9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – February 12th, 2022

Dear Friends, We have initiated some changes in the 9 PM Brief and other postings related to current affairs. What we sought to do:

  1. Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
  2. We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing. Hence, the 9 PM brief now covers the following newspapers:
    1. The Hindu  
    2. Indian Express  
    3. Livemint  
    4. Business Standard  
    5. Times of India 
    6. Down To Earth
    7. PIB
  3. We have also introduced the relevance part to every article. This ensures that you know why a particular article is important.
  4. Since these changes are new, so initially the number of articles might increase, but they’ll go down over time.
  5. It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.
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    • For individual articles of 9 PM BriefClick Here

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

‘Enmity Will Be With Your Kin Or Your Neighbour’

Source: This post is based on the article “‘Enmity Will Be With Your Kin Or Your Neighbour’” published in Times of India on 12th February 2022.

Syllabus: GS 1 – The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country.

Relevance: To understand the role of violence in India’s freedom struggle.

NewsHistorian Shruti Kapila explores the role of violence in 20th-century Indian political ideas in her book ‘Violent Fraternity: Indian Political Thought In The Global Age’.

How India is different from the West on violence?

The history of the west shows that the state was the legitimate author of violence. But the Indian story is different. For example, during the 1857 revolt, Indians killed the British. But for the next 90 years, the role of the British in promoting violence has been ignored.

According to the author, India completely rewrote the script of modern politics, not only in the relationship between the state and violence but also in republic and democracy.

Why Hindutva was a theory of violence in search of its history?

Hindutva was a new idea created by Savarkar. But the ideology has been articulated throughout history. Savarkar himself looked for elements in India’s past which might relate to political Hinduism. But he never found one.

Most of his books were organised around the theme of war. He gave a very productive role for violence. He thought of violence as a dynamic force. So he was critical of figures like Ashoka because they were non-violent. He even argued Ashoka has thwarted the idea of nationality in India.

For this reason, He went on to held Buddhism as an essential problem in India. So, according to Savarkar, only violence can overcome history.

On the other hand, Ambedkar remarked that India is in conflict between Buddhism and Hinduism, because Buddhism was shunned out of India, caste emerged as a political relationship full of violence.

Where does Gandhiji fit in?

Gandhiji was radical and provided the most powerful democratic values. His ideologies were not oriented towards institutions. Instead, they were oriented towards the self.

He, along with Tilak, believed that life and death are individual properties. He believed that people need to remake the self before they even think about political change. According to him, it was a moral duty of a person not just to protect his own religion, but also to let Muslims practise their own religion.

GS Paper 2


Clearing the airways

Source: This post is based on the article “Clearing the airways” published in The Hindu on 12th Feb 2022.        

Syllabus: GS2- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. 

Relevance: Pandemic’s effect on Tourism and aviation sector in India, Tackling COVID.  

News: New Government guidelines have allowed fully vaccinated passengers from 82 countries to skip the mandatory quarantine period. Also the requirement of compulsory on-arrival testing for passengers from certain countries identified as “at-risk” has also been removed.  

Why is this relaxation being given? 

There are sound epidemiological reasons for the decision. India’s daily trajectory of fresh COVID-19 cases is declining — from close to 3,00,000 cases a day on January 24, to around 58,000 cases a day now.   

What are the reasons for this fall in numbers? 

Change in testing attitudes: Now the Rapid antigen tests are easily available which can be self-administered. This leads to more cases being registered outside the system of Government-tracked RT-PCR testing and not reflecting in official case counts.  

The omicron variant has turned out to be relatively milder compared to the Delta variant which meant that many of those infected did not need hospitalisation. This has prevented the healthcare system to become overwhelmed. 

The availability of vaccines has also contributed to the third wave posing a diminished health threat.  

How the pandemic has affected the aviation and tourism industry? 

The tourism industry estimates that COVID-19 has caused losses of ₹150 lakh-crore since March 2020. The new relaxations appear to be in line to help the Industry recover as fast as possible. 

What is the way forward? 

The varied results internationally from booster doses and the conclusion that they were not enough to deter transmission have led to a broader acceptance that the coronavirus cannot be eliminated by vaccines alone. There is need for a comprehensive plan that has a mix of approaches such as wearing masks, vaccination and accepting short lockdowns. 

The opening of schools and the normalising of air travel imply that the world must learn to prioritise equitable health care and improve hygiene. 


India, heal thyself

Source: This post is based on the article “India, heal thyself” published in Times of India on 12th Feb 2022.        

Syllabus: GS2- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. 

Relevance: Medical infrastructure , National medical commission. 

News: National Medical Commission (NMC) has decided to replace the Hippocratic Oath in medical colleges with the Charak Shapath from the new academic session. The Hippocratic Oath is taken by medical students worldwide. 

Why this move is not very appropriate? 

Both the Hippocratic Oath and Charak Shapath (derived from Maharshi Charaka’s Charaka Samhita ) essentially enjoin medical practitioners to put patients first, respect their privacy, and practise with the best of judgment.  

Thus, it hardly makes any difference which oath is administered. 

The type of oath administered to medical students is irrelevant what is the type of medical education is what matters. 

