CENSUS
The deadline to freeze the administrative boundaries of districts, tehsils, towns, municipal bodies and others for the Census has been extended till June 30, 2024, a senior government official told The Hindu.
This means the decennial exercise, which should have started in 2020, will now be postponed again till at least October 2024, as it usually takes about three months to prepare the list of enumerators after setting the boundaries.
The Additional Registrar-General of India, in a notification to the States on Saturday, said that the competent authority had decided to further extend the date of freezing of administrative boundaries up to June 30, 2024.
This rules out the Census exercise before the 2024 election, which is expected to be held in April and May
- The census provides information on size, distribution and socio-economic, demographic and other characteristic of the country's population.
- The Census was first started under British Viceroy Lord Mayo in 1872.
- It helped in framing new policies, government programs to uplift areas of improvement in the community.
- The first synchronous census in India was held in 1881.
- Every ten years: Since then, censuses have been undertaken uninterruptedly once every ten years.
- The responsibility of conducting the decennial Census rests with the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
- A Census is Constitutionally mandated in India. There are repeated references to the Census exercise in the Constitution in the context of reorganisation of constituencies for Parliament and state Assemblies
- onstitution does not say when the Census has to be carried out, or what the frequency of this exercise should be
- The Census of India Act of 1948, which provides the legal framework for carrying out the Census, also does not mention its timing or periodicity
- There is, therefore, no Constitutional or legal requirement that a Census has to be done every 10 years
- However, this exercise has been carried out in the first year of every decade, without fail, since 1881
- Most other countries also follow the 10-year cycle for their Census. There are countries like Australia that do it every five years
- It is not the legal requirement but the utility of the Census that has made it a permanent regular exercise
- The Census is essentially a two-step process involving a house-listing and numbering exercise followed by the actual population enumeration
- The house-listing and numbering takes place in the middle of the year prior to the Census year.
- The population enumeration, happens in two to three weeks of February
- To account for the births and deaths that might have happened during the enumeration period in February, the enumerators go back to the households in the first week of March to carry out revisions.
- There are several intermediate steps as well, and preparations for the Census usually begin three to four years in advance. The compilation and publication of the entire data also takes months to a few years
DRUG-RESISTANT TB
1. Context
2. About drugresistant TB
- As of 2017, India accounted for around one-fourth of the world's burden of multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB and of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) TB.
- MDR TB resists treatment by at least two frontline drugs in TB treatment, isoniazid and rifampicin.
- XDR TB resists these two drugs, fluoroquinolones, and any second-line injectable drug.
XDR TB is rarer than MDR TB there were 1, 24, 000 cases of the latter in India (2021) versus 2, 650 cases of the former (2017). - TB incidence in India has been on the decline, but MDR TB and XDR TB endanger initiatives to locally eradicate the disease.
- In the first two years of the pandemic, there were reports that TB treatment was hit by disrupted supply chains, availability of healthcare workers for non-pandemic work, and access to drug distribution centres.
- A peer-reviewed 2020 study found that the incidence of MDR TB was "strongly correlated with treatment failure and spread through contact and not to treatment compliance".
3. Treatment for drug-resistant TB
- TB is an infection of the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the lungs, but often in other organs as well.
- It can be treated by strictly adhering to the doses and frequencies of drugs prescribed by a physician.
- Deviations from this schedule can lead the bacteria to become drug-resistant.
- Yet they happen because the drugs often have side effects that diminish the quality of life and or because patients haven't been afforded access to the requisite drugs on time.
- Drugresistant TB is harder to treat. One important option for those diagnosed with pulmonary MDR TB is bedaquiline.
- In 2018, the World Health Organisation replaced two injectable drugs for MDR TB with an oral regimen that included bedaquiline.
- At this time, bedaquiline had not completed phase III Trials.
- The recommendation was based on smaller studies, outcomes in TB elimination programmes worldwide, the difficulty of treating MDR TB and close monitoring of patients receiving the drug.
4. Effectiveness of Bedaquiline
- Typically, bedaquiline needs to be taken for six months: at a higher dose in the first two weeks followed by a lower dosage for 22 weeks.
- This period is shorter than other treatment routines for pulmonary MDR TB, which can last 924 months.
- One phase II Clinical trial observed that culture conversion (turning a patient's sputum culture from positive to negative) "at 24 weeks was durable and associated with a high likelihood of response at 120 weeks", due to bedaquiline.
- Unlike Second-line treatment options that are injected and can have severe side effects, like hearing loss, bedaquiline is available as tablets and is less harmful, although it has potential side effects of its own.
- Studies until 2018 found that it could be toxic to the heart and the liver. This is part of why it is recommended only as a treatment of last resort.
- India's Health Ministry has guidelines for bedaquiline use as part of the Programmatic Management of MDR TB under the National TB Elimination Programme.
