Introduction:

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Geospatial intelligence involves gathering and amalgamating data from diverse technological sources such as satellites, mobile sensors, ground control stations, and aerial photography. This data is utilized to create real-time maps and simulations, aiding in forecasting threats in terms of their location, timing, and magnitude. Stakeholders ranging from individuals to government officials utilize this information to make informed decisions.

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Various initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and National Developmental Priorities, address the integration of geospatial data into research and operational endeavors. The National Programme on Spatial Disaster Risk Reduction (SDRR) exemplifies this approach, encompassing initiatives such as Landslide Hazard Mitigation (LHM) and Coastal Hazard, Risk Assessment and Reduction (CHRAR). LHM focuses on developing early warning systems for landslides in vulnerable regions like Sikkim, Nilgiris, Manikaran, and Uttarakhand. CHRAR, on the other hand, employs geospatial techniques to study coastal disasters, including erosion, tsunamis, cyclones, and floods, aiming to produce actionable outputs for relief efforts.

In urban governance, geospatial solutions play a crucial role, with emphasis on emerging technologies like Geo-ICT. Projects under this domain focus on areas such as IoT and GIS technologies, smart parking management systems, flood mapping frameworks, and indoor navigation systems, contributing to the development of smart cities.

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

The recent signing of the Indo-US Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) underscores the importance of geospatial intelligence in national security. This agreement enables India to leverage US geospatial intelligence, enhancing the accuracy of automated systems and weapons like missiles and armed drones. Access to topographical and aeronautical data through BECA will significantly bolster India's capabilities in navigation and targeting, marking a significant advancement in defense collaboration between the two nations

Other Points to Consider

Geospatial Technology Programme

Geospatial Science Programme

Introduction:

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Micro Irrigation represents a holistic approach aimed at boosting crop productivity by enhancing water utilization efficiency through Micro Irrigation Systems.

It involves the gradual delivery of small drips, minute streams, or miniature sprays of water either above or below the soil surface.

Micro irrigation systems are adept at conserving water and improving water utilization efficiency compared to conventional surface irrigation methods.

Benefits

(i) Decreases water consumption

(ii) Suppresses the growth of undesirable vegetation (weeds)

(iii) Applicable across diverse types of terrain

(iv) Suited for undulating landscapes

(v) Enhances crop yield and reduces labor expenses

(vi) Diminishes the need for fertilizers while enhancing soil fertility.

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Government Initiatives

Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme

This initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, is a central government endeavor promoting micro-irrigation systems like drip or sprinkler systems.

Initiated in 2006, it was subsequently absorbed into the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichai Yojna (PMKSY) in 2015, forming one of its integral components.

Financing is divided, with the central government contributing approximately 40 percent, and the remainder financed by states and farmers themselves, with varying proportions in hilly and northeastern states.

The scheme primarily aims to augment water-use efficiency and bolster productivity, thereby augmenting farmer incomes.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

This scheme, undertaken by the Government of India, endeavors to enhance water utilization efficiency in agriculture by advocating suitable technological interventions.

Micro Irrigation Fund

This initiative is committed to facilitating agricultural irrigation access by prioritizing water conservation and management.

It offers several advantages such as increased subsidies on micro irrigation systems, complimentary service for three years post-installation of micro irrigation systems, and heightened water utilization efficiency.

States can access the fund in the form of a loan from NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) at a 3 percent lower cost of funds, with the central government compensating the remaining 3 percent

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

Micro Irrigation, bolstered by government initiatives like the Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) scheme and the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), emerges as a pivotal tool in enhancing agricultural productivity while conserving water resources. Through the effective implementation of micro irrigation systems, farmers can achieve higher crop yields, reduce water consumption, and mitigate the growth of unwanted vegetation. Moreover, initiatives such as the Micro Irrigation Fund further incentivize the adoption of these systems by providing financial assistance and promoting water conservation practices. By leveraging micro irrigation technologies and government support, India can progress towards sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security, and bolstering the livelihoods of farmers nationwide

Other Points to Consider

Sprinkler and Drip Irrigation

Challenges in implementation

Introduction:

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The concept of the "blue economy" broadly encompasses economic activities linked to oceans and coastlines, often with an implicit emphasis on sustainability.

According to the European Commission, it encompasses "all economic activities related to oceans, seas, and coasts, encompassing a wide array of interconnected established and emerging sectors."

The World Bank defines the blue economy as the "sustainable utilization of ocean resources to foster economic growth, enhance livelihoods, and create employment opportunities while safeguarding the health of ocean ecosystems."

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For countries like India, endowed with extensive coastlines, abundant marine resources, and diverse tourism potential, the blue economy holds significant importance.

Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted the launch of a scheme focusing on restoration, adaptation measures, coastal aquaculture, and mariculture, adopting an integrated, multi-sectoral approach.

Restoration and adaptation efforts are vital to ensuring that economic activities do not compromise the health of ocean ecosystems.

Does India have a blue economy policy?

A preliminary draft policy framework for India's Blue Economy was unveiled in July 2022.

As per the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the policy blueprint outlined key recommendations covering aspects such as the National Accounting Framework for the Blue Economy, Ocean Governance, Coastal Marine Spatial Planning, Tourism Prioritization, Marine Fisheries, Aquaculture, Fish Processing, Manufacturing, Emerging Industries, Trade, Technology, Services, Skill Development, Logistics, Infrastructure, Shipping, Coastal and Deep-Sea Mining, Offshore Energy, Security, Strategic Dimensions, and International Engagement.

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

The Finance Minister additionally announced plans to establish five integrated aquaparks and expand the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to increase aquaculture productivity, double exports to Rs 1 lakh crore, and create 55 lakh employment opportunities in the near future, as reported by ANI

Other Points to Consider

Coastal aquaculture

Mariculture

Introduction:

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DAP, known as di-ammonium phosphate, ranks as the second most utilized fertilizer in India following urea.

It boasts a high phosphorus content that plays a vital role in stimulating root establishment and development. Without adequate phosphorus, plants struggle to attain their usual size or experience delayed maturation.

Nano DAP, comprising 8% Nitrogen and 16% Phosphorus by volume, diverges from conventional DAP, which typically exists in granular form. Notably, the Nano DAP manufactured by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO) is presented in liquid form.

Body:

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Rationale for Government Interest:

The minute particle size of Nano DAP renders it more efficient compared to its traditional counterpart. This efficiency allows the fertilizer to penetrate easily into the seed surface or through plant openings such as stomata.

Enhanced assimilation of the fertilizer within the plant system translates to augmented seed vigor, heightened chlorophyll levels, enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, improved crop quality, and amplified yields.

Given the substantial subsidies offered by the government on DAP, transitioning to a more economical fertilizer variant is poised to alleviate the government's subsidy burden significantly.

Advantages:

Nano DAP proves to be more economically viable.

Its liquid form renders Nano DAP considerably more convenient for application.

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

Most notably, India presently relies heavily on fertilizer imports to meet domestic demand. The widespread adoption of domestically produced Nano DAP, manufactured in Kalol, Gujarat, is anticipated to markedly alleviate this dependence on imports.

This groundbreaking initiative not only propels Indian agriculture forward in food grain production but also bolsters India's self-reliance in fertilizer manufacturing.