What is NMC and what are its responsibilities? 

NMC came into being in 2020 when it replaced the Medical Council of India. NMC’s aims include improving access to quality medical education and ensuring availability of adequate medical professionals.  

What is the status of medical Infrastructure in India? 

The shortage of medical professionals in the country remains chronic. As per a report of the 15th Finance Commission made public last year, every allopathic doctor in India caters to 1,511 people as opposed to the WHO norm of 1:1,000. The shortage of trained nurses is even worse. 

What is the way forward? 

Efforts should be directed at improving these numbers.  

Even if a need is felt for mainstreaming alternative/indigenous medical systems or AYUSH, the focus ought to be on rigorous scientific standardisation of these streams. 

Government should aim for boosting medical infrastructure especially in light of Covid. 


China parading Galwan soldier at Winter Games is indefensible

Source: This post is based on the article “China parading Galwan soldier at Winter Games is indefensible” published in Indian Express on 12th February 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 India and its neighbourhood- relations.

Relevance: Understanding the impact of China’s move on India.

News: China paraded Qi Fabao, A PLA regiment commander who was involved in China’s Galwan Valley border confrontation with India. He acted as one of the torchbearers for the Winter Olympics.

Read more: Explained: Why artificial snow needs to be pumped to pull off Beijing Winter Olympics
Why the China move is problematic?

China welcomed the athletes with placards of Rule 50 of the Olympic Charter, which prohibits them from demonstrating or displaying political, religious, or racial propaganda. Further, China uses the global Times to highlight the event and the combat with India.

This is a breach of the principle of political neutrality which was preached by China and the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Athletes should not be allowed to drift away from sports for political scoring.

Read more: Go cold on China: India right to diplomatically boycott Winter Games

What was the impact?

India resorted to a diplomatic boycott of the winter Olympics. India did not telecast the opening ceremony.

Read more: Indian diplomats to boycott Beijing Winter Olympics

Blanket ban on imports of drones may disrupt industry

Source: This post is based on the article “Blanket ban on imports of drones may disrupt industry” published in Livemint on 11th Feb 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Relevance: To understand the impact of banning drone imports.

News: According to experts, the blanket ban on the import of finished foreign drones is likely to disrupt the drone industry in India.

Must Read: Ban on Drone Import 

What will be the impact of the ban on the import of drones?

Firstly, it will lead to a lot of disruption in terms of business and derail a lot of well-laid plans as 90% of the service providers in India are using imported drones.

Secondly, many foreign brands specially make drones for agricultural use. This would have helped with the government’s Kisan drone initiatives. These too will now be restricted.

Thirdly, India does not have a supply chain for local manufacturing of drones. Hence, schemes like PLI Scheme for drones and drone components to encourage local manufacturing will not have much impact.

Fourthly, it will increase the cost burden on companies, as imported drones are cheaper than locally assembled ones.

What can the government do to reduce the impact of the ban on the import of drones?

Government can offer some incentives to the industry to override the ban on drones, as India does not have the manufacturing capacity to cut dependence on imports.

GS Paper 3


India’s Employment problem predates COVID. The pandemic has deepened the faultlines

Source: This post is based on the article “India’s Employment problem predates COVID. The pandemic has deepened the faultlines” published in The Indian express on 11th Feb 2022.        

Syllabus: GS3- Issues related to growth and development

Relevance: Unemployment, formalization of labour, Pandemic’s effect on labour market.  

News: Data from the Periodic labour force survey (PLFS) suggests that urban unemployment during January-March 2021 had declined to the pre-Covid level of around 9%, after peaking at 20.8% during the first wave.  

Various other estimates also point towards the same. However, it necessarily does not reflect an expansion of more productive forms of employment 

What has been the pandemic’s effect on the job market in India? 

The unemployment issue in India date back to even before the pandemic began, but the pandemic has definitely made the situation worse. 

India has witnessed a decline in the labour force participation rate. This implies that many have simply opted out of the labour force, perhaps due to absence of jobs. 

Unemployment rates are significantly higher among the youth, and the more educated sections. 

There has been formalization of labour, but there are two problems with this.

First is that this employment is more likely to be concentrated among low-income jobs in the larger industrial regions.

Second, there is also the casualisation of employment to contend with. Casual wage labour employment lacks the social security framework that formal employment provides.

The per capita income levels are very low currently, so many people are simply forced to opt for less productive jobs at lower wages. So a decline in unemployment rate may not be an accurate gauge of labour market distress. 

Heightened demand for work under MGNREGA, despite large parts of the economy having recovered to their pre-pandemic levels, is also a sign of economic distress. 

What are the main issues concerning the Indian labour market? 

There is a lack of adequate and remunerative employment generation in the country . 

– This is highlighted by the incidents like recent protests in North India by those who had appeared for the non-technical popular categories exam and the demands by various caste groups for increasing reservation. 

There has also been a lack of a labour-intensive manufacturing sector that can absorb the surplus labour force in agriculture.


Taking a byte out of cyber threats

Source: This post is based on the article “Taking a byte out of cyber threats” published in The Hindu on 12th Feb 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Challenges to Internal Security through Communication Networks

Relevance: Preventing cyberattacks

News: The cycle of cyber-attacks and the distrust will threaten the foundations of democratic society.

