental health and telemedicine

    manas

    Central Idea: The government-run national tele-mental health programme, Tele MANAS, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving over 2,00,000 calls from individuals across India since its launch in October 2022.

    What is Tele-MANAS?

    • Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative has been launched by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in October 2022.
    • It aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas.

    Implementation of the scheme

    • Counselling: The programme includes a network of 38 tele-mental health centres of excellence spread across 27 States and UTs working in over 20 languages.
    • Helpline: A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number (14416) has been set up across the country allowing callers to select the language of choice for availing services. Service is also accessible at 1-800-91-4416.

    Two-tier working

    • Tele-MANAS will be organised in a two-tier system; Tier 1 comprises state Tele-MANAS cells which include trained counsellors and mental health specialists.
    • Tier 2 will comprise specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio-visual consultation.

    Call Demographics and Concerns

    • Age Group: Two-thirds of the callers fall in the 18-45 years age group, while 12.5% belong to the 46-64 years age group, and 8% are below 18 years of age.
    • Gender Distribution: Of the two lakh calls, 59.6% were made by male callers, and 40% by female callers.
    • Top Concerns: The most common reasons for seeking help were general feelings of sadness (28.8%), sleep-related problems (27.6%), anxiety (20.4%), relationship issues (10%), aggression (9.2%), and low interest in activities (9.7%).

    Expansion of the scheme

    • The initial rollout providing basic support and counselling through a centralized Interactive Voice Response system (IVRS) is being customized for use across all States and UTs.
    • It is being linked with other services like National teleconsultation, e-Sanjeevani, Ayushman Bharat, mental health professionals, health centres, and emergency psychiatric facilities for specialized care.
    • This will not only help in providing immediate mental healthcare services but also facilitate a continuum of care.
    • Eventually, this will include the entire spectrum of mental wellness and illness, and integrate all systems that provide mental health care.

    Back2Basics: National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP)

    • The Indian Government announced the National Tele Mental Health Programme (NTMHP) in the Union Budget 2022-23.
    • The National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru is the nodal centre for the programme.
    • The programme sought to establish a digital mental health network that can address the mental health crisis in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • The pandemic has brought forth challenges to mental health, and the NTMHP aims to provide accessible and affordable mental health services to all.
    • The programme will involve the use of digital platforms such as teleconsultations, chatbots, and mobile applications to deliver mental health services.
    • The NTMHP will integrate with existing mental health services to provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to mental healthcare.
  • Industrial Sector Updates – Industrial Policy, Ease of Doing Business, etc.

    World’s Largest Office Space: Surat Diamond Bourse

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Surat Diamond Bourse

    Mains level: NA

    surat diamond

    Central Idea

    • The Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), hailed as the world’s largest office space project, is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister.

    About Surat Diamond Bourse

    • The SDB is a large-scale project located in Surat, Gujarat, India.
    • It is claimed to be the world’s biggest office space in a single project.
    • It is built to expand and consolidate the diamond trading business from Mumbai to Surat.
    • Surat is renowned as a major hub for cutting and polishing diamonds, and the development of SDB aims to bring all diamond-related activities and infrastructure under one roof.

    Key features  

    • Location: The SDB is situated at DREAM (Diamond Research and Mercantile) city in Surat.
    • Size: The bourse spans an area of 66 lakh square feet (approximately 6.6 million square feet), making it one of the largest office spaces in the world.
    • Design: The thematic landscaping of the project is based on the ‘panch tatva’ theme, representing the five elements of nature – air, water, fire, earth, and sky.
    • Infrastructure: The SDB consists of nine towers, each with ground plus 15 floors. It will accommodate over 4,200 offices with sizes ranging from 300 square feet to 7,500 square feet.
    • Security: Given the high-security nature of the diamond industry, over 4,000 CCTV cameras have been installed at different locations inside and outside the SDB.
    • Shifting from Mumbai: The bourse seeks to address the space crunch and expensive office real estate in Mumbai, where much of the diamond trading currently takes place.

