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Type: Prelims Only

  • Financial Inclusion in India and Its Challenges

    Only half PMJDY insurance claims settled in 2 years

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    pmjdy

    Central idea: In an RTI reply, it is revealed that only 329 claims out of 647 filed were settled in the last two financial years under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).

    What is PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?

    • The PMJDY is a financial inclusion program launched by the Indian government in 2014.
    • It is National Mission for Financial Inclusion to ensure access to financial services, namely, a basic savings & deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, pension in an affordable manner.
    • Under the scheme, a basic savings bank deposit (BSBD) account can be opened in any bank branch or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet, by persons not having any other account.

    Benefits under PMJDY

    • One basic savings bank account is opened for unbanked person.
    • There is no requirement to maintain any minimum balance in PMJDY accounts.
    • Interest is earned on the deposit in PMJDY accounts.
    • Rupay Debit card is provided to the account holder.
    • Accident Insurance Cover of Rs.1 lakh (enhanced to Rs. 2 lakh to new PMJDY accounts opened after 28.8.2018) is available with RuPay card issued to the PMJDY account holders.
    • An overdraft (OD) facility up to Rs. 10,000 to eligible account holders is available.

    Why in news?

    • In the financial year 2021-22, 341 claims were received for accident insurance cover under the PMJDY scheme.
    • Out of these, 182 claims were settled and 48 were rejected.
    • No information was provided on the status of the remaining 111 claims.

    Is PMJDY a success?

    • Dormancy of accounts: The PMJDY scheme has led to an increase in the number of bank accounts in rural areas, but this has not necessarily led to a corresponding increase in transactions due to limited transaction history of many account holders.
    • Low or no transactions: Insurance coverage for the account holder is linked to their transaction history, and many accounts remain frozen due to lack of transactions, taking several weeks or months to reactivate.
    • False promise of overdraft: The promised overdraft facility of Rs 5000 for new account holders has not been provided as promised, leading to scepticism about the scheme’s success.
    • Payments bottleneck: The lack of proper connectivity, electricity, internet, and ATM facilities in rural areas has hindered the activation of RuPay cards and PIN numbers, which should have been considered before implementing such a large-scale program.

     

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  • GI(Geographical Indicator) Tags

    Tamil Nadu’s Manamadurai Pottery gets GI Tag

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Intellectual Property Rights

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Manamadurai Pottery, GI Tag

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    pot

    The Manamadurai pottery recently earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

    Manamadurai Pottery

    • The Vaigai river enriches the clay used for the Manamadurai pottery. Pot making requires expertise as the bottom has to be perfectly round.
    • The right proportion of mud, clay and heating makes this product very strong. The main raw materials for making these pots are soil and water.
    • The sand, collected from different places of the district, is used for making pottery and dried for two days. The particles of the mud get separated by sieving.
    • The slurry is mixed with the sand and lead and graphite are added to the mixture to improve the quality.
    • This mixture is now rich in calcium lime, ash, red lead, sodium silicate, manganese, iron, and plasticizing. The pot is also painted in different colours.

    What makes these pots unique?

    • A unique type of clay is sourced from water bodies like Nedunkulam, Nathapurakki, Sundaranadappu, Seikalathur to make these pots.
    • While making these pots, the five elements of nature namely earth, water, fire, sun and air are used.
    • The basic material for pottery is mud, which represents the earth. Mud is mixed with water, another element of nature.
    • This is followed by baking in fire, adding the third element.
    • The air percolates through the pores in the clay, marking the fourth element.
    • And finally, the cavity enclosed by the pot or any related article represents space.

    Back2Basics: Geographical Indication (GI)

    • A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
    • Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry
    • India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 w.e.f. September 2003.
    • GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
    • The tag stands valid for 10 years.

     

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  • Global Geological And Climatic Events

    Zero Shadow Day: What is it, why does it happen?

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Zero Shadow Day

    Mains level: Not Much

    shadow

    Central idea: Many cities across India are experiencing Zero Shadow Day since the sun was directly overhead at that time.

    What is Zero Shadow Day?

    • Zero Shadow Day is a phenomenon that occurs twice a year at every point on Earth located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
    • During Zero Shadow Day, vertical objects appear to cast no shadow at local noon, when the sun is at its zenith directly above the object.
    • It occurs when the sun’s location moves from 23.5°N to 23.5°S of Earth’s equator and back, causing the shadow to disappear beneath objects at local noon.

    Why does it happen?

    • It occurs due to the movement of the sun from south to north during the Uttarayan and back from north to south during Dakshinayan.
    • This movement is caused by Earth’s rotation axis being tilted at an angle of roughly 23.5° to the axis of revolution around the sun.
    • All places whose latitude equals the angle between the sun’s location and the equator on that day experience Zero Shadow Day, with the shadow disappearing at local noon.

