Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Oeko-Tex Certification, Eri Silk
Why in the News?
The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), has achieved the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk.
What isOeko-Tex Certification?
Details
Establishment
Founded in 1992 by the Oeko-Tex Association.
Comprises 18 independent textile research and testing institutes.
Certification System
Independent testing and certification for textile safety and environmental standards.
Key Standards
– STANDARD 100: Tests textiles for harmful substances.
– MADE IN GREEN: Ensures environmentally friendly and socially responsible production.
– LEATHER STANDARD: For leather products, free from harmful chemicals.
– STeP: Certification for sustainable textile production facilities.
– ECO PASSPORT: Certifies safe chemicals used in textiles.
– DETOX TO ZERO: Supports elimination of hazardous chemicals in production.
Testing Process
Products tested for harmful substances like heavy metals, formaldehyde, azo dyes, etc.
Global Recognition
Trusted worldwide for ensuring product safety, environmental friendliness, and social responsibility.
Benefits
– Consumers: Assurance of safe, chemical-free products.
– Manufacturers: Access to global markets, improved brand reputation.
– Environment: Promotes sustainable and eco-friendly production.
Usage
Found on clothing, home textiles, bedding, footwear, and more.
About Eri Silk
Eri Silk is the world’s only vegan silk, where the moth naturally exits the cocoon, making it cruelty-free.
Unlike conventional silk production, where cocoons are boiled to extract the silk filament.
It is also known as Ahimsa Silk.
It is primarily produced in the North-Eastern states of India, especially Assam; also found in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, and other states.
Its production is deeply rooted in the traditions of tribal communities in Assam and adjacent hill areas.
Significant Features of Eri Silk:
Production Process: Known as Ericulture; involves rearing silkworms on castor plants; the silk is spun rather than reeled due to the naturally pierced cocoons.
Eco-Friendly: Requires minimal chemicals and water; only 20 litters of water needed toconvert 1 kg of raw Eri fiber into yarn.
Unique Properties: Isothermal (temperature-regulating), anti-fungal, washable, durable, and less shiny than other silks.
PYQ:
[2013] What is an FRP composite material? How are they manufactured? Discuss their application in aviation and automobile industries. (100 words)
This marks the third and final development flight of the SSLV.
AboutEOS-08 Satellite:
Details
Type
Earth Observation Satellite (EOS)
Design Platform
Built on ISRO’s Microsat/IMS-1 bus, known for its compact and efficient design.
Orbit
Operates in a Circular Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 475 km with an inclination of 37.4°.
Mission Life
1 year
Payloads
– Electro Optical Infrared Payload (EOIR): Captures images in MIR and LWIR bands for surveillance, disaster monitoring, and environmental assessments.
– Global Navigation Satellite System-Reflectometry (GNSS-R) Payload: Monitors ocean surface winds, soil moisture, and inland water bodies using GNSS-R-based remote sensing.
– SiC UV Dosimeter: Monitors UV irradiance, particularly for ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission, ensuring safety against UV radiation.
Technological Innovations
– Integrated Avionics System: Combines Communication, Baseband, Storage, and Positioning (CBSP) functions into one system.
– Embedded Technologies: Includes a Structural Panel Embedded with PCB, Embedded Battery, enhancing structural efficiency and power reliability.
– Advanced Antennas: Micro-DGA (Dual Gimbal Antenna) and M-PAA (Phased Array Antenna) for precise control and enhanced signal transmission.
– Flexible Solar Panels & Nano Star Sensor: Improves energy efficiency and satellite orientation in space.
Back2Basics: Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3
SSLV is designed to launch Mini, Micro, orNanosatellites (10 to 500 kg) into a 500 km planar orbit.
SSLV is a 3-stage launch vehicle with all solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module (VTM) as the terminal stage.
SSLV is designed for low cost and low turn-around time.
The vehicle offers flexibility in accommodating multiple satellites and is capable of launch-on-demand.
SSLV requires minimal launch infrastructure, making it a versatile option for satellite deployment.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to India’s satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
PSLVs launch the satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
GSLV Mk III is a four-stage launch l vehicle with the first and third stages l using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP)
Why in the News?
The Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways has launched the standard operating procedures for Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP).
What is the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP)?
The GTTP aims to transition conventional fuel-based harbour tugs to greener, more sustainable alternatives.
The program is a part of India’s broader efforts to decarbonize maritime operations and promote environmental sustainability in the maritime sector.
The GTTP is also aligned with the ‘Panch Karma Sankalp,’ a strategic framework for enhancing India’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable maritime industry.
Key Features:
(1) Decarbonization of Maritime Operations
Objective: Replace conventional tugs with green tugs powered by cleaner fuels like battery-electric, hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen.
Impact: Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in Indian ports.
(2) Phased Implementation
Phase 1 (2024-2027): Four Major Ports (Jawaharlal Nehru, Deendayal, Paradip, and V.O. Chidambaranar) will each procure or charter two green tugs.
Technology: Initial tugs will be battery-electric with provisions for adopting newer technologies.
(3) Standardization and Compliance
ASTDS-GTTP Standards: By 2040, all tugs in Indian Major Ports will comply with green standards, ensuring an eco-friendly fleet.
(4) Alignment with National Visions
Maritime India Vision 2030: Supports goals like sourcing 60% of port power from renewable energy and reducing carbon emissions by 30% per ton of cargo by 2030.
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from port vessels by 30% by 2030.
PYQ:
[2023] Consider the following pairs:
Port
Well known as
1. Kamarajar Port
First major port in India registered as a company
2. Mundra Port
Largest privately owned port in India
3. Visakhapatnam Port
Largest container port in India
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
(a) Only one pair
(b) Only two pairs
(c) All three pairs
(d) None of the pairs
Space weather refers to the varying conditions within the solar system and its heliosphere, influenced by the Sun and solar wind.
The main components of space weather include: solar wind, coronal mass ejections, and solar flares.
These components can compress the Earth’s magnetosphere, triggering geomagnetic storms.
This can disrupt communication, power transmission, damage spacecraft electronics, and pose threats to astronauts.
Solar Cycle and Its Importance
The activity of the Sun follows an approximately 11-year periodic cycle, marked by variations in the number of sunspots on the Sun’s surface.
This solar cycle influences space weather, Earth’s atmosphere, and climate variations.
Predicting the amplitude of the solar cycle is a major challenge in astrophysics, as it directly affects related phenomena and space weather.
Research Findings
IIA researchers discovered that the width of supergranular cellson the solar surface during the minimum year of the solar cycle is correlated with the number of sunspots observed during the subsequent solar cycle maximum.
This simple method can be used to predict the strength of the upcoming solar cycle, which is valuable for space weather forecasting.
What are Supergranular Cells?
Supergranular Cells are large convective cells on the Sun’s surface, with diameters of about 30,000 km.
These cells are part of the solar convection zone where hot plasma rises, cools as it reaches the surface, and then sinks back down in a continuous cycle.
Characteristics:
Supergranular cells are larger than granules, another type of convective cell on the Sun. Its borders, known as supergranular lanes, are about 5,000 km thick.
Plasma within these cellsmoves from the center of the cell toward the edges, where it sinks back into the Sun’s interior. This movement creates a network of lanes that can be observed on the solar surface.
Supergranular cells are associated with the magnetic field concentrations on the Sun’s surface, often where sunspots and other magnetic features appear.
PYQ:
[2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?
GPS and navigation systems could fail.
Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
Power grids could be damaged.
Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over pola-regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)
Why in the News?
The Centre has launched the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) to help farmers connect with agriculture scientists and experts for pests’ control.
What is the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)?
The NPSS is an AI-based platform launched by the government on August 15, 2024.
It is designed to help farmers connect with agricultural scientists and experts for effective pest control using their phones.
It aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on pesticide retailers.
It provides data for selected crops i.e. Rice, Cotton, Maize, Mango and Chilies.
How will farmers use it?
Farmers can take photos of infested crops or pests using the NPSS platform, which are then analyzed by scientists and experts.
Then they will suggest the correct quantity of the pesticide at the right time, reducing excessive pesticide use.