- The WHO's decision revitalised a debate about the ethics of making a much-needed but insufficiently tested drug available quickly versus lowering the safety threshold for pharmaceutical companies producing drugs for desperate patients.
5. Reasons for the rejection of the Patent application
- Both groups argued that J&J's method to produce a "Solid pharmaceutical composition" of bedaquiline is "obvious, known in the art" and doesn't require an "inventive step".
- According to the Indian Patent Act 1970 Section 2 (1) (ja), an "inventive step" is an invention that is "not obvious to a person skilled in the art".
- The latter also contended that the current application drew significantly from a previous patent, WO 2004/011436, which discussed a similar compound on which bedaquiline is based and whose priority date (2002) well preceded the new application.
- The Patent Office rejected the application on these and other grounds, including Sections 3d and 3e of the Act.
- These pertain to the "mere discovery of a new form of a known substance which does not result in the enhancement of the known efficacy of that substance" and "a substance obtained by a mere admixture resulting only in the aggregation of the properties of the components thereof", respectively, which are not patentable.
6. Significance of the rejection
- India has the largest population of people living with drug-resistant TB.
- J&J's patent on bedaquiline meant the drug cost $400 (revised to $340 in 2020) per person, plus the cost of other drugs.
- The rejection is expected to lower the cost of bedaquiline by up to 80 per cent.
- So far, the Indian government has directly procured and distributed the drug through Statelevel TB programmes.
- After July 2023, manufacturers of generic drugs such as Lupin will be able to produce generic versions of bedaquiline.
- The argument based on WO 2004/011436 is also relevant to "evergreening a strategy where a patent owner continuously extends their rights and or applies multiple patents for the same entity. Indian law disallows this.
For Prelims & Mains
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For Prelims: TB, Johnson & Johnson, bedaquiline, XDR TB, MDR TB, World Health Organisation, Indian Patent Act 1970,
For Mains:
1. How will Drug Resistant TB help the treatment of multidrugresistant tuberculosis? What are the costs and production implications? What is India’s target year to eliminate TB? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
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Read the following passages and answer the question, your answers to these items should be based on the passages only. A majority of the TB infected in India are poor and lack sufficient nutrition, suitable housing and have little understanding of prevention. TB then devastates families, makes the poor poorer, particularly affects women and children, and leads to ostracisation and loss of employment. The truth is that even if TB does not kill them, hunger and poverty will. Another truth is that deep-seated stigma, lack of counselling, expensive treatment and lack of adequate support from providers and family, coupled with torturous side-effects demotivate patients to continue treatment - with disastrous health consequences. Which one of the following is the most logical, rational and crucial message conveyed by the above passage? (UPSC 2019)
Answer: 2 Curing TB requires more than diagnosis and medical treatment. |
MAHATMA GANDHI NATIONAL RURAL EMPLOYMENT GUARANTEE ACT (MGNREGA)
1. Context
2. About the National Level Monitoring (NLM) report
- The National Level Monitoring (NLM) report is a study conducted by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) to assess the implementation of various rural development programs in India.
- The report is based on field visits and interviews with stakeholders at the grassroots level.
- The NLM report is an important tool for the government to identify areas where improvement is needed and track rural development programs' progress.
- The report also provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by rural communities and the impact of government interventions.
The NLM report typically identifies the following areas:
- The coverage of rural development programs
- The quality of implementation of rural development programs
- The impact of rural development programs on the lives of rural people
The NLM report also provides recommendations to the government on improving the implementation of rural development programs and making them more effective.
3. The findings of the NLM report
- In 2017-18, the NLM report found that the quality of construction of 87% of the verified works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was satisfactory. However, the report also found that only 139 out of 301 districts had seven registers maintained satisfactorily.
- In 2018-19, the NLM report found that the job cards, an important document that records entitlements received under MGNREGA, were not regularly updated in many districts. The report also found that there were significant delays in payments to workers.
- In 2019-20, the NLM report found that the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) program was facing challenges due to a shortage of construction materials and skilled labour. The report also found that there were delays in the processing of applications and the release of funds.
- The NLM report for 2020-21 found that the coverage of rural development programs had improved significantly in recent years. However, the report also found that there was still a need to improve the quality of implementation of these programs.
- The NLM report for 2021-22 found that the impact of rural development programs on the lives of rural people had been positive overall. However, the report also found that there were still some disparities in the impact of these programs across different regions and social groups.
4. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a social welfare program that guarantees 100 days of unskilled manual wage employment in a financial year to a rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The Act was enacted by the Government of India in 2005 and came into force on February 2, 2006.
4.1. Mandate and Goals
- The mandate of MGNREGA is to provide employment and ensure food security for rural households.
- The scheme also aims to strengthen natural resource management, create durable assets, improve rural infrastructure, and promote social equity.
- The goals of MGNREGA are to Reduce rural poverty, Increase employment opportunities, Improve food security, Create durable assets, Improve rural infrastructure and Promote social equity.
