9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – September 2nd, 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.
    • 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


Supertech demolition and the Noida problem

Source: The post is based on the article “Supertech demolition and the Noida problem published in the Indian Express on 2nd September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 1 – Urbanization – problems and their remedies.

Relevance: About the fall of Noida as a satellite town and the rise of the Noida problem.

News: The Supreme Court ordered the demolition of the twin towers in Noida in August 2021 after a long legal battle between the residents and the developer.

About the development of Noida as a satellite town

An acronym for New Okhla Industrial Development Authority, Noida was envisaged in the early 1970s. In 1972, the Uttar Pradesh government marked the rural area consisting of 50 villages as “Yamuna-Hindon-Delhi Border Regulated Area” to regulate land dealings in the area close to the national capital. In April 1976, 36 out of these 50 villages were notified as Noida.

The main objective of Noida was a) To decentralise economic activity from Delhi to Noida, b) To reduce migration in the megacity, c) To provide affordable suburban housing for the people of Delhi.

Why did Noida as a satellite town fail, and what led to the Noida problem?

Within the NCR Plan, Noida’s population was projected to be 5,50,000 by 2001 and 1.1 million by 2011. The population that the town achieved, however, was only 3,05,058 in 2001 and 6,42,381 in 2011. This is because,

a) Urban planners in India have worked on the strong assumption that the growth of cities can be perfectly predicted based on population projections, But planners failed to understand growth is not so deterministic, b) Planners cannot decide a geographical distribution of densities or economic classes of people in a city, c) Large parts of Noida were marked as housing lands with high FSI. But Noida lacked the infrastructure that could have supported commercial activities and authoritarian land-use plans prevented the organic development of any new nodes of the market, d) The opening of the Delhi Noida Direct (DND) Flyway in 2001 made the region fail to attract the service sector, e) The region lacks essential elements of urbanity like trade and commerce, institutions.

All this resulted in housing projects have not enough buyers, crashing rents and existing facilities rapidly deteriorating. This is often called the Noida problem.

How do ensure proper urban development?

The Noida problem highlights the unpredictable nature of urban development. So the urban plans can be made implementable only when they are flexible enough to let a city grow around emerging markets. The solution is not more government control, but less control.


Our concept of a family should embrace liberty

Source: The post is based on an article Our concept of a family should embrace liberty” published in The Live Mint on 2nd September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 1 – Society and its features

Relevance: issues associated with LGBTQI+

News: This article discusses about the problems related to LGBTQI+ and recent SC decision on it.

Recently, the Supreme Court gave a landmark ruling in a case involving dispute over maternity benefits. In this case, a nurse in a government hospital was denied maternity leave because she had taken leaves earlier to care for her husband’s children from a previous marriage.

What was the Supreme Court’s ruling?

The court rejected the argument that her “atypical” family doesn’t qualify for the benefits what others are getting under the Maternity Benefit law. SC held that Familial relationships may take the form of domestic, unmarried partnerships or queer relationships. The court equated all such familial relationships to traditional family relations and ruled that “they are equally deserving not only of protection under the law but also of the benefits available under social welfare legislation”.

SC had already decriminalized same sex relationship in 2018.

What is the significance of the judgment?

The conservatism in society, culture and law do not recognizes other forms or relationship and they tend to follow the same old pattern.

The Centre has strongly opposed a petition seeking registration of same-sex unions under the Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, arguing that “our values” are opposed to it.

Recently passed laws continue to discriminate against queer couples (or even single men), by denying them the right to raise children through adoption or surrogacy.

All these restrictions take away the fundamental rights granted to all by the Constitution.

The lack of marriage recognition makes it hard for same sex partners to take care of loved ones. They also face issues in buying family health insurance cover, opening a joint bank account among others.

GS Paper 2


About the Crime in India report: A revert to the mean

Source: The post is based on the article “A revert to the mean – Increase in violent crimes, suicides in 2021 points to indirect consequences of pandemic published in The Hindu on 2nd September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Criminal Justice System.

Relevance: About the recent findings of the Crime in India report.

News: According to the annual report, “Crime in India” released by the NCRB, the registration of violent crimes such as rape, kidnapping, atrocities against children, robberies and murders increased in 2021 to levels set before the pandemic.

