The recruitment process for a civil servant in India typically involves a competitive examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The most common route is through the Civil Services Examination (CSE), which is used to select candidates for various civil services, including the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS), among others. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

Preliminary Examination (Prelims)

• Objective: The first stage is a screening test to select candidates for the Mains exam.
• Format: It consists of two objective-type papers:
  • General Studies Paper I: Covers subjects like history, geography, polity, economics, environment, and current affairs.
  • General Studies Paper II (CSAT): Tests logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, and basic numeracy.
• Duration: Each paper is 2 hours long.
• Scoring: Only the marks of Paper I are considered for qualifying for the Mains exam, while Paper II is qualifying in nature (requiring 33% to pass).

Main Examination (Mains)

• Objective: This stage assesses the candidate's in-depth knowledge and understanding of various subjects.
• Format: It consists of nine papers, of which seven are counted for ranking, and two are qualifying in nature:
  • Qualifying Papers:
    • Indian Language (selected by the candidate)
    • English
  • Papers Counted for Merit:
    • Essay
    • General Studies I: Indian heritage, culture, history, and geography.
    • General Studies II: Governance, constitution, polity, social justice, and international relations.
    • General Studies III: Technology, economic development, biodiversity, environment, security, and disaster management.
    • General Studies IV: Ethics, integrity, and aptitude.
    • Optional Paper I and II: A subject chosen by the candidate from the list of optional subjects.
• Scoring: The marks obtained in these seven papers determine the candidate’s rank.

Personality Test (Interview)

• Objective: The final stage is to assess the candidate’s personality traits, communication skills, and suitability for a career in public service.
• Format: Conducted by a panel of experts, the interview involves questions on current affairs, personal background, and general knowledge.
• Scoring: It carries 275 marks.

Final Ranking

• The marks obtained in the Mains exam (including the essay and optional papers) and the interview are combined to produce the final merit list.
• Based on their rank in this list, candidates are allocated to various civil services and cadres.

Training

• Successful candidates undergo training at respective academies, such as the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) for IAS officers, to prepare them for their roles in public service.

• The concept of lateral entry was initially introduced by the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and received strong support from the Second Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC), established in 2005. The Second ARC was tasked with recommending reforms to improve the efficiency, transparency, and citizen-friendliness of India's administrative system
• In its 10th Report, titled "Refurbishing of Personnel Administration: Scaling New Heights," the commission highlighted the need for changes in personnel management within civil services.
• One of its main recommendations was to implement lateral entry into higher government positions that require specialized knowledge and skills.
• The ARC identified that certain roles in government necessitated expertise not readily available within the traditional civil service and suggested recruiting professionals from the private sector, academia, and public sector undertakings to fill these gaps
• The ARC proposed creating a talent pool of professionals for short-term or contractual government roles, bringing in fresh perspectives and advanced expertise in fields like economics, finance, technology, and public policy.
• It stressed the need for a transparent, merit-based selection process for lateral entrants and recommended establishing a dedicated agency to manage their recruitment and integration. The ARC also emphasized that while integrating lateral entrants, it was crucial to uphold the integrity and ethos of the civil services
• The First ARC, set up in 1966 under Morarji Desai, who later served as Prime Minister, laid the foundation for discussions on the need for specialized skills in the civil services. Although it did not specifically advocate for lateral entry, it stressed professionalization, training, and reforms in personnel management to address the evolving challenges of the nation
• The lateral entry scheme was formally introduced during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, recognizing the need for domain experts to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of India's administrative system.
• In 2018, the government announced vacancies for senior positions such as joint secretaries and directors, inviting applications from both private and public sector professionals for these roles.
• This initiative, influenced by the Second ARC's recommendations, effectively operationalized the concept of lateral entry, demonstrating a commitment to integrating specialized skills from outside the traditional civil service framework

Previous Year Questions   1.“Institutional quality is a crucial driver of economic performance”. In this context suggest reforms in the Civil Service for strengthening democracy. (UPSC CSE 2020)

 

 

Source: Indianexpress

 

ADITYA-L1 

1. Context 

India’s first solar mission, the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, recently completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point. The Aditya-L1 mission – a solar observatory at Lagrangian point L1 – was launched on September 2, 2023 and was inserted in its targeted halo orbit on January 6, 2024.

2. About Aditya-L1

• Aditya-L1's core objective revolves around positioning a spacecraft in the 'L1' spot in space, marking India's inaugural dedicated solar mission.
• This mission follows ISRO's successful AstroSat (2015), making it the agency's second astronomy observatory-class endeavour.

