Current Affair

Back
DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 28 AUGUST 2023

NATIONAL PATIENT SAFETY IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK

 

1. Context

Former British nurse Lucy Letby was sentenced to life in prison earlier this week after being found guilty in the worst child serial killer case in the history of the U.K. Letby was convicted of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six others while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. She was first arrested in 2018. Letby killed infants by injecting them with air, others were force-fed milk, and two were poisoned with insulin, court documents said as per news reports.

2. Neonatal Safety in India

  • The safety of patients, especially neonates, is a critical concern within India's healthcare system. Patient safety encompasses protection against harm or potential harm associated with healthcare provision.
  • While Indian healthcare laws offer various layers of protection, the Neonatal safety framework requires specific attention to minimize potential risks, ensure quality care, and address issues faced by newborns.

3. Neonatal Care and Patient Safety:

  • Comprehensive Provisions: Indian healthcare laws provide multiple layers of protection for patients, including the Consumer Protection Act, Clinical Establishment Act, and mechanisms to oversee medication and device pricing.
  • Hippocratic Oath: The Hippocratic Oath emphasizes the ethical duty of healthcare professionals to prioritize patient safety.
  • Neonatal Safety: While India lacks exclusive rules for neonatal care, there are provisions against issues like baby mix-ups and abductions. Deliberate harm to patients is extremely rare, usually involving individuals with complex psychiatric illnesses.
  • Human Errors: In a country with a high birth rate, human errors in neonatal care may occur, but deliberate harm is rare. Healthcare systems focus on preventing, detecting, and managing errors.

4. Ensuring Neonatal Safety:

  • Comprehensive Measures: Neonatal safety protocols prioritize the safety and well-being of newborns to minimize potential risks.
  • Adequate Staffing: Trained healthcare providers closely monitor neonates' conditions, ensuring timely response to concerns.
  • Equipment and Facilities: Proper equipment for respiratory support, temperature regulation, and vital sign monitoring is available. Controlled environments prevent infections and temperature fluctuations.
  • Parental Involvement: Parents are encouraged to be involved while adhering to infection control precautions.
  • Healthcare Staff Training: Regular training and medical education are essential to maintain high-quality neonatal care and safety standards.

5. Challenges and Issues Faced by Neonates:

  • Global Neonatal Deaths: Despite a decline, neonatal deaths remain a concern globally. A significant portion of under-five deaths occurs in the neonatal period.
  • India's Infant Mortality Rate: India's infant mortality rate has declined, but challenges persist. Neonatal deaths are attributed to pre-term birth, birth asphyxia, infections, and birth defects.
  • Role of Midwives: Midwife-led continuity of care has been linked to reduced neonatal deaths and pre-term births. Educated and regulated midwives play a pivotal role in ensuring neonatal safety.

6. Addressing Challenges:

  • Prompt Medical Care: Families are advised to seek prompt medical attention for danger signs in neonates, such as difficulty breathing, fever, jaundice, or reduced activity.
  • Vaccination and Registration: Timely vaccination and birth registration are essential for neonatal health and safety.
  • Hospitalization and Home Care: Some neonates require additional attention during hospitalization and at home to mitigate health risks.

7. Conclusion:

Neonatal safety in India demands a comprehensive approach that addresses the challenges faced by newborns and ensures their protection and well-being. Adequate healthcare provisions, trained personnel, and awareness among families play a pivotal role in reducing neonatal mortality and promoting a safe and healthy start to life.

For Prelims: Neonatal Safety, Neonatal Care, Consumer Protection Act, Clinical Establishment Act, and Infant Mortality Rate.

For Mains: 1. Discuss the challenges and strategies for improving neonatal care in India. Examine the role of community-based interventions in enhancing neonatal care outcomes in rural India. (250 Words).

Source: The Hindu

TROPICAL FORESTS

 

1. Context

A small percentage of leaves on trees in tropical forests may be approaching the maximum temperature threshold for photosynthesis to work, suggests a study published in Nature.

2. Tropical Forests

  • Tropical forests are diverse and complex ecosystems found in the equatorial regions of the world.
  • They encompass a vast array of plant and animal species, making them one of the most biodiverse habitats on Earth.
  • These forests play a crucial role in maintaining the planet's ecological balance, offering various ecological, environmental, and socio-economic benefits.