 The world was made aware of the threat posed by cyber weapons with the advent of the Stuxnet Worm in 2010. It resulted in damage to Iran’s centrifuge capabilities.

 In 2012, a bank of computers belonging to the Saudi Aramco Oil Company were targeted by Iranian operatives to wipe out data on 30,000 computers. Iran was also believed to have been behind a targeted attack on the Qatari natural gas company, RasGas.

The article says that there is a need to build resilience at both the technical and human level to deal with cyber-attacks.

Why there is need to change the response methodology?

One, a new era of potential vulnerabilities is coming. The years 2020 and 2021 were extremely difficult from the perspective of cyber-attacks, but no change in methodology have been seen.

Two, if prudent steps are not taken, then cyber-crime will become more profitable than the global trade of all major illegal drugs combined.

Three, cyber threat is likely to be the biggest concern for both companies and governments across the globe. Also, in the Information age, data is gold.

Four, the consequences of cyber-crimes can be more than the damage caused by COVID-19 pandemic or natural disasters.

How cybercrime is emerging as biggest threat?

First, the most targeted sectors are: health care, education and research, communications and governments. For instance, Health-care ransomware which leads to longer stays in hospitals, delays in procedures and tests resulting in an increase in patient mortality.

Two, it is very difficult to develop preventive and reactive strategies in an increasingly hyper-connected world. For instance, new attacks are taking place every 10 seconds.

Three, ransomware criminals are becoming more sophisticated and targeting large enterprises and even governments. For instance, emergence of ‘Ransomware as a Service’ (RaaS) for ransomware developers.

Four, the emergence of work from home during the pandemic has increased the pace of cyber-attacks. The tendency to put everything on the Cloud has potential to backfire, and the Dark web is allowing criminals to access even sensitive corporate networks.

Five, there is little clarity among experts about how to ensure protection from all-encompassing cyber-attacks. Solution such as SASE — Secure Access Service Edge — to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, CASB — Cloud Access Security Broker and SWG (Secure Web Gateway) aimed at limiting the risks to users from web-based threats, are self-limiting.

Six, the cyber technology presents certain unique challenges which need particularized answers. Hence, the western approach of devising standard methodologies and certain international norms is misplaced. It is enabling cyber criminals to gain the upper hand.

What is the way forward?

First, nations and institutions should prioritize the defence of data above everything else. Law enforcement agencies should play a vital role in providing effective defence.

Second, to devise a strategy, understanding the nature of cyberspace is important. There is need to prioritise resilience through decentralised and dense networks, hybrid cloud structures, redundant applications and backup processes. Hence, planning and training for network failures is significant so that the network can adapt and continue to provide service.

Third, backup plans should be created about what should be online or digital and what needs to stay analog or physical. The network should survive even if one node is attacked.

Four, a detailed study of the series of low- and medium-level proactive cyber-attacks is needed. It will act as deterrent because cyber-attacks at small companies can also have huge external costs for national security. For example, SolarWinds attack.


Big golden mahseer to small kudremukh barb, freshwater fish are richly diverse

Source: This post is based on the article “Big golden mahseer to small kudremukh barb, freshwater fish are richly diverse” published in Times of India on 12th Feb 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Relevance: Impact of humans on riverine diversity

News: In this article, Vidhyadhar Atkore while speaking to Times Evoke explained the river biodiversity and threat faced by it due to human interference. He has studied four major river basins, the Malaprabha, Mhadei, Tunga and Bhadra systems in Karnataka.

What are some significant findings?

One, the free-flowing riverine systems have nearly 50% more endemic fish species, compared to hydrologically modified systems which have more generalist species found across diverse habitats. For instance, the Tunga and Bhadra riverine structures are free-flowing, Mhadei and Malaprabha are highly disturbed in terms of the number of check dams built on them, the quality of the water, the degradation of vegetation along the river banks, etc.

Two, endemic and habitat specialist fish require certain conditions, like an ambient temperature, vegetation, etc.  to survive. They can only find these in areas without disturbance or no check dams, water diversions and fishing pressure.

Three, dams act as a barrier and stand in the way of fish. It also impacts the composition of species found naturally. Mhadei and Malaprabha have many barrages leading to changes in water flow. Also, when the flow is disturbed by human activity, surface-dwelling fish are affected.

Four, human modifications of hydrology have enormous impacts on river sediments, vegetation and water surfaces. There are more insectivore species living in the Tunga and Bhadra regions due to more insects while the modified sites have more omnivorous and carnivorous fish.

Five, an entirely new fish was discovered which was named as Kudremukh barb. It swims along in the headwaters of the Tunga. Taxonomically, it is named as Pethia striata. It has remarkable colour, the male is in shaded red and the female is of grey color with unique cross-stripe pattern.

Why there is need of more research in the field of riverine ecosystem?

First, there is need to know the causes and consequences of the degradation of freshwater systems, due to anthropogenic pressures like illegal fishing, sand mining, hydropower dams, etc.