The integration of Nano DAP into agricultural practices stands to foster self-sufficiency in fertilizers, thereby offering substantial benefits to our farming community

Other Points to Consider

IFFCO

Nano DAP

Introduction:

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The concept of High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) refers to an advanced solar-powered unmanned aerial system designed to sustain prolonged control over a designated area, positioned above the troposphere, and equipped with specialized mission sensors. Operating at altitudes around 20 kilometers, solely powered by solar energy, and capable of enduring in-flight for several months, HAPS presents a revolutionary tool with multifaceted applications, notably in surveillance, monitoring, and disaster management scenarios.

Body:

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The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) in Bengaluru recently achieved a milestone by conducting the inaugural test flight of a solar-powered "pseudo satellite," a cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) poised to elevate India's surveillance capabilities, particularly in border regions. Despite being a nascent technology, India's successful test flight positions it alongside a select group of nations exploring HAPS technology.

Challenges of HAPS:

Developing a self-sustaining solar-powered aircraft capable of extended flight durations presents formidable technological challenges. Key hurdles include generating sufficient solar energy to power the aircraft, sustain payload operations, and recharge batteries throughout the night. Additionally, design considerations must address the aircraft's lightweight construction to minimize power demands while ensuring stability. Operating in frigid temperatures exceeding -50 degrees Celsius at high altitudes necessitates specialized measures to maintain electronic functionality.

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

Unlike conventional battery-powered UAVs limited by short flight durations and restricted coverage, HAPS represents a transformative advancement akin to geostationary satellites but with added versatility. Its capacity for redeployment to different locations and adaptability to diverse payloads distinguishes it from geostationary satellites, offering unprecedented flexibility in aerial surveillance and monitoring applications

Other Points to Consider

What is the need for such UAVs?

India and the HAPS

Introduction:

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The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project represents a monumental international collaboration aimed at constructing the world's most extensive radio telescope, boasting a cumulative collecting area exceeding one million square meters. Unlike traditional single large telescopes, the SKA comprises thousands of dish antennas meticulously orchestrated to function as a unified entity. Situated in sparsely populated areas across South Africa and Australia, the antennas are strategically dispersed to minimize interference from human activities. Once operational, the SKA is poised to significantly surpass existing radio telescopes in potency, promising groundbreaking insights into the cosmos

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The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project represents a collaborative endeavor on a global scale aimed at constructing the most extensive radio telescope worldwide, boasting a cumulative collecting area exceeding one million square meters.

Unlike traditional single large telescopes, the SKA comprises thousands of dish antennas meticulously orchestrated to function as a unified entity.

Strategically located in sparsely populated areas, the antennas are dispersed across South Africa and Australia, with approximately 200 and over 130,000 installations, respectively, chosen to minimize interference from human activities.

Once operational, the SKA is poised to outperform existing radio telescopes by a considerable margin, exhibiting a potency ranging from 5 to 60 times that of current counterparts operating within similar frequency spectrums.

Benefits for India

India has officially committed to participating in the Square Kilometer Array (SKA) initiative, a pivotal global scientific collaboration endeavoring to construct the world's largest radio telescope.

Although none of the SKA infrastructure will be situated within Indian territory, the country stands to reap substantial scientific and technological dividends by assuming full membership in the project.

While India has been actively involved in the SKA project for several years, attaining full member status entails formal ratification of an international treaty and a corresponding financial commitment, thereby unlocking enhanced scientific prospects with the impending facility.

Comparable to the scientific opportunities presented by initiatives such as the LHC or ITER, despite being situated abroad, the SKA membership offers India preferential access to the facilities and resources of the project.

As a full member, India stands to gain preferential allocation of time on the radio telescope, commensurate with its contribution to the endeavor, with limited additional time slots accessible via competitive selection processes.

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

India has allocated Rs 1,250 crore towards the SKA project, earmarking its financial commitment for the construction phase of the initiative.

In addition to its involvement in the SKA, India has embarked on constructing a gravitational wave detector to augment the international LIGO network and holds full membership status in the ITER project, focusing on harnessing energy from nuclear fusion reactions.

Furthermore, India's robust engagement in initiatives such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's largest and most potent particle accelerator, underscores its proactive participation in groundbreaking scientific endeavors at the global forefront

Other Points to Consider

India’s involvement

Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory

ITER project

Introduction:

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Large Language Models (LLMs), as defined by Google, are expansive general-purpose models capable of being pre-trained and subsequently fine-tuned for specific tasks.

These models are equipped to tackle common language challenges including text classification, question answering, cross-industry text production, document summarization, and more.

LLMs can also be customized to address specific issues across various domains such as finance, retail, entertainment, etc., often utilizing relatively small sets of field-specific datasets.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Types of LLMs

LLMs can be classified in several ways:

(i) Architecturally, they fall into three categories: autoregressive, transformer-based, and encoder-decoder models.

(ii) In terms of training data, there are three types: pretrained and fine-tuned, multilingual models capable of understanding and generating text in multiple languages, and domain-specific models trained on data relevant to particular fields such as legal, finance, or healthcare.

(iii) They can also be categorized as open-source or closed-source based on availability; while some are publicly accessible, others remain proprietary. Examples of open-source LLMs include LLaMA2, BlOOM, Google BERT, Falcon 180B, and OPT-175 B, whereas proprietary LLMs include Claude 2, Bard, and GPT-4.

How LLMs Operate?

LLMs operate on the principle of "deep learning", involving the construction of artificial neural networks inspired by the structure and functioning of the human brain.

These neural networks are trained to predict the probability of a word or sequence of words given the preceding words in a sentence for LLMs.

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

LLMs excel in predicting the most probable next word or sequence of words based on input prompts.

With their versatility, LLMs find applications across diverse domains, generating text for various purposes such as articles, songs, poems, and stories, while also serving as virtual assistants or engaging in conversations

Other Points to Consider

ChatGPT

Gemini

What are the advantages of LLMs?

Introduction:

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The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane is determined by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) at the central level.

This price is calculated based on the sugar recovery rate from the cane, which represents the percentage of sugar extracted relative to the amount of cane crushed. A higher recovery rate translates to a higher FRP, reflecting increased sugar production from the cane.

Body:

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Sugar mills are legally obligated to pay the FRP to sugarcane farmers for their produce. Failure to settle FRP dues within 14 days of cane sale may lead to enforcement action by cane commissioners. Non-payment could result in the seizure of mill assets as outstanding land tax liabilities.

How does FRP differ from the Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

MSPs serve as a safety net for farmers, ensuring a minimum guaranteed payment to mitigate risks associated with agriculture, such as adverse weather conditions.

They provide stability in market prices, preventing fluctuations that could impact both farmers' incomes and consumers' access to essential food items.

The government announces MSPs annually for specific crops, indicating the price at which it will procure the produce from farmers if market prices fall below the set MSP.

MSPs are determined based on various factors including production costs, demand-supply dynamics, market trends, and ensuring a minimum profit margin for farmers, typically set at 50% over production costs.

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

The central government introduced MSP for sugar in 2018 as part of measures to stabilize sugar prices and maintain a balanced demand-supply ratio.

Additionally, the government has established mill-specific sales quotas. Non-compliance with these regulations could lead to punitive measures under the Essential Commodities Act of 1955, including fines, imprisonment, or both, as a means to regulate the sugar industry effectively

Other Points to Consider

Why does sugarcane have both the FRP and MSP?

