9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – January 6th, 2023

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.
    • For previous editions of 9 PM BriefClick Here
    • For individual articles of 9 PM BriefClick Here

Current Affairs Compilations for UPSC IAS Prelims 2022

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1

GS Paper 2

GS Paper 3

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Mains Oriented Articles

GS Paper 1


The State blurs the distinction between legal and illegal — and punishes the poor

Source– The post is based on the article “The State blurs the distinction between legal and illegal — and punishes the poor” published in The Indian Express on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Urbanisation

Relevance– Issues related to land in urban areas

News– The article explains the issues of illegal encroachment in urban areas.

Why is illegal encroachment of land prevalent in India?

Encroachment on land belonging to government authorities is a big issue. This is despite the strictures of the master plan.

In our cities, land zoned for agricultural purposes has been converted to farmhouses. These areas eventually transform from being “unauthorised” to “authorised”.

In case of greenfield developments, land politics takes place. Complex financial and administrative arrangements are utilised by both private and government agents for illegal acts upon the land.

Village lands acquired by the state  are frequently taken over by well-off citizens and private developers who build private property across them. The land taken over by private companies and individuals eventually converts to legal estate.

Poor migrants to the city also occupy spaces in ad hoc ways. This requires dealing with the state, land mafias, corrupt bureaucracies and the original landowners who sell their lands for “illegal” occupation. It produces a fragile urban environment.

What are the challenges related to illegal encroachment of land?

The government action on illegal occupation depends on who occupies this land. It leads to dislocation of people. It institutionalised the illegality that is nurtured by the state.

The strategy of dealing with encroachments through demolitions and evictions mainly affect the poor. It damages already vulnerable lives while also failing as public policy.  It offers no long-lasting solution to the problems of making better cities in any way.

It diminishes public welfare by depriving populations of educational, financial, and residential security without any meaningful positive outcomes. It cannot offer any solutions to real-world problems like housing, or public infrastructure.

What is the way forward to the problem of encroachment?

There is a need for holistic urban planning that is not fractured. Multiple authorities should not be allowed free play over lands owned by them. This requires thinking of the city as an organism with complex social needs, rather than merely an economic entity.

Courts should recognise their role as protectors of citizens from the arbitrariness of state action. Cities need to develop a sense of compassion for urban life at its margins.

GS Paper 2


Stabilising ties with Nepal in uncertain times

Source– The post is based on the article “Stabilising ties with Nepal in uncertain times” published in The Hindu on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- India and its neighbourhood relations

Relevance– India and Nepal bilateral relations

News– The article explains the significance of recent election results for bilateral relations. It also explains the China factor in relationships and suggests the steps needed for improving ties.

What is the significance of election results in Nepal for bilateral relations?

Prachanda has become the Prime Minister. He decided to revive his earlier alliance with former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, who heads the CPN.

On the positive side, it includes the peaceful mainstreaming of the Maoist movement into the democratic structure, and the integration of guerrillas into the Nepal Army. The peaceful transfer of power, the adoption of a Constitution and the emergence of a federal structure are another political developments

On the negative side, the hung Parliament may lead to instability. This could translate into an inability to deal with the many daunting challenges confronting the country.

The continuing unpredictability in the India-Nepal cooperation due to frequent changes of government is another cause of concern.

Why should India not overemphasise the China factor?

India is used to dealing with political instability in Nepal and anti-India or pro-China leaders heading governments. Its focus for many years has been on non-partisan support for inclusive economic development, interdependence, communication links, and people-to-people contacts.

The extent of its linkages of history, geography, culture, religion, and economy with Nepal facilitate management of its security concerns within tolerable limits.

Moreover, leaders like Prachanda and Mr. Oli are seasoned veterans capable of making  judgments in their long-term political interests. They talk about the new government adopting a policy of “equi-proximity” with India and China.

It is evident even in robust democracies that ideological consistency has less meaning in the politician’s search for power. Labels such as ‘pro-India’ or ‘anti-India’ should not be taken very seriously. Even, ultranationalist leaders such as Mr. Oli and Prachanda have sometimes questioned the senseless opposition to India.

