24 August 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 1. India lights up the dark side of the moon ECONOMY 1. Implementing a car safety programme D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. The U.K.-India relationship is alive with opportunity F. Prelims Facts 1. What next for ISRO after the Chandrayaan-3 mission? G. Tidbits 1. Astra air-to-air missile test-fired from Tejas in ‘textbook launch’ 2. National Curriculum Framework proposes Board exams twice a year H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
C. GS 3 Related
Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India lights up the dark side of the moon
Syllabus: Achievements of Indians in science & technology, General awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, bio-technology
Mains: Space technology, Lunar missions, ISRO’s achievements.
Prelims: About Chandrayaan- 3
Context:
India achieved a momentous feat by successfully landing Chandrayaan-3’s lander module and rover on the moon’s surface, joining a select group of countries that have accomplished lunar landings.
Introduction
- India achieved a successful lunar landing with Chandrayaan-3’s lander module and rover on the moon’s surface at 6.03 p.m.
Read more on Chandrayaan 3.
Joining Elite Lunar Achievers
- India now stands among the exclusive countries that have accomplished lunar landings: the United States, Russia, and China.
- India’s achievement is notable for being the first successful landing on the moon’s polar region.
Confident Soft Landing
- ISRO Chairman S. Somanath confirmed a soft landing with most nominal landing conditions fulfilled.
- Lander’s velocity during touchdown was under 2 metres per second, ensuring the lander’s health for planned experiments.
Anticipation for Experiments
- Mr. Somanath expressed excitement for the upcoming 14 days, expecting successful execution of planned experiments and rover deployment.
- Pragyan rover’s deployment is a highlight of the next phase.
Communication Link Establishment
- A communication link was established between the lander and MOX-ISTRAC, Bengaluru, facilitating data exchange and control.
Human-Centric Approach
- The mission’s success resonates globally with the motto ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future.’
- This approach garnered universal support, aligning with India’s lunar mission philosophy.
Global Inspiration and Collaboration
- Success is seen as a triumph for all humanity, inspiring other countries in space exploration.
- Opens doors for global cooperation and collaboration in space research.
Reaching the Lunar South Pole
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the accomplishment of reaching the moon’s South Pole, highlighting India’s scientists’ dedication and talent.
Rover’s Scientific Objectives
- Deployed rover will conduct in-situ chemical analysis of the lunar surface during mobility.
- Equipped with scientific payloads to perform experiments, contributing to lunar research.
Chandrayaan-3 Mission Overview
- Launched on July 14 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
- Comprises indigenous lander module, propulsion module, and rover.
- Objectives include demonstrating safe landings, rover mobility, and conducting scientific experiments.
Comparison with Russian Luna-25
- Chandrayaan-3’s successful landing contrasts with Russia’s Luna-25 spacecraft, which crashed into the moon due to loss of control.
Nut Graf: India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission marked a historic achievement as the lander and rover softly touched down on the moon’s surface. India now stands with the United States, Russia, and China in the elite circle of lunar achievers. The successful landing showcases India’s scientific prowess and sets the stage for further exploration and global collaboration in space research.
1. Implementing a car safety programme
Syllabus: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Mains: Road and Vehicle SafetyÂ
Context: The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways introduced the Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), a voluntary star-based system, effective October 1, 2023, to rate car safety through crash tests.
About Bharat NCAP( New Car Assessment Programme):Â
- Testing Criteria: Under this program, car manufacturers can voluntarily nominate vehicles to undergo crash testing based on protocols outlined in the forthcoming Automotive Industry Standard 197.
- Scope: The program applies to passenger vehicles with up to eight seats (including the driver’s seat) and a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3,500 kg. Only the base model of each variant will be tested.
- Rating System: Cars will be assigned a safety rating of one to five stars based on three parameters: adult occupant protection, child occupant protection, and the presence of safety assist technologies in the vehicle.
- Testing Procedures: The safety evaluation involves three main types of tests:
- Frontal Offset Test: The car is driven at 64 km/h with 40% overlap into a deformable barrier simulating a collision with a car of similar weight.
- Side Impact Test: The car is impacted sideways at 50 km/h.
- Pole-Side Impact Test: The car is crashed into a rigid pole sideways at 29 km/h.
- Mandatory Testing: While the program is voluntary, certain scenarios may require mandatory testing, such as for popular variants (with at least 30,000 units sold) or if recommended by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways based on market feedback or safety concerns.