Note: The drop in 2020 seemed to be an anomaly, either due to lowered registration or a partial decrease in occurrence as there were extensive lockdowns and office shutdowns.

What are the key findings of the recent Crime in India report?

The overall crime rate (per one lakh people) decreased from 487.8 in 2020 to 445.9 in 2021.

Domestic violence: “Cruelty by husband or his relatives” constituted 31.8% of crimes against women, up from 30.2% in 2020, indicating that domestic violence continued to be a major issue.

Law enforcement was less responsive: While violent crimes increased, the charge sheeting rate fell from 75.8% in 2020 to 72.3% in 2021, as did the conviction rate (57% from 59.2% in 2020).

State-wise violent crime data: Assam (76.6 violent crimes per one lakh people), Delhi (57) and West Bengal (48.7) had the highest numbers while Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu registered the lowest numbers.

Suicide rate: Suicide rate in the population in 2021 was 12 per one lakh people. This was the highest in the last five years. Domestic problems (33.2%) and illnesses (18.6%) were reported as the main reasons.

Most victims are daily wage earners (25.6%) and housewives (14.1%). This reveals the severity of the pandemic and its indirect consequences on people.

Cybercrime: These cases registered a 5.9% jump over 2020. This increase was more so in rural areas. Cyber crime in metropolitan cities (with a population of more than two million people) registered a decline of 8.3% compared to 2020. This indicates the increasing use of digital devices and the related challenges.

Read more: Suicide of Businessmen: Limited liability could save some Indian lives 

The Government must educate people about risks in cyber activities and ensure better law enforcement to curb various crimes.


Academia, research and the glass ceiling in India

Source: The post is based on the article “Academia, research and the glass ceiling in India published in The Hindu on 2nd September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Relevance: About the glass ceiling of women

News: Gender inequality and discrimination in academia relating to higher education still persist in India.

Two well-known examples of the glass ceiling of women in pre-independence India

Kamala Sohonie: Sir C.V. Raman rejected her request for pursuing research in physics under his guidance only because she was a woman. After satyagraha, she was admitted for one year under certain conditions.

Bibha Chowdhuri: Professor D.M. Bose was reluctant to include her in his research group on the ground that he did not have suitable research projects to assign to women. After a prolonged struggle, she had been included. Her work on cosmic rays in determining the mass of mesons is legendary.

Some well-known examples of Women who broke the glass ceiling

Donna Strickland was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, for her work on lasers in 2018. She became the third woman to win a physics Nobel, after Marie Curie in 1903 and Maria Goeppert Mayer in 1963.

How glass ceiling of women impacts women’s growth in STEM?

Women are still an under-represented population globally in hardcore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

UNESCO findings

According to available UNESCO data on some selected countries, India is at the lowest position, having only 14% female researchers working in STEM areas.

But India is not very far behind many advanced countries in this aspect. For example, Japan has only 16% female researchers, the United States 27% and the United Kingdom 39%.

The highest number of female researchers are in Tunisia, Africa (55%) followed by Argentina (53%) and New Zealand (52%).

Education and faculty

About 43% of women constitute the graduate population in STEM, which is one of the highest in the world. But a) Only 14% of women join academic institutions and universities, b) The total number of women fellows in the three science academies of India is 7% for the Indian Academy of Sciences (IAS); 5% for the Indian National Science Academy (INSA) and 8% for the National Academy of Sciences India (NASI) and c) The more prestigious the institute, the lower the number of women employees. For example, in IIT Madras only 31 out of 314 professors.

In the corporate world

Participation of women in leadership and decision-making positions in private enterprises (the corporate sector) is increasing. a) The number of women in senior management positions in the corporate sector in India is 39%, b) According to a forecast made by Deloitte, the number of female board members in the management of private enterprises have been growing from 15% (2016) to 19.7% in 2022. At this pace, near parity will be reached by 2045.

What are the government incentives for breaking the glass ceiling of women?

Some of them are, a) Gender Advancement for Transforming Institutions (GATI), Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing(KIRAN), Vigyan Jyoti Programme, etc.

Some institutions are setting up crèches so that scientist mothers can carry on with their research work uninterrupted. Universities too are trying their best to be equal opportunity employers.