4.2. Core Objectives
- The primary goal of MGNREGA is to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
- The program aims to reduce poverty and distress by offering employment opportunities, especially during seasons of agricultural unemployment.
- MGNREGA encourages the creation of productive and durable assets such as water conservation structures, rural infrastructure, and land development. These assets not only improve rural livelihoods but also contribute to sustainable development.
- The Act promotes gender equality by ensuring that at least one-third of the beneficiaries are women and that their participation in the workforce is actively encouraged.
4.3. Key Stakeholders
- Rural households are the primary beneficiaries and participants in the MGNREGA scheme.
- Gram Panchayats play a pivotal role in implementing the program at the grassroots level. They are responsible for planning, execution, and monitoring of MGNREGA projects within their jurisdiction.
- The central government provides the funds and sets the broad guidelines, while the state governments are responsible for the program's effective implementation.
- The DPC is responsible for the overall coordination and monitoring of MGNREGA activities within a district.
- Rural labourers, both skilled and unskilled, participate in MGNREGA projects and directly benefit from the program.
4.4. Role of Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat
- The Gram Sabha is the village assembly consisting of all registered voters in a village. Its role in MGNREGA includes discussing and approving the annual development plan, ensuring transparency in project selection, and conducting social audits to monitor program implementation.
- The Gram Panchayat is responsible for planning, approving, executing, and monitoring MGNREGA projects within its jurisdiction. It also maintains records of employment provided, ensures timely wage payments, and conducts social audits. The Panchayat is accountable for the effective utilization of MGNREGA funds.
4.5. Issues with MGNREGA
- Delayed wage payments to labourers have been a persistent issue, affecting the livelihoods of beneficiaries.
- There have been cases of corruption and leakages in the implementation of MGNREGA projects, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
- Administrative inefficiencies, complex procedures, and bureaucratic hurdles have hampered program delivery.
- Some argue that the quality and effectiveness of assets created under MGNREGA projects have been variable and not always aligned with the intended goals.
- Not all eligible rural households are provided 100 days of guaranteed employment, which can limit the program's impact.
- Adequate budget allocation to meet the program's demands and inflation-adjusted wages remains a concern.
5. Conclusion
MGNREGA has made a positive impact on the lives of rural people, particularly in terms of employment opportunities and the creation of durable assets. It remains a crucial tool in India's efforts to promote rural development, reduce poverty, and achieve social equity. Addressing the identified issues will be critical in ensuring the continued success and effectiveness of the program in the years to come.
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For Prelims: MGNREGA, National Level Monitoring (NLM) report, Ministry of Rural Development, rural development, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G),
For Mains:
1. Evaluate the importance of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in the context of rural development and food security in India. How does MGNREGA contribute to sustainable development and rural infrastructure improvement? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
Prelims
1. Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act”? (UPSC 2011) (a) Adult members of only the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households Answer: D 2. The Multi-dimensional Poverty Index developed by Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative with UNDP support covers which of the following? (UPSC 2012)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: A 3. Which of the following grants/grant direct credit assistance to rural households? (UPSC 2013)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: C 4. How does the National Rural Livelihood Mission seek to improve livelihood options of rural poor? (UPSC 2012)
Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: B 5. Under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), the ratio of the cost of unit assistance to be shared between the Central and State Governments is: (MP Patwari 2017) A. 60:40 in plain areas and 90:10 for North Eastern and the Himalayan States
B. 70:30 in plain areas and 80:20 for North Eastern and the Himalayan States
C. 50:50 in plain areas and 70:30 for North Eastern and the Himalayan States
D. 75:25 in Plain areas and 85:15 for North Eastern and the Himalayan States
Answer: A
Mains
1. The basis of providing urban amenities in rural areas (PURA) is rooted in establishing connectivity. Comment (UPSC 2013)
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INDIAN SCIENCE
In 2023, the Moon landing stood out as a monumental achievement for Indian science, marking a pivotal moment for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). While ISRO had established itself as a proficient agency in satellite launches and orbital placement, the year witnessed a notable transformation, propelling it toward becoming a comprehensive planetary exploration entity.
2. ISRO's Achievements in 2023
- ISRO experienced a highly productive year, executing seven successful missions, prominently featuring Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1—India's inaugural mission to the Sun. This period marked the end of a comparatively subdued phase for the space agency post the COVID pandemic, which had disrupted schedules, notably impacting the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission initially slated for 2022. With preparatory tests still underway, Gaganyaan is now slated for 2025.
- Simultaneously, ISRO revealed an ambitious roster of forthcoming milestones, indicating its aspirations for the years ahead. These include collaborating with NASA to send an astronaut to the International Space Station in 2024, Chandrayaan-4—an upcoming Moon sample return mission within the next four years, the establishment of the Bhartiya Antariksh Station (Indian Space Station) by 2028, and the human lunar landing mission set for 2040.