Second, the baseline data is essential to deepen the understanding of river biodiversity. Also, there is comparatively less ecological information on riverine systems. For example, the golden mahseer, a freshwater fish which is migratory in nature can weigh up to 55 kgs, but it is hard to find a fish of that size now.

Third, freshwater riverine systems are linked to human wellbeing. Hence, there is need to read more about freshwater biodiversity to appreciate the huge variations of species, their extraordinary colours, abilities and migratory behaviour. It will also help in inspiring people to join campaigns for river cleaning.

What is the way forward?

First, mitigations can help species. For instance, retaining undammed tributaries enables fish to recover.

Second, minimize plastic usage because it is a major threat which is affecting freshwater systems. Also, the removal of obsolete dams which is taking place worldwide to save freshwater species should be considered now.

Third, those who buy ornamental fish should not release them into streams. Because, this adversely impacts native fish.


Living up to rocket boys’ dreams

Source: This post is based on the article “Living up to rocket boys’ dreams” published in Business Standard on 12th Feb 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology

Relevance: Success and failures in space and nuclear sectors

News: The recent series named Rocket Boys on SonyLIV explores the friendship between the two legendary scientists — Homi J. Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai.

One is the father of the Indian nuclear programme and the other is the pioneer of India’s space research. This article discusses how far India has succeeded in fulfilling their aspirations.

What was the ambition of Homi J. Bhabha?

First, he wanted to make India self-reliant in energy by harnessing nuclear power and develop India’s first atomic bomb to counterbalance external threats to the country.

Second, he believed that India must develop nuclear capabilities, as well as an atom bomb, to become a nuclear power. In October 1965, he announced over All India Radio that India could develop a nuclear bomb in 18 months. He was a two-time Nobel Prize nominee, and he died in 1966 during a plane crash in the Swiss Alps.

How far India has succeeded in fulfilling Bhabha’s aspirations?

India conducted its first nuclear test, “smiling Buddha” in 1974. After that there were three underground nuclear tests at Pokhran in 1998. Then India declared itself a full-fledged nuclear state, which was one of Bhabha’s dreams.

What are the existing issues in fulfilling Bhabha’s aspirations?

One, in terms of energy self-reliance via atomic power, the progress has been slow. There is huge demand for clean and reliable source of energy but the share of nuclear power generation has not exceeded 4 per cent.

Two, in 2021, the Parliament was informed that N-power generation capacity would increase to 22,480 MWe by 2031. But India’s nuclear power capacity stood at 6,885 MWe from 23 reactors in 2021.

In India, 18 nuclear reactors have a capacity of less than 300 Mwe in comparison to South Korea which has 24 nuclear reactors with a capacity of three times that of India. Also, China has 43 reactors and one reactor has a capacity of 1,000 Mwe.

How far India has succeeded in fulfilling ambitions of Sarabhai?

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has done enough to make him proud. For example, record of sending 104 satellites at one go, 27 satellite missions and 25 launch vehicles in the past five years.

Chandrayaan-1 discovered water on the sunlit side of the moon, and Chandrayaan-2 confirmed the presence of water ice in the dark regions. It reignited global interest in lunar research and colonisation. Mangalyaan mission was completed in its first attempt with the least cost.

There are some upcoming missions which promises great future for Indian space sector. For example, Aditya-L1, the first Indian observatory class mission to study the solar corona and Venus orbiter Shukrayaan-1 (2024), Chandrayaan-3 (2022) and Mangalyaan-2 (2024). India is also planning to set up its space station by 2030.

What are the existing issues in fulfilling the ambitions of Sarabhai?

One, the challenges and competition are growing. For instance, the Chandrayaan-2 Vikram lander crashed on the lunar surface in 2019, Gaganyaan the country’s first human spaceflight mission has been delayed.

Two, India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-III, which carried Chandrayaan-2, doesn’t have the same thrust as the giant Saturn V rockets that were used in NASA’s Apollo programme. Though India is providing space opportunities on a budget but the entry of private companies, such as SpaceX and Blue Origin, has brought tough competition.


Breakthrough in nuclear fusion, and why it is significant

Source: This post is based on the article “Breakthrough in nuclear fusion, and why it is significant” published in Indian Express on 12th Feb 2022.

Syllabus: GS3- Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life.

Relevance: Significance of Fusion reaction, ITER

News: Recently Scientists in the Joint European Torus (JET) facility, United Kingdom have said that they have achieved a new milestone in producing energy from nuclear fusion.

 Why it is significant?

 One, it is major breakthrough because all current nuclear reactors are based on the fission process. In fission process, the nucleus of a heavier atom is split into those of lighter elements in a controlled manner. It is accompanied with the release of large amounts of energy.

 Fusion is the opposite process, in which nuclei of relatively lighter atoms, typically those of hydrogen, are fused to make the nucleus of a heavier atom.

 Two,  the raw materials are easily available. A very small amount of raw material of deuterium and tritium nuclei can produce very large amounts of clean energy.

 Three, it generates huge amount of energy with no carbon emissions. Hence, it is considered as future of energy and it will help in solving the problem of climate change. It also produces much less radioactive waste compared to fission. Hence, it is considered much safer.

What are the challenges associated with fusion reaction?