Read more: India’s innovation potential and initiatives
What can the government learn from the corporate sector in breaking the glass ceiling of women?

1) Mechanism of selection and promotion of personnel in the private sector based on competence or merit, 2) Private sector’s adoption of various schemes: Such as flexi-hour work time, rejoining the workforce after an interim break, sections operated only by women, etc.

So, gender equality or parity will happen only when there is a change in mindset and institutions consider women as assets rather than simply a diversity of rectification issue.

GS Paper 3


Effecting the ban on single-use plastics

Source: The post is based on the article “Effecting the ban on single-use plastics published in The Hindu on 2nd September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Environment – Pollution.

Relevance: About the ban on SUPs(single-use plastics).

News: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021. Since July 1, 2022, India has banned the manufacture, import, stocking, distribution, sale, and use of single-use plastic (SUP) items with low utility and high littering potential.

About Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules
Read here: Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022 – Explained, pointwise

Other countries that banned SUPs: Bangladesh became the first country to ban thin plastic bags in 2002; New Zealand banned plastic bags in July 2019. China had issued a ban on plastic bags in 2020 with a phased implementation.

What is the international commitment that led to banning SUPs?

India is a party to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA). India has also signed a resolution to draw up an agreement in the future that will make it legally binding for signatories to address the full life cycle of plastics, from production to disposal.

India also piloted a resolution on single-use plastics pollution at the 4th United Nations Environment Assembly in 2019, recognising the urgent need for the global community to address this issue. This resolution was adopted at the UN Environment Assembly as an important step forward.

Read more: Candy sticks to earbuds: Govt bans single-use plastic from 2022
Why are single-use plastics harmful?
Read here:

What are the measures taken to enforce the ban on SUPs?

In an effort to empower citizens to help curb the plastic menace, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has launched a grievance redressal application.

The Government has been taking measures for awareness generation towards the elimination of single-use plastics. The awareness campaign has brought together entrepreneurs and start-ups, industry, Central, State and local Governments, regulatory bodies, experts, citizen organisations, etc.

What are the challenges in enforcing the ban on SUPs?
Read here:

What can be done to properly enforce the ban on SUPs?

1) The solution to the plastic pollution problem is not the responsibility of the government alone, but of industries, brands, manufacturers and most importantly consumers, 2) Greener alternatives to plastic may be considered a sustainable option. For example, compostable and bio-degradable plastic, etc.,


Making at home: Vikrant’s commissioning & plans to build fifth generation fighters must speed up defence self-reliance

Source: The post is based on an article “Making at home: Vikrant’s commissioning & plans to build fifth generation fighters must speed up defence self-reliance” published in The Times of India on 2nd September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Defence technologies – Indigenization of technology

News: This article discusses the advantages of indigenization.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) recently cleared the project to develop Tejas Mark-2. It is an upgraded version of the indigenous light combat aircraft Tejas Mark-1. Another project of Rs 15,000-plus crore to build a fifth-generation advanced medium combat aircraft will be cleared in the next few months.

Tejas Mark-1 will replace the ageing MiG-21s while Tejas Mark-2 will gradually substitute Mirage-2000s, Jaguars and the MiG-29s.

Another good news is commissioning of INS Vikrant. More than 75% of the ship’s components have been procured domestically.

Why indigenization in defense is necessary?

Geopolitical environment – It has become more complex and India can no longer rely on Russia which is now China’s “limitless” ally.

Cost – Most hi-tech foreign purchases will be costlier than their domestically manufactured counterparts.

Advantage for Indian industry – Made in India arms and defence systems will be a big boost for Indian industry.

Why are imports still a necessity?

The import content for the indigenous Tejas fighter continues to be around 50%.

The key reason for reliance on foreign aero engines is that domestic Kaveri engine project failed.

Big private sector companies should be invited for joint research and development to make import dependency minimum.


Three key changes: To counteract global slowdown GoI should privatise, reform agri market & reduce customs duties

Source: The post is based on an article Three key changes: To counteract global slowdown GoI should privatise, reform agri market & reduce customs duties” published in The Times of India on 2nd September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3

News: This article discusses about the steps that India should take to tackle global economic slowdown.