3. Characteristics

  • Tropical forests are characterized by their high species richness, dense vegetation, and year-round warmth.
  • They consist of several layers, including the emergent layer (tallest trees), canopy layer (dense foliage), understory layer (young trees and shrubs), and forest floor (decaying organic matter).
  • The constant warmth and ample rainfall in tropical regions contribute to rapid growth and high levels of biological productivity.
  • Tropical forests are biodiversity hotspots, housing an estimated 50-80% of the world's terrestrial species.
  • This incredible diversity supports complex food webs and ecological interactions. From insects to mammals, birds to amphibians, these forests provide habitat for countless organisms, many of which are endemic and found nowhere else on the planet.

4. Carbon Reservoirs

  • Tropical forests also play a critical role in global carbon cycling. The dense vegetation in these forests stores vast amounts of carbon, helping regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and mitigate climate change.
  • Through photosynthesis, trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, contributing to the planet's oxygen supply.
  • These forests provide a multitude of ecosystem services. They regulate local and global climates, influence rainfall patterns, prevent soil erosion, and support water purification.
  • They also offer cultural and economic value to indigenous communities and host ecotourism activities, contributing to livelihoods.

5. Threats and Conservation

  • Despite their significance, tropical forests face numerous threats. Deforestation for agriculture, logging, mining, and urbanization has led to habitat loss and fragmentation.
  • This threatens the survival of many species and disrupts ecosystem functions. Climate change poses additional challenges, including rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns.
  • Conservation efforts aim to mitigate these threats and preserve the unique biodiversity and ecological functions of tropical forests.
  • Protected areas, sustainable logging practices, reforestation, and international agreements such as the Paris Agreement on climate change are crucial steps in ensuring the survival of these vital ecosystems.

6. Critical Temperature and Future of Tropical Forests

Estimation and Uncertainty:

  • About 0.01% of leaves exceed critical temperature, but uncertainties persist in defining critical temperatures for tropical trees.
  • Modelling indicates tropical forests can tolerate up to a 3.9°C temperature increase before potential tipping point.

Need for Action:

  • Protection measures required to safeguard tropical forests from climate change impact.
  • Uncertainties about critical temperature plasticity and leaf death's effect on tree death might alter predictions.

Climate Change Scenarios:

  • 4°C temperature estimate aligns with the worst-case climate change scenario for tropical forests.
  • Choices remain to determine the fate of these vital areas of carbon, water, and biodiversity.

Resilience and Thresholds:

  • Previous studies show tropical forests' resilience to warming and drought effects on carbon uptake.
  • Critical temperature functions as an upper limit, suggesting crossing the threshold is plausible within worst-case climate scenarios.

7. Impact of Deforestation and Climate Change on Tropical Forests

  • Local Temperature Changes: Deforestation and fragmentation intensify temperature shifts alongside global warming.
  • Critical Threshold Concern: The synergy of climate change and local deforestation might be pushing the hottest tropical forest areas close to or over the critical thermal threshold.
  • Mitigation and Deforestation Reduction: Combining robust climate change mitigation efforts with decreased deforestation can safeguard vital carbon, water, and biodiversity domains from surpassing thermal critical limits.
  • Importance of Tropical Forests: Tropical forests play a central role as carbon reservoirs and homes for global biodiversity.
  • Sensitivity to Warming: These ecosystems are particularly sensitive to rising temperatures.
  • Critical Temperature: A critical temperature around 46.7°C marks the point where photosynthetic processes in tropical trees begin to fail.
  • Uncertain Leaf Temperatures: It's uncertain if the leaf temperatures experienced by tropical vegetation are approaching or will soon reach this threshold due to climate change.

8. Photosynthesis

  • Photosynthesis is a fundamental biological process that sustains life on Earth by capturing light energy from the sun and converting it into chemical energy stored in the form of glucose and other organic molecules.
  • This process takes place in the chloroplasts of plant cells and is critical for providing oxygen, food, and energy to both plants and the organisms that consume them.

Process Overview

Photosynthesis involves several complex steps that occur in two main stages: the light-dependent reactions and the light-independent reactions (also known as the Calvin cycle).