 First, it is possible only at very high temperatures which is similar to the temperature that exists at the core of the Sun and the stars. Hence, recreating such extreme temperatures is not easy.

 Second, the materials that are used to make the reactor should be able to withstand such huge amounts of heat.

 Three, another major issue is that at such high temperatures, matter exists only in the plasma state, where atoms break up into positive and negative ions due to excessive heat. Plasma has a tendency to expand very fast and that’s why it is extremely difficult to work with it.

 Read more here: https://forumias.com/blog/nuclear-fusion-technology-evolution-challenges-and-future-potential/

 What is ITER?

 Read here: https://forumias.com/blog/nuclear-fusion-technology-evolution-challenges-and-future-potential/


Reducing welfare spending right now is a dangerous gamble

Source: This post is based on the article “Reducing welfare spending right now is a dangerous gamble” published in the Indian Express on 12th February 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to growth, development and employment.

Relevance: Understanding how the government should raise funds.

News: As the Indian economy is badly hit, welfare schemes like MGNREGA will help people to provide the safety net. There have been demands to launch the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme-type programme for the urban poor.

How there is a shift in government policy in welfare programmes?

Economic Survey of 2021-22 states that MGNREGA has provided a safety net to more than 110 million poor Indians. On the other hand, all the companies listed in the stock exchange and unicorn start-ups, employ only 7 million people.

But, it has been noticed that the demand under MGNREGA is increasing and many were turned away due to lack of funds. Despite the increase in demands, this budget announced a shift from direct welfare assistance to trickle-down economic philosophy. Consequently, the government cut the MGNREGA budget and re-allocated that for capital expenditure.

Read here: MGNREGA: Is the govt expecting unemployment levels to change soon?
What is the present policy on which the government is working?

The government is stimulating private investment by boosting government expenditure. Government plans to spend additional Rs. 2.5 Lakh crore in capital expenditure next year, including Rs 1 lakh crore as loans to states exclusively for capital expenditure. 60% of this amount is expected to come from a reduction in food, fertilizer, food subsidies, and MGNREGA.

Read here: Fiscal constraints – On Capital Expenditure of Government

As the pandemic recedes, Food subsidies can be cut by 80,000 crores. The government expects MGNREGA demand to taper down, so its allocation has been cut by Rs. 30,000 crores.

What should the government do?

First, In September 2019, the Government announced a reduction in corporate tax rates. Due to which, the top 433 companies with profits greater than Rs 500 crore paid taxes at an effective rate of 20%, while in FY 2019 these companies paid an effective tax rate of 27%.

Instead of an increase in the profit and market value, these companies did not create any new jobs. So, the government should revert the corporate tax rate to the 2019 rate

Second, India’s capital gains and corporate tax rates are among the lowest in the world. With the stock market boom, an increase in a securities transaction and capital gains taxes would affect additional Rs. 50,000 crore. Changing the corporate tax rate would help the government to generate an additional Rs 1 lakh crore in tax revenues, which can be used for increased capital expenditure without the need to cut down on welfare.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Indian scientists develop a next-generation probiotic that provides hope for longevity and healthy aging

What is the news?

A team of Indian Scientists has recently identified the next-generation probiotic bacterium named Lactobacillus Plantarum JBC5 from a dairy product that showed great promise in promoting healthy ageing.

What is Lactobacillus Plantarum JBC5?

It is a next-generation probiotic bacterium developed from a dairy product.

This probiotic bacterium was found to improve longevity and healthy ageing by modulating antioxidative, innate immunity and serotonin-signaling pathway.

A ​​Yogurt was also developed using this probiotic bacterium.

What is the significance of this development?

According to the United Nations, one in every eleven people will be older than 65 by 2050. 

However, ageing is generally associated with a higher risk of age-related health issues, such as obesity, neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s), cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory bowel disease. 

Therefore, this development is expected to help promote healthy ageing in elderly population & improve longevity.

Source: This post is based on the articleIndian scientists develop a next-generation probiotic that provides hope for longevity and healthy agingpublished in PIB on 12th Feb 2022.


Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog & UNDP India launch Community Innovator Fellowship

What is the news?

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in collaboration with UNDP has launched the Community Innovator Fellowship (CIF) marking the “International Day of Women & Girls in Science”

What is the purpose of Community Innovator Fellowship (CIF)?

The fellowship is developed as a pre-incubation model that aims to provide youth with an opportunity to establish their social enterprise focusing on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) based solutions for solving community issues.

What are the key features of the Community Innovator Fellowship (CIF)?

The fellowship will be one year long. It would mainly focus on facilitating knowledge and capacity building among aspiring community innovators.

During the course of this fellowship, each fellow would be hosted at one of the AIM’s Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACICs) and acquire SDG awareness, entrepreneurial skills and life skills while they are working on their idea.

The ACICs would also nurture youth-led innovations by providing suitable resources in terms of operating facilities, co-working space, maker labs and a dynamic business network to the innovator.

Source: This post is based on the article Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog & UNDP India launch Community Innovator Fellowshippublished in PIB on 11th Feb 2022.


Electric vehicles can lower emissions of volatile organic compounds in India by 2030: Study

What is the news?

