THE POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. THE 24TH NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON E-GOVERNANCE 2021

THE CONTEXT: The Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances (DARPG) and Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, in association with the State Government of Telangana organized the 24th Conference on e-Governance (NCG) 2021.

THE EXPLANATION: 

• The theme of this Conference is “India’s Techade: Digital Governance in a Post Pandemic World”. At the Valedictory Session ‘Hyderabad Declaration’ on e-Governance was adopted after intensive deliberations during the sessions.
• The discussions were held on six sub-themes in Plenary sessions- AatmaNirbhar Bharat: Universalization of Public Services; Innovation– Platformization, Emerging Technologies; Ease of living through Technology Interventions for Good Governance; Government Process Re-engineering and Citizen’s participation in Government Processes; India’s Techade – Digital Economy (Digital Payments – Building Citizen’s Confidence).

HYDERABAD DECLARATION:

The Conference resolved that Government of India and State Governments shall collaborate to:

1. To bring citizens and government closer through digital platforms.
2. Transform citizen services through use of technology by leveraging the artifacts of India Stack that include Aadhaar, UPI, DigiLocker, UMANG, e Sign and consent framework.
3. Fast track the implementation of the national level public digital platforms in key social sectors viz. Health, Education, Agriculture, etc by adopting open interoperable architecture for joined up connected services.
4. Operationalize the data governance framework to facilitate data sharing within Government entities as also make available all data on data.gov.in except for a negative list. Enable protocols for data collection, data harvesting, data privacy, data anonymization, data security, and data preservation that can help build a data economy.
5. Foster responsible use of emerging technology such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Blockchain, 5G, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, etc for Social Empowerment.
6. Use technology for propagating end to end service delivery without human interference to the citizen at the grass root level.
7. Make “digital” the primary aspect of government service design and delivery and provide requisite infrastructure to achieve that.

Value Addition:

What is e-Governance?

• E-governance is the application of ICT to the processes of government functioning for good governance. In other words, e-governance is the public sector’s use of ICTs with the aim to improve information and service delivery, encourage citizen participation in decision-making and make government more accountable, transparent and efficient.
• So in essence, e-governance is the application of ICT in government functioning to bring in SMART governance implying: simple, moral, accountable, responsive and transparent

SMART governance, thus, helps in:

• improving the internal organizational processes of governments;
• providing better information and service delivery;
• increasing government transparency in order to reduce corruption;
• reinforcing political credibility and accountability; and
• promoting democratic practices through public participation and consultation.

THE ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

2. THE RARE MICROBES

THE CONTEXT: Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have discovered that oxygen is also produced without sunlight, possibly deep below the ocean surface. Researchers have discovered that some of the invisible microorganisms living in water columns produce oxygen in an unexpected way.

THE EXPLANATION:

Scientists say there would be no oxygen on Earth were it not for sunlight: the key component in photosynthesis.

Nitrogen cycle

• A few microbes are known to make oxygen without sunlight, but so far, they have only been discovered in very limited quantities and in very specific habitats.
• But the ocean living microbe Nitrosopumilus maritimus and its cousins, called ammonia-oxidizing archaea play an important role in the nitrogen cycle. For this, they need oxygen. So it has been a long-standing puzzle why they are also very abundant in waters where there is no oxygen.
• The researchers found that N. maritimus was using the oxygen present in water, but the oxygen levels started increasing again in water. The micro-organisms were able to make oxygen even in a dark environment. Not sufficiently high to influence oxygen levels on Earth, but enough to keep itself going.
• maritimus couples the oxygen production to the production of gaseous nitrogen. By doing so they remove bioavailable nitrogen from the environment.

What are Microbes?

A microbe, or “microscopic organism,” is a living thing that is too small to be seen with the naked eye. We need to use a microscope to see them.It is used to describe many different types of life forms, with dramatically different sizes and characteristics:

• Bacteria
• Archaea
• Fungi
• Protists
• Viruses

Microscopic Animals

The human body is home to microbes from all of these categories. Microscopic plants are also considered microbes, though they don’t generally live on or in the human body.         