Public opinion in Nepal is now sensitive to Chinese intentions, the risks of falling into a debt trap, and the limitations in terms of Chinese capacities in comparison to India’s. China’s image has deteriorated because of COVID-19.

What is the way forward for the Indo-Nepal relationship?

India, however, cannot be complacent. Traditional irritants such as the 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship and the border issue should be resolved in an open and transparent manner.

Worldview of the East India Company or British India should not determine the policies. Nepal is a transforming country. India is a player on the global stage. The world itself is heading towards major transformations, changing priorities and boundless possibilities.

The COVID-19 crisis is one of the largest shocks to the global socioeconomic framework. It is the time for fresh thinking on issues like economic recovery; bilateral, sub-regional and regional cooperation; restructuring supply chains.

Other issues that need attention are security; energy cooperation; development; people-to-people contacts and soft power to maximise mutual advantage.

Empathy is an urgent necessity for sustainable friendly ties. It is the will of stakeholders from each side to understand each other’s concerns.

There is a need for a diverse but balanced and constructive approach to India-Nepal relations.


Free speech in India: How Free Speech Is Little Freer

Source: The post is based on the article “How Free Speech Is Little Freer” published in The Times of India on 6th January 2023.Syllabus: GS 2 – Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Relevance: About the SC ruling on free speech in India.

News: Recently, the Supreme Court has ruled that Articles 19(1) (free speech) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty) can be enforced against private entities also.

What are the salient points in the recent SC ruling on Free speech?

Read here: Supreme Court expands Article 19 ambit

What are the implications of the SC ruling on Free speech?

Read here: How Free Now? – SC did well to warn against further restrictions on free speech. But misuse of IPC provisions needs checking too

About Article 19 of the Indian Constitution

Read here: Article 19 of Indian Constitution

In short, Article 19(1)(a) gives citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression. Article 19(2) enlists certain grounds on the basis of which the state, through a law, can impose reasonable restrictions on this right.

If the restrictions imposed by a law are not ‘reasonable’, SC or a high court may strike down the law.

In Shreya Singhal case: The SC struck down Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 for imposing an unreasonable restriction on free speech. On the other hand, the court held that Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code (which criminalises sedition) imposes a reasonable restriction on free speech.

What is the constitutional history of free speech in India?

The framer of the constitution gave a right to free speech which could be restricted on explicitly stated grounds. Such as libel, slander, defamation, contempt of court, decency or morality, and anything which undermines the security of or tends to overthrow the state.

In 1950, the government banned and pre censored two weeklies respectively in the interests of public order. But the court overruled it as public order was not one of the enlisted restrictions.

Hence, the government amended Article 19(2) and introduced a host of additional grounds (including public order) to restrict free speech. More grounds were subsequently added.

How has the right to free speech in India developed since then?

The scope of the right to free speech has been incrementally expanded and the restrictions have been more clearly defined. For instance,

-SC has read the freedom of the press into Article 19(1) (a). This includes the right to freely publish and circulate information, opinions, as well as advertisements.

-SC recognised the right to know as a part of free speech by holding that voters are entitled to receive information about the criminal antecedents of candidates.

-The courts have held the significance of free speech in artistic expression also. For example, a) In 2008, the Delhi HC found that a painting by MF Husain depicting Bharat Mata did not attract any of the restrictions enlisted under Article 19(2). The court emphasised the need to strike a balance between obscenity and creativity, b) In 2018, SC held that state governments could not impose prior restraints on the exhibition of Padmaavat after the CBFC had certified it.

What is the observation of Free speech in India?

Overall, the right to free speech can only be curtailed on the basis of the enlisted grounds, and no others. The judiciary is the ultimate custodian of everyone’s free speech, irrespective of whether they are a minister or ordinary citizens.