According to a study, India can slash emissions of volatile organic molecules (VOC) by 76% in the next eight years by swapping all two- and three-wheelers with electric vehicles and all diesel-fuelled ones with Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)?

Volatile Organic Compounds(VOC) are organic chemical compounds whose composition makes it possible for them to evaporate under normal indoor atmospheric conditions of temperature and pressure.

Common examples of VOCs are: benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, methylene chloride, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, xylene, and 1,3-butadiene.

Source of VOCs: VOCs are released by petrol and diesel vehicles. They impact air quality and human health. However, VOCs can have a natural origin, too. Plants emit these chemicals to attract pollinators, defend themselves from pests and predators and adapt to environmental stress.

Effect of VOCs on Health: VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, damage body organs and cause cancer.Long-term exposure to VOCs is not good because the majority of the VOCs are carcinogenic (cancer-causing).It is also linked to medical conditions such as asthma and heart disease.

Note: Benzene, a chemical that induces cancer, is the only VOC included in the ambient air-quality standards.

Formation of Dangerous Pollutants: VOCs can drive the formation of other dangerous pollutants. For instance, they react with sunlight and nitrogen dioxide to form ground-level ozone.

VOCs also trigger the formation of Particulate Matter (PM2.5), a pollutant that reaches deep into the lungs, affecting their normal functioning. They also react in the air to produce secondary organic aerosols, minute particles suspended in the air.

Electric Vehicles and Volatile Organic Compounds

India is home to 14 out of the top 20 most polluted cities globally. Around 1.67 million deaths were linked to air pollution in 2019. The country lost 1.36% of its gross domestic product the same year.

The gases escaping out of a vehicle’s exhaust account for 65-80% of an automobile’s emissions.

That’s why, this study has suggested replacing all petrol, diesel, LPG and CNG fuelled two- and three-wheelers with electric vehicles in 2030. This could slash emissions of volatile organic molecules (VOC) by 76%.

It could also lower the emissions of black carbon — a sooty black material coming from gas and diesel-powered vehicles — by 50%.

Source: This post is based on the article “Electric vehicles can lower emissions of volatile organic compounds in India by 2030: Study” published in Down To Earth on 12th Feb 2022.


INCOIS carries out coastal vulnerability assessment

What is the news?

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has prepared the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI).

What is the Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI)?

INCOIS has carried out a coastal vulnerability assessment for the entire Indian coast at States level. It has brought out an Atlas comprising 156 maps on 1:1,00,000 scales to prepare a Coastal Vulnerability Index (CVI).

The atlas determines the coastal risks due to future sea-level rise based on the physical and geological parameters for the Indian coast.

The parameters used are: a) Tidal range b) Wave height c) Coastal slope d) Coastal elevation e) Shoreline change rate f) Geomorphology and g) Historical rate of relative sea-level change.

This assessment can be useful information for coastal disaster management and building resilient coastal communities.

What is a Coastal Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Mapping?

A coastal Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Mapping (MHVM) was carried out using parameters like sea level change rate, shoreline change rate, high-resolution coastal elevation, extreme water level from tide gauges and their return periods.

The mapping was carried for the entire mainland of India on a 1:25000 scale.

The maps depict coastal low-lying areas exposed to the coastal inundation.

Source: This post is based on the article “INCOIS carries out coastal vulnerability assessment” published in The Hindu on 8th Feb 2022.


Remarks by Prime Minister at the One Ocean Summit

What is the news?

The Prime Minister has addressed the high-level segment of the One Ocean Summit.

What is One Ocean Summit?

The One Ocean summit is being organised by France in cooperation with the United Nations and the World Bank.

The objective of the summit is to mobilise the international community to take tangible action towards preserving and supporting healthy and sustainable ocean ecosystems.

Note: The United Nations has declared the decade between 2021 and 2030 as the ‘Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development’ to raise awareness and restore declining marine life.

What are the key highlights from the PM address at the One Ocean Summit?

India has always been a maritime civilization. India’s ancient scriptures and literature talk about the gifts of the oceans, including marine life.

India’s security and prosperity are linked to oceans. It’s Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative” contains marine resources as a key pillar.

India supports the French initiative of a ”High Ambition Coalition on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction ”.

Further, India is committed to eliminating single-use plastic and ecently undertook a nation-wide awareness campaign to clean plastic and other waste from coastal areas.

Source: This post is based on the article Remarks by Prime Minister at the One Ocean Summitpublished in PIB on 11th Feb 2022.


Quad meet focuses on Indo-Pacific cooperation

What is the News?

Quad has recently held its fourth ministerial meeting in Melbourne, Australia.

Read here: Quad Ministers set to meet in Australia
What are the key outcomes of the Quad summit?

On terrorism: Group requested countries not to let use their territories to launch terror attacks. They also condemned the terrorist attacks in India, including the 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot attacks, indicating both attacks linked to the Lashkar e Toiba and Jaish e Mohammad in Pakistan.

On China: The Group discussed China’s actions in the South and East China Sea. It reaffirmed their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. In response to it, China called the Quad mechanism “only a tool to contain China.”