    Try this PYQ:

    On 21st June, the Sun-

    (a) Does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle

    (b) Does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle

    (c) Shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator

    (d) Shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn

     

    Post your answers here.

     

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    Understanding Temperature Anomalies

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Important Geophysical Phenomena

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Temperature Anomaly

    Mains level: Not Much

    temperature

    Central idea: Global warming does not mean that each month or each year will be warmer than the previous month or the previous year.

    What is Temperature Anomaly?

    • This is a measure of how much the actual temperature deviates from the long-term average temperature for a particular location and time period.
    • Anomalies are calculated by taking the difference between the actual temperature and the long-term average temperature, and then averaging this difference over a specified period.
    • The anomalies are due to land-ocean-atmosphere processes that dynamically determine the weather and climate.
    • It is a useful tool for understanding changes in climate over time, as they allow scientists to compare temperatures from different time periods and locations.
    • For example, a temperature anomaly of +2°C in a particular region in a given year means that the temperature in that region was 2°C higher than the long-term average for that region and time period.

    Why study this?

    • Long-term trend: By analyzing temperature anomalies over time, scientists can identify long-term trends in climate change and predict future changes.
    • Track extreme weather event: These are also used to monitor extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, and floods, which can have significant impacts on human health, agriculture, and natural ecosystems.

    Recent context: Second warmest March on record

    • The fact that March 2023 was the second warmest March on record suggests that the planet is experiencing long-term warming.
    • It is a clear indication of the impact of human activities on the planet.
    • The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation have led to an increase in greenhouse gases, which trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere and contribute to global warming.
    • This warming trend is expected to continue and worsen in the coming years, leading to more extreme weather events, sea level rise, and other negative impacts on the planet.

    What does this mean for local weather?

    • The second warmest March on record can have significant impacts on local weather patterns.
    • As mentioned earlier, the warming over the northwest to the west of India caused cooler than normal weather over Mumbai and excess pre-monsoon rains over the northwest.
    • On the other hand, Kerala and Odisha experienced scorching heatwaves.
    • These weather anomalies can have serious implications for agriculture, water resources, and public health.

    Implications

    • Crop yields decline: This can be affected by extreme weather events, and changes in precipitation patterns can lead to water shortages or flooding.
    • Heatwaves: This can cause heat stress and other health problems, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children.

     

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  • Judicial Reforms

    Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct

    Mains level: Read the attached story

    banglore

    The Supreme Court of India has directed the Registrar General of the Calcutta High Court to investigate an alleged interview given by a judge to a news channel in which he made remarks against a politician. This is cited against Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.

    What are Bangalore Principles?

    • The Bangalore Code of Judicial Conduct was drafted in 2001 for the Judicial Group on Strengthening Judicial Integrity and presented to the Round Table Meeting of Chief Justices in November 2002.
    • Resolution 23 of the United Nations Social and Economic Council promotes implementation of the Bangalore Principles by the judiciaries of Member States.
    • The principles are intended to establish standards for ethical conduct of judges.
    • They are designed to provide guidance to judges and to offer the judiciary a framework for regulating judicial conduct.

    Six core values recognized

    S. No. Principle Description
    1. Independence Judges must be free to make impartial decisions based on the law and facts, without any influence or pressure from external sources.
    2. Impartiality Judges must be unbiased and treat all parties equally, without any favoritism or discrimination.
    3. Integrity Judges must have high moral and ethical principles, be honest, and act with transparency and fairness.
    4. Propriety Judges must avoid any impropriety or appearance of impropriety, such as conflicts of interest or inappropriate behavior.
    5. Equality Judges must uphold the principle of equality before the law, treating all people with respect and dignity.
    6. Competence and diligence Judges must have the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualities to perform their duties effectively, and must work diligently and efficiently.

     

    Significance of these principles

    • The principles define their meaning and elaborate in detail on what kind of conduct is to be expected in concrete terms of the persons concerned in order to put the respective value into practice.
    • A number of specific instructions are given under each of the values.
    • Not only have some States adopted the Bangalore Principles but others have modelled their own Principles of Judicial Conduct on them.

     

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Places in news: Thirunelly Temple

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Thirunelly Temple

    Mains level: NA

    thirunelly

    The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the government to conserve the historically significant structures, including the 600-year-old ‘Vilakkumadom’, an exquisite granite structure, at the Sree Mahavishnu Temple at Thirunelly in Wayanad district.

    About Thirunelly Temple

    • The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also known as Sahyamala Kshetram.
    • It is also referred to as the ‘Kashi of the South’ and is considered as an important pilgrimage center for Hindus.
    • It is located at the confluence of three rivers – Papanasini, the holy river, which is believed to have the power to wash away sins, Kudamurutti, and Koothappuzha.
    • The temple has a unique circular structure made of granite stones, which is believed to have been constructed by Lord Brahma himself.
    • It has beautiful architecture and features intricate carvings, mural paintings, and sculptures.
    • The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year, including Vishu, Navaratri, and Thirunelli festival.