- Consumer Empowerment: The main goal of Bharat NCAP is to enable consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing cars, thereby increasing the demand for safer vehicles.
Evolution of Bharat NCAP:
- Global Influence: The Bharat NCAP’s testing protocols are modeled after the Global NCAP, an initiative by the UK-based NGO, Towards Zero Foundation.
- Safer Cars for India Campaign: In 2014, Towards Zero Foundation launched a campaign for safer cars in India, conducting independent crash tests on models like the Suzuki-Maruti Alto 800, Tata Nano, Ford Figo, Hyundai i10, and Volkswagen Polo. Most models scored poorly, highlighting the need for safety improvements.
- Improvement Efforts: Over time, there has been a significant shift towards safer vehicles in India. Manufacturers have strived to achieve four and five-star safety ratings, resulting in a reduction in the number of zero-star models in the Indian market.
- Regulatory Measures: The introduction of safety regulations such as mandatory dual front airbags, anti-lock braking systems, seatbelt reminders, and reverse parking sensors has contributed to enhancing road safety.
Way Forward:
- Enhancing Testing Capabilities: India needs to develop advanced crash testing capabilities, including software systems connected to dummies within vehicles to accurately assess the nature and extent of injuries sustained during collisions.
- Global Alignment: Over time, the Bharat NCAP should align with international standards by expanding testing parameters. For instance, the US NCAP includes a roll-over test to assess a vehicle’s risk of tipping over in severe manoeuvres.
- Incorporating Comprehensive Safety Measures: To truly enhance road safety, Bharat NCAP could incorporate a broader range of safety evaluations, such as electric shock protection, neck injury protection, pedestrian protection technologies, and preventive safety systems like autonomous emergency braking and lane departure prevention.
- Continuous Improvement: The program should encourage continuous improvement in vehicle safety standards, with the aim of minimizing road fatalities and making road travel safer for all.
Nut Graf:Â The Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (NCAP), launched by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, is a voluntary initiative assigning one to five stars based on crash test performance. Starting from October 1, 2023, this system aims to enhance car safety awareness and encourage safer vehicle choices among consumers.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. The U.K.-India relationship is alive with opportunity
Syllabus: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Mains: India and U.K. relation, Free trade agreements
Context: An anticipated meeting between the U.K. Business and Trade Secretary with Indian counterpart to discuss bilateral trade, investment, and economic collaboration.
India and U.K. Economic Ties:
- India’s prominent role as the host of the G-20 underscores its rising stature in global affairs and its pivotal role in fostering international collaboration.
- The U.K. is a steadfast advocate for the principles of free and equitable trade, actively promoting these values within the framework of the World Trade Organization. The U.K. seeks to establish robust trade agreements with dynamic economies like India.
- Collaborative efforts to enhance the resilience of global value chains and digitize trade processes are vital for maximizing the benefits of international trade.
- The trading relationship between the U.K. and India thrived in 2022, with bilateral trade reaching an impressive £36 billion, exemplifying the strength of their economic ties.
- The projected growth of India’s middle class, expected to encompass around 250 million consumers by 2050, presents a lucrative market for U.K. businesses to tap into.
People-People Connect:
- The U.K.-India partnership extends well beyond economic collaboration, encompassing cultural, educational, and societal dimensions.
- The metaphor of a “living bridge,” coined by Prime Minister Modi, poignantly captures the enduring and dynamic connection between the two nations.
- The popularity of Bollywood films in the U.K. serves as a vibrant channel for cultural exchange, often featuring iconic movies shot against the backdrop of picturesque U.K. landscapes.
- The Indian diaspora, comprising over 1.6 million individuals, makes significant contributions across sectors, enriching the social fabric and economy of the U.K.
- Indian students constitute a substantial portion of the international student body in the U.K., fostering a diverse and globally oriented-learning environment.
The Ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA):
- The ongoing negotiations for an ambitious Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the U.K. and India signal the intent to elevate their bilateral trade partnership to new heights.
- These negotiations encompass a diverse spectrum of areas, including the exchange of goods, services, and investment, underscoring the comprehensive nature of the agreement.
- The envisioned FTA aims to strike a balance that not only advances economic interests but also creates an environment conducive to fostering business growth and innovation.
- Noteworthy successes include Tata Group’s substantial investment in establishing their first Gigafactory outside India, a move expected to generate a substantial number of employment opportunities and invigorate the U.K.’s automotive sector.
Read more on Sansad TV Perspective: India-UK FTA.