GS Paper 3


How an orderly transition to net zero could propel growth

Source– The post is based on the article “How an orderly transition to net zero could propel growth” published in The Indian Express on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Environment

Relevance– Issues related to climate change

News– The article explains the challenges in achieving net zero emission. It also suggests the steps needed to be taken to achieve the decarbonisation path.

India’s per capita emissions are relatively low at 1.8 tons of CO2e per person, but we are still the world’s third-largest single emitter. India has pledged for net zero by 2070.

What are the challenges faced by decarbonisation and emission reduction in India?

This will not be easy. On its current trajectory, India’s emissions are set to grow from 2.9 GtCO2e a year to 11.8 GtCO2e in 2070.

It will come with a huge cost. According to a recent McKinsey report, effective decarbonisation, down to 1.9 GtCO2e by 2070, would require India to spend a total of $7.2 trillion on green initiatives by 2050. Deeper decarbonisation that would reduce emissions to just 0.4 GtCO2e by 2050 would require $12 trillion in total green investments by 2050.

Why is the decarbonisation path beneficial for the Indian economy?

An orderly transition to net zero will create an engine for growth. If India shifted to a renewable  based energy and materials system, it could save as much as $3 trillion in foreign exchange by 2070.

India is in a situation where scope for investment is large. Three-quarters of the buildings, infrastructure, and industrial capacity of India in 2050 is yet to be built. We have a choice to invest in current technologies or to invest futuristically.

Futuristic investment will need India to take urgent actions on regulation, technology development, and technology adoption. This is something that India has done before. In renewable power, it has built the right policies, strong institutions and industrial capabilities in the last decade.

India also has other advantages. For example, it has high taxation on automotive fuels. This makes electric vehicles competitive against petrol or diesel ones.

What is the way forward to net zero in India?

There is a need to set out five-year, 10-year, and 25-year national decarbonisation plans. The green technologies require higher upfront investment and.

There is a need to define a national land use plan. India can have a shortage of land for its dual goals of growth and decarbonisation. McKinsey estimates that renewable power and forest carbon sinks need 18 million additional hectares of land.

India would need to maximise the use of barren land for renewable power, urbanise vertically, improve agricultural productivity, and increase forest density. It requires establishing a national authority, in consultation with the states, to set land-use guidelines.

It is required to accelerate compliance with carbon markets. Pricing carbon creates demand signals that accelerate emissions reductions.

India needs imagination, realism, determination and a sense of urgency to achieve net zero.


Time to take stock – on India’s military preparedness

Source: The post is based on an article “Time to take stock” published in Business Standard on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Security

Relevance: challenges with the Indian military

News: India is the world’s only major country that faces a three-and-a-half front military threat. The article discusses the military challenges that India faces.

What are the challenges with Indian and its military?

a) threat from two nuclear armed nation (Pakistan and China), b) insurgencies in Kashmir and north-east, c) increasing threats from China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in land and in ocean, d) lack of long-term National Security Strategy (NSS), e) inadequate defence budget which leads to lack of manufacturing of defence equipment.

Moreover, India’s military deployment has now shifted its focus from Pakistan towards China and India has also made organisational changes in its military.

What organisational changes have been brought in Indian military?

Government has restructured 17 single-service commands into a smaller number of tri-service theatre commands. However, concerns such as reporting authority to which theatre commands will report in the war time still remain.

Moreover, there has been very little change in the functioning of Indian armed forces even after creating a tri-service Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in 2020.

Further, to increase the defence budget government has reduced the pension budget and has come up with Agnipath Yojana.

What can be done to improve the Indian military?

First, India remains the only major military power that has not laid out its strategic objectives in a published NSS. Therefore, it should focus on bringing a National Security Strategy (NSS). This would help in building national defence strategy with clear military ambitions.

Second, there is a need for creation of a higher defence organisation with representatives from all the ministries in order to have a national political consensus to the military.