    Economic significance of SDB

    • Businesses: The complex will house various diamond-related businesses, including the sale of rough and polished diamonds, diamond manufacturing machinery, diamond planning software, diamond certificate firms, lab-grown diamonds, and more.
    • Employment: The SDB is expected to generate significant employment opportunities, providing direct employment to over 1 lakh people in various roles related to the diamond industry.
  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    [pib] IMD launches Heat Index

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: IMD Heat Index

    Mains level: Not Much

    heat index

    Central Idea

    • Union Ministry of Earth Sciences informed that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has introduced the Heat Index on an experimental basis.

    IMD Heat Index

    • The Heat Index aims to provide general guidance for regions in India where the combination of temperature and humidity leads to higher apparent temperatures, causing discomfort for people.
    • It is derived using an equation similar to the one used by the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the USA.
    • It considers the impact of humidity on high temperatures, providing a “feel-like” temperature for human beings and indicating the level of discomfort.

    Color Codes for Experimental Heat Index

    The Heat Index is represented with different color codes to signify the varying levels of heat impact and discomfort:

    1. Green: Below 35°C
    2. Yellow: Range of 36-45°C
    3. Orange: Range of 46-55°C
    4. Red: Above 55°C

    Mitigating heat impact in India

    • The Heat Index is currently being implemented on an experimental basis across India, including Andhra Pradesh.
    • Under the Heat Action Plan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) collaborates with local agencies such as the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH) to implement the Heat Index project for Bhubaneshwar and Ahmedabad.
  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    Niti Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index, 2022

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Export Preparedness Index (EPI

    Mains level: Not Much

    export
    PC: Live Mint

    Central Idea

    • Tamil Nadu has emerged as the most export-competitive state in India, securing the top spot in the Export Preparedness Index 2022 by Niti Aayog.

    Export Preparedness Index (EPI)

    • EPI is a comprehensive tool aimed at gauging the export readiness of India’s states and union territories (UTs).
    • The index analyses various parameters, enabling the identification of strengths and weaknesses in each region and offering valuable insights for effective policy formulation.
    • EPI focuses on four pillars:
    1. Policy: This pillar evaluates the effectiveness of a state’s trade policy, providing strategic direction for both exports and imports.
    2. Business Ecosystem: The efficiency of a business ecosystem is crucial for attracting investments and fostering an enabling infrastructure for startups and entrepreneurship.
    3. Export Ecosystem: This pillar assesses the business environment specific to exports, determining the level of support and facilitation provided to exporters.
    4. Export Performance: The sole output-based parameter, this pillar examines the reach of export footprints in states and UTs, measuring their actual export achievements.
    • 10 Sub-pillars include: Export Promotion Policy; Institutional Framework; Business Environment; Infrastructure; Transport Connectivity; Export Infrastructure; Trade Support; R&D Infrastructure; Export Diversification; and Growth Orientation.

    States performance

    • Export-Competitive State: Top Contenders: Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat (last year’s leader) followed closely, while Haryana claimed the fifth position.
    • Coastal States’ Dominance: Coastal states dominated the top rankings, with four out of the top five positions occupied by them. Andhra Pradesh also secured the ninth spot.
    • Gujarat- Leading Merchandise Exporter: Gujarat holds the top position as the leading merchandise exporter, accounting for one-third of India’s total merchandise exports.
    • Top Five Exporting States: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh complete India’s top five exporters.
    • Seven States’ Dominance: An impressive 75% of India’s total exports are contributed by just seven states.

    Reasons for export boost

    • Export Promotion Policies: The top-performing states have implemented export promotion policies at both state and district levels.
    • Diversified Export Basket: These states have a diverse export basket, showcasing their global footprint.
    • Promoting Unique Products: Successful states focus on promoting products unique to their region. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka lead in exporting geographical indication (GI) products.

