💥Join UPSC 2027,2028 Mentorship (July Batch) + XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF
Talk to Mentor

Civilsdaily

Login

Type: Prelims Only

  • YashoBhoomi: India’s Premier Convention and Expo Centre

    YashoBhoomi

    Central Idea

    • PM inaugurated the first phase of the world-class ‘YashoBhoomi’ India International Convention and Expo Centre (IICC) in Dwarka, Delhi.

    About YashoBhoomi

    • YashoBhoomi is the second convention facility to offer top-notch amenities for exhibitions and conferences, following the Bharat Mandapam, which hosted world leaders during the recent G20 Summit.
    • It represents PM’s vision to create world-class infrastructure in India for hosting conventions, meetings, and exhibitions, greatly benefiting from its operational status in Dwarka.

    Key Features of YashoBhoomi

    • Expansive Project: Also known as the India International Convention and Expo Centre, YashoBhoomi spans an impressive 8.9 lakh square meters, with a built-up area exceeding 1.8 lakh square meters.
    • Capacity and Facilities: This conference center boasts a remarkable capacity of accommodating 11,000 guests. It comprises 15 convention rooms, including the main auditorium, the grand ballroom, and 13 meeting rooms.
    • Auditorium and Ballroom: The main auditorium can seat 6,000 people, while the grand ballroom can accommodate an additional 2,500. There is also seating for up to 500 people in a large open space.
    • Exhibition Hall: A massive exhibition hall, spanning over 1.07 lakh square meters, is a prominent feature of YashoBhoomi.
    • Metro Connectivity: On the same day as the inauguration of the new metro station in Dwarka Sector 25, YashoBhoomi will be connected to the Delhi Airport Metro Express line.
    • Architectural Splendor: The conference center incorporates elements inspired by Indian civilizations, including terrazzo floors with brass inlays resembling rangoli patterns, suspended sound-absorbing metal cylinders, and illuminated pattern walls.
    • Sustainability Focus: YashoBhoomi is committed to sustainability, featuring rooftop solar panels, a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment system enabling 100% wastewater reuse, rainwater harvesting, and Green Cities Platinum certification from CII’s Indian Green Building Council (IGBC).

  • Defence Ministry nods to buy Pralay Ballistic Missiles

    pralay

    Central Idea

    • The Defense Ministry has granted approval for the acquisition of a regiment of ‘Pralay’ ballistic missiles, earmarked for deployment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and the Line of Control (LoC).
    • It is the first time that a ballistic missile will be inducted into the services for conventional operations.

    Pralay Missile: Key Features

    Strike Range 150 to 500 kilometers
    Payload Capacity 350 kg to 700 kg conventional warhead
    Warhead Variability High explosive preformed fragmentation warheads, penetration-cum-blast (PCB) warheads, runaway denial penetration submunitions (RDPS)
    Classification Quasi-ballistic surface-to-surface missile
    Maneuverability Mid-flight trajectory alteration capability
    Propulsion Solid propellant rocket motor with advanced guidance systems
    Global Comparisons Comparable to China’s Dong Feng 12 and Russia’s Iskander missile
    Development History Development was initiated around 2015, with significant progress during the tenure of General Bipin Rawat as Chief of Army Staff

     

    Strategic significance

    • Longest Range: ‘Pralay’ will emerge as the longest-range surface-to-surface missile within the Army’s inventory.
    • Strategic Role: ‘Pralay,’ in conjunction with the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, will play a central role in India’s planned Rocket Force, augmenting the nation’s strategic posture.
    • Imperative: China and Pakistan have already deployed ballistic missiles for tactical purposes, prompting India’s acquisition of ‘Pralay’ missiles.

  • Reforming H-1B Visa Program: Vivek Ramaswamy’s Pledge

    h-1b visa

    Central Idea

    • Indian-American Republican presidential contender Vivek Ramaswamy vows to overhaul the H-1B visa program.
    • The H-1B visa, highly sought-after among Indian IT professionals, permits US companies to employ foreign workers for specialized roles requiring theoretical or technical expertise.