Towards making India an uplinking hub

Source– The post is based on the article “Towards making India an uplinking hub” published in The Hindu on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Relevance– Issues related to commu7nication sector

News– The article explains the major developments in the television industry since its inception. It also explains the recent policy developments in this industry and their rationale behind these policy decisions

What are recent developments in the television industry?

In 2021, the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, were amended to include a statutory mechanism for grievance redressal of viewers relating to content broadcast by television channels.

In 2022, the Union Cabinet approved the policy guidelines for the uplinking and downlinking of television channels from India.

Uplink refers to the link from a ground station up to a satellite. Adownlink is the link from a satellite down to one or more ground stations or receivers.

What were the major developments in the television industry up to the 1990s?

Television started in India in September 1959. For almost three decades, broadcasting was solely under the control of the state.

In the early 1990s, cable television arrived in India. The government was unprepared to check transmission and broadcast through foreign satellites. Cable television networks grew at a very fast pace, and foreign television networks invaded our culture through their programmes.

In order to regulate the cable network industry and to make registration of cable operators mandatory, the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 was brought in. In 2000, the first license to set up a teleport was given. It is an earth station facility from where TV signals can be uplinked to a geostationary satellite.

After the 1990s, some people in India joined hands with some Non-Resident Indians in Hong Kong to launch the country’s first private television channel called Zee TV, in October 1992.

In the next few years, Business India Television; Asia Television Network, and Jain TV also began operating. All these channels flew out tapes every day to Hong Kong, Singapore or Moscow for uplinking. Broadcasting was obviously an expensive and cumbersome affair.

What were the developments in the television industry after the 2000s?

The  Indian broadcasters were allowed to uplink from Indian soil. The facility was made available through Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited.

Government of India, notified the ‘Guidelines for Uplinking from India’ in July 2000 and private broadcasters got permission to set up their own earth stations and to uplink. The first license was given to TV Today Network Limited in November 2000. In 2001, five broadcasters set up their earth stations with the facility to uplink.

The MIB issued uplinking and downlinking policy guidelines in 2011 for private satellite TV channels and teleports.

What is the rationale behind the recent policy guidelines for uplinking and downlinking of television channels?

The decision has been taken in view of the challenges from the evolving broadcasting technology, changes in market scenarios and other operational developments in the broadcasting sector.

The guidelines aim to create a conducive environment in line with the principle of ease of doing business on a sound regulatory framework. But more importantly, these are aimed at making India a teleport hub for other countries.


Green hydrogen mission: A green promise

Source: The post is based on the following articles

“A green promise – Small enterprises can be the mainstay of the green economy” published in The Hindu on 6th January 2023.

“Green hydrogen has got a spark that it deserves” published in the Livemint on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Indigenization of technology and developing new technology.

Relevance: About green hydrogen mission.

News: The Union Cabinet has recently approved the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

About the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

Read here: Cabinet approves National Green Hydrogen Mission

By 2030, the mission aims to have at least 5 million metric tonnes of annual green hydrogen production, electrolyser capacity of 60-100 gigawatts and a 125-gigawatt renewable energy capacity for green hydrogen and its associated transmission network.

What is green hydrogen?

Read more: Green Hydrogen: Potential, Issues and Solutions – Explained, pointwise

What is the need for a green hydrogen mission?

a) Green hydrogen holds the promise of global leadership as the industry is still nascent worldwide, b) The EU, US and others have allocated big budgets for cleanly made hydrogen that can fuel vehicles, furnaces and other fuel-guzzlers, and c) Hydrogen is an essential industrial fuel that has a range of uses from producing ammonia, making steel and cement, to powering fuel cells that can run buses and cars. But, the cheapest way to manufacture this is to rely on fossil fuel. With a dedicated green mission India can generate it without any concerns of global warming.

What are the potential uses of Green Hydrogen?

Read here: Application of Green hydrogen

a) Ideal way to decarbonize transport and other sectors like steel, b) Provide much-needed policy flexibility for the government. For instance, as technology widens India’s fuel choice set, the government will get more space to manage external trade balances.

What are the potential challenges in implementing the green hydrogen mission?