3. THE RETURN OF GHARIAL TO ORANG NATIONAL PARK

THE CONTEXT: The Assam government issued a preliminary notification for adding 200.32 sq. km to the 78.82 sq. km Orang National Park as it is to be expanded to more than thrice its existing size; to include Gharials, dolphins, turtles.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The gharial, wiped out from the Brahmaputra River system in the 1950s, could be the prime beneficiary of a process to expand an Assam tiger reserve.

• Orang, on the northern bank of the river, is strategic to the Kaziranga Orang Riverine Landscape. Tigers and rhinos are known to use the islands in this riverine landscape, about 180 km long, to hop between Orang and Kaziranga.
• “The government is pursuing a policy for the reintroduction of the gharial that became locally extinct more than six decades ago. With better protection, the stretch of Kaziranga-Orang landscape is ideal for sustaining the gharial,”
• The Gangetic dolphin is also expected to be a beneficiary of the final notification of the addition to Orang, expected to take at least three months after the rights and claims are settled.
• Other national parks in Assam are Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri, Dibru-Saikhowa, Raimona and DehingPatkai.

About Gharials

Gharials (or gavials) are a type of Asian crocodilian distinguished by their long, thin snouts. Crocodilians are a group of reptiles that includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and more.

India has three species of Crocodilians namely:

• Gharial: IUCN Red List– Critically Endangered
• Mugger crocodile: IUCN-
• Saltwater crocodile: IUCN- Least Concern.
• All the three are listed on Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• However, Saltwater Crocodile populations of Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are included in Appendix II of CITES.

Habitats include:

• Fresh waters of the northern India – Chambal river, Ghagra, Gandak river and the Sone river (Bihar).
• Population of Gharials is a good indicator of clean river water.

Conservation Efforts:

• Breeding Centres of Kukrail Gharial Rehabilitation Centre in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, National Chambal Sanctuary (Gharial Eco Park, Madhya Pradesh).

Orang National Park

• The Orang National Park also known as Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park is located on the north bank of the Brahmaputra River in the Darrang and Sonitpur districts of Assam and covers an area of 78.81 square kilometers.
• It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1985 but was declared as National Park in 1999. It is also 49th Tiger Reserve of the country, being notified in 2016.
• It is also known as the mini Kaziranga National Park (IUCN site) since the two parks have a similar landscape made up of marshes, streams, and grasslands.
• Pachnoi River, Belsiri River and Dhansiri River border the park and join the Brahmaputra River.

THE DEFENCE AND SECURITY

4. THE LIGHT COMBAT AIRCRAFT PROGRAMME

THE CONTEXT: According to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), HAL expects to deliver all Final Operational Clearance (FOC) variant aircraft to the Indian Air Force (IAF) in 2022 pending some systems from Israel, while the LCA-MK1A is expected to take flight in June 2022. There is another 20 to 24 months of testing after which deliveries would begin with manufacturing activities going parallel to the testing.

THE BACKGROUND:

• The term Tejas means ‘radiance’. Developed as a joint venture between Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Tejas is a lightweight aircraft technically described as a multi-role, singing-engine tactical fighter. The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Tejas was conceptualized in the year
• Specially manufactured for induction into the Indian Navy and Indian Air force, Tejas comes with two variations.
• Tejas is an indigenously manufactured Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). Notably, this is among the world’s smallest and lightest multi-role fighter aircraft belonging to the Supersonic class. The highlights of this tailless Aircraft include a single-engine and a compound delta wing. In the mission of its development, we see ADA and HAL partners also making use of the expertise of DRDO, CSIR, BEL, DGAQA, IAF and IN. Upon its deployment, Tejas will meet the diverse requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy (IN).