Introduction:

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The Uruguay Round global trade negotiations, formally endorsed in Marrakesh, Morocco, in April 1994, ushered in various agreements, including the WTO Agreement on Agriculture, which commenced implementation from January 1, 1995. This agreement delineated specific reduction obligations for different categories of countries, emphasizing market access, domestic support, and export subsidies.

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Market Access:

Provisions concerning market access encompassed tariffication, tariff reductions, and access opportunities. Industrialized nations were mandated to reduce their ordinary tariffs by an average of 36% over a six-year period, with each tariff item subjected to a minimum reduction of 15%. Conversely, developing nations, still grappling with quantitative restrictions due to balance-of-payments concerns, were permitted to offer ceiling bindings instead of tariffs.

Domestic Support:

Regarding domestic support measures, which were subject to reduction commitments, affluent nations were required to curtail overall support provided during 1986-88 by 20%, while developing countries faced a reduction of 13.3%. Certain policies falling under domestic support categories, constituting less than 5% of the value of production for developed countries and less than 10% for developing nations, were exempt from reduction commitments.

Export Subsidies:

The Agreement mandated reductions in export subsidies, with developed countries tasked with slashing export subsidy expenditure by 36% and volume by 21% over six years, based on 1986-1990 levels. Similarly, developing countries were required to make cuts of 24% and 14%, respectively, over a decade. Furthermore, the Agreement prohibited future subsidies for products not subject to export subsidy reduction agreements.

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

Although the WTO’s ministerial conference concluded without resolving crucial issues pertinent to India's interests, such as devising a permanent solution for the public food Public Stockholding (PSH) program and curbing fisheries subsidies contributing to overcapacity and overfishing, members agreed to extend the moratorium on imposing import duties on e-commerce trade for an additional two years. These deliberations underscore the ongoing challenges and negotiations within the WTO framework

Other Points to Consider

13th ministerial conference (MC)

India’s commitment

India’s PSH (Public Stockholding) programme

Introduction:

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The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is found across diverse forested habitats spanning India, Nepal, Bhutan, and certain regions of Pakistan. Classified as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN Red List and listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, this species faces conservation challenges.

According to recent findings, India's leopard population increased from 12,852 in 2018 to 13,874 in 2022.

Body:

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Methodology:

The fifth cycle of leopard population assessment in India (2022) focused on forested habitats across 18 tiger states, encompassing four significant tiger conservation landscapes. Utilizing a likelihood-based spatially explicit capture mark-recapture (SECR) covariate model, researchers combined photo-captures with geographical data on prey, habitat, and human-induced factors to estimate leopard abundance.

Phase 1:

Systematic sampling of wooded regions within each landscape was conducted using M-STrIPES Android apps and desktop applications.

Phase 2:

Remote sensing and secondary data were employed to model leopard occupancy and abundance in response to habitat factors and human influences.

Phase 3:

SECR models were utilized to predict leopard density through camera trap data, with individuals identified using image and pattern processing applications such as CaTRACT and ExtractCompare.

Outcomes:

Madhya Pradesh boasts the highest leopard count in the country, with 3,907 individuals (up from 3,421 in 2018). Central India harbors the most significant population, comprising 8,820 leopards, followed by the Western Ghats with 3,596, and the Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains with 1,109 individuals. Population growth rates varied across regions, with a decline observed in the Shivalik Hills and Gangetic Plains, while other regions experienced moderate increases.

In Central India, a substantial proportion (68%) of leopards reside in human-use forests outside Protected Areas, heightening vulnerability to poaching and human-leopard conflicts. Similarly, in the Western Ghats, although leopard populations remain stable, a significant portion (65%) inhabits areas outside Protected Areas.

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

Conservation efforts for the Indian leopard necessitate a multifaceted approach, including habitat restoration initiatives, protection measures beyond Protected Areas, and the implementation of strategies to mitigate human-leopard conflicts. Records maintained by the Wildlife Protection Society of India (WPSI) underscore the urgency of addressing poaching threats, with over 5,500 leopards poached since 1994. Efforts aimed at safeguarding this species are imperative to ensure its long-term survival and ecological balance

Other Points to Ponder

Benefits from tiger conservation efforts

Leopard-human conflict remains a worry

Introduction:

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MethaneSAT, a satellite engineered to track and quantify methane emissions on a global scale, was successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from California. Orbiting the Earth 15 times daily, MethaneSAT will primarily focus on monitoring emissions from the oil and gas sector. It aims to gather extensive data to discern the sources of methane, ascertain responsibility for emissions, and assess whether these emissions are escalating or diminishing over time. The data collected by MethaneSAT will be publicly accessible in near real-time, facilitating prompt action by stakeholders and regulators to mitigate methane emissions.

Body:

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Key Features of MethaneSAT:

MethaneSAT is outfitted with a sophisticated high-resolution infrared sensor and a spectrometer, enabling it to fulfill crucial data requirements. It possesses the capability to detect minute variations in methane concentrations, reaching as low as three parts per billion in the atmosphere, thereby enabling the identification of smaller emission sources compared to preceding satellites. Additionally, MethaneSAT boasts a wide-camera view, spanning approximately 200 km by 200 km, facilitating the identification of larger emitters, colloquially referred to as "super emitters."

Need to Track and Quantify Methane Emissions:

Methane, despite being invisible, ranks as a potent greenhouse gas and stands as the second-largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, responsible for 30% of global heating since the onset of the Industrial Revolution. With methane being 80 times more potent at trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, its emissions pose significant environmental challenges. Furthermore, methane contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone, a hazardous gas linked to approximately one million premature deaths annually. Notably, the burning of fossil fuels constitutes a primary source, accounting for roughly 40% of human-induced methane emissions.

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. 

In 2021, over 150 nations committed to the Global Methane Pledge, pledging to reduce their collective methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030. Moreover, more than fifty businesses pledged to substantially curtail routine flaring and methane emissions. MethaneSAT is poised to play a pivotal role in supporting these commitments by providing crucial data to aid in tracking progress and implementing measures to mitigate methane emissions effectively

Other Points to Consider

Why is it significant?

Ozone

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)

Introduction:

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The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the auspices of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been designated as the lead agency for overseeing the program and conceptualizing the aircraft. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned enterprise, will undertake the manufacturing process. This initiative will position India among the select few nations possessing their own fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

Body:

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Features of AMCA:

The forthcoming 25-tonne twin-engine aircraft, larger than existing fighters in the Indian Air Force's arsenal, will incorporate advanced stealth capabilities to evade detection by enemy radar systems. Noteworthy features include a concealed internal fuel tank with a capacity of 6.5 tonnes and an internal weapons bay capable of housing an array of weapons, including indigenous armaments, discreetly within its fuselage. The initial variant, AMCA Mk1, will be powered by the US-built GE414 engine with a thrust rating of 90 kilonewtons (kN), while the more advanced AMCA Mk2 will utilize a domestically developed 110kN engine, a collaborative effort between DRDO's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) and a foreign defense major. Additionally, the aircraft will incorporate diverterless supersonic inlets for efficient control of airflow into the engines.