    Renovation plan

    • The renovation works include the reconstruction of the chuttambalam or the structure around the sanctum sanctorum, except for the balikkalpura structure on the front side.
    • The renovation work also includes the completion of the vilakkumadam, an exquisite granite structure that has a history dating back to the 15th century AD.
    • The renovation works also include the renovation of the panchatheertham pond and the pathway to the papanasini bath ghat where devotees perform the bali ritual.

    Why in news?

    • The temple structure has a history dating back to the 15th century AD, and stories related to the architecture and style of the temple are associated with it.
    • In guise of renovation, there is a concern over the loss of valuable precincts and the destruction of heritage.
    • The incomplete structure that stood as testimony to a rich cultural heritage has been remodelled in an insensitive way.

     

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Operation Kaveri to evacuate stranded citizens from Sudan

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: India & Its Neighborhood – Relations

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Op Kaveri

    Mains level: Not Much

    kaveri

    India has launched “Operation Kaveri” to evacuate its citizens from war-torn Sudan.

    What is Operation Kaveri?

    • It is the recent series of evacuations held by India over the last few years to rescue its nationals in crisis-hit countries. India rescued its nationals last year from war-hit Ukraine and Afghanistan.
    • The operation was launched in response to the conflict and breakdown of essential services in Sudan that had brought the country to a standstill.
    • India has positioned two transport aircraft of the IAF in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah and a naval ship at a key port in Sudan as part of its contingency plans to evacuate its stranded nationals.

    Behind the name ‘Kaveri’

    • The choice of naming this operation as ‘Operation Kaveri’ has a lot of significance.
    • Kaveri is one of the major Indian rivers flowing through the southern states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
    • The river is sacred to the people of the region and is worshipped as the Goddess Kaveriamma (mother Kaveri).
    • Rivers reach their destination irrespective of barriers. It’s like a mother who will ensure she will bring her children back to safety.

    About Sudan

    kaveri sudan

    • Sudan is a country located in North Africa, bordered by Egypt to the north, Libya to the northwest, Chad to the west, the Central African Republic to the southwest, South Sudan to the south, Ethiopia to the southeast, and Eritrea to the east.
    • It is the third-largest country in Africa and has a diverse population of around 43 million people.
    • According to the World Bank, around 46% of the population lives below the poverty line, and many Sudanese people struggle to access basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water.

    What is the crisis all about?

    • Sudan is facing a crisis due to fighting between two rival military factions.
    • The conflict involves the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
    • The fighting began in April 2022 after tensions rose following the coup that saw the two factions topple a civilian government in October 2021.
    • The conflict began when an internationally-backed plan to launch a new transition with civilian parties was floated.
    • Under the plan, both the army and the RSF had to cede power, but two issues were contentious: the formal placing of the army under civilian oversight and the timetable for the RSF to be integrated into the regular armed forces.

    Global Implications of the Conflict

    • The volatile region, which borders the Red Sea, the Sahel, and the Horn of Africa, could be destabilized if the fighting continues.
    • The conflict in Sudan has the potential to cause a refugee crisis, with people fleeing the country to escape the violence and instability.

     

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

    Vibrant Villages Program to be integrated with PM Gati Shakti

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Vibrant Village Programme

    Mains level: Not Much

    The Centre’s Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) which aims to develop infrastructure and open up villages to tourists along the China border will be integrated with the Gati Shakti Mega Project.

    What is Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)?

    • Under the VVP, the selected villages will be provided with basic facilities like all-weather roads, potable piped water, 24×7 electricity, good mobile and internet connectivity, healthcare, and enhanced livelihood options.
    • The VVP aims to prevent migration of border population, catalyze reverse migration, and keep all villages along the LAC well-populated from the strategic and security point of view.

    Villages selected

    • Kibithoo, one of the remotest circle headquarters of Arunachal Pradesh, is the first village to be developed under the VVP.
    • The villages will also serve as the Indian Army’s eyes and ears in these remote areas.
    • 2,967 villages in 19 border districts of Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Ladakh will be developed under the VVP, with 662 villages being developed in the first phase of the project.

    Components

    • The VVP programme involves a number of livelihood programmes, including bee-keeping, improving agricultural yields, encouraging handicrafts and local products, and providing market linkages to them.
    • The programme also focuses on promoting high-end tourism and training local people to cater to tourists.
    • Provision of 24×7 power through micro-hydel power plants, solar power panels, and windmills is also a vital component of the programme.