April-June quarter’s GDP data shows recovery in the Indian Economy. However, global economy has slowed down.

Also, RBI’s monetary tightening to contain inflation will hinder economic progress.

All these issues can be tackled if the state and central govt. can resume the shelved reforms.

What steps can be taken by government of India to counter global economic slowdown?

Privatization

GoI needs to overcome bureaucratic hurdles to privatization.

The government announced strategic disinvestment of 35 PSUs in 2016. Out of which 24 are still in the process of sale.

There is slow progress in the proposed privatization of two public sector banks of the 12 functioning ones.

These transactions will provide capital for GoI and boost its infrastructure development plans.

Agriculture

The potential of the common platform for a national agricultural market (e-NAM) hasn’t been fully tapped.

It has a great potential but there is a need to work on logistics and dispute settlement.

Trade

The protectionist approach needs to be discarded to get the most out of the PLI scheme.

FTAs, rather than bilateral trade deals, should be prioritized.


The world of clean hydrogen buzzing with activity

Source: The post is based on an article The world of clean hydrogen buzzing with activity” published in The Business Standard on 2nd September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Energy and associated issues

Context: The article discusses the steps that have been taken by India and other countries for promoting green hydrogen.

What is green hydrogen?

Read Here

What is needed to increasing the production of Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen has a critical role to play in decarbonization and the achievement of net-zero emissions.

There are four things needed to scale it up:

  • Competitively priced renewable energy
  • Electrolysers
  • Supporting physical infrastructure
  • Policy push

One of India’s advantages is cost-competitive renewable energy.

What steps have been taken in India?

Reliance is one of the largest producers of grey hydrogen globally.

It has announced to deliver green hydrogen at the lowest cost and to progressively commence transition from grey hydrogen to green hydrogen by 2025.

This will be supported by a giga-scale electrolyser manufacturing facility.

The Adani Group announced a partnership with Total Energies for its green hydrogen push.

The company targets production of 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030.

What steps have been taken worldwide?

US have recently passed Inflation Reduction Act. It is the world’s first tax credits for hydrogen.

Amazon announced to buy almost 11,000 tonnes of liquid green hydrogen from Plug Power annually.

Walmart had signed a similar deal with Plug Power to get up to 20 tonnes per day of carbon free hydrogen to power material-handling lift trucks in the US.

Canada is aiming to become a major producer and exporter of hydrogen as well as related clean technologies.

Germany is aiming to import significant amounts of renewable hydrogen to decarbonise its hard-to-abate sectors in line with its 2045 climate neutrality target.


Overseeing an ocean: INS Vikrant joins the navy’s fleet

Source: The post is based on an article Overseeing an ocean: INS Vikrant joins the navy’s fleet” published in The Business Standard on 2nd September 2022.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Defense Technology – Indigenization of technologies

Relevance:  security and bilateral relation

News: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Vikrant is commissioned into the navy’s fleet. The articles discuss the further challenges before India in securing the vast ocean.

It will the second aircraft carrier with India, first one being the INS Vikramaditya, that was bought from Russia. It will enter India into the exclusive club of only 5 countries, with 2 aircraft carriers.

However, it will still not be sufficient to tackle the challenges in front of India.

What are the issues India might still face?

Indian navy required two deployed carriers, minimum: One for the east coast (the Bay of Bengal and Malacca Strait) and a second for the west coast (the Arabian Sea, the Pakistan coast and West Asia).

Lately, the navy has begun suggesting for a third deployed carrier to carry out power projection at longer ranges across the Indian Ocean Region.

Now, India’s 2 aircraft carriers don’t mean that both will be deployed. The naval fleet must have three aircraft carriers to have two carriers operationally available. Because most of the time one of those three would be in the dockyard for maintenance.

For example, out of US’s 11 carriers, only three US Navy carrier strike groups (CSG) were operationally deployed.

The Indian Navy’s two aircraft carriers would mostly amount to just a single operationally deployed carrier.

Similarly, operationally deploying three carriers would require a four-carrier fleet.

What is the significance of warships?

Naval forces have an unparalleled capability for dispensing humanitarian aid and disaster relief as the Indian Navy did after the Asian tsunami of 2004.