Tejas aircraft Performance

• Altitude: 50,000 feet; Max Speed at all altitudes: Supersonic; and ‘g’ limits: +8/-3.5.
• The efficiency and worth of any modern fighter aircraft depend on the weapons it is capable of delivering on the target. Tejas can carry a veritable plethora of air to surface, air to air, standoff and precision-guided weaponry. In the air-to-air arena, Tejas can carry long-range and beyond-visual-range weapons. It can also tackle any kind of close combat threat by handling highly agile and high off-boresight missiles.
• A broad range of air to ground munitions and highly accurate navigation and attack system makes it possible for the aircraft to prosecute the surface targets both over the land or at the sea with the mission accomplished with a high degree of accuracy. These features bestow the multi-swing role capabilities to this highly touted fighter jet aircraft Tejas.

What is the status of the LCA programme?

• Two decades since the first flight, in February 2021, the Defence Ministry signed a ₹48,000 crore deal with HAL to supply 83 LCA-Mk1A to the IAF. This includes 73 LCA Tejas Mk-1A fighter aircraft and 10 LCA Mk-1 trainer aircraft at the cost of ₹45,696 crores along with the design and development of infrastructure sanctions worth ₹1,202 crores.
• The MK-1A will have over 40 modifications over the MK1 variant including some major ones like a new Electronic Warfare system, Advanced Electronically Scanning Array (AESA) radar, Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles and network warfare system including Software Defined Radio (SDR).
• The first IOC fighter aircraft was delivered in 2016 and the first LCA squadron No. 45 “Flying Daggers” in the IAF was formed in July 2016 with two aircraft. The first squadron is now complete and the second LCA squadron No. 18 ‘Flying Bullets’ was operationalized in May 2020.

What is the way forward?

• To ramp up production, HAL has already set up two additional assembly lines which are operational. Some back-end activities are also being finished at the moment, according to HAL.
• The indigenous content in LCA is currently about 52% and HAL said it is looking at ways to increase it to 65%.
• An ambitious fifth-generation fighter aircraft Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), and a new Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF) to operate from the Navy’s aircraft carriers are being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA).
• The AMCA is envisaged as a 25-tonne aircraft with an internal carriage of 1,500kg of payload and a 5,500kg external payload with 6,500kg of internal fuel with the rollout planned in 2024 and first flight planned in 2025, according to ADA officials.
• The TEDBF is being designed based on lessons learned from the Naval LCA programme and the first flight is planned for 2026. In addition to supplying to the IAF, HAL is aggressively pitching its helicopters and Tejas to countries in South East Asia and West Asia and LCA is in the contest in Malaysia.

THE DISASTER MANAGEMENT

5. THE GALÁPAGOS ISLANDS VOLCANO ERUPTS

THE CONTEXT: According to Ecuador’s Geophysical Institute the tallest mountain in the Galápagos islands has erupted, spewing lava down its flanks and clouds of ash over the Pacific Ocean.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The 1,701-meter volcano is one of the numerous active volcanos in the Galápagos, which are nearly 1,000km (600 miles) from mainland South America.
• A cloud of gas and ash from Wolf Volcano rose to 3,793 meters (12,444 feet) above sea level after the eruption.
• The volcano last erupted in 2015.

Value Addition:

A volcano is an opening in the earth’s crust through which gases, molten rocks materials (lava), ash, steam etc. are emitted outward in the course of an eruption. Volcanic activity is an example of an endogenic process. 

Difference between Magma and Lava:

• Magma is the term used to denote the molten rocks and related materials seen inside the earth. A weaker zone of the mantle called the asthenosphere usually is the source of magma.
• Once this magma came out to the earth’s surface through the vent of a volcano, it is called the Lava. Therefore, Lava is nothing but the magma on earth’s surface.
• The process by which solid, liquid and gaseous material escape from the earth’s interior to the surface of the earth is called Volcanism.

THE GOVERNMENT SCHEMES AND INITIATIVES IN NEWS

6. NEW MICROCHIP IN E-PASSPORTS

THE CONTEXT: The Ministry of External Affairs signed an agreement with Tata Consultancy Services Limited for the second phase of the Passport Seva Programme (PSP), one of the several Mission Mode Projects (MMPs) of the Government of India.

THE EXPLANATION:

The latest agreement will facilitate the next phase of the PSP termed PSP-V2.0. The $1 billion agreement will focus on faster delivery of passports to the citizens and create a more effective integration between various wings of the Government like the MEA and the local police network that can work in harmony for verification of applicants and quick tracing in case of emergency situations.