Target Groups: Approximately 14 crore farmers across India.
Significance
It will reduce crop damage, improve pest management practices, and reduce the risk of soil damage by minimizing excessive pesticide use.
PYQ:
[2014] With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements:
1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.
2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.
3. Neem oil has applications in pharmaceutical industry.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Ramsar Wetland sites in India
Why in the News?
The Environment Ministry announced the designation of three more wetlands: Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (TN), Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (TN) and Tawa Reservoir (MP) as Ramsar Sites.
This makes the total Ramsar sites count in India to 85.
About the newly designated Ramsar Sites:
Location
Geographical Features
Key Species
Ecosystem
Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary
Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu
Located on the banks of Nanjarayan Tank;
~125 hectares
Herons, egrets, pelicans
Wetland habitats, surrounded by agricultural lands
Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary
Villupuram District, Tamil Nadu
Brackish water wetland near Bay of Bengal;
~5,000 hectares
Flamingos, pelicans, storks, waterfowl
Mix of freshwater and saltwater habitats, includes mangroves
Tawa Reservoir
Hoshangabad District, Madhya Pradesh
Part of Narmada River Basin, foothills of Satpura Range;
~225 sq. km
Mahseer fish, surrounded by Satpura forests
Aquatic life, forested surroundings
Important Facts:
India became a signatory to the Ramsar Convention in 1982.
India is one of the contracting parties to the Ramsar Convention, which was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971.
With the inclusion of these 3 new sites, India now has 85 Ramsar sites, covering a total area of 13,58,068 hectares.
Tamil Nadu currently has the highest number of Ramsar sites in India, with 18 sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10 sites.
India’s Ramsar wetlands constitute about 10% of the total wetland area in the country, spread across 18 states.
UK leads globally with 175 sites, followed by Mexico with 142 sites.
Bolivia, however, has the largest area under Ramsar protection, spanning 148,000 sq. km.
According to the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment by ISRO, India’s wetlands cover approximately 1,52,600 sq. km., which is 4.63% of total geographical area.
India has 19 types of wetlands, with Gujarat having the largest area, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of the Ramsar Convention.
The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Captagon Drug
Why in the News?
Captagon, the “poor man’s cocaine,” has become increasingly popular among young adults in the Middle East and North Africa.
What is the Drug Captagon?
Captagon is a synthetic drug that was originally developed in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s.
It was initially created as a pharmaceutical treatment for attention deficit disorders, narcolepsy, and sometimes depression.
The primary active ingredient in Captagon is fenethylline, a compound that, once ingested, is metabolized into two powerful stimulants: amphetamine and theophylline.
These substances stimulate the central nervous system, leading to increased alertness, reduced fatigue, and a sense of euphoria.
How Addictive is Captagon?
Captagon is highly addictive due to its powerful effects on the brain and body.
As a psychostimulant, Captagon significantly impacts the central nervous system, leading to a range of effects that can make it very difficult for users to stop taking the drug once they start.
It is also reportedly used byfighters in conflict zones to enhance their endurance and suppress fatigue.
The primary effects of Captagon include:
Euphoria: Users often experience an intense feeling of happiness or well-being.
Increased Wakefulness: The drug reduces the need for sleep, keeping users awake and alert for extended periods.
Enhanced Physical and Mental Performance: Users may feel stronger, more focused, and more capable of performing both physically and mentally demanding tasks.
However, the heavy use of Captagon comes with serious risks such as cognitive impairment, cardiovascular issues, and risk of addiction.
Where is Captagon Made?
In recent years, Syria the “narco state” of Middle East has emerged as the largest producer of Captagon.
Its production increased after 2011 Arab Spring protests, which led to civil unrest and conflict in the region.
PYQ:
[2019] Consider the following statements:
The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) has a ‘Protocol against the Smuggling of Migrants by Land, Sea and Air’.
The UNCAC is the ever-first legally binding global anti-corruption instrument.
A highlight of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (UNTOC) is the inclusion of a specific chapter aimed at returning assets to their rightful owners from whom they had been taken illicitly.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is mandated by its member States to assist in the implementation of both UNCAC and UNTOC.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Extremophile bacteria
Why in the News?