US has come up with National Defence Authorisation Act that specifies the annual defence budget and expenditures under various heads. It has for the first time; the US has given the navy legal and budgetary powers to discharge a clear peacetime as well as its combat role.

India plays a role of security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. It has a role and interest in protecting sea lines of communication (SLOCs) that carry 70 per cent of global trade.

China expanding navy poses a threat to India. China’s warship is building yards in Dalian and constructing four-five large and sophisticated destroyers simultaneously.

what are the challenges in front of India?

India is facing a dilemma whether it should focus on sea or land borders to counter China.

India is the only member country of the Quadrilateral that shares a land border with China. PLA’s multiple encroachments, across the LAC, have heightened the tensions on India’s land borders.

However, the US and Australia are pushing India to focus on the Indian Ocean Region.

India must resolve its stand since India’s own economic prosperity depends upon keeping open its SLOCs in the Indian Ocean.


Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Centre Grants ‘in-Principle’ Approval of three Bulk Drug Parks to Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh

Source: The post is based on the article Centre Grants ‘in-Principle’ Approval of three Bulk Drug Parks to Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradeshpublished in PIB on 1st September 2022.

What is the News?

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has granted ‘in-principle’ approval to the proposals of the three States Viz, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh under the Scheme for “Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks”.

Why was the Scheme for Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks launched?

Indian pharmaceutical industry is the 3rd largest in the world by volume and 14th largest in terms of value. India contributes 3.5% of total drugs and medicines exported globally. 

– However, despite these achievements, India is significantly dependent on the import of some of the critical basic raw materials, viz., bulk drugs that are used to produce the finished dosage formulations. 

– India imports bulk drugs largely for economic considerations. Bulk drugs accounted for 63% of the total pharmaceutical imports in the country during 20 18-19. Hence, to reduce these imports of Bulk Drugs, the scheme has been launched.

What is the objective of the Scheme for the Promotion of Bulk Drug Parks?

Launched in: 2020

Objective: To provide financial assistance to three states for establishing Bulk Drug Parks and aims to bring down the cost of manufacturing bulk drugs by creating world-class common infrastructure facilities.

Key Features of the scheme

Three bulk drug parks will be supported under the Scheme. 

Maximum grant-in-aid for one bulk drug park will be limited to Rs 1000 crore. 

Under the scheme, a one-time grant-in-aid will be provided for the creation of common infrastructure facilities in selected Bulk Drug Park proposed by a State Government. 

The scheme will be implemented through a State Implementing Agency (SIA), a legal entity, set up by the concerned State Government. 

The grant-in-aid will be 70% of the project cost of the common infrastructure facilities (CIF). In the case of the North Eastern States and the Hilly States, the grant-in-aid will be 90% of the common infrastructure facilities. 


International Whale Shark Day: Wildlife Trust of India launches campaign to sensitise fishers along southwest coast

Source: The post is based on the article “International Whale Shark Day: Wildlife Trust of India launches campaign to sensitise fishers along southwest coast” published in Down To Earth on 1st September 2022.

What is the News?

Wildlife Trust of India(WTI) has launched the ‘Save the Whale Shark Campaign’ along Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep.

What is the Save the Whale Shark Campaign?

Launched by: Wildlife Trust of India(WTI) along with Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep.

Aim: To reduce and eradicate whale shark death in the incidental catch in fishing nets by the voluntary release of the whale shark.

What is a Whale Shark?

The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish on Earth and a keystone species in marine ecosystems. 

Features: It can grow to a length of approximately 18 metres and weigh as much as 21 tonnes.

– They are ovoviviparous – meaning they give birth to live young rather than lay eggs – and can reach sexual maturity at around 10 years old.

Distribution: It is distributed widely across tropical and warm temperate seas.

– The whale shark is distributed all along the Indian coast. However, the largest whale shark aggregation is along the Gujarat coast.

Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

IUCN Red List: Endangered.

Threat: The main threat is accidental entanglement in fishing nets. This can result in mortality.

– The only way to curb such mortality is to ensure the release of the entangled whale sharks from the fishing net without any delay. 