Significance:

Originally conceived as a joint development venture with Russia under the Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) program, India withdrew from the collaboration in 2018, paving the way for the AMCA to emerge as India's indigenous fifth-generation fighter aircraft. While the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas represents a 4.5-generation single-engine multirole aircraft, the AMCA will mark a significant leap forward. With its low electromagnetic signature, the AMCA will pose challenges for enemy radar detection, thanks to its stealth features including internal weapons storage and a sizable internal fuel tank. The use of specialized materials on the aircraft's surface will divert radar signatures, enhancing its stealth capabilities and ensuring longer operational durations with reduced maintenance requirements.

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) has approved a project worth Rs 15,000 crore for the development of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), a noteworthy endeavor aimed at establishing India's prowess in the domain of fifth-generation multirole fighter jets. Dr. Krishna Rajendra Neeli, project director of AMCA at ADA, has expressed confidence that the aircraft will rival or surpass other fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft currently in service worldwide

Other Points to Consider

Cabinet Committee on Security

Aeronautical Development Agency

Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)

Introduction:

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Digital lending represents a dynamic landscape where unconventional financial service providers continuously leverage technological advancements to gain an edge over traditional counterparts. These lenders adeptly integrate digital solutions with simplicity, speed, and comprehensive customer service to streamline loan processes, delivering an end-to-end experience.

Body:

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Digital lending is propelling the transformation of financial services in India through various means:

Personalized Communication:

Tech-driven digital lenders harness vast data repositories to analyze consumer behavior and implement hyper-personalization strategies. By segmenting their customer base into distinct subsets based on demographics, location, spending patterns, interaction history, and satisfaction levels, businesses identify target groups more effectively, tailoring their services accordingly.

Enhanced Customer Engagement:

Fostering customer loyalty is pivotal for long-term growth. Consequently, lenders prioritize individualized interactions, viewing customers as unique entities rather than mere statistics. By engaging extensively with their target audience, lenders gather insights to refine their offerings and communication, fostering relationships built on trust and mutual benefit.

Proactive Automation in Credit Decisions:

Traditionally, lending processes were labor-intensive and paper-based. However, digital lenders revolutionize this landscape by integrating fundamental technologies such as Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Robotic Process Automation (RPA), Machine Learning (ML), and Automated Document Recognition (ADR). This proactive automation streamlines lending operations and enhances efficiency.

Emphasis on Cybersecurity and Fraud Detection:

Machine Learning techniques empower financial institutions to detect intricate fraud patterns that elude traditional methods. By maintaining real-time fraud detection systems, these lenders continuously evolve their security measures, ensuring robust protection against fraudulent activities.

Effective Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) Delivery Models:

SaaS delivery models offer agile automation across key lending domains, facilitating rapid deployment, even for complex services like mortgages. This scalable approach not only accommodates diverse borrowing needs but also reduces system costs significantly, enabling resource allocation towards high-value consumer engagements

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

In conclusion, the evolution of digital lending is reshaping the financial services landscape in India. By leveraging technology-driven solutions, digital lenders are enhancing customer experiences through personalized communication, proactive automation, and robust cybersecurity measures. This transformation underscores the shift towards a more efficient, customer-centric approach, where the focus is on delivering seamless, end-to-end services tailored to individual needs. As digital lending continues to evolve, it promises to drive further innovation, efficiency, and inclusivity in the financial sector, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the Indian economy

Other Points to Consider

SaaS (Software-as-a-service)

Cybersecurity and Fraud Detection

Introduction:

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The MIRV (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle) technology enables a single missile to target multiple locations that may be dispersed by hundreds of kilometers.

The latest variant of the Agni-5 missile incorporates MIRV technology, joining the league of countries possessing such capabilities, which includes the United States, Russia, China, France, and the United Kingdom.

Body:

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MIRV technology possesses unique lethality due to several factors:

• Unlike traditional missiles, which carry a single warhead, MIRVs have the capacity to carry multiple warheads simultaneously.

• These warheads can be released from the missile at varying speeds and trajectories, thereby enhancing their effectiveness in hitting multiple targets.

• Developing MIRV technology entails significant challenges, including the requirement for large missiles, compact warheads, precise guidance systems, and sophisticated mechanisms for releasing warheads during flight.

Conclusion:

The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach

The capability of MIRV technology, allowing a single missile to carry multiple warheads, remains limited to a select few nations—namely, the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom, and France.

India's recent successful test of an advanced Agni-5 ballistic missile equipped with MIRV capabilities signifies a significant upgrade in its missile arsenal. This development substantially enhances India's strike capabilities, including its nuclear deterrence potential

Other Points to Ponder

DRDO

Other Missiles of DRDO

Agni-5

Why southern India’s water supplies are rapidly running out? Discuss with examples.

Introduction:

Southern India is facing a rapid depletion of water supplies due to various factors leading to water scarcity in both rural and urban areas. This situation has serious implications for irrigation, drinking water availability, and agricultural practices.

Body:

Reservoir Water Levels: The Central Water Commission (CWC) monitors water levels in key reservoirs across southern states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. Recent reports indicate that water stocks in these reservoirs are significantly lower compared to previous years. For instance, reservoirs in Karnataka are currently holding water at only 26% of their full capacity, which is considerably lower than expected levels for this time of the year.

Monsoon Variability: Southern India heavily relies on the monsoon season for replenishing water sources. However, recent years have seen irregular monsoon patterns and inter-seasonal rainfall variability, leading to inadequate recharge of groundwater and reservoirs. Despite the country as a whole receiving normal rainfall, the south peninsular region experienced below-normal rainfall during critical periods of the monsoon, impacting water availability.

Drinking Water Crisis in Urban Areas: Cities like Bengaluru in Karnataka are facing acute drinking water shortages due to depleted water reserves. This crisis extends beyond Bengaluru and affects other urban areas in southern states as well. Urbanization, population growth, and inefficient water management contribute to the strain on water resources in urban centres.

Impact on Irrigated Farming: Southern states, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, heavily rely on irrigated farming practices, including high-water-intensive crops like paddy. Water scarcity directly affects agricultural productivity and livelihoods. Diminishing water supplies also leads to conflicts over water allocation among different sectors like agriculture, industry, and domestic usage.

Aquifer Characteristics: Southern India's rocky aquifer system poses challenges as these aquifers do not hold substantial water and deplete quickly. Additionally, the recharge rates may not keep up with extraction rates, exacerbating water scarcity issues.

Conclusion:

The water crisis in southern India is a complex issue influenced by climatic factors, unsustainable water management practices, population pressures, and the region's unique hydrological characteristics. Addressing these challenges requires sustainable water conservation measures, efficient irrigation practices, promoting rainwater harvesting, and enhancing water governance to ensure water security for both present and future generations. Government policies, public awareness, and community participation are crucial in mitigating the impacts of water scarcity in southern India.

Other Related Topics

Crop residue burning refers to the practice of intentionally setting fire to the leftover plant material (crop residues) after harvesting crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, and other agricultural produce. Crop residue burning has significant negative effects on the environment, soil health, and air quality. It leads to the loss of nutrients, impacts soil properties, and contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants. However, the use of baler machines can be a sustainable solution for managing stubble effectively.

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The following information in the body of your answer might be appropriate

Effects of Crop Residue Burning

• Loss of Nutrients: Burning crop residues results in the loss of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), and organic carbon. This nutrient loss can adversely affect soil fertility and crop productivity.
• Impact on Soil Properties: The heat generated during residue burning can elevate soil temperatures, leading to the death of beneficial soil organisms. It can also alter soil structure and reduce water retention capacity.
• Emission of Greenhouse Gases: Crop residue burning releases greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), contributing to climate change and air pollution. It also emits other pollutants like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM), which have adverse health effects.