High cost: Right now, an estimated ₹300-400 is required to produce a kilogram of green hydrogen. This must be brought down to under ₹100 for Indian output to be globally competitive.

Issue of efficiency: To improve efficiency every link of the supply chain has to be kept secure, that includes cheaply made but dependable electrolysers. Domestic energy deficiency has been a constraint in India.

India’s potential to deliver: Despite policies, India has not managed to be a net exporter of solar cells, semiconductors or wind power components. This is because India’s underlying manufacturing base continues to be weak and unable to efficiently absorb and utilise global capital.

What should be done to achieve green hydrogen mission targets?

India should move towards decarbonization. This is because at present decarbonization is a big policy focus around the world. For that, the green hydrogen mission is a good step. But it should be accompanied by a) Extension of production-linked incentive schemes to the green hydrogen sector, b) Investment in Cutting-edge R&D technologies, and c) Strengthening small manufacturing and allied enterprises’ infrastructure. This will create a strong manufacturing base as small enterprises will be the mainstay of any green economy.


Jolt From Joshimath – Govts have finally woken up to a hill town being on the brink of an ecological disaster. But more needs to be done

Source: The post is based on the article “Jolt From Joshimath – Govts have finally woken up to a hill town being on the brink of an ecological disaster. But more needs to be done” published in The Times of India on 6th January 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Disaster and disaster management.

Relevance: About the construction work in the Himalayan region.

News: After protests in Uttarakhand’s Joshimath over deepening cracks in houses, the district administration has halted road and power plant construction works in the vicinity, including the char dham road work.

About the construction work in the Himalayan region

The Garhwal division is among India’s most vulnerable regions. From 1976 to 2022, multiple government committees issued warnings to stop heavy construction activities.

But the state and Centre did not halt the projects. As a result, the 2013 Uttarakhand floods, and last year’s Chamoli disaster were caused by a rock and ice avalanche that killed 200 people in Joshimath’s vicinity and damaged two hydel projects.

Read more: Reasons and Solutions for disaster management in Uttarakhand

What should be done to protect hilly and coastal regions?

Change the development strategy: Before it is too late, the government should change the frequent cave-ins and landslides marring these projects.

Revisit the quality of environmental impact assessment(EIA): For instance, Manipur’s government decided to “revisit” the Imphal-Jiribam rail link’s EIA after a landslide.

Take eco-friendly measures: By halting construction activities the government may dampen economic growth and job creation, but it significantly reduces the dangers of a huge ecological disaster.

Adequate assessment of landslide risks and proper preliminary structural engineering works are required to stabilise subsequent constructions in hilly and coastal regions.


Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves Central Sector ‘Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND)’ Scheme

Source: The post is based on the article Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approves Central Sector ‘Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND)’ Schemepublished in PIB on 5th January 2023

What is the News?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s “Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development” (BIND) Scheme.

What is the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme?

Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting 

Type: Central Sector Scheme

Aim: To bring modernisation to the public broadcaster Prasar Bharati i.e. All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD). 

Under the scheme, financial support will be provided to Prasar Bharati for expenses related to the expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting infrastructure, content development and civil work related to the organization.

Significance of the scheme: The scheme will enable the public broadcaster to undertake a major upgradation of its facilities with better infrastructure which will widen its reach, including in the Left Wing Extremism border and strategic areas and provide high-quality content to the viewers. 

What is Prasar Bharati?

Prasar Bharati is India’s state-owned public broadcasting agency. It is a statutory autonomous body set up by an Act of Parliament and comprises the Doordarshan Television Network and All India Radio.


Jain community protests: What are the issues linked to Jharkhand, Gujarat shrines

Source: The post is based on the article “Jain community protests: What are the issues linked to Jharkhand, Gujarat shrines’ Scheme” published in Indian Express on 5th January 2023

What is the News?

Members of the Jain community have been staging protests over demands related to two holy sites — Sammed Shikhar on Parasnath hill in Jharkhand and Shetrunjay hill in Palitana of Gujarat.