  • Light-Dependent Reactions: These reactions occur in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts. Chlorophyll and other pigments absorb light energy, which is then used to split water molecules into oxygen and protons. Oxygen is released as a byproduct, while the protons are used to generate a proton gradient that powers the synthesis of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) and NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), energy-rich molecules.
  • Calvin Cycle (Light-Independent Reactions): Taking place in the stroma of chloroplasts, the Calvin cycle uses the ATP and NADPH generated in the light-dependent reactions to convert carbon dioxide into glucose. This cycle involves a series of enzyme-catalyzed reactions that produce simple sugars and other organic compounds.

Importance

Photosynthesis is crucial for various reasons:

  • Energy Source: It is the foundation of the food chain, as plants, algae, and some bacteria produce organic molecules that are consumed by herbivores and then passed up the trophic levels.
  • Oxygen Production: Oxygen, released as a byproduct of photosynthesis, is essential for the respiration of organisms, including humans.
  • Carbon Dioxide Regulation: Photosynthesis helps regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels by removing this greenhouse gas from the air and converting it into organic compounds.
  • Energy Storage: Glucose and other organic molecules produced through photosynthesis store energy that can be used by plants for growth, reproduction, and other metabolic processes.
For Prelims: Tropical forests, carbon cycling, climate change, Paris Agreement on climate change, Photosynthesis, chloroplasts of plant cells, ATP (adenosine triphosphate), NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate), and Calvin Cycle.
For Mains: 1. Examine the significance of tropical forests as biodiversity hotspots and carbon reservoirs. Discuss the threats faced by these vital ecosystems, including deforestation, climate change, and habitat fragmentation. (250 words).
 
 

Previous year Question

1. Which of the following statements about tropical rainforests are correct? (UPSC CAPF 2021)
1. The soils of tropical rainforests are quite infertile.
2. The vegetation is evergreen, enabling photosynthesis to take place year around.
3. They have been described as 'deserts covered by trees'.
4. They are the most productive land-based ecosystem.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
A. 2 and 4 only
B. 1, 3, and 4 only
C. 1, 2, and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D
 
2. "If rainforests and tropical forests are the lungs of the Earth, then surely wetlands function as its kidneys." Which one of the following functions of wetlands best reflects the above statement? (UPSC 2022)
A. The water cycle in wetlands involves surface runoff, subsoil percolation, and evaporation.
B. Algae form the nutrient base upon which fish, crustaceans, molluscs, birds, reptiles, and mammals thrive.
C. Wetlands play a vital role in maintaining sedimentation balance and soil stabilization.
D. Aquatic plants absorb heavy metals and excess nutrients.
Answer: D
 
3. If the tropical rainforest is removed, it does not regenerate quickly as compared to the tropical deciduous forest. This is because (UPSC 2011)
A. The soil of rain forest is deficient in nutrients.
B. propagules of the trees in the rainforest have poor viability.
C. The rainforest species are slow-growing.
D. exotic species invades the fertile soil of rain forest.
Answer: A
 
4. Consider the following States: 1. Arunachal Pradesh 2. Himachal Pradesh 3. Mizoram In which of the above States do 'Tropical Wet Evergreen Forests' occur? (UPSC 2015)
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
 
 Source: The Hindu

MICRO SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (MSME)

 
 
 
1. Context
Emphasising the need for a greater focus on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday called for greater participation of MSMEs in global value chains
 
2. Definition of 'MSME'
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are businesses that are characterized by their relatively small size in terms of employees, assets, and revenue. These enterprises play a crucial role in economies around the world, contributing to employment generation, economic growth, and innovation. The definitions of MSMEs can vary from country to country, but there are general guidelines provided by international organizations like the World Bank and the United Nations.

The definition of MSME varies from country to country. In India, an MSME is defined as a business with:

  • Micro enterprise: Up to 10 employees and an investment of up to INR 1 crore (approximately USD 130,000)
  • Small enterprise: Up to 50 employees and an investment of up to INR 10 crore (approximately USD 1.3 million)
  • Medium enterprise: Up to 200 employees and an investment of up to INR 50 crore (approximately USD 6.5 million)
3. Importance of MSME's

The importance of MSMEs in an economy includes:

  • Employment Generation: MSMEs are significant contributors to employment, especially in economies with limited opportunities for large-scale industrial employment.

  • Local Economic Development: MSMEs often operate at a local level, contributing to the development of local communities and economies.

  • Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Many innovative ideas and entrepreneurial ventures start as MSMEs. They have the flexibility to adapt quickly to changing market demands and experiment with new business models.

  • Diversity and Resilience: A diverse ecosystem of MSMEs can contribute to a more resilient economy by reducing dependence on a few large corporations.

  • Contributions to GDP: The combined contributions of MSMEs to a country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) can be significant, even if individual businesses are relatively small.

4. New Criteria for MSME's

The new criteria for the classification of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in India was notified by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) on June 1, 2020. The new criteria are based on the investment in plant and machinery or equipment and the annual turnover of the enterprise.

The following are the new criteria for the classification of MSMEs:

  • Micro enterprise: An enterprise with:
    • Investment in plant and machinery or equipment not more than Rs.1 crore (approximately USD 130,000)
    • Annual turnover not more than Rs. 5 crore (approximately USD 650,000)
  • Small enterprise: An enterprise with:
    • Investment in plant and machinery or equipment not more than Rs.10 crore (approximately USD 1.3 million)
    • Annual turnover not more than Rs. 50 crore (approximately USD 6.5 million)
  • Medium enterprise: An enterprise with:
    • Investment in plant and machinery or equipment not more than Rs.50 crore (approximately USD 6.5 million)
    • Annual turnover not more than Rs. 250 crore (approximately USD 3.25 million)
5. Challenges faced by MSME's

Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) play a vital role in the Indian economy, accounting for over 90% of all enterprises and employing over 40% of the workforce. However, MSMEs face a number of challenges, including:

  • Access to finance: MSMEs often find it difficult to obtain loans from banks and other financial institutions due to their lack of collateral and track record. This can make it difficult for them to expand their businesses or invest in new technologies.
  • Lack of skills: MSMEs often lack the skills and knowledge needed to compete in the global market. This can make it difficult for them to develop new products and services, or to adopt new technologies.
  • Competition from large businesses: MSMEs often face competition from large businesses, which have more resources and economies of scale. This can make it difficult for MSMEs to compete on price or quality.
  • Bureaucracy: MSMEs often face a number of bureaucratic hurdles, such as obtaining licenses and permits. This can be time-consuming and costly, and can discourage entrepreneurs from starting or expanding their businesses.
  • Infrastructure constraints: MSMEs often face infrastructure constraints, such as poor roads and electricity supply. This can make it difficult for them to transport their goods and services, or to operate their businesses efficiently.
  • Unstable government policies: MSMEs are often affected by unstable government policies, such as changes in tax rates or import duties. This can make it difficult for them to plan for the future and make investment decisions.
6. Government Schmes for MSME's
 

Here are some of the prominent schemes and programs for MSMEs by the Union Government of India:

  1. Micro Units Development and Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Yojana:

    • MUDRA Yojana aims to provide financial support to small and micro enterprises by offering loans through various financial institutions. It consists of three categories: Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun, based on the loan amount.

  2. Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY):

    • PMMY is a scheme to provide financial assistance for the establishment, expansion, and modernization of MSMEs. It offers loans without collateral security up to a certain limit.

  3. Credit Linked Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS):

    • CLCSS provides capital subsidy to MSMEs for technology upgradation, modernization, and replacement of their plant and machinery to improve competitiveness.

  4. Zero Defect Zero Effect (ZED) Certification Scheme:

    • ZED certification encourages MSMEs to adopt best practices and quality standards to enhance product quality while minimizing environmental impact.

  5. Make in India Initiative:

    • The Make in India campaign encourages domestic and foreign companies to manufacture products in India, fostering the growth of the manufacturing sector and MSMEs.

  6. Stand Up India Scheme:

    • This scheme aims to promote entrepreneurship among women and Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe communities by providing loans for starting new enterprises.

  7. Technology Upgradation Support for MSMEs (TEQUP):

    • TEQUP focuses on supporting MSMEs in adopting modern technology and upgrading their production processes to improve quality and competitiveness.

  8. National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme (NMCP):

    • NMCP includes various components such as Lean Manufacturing Competitiveness Scheme, Design Clinic Scheme, and more, aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector, including MSMEs.

  9. Entrepreneurial and Managerial Development of SMEs (EMD-SME):

    • EMD-SME focuses on providing training, capacity-building, and skill development to entrepreneurs and managers of MSMEs.