    Why discuss this?

    • The H-1B visa are highly sought-after category used by Indian professionals in the US as many use them as a precursor for permanent residency.
    • However, the waiting periods for the employment-based green card for Indians can stretch into decades.
    • The US embassy in India has already processed over 9 lakh non-immigrant visa currently and is expected to pass the one million mark soon.

    Understanding H-1B Visa Program

    • The H-1B visa program is crafted to facilitate the entry of skilled foreign workers into the United States, enabling them to work for American companies.
    • It is particularly sought after by Indian IT professionals as it permits U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized roles demanding theoretical or technical expertise.
    • Despite its popularity, the H-1B visa program faces criticisms for extended waiting periods and the use of a lottery system for selection.

    Ramaswamy’s Perspective

    • Personal Experience: Ramaswamy acknowledged his own immigrant experience and contended that the H-1B system is detrimental to all parties involved.
    • Merit-Based Reform: He advocated for replacing the lottery system with a meritocratic admission process, describing the current system as a form of indentured servitude that primarily benefits sponsoring companies.
    • Eliminating Chain Migration: He also emphasized the need to eliminate chain-based migration, arguing that family members who join immigrants are not merit-based contributors to the country.

    Historical Context and Comparisons

    • Resonance with Trump: Ramaswamy’s stance on H-1B visas draws parallels with Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign.
    • Hard stance: Despite hiring foreign workers under H-1B visas for his businesses, Trump initially adopted a hardline stance on these workers before later softening his rhetoric.

  • Entrances in India’s New Parliament Building

    Central Idea

    • Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar raised the national flag at the Gaja Dwar (elephant gate) of India’s new Parliament building just days before its first session.
    • This event sheds light on the symbolic importance of the Gaja Dwar and the other entrances in the new Parliament.

    Gaja Dwar (Elephant Gate)

    • Wisdom and Wealth: The new Parliament building features six entrances, each representing a distinct role. The Gaja Dwar, adorned with a sculpture of an elephant, guards the northern entrance. The elephant is a symbol of wisdom, wealth, intellect, memory, and embodies the aspirations of elected representatives in the democracy.
    • Vastu Shastra: According to Vastu shastra, the northern direction is associated with planet Mercury, the source of higher intellect, and is presided over by Kubera, the god of wealth. Hence, the Gaja is placed at the northern entrance.

    Cultural Symbolism

    • Guardian Statues: All six entrances of the New Parliament Building feature red sandstone sculptures of auspicious animals known as “guardian statues.” These selections were made based on their significance in Indian culture, aesthetic appeal, positive qualities, and Vaastu Shastra principles.
    1. Asva (Horse): Positioned at the southern entrance, the vigilant horse symbolizes endurance, strength, power, and speed, reflecting the quality of governance.
    2. Garuda (Eagle-like Bird): The Garuda stands at the eastern ceremonial entrance, representing the aspirations of the people and the country’s administrators. In Vastu shastra, the east is associated with the rising sun, symbolizing hope, victory, and success.
    3. Makara (Mythological Aquatic Creature): Combining features of different animals, the Makara signifies unity in diversity among the nation’s people.
    4. Shardula (Mythological Creature): Regarded as the most powerful among all living beings, the Shardula symbolizes the strength of the country’s people.
    5. Hamsa (Swan): Located at the public entrance to the northeast, the Hamsa highlights the essential quality of discernment and self-realization, born of wisdom, in the nation’s people.

    Ceremonial Entrances

    • Three of these entrances are designed as ceremonial entrances, meant to welcome special guests and mark significant events.
    • These entrances showcase Indian art, culture, ethos, and patriotism.
    • They are named Gyan, Shakti, and Karma, representing the Indian knowledge system, patriotism, and artistic traditions, respectively.

  • Basmati Rice Revolution: From Crop to Cuisine

    basmati

    Central Idea

    • While scientific research often seems distant from practical outcomes, some less-celebrated success stories stand out.
    • One such triumph is the transformation of India’s basmati rice industry, driven by scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi.