What are the features of the new passport initiative programme?

• The new initiative is aimed at creating a digital platform that would be “transparent, more accessible and reliable” and that it would be backed by a trained workforce. This will create a state-of-the-art digital ecosystem, overhaul existing processes and integrate various wings of Government that is involved in the issuance of passports.
• The overall system would be connected to all the Indian diplomatic missions abroad and will allow monitoring and supervision through the state-of-art Network Operation Centre, and Security Operation Centre.
• “The programme has recently been connected to more than 176 Indian Missions/Posts through Global Passport Seva Programme (GPSP), providing seamless delivery of passport services to the Indian diaspora,”

What will be the new features of PSP-V2.0?

• The new programme is expected to have technology upgrades including the use of the latest biometrics technology, Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Data Analytics, Chat-Bot, Auto-response, Natural Language Processing, Cloud Enablement.
• The newest feature under the PSP-V2.0 will be the issuance of the new generation of passports called e-passports. Under this, new and renewed passports will be fitted with a microchip that will hold all biometric information regarding the applicants

How different will e-passports be from the current passports?

• Current passports are scanned at the immigration counters to reveal the travel record of the citizen using the same document and the e-passport is also expected to perform the same function. However, unlike the current passports, the e-passport users will have physical storage of their biometric data in a chip which will reduce risk of data leakage.

THE PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS 

QUESTION OF THE DAY 10^TH JANUARY 2022

Q1. Consider the following statements about AIIB.

1. It is a multilateral development bank headquartered in Beijing.
2. India is the second-largest shareholder in AIIB.
3. Japan is not a member of AIIB.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

          a) 1 and 2 only

b) 2 and 3 only

c) 1 and 3 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

THE CONTEXT: The Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan was held in New Delhi on 10 November 2021 in an expanded format. The NSA of several neighboring countries participated in the event and the Taliban welcomed it. IN this article, let us understand the importance of the Delhi Declaration and the associated issues.

BASICS OF THE DELHI DECLARATION

• Participants: All Afghan neighbors such as Pakistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Russia and China were invited.
• The reason behind the Meet: The Taliban takeover after the USA withdrawal from Afghanistan has raised safety concerns for the neighboring states, and thus to address them, the meeting was held.
• KEY PROBLEM: Terrorism
• HIGHLIGHT: Condemned Terrorism in all forms and reaffirmed commitment to combat Terrorism including its financing, dismantling of terrorist infrastructure, and countering radicalization.
• KEY PROBLEM: Radicalisation
• HIGHLIGHT: The meeting condemned the terrorist attacks in Kunduz, Kandahar, and Kabul. Called for collective cooperation against the menace of radicalization, extremism, separatism, and drug trafficking in the region.
• KEY PROBLEM: Humanitarian Assistance
• HIGHLIGHT: Strong support for a peaceful, secure, and stable Afghanistan was expressed while emphasizing the respect for sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and non-interference in its internal affairs. Expressed concern over the deteriorating socio-economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, and underlined the need to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan. Humanitarian assistance should be provided in an unimpeded, direct, and assured manner to Afghanistan.
• KEY PROBLEM: Form of Government
• HIGHLIGHT: Forming an open and truly inclusive government that represents the will of all the people of Afghanistan and has representation from all sections of their society. The Central Role of the UN in solving the Afghan problem was reaffirmed.

HIGHLIGHTS OF DELHI DECLARATION

RESPONSES BY NATIONS

1. Russia: Russia raised the concern that the multiple dialogues on the Afghan future can complicate the already complex situation of Afghanistan.
2. Pakistan and China: The nations stay away from the discussion.
3. Afghan representation: There was no representation of the Afghan government or Taliban. Even though they praised the dialogue.
4. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan: The two nations didn’t mention Terrorism in their opening statements.