Image Source: ISRO

3. A Paradigm Shift in Solar Observations

• India's prior solar observations relied on ground-based telescopes and data from international solar missions.
• With ageing ground-based telescopes, India lacked a modern observational facility.
• Aditya-L1 seeks to address this gap and provide comprehensive solar data, advancing solar physics research.

4. Space weather alerts

• Astronomy-based space missions are gaining prominence due to their potential to inspire youth and contribute to scientific advancements.
• These missions, although time-consuming in development, play a crucial role in expanding our understanding of celestial phenomena.
• Solar flares, Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), and solar winds can disrupt space weather and impact satellite-dependent operations, such as telecommunications and power grids.
• Aditya-L1's role in studying the Sun is pivotal in enhancing our ability to predict and manage space weather disruptions.
• While AstroSat remains operational after eight years, Aditya-L1 presents a promising path for future Indian astronomy missions.
• With seven payloads, including instruments dedicated to solar observation, Aditya-L1 aims to advance our understanding of solar eruptions and flares.
• Solar physics now demands multiwavelength astronomy to comprehensively study solar events.
• Coordinating data from various instruments on Aditya-L1 is crucial to unravelling the complexities of solar phenomena.
• Aditya-L1 seeks to provide user-friendly information for safeguarding satellite-dependent operations.
• It may generate space weather alerts based on data obtained, enhancing our preparedness for space weather disturbances.

5. The Significance of L1

• Aditya-L1 embarks on a journey of nearly 100 days to reach L1, a location between the Earth and the Sun.
• This journey is shorter than Mangalyaan's voyage to Mars in 2014.
• After departing Earth's gravity, Aditya-L1 will enter a heliocentric path before reaching the L1 orbit.
• Six of Aditya-L1's payloads will remain inactive until approximately January 6, 2024, when the spacecraft is expected to enter a 'halo' orbit near L1.
• The activation of these payloads will enable the calibration of instruments before the commencement of scientific data collection.
• The L1 point in space, where Aditya-L1 will position itself, is one of the five Lagrange Points existing between any two celestial bodies in space.
• Being at L1 allows the spacecraft to make continuous observations with minimal energy expenditure.
• L1 is favoured for its unobstructed view of the Sun, making it ideal for solar research.

12. The Way Forward

• The Aditya-L1 mission represents a significant step in India's space exploration journey, offering the nation a unique opportunity to study the Sun comprehensively and contribute to space weather predictions.
• Positioned at the L1 point, this mission holds great promise for advancing our understanding of the Sun and its impact on Earth's space environment.

 

For Prelims: ISRO, Aditya L1, AstroSat, Coronal Mass Ejections, 'halo' orbit,  For Mains:  1. Describe the significance of the Aditya-L1 mission in the context of India's space exploration efforts. Explain how it differs from India's previous solar experiments. (250 Words)

 

 

Previous Year Questions   1. 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-stage 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 Answer: A   2. ISRO is related to: (SSC JE EE 2020)  A. space research       B. agricultural research       C. seed research          D. marine research   Answer: A   3. Aditya L1 is a ______. (ISRO IPRC Technical Assistant Mechanical 2016)  A. Long-range missile B. Rocket to moon C. Spacecraft project D. Light combat aircraft   Answer: C   4. With reference to 'Astrosat', the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016) 1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space. 2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth. Select the correct answer using the code given below. A. 1 only           B.  2 only          C. Both 1 and 2         D. Neither 1 nor 2   Answer: D   5. If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth? (UPSC 2022) 1. GPS and navigation systems could fail. 2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions. 3. Power grids could be damaged. 4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth. 5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet. 6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed. 7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1, 2, 4 and 5 only    B. 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only    C.  1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only    D.  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7   Answer: C

 

Source: The Indian Express

 

LINE OF ACTUAL CONTROL (LAC)

 

1.Context

As tensions continue between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

Indian and Chinese troops clashed in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang sector in the early hours of December 9, beating each other up with sticks and canes in their closest encounter since the deadly Galwan incident in eastern Ladakh in June 2020. The Indian soldiers who were injured in the clash are recuperating in a Guwahati hospital

Pic credits: TRT WORLD

 

2.About Line of Actual Control (LAC)

The LAC is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.