    About Basmati Rice

    • Basmati rice is a fragrant, long-grain rice variety primarily cultivated in the Indian subcontinent.
    • It is native to the foothills of the Himalayas in India and Pakistan.
    • Basmati rice is characterized by its long, slender grains that elongate further when cooked.
    • Basmati rice is renowned for its natural aromatic fragrance, often described as nutty or floral.
    • There are different Basmati rice varieties, each with its unique characteristics. Some popular varieties include Basmati 370, Basmati 386, and Basmati 1121.
    • Basmati rice from certain regions, particularly Indian Basmati, has received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, indicating its specific geographical origin and quality.

    [a] First Revolution

    • Traditional Basmati Varieties: Until the late 1980s, Indian farmers primarily cultivated traditional basmati varieties with tall plants prone to lodging, resulting in low yields and long cultivation periods.
    • Breakthrough with PB-1: In 1989, the IARI introduced Pusa Basmati-1 (PB-1), a crossbreed that combined traditional basmati grain attributes with high-yielding traits. PB-1 was more compact, sturdy, and offered improved yields and maturity times.

    [b] The Second Revolution

    • PB-1121’s Quality: The real revolution came in 2003 with the release of Pusa Basmati-1121 (PB-1121), which offered a different advantage. While yielding slightly less, it boasted exceptional grain quality, with elongated kernels that expanded impressively upon cooking.
    • Market Impact: PB-1121’s grain quality allowed companies like KRBL Ltd. to create a lucrative export brand, making it a global favourite. This variety significantly contributed to India’s basmati rice exports.

    [c] Third Revolution

    • PB-1509: In 2013, the IARI introduced Pusa Basmati-1509 (PB-1509), a high-yielding variety with a shorter maturity period. This innovation allowed farmers to cultivate an extra crop, enhancing their economic prospects.
    • Diverse Crop Combinations: PB-1509’s early maturity has enabled farmers to explore crop diversification, including potatoes, sunflowers, sweet corn, and onions, in addition to basmati rice.

    basmati

    Breeding for Disease Resistance

    • Protecting Gains: IARI scientists have recently focused on preserving yield gains by incorporating disease-resistant genes into their improved basmati varieties.
    • Marker-Assisted Selection: Genes for bacterial leaf blight and rice blast fungal disease resistance have been identified through marker-assisted selection techniques.
    • New Varieties: The release of Pusa Basmati-1885 and Pusa Basmati-1847 in 2021 marked the introduction of varieties with “in-built resistance” against these diseases, reducing the need for chemical crop protection.

    Risk Factors

    • Market Dependency: Basmati rice lacks a minimum support price (MSP) and relies heavily on exports, with limited domestic consumption.
    • Market Vulnerability: Despite its profitability, basmati farming is exposed to market fluctuations and government export policies. Recent restrictions highlight this vulnerability, affecting basmati farmers.

  • Moonquakes and its Apollo 17 connection

    moonquake

    Central Idea

    • A research utilized seismic data collected between 1976 and 1977, showcasing how the lunar lander left by the Apollo 17 astronauts might be causing seismic activity on the moon.
    • The study emphasizes that these moonquakes are not the result of natural processes but stem from vibrations generated by the lunar module descent vehicle, which was placed on the moon’s surface in 1972.

    About Apollo 17 Mission

    • Apollo 17 was the final Apollo mission to the Moon, marking the sixth lunar landing.
    • It was launched by December 6, 1972, with a night launch, which was unique in the Apollo program.
    • This mission had specific scientific objectives, differentiating it from previous missions, and aimed to collect ancient highlands crustal material and investigate the possibility of recent lunar volcanic activity.
    • Neil Armstrong, the first person to set foot on the lunar surface, went under the Apollo 11 mission in July 20, 1969.

