31 Aug 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

31 August 2023 CNA
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A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
ECONOMY
1. Understanding curbs on rice exports
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. What are the changes to the process for the sale of SIM cards?
2. What to do with spent nuclear fuel?
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
SOCIAL JUSTICE
1. In India, 74% can’t afford a healthy diet: UN agency report
F. Prelims Facts
1. Smooth operation of ‘LAM’ critical to Aditya-L1 success
G. Tidbits
1. Dell, HP, 30 other firms show interest in IT hardware PLI
2. WCS-India report flags illegal trade of red sand boa
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

A. GS 1 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

E. Editorials 

Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. In India, 74% can’t afford a healthy diet: UN agency report

Syllabus: GS-2, Issues relating to Poverty and Hunger.

Mains: Nutritious food and a healthy diet are still distant goals for many people in India even after a reduction in poverty.

Context: The ‘SOFI 2023’ report by FAO and UN agencies highlights India’s low cost but high inability (74%) to afford a healthy diet due to stagnant incomes.

 About ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) 2023 Report:

• The ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) 2023 report is published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with United Nations agencies.
• It assesses the food security and nutrition status globally, focusing on various aspects such as the affordability of healthy diets, income levels, and regional trends.
• The report includes data from multiple countries, comparing their ability to afford and maintain a healthy diet, and it highlights the challenges faced by different regions.

Cost of a Healthy Diet in India:

• The SOFI 2023 report reveals that the cost of a healthy diet in India has increased over recent years, but it remains the lowest among BRICS nations and neighbouring countries.
• The calculation of a healthy diet’s cost is based on the cheapest local food items that fulfil dietary guidelines.
• The report finds that India has the lowest cost for a healthy diet among the countries considered, with a per-person cost of 3.066 PPP dollars per day in 2021.
• PPP (Purchasing Power Parity) dollars are used to account for differences in the cost of living between countries.

Population Deprived of a Healthy Diet:

• The SOFI report indicates that despite the relatively lower cost of a healthy diet in India, a significant portion of the population cannot afford it due to stagnant or decreasing income levels.
• In India, 74% of the population was unable to afford a healthy diet, making it one of the countries with the highest percentage of people facing this challenge.
• The assessment of affordability is based on whether the cost of the diet exceeds 52% of the average income in each country.
• Income distribution within a nation is considered to determine the percentage of people unable to afford the specified diet.

Change in the Cost of a Healthy Diet Over the Years:

• The SOFI report analyzes the change in the cost of maintaining a healthy diet across different regions over a specific time frame.
• Between 2019 and 2021, there was a nearly 9% increase in the cost of a healthy diet in Asia, which was the highest increase among regions.
• The analysis indicates that economic factors, including inflation and changing food prices, contribute to this upward trend.
• The increasing cost of a healthy diet poses challenges for individuals and families striving to meet nutritional needs.

Nut Graf: The ‘SOFI 2023’ report reveals a concerning disparity in India. While the cost of a healthy diet remains relatively low, an alarming 74% of the population cannot afford it due to economic constraints. This disparity should be addressed as soon as possible.

F. Prelims Facts

1. Smooth operation of ‘LAM’ critical to Aditya-L1 success

Syllabus: GS 3 – Science & Technology

Prelims: Aditya-L1 Mission and Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM)

Role of LAM in Aditya-L1 Mission

• Importance of LAM in Aditya-L1 Mission
  • The ‘LAM’ (Liquid Apogee Motor), developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC), is crucial for the Aditya-L1 mission.
  • LAM will enable placing the Aditya spacecraft in a halo orbit at Lagrangian Point L1 to study the sun.
• LAM’s Track Record
  • LAM has a successful history, being used in significant missions like the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), Mangalyaan, and Chandrayaan-3.
  • Used for orbital adjustment manoeuvres of satellites and spacecraft in orbit.
• Consistency in LAM
  • Aditya-L1 will employ the same LAM engine design as used in the Mars and Moon missions.
  • Developed by LPSC, ISRO’s liquid and cryogenic propulsion centre.