Baler Machines in Stubble Management

• Compression of Residues: Baler machines are used to compress agricultural residues such as straw and stubble into compact bales. These bales are easier to handle, transport, and store compared to loose residues.
• Additional Income Source: Farmers can sell compacted straw bales to industries for various purposes like biofuel production, animal bedding, packaging material, and composting. This provides an additional source of income for farmers.
• Timely Field Preparation: Using balers allows farmers to clear fields of stubble quickly, enabling timely land preparation and sowing of the next crop without the need for burning.
• Environmental Benefits: By reducing the practice of crop residue burning, baler machines contribute to improving air quality, preserving soil health, conserving nutrients, and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

A Balanced answer in your conclusion should be there 

Baler machines play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture by facilitating effective stubble management and reducing the harmful effects of crop residue burning. Encouraging the adoption of baler technology among farmers, along with promoting alternative uses of stubble, can contribute significantly to environmental conservation and agricultural sustainability. Government initiatives such as subsidies and awareness programs can further promote the widespread adoption of baler machines and sustainable crop residue management practices.

Introduction:

The term "blue economy" refers simply to economic activities linked to the sea and coasts, commonly assumed to incorporate sustainability principles. As defined by the European Commission, it encompasses all economic endeavors related to oceans, seas, and coasts, spanning various established and emerging sectors. The World Bank interprets the blue economy as the sustainable utilization of ocean resources to foster economic growth, enhance livelihoods, and generate employment while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem.

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The significance of the blue economy is particularly pronounced for a country like India, characterized by an extensive coastline, diverse marine life, and numerous tourism prospects. Finance Minister Sitharaman emphasized the launch of a comprehensive scheme encompassing restoration, adaptation measures, coastal aquaculture, and mariculture, employing an integrated and multi-sectoral approach. This approach ensures economic activities do not compromise the health of the oceans.

Examining India's blue economy policy, a draft policy framework was initially unveiled in July 2022. The policy document outlined key recommendations covering the National Accounting Framework for Blue Economy, Ocean Governance, Coastal Marine Spatial Planning, Tourism Priority, Marine Fisheries, Aquaculture, Fish Processing, Manufacturing, emerging industries, trade, technology, services, skill development, logistics, infrastructure, shipping, coastal and deep-sea mining, offshore energy, security, strategic dimensions, and international engagement.

Conclusion:

In a recent announcement, the Finance Minister highlighted the establishment of five integrated aquaparks and the expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The expansion aims to increase aquaculture productivity, double exports to Rs 1 lakh crore, and generate 55 lakh employment opportunities in the near future. These initiatives underscore India's commitment to leveraging its blue economy potential for sustainable economic growth and environmental preservation

Other Related Topics

Coastal aquaculture

Mariculture

Introduction:

Di-ammonium phosphate, commonly known as DAP, stands as the second most widely utilized fertilizer in India following urea. Recognized for its high phosphorus content, crucial for fostering root establishment and development, DAP plays a vital role in enabling plants to achieve their normal size and timely maturity. Nano DAP, produced by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative (IFFCO), differs from conventional DAP in its liquid form, containing 8% Nitrogen and 16% Phosphorus by volume.

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Why is the government inclined to promote its usage?

Nano DAP's distinct advantage lies in its tiny particle size, enhancing its efficiency compared to the conventional granular form. This characteristic enables the fertilizer to permeate the seed surface easily or enter through stomata and other plant openings. The improved assimilation within the plant system results in higher seed vigor, increased chlorophyll, enhanced photosynthetic efficiency, improved crop quality, and a subsequent boost in crop yields.

Given the significant subsidies provided by the government on DAP, the adoption of the more cost-effective Nano DAP is expected to alleviate the government's subsidy burden. Its pocket-friendly nature and enhanced convenience contribute to its appeal.

Benefits:

1. Cost-effectiveness: Nano DAP proves to be more economical.
2. Convenience: Nano DAP is notably more user-friendly.

Conclusion:

Crucially, India currently relies heavily on fertilizer imports to meet domestic demand. The utilization of domestically produced Nano DAP from Kalol, Gujarat, is anticipated to substantially reduce this import burden. This revolutionary step not only propels Indian agriculture forward in foodgrain production but also establishes self-reliance in fertilizer production. The adoption of Nano DAP signifies a significant stride towards achieving self-sufficiency in fertilizers, providing substantial benefits to Indian farmers

Other Related Topics

IFFCO

Nano DAP

Introduction:

Traditionally, the measurement of poverty has relied on income levels or, in the absence of income data, expenditure levels. These indicators, known as "poverty lines," represent expenditure levels considered low enough to categorize an individual as impoverished. In India, multidimensional poverty witnessed a decline from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23, leading to approximately 24.82 crore individuals escaping poverty during this period. Notably, Uttar Pradesh emerged as the state with the highest number of people escaping poverty at 5.94 crore, followed by Bihar at 3.77 crore and Madhya Pradesh at 2.30 crore.

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A divergence exists between the Indian Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) and the Global MPI. Globally, the MPI employs 10 indicators across three primary domains: (i) health, (ii) education, and (iii) standard of living. Each of these dimensions holds equal weight, contributing one-third to the final index. Health indicators encompass child and adolescent mortality, education metrics include years of schooling and attendance, and the standard of living dimension incorporates household-specific indicators like housing, household assets, cooking fuel type, sanitation, drinking water, and electricity.

The Indian MPI, while aligning with global dimensions, incorporates two additional indicators to reflect national priorities. These additional indicators cover maternal health under the health dimension and bank accounts under the standard of living dimension, according to the NITI Aayog.

Conclusion:

The Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) value for a given population is the proportion of weighted deprivations faced by individuals experiencing multidimensional poverty divided by the total population. This nuanced approach to measuring poverty, considering multiple dimensions beyond income, provides a comprehensive understanding of the challenges individuals face in different aspects of their lives

Other Related Points

What is the basis for this assessment?

How is MPI calculated?

Introduction:

The objective of creditisation is to establish academic parity between vocational and general education, fostering seamless transition between these two educational systems, as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020. In line with this, the University Grants Commission (UGC), responsible for overseeing higher education, introduced the National Credit Framework (NCrF) in 2022 to operationalize this vision. NCrF serves as a unified credit framework aimed at integrating training and skill development into both school and higher education, with student credits digitally stored in the Academic Bank of Credits and accessible through linked Digilocker accounts.

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The proposed changes recommended by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) subcommittee underscore the absence of a formalized credit system in the current standard school curriculum. According to the CBSE plan, an academic year would consist of 1,200 notional learning hours, equating to earning 40 credits. These hours encompass both academic learning within the school setting and non-academic or experiential learning outside the school premises.

To implement this, adjustments have been made to the scheme of studies, outlining teaching hours and credits earned for each subject. The committee advocates the inclusion of multidisciplinary and vocational courses alongside existing disciplines. Consequently, to pass final exams in Classes 9 and 10, students must complete ten subjects, comprising three languages and seven core disciplines.