 Marketing Campaign “Alive with Opportunity”:
- The launch of the £1.5 million “Alive with Opportunity” campaign underscores the depth and potential of the multifaceted U.K.-India relationship.
- This campaign serves as a platform to illuminate the interplay of people, ideas, culture, and investment, fostering greater understanding and collaboration.
- Aligned with the strategic objective of doubling trade with India by 2030, the campaign aims to ignite interest and demand for U.K. products and services.
- By catalyzing trade links with India and attracting fresh Indian investments, the campaign seeks to bolster the growth trajectory of U.K. enterprises.
- Through extensive media coverage and strategically positioned billboards, the campaign sustains a year-long celebration of the U.K.-India relationship, spotlighting the myriad opportunities it presents, including substantial Indian investments in the U.K. As of the latest data, India remains the U.K.’s second-largest source of investment, with 118 new projects in the last financial year creating 8,384 new jobs across the U.K.
Also read India-UK Relationship.
Nut Graf: The U.K. and India forge economic ties, fueled by £36 billion bilateral trade. Talks on an ambitious Free Trade Agreement continue, aiming to enhance partnerships. Cultural affinity, strong people-to-people bonds, and a £1.5 million marketing campaign further catalyze this thriving relationship.
F. Prelims Facts
1. What next for ISRO after the Chandrayaan-3 mission?
Syllabus: GS 3- Science & Technology
Prelims: ISRO Missions and Initiatives
Upcoming ISRO Missions and Initiatives
- XPoSat: Polarimetry Mission Ready for Launch: XPoSat, India’s first dedicated polarimetry mission, set to study X-ray sources in extreme conditions, is prepared for launch.
- Aditya L1: Solar Study Observatory Launch: India’s space-based solar observatory, Aditya L1, likely to be launched in the first week of September, focuses on sun observation.
- INSAT-3DS: Earth Observation Satellite Launch: INSAT-3DS, an earth observation satellite, scheduled for launch by ISRO.
- Test Vehicle Mission for Crew Escape System: Launch of a test vehicle mission to validate the crew escape system for Gaganyaan, India’s maiden human space flight program, anticipated soon.
- NISAR: India-U.S. Synthetic Aperture Radar: ISRO to launch NISAR, a low-earth orbit observatory developed in collaboration with NASA, for consistent global data on earth’s ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation, sea-level rise, and more.
- Security Satellite Development: ISRO to construct a significant number of satellites for national security purposes in the near future.
- NISAR’s Dual Band Synthetic Aperture Radar: NISAR will utilise L and S dual band synthetic aperture radar employing sweep SAR technique for large swath coverage with high resolution.
- Preparations for Uncrewed Missions: Before Gaganyaan human spaceflight, ISRO plans two uncrewed module missions, with the first expected in early next year.
- Gaganyaan Program’s Objectives: Gaganyaan program aims to demonstrate ISRO’s capability to transport humans to low-earth orbit using the human-rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3.
- Orbital Module Details: The orbital module comprises crew and service modules. The pressurised crew module serves as living quarters for a small crew.
- Test Flight Details: The orbital module will be placed in a circular orbit at around 400 km altitude for one to three days during the test flight.
- Safe Descent and Landing: The crew module will descend and return to Earth, landing at a predetermined sea location.
- ISRO’s dynamic agenda includes a diverse range of missions, from solar observation to earth monitoring, security satellites, and advancing human space flight capabilities, signifying India’s significant strides in space exploration and technology.
G. Tidbits
1. Astra air-to-air missile test-fired from Tejas in ‘textbook launch’
- Astra Missile Test-Fire
- Astra beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile successfully test-fired from Tejas aircraft off the Goa coast.
- Missile release conducted at around 20,000 ft altitude, meeting all test objectives.
- Defence Ministry’s Statement
- Defence Ministry hailed the test as a “perfect textbook launch.”
- Test launch witnessed by Aeronautical Development Agency, DRDO, HAL, and other relevant authorities.
- Astra’s Objective and Significance
- Astra missile designed for engaging and destroying highly maneuvering supersonic targets.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh highlighted the test’s importance in enhancing Tejas’ combat capabilities and reducing dependence on imported weapons.
- IAF’s LCA Programme Review
- Air Chief Marshal V. R. Chaudhari reviewed the LCA programme at Air Headquarters.
- All contracted fighter variants of LCA Mk-1 already delivered to IAF.
- Earlier contracts included 40 LCA Mk-1, 83 LCA Mk1A contracted in 2021 with deliveries set to start from February 2024.