WHY DELHI DECLARATION MATTER? AN ANALYSIS

1. Gave Voice to Indian Concerns: Since India has not been an invitee to other meetings on the Afghan future, the Delhi declaration gave a voice to Indian concern especially on terrorism radicalization and the need for an inclusive government.
2. Linkage of Humanitarian Assistance with Terrorism: While Pakistan and China are pushing for humanitarian assistance so as to seek recognition for the Taliban regime, Delhi Declaration linked it to Terrorism, and thus when seen in its totality, the declaration says that any recognition of the Taliban regime will mean countering Terrorism.
3. Recognition of Pakistan-sponsored Terrorism: The unanimous acceptance of the fear of Terrorism rising from Afghanistan on an Indian platform by the regional countries showed the shared fear of Pakistan-sponsored Terrorism.

PROBLEMS WITH DELHI DECLARATION

1. IMPRACTICAL: Even though the declaration sounds pious, it is near impossible for any of the eight countries to provide ‘unimpeded, direct and assured’ humanitarian assistance.
2. No outcome on Visas and Student education: No outcome came on visas to Afghanistan citizens and the plight of students that were studying in Indian universities was ignored.
3. India-Iran Axis: India has failed to bring Iran on its side and against the Taliban rise. The India-Iran axis is the only axis at the moment that can put weight against the Taliban regime.

OTHER DISCUSSIONS ON AFGHANISTAN’ FUTURE

1. Troika Plus Meeting: It is a U.S, Russia, China, and Pakistan grouping on the Afghanistan peace process.
2. Moscow Format: Set up by Russia in 2017 involves six parties namely Russia, India, Afghanistan, Iran, China, and Pakistan.

THE WAY FORWARD

1. Creation of Consensus with other nations: India needs to create a consensus with other nations on Afghanistan as only through consensus we can ensure that Afghanistan doesn’t become a safe haven for terrorists.
2. Lead with Example: India in the dialogue asked for uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan but itself has not contributed in this regard. India needs to lead by example.
3. Define India’s view of Afghan: India needs to define the role to be played by Afghanistan. Without demarcating it, we can’t make a consensus in this regard.

THE CONCLUSION: Delhi Declaration on Afghanistan is an important step towards a coordinated regional response to the Afghan crisis. It showed India’s readiness to coordinate India’s Afghan policy with that of regional countries while asserting its role as the key interlocutor. The key challenge now remains at the conversion of the pledges into practice.

THE INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

1. MOU BETWEEN INDIA AND NEPAL FOR CONSTRUCTION OF BRIDGE

THE CONTEXT: The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Nepal for the construction of a bridge over Mahakali River at Dharchula (India)- Dharchula (Nepal).

THE EXPLANATION:

As close neighbours, India and Nepal share unique ties of friendship and cooperation characterized by an open border and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture.  Both India and Nepal have been working together on different regional forums i.e. SAARC, BIMSTEC as well as global fora.

IMPORTANCE:

• Nepal shares a border with 5 Indian states-Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Sikkim and Bihar. Hence an important point of cultural and economic exchange.
• Importance for India can be studied from two different angles: a) their strategic importance for India’s national security; and b) their place in India’s role perception in international politics.
• Nepal is right in the middle of India’s ‘Himalayan frontiers’, and along with Bhutan, it acts as northern ‘borderland’ flanks and acts as buffer states against any possible aggression from China.
• The two countries not only share an open border and unhindered movement of people, but they also have close bonds through marriages and familial ties, popularly known as Roti-Beti ka Rishta.
• India is Nepal’s largest trade partner and the largest source of foreign investments, besides providing transit for almost the entire third-country trade of Nepal.
• Indian firms engaged in manufacturing, services (banking, insurance, dry port), power sector and tourism industries etc.

THE INDIAN ECONOMY

2. THE SOVEREIGN GOLD BOND SCHEME 2021-22

THE CONTEXT: The Government of India in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has decided to allow a discount of Rs 50 (Rupees Fifty only) per gram from the issue price to those investors who apply online, and the payment is made through digital mode. For such investors, the issue price of Gold Bond will be Rs 4,736 (Rupees Four thousand seven hundred thirty-six only) per gram of gold.