- These objectives supplement ISRO's ongoing commitments, encompassing routine launches, astronomy missions, and exploratory ventures to destinations like the Sun, Mars, and Venus. The strategic expansion of ISRO's goals underscores its commitment to advancing space exploration and contributing significantly to the global scientific community.
- The successful moon landing of Chandrayaan-3 in August marked a significant achievement for India's space program, solidifying plans for future lunar exploration. Despite the routine nature of Moon landings by the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s, India's feat remains remarkable, with only China and India accomplishing lunar landings in the last five decades.
- Chandrayaan-3 held special significance as it came after the heartbreak of Chandrayaan-2 in 2019, which faced difficulties in the final moments of its descent. Chandrayaan-3's flawless landing served as redemption for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
- Upon reaching the Moon's surface, Chandrayaan-3 executed unannounced manoeuvres, showcasing ISRO's advanced capabilities and signalling its intent for more sophisticated missions. Notably, the 'hop' experiment demonstrated the lander's ability to lift itself about 40 cm above the lunar surface and land 30-40 cm away. This successful maneuver is a crucial test for future sample return or manned missions, where the spacecraft needs to return to Earth.
- A few weeks later, ISRO revealed plans for Chandrayaan-4, confirming it as a sample return mission. This strategic decision aligns with ISRO's continuous efforts to push the boundaries of lunar exploration and enhance its capabilities in space missions.
- The expanding capabilities of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) led to increased international collaborations. In June, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the United States, India became a participant in the US-led Artemis Accords for planetary exploration. These accords establish a framework of principles for countries engaged in peaceful and cooperative exploration of celestial bodies, fostering a closer alignment between the space programs of India and the United States.
- Highlighting the deepening partnership, ISRO and NASA agreed to a joint mission to the International Space Station. This permanent space laboratory, located approximately 400 km above the Earth's surface, is scheduled for 2024. Notably, this collaboration positions India's astronauts to venture into space earlier than the planned Gaganyaan mission set for 2025.
- In a further display of collaboration, India and the United States established a working group for commercial space collaboration later in the year. This initiative is expected to invigorate the private space industry in India, fostering innovation and advancements in the commercial space sector.
- The collaborative efforts between India and the US extended to planetary defence, with both countries expressing their intention to work together in this crucial domain. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to addressing challenges and ensuring the protection of celestial bodies.
5. Launch of National Research Foundation (NRF)
- Amidst ISRO's pioneering advancements in space exploration, the government took a significant step to elevate scientific research in India. Fulfilling a commitment made five years earlier, the government sanctioned the establishment of the National Research Foundation (NRF). The NRF is envisioned to serve as a crucial entity for funding, promoting, and mentoring research activities across the nation.
- Drawing inspiration from the National Science Foundation (NRF) in the United States, the NRF is set to allocate Rs 50,000 crore over the next five years to support diverse research endeavours. Beyond financial backing, the NRF's distinctive feature lies in its mission to enhance research capacities within universities and colleges.
- Addressing a historical gap between research and higher education, the NRF aims to unite these realms. Currently, there exists a separation between research institutions and educational institutions where limited research activities occur. The NRF's objective is to rebuild research capacities within universities, re-establishing the integral connection between education and research.
- The NRF goes beyond conventional boundaries by not only fostering research in natural sciences and engineering but also extending its support to social sciences, arts, and humanities. With a primary focus on addressing significant societal challenges, the NRF aims to contribute to solutions for critical issues facing Indian society.
6. New initiatives
National Quantum Mission
In a significant move towards technological advancement, India initiated the Rs 6,000-crore National Quantum Mission in April. This mission sets an ambitious goal of constructing a 1,000-qubit quantum computer over the next eight years. Quantum computers, leveraging quantum mechanical properties, excel in performing tasks deemed impossible or impractical for traditional computers. India's entry into this global technology race positions it strategically to actively contribute and benefit from the evolving field of quantum computing.
LIGO-India Project
April also witnessed the approval of the LIGO-India project, marking a substantial stride in gravitational wave research. This project aims to establish a gravitational wave observatory in Maharashtra, aligning with two existing observatories in the United States that garnered international acclaim by detecting gravitational waves in 2015. By joining this exclusive realm of gravitational wave research, India has the potential to emerge as a frontrunner in a field with limited global players.
Maitri-II Research Station in Antarctica
Towards the end of the year, India announced plans to establish a new research station, Maitri-II, in Antarctica, replacing the ageing Maitri station. This station, alongside Bharati, reflects India's commitment to expanding its research footprint in Antarctica. These stations serve as hubs for diverse scientific studies in the pristine Antarctic environment.
Winter Expedition to the Arctic
In a parallel initiative, India decided to conduct its first winter expedition to the Arctic region, marking a significant expansion of scientific activities in the polar regions. While India already maintains a scientific base in the Arctic, the decision to operate it throughout the year enhances India's year-round presence in this crucial scientific zone.