    Impact

    • The development of border villages under the VVP will help provide a better livelihood for the locals, improve the quality of life and prevent migration from these remote areas.
    • It will also help in gathering intelligence from the people of border villages and provide the Indian Army with better access to these areas.

    Comparison with China’s Model

    • India’s Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) is people-centric and aims to enhance the quality of life of the locals.
    • China’s Xiaokang villages lack proper planning for providing livelihood opportunities, healthcare and education facilities, and proper transportation.
    • Beijing’s aim of keeping civilian residents of these villages as watchful eyes over activities across the LAC and on Indian Army patrols has been negated.
    • Most of the villages now serve as residential quarters and logistical facilities for the PLA.
    • India’s VVP scores over China’s building of new Xiaokang villages as it has a holistic approach to development.

    Why merged with Gati Shakti?

    • Gati Shakti brings 16 ministries, including Railways and Roadways, together for integrated planning and coordinated implementation of infrastructure connectivity projects.
    • It allows government departments to break operational silos.
    • By integrating VVP with Gati Shakti, there can be better coordination between various ministries and departments to ensure the smooth implementation of the programme and to avoid any duplication of efforts.

     

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  • Festivals, Dances, Theatre, Literature, Art in News

    Pushkaralu Festival returns to the Ganga after 12 years

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Pushkaran/Pushkarlu Festival

    Mains level: Not Much

    pushkar

    Central Idea: The 12-day Pushkaralu festival of Telugu-speaking people began on April 22 in Varanasi.

    Pushkaralu Festival

    • Pushkaram is an Indian festival dedicated to worshiping of 12 sacred rivers.
    • The celebration happens annually, once in 12 years along each river.
    • Each river is associated with a zodiac sign, and the river for each year’s festival is based on which sign Bruhaspathi (Jupiter) was in at the time.
    • It is believed that bathing in the sacred river during Pushkaram cleanses the devotees of their sins.
    • This year festival involves worshipping ancestors and the river Ganga and is being organised in Kashi after a gap of 12 years.

    Why is it celebrated once in 12 years?

    • In India, we have 12 major rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Saraswathi, Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Bhima, Tapati, Tungabhadra, Sindhu, Pranhita for which the Pushkaram festival is celebrated for each river according to the zodiac sign of that river.
    • The 12 days after the Jupiter enters that particular zodiac sign will be the Pushkaram/Pushkaralu which is a 12-day festival for that river.
    • Hence Pushkaralu comes for every 12 years.

    Legend of the Festival

    • According to legend, after severe penance, the devotee Pushkara was blessed by Lord Shiva with the ability to live in water and purify holy rivers
    • On a request from Bruhaspati (Jupiter), Pushkara decided to enter one of the 12 sacred rivers, including Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, and Krishna, among others
    • The river for each year’s festival is decided in accordance with Brihaspati travel from one zodiac sign to another

     

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  • Innovations in Biotechnology and Medical Sciences

    Microbes found near Mt. Everest

    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: Microbes

    Mains level: NA

    Central idea

    • Researchers conducted a genetic analysis of microbial communities on the South Col of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest).
    • The article examines the human microbiota on the inhospitable slopes of Mount Everest esp. the South Col ridge.

    Microbial Communities on the South Col

    • Microbial communities were collected from sediment samples left by human climbers on the South Col, 7,900 meters above sea level (msl).
    • The South Col is inhospitable due to low oxygen, strong winds, high levels of UV radiation, and temperatures below minus 15 degrees Celsius.
    • Visible signs of life are absent above 6,700 msl except for a few species of moss and a jumping spider.
    • Microbes are carried to high altitudes by birds, animals, winds, and dust particles.

    Microbes found

    • Using sophisticated methods such as 16S and 18S rRNA sequencing, the microbe hunters were able to identify the bacteria and other microorganisms found on the South Col.
    • 16s rRNA is a component of the 30S subunit in prokaryotic ribosomes while 18s rRNA is a component of the 40S subunit in eukaryotic ribosomes.
    • 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing is an amplicon sequencing technique used to identify and compare species of bacteria present within a given sample.
    • 16S rRNA gene sequencing is used to study phylogeny and taxonomy of samples from complex microbiomes or environments that are difficult or impossible to study.
    • Microbes like Modestobacter altitudinis and the fungus, naganishia, which are known to be UV-resistant survivors are found there.

    History of Mount Everest and Naming

    • Nepal’s eminent historian, late Baburam Acharya, gave the Nepali name Sagarmatha to Mount Everest in the 1960s.
    • Andrew Waugh, British Surveyor General of India, discovered Mount Everest in 1847 and named it after his predecessor, Sir George Everest.
    • Radhanath Sikdar, an Indian mathematician and surveyor, was the first person to show that Mount Everest was the world’s highest peak in 1852, with the help of a special device.

     

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