- Induction Plans
- Air Chief expressed plans to induct LCA Mk1A into a newly raised squadron at an operational IAF base by early next year.
- The successful Astra missile test-firing from Tejas demonstrates India’s growing indigenous defence capabilities, bolstering the combat prowess of the aircraft and fostering self-reliance in weaponry production.
2. National Curriculum Framework proposes Board exams twice a year
- Languages Learning Framework
- Students in Classes 9 and 10 required to learn three languages, with at least two being Indian languages.
- In Classes 11 and 12, students must learn two languages, one of Indian origin.
- National Curriculum Framework (NCF) released by NCERT, following National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
- Literary Proficiency in Indian Languages
- NCF aims for a “literary level” of linguistic capacity in at least one Indian language.
- Reflects NEP’s emphasis on preserving and promoting Indian languages.
- Board Exam Changes
- Students are allowed to take Board exams twice in a school year, with best score retained.
- A significant departure from the earlier annual Board exam system.
- Curriculum Changes
- NCF drafted by the National Steering Committee led by former ISRO Chairman K. Kasturirangan.
- Curriculum changes in line with NEP, impacting textbooks from Classes 3 to 12 under CBSE.
- Classes 1 and 2 already have updated textbooks released by NCERT.
- Subject Structure
- Mandatory subjects increased from five to seven for Classes 9 and 10, and six for Classes 11 and 12.
- Optional subjects grouped into three categories: arts, social sciences, and interdisciplinary; science, maths, and computational thinking.
- Term-Based Assessment
- NCF recommends long-term shift to semester or term-based assessments.
- Assessment aligned with learning progress, reduces content load per exam.
- Localised Social Science Curriculum
- For Classes 6 to 8, social science curriculum: 20% local content, 30% regional, 30% national, 20% global.
- Emphasis on diverse perspectives and global awareness.
- Flexible Secondary Stage
- Redesigned “secondary stage” offers flexibility in subject combinations.
- Blur between academic and vocational, science, social science, arts, and physical education.
- Environmental Education Emphasis
- Environmental education integrated throughout schooling, culminating as a separate study area in secondary stage.
- Future-Oriented Textbook
- Textbooks for Classes 3 to 12 aligned with 21st-century needs, rooted and futuristic.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements about the Lunar South Pole:
- The lunar south pole is the southernmost point on the Moon.
- Permanently shadowed areas around the lunar south pole contain water ice.
- The lunar north pole region has a higher quantity of sheltered craters than the south pole region.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:Â
It is indeed the southernmost point on the Moon with water ice in shadowed areas, the lunar north pole region has fewer sheltered craters than the south pole region.
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Astra air-to-air missile:
- Astra is an indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by India.
- It has a maximum range of 300 kilometres and is capable of engaging targets at varying altitudes.
- The missile can be launched from aircraft, helicopters, and ground-based launchers.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:Â
Astra is an indigenous beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile developed by India with a maximum range of 110 kilometres. It can be launched from aircraft.
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the National Curriculum Framework:
- The NCF has suggested the number of mandatory subjects for Classes 9 and 10 to seven, and for Classes 11 and 12 to six.
- In Classes 11 and 12, students are required to learn two languages, one of which must be of Indian origin.
- The NCF was drafted by the National Steering Committee led by K. Kasturirangan, following the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020.
How many of the above statements are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:Â
All three statements are correct.
Q4. With reference to the NISAR satellite, which of the following statements is/are correct?
- Its primary purpose is to monitor the movements of Earth’s land and ice surfaces.
- It is an indigenously developed satellite, exclusively created by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:Â
The NISAR satellite is a joint collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It aims to monitor Earth’s land and ice surfaces, with a launch set for early 2024.
Q5. Consider the following statements about Bharat NCAP:
- Under Bharat NCAP, all cars are required to undergo mandatory crash tests as per specific protocols.
- It evaluates safety assist technologies present in the car.
- Cars are rated on a scale of one to ten stars based on their overall performance in the crash tests.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:Â
It is a voluntary program for crash testing cars based on specific protocols. It evaluates parameters like occupant protection, child safety, and safety assist technologies, and rates it between one star to five stars.Â
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- What is Bharat NCAP? How does it align with India’s vision of safer roads? (150 words, 10 marks) [GS-3; Economics]
- Discuss the significance of the Chandrayaan 3 mission in India’s space programme?(150 words, 10 marks) [GS-3; Science and Technology]
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