India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider it to be only around 2,000 km

It is divided into three sectors:

 

The eastern sector which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, The middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and the western sector in Ladakh

 

3.The disagreement

• The alignment of the LAC in the eastern sector is along the 1914 McMahon Line, and there are minor disputes about the positions on the ground as per the principle of the high Himalayan watershed
• This pertains to India’s international boundary as well, but for certain areas such as Longju and Asaphila
• The line in the middle sector is the least controversial but for the precise alignment to be followed in the Barahoti plains.
• The major disagreements are in the western sector where the LAC emerged from two letters written by Chinese Prime Minister Zhou Enlai to PM Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959, after he had first mentioned such a ‘line’ in 1956.
• In his letter, Zhou said the LAC consisted of “the so-called McMahon Line in the east and the line up to which each side exercises actual control in the west”
• After the 1962 War, the Chinese claimed they had withdrawn to 20 km behind the LAC of November 1959
• During the Doklam crisis in 2017, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged India to abide by the “1959 LAC”
• India rejected the concept of LAC in both 1959 and 1962. Even during the war, Nehru was unequivocal: “There is no sense or meaning in the Chinese offer to withdraw twenty kilometres from what they call ‘line of actual control’

4.India's agreement to LAC

• LAC was discussed during Chinese Premier Li Peng’s 1991 visit to India, where PM P V Narasimha Rao and Li reached an understanding to maintain peace and tranquillity at the LAC. 
• India formally accepted the concept of the LAC when Rao paid a return visit to Beijing in 1993 and the two sides signed the Agreement to Maintain Peace and Tranquillity at the LAC
• The reference to the LAC was unqualified to make it clear that it was not referring to the LAC of 1959 or 1962 but to the LAC at the time when the agreement was signed
• To reconcile the differences about some areas, the two countries agreed that the Joint Working Group on the border issue would take up the task of clarifying the alignment of the LAC

5.How is the LAC different from the Line of Control with Pakistan?

The LoC emerged from the 1948 ceasefire line negotiated by the UN after the Kashmir War. It was designated as the LoC in 1972, following the Shimla Agreement between the two countries. It is delineated on a map signed by DGMOs of both armies and has the international sanctity of a legal agreement.

The LAC, in contrast, is only a concept – it is not agreed upon by the two countries, neither delineated on a map or demarcated on the ground.

 

For Prelims: LAC, LOC For Mains: 1.What is this ‘line of control’? Is this the line China have created by aggression. Comment 2.What we know about the clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh

 

Previous Year Questions 1.The Line of Actual Control (LAC) separates  (Karnataka Civil Police Constable 2020) A.India and Pakistan B.India and Afghanistan C.India and Nepal D.India and China Answer (D) 2.LAC (Line of Actual Control) is an effective border between India and ______. (SSC CHSL 2020) A.Pakistan B.Bhutan C.Sri Lanka D.China Answer (D)

 

 

 

Source:indianexpress

 

SEMICONDUCTOR

 

 

 

1. Context

 

After having committed nearly all of the $10 billion in subsidies under its ambitious semiconductor manufacturing incentive policy, the government has prepared a blueprint for the second phase of the scheme — it could increase the outlay of the programme to $15 billion.

 

2. What are Semiconductors?

 

Semiconductors constitute a unique category of materials exhibiting electrical characteristics that blend those of conductors and insulators. Analogous to a faucet regulating water flow, semiconductors offer precise control over electric currents.

Among semiconductors, the transistor holds paramount importance. In the early stages of modern electronics, integrated circuits featured a mere four transistors, enabling basic arithmetic operations. Presently, single chips accommodate billions of transistors.

The intricate process of integrating numerous transistors onto a minuscule chip, comparable in size to a fingernail, demands meticulous precision akin to dividing a strand of human hair into a thousand segments, each with specific width, and further subdividing each segment into a hundred parts. Consequently, semiconductor fabrication necessitates cutting-edge technological and scientific expertise