    India’s Export Performance

    • Resilient Exports: Despite pandemic challenges and supply-side issues, India’s goods exports remained robust, reaching an all-time high of $447 billion in FY23.
    • Target for FY24: The government refrained from setting a specific export target for FY24 due to global headwinds but may aim for $450 billion to $500 billion in goods exports.
    • Services Exports: Services exports amounted to $323 billion in FY23, bringing India’s overall exports to $770 billion.
  • Languages and Eighth Schedule

    Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Eighth Schedule, Classical Languages

    Mains level: NA

    langauge eighth

    Central Idea

    • The Supreme Court said it cannot direct the Centre to include Rajasthani as an official language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

    About Eighth Schedule

    • The Eighth Schedule outlines the official languages of the Republic of India.
    • Articles 344(1) and 351 of the Constitution contain constitutional provisions relating to the Eighth Schedule.
    • It was originally created to grant representation on the Official Languages Commission and enrich Hindi and English, the official languages of the Union.
    • Candidates appearing for public service examinations have the privilege of using any language from the Eighth Schedule as a medium to answer the exam papers.
    Article 344(1): It mandates the appointment of a Commission by the President after 5 years from the date the Constitution comes into effect.

    Article 351: It places the responsibility on the Union to promote and develop the Hindi language, enabling it to be a medium of expression for India’s diverse cultural elements.

    Article 351(1): The President is required to establish a commission every five years, and subsequently every ten years, with a chairman and members representing languages listed in the Eighth Schedule. The primary role is to provide advice to the President on the effective use of Hindi for official purposes by the GOI.

    Languages included

    • 22 languages: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Odia, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
    • Classical Languages among these: Tamil (declared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).

    Chronological Additions

    • 1950: The Constitution initially included 14 languages in the Eighth Schedule.
    • 1967: Sindhi was added through the 21st Constitutional Amendment Act.
    • 1992: Konkani, Manipuri (Meitei), and Nepali were included through the 71st Constitutional Amendment Act.
    • 2003: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santali were added through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act.
    • 2011: The spelling “Oriya” was replaced with “Odia” through the 96th Constitutional Amendment Act.

    Try this PYQ:

    Consider the following languages:

    1. Gujarati
    2. Kannada
    3. Telugu

    Which of the above has/have been declared as ‘Classical Language / Languages’ by the Government?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

    Post your answers here.

     

  • Social Media: Prospect and Challenges

    Section 69 (A) of IT Act

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Section 69A of IT Act

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • The Indian government has exercised its powers under Section 69(A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000.
    • It requested Twitter and other social media platforms to remove a video depicting the naked parade and sexual assault of two Manipur women.

    What is Section 69(A) of the IT Act?

    • Empowering Content Takedown: Section 69(A) allows the government to issue content-blocking orders to online intermediaries like ISPs, web hosting services, search engines, etc.
    • Grounds for Blocking: Content can be blocked if it is considered a threat to India’s national security, sovereignty, public order, or friendly relations with foreign states, or if it incites the commission of cognizable offenses.
    • Review Committee: Requests made by the government for blocking content are sent to a review committee, which issues the necessary directions. Such orders are typically kept confidential.

    Supreme Court’s Verdict on Section 69(A)

    • Striking Down Section 66A: In the case of Shreya Singhal vs. Union of India (2015), the Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act, which penalized the sending of offensive messages through communication services.
    • Section 69(A) Validated: The Court upheld the constitutionality of Section 69(A) of the Information Technology Rules 2009, noting that it is narrowly drawn and includes several safeguards.
    • Limited Blocking Authority: The Court emphasized that blocking can only be carried out if the Central Government is satisfied about its necessity, and the reasons for blocking must be recorded in writing for legal challenges.

    Other Rulings on Section 69(A)

    • Twitter’s Challenge: Twitter approached the Karnataka High Court in July last year, contesting the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s (MeitY) content-blocking orders issued under Section 69(A).
    • Court’s Dismissal: In July of this year, the single-judge bench of the Karnataka HC dismissed Twitter’s plea, asserting that the Centre has the authority to block tweets.
    • Extending Blocking Powers: Justice Krishna D Dixit ruled that the Centre’s blocking powers extend not only to single tweets but to entire user accounts as well.

    Conclusion

    • The application of Section 69(A) has been a subject of legal and societal debate, as it aims to balance national security and public order concerns with the protection of free speech and expression.
  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Short Duration Discussions in Parliament

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Short Duration Discussions

    Mains level: Not Much

    Central Idea

    • The Opposition called for the suspension of all other business under Rule 267 to discuss the Manipur issue, while the government preferred a “Short Duration Discussion” under Rule 176.
    • Understanding the nuances of these rules and their implications is essential for effective parliamentary discussions.