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar
The government introduced the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar, a new set of national awards for scientists, complementing the restoration of the prestigious Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prizes. This revamped award system includes categories such as lifetime achievement, recognition for scientists of any age (contrasting with Bhatnagar Prizes for scientists below 45 years), and acknowledgement of collaborative team efforts. These awards signify the government's commitment to honouring and promoting scientific excellence in diverse domains.
7. India's 2024 Scientific Landscape
XPoSat Launch
Kicking off the new year, India is set to launch the XPoSat (X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite) on January 1. This mission, the world's second of its kind, is designed to study the universe using X-ray polarimetry measurements. Following NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) in 2021, XPoSat marks India's second consecutive astronomy mission after Aditya-L1. Unlike Earth-focused satellites, these observatories are dedicated to exploring the vast expanse of the universe.
NASA-ISRO Satellite Aperture Radar (NISAR)
The much-anticipated NASA-ISRO Satellite Aperture Radar (NISAR) is scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2024. This joint venture holds significant promise for advancing remote sensing capabilities and Earth observation. The collaboration between NASA and ISRO in space technology underscores the international cooperation in pushing the boundaries of scientific exploration.
Gaganyaan Test Flight
In the upcoming year, a crucial milestone for India's human spaceflight program, Gaganyaan, is on the horizon. A test flight, albeit without astronauts, is scheduled, marking a key step towards realizing India's ambitions of manned space missions. The Gaganyaan mission, originally planned for 2022, has undergone adjustments, with preparatory tests paving the way for the planned launch in 2025.
NRF Impact
With the National Research Foundation (NRF) now in play, the new year holds the promise of addressing research disparities in India. Despite possessing a substantial pool of science and engineering graduates and an extensive network of laboratories, India lags in key research indicators. The NRF's efficacy will be gauged by its impact on increasing research spending, enhancing gender representation in scientific research, and improving the researcher-to-population ratio.
India's commitment to advancing scientific research is underscored by the focus on improving key indicators. With only 0.65% of GDP allocated to scientific research (below the global average of 1.79%), gender disparities in the scientific workforce, and a lower researcher-to-population ratio compared to peer nations, the NRF's initiatives are poised to make a significant difference in shaping India's scientific landscape.
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For Prelims: ISRO, Chandrayyan-3, Arthmis, National Research Foundation, NASA, Gaganyaan, XpoSat, LIGO-India Project, National Quantum Mission, NASA-ISRO Satellite Aperture Radar
For Mains:
1. Critically evaluate India's participation in Artemis Accords and its implications for international space collaboration. (250 Words)
2. Discuss the potential of the NASA-ISRO Satellite Aperture Radar (NISAR) and its contribution to Earth observation. (250 Words)
3. Assess the feasibility and challenges of ISRO's ambitious roadmap for the coming years, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission and the Bhartiya Antariksh Station. (250 Words)
4. Explain the objectives and potential impact of the National Research Foundation (NRF) on Indian scientific research. (250 Words)
5. Identify the key challenges facing Indian science and technology, including brain drain, funding constraints, and infrastructure limitations. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. In the context of space technology, what is "Bhuvan", recently in the news? (UPSC 2010)
A. A mini satellite, launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India
B. The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayan-II
C. A geoportal of ISRO with 3 D imaging capabilities of India
D. A space telescope developed by India
2. What will be India's second moon mission by ISRO? (Maharashtra Talathi 2019) A. Chandrayaan 1 B. Chandrayaan 1.A C. Chandrayaan 2 D. Chandrayaan 3
3. Chandrayaan - 2 was launched from which of the following states by ISRO? (DSSSB LDC 2019) A. Maharashtra B. Rajasthan C. Kerala D. Andhra Pradesh
4. The phases of the moon as we see from the Earth are due to changing relative positions of the sun, the earth and the moon. Which of the following statements is true? (CTET 2022)
A. on a full moon day, the earth comes between the sun and the moon
B. on a new moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun
C. on a full moon day, the moon is in between the earth and the sun
D. on a new moon day, the earth is between the sun and the moon.
E. on a new moon day, the sun is between the moon and the earth
1. A, B 2. B, C 3. C, D 4. A, E
5. ISRO is related to: (SSC JE EE 2020) A. space research B. agricultural research C. seed research D. marine research
6. “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to (UPSC 2020) A. Voyager-2 B. New Horizons C. LISA Pathfinder D. Evolved LISA
7. With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 2
D. 3 only
Answers: 1-C, 2-C, 3-D, 4-1, 5-A, 6-D, 7-A
Mains 1. India has achieved remarkable successes in unmanned space missions including the Chandrayaan and Mars Orbiter Mission, but has not ventured into manned space missions, both in terms of technology and logistics? Explain critically (UPSC 2017) 2. Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (UPSC 2016) |
MULLAPERIYAR DAM
Kerala will shortly renew its campaign for a new dam at Mullaperiyar as the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the new structure is getting ready.