THE EXPLANATION:

About the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme:

• The sovereign gold bond was introduced by the Government in 2015.
• The government introduced these bonds to help reduce India’s over-dependence on gold imports.
• The move was also aimed at changing the habits of Indians from saving in the physical form of gold to a paper form with Sovereign backing.
• Joint Holder: In the case of joint holding, the investment limit of 4 kg will be applied to the first applicant only.
• Collateral: Bonds can be used as collateral for loans. The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is to be set equal to the ordinary gold loan mandated by the Reserve Bank from time to time.

Merits of investing in gold bonds:

• For investors, it is advisable to invest in gold for portfolio diversification.
• Sovereign gold bonds are considered one of the better ways of investing in gold as along with capital appreciation an investor gets a fixed rate of interest.
• Apart from this, it is tax-efficient as no capital gains is charged in case of redemption on maturity.
• Sovereign gold bonds are a good way to ensure an investment that does not need physical storage of the gold.

Demerits of sovereign gold bonds

• This is a long-term investment, unlike physical gold which can be sold immediately.
• Sovereign gold bonds are listed on an exchange, but the trading volumes are not high, therefore it will be difficult to exit before maturity

3. INDIA TO OVERTAKE JAPAN AS ASIA’S SECOND-LARGEST ECONOMY BY 2030: REPORT

THE CONTEXT: India is likely to overtake Japan as Asia’s second-largest economy by 2030 when its GDP is also projected to surpass that of Germany and the UK to rank as world’s No.3, according to the IHS Markit report.

THE EXPLANATION:

THE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:

• Currently, India is the sixth-largest economy in the world, behind the US, China, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom.
• According to the projection “India’s nominal GDP measured in USD terms is forecast to rise from USD 2.7 trillion in 2021 to USD 8.4 trillion by 2030.” “This rapid pace of economic expansion would result in the size of Indian GDP exceeding Japanese GDP by 2030, making India the second-largest economy in the Asia-Pacific region.” By 2030, the Indian economy would also be larger in size than the largest Western European economies of Germany, France and the UK.
• Overall, India is expected to continue to be one of the world’s fastest-growing economies over the next decade.
• “An important positive factor for India is its large and fast-growing middle class, which is helping to drive consumer spending,” forecasting that the country’s consumption expenditure will double from USD 1.5 trillion in 2020 to USD 3 trillion by 2030.
• For the full fiscal year 2021-22 (April 2021 to March 2022), India’s real GDP growth rate is projected to be 8.2 percent, rebounding from the severe contraction of 7.3 percent year-on-year in 2020-21.
• The rapidly growing domestic consumer market as well as its large industrial sector have made India an increasingly important investment destination for a wide range of multinationals in many sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure and services.
• The digital transformation of India that is currently underway is expected to accelerate the growth of e-commerce, changing the retail consumer market landscape over the next decade.
• “The large increase in FDI inflows to India that has been evident over the past five years is also continuing with strong momentum in 2020 and 2021”.
• Being one of the world’s fastest-growing economies will make India one of the most important long-term growth markets for multinationals in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing industries such as autos, electronics and chemicals, and services industries such as banking, insurance, asset management, healthcare and information technology.

4. NSO ESTIMATES ON FY22 GDP GROWTH

THE CONTEXT: According to first advance estimates of the National Statistical Office (NSO), India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to grow 9.2% in the financial year 2021-22.

THE EXPLANATION:

• India’s gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by 9.2% in the current financial year following last fiscal’s 7.3% contraction, the National Statistical Office (NSO) said in its first advance estimates of economic output released amid concerns over the likely impact of a third wave of the COVID pandemic.

• “GDP at constant prices (2011-12) in the year 2021-22 is estimated at ₹147.54 lakh crore, as against the provisional estimate of GDP for the year 2020-21 of ₹135.13 lakh crore”. It also added that growth in real GDP is pegged at 2%. “Real GVA at Basic Prices is estimated at ₹135.22 lakh crore in 2021-22, as against ₹124.53 lakh crore in 2020-21, showing a growth of 8.6%”.