    Rule 267: Suspension of Business

    • Overview: Rule 267 allows Rajya Sabha MPs to suspend all listed business and engage in discussions on matters of national importance.
    • Consent and Suspension: As per the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Rajya Sabha, any member can seek the Chairman’s consent to suspend the application of a rule related to the day’s listed business.
    • Temporary Suspension: If the motion receives approval, the concerned rule is temporarily suspended.

    Short Duration Discussions under Rule 176

    • Brief Duration Discussions: Rule 176 facilitates short-duration discussions in Rajya Sabha, lasting up to two-and-a-half hours.
    • Notice and Explanatory Note: MPs desiring to raise urgent public matters must provide a written notice to the Secretary-General, including an explanatory note justifying the discussion.
    • Scheduling and Procedure: The Chairman, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, schedules the discussion without formal motions or voting.
    • Statement and Reply: The member who issued the notice presents a brief statement, followed by a concise reply from the Minister.

    Contention Surrounding Rule 267

    • Opposition’s Discontent: The Opposition expresses discontent as their notices under Rule 267 have not been addressed recently.
    • Past Precedents: In the past, several discussions on diverse subjects occurred under this rule during different Chairmen’s tenures.
    • Misuse of Rule: Experts suggest that Rule 267 is being misused as a substitute for the adjournment motion in Lok Sabha, where discussions involve motions with elements of censure, which do not apply to Rajya Sabha.

    Why discuss this?

    • Parliamentary debates hold significant value in addressing pressing public matters and discussing issues critical to the nation.
    • They provide a platform for representatives from various political parties to engage in informed discussions, leading to more effective decision-making and improved governance.
  • Electoral Reforms In India

    Using name ‘INDIA’ in Political Alliances

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Emblems Act, 1950

    Mains level: NA

    india

    Central Idea

    • A complaint has been lodged with the Delhi police against 26 Opposition parties for the alleged “improper use” of the name ‘INDIA’ in their newly formed alliance.

    Why discuss this?

    • The complainant argues that the parties have violated the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950.
    • It has allegedly attempted to gain “undue influence” in elections by using the name ‘INDIA’ for their coalition.
    • It alleges that by naming their alliance as ‘INDIA’, they have attempted to exert undue influence on the electorate and may be prosecuted under Section 171F of the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

    About Emblems Act, 1950

    • The Emblems Act, 1950 aims to prevent the improper use of certain emblems and names for commercial and other purposes.
    • The Act seeks to protect the dignity and sanctity associated with national emblems, insignia, and names of international organizations.

    Key features of the Emblem Act

    Description Article/Sections
    Protected Emblems and Names Identifies specific emblems and names protected under the Act, including national emblem, UN emblems, Red Cross, and notified emblems.

    Ensures their dignity and sanctity.

    Section 3
    Prohibition of Improper Use Prohibits unauthorized use of protected emblems and names for commercial or misleading purposes.

    Maintains their integrity and respect.

    Section 5
    Offenses and Penalties Establishes penalties, including imprisonment and fines, for violating the Act’s provisions. Section 7
    Exceptions and Permitted Use Allows certain circumstances and purposes where use of protected emblems and names is permitted with relevant authorities’ permission. Section 4
    Enforcement and Authorities Grants powers to authorized Police for enforcement, investigation, and legal actions against violators. Section 8

     

  • Tourism Sector

    India secures 80th rank on Henley Passport Index

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Henley Passport Index

    Mains level: Not Much

    passport

    Central Idea

    • India has seen an improvement in its ranking on the Henley Passport Index 2023, climbing seven places to the 80th position from 87 last year.
    • However, despite the rise in ranking, the number of countries allowing visa-free access to Indian passport holders remains the same.

    What is Henley Passport Index?

    • The Henley Passport Index is a global ranking system that measures the strength and value of passports from different countries.
    • It is published by Henley & Partners, a global residence and citizenship advisory firm.
    • The index provides an annual ranking of passports based on the number of countries and territories their holders can travel to without requiring a visa or with visa-on-arrival access.