The new DPR, which complies with the guidelines of the Central Water Commission (CWC), will be ready by March. Experts recently completed the design of a new dam that has been proposed 366 metre downstream of the 126-year-old existing one
2. New Guidelines
- The CWC (Central Water Commission) implemented a set of guidelines for dam construction following Kerala's preparation of the DPR (Detailed Project Report) in 2011. Those informed about the situation mentioned that the costs for various project components have increased since the last DPR, hence the need for a revision.
- Recently, the State government approached the CWC to expedite approval for a new dam's construction. Additionally, the State expressed its readiness to supply water to Tamil Nadu from this new dam.
- Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been embroiled in a prolonged legal dispute regarding the stability and other related aspects of the current dam. Kerala has been advocating for a new dam primarily on safety grounds.
- Both states witnessed significant protests after Kerala raised safety concerns and called for the decommissioning the existing dam
3. What do we Know about the Mullaperiyar Dam?
The Mullaperiyar Dam is located in the southern Indian state of Kerala, but it's owned and operated by the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Here are some key points about the dam:
- Situated in the Western Ghats, the Mullaperiyar Dam is built across the Periyar River in the state of Kerala
- Although the dam is located in Kerala, it is owned, maintained, and operated by the Government of Tamil Nadu based on a 999-year lease agreement signed in 1886
- The primary purpose of the dam is to divert water from the Periyar River's catchment area to the Vaigai River basin in Tamil Nadu for irrigation and drinking water purposes
- The dam has been a subject of contention between Kerala and Tamil Nadu due to concerns over its structural integrity. Kerala has raised concerns about the dam's safety due to its age and the potential risk to downstream areas in case of a dam failure. Tamil Nadu contends that the dam is safe and necessary for meeting its water needs
- The two states have engaged in a prolonged legal battle over the Mullaperiyar Dam's safety and the need for a new dam. Kerala has called for decommissioning the existing dam and constructing a new one, while Tamil Nadu has insisted on raising the dam's water level, citing its necessity for irrigation
- The issue has reached the Supreme Court of India multiple times, and the court has issued various directives regarding the water level and safety measures to address concerns from both states
- Kerala has raised serious concerns about the dam's structural integrity due to its age and the potential risks associated with a dam failure. There have been apprehensions that the dam, which is over a century old, might not withstand a major earthquake or natural calamity, posing a threat to the downstream areas in Kerala
- Tamil Nadu, which owns and operates the dam, asserts its rights to receive a certain amount of water from the Periyar River through the dam for irrigation purposes in the Vaigai River basin. There have been disagreements between the two states regarding the permissible water level in the dam and the quantity of water to be released to Tamil Nadu
- The disagreement between Kerala and Tamil Nadu has escalated into a legal battle that has been ongoing for decades. Both states have filed numerous cases and counter-cases in courts, including the Supreme Court of India, seeking decisions on issues related to the dam's safety, water sharing, and the need for a new dam
- The Mullaperiyar Dam issue has significant political implications for both states. It has been a point of contention in the political landscape of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, with each state advocating for its respective stance on the dam's safety and water-sharing agreements
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Periyar river
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- The Dam Safety Act, introduced to the Rajya Sabha in December 2021, aimed to address issues of inadequate monitoring and maintenance that have led to dam-related disasters.
- This legislation outlined specific duties and required the establishment of both national and state-level bodies to enforce its provisions.
- It proposed the creation of a National Committee on Dam Safety responsible for overseeing policies and regulations, a National Dam Safety Authority tasked with implementation and the resolution of state-level disputes, designating the Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC) to lead national dam safety protocols, and the formation of State Committees on Dam Safety (SCDS) and State Dam Safety Organizations (SDSO)
- The Dam Safety Act (DSA) 2021 was enacted by the Union Government of India to prevent dam failure-related disasters. The act focuses on the proper surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of specified dams. It also establishes an institutional mechanism to ensure their safe functioning
- The act was notified by the Government of India on December 14, 2021, and came into effect on December 30, 2021.
- The act provides for institutional mechanisms for surveillance, inspection, operation, and maintenance of the specified dams. The Central Water Commission (CWC) provides technical expertise and guidance on all matters related to dams.
- Failure to comply with any provision of the act is punishable with imprisonment and/or fines. If such obstruction or refusal to comply with directions results in loss of lives or imminent danger thereof, the entity shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years
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Previous Year Questions
1. Which one of the following pairs is not correctly matched? (UPSC CSE 2010) Dam/Lake River (a) Govind Sagar : Satluj Answer: (b) 2.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2009)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Answer: (d) |
HEALTH TAX
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- The paper highlights that India holds the title of the world's largest consumer of sugar. It emphasizes that while the global average consumption per person stands at 22 kg annually, an average Indian consumes 25 kg each year, encompassing various sources such as regular sugar, free sugar from sugar-sweetened beverages, and traditional sources like jaggery.