Mining spurt

• The NSO’s GVA estimates show the mining sector outpacing others with the growth of 3% following in 2021 8.5% contraction, followed by manufacturing which is seen expanding by 12.5% after shrinking 7.2% in the previous 12-month period.
• The agriculture sector is estimated to grow at 3.9% in FY22 (3.6%). The electricity, water supply and other utility services category is estimated to grow at 8.5% (1.9%), while construction is expected to grow 10.7% (-8.6%) and trade, hotels, transport, communication and broadcasting services are projected to grow at 11.9% against a sharp contraction of 18.2% in 2022.
• “Compared to the pre-COVID performance of FY2020, the advance estimates project an anemic rise of 1.3% and 1.9%, respectively, for GDP and GVA in FY2022”.

GLOSSARY:

• Gross value added (GVA) is the measure of the total value of goods and services produced in an economy( area, region or country). The amount of value-added to a product is taken into account.
• GVA= Gross Domestic Product + Subsidies on products – Taxes on products.

THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

5. THE SEASONAL FLUCTUATIONS IN DARTERS’ MOVEMENTS BEING MONITORED

THE CONTEXT: A new record has been set by the Chinese ‘artificial sun’ or the experimental advanced superconducting tokamak (EAST) fusion energy reactor in Hefei as it ran at 70 million°C for 1,056 seconds, which is over 17 minutes. The record was apparently achieved.

THE EXPLANATION:

• According to a report have mentioned that the achieved temperature is almost five times hotter than the real Sun, which hits a temperature of 15 million°C at its core.
• The previous record set by EAST set was in May by running for 101 seconds at a higher temperature of 20 million°C.
• Also, researchers noted that “this time, steady-state plasma operation was sustained for 1,056 seconds at a temperature close to 70 million degrees Celsius, laying a solid scientific and experimental foundation toward the running of a fusion reactor”.
• It is important to note that nuclear fusion power works by colliding heavy hydrogen atoms to form helium. It releases vast amounts of energy.

ABOUT EXPERIMENTAL ADVANCED SUPERCONDUCTING TOKAMAK (EAST)

• The mission mimics the energy generation process of the sun.
• The reactor consists of an advanced nuclear fusion experimental research device located in Hefei, China.
• It is one of three major domestic tokamaks that are presently being operated across the country.
• The EAST project is part of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) facility, which will become the world’s largest nuclear fusion reactor when it becomes operational in 2035.
• The ITER project includes the contributions of several countries, including India, South Korea, Japan, Russia and the United States.

HOW DOES THE ‘ARTIFICIAL SUN’ EAST WORK?

• It replicates the nuclear fusion process carried out by the sun and stars.
• For nuclear fusion to occur, tremendous heat and pressure are applied on hydrogen atoms so that they fuse together.
• The nuclei of deuterium and tritium — both found in hydrogen — are made to fuse together to create a helium nucleus, a neutron along with a whole lot of energy.
• Here, fuel is heated to temperatures of over 150 million degrees C so that it forms a hot plasma “soup” of subatomic particles.
• With the help of a strong magnetic field, the plasma is kept away from the walls of the reactor to ensure it does not cool down and lose its potential to generate large amounts of energy. The plasma is confined for long durations for fusion to take place.

WHY IS FUSION BETTER THAN FISSION?

• While fission is an easier process to carry out, it generates far more nuclear waste.
• Unlike fission, fusion also does not emit greenhouse gases and is considered a safer process with lower risk of accidents.
• Once mastered, nuclear fusion could potentially provide unlimited clean energy and very low costs.
• Like fission, fusion also does not emit greenhouse gases and is considered a safer process with lower risk of accidents.

 Which other countries have achieved this feat?

• China is not the only country that has achieved high plasma temperatures. In 2020, South Korea’s KSTAR reactor set a new record by maintaining a plasma temperature of over 100 million degrees Celsius for 20 seconds.

Value Addition:

What is Nuclear Fusion?