Researchers have isolated extremophile bacteria from harsh environments like volcanic vents, permafrost, acid mines, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and lakes beneath polar ice caps.
What are Extremophiles?
Extremophiles are microorganisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions where other life forms typically cannot survive.
For example: Volcanic vents, Permafrost, Acid mines, Deep-sea hydrothermal vents, dark lakes buried beneath polar ice caps, on the exteriors of spacecraft, around nuclear waste storage sites.
Adaptation and Evolution:
Extremophiles have developed unique biological and biochemical processes over millions of years to adapt to diverse habitats.
Unlike more complex life forms, which have one set of proteins, extremophiles have multiple sets of proteins, each adapted to specific environmental conditions.
These proteins are ‘activated’ based on the surrounding environment, enabling survival during extreme conditions like high temperatures, lack of water, or high acidity.
Significance: Some scientists believe that life on Earth may have begun as an extremophile in extreme environmental niches before spreading and adapting to more temperate ecosystems.
About the ‘Earth Microbiome Project’
It is a global initiative aimed at mapping, organising, and understanding the diversity of microbial life across different environmental niches on Earth.
The project was founded in 2010.
Objective:
To sequence 200,000 genetic samples from diverse environments.
To assemble 500,000 microbial genomes, creating a comprehensive map of microbial diversity on Earth.
Significance:
The project is part of broader efforts to understand the microbial world, which is still in its infancy.
It is related to other significant projects like the ‘Earth Biogenome Project,’ which aims to sequence the genomes of all eukaryotic organisms on the planet.
Understanding microbial diversity has numerous biological and industrial applications, such as developing new enzymes for molecular biology or finding new ways to adapt organisms to challenging environments.
PYQ:
[2017] With reference to agriculture in India, how can the technique of ‘genome sequencing’, often seen in the news, be used in the immediate future?
1. Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants.
2. This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants.
3. It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
There has been a significant increase in importsof precious metals from the UAE under the trade agreement.
Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has raised concerns about the spurt in imports of gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds with zero tariffs in the coming years.
GTRI’s report highlights potential revenue losses and a shift in import business from banks to private traders, favouring Dubai-based firms.
It also claims that many imports do not meet the Rules of Origin conditions, making them ineligible for concessions.
Review of IT Hardware Import Regime
When asked about the review of the new authorisation regime for monitoring imports of certain IT hardware products, Barthwal indicated that the government would make a decision at the appropriate time.
The government had previously adjusted import restrictions on laptops and computers, allowing importers to bring in shipments under an ‘authorisation’ system until September.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: PHEIC, Mpox
Why in the news?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC).
What is a PHEIC?
A PHEIC is a formal declaration by the WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005.
It refers to an “extraordinary event” posing a public health risk through the international spread of disease, potentially requiring a coordinated global response.
Criteria for PHEIC:
Serious and unusual event: Poses a significant public health risk.
Cross-border implications: Affects more than one country.
International response needed: Requires immediate global coordination.
Purpose: Mobilizes resources, raises awareness, and coordinates efforts to manage and contain the threat.
What is Mpox?
Mpox is a disease caused by the orthopoxvirus, related to the smallpox virus.
First detected in humans in 1970, it is endemic in central and West Africa.
Transmission: Spread from animals to humans (zoonotic) and between humans via close contact, respiratory droplets, or contaminated materials.
Symptoms: Fever, rash, swollen lymph nodes; can lead to severe complications or death.
Vaccination: WHO recommends vaccines, widely used in Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to control outbreaks.
Recent Developments:
In recent years, there has been an increase in mpox cases, including the emergence of new strains such as clade 1b, which has spread to countries outside of its typical endemic regions.
This led to the declaration of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) due to its potential for widespread impact.
PYQ:
[2014] Consider the following diseases
1. Diphtheria
2. Chickenpox
3. Smallpox
Which of the above diseases has/have been eradicated in India?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: FloodWatch India Version 2.0 App
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched Version 2.0 of the ‘FloodWatch India’ mobile application.