Furthermore, the proposal suggests that at least two of the three mandatory languages should be Indian, providing flexibility in language choices such as Hindi, Sanskrit, and English. For Classes 11 and 12, the Board recommends students study six subjects, encompassing two languages and four subjects with an optional fifth. At least one of the two languages must be Indian.

Conclusion:

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the largest national school board in the country, is poised to implement substantial modifications to the academic framework for Classes 9, 10, 11, and 12. This initiative aligns with the creditisation approach advocated by the 2020 National Education Policy (NEP), reflecting a commitment to establishing equivalence between vocational and general education

Other Related Points to Consider

National Education Policy

Credit system

National Credit Framework

A recent study, published in April of this year in the Agronomy Journal, highlights the transformation of India's primary pearl millet (bajra) production areas. Between 1998 and 2017, these zones have shifted to encompass 18 districts located across eastern Rajasthan and Haryana. The research was a collaboration between the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research – All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet (ICAR-AICRP).

This alteration in cultivation zones has been attributed to an increase in rainfall induced by human-driven climate change. In India, pearl millet cultivation areas are traditionally classified based on precipitation patterns and soil types:

(i) Zone A1 – Arid Zone of Rajasthan (less than 400 mm rainfall) (ii) Zone A – Semi-arid regions in north and central India (more than 400 mm rainfall) – Rajasthan, Haryana, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh (iii) Zone B – Southern and central western India

The study further divides Zone 'A' into three subzones: 'G', 'AE1', and 'AE2'. Zone 'G' witnessed an average increase in rainfall in Gujarat, while Zone 'AE1' experienced a rise in eastern Rajasthan and Haryana. Additionally, Zone 'AE2' covers 12 districts in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Conclusion

In India, millets are predominantly cultivated during the kharif season. As per Agriculture Ministry data for 2018-19, three millet crops—bajra (3.67%), jowar (2.13%), and ragi (0.48%)—comprised approximately 7 percent of the total cultivated area in the country.

Millets are renowned for being nutritional powerhouses. Buckwheat (kuttu) and amaranth (chaulai), categorized as pseudo millets due to their substantial nutritional value, are now recognized as "Nutri Cereals" for production, consumption, and trade.

On March 3, 2021, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) ratified a resolution designating 2023 as the International Year of Millets. Proposed by India, this initiative garnered support from 72 countries.

Other Points to Consider

Millets under PDS

Benefits of Millets

Main millets-producing states

First and foremost, the Arctic Council facilitates scientific cooperation and information-sharing among member states. This collaboration results in a better understanding of the region's environmental challenges, including climate change, biodiversity conservation, and pollution control. It allows for informed policy decisions and the implementation of effective environmental protection measures.

The Council also emphasizes the importance of sustainable development in the Arctic. Through various working groups and initiatives, it encourages responsible economic activities that consider the environmental and social impacts. Sustainable resource management, including fisheries and energy extraction, is a key area of focus, as it ensures that economic growth in the Arctic does not come at the cost of its fragile ecosystems.

Furthermore, the Arctic Council acknowledges the rights and concerns of indigenous communities living in the region. Their traditional knowledge and active participation in the Council's activities contribute to culturally sensitive and environmentally sustainable policies and practices.

Conclusion

A simple and balanced conclusion would be ideal

Arctic Council serves as a significant platform for promoting environmental protection and sustainable development in the Arctic. By fostering international cooperation, scientific research, and indigenous involvement, it plays a critical role in addressing the unique challenges facing this sensitive and rapidly changing region.

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Sahara Desert.

The Sahara desert covers an area of around 9,200,000 square kilometres and is one of the largest hot deserts in the world.

Deserts are defined by low average annual rainfall — usually 100 millimeters (less than 4 inches) of rain per year or less.

The cyclic transformation of the Sahara Desert into savannah and woodland ecosystems is one of the most remarkable environmental changes on the planet.

According to the research study that was published in the journal Nature Communications, the periodic wet phases in the Sahara desert were caused by changes in Earth’s orbit around the Sun

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Possible Reasons

Increase in the African Humid period which could have allowed the dispersal of various species.

There is already a lot of evidence to back up the hypothesis that the Sahara was once vegetation. These “North African humid periods” may have had a significant influence in the establishment of vegetation passageways out of Africa.

The greenings of the Sahara Desert could have been driven by changes in Earth’s orbital precession.

The Earth’s spin influences seasonality over an approximately 21,000-year cycle. The changes in precession also decide the amount of energy received by the planet during different seasons.

These changes caused warmer summers in the Northern hemisphere and thereby increased the strength of the West African monsoon system which has increased rain in the Sahara, causing the spread of savannah-type vegetation through the desert.

Conclusion

You can add a simple conclusion like the following

Sahara's transformation is a topic of ongoing research, and our understanding of the mechanisms involved continues to evolve. Additionally, human-induced climate change may be influencing the Sahara's climate in ways that are not fully understood. Studying past climate records, modeling future scenarios, and monitoring current conditions are essential for gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the complex processes involved in the transformation of the Sahara Desert into savannah and woodland ecosystems.

Other Points to Consider

Species living in the Sahara Desert

Countries covered under the Sahara Desert

Rivers flowing through the Sahara Desert

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Ozone.

Ozone is a molecule that is made up of three oxygen atoms. A layer of this gas sits in our planet’s stratosphere between 15 and 30 kilometres above the surface. It absorbs a portion of the radiation from the Sun, preventing it from reaching the planet.

Ozone is a molecule that is made up of three oxygen atoms. A layer of this gas sits in our planet’s stratosphere between 15 and 30 kilometres above the surface.

It absorbs a portion of the radiation from the Sun, preventing it from reaching the planet. It also prevents UV-B radiation from reaching the Earth and harming humans and other living beings

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Montreal Protocol

• The 1989 Montreal Protocol is meant to protect the ozone layer of the upper atmosphere.
• A set of chemicals, mainly the chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs, which were being used in the air-conditioning and refrigeration industry earlier, were found to be damaging the ozone layer of the upper atmosphere.
• The extensive use had led to depletion of the ozone layer, and formation of an “ozone hole” over the Antarctic region.
• Montreal Protocol mandated the complete phase-out of CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances (ODS), which it has successfully managed to do in the last three decades.
• CFCs were gradually phased out, first by HCFCs, or hydrochlorofluorocarbons in some situations, and then by HFCs, which have little ozone-depleting potential.

The Kigali Amendment

• In 2016, countries agreed to include HFCs in the list of controlled substances under Montreal Protocol and decided on a schedule for its phase-down.
• If implemented successfully, the Kigali Amendment is expected to prevent about 0.5°C rise in global warming by the end of this century.

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Assam Rifles.

Assam Rifles is one of the six central armed police forces (CAPFs) under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The other forces being the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Border Security Force (BSF), the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

Assam Rifles is tasked with the maintenance of law and order in the North East along with the Indian Army and also guards the Indo-Myanmar border in the region.

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Dual control structure of the Assam Rifles

• It is the only paramilitary force with a dual control structure. While the administrative control of the force is with the MHA, its operational control is with the Indian Army, which is under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
• It means that salaries and infrastructure for the force is provided by the MHA, but the deployment, posting, transfer and deputation of the personnel is decided by the Army.
• All its senior ranks, from DG to IG and sector headquarters are manned by officers from the Army. The force is commanded by Lieutenant General from the Indian Army.
• Its recruitment, perks, promotion of its personnel and retirement policies are governed according to the rules framed by the MHA for CAPFs.
• This has created two sets of demands from both within the Assam Rifles and by MoD and MHA for singular control over the force by one ministry.