Crime Multi Agency Centre (Cri-MAC) Portal: Seven States cold to Centre’s crime portal

Source: The post is based on the article Seven States cold to Centre’s crime portalpublished in The Hindu on 2nd September 2022.

What is the News?

At least seven States and one Union Territory have not uploaded a single alert on the Crime Multi Agency Centre(Cri-MAC) portal since it was launched in March 2020.

What is the Crime Multi Agency Centre (Cri-MAC) Portal?

Launched by: 2020 by the Ministry of Home Affairs(MHA).

Aim: To share information on crime and criminals 24×7 with various law enforcement agencies and ensure a seamless flow of information among them. 

Implemented by: The application is run by the National Crime Records Bureau(NCRB).

Significance of the portal: Cri-MAC facilitates the dissemination of information about significant crimes including human trafficking across the country on a real-time basis and enables inter-State coordination. 

– This can help in locating and identifying the trafficked victims as also in the prevention, detection and investigation of crime.


PM unveils new naval ensign, here’s why it is significant

Source: The post is based on the article PM unveils new naval ensign, here’s why it is significant” published in Indian Express on 1st September 2022.

What is the News?

The Prime Minister will unveil the new Ensign (flag) of the Indian Navy in Kochi to mark the launch of India’s first aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant.

What is Naval Ensign?

A naval ensign is a flag that is installed atop naval warships, on ground stations, at air bases and at other institutions used as a form of maritime identification.

Every country’s navy has its own ensign which can be the same as their country’s flag or a distant one. For example, the US Navy’s ensign is the same as its national flag, but many other navies have distinctive naval ensigns which are used by their war vessels.

Evolution of Indian Naval Ensign

1950-2001: After 1950 when India became a Republic, the prefix ‘Royal’ was dropped from Royal Indian Navy(RIN) and it was rechristened as the Indian Navy. 

– The ensign was also replaced with the Indian flag instead of Britain’s flag over the St George’s Cross. Now the naval ensign had an Indian flag at the top left corner of the St George’s Cross over a white background. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

2001-2004: The naval ensign was again modified in the year 2001 where the St George’s Cross was dropped and a blue crest of the Indian Navy was set upon the white background with the Indian flag retaining its position. 

– This modification did not go well as many complained that the blue of the naval crest was indistinguishable from the sky and the ocean. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

2004-2014: Changes were made to the naval ensign in 2004 where the blue crest was dropped and St George’s Cross was restored, with a National Emblem at the intersection of the cross. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons

2014-2022: In 2014, the ensign which is in use to date was customized to add Satyamev Jayate written in Devanagari script under the State Emblem of India at the intersection of St George’s Cross. 

Source: Wikimedia Commons
What is the new Naval Ensign unveiled by the PM?

The Saint George’s cross has been removed from the new Indian Navy flag. The elements of the new Indian Navy flag consist of the national flag (tricolor) in the upper left canton, symbolizing the national spirit of India’s maritime force.

In the lower right-hand corner on the fly side, the Indian Navy’s new insignia consists of the Indian national emblem with the national motto ‘Satyamev Jayate’ engraved in Devanagari script, anchor and Navy’s motto: Shan no Varunaha (Be auspicious unto us oh Varuna) inside a blue octagon.

The octagon depicts eight directions, symbolizing good fortune, eternity, renewal and draws positive energy from all directions.

The golden border of the octagon represents the Rajmudra of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the legendary 16th-century Maratha warrior.


Union Minister announces India’s first indigenously developed vaccine, “CERVAVAC” for the prevention of cervical cancer

Source: The post is based on the articleUnion Minister announces India’s first indigenously developed vaccine, “CERVAVAC” for the prevention of cervical cancerpublished in PIB on 1st September 2022

What is the News?

Union Minister Science & Technology has launched India’s first indigenously developed vaccine, “CERVAVAC” for the prevention of cervical cancer.

What is CERVAVAC Vaccine?

Click Here to read

Doses: Two vaccine doses are supposed to be administered to teenage girls before they are sexually active. For older individuals, three doses are recommended.

Note: This vaccine can prevent an infection, but cannot clear it once it happens.

What is Cervical Cancer?