In Jharkhand, the issue is about Parasnath hill being declared a tourist spot and an eco-sensitive zone while in Gujarat, the row is over the vandalizing of a shrine and related security concerns.

What is Parasnath Hills?

Parasnath Hills are a range of hills located in Giridih district of Jharkhand. The highest peak is 1350 meters.

It is one of the most important pilgrimage centres for Jains. They call it Sammed Sikhar.

The hill is named after Parasnath, the 23rd Tirthankara. Twenty of Jain Tirthankaras attained salvation on this hill. For each of them, there is a shrine (gumti or tuk) on the hill.

Some of the temples on the hill are believed to be more than 2,000 years old.

The Santhals call it Marang Buru, the hill of the deity. They celebrate a hunting festival on the full moon day in Baisakh (mid-April).

Every year, thousands of Jains from across the world undertake the 27 km long trek of climbing the hills to reach the summit.

What are Palitana And Shatrunjaya Hill?

Shatrunjaya Hill is a sacred Jain site located in Palitana town, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat.

The sacred site contains hundreds of shrines that were sanctified when Rishabha, the first Tirthankara of Jainism, gave his first sermon in the temple on the hilltop.

The Palitana temples on Shatrunjaya Hill were built over a period of 900 years starting from the 11th century. It was Kumarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron, who built the first temples on this site.

It is said that Adinath (also known as Rishabha), the founder of Jainism, meditated beneath the rayan tree at the summit. 


NAAC releases new benchmarks to assess varsities, autonomous colleges

Source: The post is based on the articleNAAC releases new benchmarks to assess varsities, autonomous collegespublished in TOI on 5th January 2023

What is the News?

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council(NAAC) has released the benchmark scores that the colleges and universities receive during their accreditation process to bring transparency to the process. 

Note: Earlier the benchmark scores were not revealed to the Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) which did not give them the clarity to prepare a future roadmap to bring the pre-requisite changes concerning the accreditation parameters set by NAAC.

What is the National Assessment and Accreditation Council(NAAC)?

NAAC is an autonomous body established by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

It was established in 1994 on the basis of recommendations made under the National Education Policy (1986).

Mandate: It conducts assessment and accreditation of Higher Educational Institutions (HEI) such as colleges, universities or other recognised institutions to derive an understanding of the ‘Quality Status’ of the institution. 

Headquarters: Bangalore

What is assessment and accreditation by NAAC?

Assessment is the performance evaluation of an institution or its units based on certain established criteria. 

Accreditation is the certification of quality for a fixed period which in the case of NAAC is five years.

Eligibility criteria: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), with a record of at least two batches of students who graduated, or have been in existence for six years, whichever is earlier, are eligible to apply for the process of Assessment and Accreditation (A&A) of NAAC.

Benefits of accreditation: 1) Institution can know its strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities through an informed review process, 2) Identification of internal areas of planning and resource allocation, 3) Funding agencies look for objective data for performance funding, 4) Institutions to initiate innovative and modern methods of pedagogy, 5) The society look for reliable information on quality education offered and 6) Employers look for reliable information on the quality of education offered to the prospective recruits.


UGC unveils draft norms to allow foreign universities to set up campuses in India

Source: The post is based on the article UGC unveils draft norms to allow foreign universities to set up campuses in Indiapublished in The Hindu on 6th January 2023

What is the News?

University Grants Commission has announced draft regulations for foreign universities setting up campuses in India.

What are the key provisions of draft regulations for foreign universities setting up campuses in India?

Eligibility: A foreign university with a rank among the top 500 global rankings or a foreign educational institution of repute in its home jurisdiction can apply to the UGC to set up a campus in India.

Application process: The application process will be web-based, with the UGC going to maintain a separate portal for receiving proposals to set up campuses.

– The application will be considered by a standing committee appointed by the UGC which will submit its recommendations within 45 days after examining the institution’s credibility, programmes offered, their potential to strengthen educational opportunities in India and proposed academic infrastructure.