Nuclear fusion is a reaction through which two or more light nuclei collide to form a heavier nucleus. The nuclear fusion process occurs in elements that have a low atomic number, such as hydrogen. Nuclear Fusion is the opposite of nuclear fission reaction in which heavy elements diffuse and form lighter elements. Both nuclear fusion and fission produce a massive amount of energy.

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2. 2022 may continue the trend of world’s warmest years: UK Met Office READ MORE

1. Politics with the Value of ‘Honesty’? READ MORE
2. The unreality of fact and reality of fiction READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. 24th National Conference on e-Governance 2021 successfully concludes at Hyderabad READ MORE
2. Explained: France’s controversial vaccine pass bill READ MORE
3. India’s first indigenous aircraft carrier begins another phase of sea trials READ MORE
4. Galápagos islands volcano erupts spewing lava and clouds of ash READ MORE
5. Expanded tiger reserve may see return of gharials in Assam READ MORE
6. Scientists can detect animal species by vacuuming their DNA out of the air READ MORE

Main Exam   

GS Paper- 1

1. A prudent heritage-CSR partnership is needed READ MORE  
2. Empowering Women or Curbing Rights? Increasing the minimum marriage age is not just tokenistic, but harmful. READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Some Raj Bhavans are on the war path READ MORE
2. Unchanged: After much loss of time, SC allows EWS quota income norm to stay for this year READ MORE
3. Apprehensions persist over electoral bonds READ MORE
4. Imprudent Judgement Leaves Detainees in Despair: The human cost of detention and the implications of re-verification of NRC. READ MORE

SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. Changing Education~II READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Maldives, China ink key deals, agree on visa exemption READ MORE
2. Japan-Australia pact shows others can move on without India in Quad READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. The Devas arbitration READ MORE
2. What GDP data says about state of economy, its influence on budget priorities READ MORE
3. How India can give a boost to biofuels: Rather than bank on crop residue and used oilseeds, the focus must shift to a few feedstock crops to produce biofuels READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Zero the way to go READ MORE
2. 2022 may continue the trend of world’s warmest years: UK Met Office READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Politics with the Value of ‘Honesty’? READ MORE
2. The unreality of fact and reality of fiction READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Compare between Dissent and Disagreement in a democracy. Do you think that dissent is in principle against the social contract for the state. Justify your view.
2. The institution of bureaucracy in India is showing signs of fatigue in keeping with modern times. Do you agree?

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature.
• Increasing the minimum marriage age is not just tokenistic, but harmful.
• Brandishing honesty through conducting raids is something that results from one’s moral discomfort with the truth.
• The National Education Policy 2020 has all the right intentions in place to propel the higher education institutions of this country in a trajectory of catalyzing innovative growth and economic development.
• India continues to harbour the illusion that more partners are better than deeper partnerships. This makes creating a regional balance against China more difficult.
• Communalism can be resisted, not by a different version of it, but only by constitutionalism. The politics of hatred need to be checked by politics of love and inclusiveness.
• India’s built heritage is predominantly falling under the jurisdictions of urban areas being governed by respective urban local bodies.
• The law would take its own course and time, but political parties in the Opposition will have to fight the elections in the meantime.
• The investment in the infrastructure to synchronise the electricity produced from RE sources with that from conventional power stations will contribute to energy security, ensure ecologically sustainable growth, and spur employment generation.
• Rather than bank on crop residue and used oilseeds, the focus must shift to a few feedstock crops to produce biofuels.

50-WORD TALK

• Fearful the health system could collapse as the Covid third wave accelerates, panicked citizens have begun stockpiling the antiviral Molnupiravir. But self-medication and over-prescription caused immeasurable harm last summer; avoidable mucormycosis deaths were just one particularly grim result. The government must ensure the use of life-saving medicines is carefully regulated.
• The Supreme Court has finally weighed in on the much-delayed NEET-PG OBC/EWS reservation matter. Not a day too soon. This will contribute immensely toward filling doctor shortages, especially when many of them are getting infected. The allocation of colleges should now be taken up immediately without the usual administrative sloth.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and also exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.