On Myanmar and North Korea: The joint statement called for a return to democracy in Myanmar, and also condemned North Korea’s recent ballistic missile tests.

On vaccines: Quad countries renewed their commitment to the “flagship” Quad Vaccine initiative to deliver at least one billion vaccines by the end of 2022 to Indo-Pacific countries. They also pledged to donate 1.3 billion vaccine doses globally.

On other fields: Quad also discussed the progress on the other fields for cooperation identified during the Quad summit last year, including climate change, critical and emerging technologies, counter-terrorism, etc.

Read here: About the previous Quad meeting and its progress
What are the areas of divergence?

On Myanmar situation: While the US supports the sanctions on Myanmar, India is interested in not following the policy of national sanctions. India has concerns over cross border insurgencies, Covid infections, and a humanitarian situation that could arise from food shortages.

Read here: Why India must engage with Myanmar

On Russia: Apart from India, all the three countries expressed their concerns over the Russia-Ukraine situation.

Read here: Explained: What are India’s stakes in its ties with Ukraine and Russia?

Source: This post is based on the article “Quad meet focuses on Indo-Pacific cooperation” published in The Hindu on 12th February 2022.


Understanding oceans: Why UNESCO wants to map 80% of the world‘s seabed

What is the News?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has pledged to map around 80% of the world’s ocean floors by 2030. At present, only 20% of the seabed has been mapped and studied.

Why is the ocean floor being mapped by UNESCO?

The ocean floor is being mapped and studied to identify the following: a) Location of ocean faults, b) Workings of ocean currents and c) tides and Transport of sediments.

For this, the Seabed 2030 Project has also been launched in 2017.

How will be the ocean floor get mapped?

The ocean floor will be mapped by Deploying a fleet of 50 dedicated mapping vessels, intensifying the use of sonar on autonomous vessels, the transmission of cartographic data archived by governments and corporations and using other tools.

What is the significance of ocean floor mapping?

The ocean floor mapping will help us understand a) seismic and tsunami risks, b) sustainable fisheries resources, c) ways to deal with oil spills, d) air crashes and shipwrecks, e) potential for offshore infrastructure and f) in assessing the future effects of climate change, whether it be temperature increases or sea-level rise.

Source: This post is based on the article “Understanding oceans: Why UNESCO wants to map 80% of the world‘s seabed” published in Down To Earth on 11th Feb 2022.


Tax laws made complicated by exemptions, need to be simplified: Tarun Bajaj

What is the News?

According to the Revenue Secretary, there is a need to simplify direct tax laws as various exemptions announced every year have made them complicated.

What are the views of the Revenue Secretary on Taxation Structure?

On Corporate Taxation Structure: In 2019, the Finance Minister had announced a cut in corporate tax to 22% from 30% if companies don’t avail any exemptions or incentives.

Based on the analysis for 2019-20, around 65% of corporates have come into the new tax bracket while the remaining 35% continue to avail the old tax regime as their business income is low and can avail exemption.

However, there is a sunset clause for the exemption and with the sunset, there will be more corporations availing of the new tax regime. Moreover, with this new taxation structure, there has been an increase in tax revenue.

On customs duty: The government has taken a thorough review of customs duty, and some exemptions that continued for three decades but are not useful have been done away with.

On Fiscal Deficit: The fiscal deficit is currently at 6.4% and the government had the opportunity to lower it further. But increased capital expenditure by almost 35 per cent had forced India to rethink the Fiscal deficit targets. 

On Retrospective Taxation: The centre will sort out the 14-15 cases through the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021. The demand in these cases was about Rs 1.1 trillion.

Source: This post is based on the article “Tax laws made complicated by exemptions, need to be simplified: Tarun Bajaj” published in Business Standard on 12th Feb 2022.


Benzo[b]thiophene: Woman scientist from Chennai granted patent for green technology producing medicinally important compound

What is the News?

A Women Scientist from IIT Madras has been granted a patent for developing a green methodology for producing a medicinally important compound called Benzo[b]thiophene.

What is Benzo[b]thiophene?

Benzo[b]thiophene is a medical compound present in a range of medicines such as raloxifene (used in osteoporosis), zileuton (used in asthma), and sertaconazole (antifungal medication).

Currently, available synthesis methods of the compound are not environmentally friendly. The disadvantages include the use of very high temperatures, sulphur emission with an unpleasant smell, expensive starting materials and so on.

Apart from this, the reactions are carried out in closed vessels, exposing the process to the risk of explosion and the use of OLED lights required in the reaction increased the cost of the process.

What has the scientist developed?

Scientists have developed a green technology method for producing Benzo[b]thiophene. This method involves using water medium, room temperature, is odourless and carried out in open air. This reduces the risk of explosion, decreases the cost of the process & obviates toxic steps involved in the current method.

Source: This post is based on the article Woman scientist from Chennai granted patent for green technology producing medicinally important compoundpublished in PIB on 11th Feb 2022.


Exercise Milan: Amidst tense Ukraine standoff, US & Russia to take part in India’s largest naval exercise

What is the News?

The US and Russia will be participating in India’s biggest maritime exercise named “Milan-2022” amidst escalating tensions between them over Ukraine. 