– Subsequently, within 45 days, the UGC may grant in-principle approval to the foreign institution to set up campuses in India within two years. The initial approval will be for 10 years which can be extended.

Admission procedure: Foreign universities setting up campuses in India can evolve their own admission process and criteria to admit domestic and foreign students. 

Fee structure: The campuses will have the autonomy to decide their fee structure, and will face no caps that are imposed on Indian institutions. But the fee should be reasonable and transparent. It will also have the autonomy to recruit faculty and staff from India and abroad. 

Mode of teaching: The courses to be offered cannot be online and open and distance learning mode. The qualifications awarded to the students on the Indian campus should have equivalence with those awarded by the institutions in their country of origin.

Cross-border movement of funds: Foreign higher education institutions will also be allowed cross-border movement of funds and maintenance of foreign currency accounts, mode of payments, remittance, repatriation, and sale of proceeds, under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA),1999 and its Rules and an audit report will have to be submitted to the UGC.


Asian elephant has lost most of its optimal habitat in Nilgiri Reserve

Source: The post is based on the article “Asian elephant has lost most of its optimal habitat in Nilgiri Reserve” published in The Hindu on 6th January 2023

What is the News?

According to a study, the endangered Asian Elephant has lost most of its optimal habitat, the flat terrain in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.

About the study

Western Ghats(WG) is an escarpment running north–south along the western coastline of India.

The WG is interrupted towards the south by the low-lying Palghat Gap that separates the northern from the southern elephant populations

The northern part of the WG includes Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve(NBR) and its surrounding PAs (protected areas) which contain the largest remaining population of wild elephants.

Earlier, the Palghat gap was relatively flat and consequently easily negotiable by elephants to move from North to South.

However, now human settlements and crop cultivation have hindered the movement of the elephants, keeping them confined to the hilly areas considered suboptimal habitats.

What has been the impact of this?

The study has shown that when barriers are erected, particularly in areas with slopes, elephant movement is blocked and gene flow is reduced. There will also be more in-breeding and low genetic diversity pushing up chances of disease and lowering fertility rates.

This could ultimately lead to increasing the extinction risk of this endangered species.


Cabinet approves continuation of Schemes of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region

Source: The post is based on the article Cabinet approves continuation of Schemes of Ministry of Development of North Eastern Regionpublished in PIB on 5th January 2023

What is the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of Schemes of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region for the balance period of the 15th Finance Commission (2022-23 to 2025-26).

What are the schemes that will be continued in the North Eastern Region?

North East Special Infrastructure Scheme(NESIDS)

The scheme has been restructured having two components – NESIDS (Roads) and NESIDS (Other than Road Infrastructure).

Prime Minister’s Development initiative for the north eastern region – PM-Devine

What are the steps the Government of India has taken for the development of the North Eastern Region?

Due to the efforts taken by the government, there has been a 74% reduction in insurgency incidents, a 60% reduction in incidents of attacks on security forces and an 89% reduction in civilian deaths. 

Further, agreements with the national liberation front of Tripura in 2019, the BRU and bodo agreement in 2020 and the Karbi agreement in 2021 were agreed upon. The Assam-Meghalaya and Assam-Arunachal border disputes have also almost ended. With this, the north-east region is moving on the path of development.

Since 2014, we have witnessed massive increase in the budgetary allocations to the region. More than 4 lakh crores have been allocated for the region.

The North East Gas Grid (NEGG) project is underway and will improve the economy in NER.


New electrolyte found can help better ammonia synthesis

Source: The post is based on the article New electrolyte found can help better ammonia synthesispublished in PIB on 5th January 2023

What is the News?

A team of Indian scientists have developed a new aqueous electrolyte that can help make electrochemical ammonia synthesis more efficient.

The novel approach could be useful for industries involved in the production of green energy or hydrogen.

What has been the major obstacle in the production of ammonia through the electrochemical Ammonia synthesis process?