Challenges and Propulsion System

• Upcoming Aditya-L1 Mission
  • ISRO plans to launch the Aditya-L1 mission on September 2 using a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-XL).
• Propulsion System Composition
  • Aditya spacecraft’s propulsion system comprises the 440 Newton LAM engine, eight 22 Newton thrusters, and four 10 Newton thrusters.
  • These thrusters correct spacecraft orientation during the journey.
• Critical Restart Challenge
  • A significant challenge is restarting LAM precisely to ‘brake’ the spacecraft as it approaches its destination, Lagrangian Point L1.
  • This manoeuvre requires nudging the spacecraft into the desired halo orbit at L1.

Technical Details and Orbital Objective

• Propulsion Module System
  • Aditya-L1’s propulsion system closely resembles that of Chandrayaan-3.
  • The LAM engine, propellant combination, and functionality remain similar, with minor differences in tank sizes.
• Lagrangian Point L1
  • Located around 1.5 million kilometres from Earth and the sun, L1 is a unique equilibrium point in the sun-Earth system.
  • Aditya spacecraft aims to occupy a halo orbit at L1, providing a vantage point for solar studies with its scientific payloads.

G. Tidbits

1. Dell, HP, 30 other firms show interest in IT hardware PLI

• 32 firms are interested in the Electronics and IT Ministry’s subsidies for local assembly of laptops, PCs, servers, and tablets.
• Applicants include Dell Inc., Hewlett-Packard, and other firms collaborating with large brands for assembly.
• The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware offers a 5% incentive on fresh local production to brands.
• Incentive compensates for higher production costs in India compared to countries like China and Vietnam.
• Local assembly serves as a starting point for developing component ecosystems in India.
• The Centre mandated licences for the import of laptops, servers, and tablets, causing concerns over bureaucracy.
• The effective date of the mandate was deferred to November 1 after criticism.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. With reference to the Red Sand Boa, consider the following statements:

1. It is a venomous snake species commonly found throughout the Indian subcontinent.
2. It is the smallest of the sand boas in the world.
3. It is legally protected in India under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

It is a non-venomous snake species found throughout the dry parts of the Indian subcontinent. It is the largest of the sand boas in the world and is primarily reddish-brown. 

Q2. With reference to nuclear energy, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Nuclear energy is primarily released from the electron cloud surrounding atoms.
2. Nuclear fusion is a process where atomic nuclei split into smaller parts.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: 

Both statements are incorrect. Nuclear energy is primarily released from the nucleus, not the electron cloud, and nuclear fusion involves the merging of atomic nuclei.

Q3. The report 'State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World' (SOFI) is published by:

1. World Health Organization (WHO)
2. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
3. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)
4. International Monetary Fund (IMF)

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: 

The ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ report is published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Q4. Consider the following statements about the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme:

1. It aims to provide incentives for incremental sales of domestically manufactured products.
2. The scheme primarily focuses on encouraging imports from foreign countries to boost the economy.
3. It encourages local companies to set up or expand existing manufacturing units. 

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: 

Statement 2 is incorrect. The PLI scheme aims to reduce reliance on imports by promoting domestic manufacturing and employment.

Q5. The 'Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM)' recently in the news, is related to:

1. Orbital adjustment manoeuvres of satellites and spacecraft in orbit.
2. A new type of liquid fuel for rockets.
3. A method to study deep-sea ecosystems.
4. Monitoring atmospheric pollution from space.

CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

LAM engines are used for orbital adjustments of satellites and spacecraft to maintain their orbits with precision.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. Discuss the need and rationale behind the export ban on non-basmati white rice in the present context. (250 words, 15 marks) [GS- III: Economics]
2. What is Sanchar Saathi? Discuss the recent efforts to curb cybercrime and fraud in this sector. (150 words, 10 marks) [GS- III: Security]

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