    How is it derived?

    • It takes into account data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other reliable sources.
    • The index includes 199 passports and 227 travel destinations.
    • It assigns a “visa-free score” to each passport, which represents the number of destinations that can be visited without obtaining a visa in advance.
    • The higher the visa-free score, the stronger the passport.

    India’s Passport Performance in 2023

    • India is ranked 80th in 2023.
    • In 2014, India ranked 76th with 52 countries granting visa-free access to Indian passport holders.
    • Since then, its ranking has fluctuated, with positions of 88th (2015), 85th (2016), 87th (2017), 81st (2018), 82nd (2019 and 2020), and 81st (2021).
    • In the Henley Openness Index, which measures the number of nations allowing visa-free access, India ranked 94th out of 97 countries for permitting visa-free access to only four nations.

    Global scenario

    • Singapore Takes the Lead: Singapore has replaced Japan as the country with the most powerful passport, allowing its citizens visa-free access to 192 out of 227 travel destinations globally.
    • Other Top Countries: Germany, Italy, and Spain share the second position. The third position is shared by Austria, Finland, France, Luxembourg, South Korea, and Sweden.
    • Japan’s Position: Japan, previously holding the top position for five years, dropped to third place on the Henley Passport Index.
    • Pakistan: The country known for terrorism and the recent economic crisis has been ranked at 100 in the list. Citizens of Pakistan can travel to just 33 countries without applying for a visa.
  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Bacteriophages: The Good Viruses that fight Bacteria

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Viromes, bacteriophages

    Mains level: NA

    bacteriophage

    Central Idea

    • Viruses have had a significant impact on human history, causing deadly outbreaks of diseases.
    • However, not all viruses are harmful, and scientists are discovering the importance of the virome (bacteriophages).

    Do you know?

    Viromes and bacteriophages are closely related because bacteriophages, or phages for short, are a type of virus that specifically infects bacteria.

    Bacteriophages are considered part of the virome, as they contribute to the overall viral genetic material present in a given environment or organism.

     

    What are Virome?

    • What is it: They are the collection of viruses in our bodies contributing to our health, similar to the bacterial microbiome.
    • Bacteriophages: The majority of viruses inside us are bacteriophages, which kill bacteria in our microbiomes without affecting human cells.
    • Vast in Numbers: Our bodies host around 380 trillion virus particles, 10x more than the number of bacteria.
    • Beneficial Viruses: Some viruses play beneficial roles, such as killing cancer cells, aiding immune system training, fighting pathogens, and regulating gene expression during pregnancy.

    Bacteriophages and Phage Therapy

    • Bacteriophages’ Mechanism: Bacteriophages hunt down bacteria, attach to their surface, inject viral DNA, and replicate inside the bacteria before causing the bacterial cell to burst and release new viral particles.
    • Historical Background: In the early 20th century, scientists explored phages as potential treatments for bacterial infections, but antibiotic development overshadowed this research.
    • Antibiotic Resistance: With the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, scientists are revisiting phage therapy as an alternative to combat bacterial infections.
    • Advantages of Phages: Phages effectively target multi-resistant pathogens, are precise in eliminating bacterial strains, and do not disrupt the gut microbiome like antibiotics do.

    Phage Therapy in Practice

    • Historical Use: Phage therapy persisted in countries like Georgia, Ukraine, and Russia, where antibiotics were scarce. These regions have witnessed successful treatment outcomes against antibiotic-resistant infections.
    • Expanding Use: Phage therapy is gaining attention in countries like Belgium, the US, and Germany, with specialized therapy centres and calls for increased exploration and utilization.
    • Challenges and Safety: Standardization of therapy and tailoring phages to specific bacteria causing the infection remain challenges. However, phage therapies have a good safety record, and human bodies can tolerate them well.

    Future Prospects

    • Complementary Approach: Phages are unlikely to replace antibiotics but could be used in combination to enhance antibiotic effectiveness, particularly against resistant bacterial strains.
    • Research and Clinical Projects: Further large-scale research and clinical projects are recommended to establish effective phage therapies for different types of infections.