  10. Skill India Initiative:

    • While not exclusively for MSMEs, the Skill India program aims to provide skill training to individuals, including those in the MSME sector, to improve employability and entrepreneurship.

  11. Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme:

    • The EPCG scheme allows MSMEs to import capital goods for the purpose of upgrading technology and enhancing export competitiveness with certain duty benefits.

  12. Udyog Aadhaar Registration:

    • The Udyog Aadhaar registration process simplifies the process of registering and obtaining various benefits for MSMEs, such as easier access to credit and government schemes.
7. Way forward
Addressing these challenges often requires a combination of government support, industry initiatives, access to finance, skill development programs, technology adoption, networking opportunities, and tailored solutions that take into account the unique needs of MSMEs.
 

Previous year Questions

1. Consider the following statements with reference to India: (UPSC 2023)
1. According to the 'Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006', the 'medium enterprises' are those with investments in plant and machinery between Rs. 15 crore and Rs. 25 crore.
2. All bank loans to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises qualify under the priority sector.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
 
2. Which of the following can aid in furthering the Government's objective of inclusive growth? (UPSC 2011)
1. Promoting Self-Help Groups
2. Promoting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
3. Implementing the Right to Education Act
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A. 1 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
 Source: The Hindu

SCHOLARSHIP FOR MINORITIES

 

1. Context

In the past few years, the Centre has discontinued two key educational schemes for religious minorities, narrowed the scope of another, and gradually cut down on the expenditure incurred on multiple programmes of the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

2. Why Scholarships for Religious Minorities?

  • India has over 30 crore (20%) people from religious minority groups, including six religions under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992.
  • Muslims are the largest religious minority but face challenges, with low participation in formal jobs and many working in the informal sector with poor conditions.
  • The Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee, formed by the UPA government, found in a 2006 report that Muslims were neglected in development, ranking above SC/ST but below Hindu OBCs, other minorities, and Hindu General in various indicators.
  • In 2006, the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government established the Ministry of Minority Affairs to address issues affecting the notified minorities, focusing on education, economics, infrastructure, and special needs.

3. Educational Empowerment Schemes for Religious Minorities

Pre-Matric Scholarship Scheme:

  • Central sector programme by Ministry of Minority Affairs.
  • Initially covered minority students from classes 1 to 10.
  • Provided scholarships of ₹1,000 to ₹10,700.
  • Now only for classes 9 and 10 after revision.

Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme:

  • For students in class 11 and above (Ph.D.).
  • Aims to improve access to quality higher education.
  • Scholarships range from ₹2,300 to ₹15,000.
  • Funding increased from ₹515 crore to ₹1,065 crore.

Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Scheme:

  • Focuses on professional and technical courses at UG and PG levels.
  • Full course fee reimbursement in 85 listed institutes.
  • Others reimbursed up to ₹20,000 per annum.
  • Funding dropped to ₹44 crore from ₹365 crore.

Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF):

  • Assists research scholars pursuing M.Phil and Ph.D.
  • Funded for five years, grant varies.
  • Over 6,700 candidates benefited, ₹738.85 crore disbursed.
  • Cancelled in 2022.

Padho Pardesh Scheme:

  • Facilitates higher education abroad for economically weaker minorities.
  • Provides interest subsidy on education loans.
  • Discontinued from 2022-23, aided 20,365 beneficiaries.

Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship:

  • For meritorious girls pursuing higher secondary education.
  • Provided by Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF).
  • No allocation this year.

Naya Savera:

  • Offers free coaching for minority students for competitive exams.
  • Discontinued due to New Education Policy 2020.
  • 1.19 lakh students benefited.

Scheme for Providing Education to Madrasas and Minorities (SPEMM):

  • Centrally sponsored umbrella programme.
  • Sub-scheme (SPQEM) aids recognised madrasas.
  • Financial assistance for 'modern' subjects.
  • Allocation reduced from ₹160 crore to ₹10 crore.