About FloodWatch India Version 2.0
FloodWatch India Version 2.0 is a mobile application developed by Central Water Commission (CWC) under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The app provides real-time information and forecasts related to flood situations across India.
It now covers 592 flood monitoring stations, up from 200 in the previous version, offering a more comprehensive overview of flood conditions.
The app includes information on the storage positions of 150 major reservoirs in India, aiding in flood management.
Key features include:
It provides real-time river flow data and flood forecasts up to 7 days in advance.
Users can view state-wise and basin-wise flood forecasts and advisories.
The app uses satellite data analysis, mathematical modelling, and real-time monitoring to ensure accurate and timely flood information.
The app is available in English and Hindi and offers both readable and audio broadcast formats.
PYQ:
[2016] The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Exercise Udara Shakti, 2024
Why in the News?
The recent edition of Exercise Udara Shakti was recently concluded in Malaysia.
About Exercise Udara Shakti
Udara Shakti is a bilateral air force exercise conducted between India and Malaysia.
The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance military cooperation, improve mutual understanding, and share operational expertise.
Features of the Exercise
Both India and Malaysia deploy their Sukhoi-30 fighter jets for the exercise, facilitating direct comparison and operational cooperation.
A distinctive feature of this initiative is the HOP (Hands-On Participation) Exercise, where pilots from both nations swap aircraft.
The Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) component focuses on sharing knowledge and skills in aviation and engineering specific to the Sukhoi-30 aircraft.
PYQ:
[2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?
This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.
It commenced in Aundh (Pune).
Joint response during counter-terrorism operation was a goal of this operation.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB) ‘GAURAV’
Why in the News?
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the long-range glide bomb (LRGB) ‘Gaurav’.
The test was carried out from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of IAF.
About LRGB GAURAV
LRGB Gaurav is a 1,000 kg class long-range glide bomb developed by the DRDO.
It is air-launched from a Su-30 MK-I fighter jet of the Indian Air Force.
The bomb is designed and developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad.
Adani Defence and Bharat Forge participated as Development cum Production Partners in the Gaurav project.
Key Features:
It uses a hybrid navigation system that combines Inertial Navigation System (INS) with Global Positioning System (GPS) data for highly accurate targeting.
The glide bomb is capable of hitting targets at long distances, although the exact range is not publicly disclosed.
Gaurav enhances India’s precision strike capabilities, allowing for significant impact on various target types with reduced risk to aircraft.
PYQ:
[2014] Which reference to Agni-IV Missile, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It is a surface-to-surface missile.
2. It is fuelled by liquid propellant only.
3. It can deliver one-tonne nuclear warheads about 7500 km away.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Model Solar Village
Why in the news?
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued operational guidelines for the Implementation of ‘Model Solar Village’ under PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The centre recently allocated ₹800 crore for the same.
About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana
Description
Purpose
To provide 300 units of free electricity per month to beneficiaries through an investment of ₹75,000 crores.
Deadline
Extended the deadline from 2022 to 2026.
Announcement
Initially announced in an Interim Budget 2024-25 speech by the Finance Minister.
Target
Aimed to light up 1 crore households.
Implementation
Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats are incentivised to promote rooftop solar systems.
Financial Support
Average Monthly Electricity Consumption (units)
Suitable Rooftop Solar Plant Capacity
Subsidy Support
0-150
1-2 kW
₹ 30,000 to ₹ 60,000
150-300
2-3 kW
₹ 60,000 to ₹ 78,000
> 300
Above 3 kW
₹ 78,000
Features of the ‘Model Solar Village’ Initiative:
Details
Comprehensive Solarization
Solarize all households and public areas with home lighting, water systems, pumps, and streetlights.
Seeks to create one Model Solar Village per district.
Implementing Agency
State Renewable Energy Development Agency (SREDA) or another entity nominated by the State/UT Government will implement the scheme.
24×7 Solar-Powered Village
Develop villages powered entirely by solar energy, promoting self-reliance in meeting energy needs.
Central Financial Assistance (CFA)
₹1 crore grant per village based on a Detailed Project Report (DPR) by the Implementing Agency.