- This intake surpasses the WHO recommended limit for free sugar intake by fivefold. Moreover, India is experiencing a concerning surge in the sales of aerated drinks by 22.5% and all soft drinks by 24.8% between 2016 and 2019, contributing to what the paper terms as a "sugar epidemic."
- Additionally, the paper notes that HFSS (High in Fat, Sugar, and Salt) food products constitute 10-30% of the average total caloric intake in rural and urban households, respectively
- Taxing HFSS (High in Fat, Sugar, and Salt) foods is a strategy employed by some governments to address public health concerns related to unhealthy eating habits.
There are several reasons behind the implementation of such taxes:
Health Concerns: HFSS foods are often linked to various health issues like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. Taxation aims to discourage excessive consumption of these foods by making them relatively more expensive, thereby potentially reducing their intake and associated health risks.
Behavioral Change: By increasing the price of HFSS foods, policymakers hope to influence consumer behavior. Higher prices might prompt consumers to reconsider their choices and opt for healthier alternatives, ultimately leading to improved dietary habits.
Revenue Generation: Taxes on HFSS foods can generate revenue for governments, which can be directed towards health programs, initiatives to promote healthier eating habits, or even subsidizing healthier food options.
Encouraging Industry Reformulation: Food manufacturers might reformulate their products to reduce fat, sugar, or salt content to avoid higher taxation. This could lead to the production of healthier alternatives, thereby positively impacting public health
- Several countries and regions have implemented initiatives to tax HFSS (High in Fat, Sugar, and Salt) foods. Some of the notable initiatives include:
- Taxes specifically targeting sugary drinks or beverages high in added sugars. For instance, Mexico, the UK, France, and several other countries have imposed taxes on sugary drinks
- Some nations have implemented taxes aimed at products high in saturated fats. Denmark, for example, introduced a tax on foods with high saturated fat content in 2011, but it was later repealed due to various reasons
- Some regions have proposed or implemented taxes targeting a broader range of HFSS foods rather than focusing solely on one component like sugar or fat. This type of tax covers various processed foods and snacks with high levels of fat, sugar, and salt
- Some countries have adopted tiered tax systems where products are taxed based on their level of unhealthiness. This encourages manufacturers to reformulate their products to reduce the taxed components
- In some instances, the revenue generated from these taxes is allocated to health promotion programs, public health initiatives, or subsidizing healthier food options to support and encourage healthier dietary choices.
- Alongside taxation, many governments conduct public awareness campaigns to educate the population about the health risks associated with excessive consumption of HFSS foods
- Currently, sugar is taxed at 18% GST, if an additional 20-30% tax is imposed, this will take the tax to 38-48%.
- Researchers have applied the metric of ‘Price Elasticity’ to determine if there will be any reduction in demand if the prices of the product go up.
- “Sugar is a widely used product, so on studying price and demand for sugar over years from datasets available between 1984-85 to 2011-2012 of Private Final Consumption Expenditure and Consumer Price Index, we estimate that if the price of sugar is increased by 10%, demand for sugar will be reduced by 2% with all other factors driving the demand remaining constant
Tax rate is tied to the volume of sugars and manufacturers are encouraged to reformulate and reduce the amount of sugar in drinks.
Up to 70 countries have imposed a health tax on sugar, SSBs and HFSSincluding Mexico, Chile, Saudi Arabia, Argentina and South Africa. In Mexico, taxation on SSBs decreased consumption of taxed beverages (and increased purchase of bottled water) in the first year of implementation and reduced mean BMI in younger age groups
Source: The Hindu
PANAMA CANAL
A recent drone attack on a chemical tanker in the Red Sea, coupled with ongoing unrest in the Suez and Panama canals, raises concerns about a turbulent start to global goods trade in 2024. This perfect storm comes amidst slowing Western demand and China's property crisis, casting a shadow on the already shaky economic landscape.
- The Panama Canal is a 51-mile waterway in Panama that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It's considered one of the most impressive engineering feats in history, shortening the shipping distance between these two oceans by 8,000 miles. Construction began in 1881 by the French and was completed by the United States in 1914.
- The canal operates using a system of locks that raise and lower ships between different water levels. Ships enter the canal at either the Atlantic or Pacific end and are then guided through a series of three locks, each raising the ship 26 feet until it reaches Gatun Lake, the highest point of the canal. From there, ships travel through the Gaillard Cut, a man-made trench carved through the mountains, before descending through another set of three locks to reach the other ocean.
- The Panama Canal is vital for global trade, as it allows ships to avoid the long and dangerous journey around South America via Cape Horn. It's estimated that the canal saves the shipping industry billions of dollars in time and fuel costs each year.
- The construction of the Panama Canal had a significant impact on the environment, including the displacement of indigenous communities and the destruction of rainforests. However, the canal also offers some environmental benefits, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by shortening shipping distances.