4. Budget Reduction and Spending Analysis

  • Beneficiary Decline: Beneficiaries of the first six central educational schemes dropped by 7% between 2019 and 2022. In 2019-20, 67.3 lakh students received scholarships, while only 62.6 lakh benefited in 2021-22.
  • Impact on Schemes: MANF and Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship had significant drops. MANF beneficiaries reduced from 2,580 to 2,061, and girls under the scholarship decreased by 44% in three years.
  • Expenditure Decrease: Spending on these schemes decreased by 12.5%. In 2021-22, ₹2,186 crore was spent compared to ₹2,498 crore in 2019-20.
  • Budget Allocation: The Ministry of Minority Affairs' budget allocation reduced by 38% in the current fiscal year compared to the previous one. In 2022-23, it was allocated ₹5,020.5 crore (revised to ₹2,612.6 crore), while in 2023-24, ₹3,097 crore was allocated, with ₹1,689 crore for central sector educational empowerment.
  • Underutilization of Funds: Despite ₹2,500 crore allocation for 2022-23 (revised to ₹1,584 crore), funds were underutilized. For instance, pre-matric scholarship had a revised estimate of ₹556 crore but only ₹43.95 crore was spent. Similarly, the post-matric scheme's estimate was ₹515 crore, but expenditure was ₹29 crore.
  • Merit-cum-Means Scholarship: Funding cuts this year despite an increase in beneficiaries. Allocated ₹44 crore compared to ₹365 crore.
  • MAEF Funding: Grants-in-aid to MAEF dropped from ₹90 crore to ₹1 lakh in 2022-23.
  • CBGA Report: The 2022 report by the Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability noted a declining trend in budget expenditure for minorities. Allocation for 2022-23 was not proportionate to minority representation. Scholarship funds seemed to be utilized mostly in the last quarter, delaying scholarship disbursement.

5. Importance of Educational Aid for Religious Minorities

  • Affirmative Action Need: Niti Aayog's 2018 Strategy Document emphasizes affirmative action to uplift the socio-economic status of religious minorities, particularly Muslims. Disparities persist in various areas.
  • Education Disparity: Muslims face notable education disparities. Enrolment declines among Muslims at higher education levels. Scrapping or limiting scholarships might worsen the situation.
  • Enrolment Concerns: Muslim enrolment in higher education declined from 5.5% (21 lakh) to 4.6% (19.21 lakh) between 2019-20 and 2020-21. Total Muslim college students are under 20 lakh out of 4.13 crore.
  • Out-of-School Children: The highest proportion of out-of-school children are from Muslim communities (4.43%), followed by Hindus (2.73%), Christians (1.52%), and others (1.26%) as per Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan data.
  • Worrisome Trend: Muslim representation in total enrolment decreases as education levels rise. Experts fear limiting scholarships could negatively impact the community and exacerbate low enrolment rates.
  • AISHE 2020-21: All India Survey on Higher Education shows lower enrolment of Muslim students in higher education, with a 7.5% overall enrolment increase but a drop in Muslim enrolment from 5.5% to 4.6%.
  • Need for Support: Educational aid is crucial to bridge education gaps, increase minority representation, and uplift the socio-economic conditions of religious minority groups, particularly Muslims.

6. Way forward

Niti Aayog has suggested enhancing pre-matric, post-matric and merit-cum-means scholarships as well as the MANF and national overseas scholarships, recommending a 15% annual increase from 2019-20. It also recommended increasing the number of scholarships for girls from minority communities by 10% every year. Reassess the decision to scrap or limit scholarships. Consider restoring and expanding schemes to ensure increased access to education for religious minorities. Allocate sufficient and proportionate funds to educational empowerment schemes. Ensure that budget cuts do not compromise the goal of bridging educational disparities.
 
For Prelims: National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992, Sachar Committee, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF), Padho Pardesh Scheme, Begum Hazrat Mahal National Scholarship, Naya Savera, and Scheme for Providing Education to Madrasas and Minorities (SPEMM).
For Mains: 1. Discuss the challenges forced by religious minority communities in India with regard to educational empowerment. Examine the significance of government welfare schemes in addressing these challenges. (250 words).
Source: The Hindu

ECHOLOCATION: WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND

 
 
 
1. Context:
What do bats, Dolphins, and Submarines have in Common?
Humans have harnessed the principles of this ingenious technique to Create devices like Sonar and radar
 
2. Echolocation
  • Echolocation is a biological phenomenon used by some animals, including certain species of bats, dolphins, and whales, to navigate and locate objects in their environment by emitting sounds and then interpreting the echoes that bounce back after those sounds hit objects.
  • This ability allows these animals to "see" their surroundings even in complete darkness or when visibility is limited
  • Echolocation works by emitting a sound wave that travels through the air or water. When the sound wave hits an object, it bounces back to the animal as an echo.
  • The animal then uses the time it takes for the echo to return to determine the distance of the object. The pitch of the echo also provides information about the size and shape of the object.
3. How Does Echolocation Works?