Click Here to read

Cervical Cancer cases in India

Cervical cancer ranks as the 2nd most prevalent cancer in India and accounts for nearly one-fourth of the world’s cervical cancer deaths despite being largely preventable. 

Current estimates indicate that every year approximately 1.25 lakhs women are diagnosed with cervical cancer and over 75,000 die from the disease in India.

Around 83% of invasive cervical cancers are attributed to HPVs 16 or 18 in India.

The most promising intervention for preventing cervical cancer is vaccination against human papillomavirus(HPV).

It is estimated that HPV types 16 and 18 (HPV-16 and HPV-18) together contribute to approximately 70% of all invasive cervical cancer cases worldwide.


The complete story of INS Vikrant, and why India already wants to build another aircraft carrier

Source: The post is based on the articleThe complete story of INS Vikrant, and why India already wants to build another aircraft carrierpublished in Indian Express on 2nd September 2022.

What is the News?

INS Vikrant, the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier has been commissioned into the Indian Navy.

What is INS Vikrant?

Click Here to read

Other important features of INS Vikrant

Vikrant is the first aircraft carrier designed and built in India. It has over 76% of the material and equipment which is indigenous.

The ship has over 2400 compartments. It has a maximum designed speed of 28 knots with an endurance of 7,500 nautical miles which is equivalent to around 14,000 km. 

Around 16,000 crew members can fit into the carrier. It can accommodate around 30 aircraft on board. It also has specialized cabins to accommodate women officers and sailors.

It has a 16-bed hospital and an emergency medical care unit along with an Intensive Care Unit, a radiology wing and other medical facilities.

Using a novel aircraft-operation mode known as STOBAR (Short Take-Off but Arrested Landing), the carrier is equipped with a ski-jump for launching aircraft and a set of ‘arrester wires’ for their recovery onboard.

Significance of INS Vikrant

With the launch of INS Vikrant, India also joins the elite group of nations – the US, Russia, France, the UK and China – who are capable of designing and constructing aircraft carriers. 

Also, with a displacement of 43,000 tonnes when fully loaded, INS Vikrant is set to be the seventh largest among the carriers or carrier classes in the world.


Karnataka iron ore mining | Why has the Supreme Court relaxed a decade-old ban?

Source: The post is based on the article “Karnataka iron ore mining | Why has the Supreme Court relaxed a decade-old ban?” published in The Hindu on 2nd  September 2022.

What is the News?

The Supreme Court has relaxed the iron ore mining limit for Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur districts in Karnataka stating that conservation of the ecology and the environment must go hand in hand with the spirit of economic development.

Background of Iron ore Mining in Karnataka

In 2011, the Supreme Court stopped mining operations in Karnataka. Furthermore, it also banned the export of iron ore pellets from Karnataka with the aim to prevent environmental degradation.

Following the ban, the Supreme Court directed the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) to draw up a reclamation and rehabilitation plan to reverse the environmental damage caused by illegal mining.

However, in 2012, the SC allowed 18 “category A” mines to resume operations. Mines were categorized into A, B and C depending on the extent of illegalities committed by them. A category mines are leases wherein no illegality/marginal illegality has been found.

Once the mines were allowed to restart, the ore was sold through e-auctions.

How does e-auction work?

An e-auction is considered a transparent, tamper-proof process in which, after the completion of every bid, a three-member monitoring committee publishes a document. The document lists the details of the quality of iron ore, the mine that it belongs to, the number of bidders for it and the final takers. The monitoring committee is appointed by the SC.

What was the problem with this e-auction?

Mining companies had asked the SC to scrap e-auction norms in the export or sale of iron ore for mining lessees in the districts of Ballari, Tumakuru and Chitradurga.

The mining firms claimed that they were facing closure due to their stocks not getting sold as steel plants and other related industries were not willing to purchase in the e-auction or above the prevailing market price. 

What did the Supreme Court rule?

The Supreme Court permitted the resumption of exports of already excavated iron ore from the state through modes other than e-auction and also increased the ceiling limit on mining.

The court relaxed its 2011 order since the situation had now “changed for the better”.


Hydration of proteins could act as a potential marker for an early detection of neuro-degenerative diseases

Source: The post is based on the article Hydration of proteins could act as a potential marker for an early detection of neuro-degenerative diseasespublished in PIB on 1st  September 2022.