    Understanding Moonquakes

    • Similarities to Earthquakes: Moonquakes share similarities with earthquakes as both involve seismological vibrations.
    • Researchers have identified four types of moonquakes, three of which are relatively benign. Shallow moonquakes, the closest to the surface, are the most destructive.
    1. Deep Moonquakes: Occur approximately 700 kilometers below the lunar surface.
    2. Shallow Moonquakes: Take place at depths of only 20 to 30 kilometers, lasting up to 10 minutes.
    3. Vibrational Moonquakes: Typically result from meteorite impacts.
    4. Thermal Quakes: Caused by the moon’s crust expanding as it warms following subzero temperatures during the night.
    • Moonquakes occur as often as every 27 days, primarily due to temperature fluctuations between lunar day and night, totalling approximately 7,000 moonquakes in a decade.

    Moonquakes vs. Earthquakes

    • Moonquakes are generally smaller in magnitude than earthquakes but are known for their extended duration.
    • Shallow moonquakes recorded by Apollo astronauts have reached up to a magnitude of 5.5.

    Human Lunar Landings

    • Multiple countries have embarked on lunar missions, with India being the most recent in 2023, following the United States, Russia, and China.
    • India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission included a seismometer, which detected a moonquake, providing valuable data for future analysis.

    Significance of Monitoring Moonquakes

    • Understanding moonquakes holds potential significance for future lunar missions, particularly if NASA establishes a permanent lunar outpost.
    • Seismometers, like those used on the moon, are vital for comprehending lunar geology and ensuring the safety of future lunar explorers.
    • Monitoring lunar seismic activity is crucial for designing experiments and missions aimed at unravelling the mysteries of Earth’s closest celestial neighbor.
    • The moon presents a unique opportunity for in-depth planetary study beyond Earth.

  • Santiniketan gets UNESCO’s World Heritage List tag

    Santiniketan

    Central Idea

    • Situated in West Bengal’s Birbhum district, the small town of Santiniketan has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
    • This is the place where Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore spent much of his life.

    About Santiniketan

    • Santiniketan, situated in Birbhum District, West Bengal, India, is an iconic cultural and heritage destination with a rich historical legacy.
    • Its prominence is attributed to its association with Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore.

    Significance of Santiniketan

    • Rabindranath Tagore’s Home: Santiniketan served as the residence of Rabindranath Tagore, where he not only lived but also composed numerous literary works, encompassing songs, poems, and novels.
    • Artistic Abode: The Santiniketan campus is adorned with magnificent sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings created by eminent artists like Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Ramkinkar, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay, and others.
    • Cultural Festivals: The broader Birbhum District, where Santiniketan is nestled, is renowned for its vibrant fairs and festivals. Notable celebrations include Poush Mela (December), Joydev Mela (January), Basanta Utsav (Holi) in March and the renowned mystic Baul Singers.
    • Unique Events: Santiniketan hosts special cultural festivities during Bengali New Year and Rabindra Janmotsav (Rabindranath Tagore’s birth anniversary) in the Bengali month of Boisakh, marked with great enthusiasm.
    • Distinctive Festivals: The region observes distinctive festivals such as Briksharopan (festival of Planting Saplings) and Halakarshan (festival of Plowing the Fields) on the 22nd and 23rd days of Sravana (August), respectively. Additionally, Varshamangal, the festival of rains, is celebrated in August/September.
    • Poush Mela: Santiniketan hosts the annual Poush Mela, commencing on the 7th day of the Poush month. While officially spanning three days, vendors may extend their stay throughout the month. The festival is renowned for live performances of Bengali folk music, particularly by bauls (traditional wandering minstrels), and showcases tribal dances like Santali.

    West Bengal’s Presence on the World Heritage List

    • Santiniketan is the second cultural symbol from West Bengal to join the prestigious UNESCO list.
    • In 2021, UNESCO added ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, highlighting West Bengal’s rich cultural heritage.