Here's how echolocation generally works:

  1. Sound Emission: Animals that use echolocation emit a series of high-frequency sounds, often beyond the range of human hearing. These sounds can vary in frequency, duration, and pattern depending on the animal species and their specific needs.

  2. Sound Waves Propagation: Once emitted, these sound waves travel through the air or water. When these waves encounter an object, they bounce off it.

  3. Echo Reception: The animal's highly sensitive ears capture the echoes that return after the sound waves hit an object. The time it takes for the echo to return gives the animal information about the distance between itself and the object.

  4. Interpretation: By analyzing the characteristics of the echoes, such as their intensity, frequency, and time delay, the animal can gather information about the size, shape, distance, and even the texture of objects in its environment.

  5. Navigation and Hunting: Animals use this information to navigate through their environment, avoid obstacles, locate prey, and even track the movement of objects in real-time. Bats, for example, can catch insects mid-flight using their echolocation abilities.

3. Bats and Dolphins
  • Bats are perhaps the most well-known users of echolocation. They emit high-pitched sounds, often at frequencies above 20 kHz, which are well beyond the range of human hearing.
  • By detecting slight differences in the time it takes for echoes to return to each ear, bats can accurately pinpoint the location of an object.
  • Bats are the most well-known echolocators. They use echolocation to navigate in the dark and to find food. Bats emit high-pitched clicks that bounce off insects and other objects in their environment.
  • The echoes help the bats to determine the location, size, and speed of their prey.
  • Dolphins and certain species of whales also employ echolocation.
  • Dolphins emit clicks and listen to the echoes to determine the size, shape, and movement of fish or other underwater objects. Whales use echolocation for navigation, communication, and finding prey.
  • Scientists have studied echolocation in animals to gain insights into auditory processing, sensory perception, and evolution.
  • Additionally, humans have developed technologies inspired by echolocation, such as sonar systems used in submarines and ultrasound imaging in medical applications.
4. Humans and Sonar
Humans have developed technologies that utilize principles similar to echolocation in animals. One such technology is sonar (an acronym for "sound navigation and ranging"), which is widely used for underwater navigation, mapping the seafloor, detecting underwater objects, and even in medical imaging.
Sonar works by emitting sound waves into the environment and analyzing the echoes that bounce back.

Here's how sonar technology works and its connection to human echolocation:

  1. Sound Emission: In sonar systems, a device called a transducer emits sound waves, typically at frequencies beyond the range of human hearing. These sound waves travel through a medium, such as water, and propagate until they encounter an object.

  2. Echo Reception: When the sound waves hit an object, they bounce off and create echoes. These echoes are detected by the same transducer or another sensor on the system.

  3. Interpretation: By analyzing the time it takes for the echoes to return and their characteristics (frequency, intensity, etc.), the system can determine the distance, size, and shape of objects in the environment.

5. Applications of Sonar
Sonar is a valuable tool for humans. It can be used to navigate, explore, fish, and protect our oceans. However, it is important to use sonar responsibly. Excessive use of sonar can harm marine life and disrupt their communication.

Sonar has various applications, including:

  • Navigation: Sonar is used for underwater navigation, helping ships and submarines avoid obstacles and map the seafloor.
  • Obstacle Detection: It can detect underwater hazards, wrecks, and other objects that might pose a threat to navigation.
  • Fisheries: Sonar is used in fisheries to locate schools of fish and estimate their size and distribution.
  • Oceanography: Sonar is employed in oceanographic research to study the seafloor, map underwater geological features, and gather data about the underwater environment.
  • Underwater Exploration: Sonar is used in underwater vehicles (ROVs and AUVs) to explore deep-sea environments, including searching for lost shipwrecks and studying marine life.
 
 
Source: The Hindu
Share to Social
View All Current affairs

More Current Affairs

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 21 DECEMBER 2024...

20-Dec-2024
Read more

[DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 12, APRIL 2023]...

12-Apr-2023
Read more

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 21 MARCH 2025...

21-Mar-2025
Read more

[DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS, 08 APRIL 2023]...

08-Apr-2023
Read more