What is the News?

A study has found that hydration dynamics of proteins play a pivotal role in the aggregation of several proteins which is a preliminary step toward various neurodegenerative diseases

What is Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation(LLPS)?

Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation(LLPS) is a self-aggregated system. It is an intermediate step during the formation of stable protein aggregates.  

This process plays an important role in the formation of cells organelles like P bodies, nucleolus which are membrane-less compartments in the cytoplasm of cells

LLPS and neurodegenerative diseases: Protein aggregation is the main hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases. Many proteins found in pathological inclusions are known to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation.

What is the study conducted by scientists?

Scientists have explored how the hydration of proteins gets altered as LLPS sets in. 

They found that hydration dynamics of proteins play a pivotal role in the aggregation of several proteins which is a preliminary step toward various neurodegenerative diseases. 

Thus, the aggregation process could be spotted early by detecting altering water network dynamics and modulated using inactive substances that serve as the vehicle or medium for a drug or other active substance. 


UGC proposes clustering of colleges for multidisciplinary learning

Source: The post is based on the article “UGC proposes clustering of colleges for multidisciplinary learning” published in The Hindu on 2nd September 2022.

What is the News?

University Grants Commission(UGC) will make public its “Guidelines for Transforming Higher Educational Institutions into Multidisciplinary Institutions”.

What are the key features of the guidelines?

Currently, colleges are connected with universities through an “affiliating system” where universities design the syllabi, conduct examinations and award degrees, while teaching is done in colleges. 

The guidelines intend to bring affiliated colleges on to the track of progressive autonomy leading to a degree-awarding institution and finally into a university.

The guidelines have prescribed three different approaches for this: 

Clustering of Colleges: UGC has suggested academic collaboration between institutions through “clusters” of higher education institutions (HEIs) in order to promote multidisciplinary education and research in online and offline modes. 

– The member colleges in a cluster will continue to function as affiliated colleges under the university in the initial phase during which they will share their resources to offer programmes and guide student research projects. 

– After the initial years, the affiliating university may affiliate the cluster of colleges as a single unit during which they will pass through graded autonomy before developing into an autonomous degree-granting cluster of colleges. These can then later evolve into Research or Teaching Universities.

Restructuring of Higher education: Merger of single-stream institutions with other multidisciplinary institutions under the same management or different managements as well as expanding the number of departments in a college or university by adding new subjects such as languages, literature, music, Indology, sports etc.

– This restructuring of higher education will enable academic collaborations and the offering of dual degree programmes. 

– For instance, the students will be able to complete the first degree at the host institution and an additional second degree at a partnering institution without going through the admission process again.

Capacity-building for faculty so that they can teach, train and research in multidisciplinary academic programmes such as through initiatives like Annual Refresher Programme in Teaching (ARPIT) as well as investment in learning assessment tools.


Vostok-2022 commences in Russia with India, China participating

Source: The post is based on the article “Vostok-2022 commences in Russia with India, China participating” published in The Hindu on 2nd September 2022.

What is the News?

An Indian Army contingent comprising troops from Gorkha Rifles is participating in the multilateral strategic and command exercise ‘Vostok-2022’ in Russia.

What is Exercise Vostok?

It is a multilateral strategic and command exercise hosted by Russia.

Aim: To deepen practical and friendly cooperation with the armies of participating countries, enhance the level of strategic collaboration among the participating parties and strengthen the ability to respond to various security threats.

Participating countries: India, China, Belarus, Mongolia, Tajikistan and other countries are participating in the exercise.


 

[UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #161: Suman Sharma Board, Zoology Optional, Haryana Home State,

Date of Interview: 27/02/2024 Board: Suman Sharma Maam Optional: Zoology Home State: Haryana Time: Forenoon, 2nd one to go Duration: 32 minutes DAF Keywords – Haryana, Zoology (Nothing asked from Hobby and other key words in DAF) To view all IAS Interview Transcripts 2023, visit this page Chairman What you were doing after your Post graduation?… Continue reading [UPSC Interview 2023] – Transcript #161: Suman Sharma Board, Zoology Optional, Haryana Home State,

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[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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