What is Exercise Milan?

Exercise Milan is a biennial multilateral naval exercise conducted by the Indian Navy. It was first held in the year 1995 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The exercise is aimed to enhance professional interaction between friendly foreign navies and learn from each other’s strengths and best practices in the maritime domain.

Exercise Milan 2022

The exercise is being held in Visakhapatnam for the first time instead of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The theme of the exercise is ‘Camaraderie Cohesion Collaboration’.

The exercise will see participation from around 40 countries such as the US, Russia, Australia, UK, Japan, South Korea, France and Israel, Saudi Arabia among others.

Source: This post is based on the article “Amidst tense Ukraine standoff, US & Russia to take part in India’s largest naval exercise” published in TOI on 11th Feb 2022.

Mains Answer Writing

[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #160: Dinesh Dasa sir Board, Agriculture Optional, Rajasthan Home State

Date of Interview: 29 Feb Board: Dinesh Dasa sir Optional: Agriculture Home State: Rajasthan Keyword- Agriculture, Rajasthan Duration: 30-35 min To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman I ll give you one statement reflect on it Gm crops are good but we degrading our genetic biodiversity Tell me why onion inflation is… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #160: Dinesh Dasa sir Board, Agriculture Optional, Rajasthan Home State

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[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #159: Lt, Gen Raj Shukla Board, PSIR Optional, Bihar Home State

Date of Interview: 19th Feb, Bihar Board: Lt, Gen Raj Shukla Optional: PSIR Home State: Bihar Background: IIT Roorkee Key words: IIT Roorkee , Bihar, patent office(DAF) Last to go forenoon session To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman Discussion on Electoral bond. Issue with SC decision on bond Alternative to electoral… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #159: Lt, Gen Raj Shukla Board, PSIR Optional, Bihar Home State

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[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #158: Bidyut Behari Swain Board, Commerce & Accountancy Optional, Arunachal Pradesh Home State, JRF, writing Hobbies

Date of Interview: 28-02-24 (forenoon) Board: Bidyut Behari Swain Optional: Commerce & Accountancy Home State: Arunachal Pradesh Hobbies: Writing (others not asked) Daf- JRF, writing Time- around 35 mins To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman Tell me about Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura (I am from NE) Tell me about JRF How to boost… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #158: Bidyut Behari Swain Board, Commerce & Accountancy Optional, Arunachal Pradesh Home State, JRF, writing Hobbies

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Must Read Daily Current Affairs Articles 28th March 2024

About Must Read News Articles is an initiative by Team ForumIAS to provide links to the most important news articles of the day. It covers The Hindu newspaper. This saves the time and effort of students in identifying useful and important articles. With newspaper websites requiring a paid subscription beyond a certain number of fixed… Continue reading Must Read Daily Current Affairs Articles 28th March 2024

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Ace CSE 2024 Prelims with ForumIAS All-India Simulator Tests!

Dear CSE 2024 Aspirants,   Prelims 2024 has been postponed by almost a month. While this shift might have disrupted some of your plans, it also presents an invaluable opportunity to further refine your preparation and approach the examination with even greater confidence. Therefore, to capitalize on this opportunity, you need a thorough practice, to… Continue reading Ace CSE 2024 Prelims with ForumIAS All-India Simulator Tests!

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[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #157: Sanjay Verma Board, Sociology Optional, Maharashtra Home State, Teaching Hobby

Date of Interview: 28-02-24 (forenoon) Board: Sanjay Verma Sir Optional: Sociology Home State: Maharashtra Hobby: Teaching DAF- Maharashtra,  Civil engg graduate, solid waste management, teaching, Sociology optional To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman It was quite a long wait for you. How was your experience As you are from Maharashtra, have… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #157: Sanjay Verma Board, Sociology Optional, Maharashtra Home State, Teaching Hobby

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Better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies: Basic subsidies can be climate focused and aimed better

Source: The post better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies has been created, based on the article “Basic subsidies can be climate focused and aimed better” published in “Live mint” on 27th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-economy- Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies and minimum support prices. News: The article… Continue reading Better utilization of fertilizer and food subsidies: Basic subsidies can be climate focused and aimed better

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Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA): Indian cities cry out for UMTA

Source: The post Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) has been created, based on the article “Indian cities cry out for UMTA” published in “Business standard” on 27th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- economy- infrastructure News: The article discusses the need for Indian cities to create a Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA). This… Continue reading Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA): Indian cities cry out for UMTA

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The shift in India’s foreign policy language – How Delhi talks to world

Source: The post India’s foreign policy language has shifted from being defensive to more assertive and confident has been created, based on the article “How Delhi talks to world” published in “Indian express” on 27th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International Relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s… Continue reading The shift in India’s foreign policy language – How Delhi talks to world

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UN resolution on the ceasefire in Gaza: Express View on US, Israel and UN: A loud abstention

Source: The post UN resolution on the ceasefire in Gaza has been created, based on the article “Express View on US, Israel and UN: A loud abstention” published in “Indian express” on 27th March 2024. UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations- Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. News: This article discusses… Continue reading UN resolution on the ceasefire in Gaza: Express View on US, Israel and UN: A loud abstention

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