The total financial allocation for this initiative is ₹800 crore.
Eligibility Criteria
Revenue village with a population over 5,000 (or 2,000 in special category states).
Based on installed renewable energy capacity, overseen by the District Level Committee (DLC) 6 months after the declaration.
Fund Disbursement
40% on the award of works, 40% after completion, 20% after 6 months of operation.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:
1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kursk Operation
Why in the News?
Ukrainian troops have advanced up to 35 kilometers into Russian territory in the Kursk region.
What is the Kursk Operation?
The Kursk operation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The operation has been characterized by intense fighting, with reports of casualties.
About Kursk Region:
It is located in the western part of Russia, bordering Ukraine to the southwest.
The region holds historical significance Battle of Kursk as the site of the, which took place from July to August 1943 and is recognized as the largest tank battle in history during World War II.
The Kursk region is rich in iron ore, which has led to substantial mining operations in the area.
The region experiences a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers.
Significance of the Kursk Operation for Ukraine
Strategic Leverage: Strengthens Ukraine’s position in future negotiations by capturing Russian territory for potential land exchanges.
Buffer Zone Creation: Enhances security for contested Ukrainian areas by establishing a protective buffer on Russian soil.
Military Diversion: Forces Russia to redeploy troops, weakening their main front lines and easing pressure on Ukrainian forces.
PYQ:
[2023] Consider the following pairs:
Regions often mentioned in news
Reason for being in news
1. North Kivu and Ituri
War between Armenia and Azerbaijan
2. Nagorno-Karabakh
Insurgency in Mozambique
3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia
Dispute between Israel and Lebanon
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Nankai Trough
Why on the News?
Japanese authorities have warned its citizens of a ‘megaquake’ and large tsunamis along the Nankai Trough.
What is the Nankai Trough?
The Nankai Trough is an extensive subduction zone, nearly 900 km long.
It is the place of collision of the Eurasian Plate over the Philippine Sea Plate.
This trough has a history of producing large earthquakes approximately every 100 to 150 years.
The most recent Nankai Trough quake happened in 1946 with magnitude 8.0 tremor and 6.9 metre tsunami, killing 1,330 people.
Potential for a Megaquake:
Japan’s researchers estimated in January 2022 that there is a roughly 70% chance of a magnitude 8-9 megaquake striking the Nankai Trough within next 30 years.
Such a quake could affect a vast region stretching from central Shizuoka, about 150 km south of Tokyo, to southwestern Miyazaki.
PYQ:
[2014] Explain the formation of thousands of islands in Indonesian and Philippines archipelagos.
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Perseid Meteor Shower
Why in the News?
The Perseid meteor shower, which began in July, is currently at its peak activity from August 11 to 13, 2024.
About Perseid Meteor Shower
Details
Origin
Named after the constellation Perseus, from which the meteors appear to originate.
Cause
Caused by debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle as it orbits the Sun.
How It Occurs
Consists of ice, rock, and dust particles shed by Comet Swift-Tuttle.
Earth passes through this debris field annually between mid-July and late August.
Particles enter Earth’s atmosphere at around 214,000 km/h, causing them to heat up and create bright streaks of light.
Discovery
The connection between the Perseid meteor shower and Comet Swift-Tuttle was established in 1862 by Lewis Swift and Horace Tuttle.
Historical Observations
Observed for centuries, with records dating back to ancient Chinese, Japanese, and European civilizations.
Impact of Earth’s Gravity
Earth’s gravity pulls particles from the debris field, causing them to enter the atmosphere.
Larger particles can create fireballs—bright meteors that are more intense and last longer.
Note: In the 1990s, scientists feared comet Swift-Tuttle might hit Earth or the Moon in 2126, but later calculations confirmed safety for two millennia.
PYQ:
[2011] What is the difference between asteroids and comets?
Asteroids are small rocky planetoids, while comets are formed of frozen gases held together by rocky and metallic material.
Asteroids are found mostly between the orbits of Jupiter and Mars, while comets are found mostly between Venus and Mercury.
Comets show a perceptible glowing tail, while asteroids do not.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