3. How the Red Sea and Panama Canal Crises Threaten Global Trade?
- The ongoing crises in the Red Sea and Panama Canal pose a significant threat to world trade, given that more than 80 per cent of global goods trade relies on maritime transport. This reliance is particularly pronounced for developing nations such as India.
- Currently, two vital shipping routes face blockages. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, leading to the Suez Canal in the Red Sea region and connecting Asia to Europe, and the century-old Panama Canal, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Both these routes are among the busiest globally, and any disruption compels global shipping lines to take longer alternate paths, resulting in increased freight rates.
- The disruption in the Red Sea route, for instance, is projected to elevate the prices of Indian agricultural products by 10 to 20 per cent, as shipments would be rerouted through the Cape of Good Hope. This challenge arises when much of the West is experiencing higher interest rates to curb inflation.
- The potential surge in prices could amplify demand concerns for both global and Indian exporters, adding complexity to an already challenging economic landscape. The far-reaching consequences underscore the critical need for swift resolution and proactive measures to safeguard the interconnected web of international trade.
- Shipping via the Panama Canal has experienced a significant decline exceeding 50%, primarily attributed to drought conditions along the 51-mile stretch of the canal. The shortage of water has compelled ships travelling from Asia to the US to opt for the Suez Canal, resulting in a longer transit time of six days compared to the Panama Canal.
- Panama is grappling with one of its driest rainy seasons in decades, heightening concerns of prolonged canal bottlenecks. This climatic challenge has further exacerbated the impact on shipping through the canal.
- Facing constrained water levels, LNG vessels are resorting to expensive auctions to fast-track their transit through the Panama Canal. Reports from S&P Global indicate that one vessel paid nearly $4 million for an open slot in an auction held in early November.
- The number of Very Large Gas Carriers transiting the Panama Canal is expected to decrease by almost half by February 2024. Moreover, there are growing concerns that these transits might dwindle to zero by January, indicating a challenging outlook for maritime traffic through this crucial waterway. The interplay of environmental factors and economic implications underscores the pressing need for strategic interventions to mitigate disruptions and uphold the efficiency of global trade routes.
5. Resilience of Indian Oil Flows Amid Red Sea Disruptions
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For Prelims: Panama Canal, Red Sea, Suez Canal, Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean
For Mains:
1. Analyze the impact of the current drought on the Panama Canal's operations and its significance for global trade, particularly for developing nations like India. Discuss potential solutions and mitigation strategies. (250 Words)
2. Discuss the strategic implications of India's continued oil imports from Russia amidst disruptions in the Red Sea. How can this reliance be balanced with ensuring secure and diversified energy sources for India? (250 words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. The Panama Canal links (ACC 121 CGAT 2019)
A. Mediterranean Sea with Red Sea
B. Atlantic Ocean with Indian Ocean
C. Indian Ocean with Mediterranean Sea
D. Atlantic Ocean with Pacific Ocean
2. The Panama Canal is located in which of the following regions? (RRB NTPC 2022)
A. East Europe B. Central America C. South Asia D. Arabian Peninsula
3. Red sea is an example of: (UPPSC Civil Service 2017)
A. Volcanic valley B. Eroded valley C. Axial trough D. U-shaped valley
4. Which one of the following statements about the Suez Canal is not correct? (NDA 2019)
A. The Suez Canal was constructed in 1869
B. It links the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea
C. It has a six lock system and ships cross the different levels through these locks
D. It has given Europe a new gateway to the Indian Ocean
5. Suez canal connects (Airforce Group Y 2020)
A. Mediterranean Sea - Atlantic Ocean
B. Red Sea - Arab Sea
C. Mediterranean Sea - Red Sea
D. Mediterranean Sea - Arab Sea
6. The Mariana trench is the deepest part of the oceans. Which one of the following statements regarding this is not correct? (UPSC CAPF 2014)
A. It is located in the Western Pacific Ocean, to the West of Mariana island
B. The trench was first sounded during the challenger expedition in 1875
C. The trench is about 2550 km long an an average width of only 69 km
D. At the bottom of the trench the water column above exerts a pressure over 1000 times the standard atmospheric pressure at sea level
7. Which of the following statements about the Atlantic ocean is not correct? (CTET 2021)
A. It is the largest ocean in the world
B. It is almost S in shape, surrounded by Asia, Australia, North and South America
C. Its coastline is highly indented and irregular
D. Mariana Trench not lies in this ocean
8. Read some points about the Atlantic Ocean: (CTET 2012)
A. It is ‘S’ shaped.
B. Its coastline is smooth and straight.
C. It is the busiest ocean from commercial viewpoint.
Which of the above statements are true?
A. Only A and B B. Only B and C C. Only A and C D. A, B and C all
Answers: 1-D, 2-B, 3-C, 4-C, 5-C, 6-A, 7-A, 8-C
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