Role and Contribution

• Assam Rifles is the oldest paramilitary force raised way back in 1835 in British India with just 750 men. Since then, it has gone on to fight in two World Wars, the Sino-Indian war of 1962 and used as an anti-insurgency force against militant groups in the North East.
• It was reorganised later as Assam Frontier Force as its role was expanded to conduct punitive operations beyond Assam borders.
• The Post-Independence role of the Assam Rifles continued to evolve ranging from conventional combat role during Sino-India War 1962, operating in foreign land as part of the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka in 1987 (Op Pawan) to peacekeeping role in the North-Eastern areas of India.
• It remains the most awarded paramilitary force in both pre- and post-independent India.
• Assam Rifle is responsible for the maintenance of law and order in the North East along with the Indian Army and also guards the Indo-Myanmar border in the region.

Ozone (chemically, a molecule of three oxygen atoms) is found mainly in the upper atmosphere, an area called stratosphere, between 10 and 50 km from the earth’s surface.

Ozone is present in the atmosphere in low concentrations and at places where this layer is thickest, there are not more than a few molecules of ozone for every million air molecules.

Why it is important?

The ozone layer protects life on Earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

The ozone molecules eliminate a big threat to life forms on Earth. UV rays can cause skin cancer and other diseases and deformities, in plants and animals

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• During experiments in Antarctica in the early 1980s, scientists noticed that during September-November, the concentration of ozone fell considerably lower than what was recorded in the 1950s.
• The destruction of the ozone layer became a major international issue in 1985 when the “ozone hole” was discovered over Antarctica.
• The ‘ozone hole’ is not really a hole. It is a region in the stratosphere, directly above Antarctica, where the concentration of ozone has been measured to become extremely low in certain months.

Causes

• The depletion of the ozone layer is not limited to that area and has happened in other regions of the stratosphere as well, but a set of special meteorological and chemical conditions that arise over Antarctica in the months of September, October and November.
• The 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer (the only universally ratified treaty in United Nations’ history), began the phase-out of CFCs in 1993.
• By 2005 the consumption of ozone-depleting chemicals controlled by the agreement had fallen by 90–95 percent in the 197 countries that were parties to the protocol.
• There are 96 chemicals are presently controlled by the Montreal Protocol, including:
• Halo-carbons (Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Halons): These were considered wonder gases because they are long-lived, non-toxic, non-corrosive, and non-flammable.
• CFC-11 remains in the atmosphere for 50 years, CFC-12 for 102 years, and CFC-115 for 1,700.
• Halon 1301 is used primarily in fire extinguishers and has an atmospheric lifetime of 65 years.
• Carbon tetrachloride: It is used as a solvent and takes about 42 years to break down in the atmosphere.
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs): These were developed as the first major replacement for CFCs. While much less destructive than CFCs, HCFCs also contribute to ozone depletion. They have an atmospheric lifetime of about 1.4 to 19.5 years.
• There are various other chemicals that can be mentioned like Methyl chloroform, Hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFCs), Methyl bromide, Bromochloromethane (BCM), etc.

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Methane.

Methane is a greenhouse gas, which is responsible for 30 per cent of the warming since preindustrial times, second only to carbon dioxide. A report by the United Nations Environment Programme observed that over a 20-year period, methane is 80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide.

There are various sources of methane including human and natural sources. Human sources of methane include landfills, oil and natural gas systems, agricultural activities, coal mining, wastewater treatment, and certain industrial processes

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Measures to Reduce Methane Emissions

India has been persistent in its commitment to developing and implementing climate change policies. The following are ongoing attempts to limit methane emissions:

National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): It involves climate-resilient practices such as methane reduction in rice agriculture which helps to significantly reduce methane emissions.

National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed several technologies with mitigation potential for methane from rice viz.

(a) System for Rice Intensification: The technique has potential to enhance rice yield from 36-49% with about 22-35% less water than conventional transplanted rice;

(b) Direct Seeded Rice: The system reduces methane emissions as it does not involve raising nurseries, puddling and transplanting. Unlike transplanted paddy cultivation, standing water is not maintained in this system and

(c) Crop Diversification Programme: Methane emissions is avoided due to diversion of paddy to alternate crops like pulses, oilseeds, maize, cotton and agroforestry.

Capacity-building programmes are conducted through Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country to create awareness on climate-resilient practices.

National Livestock Mission: It includes Breed Improvement and Balanced Rationing. Feeding better quality balanced rations to animals helps to minimise methane emissions from livestock. The Government of India also promotes for green fodder production, silage making, chaff cutting, and total mixed ration.

Gobar (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources) –Dhan’ scheme: It supports biodegradable waste recovery and conversion of waste into resources and reduction of methane emissions.

Conclusion

Your conclusion should be short. You may include:

COP28 President Designate Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber called upon the oil and gas industry to phase out methane emissions by 2030 and align in favour of comprehensive net-zero emission plans by or before 2050.

According to the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA), methane emissions are among the top causes of global warming. Fossil fuel operations generate over one-third of all methane emissions from human activity. Thus, action on methane is seen as one of the most effective measures the energy sector can take to mitigate climate change

Other Points to Consider

Global Methane Pledge

Global Methane Initiative

Waste to Energy

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about Aditya L1

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched Aditya L-1, the first Indian space-based mission to study the Sun, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
• The solar probe was carried into space by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in ‘XL’ configuration. SLV is one of the most reliable and versatile workhorse rockets of ISRO.
• The PSLV will initially place the Aditya L-1 in a lower Earth orbit. Subsequently, the spacecraft’s orbit around the Earth will be raised multiple times before it is put on a path to a halo orbit around the L1 Lagrange point

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

The ‘Waste to Wealth Mission’ of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) aims to identify, develop, and deploy technologies to treat waste to generate energy, recycle materials, and extract resources of value.

The mission is working to identify and support the development of new technologies that promise to create a clean and green environment.

The objective of the mission is:

(i) To identify and support the development of new technologies that can help create a cleaner and greener environment.

(ii) To boost and augment the Swachh Bharat Mission and Smart Cities Project by leveraging science, technology, and innovation.

(iii) To create circular economic models that are financially viable for waste management.

(iv) To streamline waste handling in India.

The mission will assist and augment the Swachh Bharat and Smart Cities projects by leveraging science, technology, and innovation to create circular economic models that are financially viable for waste management to streamline waste handling in the country.

The Waste to Wealth Mission is one of the nine scientific missions of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).

In addition, the objective will seek out and assist the development of innovative technologies that promise to build a clean and green environment.

The mission will support and supplement the Swachh Bharat and Smart Cities programs by harnessing science, technology, and innovation to develop circular economic models that are commercially feasible for waste management in order to simplify trash management in the country.

You can add the following schemes in your answer

GOBAR-Dhan” (Galvanising Organic Bio-Agro Resources-Dhan) initiative has two objectives:

(i) To make villages clean and generate wealth.

(ii) Energy from cattle and other waste.

Houseboat Sewage Management

The Waste to Wealth Mission will assist the Government of Jammu and Kashmir in piloting, verifying, and scaling up decentralized sewage treatment technology to address the input of untreated sewage from houseboats into Dal Lake.