Ammonia production is dependent on the century-old Haber-Bosch process, which is energy and capital-intensive and relies on Hydrogen(H2) from steam reforming, hence, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. 

To replace this, the Electrochemical Ammonia synthesis process can be used for the production of ammonia. This process offers a promising carbon-neutral and sustainable strategy

However, this process is largely limited due to the poor solubility of nitrogen (N2) in the aqueous electrolyte environment as well as the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction.

In the past, most efforts to overcome these issues have focused on catalyst development, while little attention has been given to improving electrolytes.

What have the scientists developed to overcome this obstacle?

Scientists have introduced a new electrolyte called (NaBF4) which not only acts as an N2-carrier in the medium but also works as a full-fledged “co-catalyst” along with active material transition metal-doped nanocarbon (MnN4) to deliver a high yield of ammonia (NH3) at absolutely ambient experimental conditions.

This approach has resulted in an NH3 production rate that approaches an industrial scale and surpasses many standard catalysts in other electrolyte media.


India’s plan to develop green hydrogen

Source: The post is based on the article “India’s plan to develop green hydrogen” published in The Hindu on 6th January 2023

What is the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved a National Green Hydrogen mission that aims to make India a ‘global hub’ for using, producing and exporting green hydrogen.

What is Green Hydrogen?

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Why was the National Green Hydrogen mission launched?

Green hydrogen currently accounts for less than 1% of global hydrogen production due to it being expensive to produce. 

A kilogram of black hydrogen costs $0.9-1.5 to produce while grey hydrogen costs $1.7-2.3 and blue hydrogen can cost anywhere from $1.3-3.6. 

However, green hydrogen costs $3.5-5.5 per kg, according to a 2020 analysis by the Council for Energy, Environment and Water.

The mission aims to reduce this cost by incentivising the commercial production of green hydrogen and making India a net exporter of fuel. 

What are the key features of the National Green Hydrogen mission?

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What are the challenges ahead?

Green hydrogen development is still in the nascent stages globally.

India can take the lead in being a major producer of Green Hydrogen. But there are certain challenges ahead such as:

Firstly, India doesn’t have the necessary infrastructure yet to execute all these intermediary steps.

Secondly, it needs to announce incentives to convince enough users of industrial hydrogen to adopt green hydrogen. 

Thirdly, it needs to develop supply chains in the form of pipelines, tankers, intermediate storage and last-leg distribution networks.

Lastly, it also needs to put in place an effective skill development programme to ensure that lakhs of workers can be suitably trained to adapt to a viable green hydrogen economy.


Ministry of Rural Development launches Prajjwala Challenge

Source: The post is based on the article Ministry of Rural Development launches Prajjwala Challengepublished in PIB on 2nd January 2023

What is the News?

Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) announces the launch of “Prajjwala Challenge” for bringing about “Transformation of the Indian Rural Economy”.

What is Prajjwala Challenge?

Launched by: Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission(DAY-NRLM).

Aim: To invite ideas from individuals, Social Enterprises, Start up, Private Sector, Civil Society, Community Based Organization, Academic Institution, Start-ups, Incubation centres, Investors having potential to transform the rural economy.

Categories: The challenge aims to support ideas in following categories: 1) Focus on Women and Marginalized sections of the community, 2) Localized Models, 3) Sustainability, 4) Cost Effective solutions and 5) Multi-sectoral ideas and solutions.

Significance: This is a first-of-its-kind nationwide initiative to provide thoughtful minds with a platform to present new, innovative and scalable pathways for rural economic transformation in India.


[Download] New 10 PM Weekly Compilation – March 2024 – 3rd week

Hello, everyone. We are posting a Compilation of the 10 pm current affairs quiz – March 2024 – 3rd week for practice of current affairs. All Questions have been framed based on the format of 2024 UPSC prelims exam. The compilation has been arranged based on the Prelims syllabus. Click on the following link to download… Continue reading [Download] New 10 PM Weekly Compilation – March 2024 – 3rd week

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[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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