3. How are Semiconductors made?

• The process commences with an engineer meticulously selecting a silicon wafer as the base upon which the semiconductor will be constructed.
• A dedicated team subjects the silicon, derived from sand, to an elaborate purification procedure to isolate it from other substances, resulting in an ultra-pure wafer with impurity levels as minimal as a few parts per billion.
• This proportion is akin to an error margin of merely one centimeter when measuring the Earth's diameter.
• Subsequently, the photolithography process ensues—a pivotal stage wherein the circuit pattern is etched onto the wafer.
• The wafer is coated with a light-sensitive substance known as a photoresist. A mask is then positioned in front of the wafer, and light is directed onto it. The mask features small apertures corresponding to the circuit pattern.
• Light passes through these apertures, eroding the underlying sections of the photoresist. Consequently, the photoresist on the wafer adopts the configuration of the transistor circuits.
• After photolithography, engineers employ chemical and/or physical methods to eliminate the unetched portions of the photoresist, leaving the circuit's framework on the silicon substrate intact.
• Next, they introduce impurities into specific areas of the semiconductor—a process known as doping—to modify its electrical properties deliberately.
• Thin layers of materials such as metals or insulators are then deposited onto the wafer's surface to establish electrical connections or insulate components.
• Subsequently, the resultant product undergoes packaging—individual chips are segregated, encapsulated, and subjected to testing to ensure functionality and reliability—before integration into the electronic device

4. Semiconductor Fabrication

 

• Every stage of semiconductor production necessitates exceptionally precise techniques and draws upon a variety of scientific principles. For instance, in crafting cutting-edge transistors, the photolithography process demands a light source emitting electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 13.5 nm.
• To achieve this, the High NA EUV machine developed by the Dutch company ASML employs a unique method: a cannon propels a 50-micrometer droplet of liquid tin at 300 km/hr through a vacuum chamber, where laser beams impart sufficient energy to generate a plasma emitting the required wavelength of radiation.
• Semiconductor manufacturing is characterized by specialization, resulting in an oligopoly dominated by companies specializing in specific areas. ASML, originally a spin-off of Philips, holds a monopoly on photolithography machines essential for cutting-edge semiconductor production worldwide.
• In the realm of software tools for circuit design, American firms Synopsys and Cadence reign supreme, while Japan's Shin Etsu leads in silicon wafer production.
• Taiwan's TSMC leads the market in fabrication, utilizing equipment from U.S.-based Applied Materials and Lam Research. The bulk of intellectual property rights are owned by the British company Arm.
• India plays a significant role in chip design, particularly centered in Bengaluru. However, ownership of most intellectual property rights necessary for executing these designs lies with parent companies or with Arm, relegating India to a consumer rather than a proprietor of these products.
• This dynamic mirrors the business model of McDonald's: while India may host numerous McDonald's outlets, the recipe and supply chain are controlled by a parent company headquartered elsewhere

5. Benefits of Semiconductors

 

• Smartphones and computers epitomize the apex of semiconductor technology, yet the impact of semiconductors permeates nearly every aspect of daily life. These components power not only the sophisticated functions of electronic devices but also enable the operation of "smart" air conditioners for temperature regulation and facilitate space telescopes in capturing both captivating and scientifically significant images from the depths of the universe, among various other applications.
• The solutions to many of the pivotal challenges of the 21st century, encompassing realms such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, space exploration, robotics, personalized healthcare, and environmental monitoring, hinge upon a reliable supply of advanced semiconductors. This underscores their critical importance for humanity's survival and pursuit of fairness, sustainability, and justice.
• The establishments dedicated to semiconductor technology not only foster innovation and generate high-income employment opportunities but also cultivate the potential for startups specializing in cutting-edge technologies.
• Furthermore, they contribute to and benefit from advancements in fields such as materials science, computer engineering, big data, optics, chemical engineering, and chip design, among others.
• Given their significance in sectors like defense and automotive industries, semiconductors have become focal points of geopolitical interest. Countries vie to establish semiconductor fabrication facilities domestically, offering various incentives to attract industry leaders. Notably, the United States has imposed sanctions on Chinese technology companies, including bans on acquiring advanced ASML equipment and high-end design software, citing similar reasons.
• In response, China has intensified efforts to bolster its domestic semiconductor production capabilities to meet internal demand.
• India, on the other hand, has been leveraging its expertise in design to establish semiconductor manufacturing plants domestically. It is hoped that this strategic initiative, coupled with the potential for continued innovation and collaboration, will enhance India's position in the semiconductor industry

6. Way Forward

 

While the physical realm of human activity contains an array of languages, the digital realm is founded on just one fundamental binary language: the 1s and 0s, also called the bits of data. Computers represent these bits as electrical signals and this forms the foundation of modern computing, communication, social media, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The 0s and 1s constantly shape the way we interact with technology and with each other — and the beating heart of this binary revolution is the semiconductor device

 

 

For Prelims: Semiconductor, intellectual property rights, India Semiconductor Mission, Semicon India Program For Mains:  1. Discuss the potential of India's semiconductor industry to reduce the country's dependence on imported chips and contribute to the "Make in India" initiative. (250 Words)

 

Source: The Hindu