    Back2Basics: UNESCO World Heritage Sites

    Description
    UNESCO World Heritage Sites Landmarks or areas selected by UNESCO for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other significant value, legally protected by international treaties.
    Importance World Heritage Sites represent collective and preservative interests of humanity, signifying remarkable accomplishments and intellectual history.
    Selection Criteria Sites must be already-classified landmarks, unique and significant culturally or physically, such as ancient ruins, historical structures, cities, monuments, etc.
    Conservation World Heritage Sites require practical conservation to protect them from risks like trespassing, uncontrolled access, or administrative negligence.
    World Heritage Committee Selects and monitors World Heritage Sites, manages the World Heritage Fund, and provides financial assistance. Composed of 21 states parties elected for a four-year term.
    Membership India is not a member of the World Heritage Committee.

    Note: “States parties” refer to the countries that have ratified the World Heritage Convention and participate in the decision-making process.

  • Supreme Court’s Integration with the National Judicial Data Grid

    National Judicial Data Grid

    Central Idea

    • On September 14th, the Supreme Court of India took a monumental stride by incorporating its case data into the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG).

    What is the National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG)?

    • Comprehensive Repository: NJDG stands as a comprehensive online repository, housing orders, judgments, and case particulars from a vast network of 18,735 District and subordinate Courts and High Courts.
    • Real-time Access: This platform is an integral component of the eCourts Project, providing real-time updates and in-depth data down to the Taluka level.

    Administration of NJDG

    • E-Courts Initiative: NJDG was conceived as part of Phase II of the e-Courts project, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme designed to modernize the Indian judiciary.
    • Collaborative Effort: The National Informatics Centre (NIC) collaborated closely with the in-house software development team of the Computer Cell at the Supreme Court to bring NJDG to fruition.
    • User-Friendly Interface: NJDG boasts an interactive interface and an analytics dashboard, ensuring accessibility for legal professionals and the general public.

    The Power of Data

    • Monitoring and Management: NJDG serves as a potent tool for monitoring and managing case backlogs, ultimately alleviating the burden of pending cases.
    • Supreme Court’s Example: Analyzing data from the Supreme Court in 2023, it reveals a total pendency of 64,854 registered cases, with 5,412 new cases received and 5,033 cases disposed of in the last month. This underscores that the backlog primarily consists of legacy cases, managed at a rate comparable to the annual influx of new cases.
    • Identifying Bottlenecks: NJDG aids in identifying specific bottlenecks in the judicial process. For instance, a surge in land dispute cases in a particular state prompts policymakers to consider strengthening relevant laws.
    • Insights from the Chief Justice: Chief Justice Chandrachud noted that year-wise pendency data indicates the Supreme Court has less than a hundred cases pending from before 2000, allowing the Chief Justice to prioritize the resolution of the oldest cases.
    • Specialized Insights: NJDG also facilitates the generation of insights into specific areas of law. For instance, it links Land Records data from 26 States with NJDG to track land dispute cases effectively.

  • Establishment of GST Appellate Tribunals across India

    Central Idea

    • The Finance Ministry has formally established 31 Appellate Tribunals spanning 28 States and eight Union Territories for the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
    • This significant move aims to address the increasing number of taxpayer disputes with the Revenue Department.

    What is GST Appellate Tribunal?

    • The GST Appellate Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body proposed to be established to resolve disputes related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.
    • It will function as an independent body to hear appeals against orders passed by the GST authorities or the Appellate Authority.
    • The tribunal will be composed of a national bench and various regional benches, headed by a chairperson appointed by the central government.
    • The proposed tribunal is expected to help expedite the resolution of disputes related to GST and reduce the burden on the judiciary.

    Under GST, if a person is not satisfied with the decision passed by any lower court, an appeal can be raised to a higher court, the hierarchy for the same is as follows (from low to high):

    1. Adjudicating Authority
    2. Appellate Authority
    3. Appellate Tribunal
    4. High Court
    5. Supreme Court

    Need for such Tribunal

    • Unburden judiciary: GST Appellate Tribunal will help resolve the rising number of disputes under the 68-month-old indirect tax regime that are now clogging High Courts and other judicial fora.
    • Improve efficiency of GST System: Overall, the establishment of the GST Appellate Tribunal is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the GST system in India.
    • Independent mechanism: The proposed Tribunal will provide an independent and efficient mechanism for resolving disputes related to GST.
    • Avoid tax evasion: It will help to expedite the resolution of disputes, reduce the burden on the judiciary, and promote greater certainty and predictability in the GST system.