Decentralized solid and liquid waste management

The Waste to Wealth Mission is engaging with Municipal Corporation Faridabad (MCF) to jointly deploy technologies in solid and liquid waste management to address Faridabad’s enormous waste challenges.

Swachhta Saarthi Fellowship

The fellowship is a program to empower young innovators participating in community waste management/awareness campaigns/waste surveys/studies.

Conclusion

Your conclusion should be short.

According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, about 4 lakh women are directly engaged in sanitation and waste management in cities.

The Waste to Wealth mission acts as a platform for technology providers, government stakeholders, urban local bodies and users to seek an appropriate solution.

Other Points to Consider

Challenges

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about solar energy.

India has enormous solar energy potential. Solar photovoltaic electricity may be successfully harnessed, giving enormous scalability in India. Solar also permits dispersed power generation and quick capacity increase with short lead periods. Off-grid decentralized and low-temperature applications will be helpful for rural applications as well as addressing other energy demands for electricity, heating, and cooling in both rural and urban locations.

Solar energy has had a noticeable influence on the Indian energy landscape in recent years. Millions of people in Indian communities have profited from solar energy-based decentralized and distributed applications that satisfy their cooking, lighting, and other energy demands in an environmentally benign manner.

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Initiatives taken by India

Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects

• It was rolled out in December 2014 with the objective to facilitate the solar project developers to set up projects expeditiously.
• The solar parks are developed in collaboration with the State Governments and their agencies, CPSUs, and private entrepreneurs.
• The scheme’s second phase has an objective to set up solar PV projects through Government Producers using domestic cells & modules in WTO compliant manner to facilitate national energy security and environmental sustainability for Government purposes.

Examples: NTPC Floating Solar Plant Ramagundam (100 MW), NTPC Floating Solar Plant Kayamkulam (92 MW), Rihand Dam Floating Solar Power Plant (50 MW), etc.

Grid Connected Solar Rooftop Programme

The objective of the scheme is to achieve a cumulative installed capacity of 40,000 MW from Grid Connected Rooftop Solar (RTS) projects.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (KUSUM) scheme

The scheme has three components:

• Component-A: For Setting up 10,000 MW of Decentralized Grid Connected Renewable Energy Power Plants on barren land.
• Component-B: For Installation of 17.50 Lakh stand-alone solar agriculture pumps.
• Component-C: For Solarisation of 10 Lakh Grid Connected Agriculture Pumps.

One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG)

• The idea for the One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG) initiative was put forth by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi, at the First Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in October 2018.
• In May 2021, the United Kingdom and India agreed to combine forces of the Green Grids Initiative and the One Sun One World One Grid initiative and jointly launch GGI-OSOWOG at the COP26 summit being hosted by the UK at Glasgow in November 2021.

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about james webb telescope.

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is an international collaboration between NASA, ESA (the European Space Agency), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA).

The James Webb Space Telescope (sometimes called JWST or Webb) will be a large infrared telescope with a 6.5-meter primary mirror. The telescope was launched on an Ariane 5 rocket from French Guiana in 2021.

It will explore every stage of our Universe’s history, from the first brilliant glows after the Big Bang to the development of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets such as Earth and the evolution of our own Solar System.

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Goals of James Webb Telescope

• The science goals for the Webb can be grouped into four themes:
• To look back around 13.5 billion years to see the first stars and galaxies forming out of the darkness of the early universe.
• To compare the faintest, earliest galaxies to today’s grand spirals and understand how galaxies assemble over billions of years.
• To see where stars and planetary systems are being born.
• To observe the atmospheres of extrasolar planets (beyond our solar system), and perhaps find the building blocks of life elsewhere in the universe.

Difference between James Webb and Hubble Telescopes

• James Webb will primarily look at the Universe in the infrared while Hubble primarily studied optical and ultraviolet wavelengths (though it has some infrared capability).
• Webb has a much bigger mirror than Hubble which means light collecting area of Webb can peer farther back into time than Hubble is capable of doing.
• Hubble is in a very close orbit around the earth, while Webb will be 1.5 million kilometers (km) away at the second Lagrange (L2) point.
• The JWST will be able to see right through and into massive clouds of dust that are opaque to earlier generation visible-light observatories like the Hubble Telescope.
• Webb is equipped with cameras and other instruments sensitive to infrared or “heat” radiation, and the Hubble is not

A simple introduction to this answer can revolve around a general statement about cyber space and cyber security.

• Cyberspace is a global domain within the information environment consisting of the interdependent network of information technology infrastructures, including the Internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers.
• Cyber Intrusions and Attacks have increased dramatically over the last decade, exposing sensitive personal and business information, disrupting critical operations, and imposing high costs on the economy.
• India ranks 3rd in terms of the highest number of internet users in the world after the USA and China which makes it more vulnerable to threats.
• The Cyber & Information Security (CIS) division of MHA deals with matters relating to cybersecurity, cybercrime, national information security policy and guidelines (NISPG) and its implementation, and the national intelligence grid.

The different types of threats which have been identified are:

Malware – Malicious software to disrupt computers

Viruses and worms

Theft of Intellectual Property or Data

Hacktivism – Cyber protests that are socially or politically motivated

Mobile Devices and applications and their associated Cyber Attacks

Social Engineering – Entice Users to click on malicious links

Spear Phishing – Deceptive Communications (e-mails, texts, tweets)

Domain Name System (DNS) Attacks

Router Security – Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) Hijacking

Denial of Service (DoS) – blocking access to websites

The motives are different for different cyber players such as:

Cybercriminals seek commercial gain from hacking banks and financial institutions as well as phishing scams.

Cyber terrorist seeks to penetrate and attack critical assets and national infrastructure.

Cyber espionage seeks to penetrate both corporate and military data using stealthy IT malware.

Cyber hacktivists have political agendas that hack sites and servers to virally communicate messages.

Body

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Steps to Strengthen Cyber Security in India

1.Network Security: Protect your networks against external and internal attacks.

2.Malware Protection: Produce relevant policies and establish anti-malware defences that are applicable and relevant to all business areas.

3.Incident Management

• Establish an incident response and disaster recovery capability.
• Produce and test incident management plans.
• Provide specialist training to the incident management team.
• Report criminal incidents to law enforcement.

4.Monitoring: Establish a monitoring strategy and produce supporting policies. Continuously monitor all ICT systems and networks.

5.User Education and Awareness

• Produce user policies covering acceptable and secure use of the organisation’s systems.
• Establish a staff training programme.

6.Home and Mobile Working

• Develop a mobile working policy and train staff to adhere to it.
• Apply the secure baseline to all devices.

7.Secure Configuration: Apply security patches and ensure that the secure configuration of all ICT systems is maintained.

8.Removable Media Controls: Produce a policy to control all access to removable media.

9.Managing User Privileges: Establish account management processes and limit the number of privileged accounts.

10.Information Risk Management Regime: Establish and effective governance structure and determine your risk appetite.

Conclusion

Your conclusion should be short.

The government shall take appropriate steps for enhancing the awareness of citizens and small businesses for cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity Capacity building and training for professionals, extending the ISEA program, introducing curricula academia and organizing conferences.

Other Points to Consider

Cyber Security Challenges