    Issues with present litigation

    • Compliance issues: The GST system is relatively new in India, having been implemented in 2017, and there have been several issues with compliance and interpretation of rules and regulations.
    • Complex adjudication hierarchy: The current dispute resolution mechanism involves multiple layers of adjudication, starting with the GST officer and as mentioned above.
    • Time consuming process: This process can be time-consuming, costly, and burdensome for taxpayers, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Significance

    • The creation of these tribunals had been in the pipeline since the implementation of the GST regime on July 1, 2017.
    • The number of pending appeals by taxpayers related to central GST levies had surged to over 14,000 (June 2023).

  • M Visvesvaraya: India’s pioneering Civil Engineer

    Visvesvaraya

    Central Idea

    • September 15 marks the birthday of Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1861-1962), celebrated for his pivotal role as a civil engineer and administrator during colonial India.

    About M. Visvesvaraya

    • Early life: Born on September 15, 1861, in the village of Muddenahalli, Karnataka, Visvesvaraya commenced his educational journey in his hometown.
    • Academic Pursuits: He pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Madras and later embarked on a diploma course in civil engineering at the College of Science in Pune.

    Career Achievements

    • Engineering Pioneer: After completing his engineering studies at Poona College of Science, Visvesvaraya commenced his career as an Assistant Engineer in the Public Works Department (PWD) of the Government of Bombay at the age of 22.
    • Notable Projects: Among his initial projects was the construction of a pipe syphon across one of Panjra river’s channels.
    • Dewan of Mysore: In 1909, he assumed the role of Chief Engineer in the Mysore service, eventually becoming the 19th Dewan of Mysore.
    • Voluntary Retirement: In 1918, Visvesvaraya took voluntary retirement due to his disagreement with the proposal to allocate state jobs based on caste.
    • Committees and Contributions: Following retirement, he chaired or participated in various committees, including the Bombay Technical and Industrial Education Committee, Bombay University Committee for Promoting Chemical Industries, and the Cauvery Canal Committee.

    Significant Works

    • Block System of Irrigation: In 1899, he introduced the block system of irrigation in the Deccan canals, enhancing the equitable distribution of irrigation benefits among numerous villages.
    • Water Quality Improvement: Visvesvaraya tackled the issue of “muddy and discolored” water in Sukkur, a city on the banks of the Indus River.
    • Invention of Automatic Gates: He invented automatic gates for regulating water flow in reservoirs, securing a patent for this innovation.
    • Implementation at Krishnaraja Sagar Dam: The Krishnaraja Sagar Dam in Karnataka became the first to adopt these gates in the 1920s.

    Global Perspective

    • International Learning: Visvesvaraya travelled abroad to study various aspects of other countries’ systems. During a visit to Italy, he examined soil erosion problems and irrigation and drainage works.
    • Advocating for Indian Contributions: He challenged the perception that only British officers were capable of overseeing advanced engineering works, emphasizing that Indian expertise was valuable when supported by qualifications and dedication.

    Vision for Progress

    • Inspirational Speech: In a speech delivered on March 16, 1912, at Central College Bangalore, Visvesvaraya emphasized the need for India to adopt modern practices, scientific precision, inventiveness, discipline, and economic fundamentals for progress.
    • Promoting Self-Examination: He encouraged a secular self-examination, comparing local conditions in India with global counterparts.
    • Authorship: Visvesvaraya authored two influential books, “Reconstructing India” (1920) and “Planned Economy of India” (1934).

    Impact on Education

    • Education as a Catalyst: Visvesvaraya recognized the critical role of education in shaping an economy during his visit to Japan in 1898.
    • Founding the University of Mysore: As the Dewan of Mysore in 1916, he played a pivotal role in establishing the University of Mysore, emphasizing that educational institutions should mirror real-life conditions.